1961

I want to start this column where I left off the last one, in praise of Pete Synnott Jr. Pete reflects the essence of our class, what it is or, at least, what we would like it to be. Many of us have physical problems, but I know of no one who appears to deal with them as well as Pete. He asks for nothing from any of us, but shows up at most class events to participate as an equal, which he does. Pete's attendance and active participation at our recent 45 th reunion was a perfect example of his "perseverance in a positive manner in spite of hardships," as articulated so well by Bob Naegele Jr. This is the true essence of the Dartmouth Alumni Award, which Pete truly deserves.

It appears that John King has not slowed down too much. He serves on four corporate boards, in Portland, Chicago, Boston and London. When not traveling John lives in Scottsdale, Arizona, presumably near Jim Nova, Len DeSavino (winter), Jeff Conn (winter) and probably several other classmates who reside there either full-time or part-time. Incidentally, congratulations to Jeff Conn, who recently remarried.

Our 45th reunion totals are now finalized. Our goals were contributions of $811,961 and participation of 61 percent. Both were exceeded, with final contributions totaling $813,242 and participation an outstanding 66.2 percent. As a result our class is now supporting 41 Dartmouth student scholars. Our thanks go to Gerry Kaminsky, Don O'Neill, Hank Eberhardt and Len DiSavino, who helped to make this happen.

In addition, our class has raised more than $500,000 for the Class of 1961 Legacy: The American Tradition in Performance since the inception of this class project five years ago. This is an outstanding achievement from our small class. Our thanks go to David Birney, Oscar Arslanian and other classmates who worked on this project since its inception and to the many classmates who contributed to this project, several more than once.

Roger McArt, class president, and Mike Murphy, class vice president, have been seeking venues for approximately two to three off-campus minireunions during the next five years. Some of the possible locations recommended at this time include Mystic/Groton, Connecticut; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Annapolis, Maryland; and Montreal or Quebec, Canada. Provide Rog and Mike with your thoughts and recommendations.

Jim Baum and his wife, Carol, in 2005 purchased a 250-acre area on Moose Mountain in Hanover and have dedicated the entire tract as a conservation area open to the public from the Upper Valley for outdoor activities, excluding motorized vehicles. Jim, what about developing a class of 1961 golf course on the property? Congratulations to Jim and Carol, who now reside in Morris, Illinois, and who met in Hanover while Jim attended Dartmouth.

The Dartmouth Alumni Association has submitted a new constitution for alumni and alumnae approval. It is important for our classmates to be heard, whether for or against, by voting in a timely manner. You can vote online, by mail or by phone. Be sure to vote.

As a final thought, especially for our age group, one friend asked another what he would like his epitaph to say. His friend replied, without hesitation, "To be continued." Think about that!

5 Red Ground Road, Old Westbuvy,NY 11568; victor. rich@rsmi.com