1961

The constitutional amendment election has ended and it is now time to get back to concentrating on class related matters. I hope all concerned have learned some valuable lessons from this fractional divisiveness.

Oscar Arslanian has produced a rock-n-roll revival show for the new Dick Clark's American Bandstand Theater in Branson, Missouri. The show will be hosted by Fabian and will include stars from the late 1950s and 19605. That's our era! Perhaps we should consider a 2007 mini-reunion in Branson. I, for one, have never even been to Missouri.

Our ongoing class project, the Class of 61 Legacy: The American Tradition in Performance, just keeps growing in importance and enduring significance to both the class, the College and the community. Our gratitude continues to go out to David Birney, Arslanian Oscar (and Nyla), Pete Bleyler, Cleve Carney and Lewis Crickert for their passionate support and continued willingness to carry on this project.

Harris McKee, class Webmaster/publisher, is looking for each classmates e-mail address. This means you, if you have an e-mail address. We currently have valid e-mail addresses for approximately 300 members of the class and are looking for another 255.

Animal House is back on the scene, this time as a book by Chris Miller '63 titled The Real AnimalHouse: The Awesomely Depraved Saga of the FraternityThat Inspired the Movie. One pertinent quote close to home: "Doberman had crawled onto the hood of the hearse and licked the bugs off the windshield, explaining to Flea, who was driving, 'I just wanted to make sure you could see.' "Just think, 46-plus years later, "Doberman," a.k.a. the Rev. Duane Cox, has matured into one of the outstanding and most respected leaders of our class. Who would have "thunk it"? By the way, the book received a rave review from The New York Times.

Tim Grumbacher was recognized recently for his leadership in Jewish philanthropy. He has also been an active supporter of both Dartmouth and our class projects. Tim recently stepped down as CEO of a retail store chain, at least in part to spend more time in various philanthropic activities and to train more intensively for various triathlons.

In closing this article I bring you a recommendation from Bob Naegle, who suggests establishing a class scholarship in the name of Pete Synnott Jr. for his "perseverance in a positive manner in spite of hardship." Give your thoughts on this recommendation to Rog McArt, class president, to Mike Murphy, class vice president, or to any other class officer.

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