Class Notes

1957

Sept/Oct 2007 Francis P. Howland
Class Notes
1957
Sept/Oct 2007 Francis P. Howland

The calendar turns and here it is fall again. The leaves are still green, but very soon they will be red and gold in the New Hampshire mountains. You can see it all from the Baker Tower Webcam: www.dartmouth.edu/%7ewebcams/tower/index.html.

Your new class officers will meet in Hanover on October 12-13 to review the class position, plan class activities and put the final touches on the 57 Homecoming celebration, which is the next weekend, October 19-21. Ed Waldron, our new mini-reunion chairman, will provide '57 Homecoming details. When you visit Hanover be sure to include a visit to the 1957 room of the library in the Dickey Center for International Understanding.

A few years ago a small group of '57s got together in Naples, Florida, during the first weekend in March. It started with the snowbirds who wintered in Florida and now has expanded into a major event. Here is a chance to join your classmates next spring. Mark your calendar for March 1-2, 2008.

All of us have watched the price of gas increase. Two years ago my wife, Wendie, and I bought a gas/electric hybrid because Wendie is environmentally conscious and I am a cheapskate. It changed our driving habits. We don't drive as fast (speed costs gas), we coast more and idling in the inevitable traffic tie-ups uses no gas (works off battery). We just love our 50 mpg with regular gas. The car is roomy enough to carry all we need so we sold our SUV with its 200,000 miles, its many memories and its 9 mpg downhill with a following wind. The U.S.A. won't see cheap gas anymore, so if you focus on transportation and economy, you should carefully consider the hybrid.

We like to go to the theater and to sporting events. Many people like to go to the same events, which makes the tickets expensive. Boston loves its Red Sox and so do we. Several years ago at the Wearers of the Green we were the winning bid for donated tickets in the silent auction. The seats were excellent (donated by a season ticket-holder). The difference between the face value and the price paid is a tax-deductible contribution. We enjoy the event and support the organization (Dartmouth, Boy Scouts, local library). It is a win-win situation.

Classmates, this is my last column as your class secretary. I have enjoyed communicating with you over the past five years and will miss the interchange.

Although I will be handing over my pen (actually my computer keyboard) to Mike Lasser, your new secretary, I will not be leaving the fold. The class has given me the opportunity to use pictures as well as words in my new capacity as newsletter editor. You'll be hearing from me and I'd like to keep hearing from you.

P.O. Box 3328, Pocasset, MA 02559; fphowland1@mac.com