1985

Thank goodness The New YorkTimes rescued me somewhat for this column, given that none of you took the time to relay any news. I'm not sure if you are all in winter hibernation or general seclusion, but it would be wonderful to hear from some of you every now and then. Without any such communication, perhaps John and I will resort to making things up from time to time. But we all know that truth is stranger (and more entertaining) than fiction.

Literally the only shred of classmate news that made its way to me is the new contact information for Lionel Conacher. To keep your records up-to-date, you will be pleased to know that the completion of the merger of Westwind Partners (Lionel's Toronto-based firm) with Thomas Weisel Partners took place in January. Good things all around for everyone, I'm sure, and some new contact info on Lionel as he writes: "Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions. You can reach me at my new e-mail address lconacher@tweisel.com. In addition to my office in Toronto I now have an office in San Francisco. My direct number there is (415) 364- 2576." In addition to the dual-office gig Lionel has a big title out of this as well. So congrats to you, Mr. President Conacher.

Speaking of the presidency...I have always made a promise to never mix politics with anything so I'm not about to offer any commentary on the current political landscape here. But do you realize that in each presidential election from 1988 through 2004 there has either been a "Bush" or a "Clinton" on the ballot? Just an observation. Regardless of your political persuasion, that wreaks of dynasty and political gridlock and partisan politics and all those other nasty things that the engines of change point to while espousing the need to shake things up with new folks in Washington.Mr. Smith Goes to Washington anyone? (Great film and, by the way, neither the Republican nor Democratic parties are ever mentioned in the film.) Enough said.

On to some news, courtesy of the newspaper. In an article by C.J. Hughes '92 titled "Havens: An Enclave of Dartmouth Opens Up," the Upper Valley is quite the magnet for relocating families, second-home owners and yearround retirees. Featuring a picture-perfect photo of Dartmouth Hall awash in a blanket of snow, the article espouses the many virtues of "bustling Hanover." Funny, while I concur with the draw and appeal of the area aesthetically, I'm not sure "bustling" or a "cultural hive" would be the first adjectives to roll off of my tongue when describing our beloved Hanover. Best to consult with those in the know, like fellow classmate Jenny Archibald Williams who, with husband Stan '83 and their three kids Noah, Ella and Hans, has been enjoying a hustling and bustling life residing across the river in Norwich, Vermont, for the better part of the past decade. Most recently their days are chock full of hockey, hockey and more hockey. Probably by the time of this publication they'll have moved into the spring running season (though they may not yet have emerged from the annual mud season). As for the "cultural hive" of Hanover,your comments are welcome—from Jenny and any others.

And finally, where in the world is. ..Suzanne Ferguson Burkhardt? Last heard from ditching jury duty in Stamford, Connecticut. (And, no, Suzanne, that wasn't me who got dismissed ahead of you). Please share some news!

Only 645 days until our 25th—see you on the Hanover Plain in '10, if not sooner.

All the best to all of you.

188 Ringwood Road, Rosemont,PA 19010; (610) 525-4541; slampong@aol.com; 83 Pecksland Road, Greenwich,CT 06831; (203) 552-0070; dahlleslie@yahoo.com