1969

1969

About the time we were getting the Covid vaccination booster, Hurricane Henri made landfall near the home of Peter Schaeffer, our tireless stoic philosopher in residence. Contacted by phone, Pete reported that “the storm is a nothing-burger,” so this was just a typical day in his remarkable life. He has battled illness and aging, but he’s not planning to go quietly. At our 50th he spoke eloquently about his homegrown, hard-won stoicism. He joined Peter Elias, Arthur Fergenson, and professor Margaret Graver, chair ofthe classics department, to explore “death and its uncertainty and how that may impact our time left on this earth.” (Contact me for the reading list.) We discussed Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel’s essay, “Wiry I Hope to Die at 75.” Then 61, Emanuel wrote that at 75 he will not get flu shots, take antibiotics, do cancer screening, or take extra medical steps to prolong life. Most ’69s reach 75 this year or next, but judging from our class activities since the reunion, we’re not done yet.

Speaking of snow on the roof and fire in the furnace, both Craig Miller and Don Cole report that the blazes in the Northwest make life hazardous and the water shortage is getting worse. Be careful out there!

The Dartmouth Traveling Players enjoyed a hilarious afternoon performing The Royal Family on Zoom. The usual suspects included Jon Mark, Allen Denison, John Myers, Arthur, and Tex, but the women stole the show: Nanalee Raphael, Carol Dudley, Lynn Lobban, and Binky Wood are so gifted we must wonder why Dartmouth took so long to recognize them.

In the latest casual conversation, Dimitri Gerakaris kept us spellbound exploring his internationally renowned art. Many of his works, including several on campus, are featured on his website. Also worth a hearty toast: Bruce Alpert leads the Jewish culture discussions on Zoom, a diverse group including Steve Horwitz, Tim Means, Michael Simon, Bill Stableford, and others. Beyond spiritual life, guest authors and professors discuss notable books, current events, and history. All are welcome.

We mourn the loss of Tom Stuver, who passed this summer. A band of brothers kept up with Tom, including Phil Bush, Jeff Kelley, William “Nick” Nichols, Jim Gainfort, Dennis Young, and Andy Lafrenz. Tom was a self-described “country lawyer,” apolymath who loved the outdoors, deep conversation, and lasting friendships. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to Elizabeth and the family.

The resurgence of Covid may affect plans for Homecoming and our ribbon-cutting to celebrate the DOC House renovation. Check the website, email list, and newsletter for updates. The good news is that our Zoom mini-reunions in cyberspace are definitely here to stay: stage plays, 12-step meetings, “Saturday Night at the Movies,” casual conversations, cultural interest groups!

Make your reservations for Homecoming, send news, get vaccinated, and wear your masks! —John “Tex” Talmadge, 3519 Brookline Lane, Farmers Branch, TX 75234; (214) 673-9250; johntalmadgemd@gmail.com

John “Tex” Talmadge