1957

1957

Homecoming 2023 highlights below. There was a gathering of 28, ineluding two Kunzel winners, for dinner at Arlene and Barry Rotman’s lovely home in Norwich, Vermont, and the traditional Sunday pancake breakfast at Happy and Clarke Griffiths’ Lebanon, New Hampshire, home.

A check was presentated to the Dickey Center’s Great Issues Fund and the class held partnership meetings with the classes of 1982 and 2007 to ensure the center’s future funding.

We presented special citations honoring Bob Adelizzi, Bruce Bernstein, and Judy Stempel fortheir exceptional contributions to our class.

Al Rollins carried our banner and led the class parade on Dartmouth Night.

Finally, there was a Homecoming football win over Columbia.

Also, I share some highlights from the listserv.

Michael Lasser s new book on songs, his fourth since retirement, brought kudos and hearty congratulations from classmates, including professional writers Gary Gilson. Bruce Sloane, and Chris Wren.

Michael’s Zoom call with Harry Tuft explored “Why Folk Music Matters.” Harry discussed his participation in folk music’s development and the significance of its stories. He delighted all by singing Pete Seeger songs to open and close his presentation.

Adam Block’s transfer to a memory care unit created an outpouring of affection from many classmates, including Randy Aires, Jay Greene, Howie Howland, Herb Roskind, and Chris Wren. Adam is remembered for creating our listserv, his belief in free speech, and his refusal to censor as well as for his unique songs and banjo playing at mini-reunions and Homecoming events.

Finally, Gary Gilson’s column for the Mmwesota Herald Tribune featured Hunter S. Thompson and prompted this gem from Linda Kakela: “Wayne Kakela and Bruce LeFavour were guests of Hunter S. Thompson for Sunday brunches and shenanigans at Owl Farm on Woody Creek, near Aspen [Colorado], When Hunter committed suicide in 2005 and it was known that his wish was for his ashes to be fired out of a cannon, Wayne stepped forward with his 1976 cannon and a bottle of Wild Turkey to offer his services. Wayne’s proposal was the finalist until Hunter’s colleague Johnny Depp organized a $3-million ceremony that included a blast from a cannon mounted on a40-metertower.”

—John W. Cusick 105 Island Plantation Terrace, VeroBeachFL 32963; (772) 231-1248; johnwcusick @aol.com