“Other days are very near us, as we sing here soft and low We can almost hear the voices of the boys of long ago. They are scattered now, these brothers, up and down the world they roam Some have gone to lands far distant, from the dear old college home Some have crossed the silent river, they are looking down tonight The thought of these old brothers, makes our love now burn so bright.” The 65th Reunion-a Record Setting Promise for ‘53 Collins Corner That’s right! Less than three short months to go before we gather once again on the Hanover plane. Under the able leadership of our Reunion Chair, Put Blodgett, this promises to be another 1953 record breaking experience. Put has given you a look at what you can expect elsewhere in this newsletter and here is a review of some of the details. - The cost per person will be down to $275 as the College picks up the tab for the difference. This includes your hotel room for the 28th and 29th and all meals. - Your room will either be in the Hanover Inn or the Courtyard Marriott depending on the number of attendees. - The Penn football game will be shown on a large TV at the Hanover Inn for those who do not want to venture down to the stadium. - Plans have been made and appropriate transportation scheduled for all classmates who may have some mobility issues. - Dick Fleming and his attendance committee are hard at work calling classmates encouraging them to attend. If you would like to have one of your friends join you at the reunion, now is the time to call them and start planning your trip. Pre-Reunion at Moosilauke: Put is organizing a pre-reunion visit to the brand new Moosilauke Ravine Lodge. Much of the log construction of the Lodge was donated by Put from his woodlands. For those wishing to enjoy this opportunity, you may join us on a trip up to the Lodge on Thursday afternoon September 27th. for a reception, dinner and tour of the lodge. Transportation will be provided and the costs are additional from the reunion for the meal and your lodging on the 27th. A great way to start the reunion! With your help, the Class of 1953 will once again eclipse all existing attendance records and it would be great if you were part of it. If you are unable to attend, you will be missed and you can count on there being a host of pictures and details to follow. If you are planning to attend, or feel that you will probably join us, drop an email to Dick Fleming so he can begin his planning. Email: [email protected] The Reunion Registration Packet: In early July the College will be sending out a registration packet with all you ever wanted to know about the reunion. The key here is to review and respond as soon as possible after receipt. We will not all be staying at the Hanover Inn, and as the saying goes the early bird gets the worm. I am pleased to report that we have created another 1953 Address Book with current updates from the 60th Reunion one. This book will be included in your Registration Packet. Ideal timing to use to contact your friends to encourage them to join you in Hanover for our Glorious 65th. The Marilyn Monroe Pictures: As many may not recall, when our Class funded the start of 1953 Commons with our 12 Million dollar trust fund, a special area was set aside in the pre-construction plans. At the time, our classmate, Ted Spiegel, donated some original Marilyn Monroe pictures by Andy Warhol to be hung in ’53 Commons. The wall space was set aside and reserved for their arrival which was to be after both Ted and Audrey had passed on. We lost Ted back in 2013 and Audrey passed away a couple of years ago. After much research and detail, the pictures are now in the hands of Dartmouth College and installation plans are under way. With security, humidity control and details of hanging these multi-million dollar pieces of iconic art the cost of the installation will be about $60,000. The College has agreed to cover most of this expense, and our Class has absorbed the balance as a Class Project. Hopefully this project will be completed by the time of our reunion in September. Truly a nice finishing touch on our most successful 1953 Commons. The 1953 Dartmouth College Fund for Reunion: Although Ron Lazar will continue to quarterback this important initiative, Bob Henderson has stepped up once again to serve as our Reunion Giving Chair. They, along with a select committee of classmates, have been at work on our goals for several months. Even though new dollar records are difficult to achieve with our reducing population, the participants thus far have stepped up nicely to increase their involvement in this our last significant reunion. We have been advised by John Replogle ’88, son of classmate Dave Replogle and a just retiring member of our Board of Trustees, that Dave’s foundation has donated a $53,000 gift to our reunion fund. A portion of this gift is a challenge match and every gift you give between now and June 30th will be matched. When you are contacted, please step up and help the “1953 Legacy of Leadership” continue to flourish. Your dollars are worth twice as much in the days remaining. Whatever your involvement may be – most importantly – please be part of it – thanks. See you in September. Stay well and stay in touch!! Best regards to all, Al Some additional notes from Put: If anyone is nuts enough to try to climb the mountain, we will attempt that on Wednesday, September 26th in order to give us a day to recuperate and the pleasure of a bus ride to Moosilauke with friends. Contact me directly. Some other features of the reunion weekend are: A back-to-class lecture by a Dartmouth professor Opportunities to engage with current Dartmouth students including a student-narrated bus tour of campus and performance by the Dartmouth Aires, the College’s oldest student acapella group Saturday night football game against Penn to be watched at Memorial Stadium or on television at the Inn with friends Plenty of time for just socializing, strolling down memory lane, and relaxing Phil Fast and Gib Warren would like to play a little golf. If interested, please indicate on the registration card coming to you in July. You may choose to participate in as many or as few of the activities planned for the weekend as you wish. If you have trouble getting around—wheelchair, walker, etc.— please don’t be discouraged from attending. You won’t be alone and there will be assistance and appropriate transportation available. If you have questions, please e-mail or telephone me ([email protected], 603- 643- 5678), Angela Stafford ([email protected], 603-646- 3312) or Laurel Appleton ([email protected], 603-646- 3200). We look forward to your response. P.S. – A few closing words about lodging---The College budgets a lump sum for the 75th, 70th and 65th reunions. The two elder classes get full support and what remains goes to support the 65th. The two elder classes are provided rooms at the Hanover Inn. It is estimated that there will be about 30 rooms available for the 65th. We think widows and those with handicap accessibility needs should have first chance at these rooms and that those living locally should sleep at home to make more of these rooms available. Those not accommodated at the Inn will be lodged in the Marriott Courtyard with shuttle service to the Hanover Inn, where most of our activities will take place. During the registration process in July, you will be asked to indicate your plans for arrival and departure (the College will do its utmost to place those who indicate interest in the Thursday Moosilauke trip in the same room as Friday and Saturday nights). In August, you will be notified of the lodging assignment made for you by the College. Please do not contact the Hanover Inn as our colleagues in Alumni Relations are handling all of the reservations on our behalf. Put Blodgett 65th Reunion Chair Thanks Put and Al, it sure sounds like a super plan. Now for a short break for a little song to which we octogenarians can relate. Let me see_ where was I.mp4 Just click on the blue box Some Special and Super News from Connie Clery Dear Dave and Classmates, Here is a little bit of recent news: On April 7, 2018, the Clery Center for Security On Campus celebrated its 30th Anniversary Gala. It was a huge success with many coming from all over the USA and being held at the Merion Cricket Club in Haverford, Pa. On April 5, 2018, the Phi Sig fraternity, our daughter Jeanne’s favorite fraternity at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pa., held a Blue Light Ball in her honor. It was so successful that they donated $10,000 (approx.) to the Clery Center!!!!!!!!!! (the Blue Light Ball referred to the Blue Light’s that the campuses have for students in need of help). Howie, Ben and I were so touched by the thoughtfulness of the students. It was their idea and they approached us for our approval!!! On Friday, June 15, 2018, at the Commencement ceremony for Drexel University at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, I will be receiving the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa.