After missing Homecoming Weekend last year, I carefully planned this year’s cruise so that we could attend this time. Unfortunately, the cruise that we planned for an August departure was canceled due to problems with the ship’s engines, and the only viable replacement was a cruise in the opposite direction leaving September 28—so no Homecoming Weekend once again. Fortunately, our 1956 annual get-together with four other couples was graciously moved ahead, so that we did get to see Alan and Diane Friedman, Harold and Joan Gordon, Mike and Marge Grunebaum, and Elliott and Alice Weinstein in New York City on October 22. The Friedmans hosted a lovely dinner and a fine time was had by all. We also were able to welcome Bill Loyer, along with his daughter, Ann, as well as his granddaughter, Emily, to our home for dinner on October 13. Emily was visiting Dartmouth as a prospective student and we wish her the best of luck in future schooling.

Now the sounds of the Barbary Coast jazz band marching up Main Street signals the passing of two classmates, Charlie Honig and Phil James. All remaining class members bow their heads in silent tribute as the procession marches around the Green.

I spent some quality time with Bob Faulkner during Class Officers Weekend and this included a discussion of books recently read. We share the enjoyment of thrillers written by Lee Child and Vince Flynn. Classmates are encouraged to email me about their favorite authors.

I got a nice email from Abner Oakes responding to a previous column about our trip to Montreal. Abner grew up there and held dual citizenship until the age of 18, when he became American all the way.

Now, in honor of the new Ravine Lodge, I include here the final stanza of a six-stanza poem titled Atop Moosilauke, written in 1998.

Culmination atop Moosilauke,

Ravine Lodge up upon the bedrock;

Raucous laughter and song,

All the freshman belong,

How I wish I could turn back the clock.

—Joel D. Ash, P.O. Box 1733, Grantham, NH 03753; (603) 863-3360; jash_125@comcast.net