Class Note 1959
Issue
September-October 2020
Was our 60th just a year ago? How things have changed. Those idyllic times on the Hanover Plain, be it in the 1950s or during recent visits still anchor our personalities. I spent four and a half years under water while in submarines of the U.S. Navy. And I was asked many times: “How did you do that, isolated for months?” From that experience I offer some tips for our current isolation.
Sanitize: Wash those hands and clean those surfaces used in food preparation. Envision what an intestinal bug would do on a submarine with 130 folks and five toilets.
Establish a routine: Get out of bed on time and get out of those pjs before noon. Shave or put on your cosmetics.
Get dressed (and I don’t mean slipping into a sweatsuit).
Hydrate: Water will help your immune system stay tuned up.
Exercise: Spend at least 20 to 30 minutes a day in exercise. Walk or use light weights. We all think about exercise, now we must do it.
Moderate food and drink. If you concentrate on minor decreases, clothes fit better. Resist that temptation for extra wine or cocktails.
Plan on measurable projects; make them small and manageable. It may be to clean out a drawer or get six items ready for Goodwill or write or email four high school friends.
Limit your time in front of a screen, computer, or the TV. Be selective. Get away from constant “news.” Give yourself a break—find a comedy.
Stay connected. We are all wired to be social in nature and thrive at being “in touch.” On submarines, family communications were limited, but we were always close to one of 120 shipmates. Check in with a few acquaintances each day.
No matter which ocean, operating a submarine was full of surprises and anxiety. But the memories of Dartmouth have not changed. Think about Dartmouth when you feel that you are about to lose it.
Dave Marshall and Barry Smith continue to work the fall mini details, recognizing that the final plans will be dependent on College posture.
—Charlie MacVean, 3528 Liggett Drive, San Diego, CA 92106-2153; (619) 508-4401; crmacvean@msn.com
Sanitize: Wash those hands and clean those surfaces used in food preparation. Envision what an intestinal bug would do on a submarine with 130 folks and five toilets.
Establish a routine: Get out of bed on time and get out of those pjs before noon. Shave or put on your cosmetics.
Get dressed (and I don’t mean slipping into a sweatsuit).
Hydrate: Water will help your immune system stay tuned up.
Exercise: Spend at least 20 to 30 minutes a day in exercise. Walk or use light weights. We all think about exercise, now we must do it.
Moderate food and drink. If you concentrate on minor decreases, clothes fit better. Resist that temptation for extra wine or cocktails.
Plan on measurable projects; make them small and manageable. It may be to clean out a drawer or get six items ready for Goodwill or write or email four high school friends.
Limit your time in front of a screen, computer, or the TV. Be selective. Get away from constant “news.” Give yourself a break—find a comedy.
Stay connected. We are all wired to be social in nature and thrive at being “in touch.” On submarines, family communications were limited, but we were always close to one of 120 shipmates. Check in with a few acquaintances each day.
No matter which ocean, operating a submarine was full of surprises and anxiety. But the memories of Dartmouth have not changed. Think about Dartmouth when you feel that you are about to lose it.
Dave Marshall and Barry Smith continue to work the fall mini details, recognizing that the final plans will be dependent on College posture.
—Charlie MacVean, 3528 Liggett Drive, San Diego, CA 92106-2153; (619) 508-4401; crmacvean@msn.com