Class Note 1961

Well, Covid-19 is still with us, and Patti and I are still ensconced in Boca Raton, Florida, following state shelter-in-place regulations, which, beginning this week (end of April), will begin to be eased. Other states also are beginning to ease their restrictions, some more quickly and some more slowly. Does this mean that the coronavirus is going away or is it merely taking a rest while the country is lulled into a false sense of security? Will this pandemic return again within the next few months after most states are reopened more extensively? By the time that you read this column in the July/August issue of DAM, we all may have a better idea of what the future will hold. To date I know of only one classmate who has contracted the coronavirus, Hal Knott, who, sadly, passed away on April 22. I hope there will be no others.

Our next ’61 class mini-reunion is scheduled for the weekend of October 2-3 in Hanover, which coincides with this year’s Homecoming Weekend. Since our March mini scheduled for San Diego was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic, this will be the next opportunity for our class to get together—and our last opportunity before our highly significant 60th reunion in June 2021. For further details, go to the class website or email Maynard Wheeler, Hanover class mini-reunion chair, at mbwheeler61@alum.dartmouth.org.

I am closing this column with a tribute to a once active classmate who, because of extended medical issues, ironically may no longer be able to comprehend fully the essence of this reference. While observing shelter-in-place restrictions in Florida, I have had lots of time to read various regional and local newspapers in addition to the more national papers, such as the SunSentinel, which is by far the largest and best newspaper in southeast Florida. While glancing at an article on page 2 of the issue of April 23, I noticed a piece that lists the current birthdays of approximately five to eight well-known celebrity actors, producers, directors, and writers. Leading that list on April 23 was our own classmate: “Actor David Birney is 81.” Well, David Birney, from all of your classmates, we wish you a very happy birthday.

—Victor S. Rich,94 Dove Hill Drive, Manhasset, NY 11030; (516) 446-3977; richwind13@gmail.com