Are you ready for the big one? Bigger than the Super Bowl? The granddaddy of them all? Our 50th reunion is happening June 7-9, 2013, and if you procrastinate, like me, the time to start planning is now! Here are a few simple tips to get you focused and on your way to enjoying one of the most exciting events of your life.


First, clear your schedule. It may seem like a long way from now, but it is really less than a year. And while our 50th reunion technically runs the weekend of June 7-9, there is the prospect of a Moosilauke overnight or early bird dinner Thursday, June 6, and an extended stay with sports and special programs Monday and Tuesday, June 10-11.


Second, reserve a place to stay that fits your budget and taste. Go to www.dartmouth.org/classes/63 and click on “Reunion Lodging” for a dizzying array of choices, ranging from East Wheelock dorm rooms to the Hanover Inn and Six South Main, also in Hanover, and lots of nearby motels, hotels and B&Bs. Keep in mind this is also commencement weekend, so rooms tend to fill up fast.


Third, while you are on the class website, you still may be able to complete your 50th reunion book survey and submit an essay and photos. Don’t be left out. It is a great exercise and a way to bond with the event and classmates. Read David Brooks’ Times article on class essays, which is posted on the ’63 website.


Fourth, don’t pack too much, especially if you are flying. But be prepared. While June is usually great weather, it does rain in Hanover and evenings can be cool. Shorts and slacks are normal, but you have the option to dress up for Saturday night dinner and 2013 commencement ceremonies Sunday morning. Jocks, bring your tennis racquets, running shoes and fishing gear. Hanover Country Club usually can loan clubs, if needed.


Finally, look for ways to participate and volunteer. Paul Binder has agreed to emcee our class dinner, John Merrow will moderate a major class panel discussion, Steve Lewinstein secured some rockin’ live music and Petey Subin (Bill) formed DartMates, which will run programs of interest for spouses and widows. Petey’s committee, which includesCookie Williams (Art), Sanna Purcell (Bill)and Patty Russell (Bill), has already enlisted music professor Steve Swayne for a program and is planning another on the healthcare crisis. Contact Petey at wsubin@comcast.net.


Bruce Coggeshall (bcoggeshall@pierceatwood.com), our new Alumni Council representative, seeks your input for the next council meeting taking place in December. Bruce succeeds Marty Bowne. Our class president, Larry Bailey, is the proud grandfather of Iris Opal Pierce, his seventh grandchild and second granddaughter. Steve Lewinstein, a Boston Celtics owner, provided courtside seats to winning bidders at a Dartmouth fundraiser. Don’t forget our Hanover mini-reunion September 18-20. It is a great warm-up for the 50th.


I regret to report the deaths of Rick Friend and Phil Fisher.


—Harry Zlokower, 60 Madison Ave., Suite 910, New York City, NY 10010; (212) 447-9292; harry@zlokower.com