It was a first. In fact, two firsts. The first class mini-reunion at the Class of ’66 Bunkhouse at Mount Moosilauke and the first winter group to use the bunkhouse. Highlights of the February 3-5 weekend in the wilderness were skis, snowshoes and meals, mostly cooked by Dan Nelson, director of outdoor programs, who organized the event.

Making history, and solidifying warm bonds of friendship, were Chuck Benson, Gary Broughton, Nancy and Bill Duval, Alexandra Breed and Doug Hill, Terry Lowd, Alan Ryan, Margie Carpenter and Chuck Sherman, and Peggy and Lance Tapley.

Larry Goss, who earned his M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Washington, retired from Salem State University in Salem, Massachusetts, as a full professor of geography in 2010 and concluded a 23-year stint as a consultant to the New Hampshire economic development department in 2012. Now Larry and Sharon are happily ensconced in an “over 65 style” ranch house they designed in Madison, Wisconsin, and look forward to visiting their children’s families—Laura in Virginia and Peter in Oregon.

“We enjoyed seeing old friends and meeting new classmates and their partners at the recent 50th class reunion,” Larry reports. “The discussion of the Vietnam War and its effects by former President Wright with the class was especially moving.” 

James Lenfestey has made the transition from business to the arts, and made it very well. After a career in marketing communications (including a stint working for classmate Dean Spatz at Osmonics) and as an award-winning journalist and editorial board member of the StarTribune in Minneapolis, Jim “booted up a new career as creative writer and poet.” Since 2000 he has published or edited 10 books, including a memoir of his love for ancient Chinese poetry.

On book tour last fall he read in Hanover and visited Barbara Wade, the widow of his classmate (and roommate) Dr. Phil Wade, and played tennis with Ted Thompson, Hanover resident and regular volunteer and competitor at the fine Boss Tennis Center. Jim also had a chance to lunch with Peter Bien, legendary emeritus professor of English and comparative literature. Jim was inspired to contact Professor Bien because of the 1966 class questionnaire, which inquired about favorite professors.

Jim’s next poetry collection, A Marriage Book, from Eros to Agape, due next fall from literary publisher Milkweed Editions, also has Dartmouth roots. Why? Because Jim met Susan Williams when she was visiting campus on a blind date from Skidmore College in 1964 and they married in September 1966, three months after graduation.

Sadly, the flags across campus waved at half-mast and Rollins Chapel was filled with family, friends and colleagues, including at least 14 class members, as the College paid tribute to Dick Birnie, professor emeritus of geology, at a memorial service last November 19.

A consummate woodsman, Dick would have enjoyed these Robert Frost poems read by voice actor Alan Sklar ’56 at http://dartmouthalumnimagazine.com//articles/robert-frost-youve-never-h…. You may, too.

We all know how busy Angus King is fighting the good fight in the U.S. Senate. But did you know Angus still finds time to post photos of Washington and Maine accompanied by mini-essays on Instagram at “anguskingmaine”? Check it out.

—Larry Geiger, 93 Greenridge Ave., White Plains, NY 10605; (914) 860-4945; lgeiger@aol.com