As your recently appointed class secretary, I thank the class committee for the members’ and officers’ endorsements and confidence. I am supremely proud of our school. Please share my commitment by staying in touch with information about your activities. Our togetherness is a bulwark of the reputation and strength of Dartmouth College. Gratitude goes also to president Dave Peck and my predecessor, Dick Olson, who have been immediately and extensively helpful. Randy Blair, too, cooperated with class and generosity. 

The (big, red) results of a week later notwithstanding, a November weekend in New York City was a great (big, green) celebration. Class members hit Bill’s Townhouse in Midtown for a cocktail party to start it off on Friday evening. Highlights included a lighthearted presentation by mini-reunion chair Bill Rich and a little impromptu vocal entertainment by immediate past president Peter Fahey that recalled the unforgettable (remember?) P.J. Proby.

Classmates attending the mini-reunion included Bill Kolasky, Steve Small, Bill Mutterperl, Linc Eldredge, Hugh Boss, Warren Connelly, newsletter editor Mark Waterhouse, Don Middleton, Steve Schwager, Norm Silverman, Jim Snyder, John Engelman, Roger Lenke, and Chuck Woodworth. Game attendees included Arnie Resnicoff, Dan Bort, Richard du Moulin, and Dave Cooperberg. Prior to kickoff literally hundreds of Dartmouth alumni, students, family members, and friends crammed into the cavernous Billy’s Bar across the street from the stadium for refreshments, Dartmouth caps, and other merchandise generously provided by the College. After the victory the largest mini-reunion event of the weekend took place at dinner at Sparks’ Steakhouse in Midtown. We ate, we sipped, and we sang in fellowship.

Much of the credit for the joyous success of the weekend goes to Roger Witten, who did most of the organizing before and even while participating. Treasurer Jim Lawrie wasn’t able to join us, but he helped get and manage some financing. Tom Laughlin and Mia were nearby on Long Island, but didn’t make the mini-reunion because their champion golden retriever, Captain, was showing in hot pursuit of grand champion status. Congrats to Tom also on his second novel, The Other Side of the Lake, which I read, enjoyed, and recommend. (Firebase Ripcord, indeed!)

WhileI’m mentioning classmates’ names, I’m sad to have to add the name of one who has passed on. We learned just before deadline of the death of Al Skean. A proper obituary will follow.

Here’s an update on the class’ important community service project: We have more than 100 diverse activities entered or promised from classmates or their companions. See samples at www/dartmouth68.org. Find “Community Service Project” and click “CSP Stories.” Share your story and help expand service to others and our planet! Contact Peter Hofman (pdhofman12@gmail.com) or Peter Wonson (pwonson@cox.net).

All class members are invited to attend the next class committee meeting on February 29 in Alexandria, Virginia. At the same time, a class ski trip to Mammoth Mountain will begin. Check the class website for information on both.

Neki Hoeki, y’all!

—Jack Hopke, 157 Joy St., River Ridge, LA 70123; (504) 388-2645; jackhopke@yahoo.com