We’ve several important developments in our class, including two new officers. Norm Silverman is our new mini-reunion chair. Norm quickly noted the reunion limitations imposed by Covid-19 and suggested micro-reunions might be workable, since they could take place anywhere with minimal preparation. Norm also wonders whether less athletically oriented gatherings, such as festival attendance, might better suit us, our significant others, and our finances, and he solicits suggestions from you at norman.silverman@yahoo.com. We thank Bill Rich for his service in the job during the past two years!

Also, the position of class memorialist (which other classes call “necrologist”) has been established, and Joe Grasso has graciously stepped forward to assume the role. Joe hopes that you will write to him at jagrassojr68@gmail.com with your remembrances when you learn of a classmate’s passing.

The class has established a new award, the Class of 1968 Give A Rouse Award, which will be presented annually in May to classmates recognized for distinguished service to communities (local, state, national, or international), professions, or organizations, including Dartmouth and our class. There’s more information on our class website.

I was happy to hear from several class members regarding their activities under Covid-19.

Warren Cooke notes that he and Cathy returned in March from living in a tree house and photographing birds in the Costa Rican rainforest. They haven’t left New Jersey since. Books and piano pieces occupy their time, and they’re doing well, but suffering, no doubt like many, from family separations.

Gerry Bell has been landscaping and gardening, preventing Alzheimer’s by conquering daily Sudoku puzzles and crypto quotes, writing “incendiary” columns for the local paper about Donald Trump, social media, climate change, and a certain College weathervane. On reading “escapist trash” novels by J.A. Jance, he says, “God help me, I love ’em!”

Tony Dambrava has also been gardening on his farm, watching his diet, and tending to the horse, dog, and goats. Regarding Covid-19: “Some here call it the raccoon virus because that critter always wears a mask, incessantly washes its hands, and its name is nearly an anagram for corona.”

Cedric Kam has been pumping the pedals, but says, “My cycling has slowed down because it’s gotten much hotter and my kids and grandkids were visiting. I have now cycled every bike trail on Cape Cod [Massachusetts] this season and have put 277 miles on the Brompton, in addition to some tens of miles on my road bike.”

Now a few more recent examples of classmate community service.

Joe Nathan Wright has been a volunteer board of directors member of the Visiting Nurse Association of Texas, offering home healthcare services, hospice care, Meals on Wheels, and other programs. David Gang served in top positions on the board of the Springfield (Massachusetts) Symphony Orchestra and conducted executive search work, contract negotiation, and fundraising. And John Engleman has conducted Dartmouth Club of the Upper Valley Winter Special Olympics at the Skiway and spent 20 years organizing races for athletes from New Hampshire and Vermont. Do check out community service projects at the class website.

Wear a mask and keep your distance—and write!

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