Campaigning cannot end soon enough.


In November 2010 Garson Fields sold his custom wire and cable manufacturing company, Berkshire Electric Cable Co., and retired. “I have taken up rowing. I row with a club in Northampton, Massachusetts, and am competing in a mixed double. The last time I rowed was in 1964 as a second former at the Kent School. I managed to get thrown out after the end of the spring season and hold the distinction of being the first thrown out in my class. I am thinking about a second career of some stripe. I would like to hear about classmates’ post-career activities.” Through Garson, the College learned of the death of bachelor Damon “Al” Wright in March 2011. “Al was diagnosed with lung cancer only days before he died. He was a gifted, wonderful man. He spent his life working for IBM. I think his passions were golf, flying and cigars.” An obituary can be found on the DAM website. 


A Family Institution, the first novel written by Howard Reiss, was published in late November 2011. The historical novel, based on an event from Howard’s life, is a story about a mid-life crisis triggered by the discovery of an aunt who was mistreated for mental illness in the 1940s and 1950s. At his grandmother’s funeral the main character notices a gravestone for his mother’s sister, a woman he never knew existed. He learns she was institutionalized at the age of 18 and spent her life hospitalized. He feels compelled to find out what happened and why. Coming to terms with family history leads to a journey of self-discovery that tests both current and new relationships. It is a novel about secrets and revenge, told with a comic touch, and offers historical insights into past treatment and mistreatment of the mentally ill. 


On April 25 Lee Rosengard received the Hineni (“Here I Am”) Award from Congregation Rodeph Shalom in Philadelphia. The annual award is given to congregants for outstanding service to the synagogue. Lee was a two-term member of the board of trustees, served on two rabbinic search committees and taught in the religious school for 21 years.


Two sportsmen had a successful May. Joe Ryan, a nine-year member of the Weston (Massachusetts) Golf Club, made three eagles in one round, all by holing shots from well off the green. Joe, who plays to a nine handicap, made his first eagle on the sixth hole, his second on the seventh hole and his third on the 18th hole. Without benefit of a birdie, Joe shot 77. “It’s certainly exciting. You come off the course after a round like that and you can’t stop laughing. What are the odds?” Meanwhile, swim team alum Bob Jones was competing at the masters nationals in Greensboro, North Carolina. Bob finished third in the country in his age group in the 200-yard butterfly (2:36.17), sixth in the 100-yard fly (1:04.83) and 13th in the 100 individual medley (1:09.36). Fly finishes garnered medals. 


—Val Armento, 227 Sylvan Ave., San Mateo, CA 94403; val.armento@alum.dartmouth.org