Class Note 1979
Bette Davis said, “Getting old ain’t for sissies.” There’s plenty of truth in that, but if turning 60 means we’re old, well then bring it on. In the words of Oliver Goldsmith (English majors shout-out!), we “love everything that’s old: old friends, old times, old manners, old books, old wines.” Here are some of your classmates’ takes on their milestone birthdays:
Michelle Kane O’Donnell: “How did I make turning 60 a good experience? First I took down all the mirrors in the house—instant satisfaction! Then I went to school to prepare for a new goal where age and experience are considered assets and am now happily working in hospital chaplaincy as a result. Last but not least, I have birthday plans with my wonderful family to bike and frolic through Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley, California, and drink some of the great wines associated with investor Rick Magnuson and winemaker David Jeffrey, respectively!”
Bob Glicini: “I’m still hard at work as a general surgeon at a small, struggling community hospital. Being on call takes its toll more than it did 15 years ago; I wonder if I have 15 more left in me. Retirement would be nice but I need at least another five years just to pay off the mortgage and college tuitions. There is the sadness of losing friends and loved ones mixed with the joy of being new grandparents. I was always hoping that we would have time to travel, but it’s clear that vacations will now be about seeing our children and grandchildren rather than the world. I asked an 85-year-old patient I was treating for a leg injury if he was keeping busy in his retirement. He replied that he was so busy he didn’t know how he ever had time to work. I’m hoping that will be me. That being said, I just took two ibuprofens!”
Doug “Shman” Canning: “As I approach 60 I am grateful. I had two supportive parents and have two kind brothers. I am grateful Dartmouth accepted me and for my Dartmouth friends, who nearly 40 years since graduation are still a part of my life. While at Dartmouth I met Annabelle ’81. No one deserves a wife this lovely. My son, John, and my daughters, Caroline and Maddy, are strong, happy and prosperous. I am still healthy and have a job that I enjoy each day. I work with partners who are equally committed to helping the lives of each small child we see in our practice. I can’t imagine being happier.”
Elizabeth “Puddie” Sword: “For me the milestone of 60 has been softened by the recent arrival of my first grandson, Hudson. He is a daily reminder to put gratitude first and refocus on the gift and possibilities of my life. Though I could not have predicted its trajectory in 1979 and am indebted to so many for guiding and supporting my journey, the runway that remains is eagerly anticipated, uncharted and filled with memories to come.”
—Stanley Weil, 15 Peck Rd., Mt. Kisco, NY 10549; (917) 428-0852; stanno79@gmail.com; John Currier, 82 Carpenter St., Norwich, VT 05055; (802) 649-2577; john.h.currier@dartmouth.edu
