Class Note 1981
Not sure if it’s just my experience, but it seems we are at the age where when we attend weddings, they are for our generation’s children—ours, our classmates, our neighbors or other younger family members or friends. It’s a rare treat when we get to attend a wedding for a friend our age. It’s even more rare when they are classmates and contemporaries from Dartmouth.
Recently, a few ’81s had exactly that opportunity, joining with classmate Lee Carson (a one-time class secretary, a most honored office) as he and Glenna Waterman ’82married late this past fall.
Celebrated at a breathtaking ranch out Wickenburg, Arizona, way in the Sonoran Desert, the wedding was an extended celebration for friends and family. In the days preceding the ceremony, guests were able to play golf—there were reports that money may have changed hands; ride the desert in motorized vehicles and on four-legged conveyance; hike (I called that golf); and shop Wickenburg (bring home a bolo tie)! Following the rehearsal dinner all were invited to toast the bride and groom, with toasts running deep into the night, bringing equal amounts of tears and laughter.
The ’81s joining the celebration were John Casaudoumecq, Tom Waterman and your scribe. Tom went for an adventurous hike, demonstrating his youthful conditioning and prowess while ignoring the auspicious warning provided by the trail’s name—Vulture Peak.
John C., who was also best man, provided these thoughts on the days together: “It was a great weekend in a beautiful spot with great people. It was fascinating to speak with all the interesting, accomplished people that are the Waterman and Carson families. Their care, concern and joy for Glenna and Lee made a big impression. As much fun as all the outdoor activities, parties and dancing were, what I remember most is what Lee and Glenna said to each other and all of us.”
The Watermans and Carsons brought other generations of Dartmouth to the desert to share their joy: Sibyl Waterman, wife of Charles Dana “Dinny “ Waterman Jr., mother of the bride, honorary ’45, as she lived in Lord Hall and Sachem Village with Dinny and baby Dana after the war while Dinny finished up on the GI Bill. Additionally, in some order: Dana Waterman ’68 (celebrant), Cathy Waterman, junior exchange and Wheaton ’75, John Carson ’79, Libbet Waterman McKeon ’82, David Carson ’85, Ann Waterman Roy and Kanishka Roy, Tu’04.
Finally, as 2012 becomes 2013, while the country tries to reconcile unfathomable violence and legislators haggle while we hang over a cliff, some words from John Stuart Mill to consider: “Those only are happy who have their minds fixed on some object other than their own happiness; on the happiness of others, on the improvement of mankind, even on some art or pursuit, followed not as a means, but as itself an ideal end. Aiming thus at something else, they find happiness by the way.”
—Robert Goldbloom, 324 Warburton Ave., Hastings-on-Hudson, NY 10706; (914) 231-5117; robertgoldbloom@gmail.com; Brian Cusack, 26 Ocean Ave., Marblehead, MA 01945; (617) 710-7228; briancusack13@gmail.com
