I recently attended an event that featured Thomas Friedman (The New York Times columnist). While primarily discussing his latest book, That Used to be Us—which, despite the disillusioning opening comparison between a project to fix two small escalators at a New Jersey train station that took six months with a project in China that resulted in the construction of a massive and ornate convention center in eight months, actually offers renewed hope that recovery of American greatness is within reach—the more shocking takeaway was the observation Friedman shared when looking back to one of his other works, The World is Flat. Friedman commented that when he published that book in 2005 (and I quote): “Facebook had just been launched; “Twitter” referred to a sound; the “Cloud” was something in the sky; “4G” was a parking space; “LinkedIn” meant to be imprisoned; “applications” were what you submitted to college; and “Skype” was a typo.” Within seven short years, we have come to live in a world of hyper-connectivity. So, where is all the news from you? 


Never allowing our place in the magazine to go blank, thankfully the award-winning activities of several of our classmates continue. So, let’s give a rouse for Marcy Sitnik Reed, who was honored this past January with a prestigious 2012 Pinnacle Award from the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. Commended as an “exemplary leader in this region’s business and civic communities,” Marcy was also applauded for “the work she has done to advance female leadership with the ranks of National Grid and across the broader utility industry.” 


Colleen Keller writes: “It’s been an eventful 12 months for me, aviating-wise. I experienced a total loss of oil pressure in my biplane and managed a safe, emergency landing after the engine seized. Rebuilt the engine myself, flew the plane in my first aerobatic competition, then had to remove the upper wing to fix broken ribs and fabric. Frustrating, but fun. I’ve joined the San Diego sheriff’s department as a search and rescue volunteer—blaze orange shirt and all. I just got my EMR qualification—now learning to rappel!”


Holy-moly, do I lead a boring life! For more, reach out directly to Colleen: colleenkeller@sbcglobal.net.


Now onto sightings of classmates that may entice you to come forward with your own updates or share news on others. Jenny Gabler Bloch chatting up squash (or, more precisely, squash courts) at the offices of yours truly in January; Ellen Shapiro rumored to be tying the knot with her partner of nine years this June; Tom Stern managing Chieftain Capital and dedicating spare time to various philanthropic endeavors such as Diabetes Research Institute, Horace Mann, Milton Academy and the list goes on; Valerie Hartman Levy and Alison Cooper Phillips spied at renowned Dylan’s Candy Bar on N.Y.C.’s Upper East Side one chilly February night; Tricia Madden Vanacore during all her “free time” while raising four kids and promoting Raising a Reader alongside her trustee roles with the Children’s School and Greens Farms Academy. 


Your class executive committee is actively organizing mini-reunion ideas, including a classwide 50th birthday celebration. Stay connected: www.dartmouth85.com.


When I penned this same column a year ago the Northeast was buried in snow. What a difference a year makes. Even this year’s Winter Carnival polar swim at Occom Pond seemed rather tame and brought out a record number of participants. Chilly water, but with no snow on the surrounding trees it was hard to believe it was February. Still, that cupcake snow sculpture did look rather divine for “The Sweetest Carnival Ever!”


All the best to all of you!


—Leslie A. Davis Dahl, 83 Pecksland Road, Greenwich, CT 06831; (203) 552-0070; dahlleslie@ yahoo.com; John MacManus, 188 Ringwood Road, Rosemont, PA 19010; (610) 525-4541; slampong@aol.com