Greetings, fellow ’70s.


As I begin writing this column it is mid-June and Dartmouth has just completed its 241st Commencement exercises. I still can’t recall who spoke at our Commencement or what he said other than it was some guy from the University of Texas. I doubt that will be the case for the class of 2011 41 years hence. For a good chuckle check out the video of Conan O’Brien’s remarks by going to the College’s website.


Late-breaking news out of New York City from Jeff Dahlman reports that nine of our classmates gathered on June 16 for a mini-reunion dinner at a well-known watering hole there. Those attending in addition to Jeff were Wayne Bardsley, Trip Dorkey, Demie Duckworth, Chip O’Brien (norelation to Conan), Rick Ostberg, Tom Peisch, Stew Rosenblum and Stu Zuckerman. According to Jeff it was an evening of fun and fellowship with no agenda. Wait a minute, by my count six of the nine are lawyers. No agenda?


Conspicuously absent from that event was our class treasurer, David Noyes. I guess that means no class funds were involved in covering the bar tab. David was off playing in a U.S. Tennis Association regional mixed doubles tournament that is based on ability rather than age. He is rated a six (out of seven), which I reckon means he’s pretty good. Or does that measure his ability to get along with a woman on the same side of the net? David has asked me to remind all of you who haven’t sent in your class dues to please do so asap. He promises that none of your money will go toward liquor bills.


Back to Jeff Dahlman for a moment. I hope all of you have taken the time to read his thorough and thoughtful e-mails summarizing the proceedings of Dartmouth Alumni Council meetings. As our class representative to that body he’s charged with helping keep us connected to what’s going on in Hanover. We couldn’t have a better guy for the job.


Speaking of Hanover, word from Star Johnson is that modifications to the granite benches provided by our class a few years back are complete. The benches, placed outside the Haldeman Center, are now clearly inscribed as a gift from the class of 1970.


The last item to share concerns me, Bill Wilson. After nearly 20 years in Concord, Massachusetts, and most of our lives in New England, Ann and I have taken up residence in Cary, North Carolina. The third time on the roof shoveling snow last winter pushed me over the edge, figuratively and literally. By my count I become the 12th member of the class to currently call the Tar Heel state home. According to unofficial records, that compares to one in 1966. There’s a demographic nugget in there somewhere.


That’s all for now, folks. Mark your calendars for homecoming weekend in Hanover October 21-23. Hope to see you there.


—Bill Wilson, 304 Highlands Bluffs Drive, Cary, NC 27518; wilson8689@aol.com