The fall mini-reunion for our class will be October 12-14. This was done to coincide with the Hop’s major weekend celebration to commemorate its founding 50 years ago. Remember that excavation hole next to Hanover Inn? Did you think that they were drilling for oil or digging a direct trade route to China? As you are all aware, the class of 1961 has been a major instrumental force, through its ongoing 1961 Legacy project, in supporting the Hop’s performing arts program. Thanks to Oscar Arslanian, David Birney, Pete Bleyler, Art Kelton and many, many others who were instrumental in establishing the class project several decades ago and supporting it financially and with time and effort since its inception. Our class has been commended by the College for its efforts and success with the ’61 Legacy program on numerous occasions throughout the years.


As an aside, the aforementioned mini-reunion weekend has been dedicated to Pete Synnott, recently deceased, a valued member of our class who in spite of severe physical handicaps attended and actively participated in nearly all of our reunions and mini-reunions during the past 20 to 25 years.


Gerry Kaminsky, along with one of his sons and grandsons, recently climbed to the halfway point of the famed Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa. Gerry trained seriously for the trek and apparently was in good physical shape. Unfortunately, the weather and the thin air prevented them from being able to make it to the summit. However, there is always next year or the year after or the year after that for another attempt. Kudos to Gerry for even attempting the trek at age 72.


Then there were the three pictures submitted of Bobby “The Rocket” Moore on skates, on the ice in a hockey team uniform and with a hockey stick, at his 55th Culver High School reunion. As he’s 71 to 72 years old I’m impressed that he could even lace up his own skates and stand up on them!


On the other hand Bill Glen (and Mardi), Jim McElhinney, T.C. Conger, Chuck Dayton and Dave Prewitt (and Joan) got together in Philadelphia last June to watch the Dartmouth rugby sevens team once again win the national championship. Notice, Gerry and Bobby, that this mature group was smart enough to simply watch and not attempt to play! Unfortunately, at the last minute Mike Murphy (and Helene) were not able to make it.


The class decided several months ago to endorse and provide some financial support to the History of Skiing at Dartmouth Project, which has been ongoing for several years, initially writing and publishing an extensive book on the topic and now writing and producing a significant documentary film on the same topic. Our own Art Kelton has been heavily involved in this project from its inception nearly a decade ago. Kudos to our class for its support of this worthy Dartmouth alumni-related project.


—Victor S. Rich, 5 Red Ground Road, Old Westbury, NY 11568; victor.rich@rsmi.com