One month after the last ’53 cars left Hanover carrying their tired but exhilarated reunion participants and our local alums retreated to their homes, we are still basking in the glow of our sensational 60th. Our peerless scribe Dave Halloran outdid himself producing a sensational ’53 Out, our class newsletter. There are 49 pages of pictures, reminiscences and stories that, in fact, are a quick glimpse into the heart and soul of the class during the past 60 years. It is beautifully produced in exquisite color and printed on lovely stock. I heartily commend future classes to refer to this as the template for future 60ths. And while I am still on the subject of the reunion, I would like to mention once again that the addition of Sarner Underground to our beautiful 1953 Commons is the perfect compliment to the commons. Patty and George Sarner have provided a magnificent facility in which students can gather and relax.


Our peripatetic ambassador, the Hon. Peter Bridges, is at it again. In May he and Mary Jane visited Pavia, which Peter describes as a peaceful old Italian university town 20 miles from over-sized Milan. Peter gave two talks at the university, one to graduate students on his experiences as a diplomat in the Cold War and the other on the development of links between Italy and America in the 1800s.


For those of you who remember the trial of Capt. Jeffrey MacDonald, the Green Beret doctor who was convicted of killing his wife and two children, I recommend that you watch Dick Cahn as a guest panelist discussing that case for the law students at Touro Law School this past spring. Dick was the attorney for the parents of Mrs. MacDonald and was intimately involved in the bringing of the case to trial in the federal courts after the military tribunal declined to try Capt. MacDonald. Dick presents a fascinating look into one of the most sensational trials of its day.


Once more I close with the sad news of the passing of a classmate, Deane Hillsman. On behalf of our class, I offer our condolences to his family.


—Mark H. Smoller, 4 Schuyler Drive, Jericho, NY 11753; (516) 938-3616; dartmark@gmail.com