Greetings from my vacation in beautiful Seattle. I hope to visit with Dr. Gary Schillhammer if he is home for the holidays.


Received an email from Rich Bane, who is doing well. According to Rich, “Transitions abound. My son Harry is a VP of operations at Steward Health Care and about to graduate from Dartmouth’s master’s in healthcare delivery science program in February. With his busy life he is still finding time to play scratch golf at Kittansett Golf Club in Marion, Massachusetts, where he won the club championship in 2013, joining Jerry Daly ’76 and Ken Kotowski ’71 as Dartmouth alumni champs there. My daughter Haley recently got engaged, so I am working hard to pay for a September wedding! On my end, I have recently moved into downtown Boston and a new phase of life. I just wish the healthcare world was a little more predictable. Still caring for our parents and grandparents, but alas, no one wants to pay for the care. Hubert Humphrey once said that a true sign of a civilization is how it cares for those most in need. I dare say, it is time for our country to step up and care for the elderly. I’m afraid this is a tsunami waiting to strike. So proud of our class, President Phil, Class President Nancy and her team. Happy 2014 to all!”


Rob Sholl and I go way back. Our fathers were ’44 roommates at Dartmouth and I met Rob at their 25th reunion in 1969. Rob forwards some good news from Milwaukee, Wisconsin: Bill Randall, former president of the Alumni Council, earned a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Rotary Club. The citation reads in part: “The award recognizes members who exemplify leaders making a difference. These individuals are role models and inspire others to service.” Congratulations, Bill!


—John T. Bird, 1920 Chateau Circle, Apt. 306, Birmingham, AL 35209; (205) 276-4609; jtbird.com@gmail.com