The class of 1953 is on the move again. Under the aegis of Chuck Buchanan and Phil Beekman a wonderful maxi-mini-reunion in Philadelphia has been planned for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, October 7-9. Members of the senior staffs at these cultural institutions will accompany each visit: the Barnes Foundation, City Tavern, Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, Carpenter’s Hall, the Second Bank of the United States, Franklin Court, the Free Quaker Meeting House, Christ Church, Elfreth’s Alley National Constitution Center, the Historical Society of Philadelphia, the Library Company of Philadelphia, the American Philosophical Society of Philadelphia, National Museum of Jewish History, Brandywine River Museum, the Winterthur Museum and Country Estate, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Rodin Museum and the Eastern State Penitentiary. Wow!


Many accolades to Anne and Harlan Fair for their generous gift to the College’s new center for surgical innovation, a partnership between Dartmouth-Hitchcock, Geisel School of Medicine and Thayer School of Engineering. In addition, Dick Fleming has made a major contribution to the Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice. Richard Peck, director of gift planning at Dartmouth-Hitchcock, stated it best: “These fine individuals exemplify what appears to be the ’53 class ethos, ‘Give back in a big way and lead by example.’ ” 


I happily mention that Dr. Gil Shapiro has been awarded the Trustee’s Medal of Outstanding Service to the Southcoast Health System. For almost 50 years and still going strong Gil has been an orthopedic surgeon whose contributions to the healthcare of his region and beyond are many and varied. Congratulations.


One of the great perks of this job is that every now and then I receive a copy of a book written by a classmate. This month I had the pleasure of reading Musts, Maybes and Nevers: A Book About the Movies by David Picker. Born into the movie industry, Dave relates a fascinating story about his successes and failures with humor and the deep insight, which a lifetime as head of three major studios provides. It is a must-read for movie fans and aficionados.


It is with sadness that I report the deaths of Owen Cote and Denny Speidel and send our profound condolences to their families.


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