Greetings, fellow ’70s. As I begin writing this column I am reminded it was 50 years ago that most of us, as fresh-faced high school juniors, took the PSAT exam to determine if we were worthy of consideration for a National Merit Scholarship. In my particular case I scored well enough to receive a letter of commendation. That and 10 cents got me my first cup of coffee at Lou’s Restaurant.


While many classmates have opted for or are considering retirement, others are still hard at work. Some are even changing jobs. Ernie Babcock left his position as deputy general counsel at General Dynamics and has accepted an appointment as deputy general counsel, general law branch, at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (that’s a lot of generals!). In his new role Ernie will be responsible for a variety of legal areas, including the terrorist screening center law unit. Given today’s challenges it looks as if the FBI has made a smart choice.


Don MacMannis has added a new job title: grandfather. This will fit in nicely with his counseling and children’s music pursuits. Son Sean ’05 and his wife delivered a baby girl that Don claims will inspire his songwriting. Don currently has 40 songs for kids from ages 4 to 8 available for download at happykidssongs.com. Look for the Aires (you remember them as the Injunaires) to be serenading Baby MacMannis at her first birthday party.


Bill Wentworth, having noted that my column has been “rather deficient this fall,” alerted me to the fact he has released his first book, Exploring Southern Appalachian Forests: An Ecological Guide to 30 Great Hikes in the Carolinas, Georgia, Tennessee and Virginia (UNC Press). Bill coauthored this work with a former doctoral student of his at North Carolina State University where Bill has worked for 39 years and is currently alumni distinguished undergraduate professor in the department of plant and microbial biology. Note to Bill Wentworth: I take no offense to the term “rather deficient.” It really applies to our classmates, who have not shared similar stories. Unfortunately, I was not able to attend Bill’s book signing at a local independent bookstore in Raleigh, North Carolina, that would make the Dartmouth Bookstore jealous.


Bill Moyes, Tu’72, erstwhile voice of WDCR, reports that, “[A] short time ago we traveled to New Zealand and fell in love with that country’s beauty, its very friendly people and wonderful things to do and see. We liked it so much that we bought a small lodge on the coast of the north island called Poets Corner Boutique Lodge.” It sleeps eight in four luxury suites. Check it out at www.fiveperfectdays.co.nz. As a couple who has visited New Zealand, Ann and I can attest to the country’s beauty and friendliness. Unfortunately, Moyes refuses to pick up the airfare for our return visit.


Best wishes for the happiness of the season and good health in 2015.


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