Our classmates enjoy spending time together, so whenever there is an occasion, or even if there is no occasion, it becomes time for another gathering or two. In that regard, we came together to salute winter’s joys and woes and to welcome another spring with two of our annual parties. In the North Country Cynthia and Dave Donovan hosted their 15th annual Ski ’53 Day at Mount Sunapee, New Hampshire. Put Blodgett, Harlan Fair, Grantia Preston, Dick O’Connor and Alan Newton arrived early to join Dave for a day at the slopes. At about 4 p.m. they adjourned to Cynthia and Dave’s condo for an après ski gathering, where they were joined by Marion Blodgett, Mitzi Carleton, Al Collins, Marge and Russ Cook, Barbara Newton and Bonnie and Dave Siegal. The group then moved on to a private dining room at the Sunapee Country Club. Seated by a roaring fire, everyone enjoyed a delicious dinner with stories and smiles in abundance. It was a perfect way to say goodbye to a very challenging winter.


Our Southern contingent continued a long-standing tradition as it celebrated the end of the snowbird season at Harbour Ridge, Florida. The party was originated by Bob Callendar and has been continued enthusiastically by Dick Fleming for all ’53s in the area. Joining Dick for this event were our ubiquitous president Al Collins, Dolores and Leo Clancy, Lore and John Dodge, Gail and Bob Malin, Deborah and Howie Pitts, Patty and George Sarner, Ginger Schoder, Anne and Bob Simpson, Jane Springer, Jane and Joe Stevens, and Judy and Sherm Tratten. The word up north is that a good time was had by all.


Once again, as I end this Class Notes column, I sadly note the passing of beloved classmates: Richard A. Giesser, Abdul S. Bahrani, William L. Chamberlin and Thomas W. Wilson Jr. On behalf of each member of the class of 1953 I offer our sincere condolences to their families. We are happy to have shared so much with them and will miss them all.


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