Greetings, fellow ’70s. As I write this column the presidential campaign is in the homestretch and I’m reminded that most of us will arrive at age 65 in the coming year. Let’s hope that whoever now occupies the White House doesn’t mess up Medicare.


Speaking of politics, two classmates have recently received political appointments. President Obama named David Ullrich commissioner, U.S. section of the Great Lakes Fishery Commission. Dave was most recently executive director of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative, a position he held since 2003. From 1973 to 2003 Dave served at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Great Lakes regional office in various capacities including acting regional administrator and deputy regional administrator. Back East, Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick has appointed Tom Peisch to the board of trustees of Massachusetts Bay Community College. Located in Tom’s hometown of Wellesley, MassBay serves more than 5,000 students.


Lou Young reports from Hawaii that after nine years on Maui as head of a “prestigious high school” he moved to Oahu in 2010 to accept the challenge as head of a “struggling school” for kids who, as Lou describes, “have fallen through the cracks or who need a second chance.” He characterizes his work as both rewarding and exhausting. I can’t think of a better person to tackle this challenge. Lou invites any classmates traveling to Hawaii to give him a call.


September’s mini-reunion in Hanover attracted a spirited group of ’70s, including a nucleus of class officers in town for Class Officers Weekend. Friday night featured a barbecue chez Star Johnson attended by Wayne Bardsley, Denny Brown, Jeff Dahlman, Jeff Demerath, Dave Graves, Mark Heller, Jim Nachtwey, Wayne Osmond and Bill Wilson along with assorted spouses and girlfriends. Saturday we were joined for pre-game festivities by Sally and Ernie Babcock. Ernie is now vice president and general counsel for General Dynamics in Falls Church, Virginia. Bob Payne and daughter Margaret, a student at Cranbrook School in suburban Detroit, Michigan, were in town to meet with the Dartmouth volleyball coach and joined us at Memorial Field. Alas, the football game vs. Pennsylvania followed a familiar script; after sleepwalking through the first half the Big Green mounted a furious comeback only to come up short. Dinner in the back room at Murphy’s Tavern and a Sunday brunch rounded out the festivities. Thanks and kudos to Star and (especially) Sara, for making it a memorable mini.


Bob Mlakar had planned to be in Hanover but opted instead to celebrate, along with Jim Decker, Tom Kenworthy’s engagement to Nancy Durocher. Nancy was a college roommate of Tom’s late wife, Karen, to whom he was married for 40 years. Our congratulations and best wishes to Worthy and Nancy, who will marry in the spring.


Sadly I report the death of Rick Haag in Edmonton, Alberta, on April 5, 2012. The class extends sympathies to Rick’s wife, Maggie, and sons Josh and Ben.


To all, be the best you can be in 2013. Cheers. 


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