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From the Editor I was fortunate to grow up in a small town in southern New Hampshire, at the end of a dirt road, next to a section of town forest, a local apple orchard, and neighbors with horses. We didn’t have a subject called “Environmental Science” then, but our town did have a growing conservation group and a superb naturalist who took local school groups on walks in the woods. I can still remember one walk in third grade with Jeff Smith, who was already becoming a local legend. Amazed by the beauty of the pearl like seeds hidden inside pink lady-slippers he pointed out or the clouds of spore “smoke” that billowed out of what we called puffballs, we were all learning to love nature. And loving it, most conservationists will tell you, is the
first step toward wanting to protect it. So it was with great excitement that I began to plan this issue, devoted to alumni efforts to protect our environment (which begins on page 17). Most of them have their own Jeff Smiths, whether it was faculty members Neil Currie ’41, Len Sargent, and Peter Tuozzolo, or their own relatives. And most talk about how important it is to share their love of nature with the next generation. Today’s students at Taft are lucky to have a variety of offerings in science (see page 44) and a couple of off-campus programs with strong environmental components as well (page 38). With any luck, there will be a similar issue of the Bulletin 20 years from now, highlight-
ing a whole new generation of alumni committed to making a difference by protecting and restoring the natural wonders around them. I hope I get to edit it.
personal files I retain your 1997 Summer Taft Bulletin. In it is Miller’s commencement address for that year. It is the wisest counsel for embarking young people I have ever read. I have copied and sent it to others (including my four children) well over 50 times. It is entitled “Road Signs,” and alerts young people to look for life’s signs that will be found on their roads ahead. I called the unmet Mr. Miller, complimented him for his address, and told him that while its message might be lost on many young graduates, it certainly was not lost on an older alum. I also related a story to him. When making an initial dozen copies of his remarks at my local copy store, before commencing, the clerk asked me, “Sir, do you have copyright
permission to reprint this?” I told Miller, “In a flash I recalled all of your words to the wise, but never heard you say anything about telling a little white lie for the greater good, and so I unhesitatingly said to the clerk: “Absolutely!” Miller roared. And my lie was not only forgiven, it was belatedly and laughingly authorized. If the Bulletin ever desires to fill its pages with some timeless wisdom, you have only your 1997 files to turn to for a reprint. It’s a gem.
—Julie Reiff We welcome Letters to the Editor relating to the content of the magazine. Letters may be edited for length, clarity, and content, and are published at the editor’s discretion. Send correspondence to: Julie Reiff • Taft Bulletin 110 Woodbury Road Watertown, CT 06795-2100 U.S.A. or to ReiffJ@TaftSchool.org
Dear Taft Bulletin,
I was sorry to read of the passing of the impressive and accomplished J. Irwin Miller ’27. He was a fellow Taftie I never met, and yet feel I know well. In my 2
Taft Bulletin Winter 2005
—Stan D. Donnelly ’71
Editor’s note Irwin Miller’s 1997 talk is available online at www.TaftAlumni.com, as are all back issues of the Taft Bulletin (minus class notes) beginning with Fall 1995. Click on “Publications” in the menu at left and then the cover of the issue you wish to see.