One hour before the official start of Reunions on Friday evening, June 2, the heavens opened. Despite torrential rains which flooded Dalton’s basement (Head of School Ellen Stein ’65 said it brought to mind Dalton’s basement pool of long ago), closed subway lines and park transverses, and delayed flights, Reunions 2006 were the best attended ever with approximately 500 alums, faculty and guests. Soggy alumni delayed by the weather determinedly straggled through the front doors well into the night able to jump right into celebrations, some which lasted until 11:30 p.m.

The evening started with the Alum Night program in a packed Martin Theater featuring tributes to Kindergarten teacher Vivienne Thurm and FP Art Teacher Sheila Lamb. Each had taught at Dalton for more than 40 years. Tim Radomisli ’82, Thurmal alum and Thurmal parent, gave a tribute to Miss Thurm, while Charles Simon '84 gave a tribute to Sheila Lamb.

Classes then went off to their own gatherings to catch up and have dinner. Following the official end of Reunions, many groups proceeded to off-site parties – either at classmates’ homes or nearby bars. On Saturday, celebrations continued with some family gatherings. The Class of 1956, celebrating its 50th Reunion, held a progressive dinner as three alums live in the same building.

While many alumni still live nearby, others journeyed from overseas – Japan, Greece, Belgium, Argentina, England, and from different parts of the country. Though paths have diverged since “going forth unafraid,” alumni reminiscing at reunions seemed to find great commonality once again.