The Restoration Committee recently held a luncheon to celebrate Tom Green's leadership of the Restoration Committee and their many accomplishments over the years. Tom is moving to Virginia and will be missed by his many friends at the College. The Restoration Committee shop has been closed due to the changing nature of the antiques and collectibles business. Until recently, the Committee's primary means of supporting the restoration of the mansion and grounds have been the consignment shop and auctions. The departure of the Director, in addition to the nature of the business changing, was central to the decision to close the shop. Tom's expertise and that of dozens of volunteers whom he works with have made the Committee's many contributions possible. Various conditions, such as the popularity of eBay, made it more difficult to get the quality merchandise that provides a steady revenue stream. At the same time, expenses for running the consignment had been mounting. It was clear that times had changed and the committee made an orderly, planned transition for their volunteers and consignors. All funds realized from the closing sales of the shop will be used to support the committee's final restoration project: the first phase of restoration of the Great Lawn between Fortunoff Hall and the Connetquot River. For many years to come, local residents and members of the campus community will look with wonder at the many accomplishments of the Committee in restoring:

• The Vanderbilt mansion after the 1973 fire
• Karl Bitter*s statue of Diana in the Hunt Room
• The courtyard garden and fountain
• The Poseidon fountain on the Great Lawn