1923

The medical school's research capability has been greatly increased through a recent generous grant from the Fannie E. Rippel Foundation. Totaling some $135,000, the grant will make possible the purchase of equipment for the early detection of small cell; lung cancers, the development of new methods of preventing and correcting heart diseasg, and probing the causes of arthritis and aspects of diabetes that relate to kidney failure in the aged. Classmate Jules Rippel, who has been the recipient of a long list of honors for his support of medicine, continues as the active head of the foundation.

Each of Dartmouth's alumni classes sends annually a report to the College secretary of the class's previous year's activities. Complete copies of our report for 1978 have been sent to members of the executive committee. Following are a few statistical highlights. Ours was the eighth class to introduce a memorial book program. Since that time a total of $3,446 has been disbursed to memorialize 376 classmates. Our class scholarship fund, now totaling some $35,000, disburses $2,000 annually to aid students recommended by the College. In 1978 this amount was divided equally between a young woman and a young man in the Class of 1981. Class dues were paid by 75 per cent of us compared with a 45 per cent participation on the part of all classes combined. The ALUMNI MAGAZINE and "Skiddoo" are sent free of charge to 243 classmates and 135 widows. The Class was awarded the Roger C. Wilde Reunion Award in 1978 in recognition of its setting a new 55th reunion record of alumni fund giving: $61,694 - 40 per cent over our objective. Class news was reported in 12 issues of "Skiddoo" and nine of the ALUMNI MAGAZINE. Finally, the highlight of our 55th reunion was the result of our bequest and estate planning program, which totalled $2,316,031.

Ed Lyle's son Brooks reports that Ed and Madelyn are now both living at the Elm Street Convalescent Home, Rocky Hill, Conn. 06067. 1 must also tell you that Ivan Martin is now living at Blueberry Hill Healthcare, 75 Brimbal St., Beverly, Mass. 01915. He is cheerful and very comfortable but would like to hear from his friends.

Some time ago Truman Metzel, who is an old Sanibel Island hand, intimated that Bill andDot Kimball might be approaching the plateau of great-great-grandparenthood. The Kimballs, you will remember, won the 1923 grandparent derby hands down. To get the facts I wrote Bill, who sets the record 'straight as follows: "We have one daughter and two sons, 17 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and two nieces - both Chinese and adopted. Our grandson Michel married a Philippine woman while stationed in Manila during Vietnam, so we now have five Philippine-American great- granddaughters. The oldest of these is reaching marriage age, and the way things proceed today it takes no stretch of the imagination to figure a 'great-great' is not too far off."

On the Kimballs' 50th wedding anniversary in June 1972 they entertained 39 of the family at Sanibel Island, including a nephew from Mexico. The Kimball family is spread throughout the U.S. and is involved in every type of activity, including what is now known as "Kimball International," the largest keyboard instrument manufacturer in the world (with the exception of one Japanese firm).

As for Sanibel Island, Bill says: "The organization which I founded in 1975, called "Committee of the Islands," has been instrumental in creating a comprehensive land use plan and last year put over a growth management ordinance which limits new construction. There will be no more massive .condominiums. As you see, I have had more than enough to keep me busy."

Sorry I neglected to tell you last month that Charlie and Jean Rice celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last September 29. The Rices' grandson Tom has also earned early acceptance at the University of New Hampshire.

This to acknowledge with much thanks long, thoughtful, and very cheering letters from BabeMiner, Truman Metzel, and Ruel Smith.

Box 2 Francestown, N.H. 03043