1958

During class officers' meetings in Hanover on Sept. 17-18, when Bob Eleveld, John Murphy, and Roger Bruttomesso were in town, the class received the College's 1999 Special Recognition Award for Extraordinary Achievements. The citation reads as follows: "Among its many thoughtful contributions to the College, the class of 1958 has been a long-time supporter of Dartmouth's athletic programs, especially with its generous support of Dartmouth candidate athletes who visit the campus, many for the first time. Moreover, the class has recently marked its 40th Reunion with a remarkable turnout of its members and an equally remarkable reunion gifta record for all 40th reuning Dartmouth classes. For years 1958 has been blessed by dynamic class officer leadership, an award-winning newsletter, and a camaraderie that is the envy of many other classes. For its generosity and its dedication to one another and to Dartmouth, the class of 1958 deserves these accolades. The College is pleased to honor it further with this 1999 Special Recognition Award." Those who are chiefly responsible for this award are too numerous to mention, but they deserve our applause and appreciation. And, in truth, all of us had a hand in it. Perhaps some year we will even be named Class of the Year!

Our well-traveled classmate LarryHampton is at it again. He and Helga have moved back to Italy, where Larry is helping a friend sort out the recent purchase of that country's largest sporting goods company. They are at Via Piumaella, N0.4, 31011 Asolo (TV). He said the welcome mat is out and "come visit," so the phone number at home is (39.0423) 55138 and (39.0423) 618 219 at the office. You can also reach him at larry.hampton@lotto.it.

Gerald Garbacz, president and CEO of Nashua Corp. here in New Hampshire, has been elected vice chair of the board of directors of the Business and Industry Association of New Hampshire. Gerry transferred to Annapolis after our freshman year, and after his tour in the marines, he returned to graduate from Tuck and was later named a White House Fellow.

I called Jim Riffle in Columbus, Ind. (a community that is an architectural wonder!), where he has been retired since 1986 from Cummins Engine Cos. Jim resides on a peaceful lake and spends most of his time in volunteer work. He is active in a program in which he serves as a court-appointed special advocate for children in trouble with the courts. Jim is resisting the recommendation of his doctor, who tells him he needs an artificial knee. He says he would prefer to wait until medical science can grow the natural material.

Last month you read that we lost Henry"Hank" Bland. The class has purchased a book for the library with a special bookplate honoring Hank's memory, as we have for each deceased classmate over the years. Many of us were not aware of this special effort by the class.

The leaves are barely turning on Balch Hill, but you will read this in the holiday season. So please accept my warmest best wishes for the happiest of holiday seasons and a healthy, happy 2000.

Ralph Manuel, 4 Willow Spring Circle, Hanover, NH 03755; ralph.n.manuel@ valley.net