WOSA Jottings 1966 for 2008 Quad
From John Chaffee:
2007 was a memorable year for the Chaffee family. On July 21st our oldest son, Conrad (Woodstock, '95 Sage Program), married Luba Schwartzman, a terrific young woman of Russian Jewish background. The wedding took place in Binghamton at our Episcopalian church, with a canopied hupa up at the front under which they said their vows, and my brother Paul Chaffee (Woodstock '63) officiating. Just two weeks before that Barb and I spent a wonderful week in a rented house at the Chautauqua Institute in western New York with Chpebuh ('66) classmates Rajan Kose, Phil DeVol and his wife Susan, and Cate Whitcomb and her husband Jack Hinz. Also noteworthy were four awards that Barb received for her local and state-level work on HIV and AIDS and for her teaching of medical students. My own work has focused on developing a rapidly growing Asian program at Binghamton University, which is lots of fun.
From Don Camp:
I still find my professional life revolving around South Asia, as it has for most of the past 10 years. I visited Delhi and Bombay in April and gave a talk to a Delhi think tank on US-India relations (also on the panel: Grant Smith, Woodstock Class of 1958). I was planning to retire from the State Department in November but at the last moment (after they'd sent me a heavy crystal paperweight "in appreciation of your years of service"), I was asked to delay my retirement for 3-6 months to fill a sudden vacancy working on Pakistan in the South Asia bureau at State (talk about a thankless job!) Best to all in the Class of 1966.
Don Camp
From Richard and Suzanne McCulloch Friedericks
Suzanne and I turned 60 this year, too. We're happy and grateful, too. Life has been good. We still like it here in Hong Kong and like our jobs. I just returned from a 4 day conference in Bangkok and I'm now an "Apple Distinguished Educator" for Asian international schools. Suzy has given some talks to parent groups about beginning literacy and play. She's quite an expert now. I'm doing the finishing touches on a screenplay called "Snow Lion" and continue to lead high school students on our Interim trips to Western Sichuan Province in China, otherwise known as Eastern Tibet. We'll be in Port Townsend for Christmas with Suzy's mom and my parents. We look forward to our first grandchild. Ethan and his wife Jody who live in Santa Monica are expecting in March. And then we will celebrate Elizabeth's wedding next summer in Port Townsend. Life is good! Richard & Suzanne
Ruth Yoder Dyal - Jack and Cate visited Ruth and Jim in March of 2007 in Sarasota. They had just returned from is mission trip to Ghana with their twin sons. Both the boys seem to be interested in following their grandfather and mom into medicine. That visit also allowed Cate and Jack to drive down to Venus and visit Carol Jean Coleman Lansing's mom Aunt Becky Coleman. It was wonderful to see her.
From Claire Blickenstaff Beery:
With my youngest daughter, Zoe, heading off to college next year to study journalism, I look forward (yes, it's true) to a somewhat delayed "empty nest". I've expanded my teaching load at Santa Rosa Junior College and love teaching child development courses there. I was also promoted recently to head up the Parent Education and Early Childhood Mental Health programs for Jewish Family and Children's Services. Willow (36) continues to expand her urban food program in Oakland, CA. Mira (34) was married in July to Greg Domber. They met as Fulbright scholars in Poland so their secret language
between them is Polish! She is completing her PhD in comparative literature next year and published her first book of Polish poetry translations.
Cate got a visit in with Claire in March of 2008 when she went to San Francisco for a meeting - and got to have lunch with Mira and her new husband.
Love to you both, Claire
News from Yudhishthir Raj Isar is that he is co-editor with Helmut Anheier of a book, Culture and Civilization: Volume 1, Conflicts and Tensions. Raj, who is professionally known as Yudhishthir, has had a long, distinguished career with UNESCO.
From Linda Gamble (McKendry):
Hi Cate.... love hearing from you and thanks again for being the 'glue' that keeps our class going... after all these years... and yes, the big 60 is upon all of us and we are ALL getting better, not older... like fine wine and fine cheese. I have two sayings about birthdays.
"I'm old enough to know better, and young enough to do it again."
and
"You're not over the hill, if you don't remember reaching the top!".... I'm still reaching for the top. "
This last year I moved my home based office out of my home and into a commercial location with a limited lease. Business is bouncing all over the place as I try to find my place back here in Alberta. Since people use the word "decorate" for what I do, whether it's retail or residential... we have just changed the image of my company and our new motto is: "Decorating the Display Way." with the focus on: "Specializing in Solutions for Small Spaces: your home, office, or store." It's been exciting to hook up with some renovators here in Calgary who are willing to do the smaller jobs and smaller spaces... e.g. apartments being turned into condos in downtown Calgary.
Attached is an ad/article that just went out into one of our local human interest magazines, called GO! Magazine.
I'm still basking in the fun I had with you Cate in Chicago and the wonderful, perfect day I spent between flights at your place and visiting your church. Thanks again for the magazine. Mom and Dad have moved into a beautiful full service Lodge, called the Aspen lodge and they sold their house for a premium price because it was almost at the height of a crazy market here. God has blessed them. We continue to pray for their health and mental clarity as they are doing very well for their age. Still driving, though that is probably coming to a volunteer end soon.... I'm their EPA and it's been a lot of work and responsibility, the greatest challenge is pleasing the siblings!
Jim is retired. Just purchased an ATV and a Ford 450 to park it in, it won't fit in our driveway! .... and to tow the trailer as we head out to the mountain camp sites in the summer... for fishing and R&R... he will be looking at some business ventures soon, since his Non Comp from selling his business in Toronto is up end of the year.
It's great to have the grand children and children near by and see them at least once a month... I press on... and move forward for whatever God has for me this day and pray for each of you that you have a very Blessed Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.
Linda Gamble (McKendry)
From Karen Smyres Wolner:
Hi there Cate,
Here is a short version of our life!
Retirement is still as great as always for the Wolners. We enjoy volunteering at the state museum, taking historical walking tours of Albany, and short trips here and there. We recently were part of the Holiday Historical House Tour which was great fun. Jason returned safely from Iraq in May and is back teaching on Long Island. He has taken on the vice presidency of the NYS Technology Teachers' Assoc. Kim has moved to Atlanta with her significant other. She is a wish coordinator for Make a Wish Foundation. Caleb is a recruiter for the Peace Corps, having served in Mauritania.
From Carlton Hoke:
Holiday Greetings to you. December 2007
This past year has been an exciting one for our family. (1) The highlight was Alden's wedding to Amy Carter, his girlfriend of six and half years. The weather was perfect for an outdoor ceremony at the Stone Mill Inn near York, PA. The reception at the inn included wonderful food, good music, and a time to meet family and friends from far and near. Presently, Alden is teaching elementary music and Amy (Mrs. Hoke) is teaching first grade in the Manheim Central School District.
The grandchildren continue to be a special part of our lives. (2) On Simon's eighth birthday, Grandpa and Grandma and Simon and India joined the Heuer family for a Disney "Land and Sea" adventure. We visited all the theme parks and met up with the Johnson family for our day at the Magic Kingdom. It was good to board the Disney Wonder and to be pampered for the last part of the week with kid-friendly meals and great shows.
Grandpa and Grandma finished Simon's enrichment classes in the spring and began working with Lea in the fall. Lea was excited to make her own sewing kit and said, "Now I can teach my mom how to sew on buttons!" (3) We are happy to report that all three of the Carlisle cousins do ballet at CPYB and that Simon and India will both be featured in their Nutcracker this year. Lea added field hockey to her list of activities and Evan especially enjoyed his experience at Zoo America's zoo school.
(4) Another unforgettable experience was a two-week land and sea excursion to Alaska with a group of 24 from our church that included Steve, Amy, Lea, and Evan. Our favorite parts were numerous, including learning about a different culture, wildlife sightings, and eating halibut and smoked salmon. Also, we were able to become better friends with the people who went from our church
Even though he is "retired," Carlton continues to stay very busy by substitute teaching and volunteering at Hershey. A large part of his time was spent designing and building sets for two plays at the Hershey Area Playhouse. Then there are the art and computer projects to do, so our "seventies" house is still on hold.
(5) We especially enjoyed spending time at the new and improved cabin on Pine Creek. Since Jon and Anita live in Florida, Carlton is happy to check on things for them. It has been fun to share this beautiful spot with family and friends and go hiking, biking and kayaking together.
Carlton and Mary's winter trip was a cruise to the Western Caribbean in February with a stop in Cozumel, Mexico on Valentine's Day. At the end of the week, we spent some time with Mary's sister Susie in Palm Beach Gardens. In July, we were invited to share a house at Cape May with Aaron and Rebecca and her parents, Dean and Maxine. (6) We enjoyed the charm of the area so much that we returned in September, an ideal time to be at the beach.
We are very proud of our children and their spouses with their good deeds too numerous to mention. One of our favorite things is seeing family perform. (7) Aaron continues to sing in the chorus for Opera Cleveland and Rebecca is a featured soloist for other concerts. (8) Alden is now a member of the Steven Courtney band playing banjo and fiddle and singing back-up vocals. We have become "groupies" again. Alden's Amy performs with the Harrisburg Dance Conservatory when she can find the time and gave everyone a good laugh as "the fat lady." We look forward to seeing her as well as Alden in the HDC production of the Nutcracker this year. Andy retired after 20 years of singing with the Susquehanna Chorale to spend more time with his family. Christina is now working at the new Wegman's in their accounting department. Steve continues to climb the corporate ladder in the investments office of the State Employees' Retirement System. Our daughter, Amy, is involved with the children's ministries and the Moms' group at church in addition to singing in the church choir with Mom and Dad and ringing bells with Mom. She also volunteers at the school library.
(9) Another memorable time was had celebrating Grandpa Hoke's 90th birthday by getting the Hoke relatives together for a weekend at Kenbrook Camp. The boating, swimming, visiting, and eating there may become a yearly event.
We feel truly blessed and are thankful for good health, many wonderful friends, and a great family. Best wishes to you and yours in the New Year.
The Hokes, Mary and Carlton
December 2007
From Helke Wolff Ferrie:
Dear Friends and family!
As you know, our lives are often on the wild side. This past year has been no exception. In March I began to experience a lot of fatigue. After completing my round of lectures that month, including trips to Calgary and Edmonton, I suddenly became very sick. It turned out to be full-blown septicemia (blood poisoning) caused by cavitation (osteomyelitis) in my lower jaw and upper jaws and sinus areas. I had had a tooth pulled some time back and the surgeon (trained the old-fashioned way) didn't scrape out the root cavities, so the anaerobic nanobacteria took over and this was the result. Very dramatic: high fever, almost died on May 22nd. Emergency surgery saved my life, two more big operations followed, lost almost 20 pounds in one week, and I spent about 5 months more or less out of commission recovering, mostly at the cottage on Manitoulin Island. Lots of time to think and some time to read. I discovered the novels of Anthony Trolloppe, the great 19th century writer, contemporary of Dickens, Thackary- and Collins but their superior in every way: truly the Shakespeare of English prose! I read my way through 20 novels and am very happy that there are another 26 left to read, after completion of which I will go into serious grief! Of course, this illness put my second book on the backburner for another year. My first book, Dispatches from the War Zone of Environmental Health, was translated into French. I did get most of my monthly articles written at least, and recently regained enough energy to get back on the lecture circuit telling people about the joys and crimes in the politics of medicine. I have now started to lecture for University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies -- an educated crowd whose members ask really good questions. Rip-roaring fun!
Bob has discovered some new and very useful therapy techniques which he has added to his EMDR protocol. He also turned 70! Given his level of energy and enthusiasm with work, dogs, the outdoors and life in general, I am having trouble adjusting to the chronological fact of his age. He's got the secret of lingering youth.
Our daughter Bronwen decided after almost 10 years to return to India, which was something of a surprise. Her middle daughter, Ysolt (14), is already there and studying at Woodstock School, that fabulous international school in the foothills of the Himalayas. That makes it the third generation; I graduated from there in 1966 and Bronwen did too in 1989. She recently left for India with the youngest, Malhar (12) and hopes to start teaching piano at Woodstock School later in the New Year. The eldest, Miranda (almost 16) chose to stay in Canada and is living with us — which makes the house lively to the point of occasionally breathtaking! She is into art, music, and politics and has even made it into a new civics textbook due to her work at age 13 when she and her friend Sarah (sick from a type of leukemia known to be caused by lawn pesticides) made it into the Toronto Daily Star for taking, on the Orangeville town council over the issue of cosmetic pesticides - they are now to be banned throughout Ontario in 2008, much to her satisfaction. As I write this she is in India, visiting her biological father for the first time in 9 years. She took her 15-year old cousin Aaron (son of our foster daughter Debbie) with her. This will be quite the Christmas for them both!
Bryce has decided to go into education professionally and leave the rarified air of philosophy for the more practical applications gathered from such contemplations. Academia began to get oil his nerves – something I call deeply sympathize with. The line between highfalutin learning and absurdity is a very fine one indeed. He is living in Hamilton with his partner Parul down-to-earth and into naturopathetic medicine, and two cats with extraordinary personalities. His health continues to improve and he looks great!
Ashoka has moved into his own apartment and ceased to camp out in a friend's basement. He works way too hard, but will hopefully sooner or later come up for air again. Debbie has had a bad time because her job was axed by the Ontario government. She had put her heart and soul into a new department that helped families get back oil their feet and prevented their children from being taken into government care. The program was immensely successful and saved the government millions, yet down it went. She is still with the same department and working, but licking her wounds and feeling mighty bruised. With time and support from her partner Judy who is deeply involved in human rights issues, Debbie will emerge stronger and better than before.
Much of the summer was spent with the grand children on Manitoulin Island. Gone are the days of fairy tales at bed-time and make-believe games around the porches. .Now it's deep discussions about Global warming, sex, and similar essentials – often involving friends from everywhere else oil the cell-phone. Their candor and clear-headed rejection of so much of the adult world's bullshit never ceases to amaze me.
Our old Volvo died, but we have the secret on how to beat-the system: we bought two 1995 Volvo's for less than $ 10,000 combined, both in great condition, one a station wagon., , the other a sedan. Built before 1999 when Ford took over Volvo. they have excellent fuel economy, which became worse after 2000. The pre-1999 are also much easier to fix.
With a full practice Bob has another creative year to look forward to, and I have plenty to do with two new books planned in my publishing company. I am also deeply involved in a nation-wide action to ban from the food supply antibiotics, hormones, genetically engineered food stuffs etc. and bring Canadian food production in line with the European Union's current standard. See my website for details: www.kospublishing.com.
Among the best books of the year at the top ranks Mark Schapiro's Exposed: The Toxic Chemistry of Everyday Products and What’s At Stake for American Power (my enclosed article on it). Then of course Anthony Trolloppe whose psychological analyses .of the Victorian mind in every way mirrors the problems of our time. For sheer entertainment and enjoyment nothing beats the gentle wisdom and transcendent humor of Alexander McCall Smith – all of them! Start with The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency, set in Botswana.
We hope you are alive and well in every way and that 2008 will be good to you and yours, and especially your health!
Helke and Bob
Larry Pao is the creative director at the Jones Agency in Palm Springs, California. More information about him and his company are available on http://www.jonesagency.com/lpao.html/
From Mary Ellen Fritschle Noggle:
Sorry for the delay! I am to be a grandma for the fourth time! My daughter Lydia, who lives in Seattle, is pregnant with her first child. I am planning to take 6 weeks this summer and stay with them in Seattle. It's a wonderful city and summer is just a great time to be there. I would love to meet with any classmates in the vicinity just give me the contact info and we can set something up. Have a blessed new year everyone. Mary Ellen (Fritschle) Noggle
From Bill Marble:
Hi Cate and Patty,
I know that it has been a while since I have had any thing in the Quadrangle Jottings or never for that matter.
I guess it is time to change that, I have been in Modesto Calif after leaving
Woodstock. My wife Lynette and I have two daughters Gina, married to James De Jong and they have our three grand sons Braeden (6) Micah (3) and Logon (15 months). They keep us going, and live just around the corner from us. Our younger Valerie (27) is still at home.
Lynette is a full time sub teacher with Modesto City School and the Stanislaus County School. She is very well liked and has calls to sub every day.
I am in between jobs and filling in as a house husband and getting pretty good at it. Our church is sponsoring a Sea to Sea bike tour later this summer. Sea to Sea Bike Tour - Christian Reformed Church I am hoping to ride the Seattle to Denver leg of the tour. I have been a vivid bike rider for the last nine years, with 45,000 miles to my credit. Bike riding is a great way to slow the pace of life down and take time to " smell the roses" so to speak. You can do a lot on two wheels instead of four,
I would really like to reconnect with my class and schoolmates by Email---wlm1715@aol.com.
Till next time, Bill Marble
Rajan Kose, living in Boulder, Colorado was happy to report the arrival of his first grandchild, Tyler Kose – to son Brent Kose, in January of 2007.
Ruth Morris Paige, who works at Wright State University, is planning a trip to India with husband Harvey in February 2008. Harvey has been teaching in Bahrain on a Fulbright fellowship this year.
Cate and Jack spent 11 days in Mussorie in August 2007 and volunteered in the Development Office - filling up their spare time visiting as many friends as possible. A memorable reunion occurred on Tehri Road, right above South Hill with John Alter (’65), Tom Alter (’68) and Darab Naggarwalla (’80) – completely a surprise to all involved. As always, Cate and Jack would welcome any WOSA travelers as they pass through Chicago.
From Frances Hilliard Dawson:
Dear Cate,
I may be too late for a 2007 synopsis, if so it will remain a communication for you. For the last three weeks I have been doing my annual Martha as 10 members of family live and visit under our roof. My sister and family are still here but the numbers are shrinking daily.
As another cancer patient summarized it, the first part of 2007 was the poison and burn phase of
treatment. During the most miserable stages my daughter, Jacqueline and husband, Michael took up the
cooking responsibilities. As I was not working at the time I was able to indulge in sleep when needed and
when I could not sleep, reading or catching up on movies or Sister Wendy DVDs looking at various US art
galleries, into the wee hours of the morning. There was lots of time for reflection, strengthening
friendships and relearning how fortunate I am to be loved by and love some truly wonderful people.
The highlight of the year was my daughter Kathleen's wedding in August. She and her husband (another
Michael) live in Calgary where she is in the middle of her second year of teaching. While she was in teachers college she became interested in the influence of the personal narratives of family and how they influence the next generation. She is now contemplating spending some of next summer with my mother and writing about her life in India. She may also include some of my grandmother's story.
I have returned to my volunteer activities and hope to find a part time job sooner than later!!
You sound as busy and mobile as usual. May you have a blessed 2008 full of wonder and joy.
Affectionately, Frances
From Elizabetth “Pixie” Roxburgh:
Hi!
The letters and cards are arriving and the radio is playing Christmas carols so it must be that time of year again, time for me to look back and summarise my year if I can. I’ve had ups and downs and a few changes to my life style. The biggest change is that at the end of July I resigned from my job at Christchurch Public Hospital, after nearly 30 years (21 on night shift) working for the same employer! For the last few years I have been finding the job more and more demanding and stressful and I felt I had a choice of either cutting back to part-time or quitting altogether. There were pro’s and con’s to each choice but in the end I decided to quit, not least because for complicated reasons concerning my pension plan, in the long run, I was better off financially to do so. So I have had a lovely time catching up on (years worth of) sleep, being able to go down to Geraldine to visit Mother more often and generally "getting a life" again.
One part of life I have really enjoyed reactivating has been to rejoin Christchurch City Choir - how I love singing! We’ve done four concerts since I rejoined, with a whole variety of music ranging from Handel’s Messiah (1741) to Gilbert & Sullivan (late 1800’s) to "Wenceslas" by local composer Philip Norman (who is the composer in residence for the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra at present) which we performed last night at the Christmas Proms concert and recorded for a forthcoming CD. (Watch this space...) We now have time off till February, but we have homework to do, learning Tschaikovsky’s Liturgy of St John Chrysostom, in Russian no less.
I’ve also been reading/rereading lots of books (surprise?) but now I am a "pensioner" I am trying to learn to use the library more, rather than buying all the time. Unfortunately that means having to wait sometimes for a book to come in or even having to request it on interloan - I guess it is helping me learn a bit more patience. Speaking of books, I would like to reread my Peter Wimsey books by Dorothy L. Sayers, but I can’t remember whom I lent them to a year or three (or five?) ago. I know they’re old and scruffy, but if it’s you, please may I have them back? (I might even part with a ransom...)
Having been catless for two years, I acquired Pyara (means "Beloved" in Hindi) in January and he truly was beloved, but just days after his first birthday he was hit by a car and killed. Just this last week I have been to the RSPCA and now have a new kitten whom I have called Piseag, pronounced peshag, the Gaelic word for kitten. (Gaelic for cat is just that, according to the dictionary I consulted.) So now I am covered with a new crop of scratches as he climbs all over me, purring all the time, I might add. So far he hasn’t discovered the net curtains which I had only just replaced after Pyara destroyed the old ones - he had such fun...! (Nngghh!)
Other ups and downs have been doing part of the Otago Rail Trail with Rachel, John and Lauren and John and Teresa (an up, especially the meals...), getting a new car (another up) because I had an accident and wrote off my previous car (a definite down!), but was completely unhurt in the accident (another up, thank you Lord), getting a nasty virus which wiped out all my files including all the addresses in my address book (very much a down) so unless you’ve emailed me since I can only contact you by phone or snailmail, which as I’m sure you know, is not my forte! That’ll larn me to back up my files, (maybe?) Another up, a lovely one, is that I have finally got new curtains in my living area, paid for in part with the very generous gift voucher I was given as a farewell gift from work. They are burgundy, plain i.e. unpatterned, they go with my lounge suite, and I love them! (I hated the old ones, not my colours at all...)
This year is the "away" year and all my siblings will be celebrating Christmas with their in-laws so I have invited Mother to join me here in Christchurch at my place - a good incentive for me to do some housework (as I say, it’s not that I don’t know how, just that I don’t...) It’ll be a very quiet contrast to the large gathering of the clan last year at Stuart and Robyn’s place in Dovedale where we had five tents on the lawn. Just as well they live in the country and have room to spread! Hilary and Andrew have gone to England for their granddaughter Ellie’s first Christmas and birthday (she was born in January to Sarah and Pete) and then will be back in Nelson for their fifth grandchild’s appearance in the home of Rachel and Ed. No other additions and alterations to report this year.
Happy Christmas, everyone, (I know I’m late getting this out, but what’s new?) and may God bless you all in the new year.
Love, Elizabeth
From Paul and Lydia Spottswood:
Cate,
Thanks for your patience, Paul probably didn't get back so here's some of our news.
Paul is on the International Faculty of Operation Smile. Last fall he joined their mission to Nicaragua, and in 2008 it looks like he's heading to Honduras and Peru...and possibly more trips. He's honing his Spanish, and loves the chance to have a part in helping children and their families this way.
Our son Mark is a law clerk with Judge Pallmeyer in Chicago, after graduating Summa cum laude from Northwestern University School of Law last summer. He'll be clerking in Ohio at the Circuit Court level next year. His wife Sarah is also an attorney, working with Jenner (Chicago) this year and next year she'll be clerking at the District Court level in Columbus as well.
Our daughter Jayne just graduated from Loyola University, Chicago with her degree in Communications. She spent her senior year working with a small Public Relations firm in Chicago, and is currently pounding the pavement looking for a job with a larger firm in the Chicago area.
Her twin sister Erin, a senior at Carthage College (also a Communications major), is awaiting word from graduate programs. Her first choice is Northwestern University, so our fingers are crossed for her.
I'm busy with some remodelling projects at home, and spend a lot of time counseling parent who have turned to Family Based Treatment for their children with eating disorders. On the side I'm helping with our Church building expansion.
We feel hopeful and incredibly blessed as we start this New Year, and send greetings to all!
Paul and Lydia
From Raj Isar:
Yudhisthir (Raj) Isar (ex-class of 66) served in the Culture department of UNESCO from 1973 to 2203. During his time at UNESCO he was Executive Secretary of the World Commission on Culture and Development, Director of the International Fund for the Promotion of Culture and Editor-in-Chief of the quarterly Museum . In 1986-87 he was Executive Director of The Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture at Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He is currently President of the European Forum for the Arts and Heritage (EFAH), Jean Monnet Professsor of Cultural Policy Studies at The American University of Paris, Maitre de Conférences at the Institut d'Etudes Politiques de Paris (Sciences Po) and Managing Editor of Cultures and Globalization, a series of annual publications launched under the aegis of UCLA and the London School of Economics. As an independent cultural advisor, he writes and lectures regularly on a broad range of cultural topics. He is a member of the Board of the Institute of International Visual Arts (inIVA), London; Special Advisor to the the Sanskriti Foundation; International Advisor to Aid to Artisans (ATA) and to the World Bank's Development Gateway. He has been a consultant to the European Commission, the Organization of American States and the European Cultural Foundation.
From Pete Petersen:
Pete Petersen continues his second career as real estate broker, just an excuse to make money for
traveling and fly fishing. Sheri is retired from teaching so we have started "bagging" lighthouses and fly fishing on the side. Last fall went around Lake Michigan which has the most lighthouses of any body of water. Son Sean and wife Suzanna remain in St. Louis, he works in criminal Justice, his Master's field waiting to go to law school when she finishes her residency in pediatrics and internal medicine. We have a guest room in Kansas City!
Chpebuh Nation, Pete
From Sherry Sergeant Cox:
We hope this letter finds you doing well and able to enjoy this special time of year. The first order of business this year is to give you our NEW email address which is s4cox@mptelco.com
This letter was started before Christmas but we knew it would be the new year before getting it to you. With Sarah and Stephanie finishing their college semester exams and our getting ready for our Christmas trip to the frozen north (Minnesota and Wisconsin) we decided once again just to make this a new year’s letter. Now that we are back home we hope to get you caught up with our family.
Our Christmas trip was great. Even with the potential perils of travelling in winter, we had very few weather related problems while flying or driving. We flew to Minnesota and spent a night with Steve’s Mom before heading to Madison, WI to spend Christmas with Steve’s sister, Mary and her family. We returned to Minnesota for a few days before flying back to Lawton on the 31st of December. We were able to see a number of relatives and friends in Menomonie, WI, Minneapolis, and Grand Rapids, MN during our trip and Sarah and Stephanie were able to go snowmobiling (something they had never done) compliments of family friends who live near Grand Rapids. This was a great trip, albeit too short.
With the exception of our Christmas trip, we had only one other trip where all four of us were able to go together. In March, during Spring Break, we drove to Vicksburg and Natchez, Mississippi. We had never been to that part of the country and wanted to see some of the historical sites but more importantly the antebellum homes there. The trip was a lot of fun and educational for all of us. There were several trips to Manhattan, KS this past year. Stephanie was the Maid of Honor for her best friend who was married in September in Manhattan so a couple of the trips were for wedding related stuff. This past summer Stephanie went back to New Orleans with a youth group from church. The church group went down to help do cleanup work for those people who can’t afford to do it themselves.
Steve is still working for the American Red Cross at Fort Sill and he is still the Midnight Shift Supervisor. On the 22nd of January, 2008 he will have 28 years with the Red Cross, all of it working with the U.S. military and their families. He is still a lay reader at church. Over this past year he slowly but surely took care of some of the fix-it projects around the house.
Sherry keeps busy with home, church, and Mary Kay. She also started working for a neighbor who has a home business of transporting Medicaid patients to & from appointments. Sherry posts invoices etc. Teaching Sunday school and singing in the church choir keep her busy most Sundays. She continues to tutor a home school student in Spanish. Not only is she helping the student out, it keeps her Spanish from getting rusty. She also has a new job that of “cat watcher”. Our cat enjoys going out in our backyard especially when the birds are in the trees. The cat has decided she wants to…and can…jump over our wooden fence. Since it’s not easy to catch her and bring her home, one of us has to watch her at all times when she is outside. Sherry gets that job most of the time.
Sarah is back in college. She is attending Southwestern Oklahoma State University which is in Weatherford, OK. After being out of school for about a year, she decided she wanted to go back. She is working on a degree to become a Physical Therapy Assistant. In addition to getting back into the college mindset, she is learning what it is like to live in an apartment alone. This past summer she worked as a Nanny here in Lawton. The family she worked for has two girls ages 6 and 9 years. There were challenges and rewards with this job. The highlight of the Christmas trip for Sarah was snowmobiling with Buckshot (our friend) since she didn’t get to see a real moose!!.
Stephanie continues at Cameron University as a sophomore and lives at home. She is now working toward a degree in Nursing. Along with nursing related courses, she has been taking art classes and piano lessons. She was one of the pianists for the Cameron University choir. Stephanie and Sherry sang in the Lawton community choir production of the Messiah. This past summer she worked again at the snow cone shop and taught private swimming lessons to 7 kids for a few weeks in early summer. In July she was a sponsor when our church went to Falls Creek Church Camp. This fall she started teaching Sunday school at church to 7th grade girls. She continues to help coach her home school volleyball team. Though free time doesn’t come often she loves to read and develop her photography,
We had a few people come to visit us this past year. Sherry’s Mom, June Sergeant, spent a few weeks with us in May. Dick and Eileen Vautravers, friends from Lincoln, NE, dropped in on their way to Dallas. Friends rang in the New Year with fireworks and freezing temperatures. The Crouches who now live in Tyler, TX came back for a visit and friends again for the 4th of July with fireworks and hot temperatures.
Last year, 2006, Oklahoma had so little rain that we were in a drought. Spring of 2007 brought so much rain that there was serious flooding in the Lawton area. We made up for our deficit and are now 20 inches above normal in out rainfall level. While it was nice not having to water the garden for most of the growing season, the grass had to be cut almost weekly.
This fall we “adopted” two college girls from Nepal. There are a lot of international students at Cameron University and there is a Christian based group that tries to match students with a local family. The idea is to help the student(s) settle into college life in Lawton. The two Nepali girls are freshman and have never been away from home. One of the girls transferred to OU in Norman since they have a better Physics degree program. When we returned from our trip we found the other girl had very suddenly transferred to a school in Kansas City, MO, We were sad to see them go.
Once again it is time to close out our news of the year. You are in our thoughts and prayers always. As in the past, if you find yourself in this part of the country, you are always welcome to stop in for a visit. God bless you all year long.
Sherry and Steve
From Phil Schoonmaker:
As for me, as of this very day (May 23, 2008), I am retiring from the piano industry for good and taking on a senior pastorate on Cape Cod and overseeing the addition of a distance-learning highschool to a K-8 Christian academy. I founded the whole works over 20 years ago and they want me back, so here I go! Janie is still doing real estate.
From John Chaffee:
2007 was a memorable year for the Chaffee family. On July 21st our oldest son, Conrad (Woodstock, '95 Sage Program), married Luba Schwartzman, a terrific young woman of Russian Jewish background. The wedding took place in Binghamton at our Episcopalian church, with a canopied hupa up at the front under which they said their vows, and my brother Paul Chaffee (Woodstock '63) officiating. Just two weeks before that Barb and I spent a wonderful week in a rented house at the Chautauqua Institute in western New York with Chpebuh ('66) classmates Rajan Kose, Phil DeVol and his wife Susan, and Cate Whitcomb and her husband Jack Hinz. Also noteworthy were four awards that Barb received for her local and state-level work on HIV and AIDS and for her teaching of medical students. My own work has focused on developing a rapidly growing Asian program at Binghamton University, which is lots of fun.
From Don Camp:
I still find my professional life revolving around South Asia, as it has for most of the past 10 years. I visited Delhi and Bombay in April and gave a talk to a Delhi think tank on US-India relations (also on the panel: Grant Smith, Woodstock Class of 1958). I was planning to retire from the State Department in November but at the last moment (after they'd sent me a heavy crystal paperweight "in appreciation of your years of service"), I was asked to delay my retirement for 3-6 months to fill a sudden vacancy working on Pakistan in the South Asia bureau at State (talk about a thankless job!) Best to all in the Class of 1966.
Don Camp
From Richard and Suzanne McCulloch Friedericks
Suzanne and I turned 60 this year, too. We're happy and grateful, too. Life has been good. We still like it here in Hong Kong and like our jobs. I just returned from a 4 day conference in Bangkok and I'm now an "Apple Distinguished Educator" for Asian international schools. Suzy has given some talks to parent groups about beginning literacy and play. She's quite an expert now. I'm doing the finishing touches on a screenplay called "Snow Lion" and continue to lead high school students on our Interim trips to Western Sichuan Province in China, otherwise known as Eastern Tibet. We'll be in Port Townsend for Christmas with Suzy's mom and my parents. We look forward to our first grandchild. Ethan and his wife Jody who live in Santa Monica are expecting in March. And then we will celebrate Elizabeth's wedding next summer in Port Townsend. Life is good! Richard & Suzanne
Ruth Yoder Dyal - Jack and Cate visited Ruth and Jim in March of 2007 in Sarasota. They had just returned from is mission trip to Ghana with their twin sons. Both the boys seem to be interested in following their grandfather and mom into medicine. That visit also allowed Cate and Jack to drive down to Venus and visit Carol Jean Coleman Lansing's mom Aunt Becky Coleman. It was wonderful to see her.
From Claire Blickenstaff Beery:
With my youngest daughter, Zoe, heading off to college next year to study journalism, I look forward (yes, it's true) to a somewhat delayed "empty nest". I've expanded my teaching load at Santa Rosa Junior College and love teaching child development courses there. I was also promoted recently to head up the Parent Education and Early Childhood Mental Health programs for Jewish Family and Children's Services. Willow (36) continues to expand her urban food program in Oakland, CA. Mira (34) was married in July to Greg Domber. They met as Fulbright scholars in Poland so their secret language
between them is Polish! She is completing her PhD in comparative literature next year and published her first book of Polish poetry translations.
Cate got a visit in with Claire in March of 2008 when she went to San Francisco for a meeting - and got to have lunch with Mira and her new husband.
Love to you both, Claire
News from Yudhishthir Raj Isar is that he is co-editor with Helmut Anheier of a book, Culture and Civilization: Volume 1, Conflicts and Tensions. Raj, who is professionally known as Yudhishthir, has had a long, distinguished career with UNESCO.
From Linda Gamble (McKendry):
Hi Cate.... love hearing from you and thanks again for being the 'glue' that keeps our class going... after all these years... and yes, the big 60 is upon all of us and we are ALL getting better, not older... like fine wine and fine cheese. I have two sayings about birthdays.
"I'm old enough to know better, and young enough to do it again."
and
"You're not over the hill, if you don't remember reaching the top!".... I'm still reaching for the top. "
This last year I moved my home based office out of my home and into a commercial location with a limited lease. Business is bouncing all over the place as I try to find my place back here in Alberta. Since people use the word "decorate" for what I do, whether it's retail or residential... we have just changed the image of my company and our new motto is: "Decorating the Display Way." with the focus on: "Specializing in Solutions for Small Spaces: your home, office, or store." It's been exciting to hook up with some renovators here in Calgary who are willing to do the smaller jobs and smaller spaces... e.g. apartments being turned into condos in downtown Calgary.
Attached is an ad/article that just went out into one of our local human interest magazines, called GO! Magazine.
I'm still basking in the fun I had with you Cate in Chicago and the wonderful, perfect day I spent between flights at your place and visiting your church. Thanks again for the magazine. Mom and Dad have moved into a beautiful full service Lodge, called the Aspen lodge and they sold their house for a premium price because it was almost at the height of a crazy market here. God has blessed them. We continue to pray for their health and mental clarity as they are doing very well for their age. Still driving, though that is probably coming to a volunteer end soon.... I'm their EPA and it's been a lot of work and responsibility, the greatest challenge is pleasing the siblings!
Jim is retired. Just purchased an ATV and a Ford 450 to park it in, it won't fit in our driveway! .... and to tow the trailer as we head out to the mountain camp sites in the summer... for fishing and R&R... he will be looking at some business ventures soon, since his Non Comp from selling his business in Toronto is up end of the year.
It's great to have the grand children and children near by and see them at least once a month... I press on... and move forward for whatever God has for me this day and pray for each of you that you have a very Blessed Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.
Linda Gamble (McKendry)
From Karen Smyres Wolner:
Hi there Cate,
Here is a short version of our life!
Retirement is still as great as always for the Wolners. We enjoy volunteering at the state museum, taking historical walking tours of Albany, and short trips here and there. We recently were part of the Holiday Historical House Tour which was great fun. Jason returned safely from Iraq in May and is back teaching on Long Island. He has taken on the vice presidency of the NYS Technology Teachers' Assoc. Kim has moved to Atlanta with her significant other. She is a wish coordinator for Make a Wish Foundation. Caleb is a recruiter for the Peace Corps, having served in Mauritania.
From Carlton Hoke:
Holiday Greetings to you. December 2007
This past year has been an exciting one for our family. (1) The highlight was Alden's wedding to Amy Carter, his girlfriend of six and half years. The weather was perfect for an outdoor ceremony at the Stone Mill Inn near York, PA. The reception at the inn included wonderful food, good music, and a time to meet family and friends from far and near. Presently, Alden is teaching elementary music and Amy (Mrs. Hoke) is teaching first grade in the Manheim Central School District.
The grandchildren continue to be a special part of our lives. (2) On Simon's eighth birthday, Grandpa and Grandma and Simon and India joined the Heuer family for a Disney "Land and Sea" adventure. We visited all the theme parks and met up with the Johnson family for our day at the Magic Kingdom. It was good to board the Disney Wonder and to be pampered for the last part of the week with kid-friendly meals and great shows.
Grandpa and Grandma finished Simon's enrichment classes in the spring and began working with Lea in the fall. Lea was excited to make her own sewing kit and said, "Now I can teach my mom how to sew on buttons!" (3) We are happy to report that all three of the Carlisle cousins do ballet at CPYB and that Simon and India will both be featured in their Nutcracker this year. Lea added field hockey to her list of activities and Evan especially enjoyed his experience at Zoo America's zoo school.
(4) Another unforgettable experience was a two-week land and sea excursion to Alaska with a group of 24 from our church that included Steve, Amy, Lea, and Evan. Our favorite parts were numerous, including learning about a different culture, wildlife sightings, and eating halibut and smoked salmon. Also, we were able to become better friends with the people who went from our church
Even though he is "retired," Carlton continues to stay very busy by substitute teaching and volunteering at Hershey. A large part of his time was spent designing and building sets for two plays at the Hershey Area Playhouse. Then there are the art and computer projects to do, so our "seventies" house is still on hold.
(5) We especially enjoyed spending time at the new and improved cabin on Pine Creek. Since Jon and Anita live in Florida, Carlton is happy to check on things for them. It has been fun to share this beautiful spot with family and friends and go hiking, biking and kayaking together.
Carlton and Mary's winter trip was a cruise to the Western Caribbean in February with a stop in Cozumel, Mexico on Valentine's Day. At the end of the week, we spent some time with Mary's sister Susie in Palm Beach Gardens. In July, we were invited to share a house at Cape May with Aaron and Rebecca and her parents, Dean and Maxine. (6) We enjoyed the charm of the area so much that we returned in September, an ideal time to be at the beach.
We are very proud of our children and their spouses with their good deeds too numerous to mention. One of our favorite things is seeing family perform. (7) Aaron continues to sing in the chorus for Opera Cleveland and Rebecca is a featured soloist for other concerts. (8) Alden is now a member of the Steven Courtney band playing banjo and fiddle and singing back-up vocals. We have become "groupies" again. Alden's Amy performs with the Harrisburg Dance Conservatory when she can find the time and gave everyone a good laugh as "the fat lady." We look forward to seeing her as well as Alden in the HDC production of the Nutcracker this year. Andy retired after 20 years of singing with the Susquehanna Chorale to spend more time with his family. Christina is now working at the new Wegman's in their accounting department. Steve continues to climb the corporate ladder in the investments office of the State Employees' Retirement System. Our daughter, Amy, is involved with the children's ministries and the Moms' group at church in addition to singing in the church choir with Mom and Dad and ringing bells with Mom. She also volunteers at the school library.
(9) Another memorable time was had celebrating Grandpa Hoke's 90th birthday by getting the Hoke relatives together for a weekend at Kenbrook Camp. The boating, swimming, visiting, and eating there may become a yearly event.
We feel truly blessed and are thankful for good health, many wonderful friends, and a great family. Best wishes to you and yours in the New Year.
The Hokes, Mary and Carlton
December 2007
From Helke Wolff Ferrie:
Dear Friends and family!
As you know, our lives are often on the wild side. This past year has been no exception. In March I began to experience a lot of fatigue. After completing my round of lectures that month, including trips to Calgary and Edmonton, I suddenly became very sick. It turned out to be full-blown septicemia (blood poisoning) caused by cavitation (osteomyelitis) in my lower jaw and upper jaws and sinus areas. I had had a tooth pulled some time back and the surgeon (trained the old-fashioned way) didn't scrape out the root cavities, so the anaerobic nanobacteria took over and this was the result. Very dramatic: high fever, almost died on May 22nd. Emergency surgery saved my life, two more big operations followed, lost almost 20 pounds in one week, and I spent about 5 months more or less out of commission recovering, mostly at the cottage on Manitoulin Island. Lots of time to think and some time to read. I discovered the novels of Anthony Trolloppe, the great 19th century writer, contemporary of Dickens, Thackary- and Collins but their superior in every way: truly the Shakespeare of English prose! I read my way through 20 novels and am very happy that there are another 26 left to read, after completion of which I will go into serious grief! Of course, this illness put my second book on the backburner for another year. My first book, Dispatches from the War Zone of Environmental Health, was translated into French. I did get most of my monthly articles written at least, and recently regained enough energy to get back on the lecture circuit telling people about the joys and crimes in the politics of medicine. I have now started to lecture for University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies -- an educated crowd whose members ask really good questions. Rip-roaring fun!
Bob has discovered some new and very useful therapy techniques which he has added to his EMDR protocol. He also turned 70! Given his level of energy and enthusiasm with work, dogs, the outdoors and life in general, I am having trouble adjusting to the chronological fact of his age. He's got the secret of lingering youth.
Our daughter Bronwen decided after almost 10 years to return to India, which was something of a surprise. Her middle daughter, Ysolt (14), is already there and studying at Woodstock School, that fabulous international school in the foothills of the Himalayas. That makes it the third generation; I graduated from there in 1966 and Bronwen did too in 1989. She recently left for India with the youngest, Malhar (12) and hopes to start teaching piano at Woodstock School later in the New Year. The eldest, Miranda (almost 16) chose to stay in Canada and is living with us — which makes the house lively to the point of occasionally breathtaking! She is into art, music, and politics and has even made it into a new civics textbook due to her work at age 13 when she and her friend Sarah (sick from a type of leukemia known to be caused by lawn pesticides) made it into the Toronto Daily Star for taking, on the Orangeville town council over the issue of cosmetic pesticides - they are now to be banned throughout Ontario in 2008, much to her satisfaction. As I write this she is in India, visiting her biological father for the first time in 9 years. She took her 15-year old cousin Aaron (son of our foster daughter Debbie) with her. This will be quite the Christmas for them both!
Bryce has decided to go into education professionally and leave the rarified air of philosophy for the more practical applications gathered from such contemplations. Academia began to get oil his nerves – something I call deeply sympathize with. The line between highfalutin learning and absurdity is a very fine one indeed. He is living in Hamilton with his partner Parul down-to-earth and into naturopathetic medicine, and two cats with extraordinary personalities. His health continues to improve and he looks great!
Ashoka has moved into his own apartment and ceased to camp out in a friend's basement. He works way too hard, but will hopefully sooner or later come up for air again. Debbie has had a bad time because her job was axed by the Ontario government. She had put her heart and soul into a new department that helped families get back oil their feet and prevented their children from being taken into government care. The program was immensely successful and saved the government millions, yet down it went. She is still with the same department and working, but licking her wounds and feeling mighty bruised. With time and support from her partner Judy who is deeply involved in human rights issues, Debbie will emerge stronger and better than before.
Much of the summer was spent with the grand children on Manitoulin Island. Gone are the days of fairy tales at bed-time and make-believe games around the porches. .Now it's deep discussions about Global warming, sex, and similar essentials – often involving friends from everywhere else oil the cell-phone. Their candor and clear-headed rejection of so much of the adult world's bullshit never ceases to amaze me.
Our old Volvo died, but we have the secret on how to beat-the system: we bought two 1995 Volvo's for less than $ 10,000 combined, both in great condition, one a station wagon., , the other a sedan. Built before 1999 when Ford took over Volvo. they have excellent fuel economy, which became worse after 2000. The pre-1999 are also much easier to fix.
With a full practice Bob has another creative year to look forward to, and I have plenty to do with two new books planned in my publishing company. I am also deeply involved in a nation-wide action to ban from the food supply antibiotics, hormones, genetically engineered food stuffs etc. and bring Canadian food production in line with the European Union's current standard. See my website for details: www.kospublishing.com.
Among the best books of the year at the top ranks Mark Schapiro's Exposed: The Toxic Chemistry of Everyday Products and What’s At Stake for American Power (my enclosed article on it). Then of course Anthony Trolloppe whose psychological analyses .of the Victorian mind in every way mirrors the problems of our time. For sheer entertainment and enjoyment nothing beats the gentle wisdom and transcendent humor of Alexander McCall Smith – all of them! Start with The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency, set in Botswana.
We hope you are alive and well in every way and that 2008 will be good to you and yours, and especially your health!
Helke and Bob
Larry Pao is the creative director at the Jones Agency in Palm Springs, California. More information about him and his company are available on http://www.jonesagency.com/lpao.html/
From Mary Ellen Fritschle Noggle:
Sorry for the delay! I am to be a grandma for the fourth time! My daughter Lydia, who lives in Seattle, is pregnant with her first child. I am planning to take 6 weeks this summer and stay with them in Seattle. It's a wonderful city and summer is just a great time to be there. I would love to meet with any classmates in the vicinity just give me the contact info and we can set something up. Have a blessed new year everyone. Mary Ellen (Fritschle) Noggle
From Bill Marble:
Hi Cate and Patty,
I know that it has been a while since I have had any thing in the Quadrangle Jottings or never for that matter.
I guess it is time to change that, I have been in Modesto Calif after leaving
Woodstock. My wife Lynette and I have two daughters Gina, married to James De Jong and they have our three grand sons Braeden (6) Micah (3) and Logon (15 months). They keep us going, and live just around the corner from us. Our younger Valerie (27) is still at home.
Lynette is a full time sub teacher with Modesto City School and the Stanislaus County School. She is very well liked and has calls to sub every day.
I am in between jobs and filling in as a house husband and getting pretty good at it. Our church is sponsoring a Sea to Sea bike tour later this summer. Sea to Sea Bike Tour - Christian Reformed Church I am hoping to ride the Seattle to Denver leg of the tour. I have been a vivid bike rider for the last nine years, with 45,000 miles to my credit. Bike riding is a great way to slow the pace of life down and take time to " smell the roses" so to speak. You can do a lot on two wheels instead of four,
I would really like to reconnect with my class and schoolmates by Email---wlm1715@aol.com.
Till next time, Bill Marble
Rajan Kose, living in Boulder, Colorado was happy to report the arrival of his first grandchild, Tyler Kose – to son Brent Kose, in January of 2007.
Ruth Morris Paige, who works at Wright State University, is planning a trip to India with husband Harvey in February 2008. Harvey has been teaching in Bahrain on a Fulbright fellowship this year.
Cate and Jack spent 11 days in Mussorie in August 2007 and volunteered in the Development Office - filling up their spare time visiting as many friends as possible. A memorable reunion occurred on Tehri Road, right above South Hill with John Alter (’65), Tom Alter (’68) and Darab Naggarwalla (’80) – completely a surprise to all involved. As always, Cate and Jack would welcome any WOSA travelers as they pass through Chicago.
From Frances Hilliard Dawson:
Dear Cate,
I may be too late for a 2007 synopsis, if so it will remain a communication for you. For the last three weeks I have been doing my annual Martha as 10 members of family live and visit under our roof. My sister and family are still here but the numbers are shrinking daily.
As another cancer patient summarized it, the first part of 2007 was the poison and burn phase of
treatment. During the most miserable stages my daughter, Jacqueline and husband, Michael took up the
cooking responsibilities. As I was not working at the time I was able to indulge in sleep when needed and
when I could not sleep, reading or catching up on movies or Sister Wendy DVDs looking at various US art
galleries, into the wee hours of the morning. There was lots of time for reflection, strengthening
friendships and relearning how fortunate I am to be loved by and love some truly wonderful people.
The highlight of the year was my daughter Kathleen's wedding in August. She and her husband (another
Michael) live in Calgary where she is in the middle of her second year of teaching. While she was in teachers college she became interested in the influence of the personal narratives of family and how they influence the next generation. She is now contemplating spending some of next summer with my mother and writing about her life in India. She may also include some of my grandmother's story.
I have returned to my volunteer activities and hope to find a part time job sooner than later!!
You sound as busy and mobile as usual. May you have a blessed 2008 full of wonder and joy.
Affectionately, Frances
From Elizabetth “Pixie” Roxburgh:
Hi!
The letters and cards are arriving and the radio is playing Christmas carols so it must be that time of year again, time for me to look back and summarise my year if I can. I’ve had ups and downs and a few changes to my life style. The biggest change is that at the end of July I resigned from my job at Christchurch Public Hospital, after nearly 30 years (21 on night shift) working for the same employer! For the last few years I have been finding the job more and more demanding and stressful and I felt I had a choice of either cutting back to part-time or quitting altogether. There were pro’s and con’s to each choice but in the end I decided to quit, not least because for complicated reasons concerning my pension plan, in the long run, I was better off financially to do so. So I have had a lovely time catching up on (years worth of) sleep, being able to go down to Geraldine to visit Mother more often and generally "getting a life" again.
One part of life I have really enjoyed reactivating has been to rejoin Christchurch City Choir - how I love singing! We’ve done four concerts since I rejoined, with a whole variety of music ranging from Handel’s Messiah (1741) to Gilbert & Sullivan (late 1800’s) to "Wenceslas" by local composer Philip Norman (who is the composer in residence for the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra at present) which we performed last night at the Christmas Proms concert and recorded for a forthcoming CD. (Watch this space...) We now have time off till February, but we have homework to do, learning Tschaikovsky’s Liturgy of St John Chrysostom, in Russian no less.
I’ve also been reading/rereading lots of books (surprise?) but now I am a "pensioner" I am trying to learn to use the library more, rather than buying all the time. Unfortunately that means having to wait sometimes for a book to come in or even having to request it on interloan - I guess it is helping me learn a bit more patience. Speaking of books, I would like to reread my Peter Wimsey books by Dorothy L. Sayers, but I can’t remember whom I lent them to a year or three (or five?) ago. I know they’re old and scruffy, but if it’s you, please may I have them back? (I might even part with a ransom...)
Having been catless for two years, I acquired Pyara (means "Beloved" in Hindi) in January and he truly was beloved, but just days after his first birthday he was hit by a car and killed. Just this last week I have been to the RSPCA and now have a new kitten whom I have called Piseag, pronounced peshag, the Gaelic word for kitten. (Gaelic for cat is just that, according to the dictionary I consulted.) So now I am covered with a new crop of scratches as he climbs all over me, purring all the time, I might add. So far he hasn’t discovered the net curtains which I had only just replaced after Pyara destroyed the old ones - he had such fun...! (Nngghh!)
Other ups and downs have been doing part of the Otago Rail Trail with Rachel, John and Lauren and John and Teresa (an up, especially the meals...), getting a new car (another up) because I had an accident and wrote off my previous car (a definite down!), but was completely unhurt in the accident (another up, thank you Lord), getting a nasty virus which wiped out all my files including all the addresses in my address book (very much a down) so unless you’ve emailed me since I can only contact you by phone or snailmail, which as I’m sure you know, is not my forte! That’ll larn me to back up my files, (maybe?) Another up, a lovely one, is that I have finally got new curtains in my living area, paid for in part with the very generous gift voucher I was given as a farewell gift from work. They are burgundy, plain i.e. unpatterned, they go with my lounge suite, and I love them! (I hated the old ones, not my colours at all...)
This year is the "away" year and all my siblings will be celebrating Christmas with their in-laws so I have invited Mother to join me here in Christchurch at my place - a good incentive for me to do some housework (as I say, it’s not that I don’t know how, just that I don’t...) It’ll be a very quiet contrast to the large gathering of the clan last year at Stuart and Robyn’s place in Dovedale where we had five tents on the lawn. Just as well they live in the country and have room to spread! Hilary and Andrew have gone to England for their granddaughter Ellie’s first Christmas and birthday (she was born in January to Sarah and Pete) and then will be back in Nelson for their fifth grandchild’s appearance in the home of Rachel and Ed. No other additions and alterations to report this year.
Happy Christmas, everyone, (I know I’m late getting this out, but what’s new?) and may God bless you all in the new year.
Love, Elizabeth
From Paul and Lydia Spottswood:
Cate,
Thanks for your patience, Paul probably didn't get back so here's some of our news.
Paul is on the International Faculty of Operation Smile. Last fall he joined their mission to Nicaragua, and in 2008 it looks like he's heading to Honduras and Peru...and possibly more trips. He's honing his Spanish, and loves the chance to have a part in helping children and their families this way.
Our son Mark is a law clerk with Judge Pallmeyer in Chicago, after graduating Summa cum laude from Northwestern University School of Law last summer. He'll be clerking in Ohio at the Circuit Court level next year. His wife Sarah is also an attorney, working with Jenner (Chicago) this year and next year she'll be clerking at the District Court level in Columbus as well.
Our daughter Jayne just graduated from Loyola University, Chicago with her degree in Communications. She spent her senior year working with a small Public Relations firm in Chicago, and is currently pounding the pavement looking for a job with a larger firm in the Chicago area.
Her twin sister Erin, a senior at Carthage College (also a Communications major), is awaiting word from graduate programs. Her first choice is Northwestern University, so our fingers are crossed for her.
I'm busy with some remodelling projects at home, and spend a lot of time counseling parent who have turned to Family Based Treatment for their children with eating disorders. On the side I'm helping with our Church building expansion.
We feel hopeful and incredibly blessed as we start this New Year, and send greetings to all!
Paul and Lydia
From Raj Isar:
Yudhisthir (Raj) Isar (ex-class of 66) served in the Culture department of UNESCO from 1973 to 2203. During his time at UNESCO he was Executive Secretary of the World Commission on Culture and Development, Director of the International Fund for the Promotion of Culture and Editor-in-Chief of the quarterly Museum . In 1986-87 he was Executive Director of The Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture at Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He is currently President of the European Forum for the Arts and Heritage (EFAH), Jean Monnet Professsor of Cultural Policy Studies at The American University of Paris, Maitre de Conférences at the Institut d'Etudes Politiques de Paris (Sciences Po) and Managing Editor of Cultures and Globalization, a series of annual publications launched under the aegis of UCLA and the London School of Economics. As an independent cultural advisor, he writes and lectures regularly on a broad range of cultural topics. He is a member of the Board of the Institute of International Visual Arts (inIVA), London; Special Advisor to the the Sanskriti Foundation; International Advisor to Aid to Artisans (ATA) and to the World Bank's Development Gateway. He has been a consultant to the European Commission, the Organization of American States and the European Cultural Foundation.
From Pete Petersen:
Pete Petersen continues his second career as real estate broker, just an excuse to make money for
traveling and fly fishing. Sheri is retired from teaching so we have started "bagging" lighthouses and fly fishing on the side. Last fall went around Lake Michigan which has the most lighthouses of any body of water. Son Sean and wife Suzanna remain in St. Louis, he works in criminal Justice, his Master's field waiting to go to law school when she finishes her residency in pediatrics and internal medicine. We have a guest room in Kansas City!
Chpebuh Nation, Pete
From Sherry Sergeant Cox:
We hope this letter finds you doing well and able to enjoy this special time of year. The first order of business this year is to give you our NEW email address which is s4cox@mptelco.com
This letter was started before Christmas but we knew it would be the new year before getting it to you. With Sarah and Stephanie finishing their college semester exams and our getting ready for our Christmas trip to the frozen north (Minnesota and Wisconsin) we decided once again just to make this a new year’s letter. Now that we are back home we hope to get you caught up with our family.
Our Christmas trip was great. Even with the potential perils of travelling in winter, we had very few weather related problems while flying or driving. We flew to Minnesota and spent a night with Steve’s Mom before heading to Madison, WI to spend Christmas with Steve’s sister, Mary and her family. We returned to Minnesota for a few days before flying back to Lawton on the 31st of December. We were able to see a number of relatives and friends in Menomonie, WI, Minneapolis, and Grand Rapids, MN during our trip and Sarah and Stephanie were able to go snowmobiling (something they had never done) compliments of family friends who live near Grand Rapids. This was a great trip, albeit too short.
With the exception of our Christmas trip, we had only one other trip where all four of us were able to go together. In March, during Spring Break, we drove to Vicksburg and Natchez, Mississippi. We had never been to that part of the country and wanted to see some of the historical sites but more importantly the antebellum homes there. The trip was a lot of fun and educational for all of us. There were several trips to Manhattan, KS this past year. Stephanie was the Maid of Honor for her best friend who was married in September in Manhattan so a couple of the trips were for wedding related stuff. This past summer Stephanie went back to New Orleans with a youth group from church. The church group went down to help do cleanup work for those people who can’t afford to do it themselves.
Steve is still working for the American Red Cross at Fort Sill and he is still the Midnight Shift Supervisor. On the 22nd of January, 2008 he will have 28 years with the Red Cross, all of it working with the U.S. military and their families. He is still a lay reader at church. Over this past year he slowly but surely took care of some of the fix-it projects around the house.
Sherry keeps busy with home, church, and Mary Kay. She also started working for a neighbor who has a home business of transporting Medicaid patients to & from appointments. Sherry posts invoices etc. Teaching Sunday school and singing in the church choir keep her busy most Sundays. She continues to tutor a home school student in Spanish. Not only is she helping the student out, it keeps her Spanish from getting rusty. She also has a new job that of “cat watcher”. Our cat enjoys going out in our backyard especially when the birds are in the trees. The cat has decided she wants to…and can…jump over our wooden fence. Since it’s not easy to catch her and bring her home, one of us has to watch her at all times when she is outside. Sherry gets that job most of the time.
Sarah is back in college. She is attending Southwestern Oklahoma State University which is in Weatherford, OK. After being out of school for about a year, she decided she wanted to go back. She is working on a degree to become a Physical Therapy Assistant. In addition to getting back into the college mindset, she is learning what it is like to live in an apartment alone. This past summer she worked as a Nanny here in Lawton. The family she worked for has two girls ages 6 and 9 years. There were challenges and rewards with this job. The highlight of the Christmas trip for Sarah was snowmobiling with Buckshot (our friend) since she didn’t get to see a real moose!!.
Stephanie continues at Cameron University as a sophomore and lives at home. She is now working toward a degree in Nursing. Along with nursing related courses, she has been taking art classes and piano lessons. She was one of the pianists for the Cameron University choir. Stephanie and Sherry sang in the Lawton community choir production of the Messiah. This past summer she worked again at the snow cone shop and taught private swimming lessons to 7 kids for a few weeks in early summer. In July she was a sponsor when our church went to Falls Creek Church Camp. This fall she started teaching Sunday school at church to 7th grade girls. She continues to help coach her home school volleyball team. Though free time doesn’t come often she loves to read and develop her photography,
We had a few people come to visit us this past year. Sherry’s Mom, June Sergeant, spent a few weeks with us in May. Dick and Eileen Vautravers, friends from Lincoln, NE, dropped in on their way to Dallas. Friends rang in the New Year with fireworks and freezing temperatures. The Crouches who now live in Tyler, TX came back for a visit and friends again for the 4th of July with fireworks and hot temperatures.
Last year, 2006, Oklahoma had so little rain that we were in a drought. Spring of 2007 brought so much rain that there was serious flooding in the Lawton area. We made up for our deficit and are now 20 inches above normal in out rainfall level. While it was nice not having to water the garden for most of the growing season, the grass had to be cut almost weekly.
This fall we “adopted” two college girls from Nepal. There are a lot of international students at Cameron University and there is a Christian based group that tries to match students with a local family. The idea is to help the student(s) settle into college life in Lawton. The two Nepali girls are freshman and have never been away from home. One of the girls transferred to OU in Norman since they have a better Physics degree program. When we returned from our trip we found the other girl had very suddenly transferred to a school in Kansas City, MO, We were sad to see them go.
Once again it is time to close out our news of the year. You are in our thoughts and prayers always. As in the past, if you find yourself in this part of the country, you are always welcome to stop in for a visit. God bless you all year long.
Sherry and Steve
From Phil Schoonmaker:
As for me, as of this very day (May 23, 2008), I am retiring from the piano industry for good and taking on a senior pastorate on Cape Cod and overseeing the addition of a distance-learning highschool to a K-8 Christian academy. I founded the whole works over 20 years ago and they want me back, so here I go! Janie is still doing real estate.
