Classmates
- Announcing our 45th Reunion
will be in
Ft. Collins, Colorado on the Colorado State University campus
July 31 - August 1, 2011
PLEASE JOIN US!
Click here to register before May 1...
See you soon!
Thursday, April 07, 2011
Chepbuh News for 2010
From Sherry Sergeant Cox:
Dear Cate,
Thanks for forwarding the info re Nancy Conrad and Dan Terry. That just confirmed what I suspected about Dan as our news did not list those killed in Afghanistan until several days later and when I saw Dan's name I couldn't remember if that was where he had been working so we went on the internet and confirmed it. What a sad time for the family, they will all be in our prayers along with the Conrad family. I'm also wondering if you have any updates on Pixie, I've thought a lot about her lately, I was just hoping that no news was good news. Our news has not changed drastically since Jan. when I wrote for this years Quad except that my mom, June Sergeant, continues to decline. Her Alzhiemer's is now considered severe and just two weeks ago hospice was brought in. It's hard to see her like this but most of the time she seems happy however, she talks very little but does still recognize the family and friends. Sarah will graduate in Dec. with a B.S. in Sports Management, she continues to work part-time in a P.T. clinic and will try again to get into a P.T. assistant program. Stephanie is in her second year of nursing school with the OU program, she will grad. in May 2011 with her BSN-RN. Steve continues with Red Cross although some changes will take place next year with the Military Emergency Call Centers but it looks like it will not affect his position or require a move for us. I continue to stay busy with home, church choir and Bible Study, Mary Kay and going back to Nebraska every couple months to help my sister, Sandy with my mom's care. I would love to see everyone next year but with all the uncertainties in our family I'll just have to wait and see. Colorado is always a preferred choice for me as it is not so far and I still have lots of family there.
Thanks again for keeping us posted, have a good safe move back from India.
From Helke Wolff Ferrie:
Helke (Wolff) Ferrie ('66) published this year a textbook in collaboration with various researchers and clinicians on the diagnosis, treatment, epidemiology, politics, and history on Lyme Disease in North America (Ending Denial is available through www.kospublishing.com). Helke and her husband Robert (a medical doctor and psychotherapist specializing on post-traumatic stress disorder) have started preparations for their move to Manitoulin Island in northern Ontario to open a practice in spring 2011; in that northern area there is a disproportionately large number of war veterans with PTSD yet, almost no mental health services. Their daughter Bronwen (Brar) Ferrie ('89) is teaching piano at the Doon School and working for MGVS in Mussoorie. Bronwen's daughter – and Helke's and Robert's granddaughter - Ysolt Brar was supposed to graduate in 2011, but did so a year ahead of schedule with an A-overall average, returning to Canada in May; she was admitted to the Ontario College of Art and Design and is sharing an apartment in Toronto with her older sister (18) Miranda, who attended Woodstock in kindergarten; Miranda also starts at the University of Toronto this year, having been accepted in the pre-meds life sciences program. The youngest sister, Malhar, began Grade 9 at Woodstock. Helke’s son Bryce Ferrie (’92) obtained a teaching certificate from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education and in January became engaged to Parul Sanduja, who has almost completed her training in homeopathy.
Since I sent my e-mail (below) to you on August 30, Bryce got a job at private highschool which he very much wanted and is now thrilled to work at. This update better stay in place till next year!
Cheers, Helke
From Miriam Haqq Prabahkar:
Dear Cate,
For some reason I am not able to open the attachment as it is a newer version of Excel. If possible could you send it in the older version?
I was in the US for July 2010 as my youngest son, Stephen was married to Monica in Huntsville, Alabama. They are now in Fort Wayne, Indiana where Stephen works and Monica will be going to school, probably at Indiana University. This is the last marriage in my family. My father turned 90 and all of the siblings met together in Minnesota. We all were able to get together after 10 years!! I am now back in India again.
With many thanks to you Cate for all that you do to keep everyone updated. Have a safe trip back to the US.
With love and prayers,
Miriam
From Linda Gamble McKendry:
Hi Cathy (Cate!) Yes, you can delete the todaysdisplays.com as I closed down the company July 2009. Managing and administering my senior parents' care is full time work and I have to be on hand for any driving, even though we have a full time live in foreign worker from Philipines. We've had two medical crisis in the last two years where we almost lost Dad after septic shock following very successful surgery to remove a tumor in his large intestine. That was three months in the hospital and many miracles with full recovery except for an ileostomy bag which is fine!
Mom almost died of pneumonia this July and we were ready to call in palliative care until we remembered that she LOVES lemon merangue pie... and that turned her appetite around so she started to eat again which strengthened her. We now have a saying in our family, "Be careful what you pray for!" God is good and our prayers were answered.
We are planning a train trip in the famous Dome Car across the rockies from Calgary to Vancouver in October which they are looking forward to. The great thing is that our nurse and I get to go for FREE because we are the medically recommended caregivers for Mom (90) and Dad (88)!
I took in a senior boarder to fill an empty room, increase our revenue, and provide the same service to someone else since we are already doing it for Mom and Dad. Joe has been a God send and is strong enough to care for the yard, do some of the chores around the house and loves to do little handy-man fix-its.
Since the house I rented for Mom and Dad is right across from the Community School where my grand children attend, and since my daughter who lives a couple of blocks down went back to school and now to work, we are also doing after school care. This has a lot of advantages, in addition to the extra revenue, we have four generations under our roof every day of the week! We took on another little boy too and he rounds out the mix with kids to play with.
Jim and I bought a 75 acre farm near Edmonton, four hours drive from Calgary where we still live. Jim parks our 48' 5th wheel trailer there for the summer and is steadily fixing up the place after many years of neglect. So he is gone most of the time.
I spend my 'extra' time taking on a few retail merchandising projects from time to time and am on the board of CAP, Canadian Artists for the Poor where we promote artists with various events and use the proceeds to help organizations that need funds for Water, Medical, Education, & Opportunity. The City of Calgary gives us three blocks on 8th Avene, a cobblestone street mostly blocked off to traffic and we have an anual Art Walk which is fun and profitable.
It's great to keep in touch through Cate and even though a lot of our news involves the passing of our parents, siblings, or spouses as we are journeying through this life, we still have so much of life left to enjoy and hopefully do some of the things we dreamed of in Woodstock!
Cathy... you can edit this any way you want to fit into the news...
Obviously I prefer to have our reunion in the West... but I know that is a LONG ways for you guys to come... google Canmore, Alberta, Canada, which is just outside the Banff National Park and see if that offers anything suitable... it's certainly the right terrain for our mountain retreat... we'd have to investigate the costs and availablility, etc. but sooner is better than later.
Love 'n Prayers... Linda
From Maric McKelvey Olsen
Hi Cate,
I am pleased to announce a new grandchild born the 26th of July. Miranda F. Olsen. I will be visiting her in New York in
Oct. It will be wonderful to see my grandson Ulysses again, who will be 3 in Nov.
I am still painting and hope to have a web-sight up and running this next year.
We all need to pray for those families who lost loved ones this year. Some, too young.
My best to all, Marcia McKelvey Olsen.
From Margaret Colling Wicks:
Your job in India sounds like fun. I am retired from school teaching but still have my local political job. We live right outside of Binghamton, New York. If you are in the area please come and visit.Thanks for doing all the mailings and everything. Love, Margaret
From David Rugh:
Dave Rugh retired from NOAA after 34 years of research on Alaska's whales, including over 50 field projects, mostly in the Arctic. Dave and Ruthe have built a home on the Olympic Peninsula where most of their retired years will be spent.
From Philip Spottswood:
Dear CHPEBUH Family,
It doesn't seem possible that we graduated 40 years ago, though our aches and pains give proof that many years have passed! My wife Michele and I live with our two youngest children (we have 5 but three have left the nest and started their own); Samual will be 18 in December and Noah is 16. We live in Dayton, Indiana, a small town that is a bedroom community for Lafayette, Indiana. I am semi-retired and am developing a company (www.carefamilyllc.com) that will provide low-cost housing for special-needs adult populations. Michele is finishing nursing school next summer and will become the bread-winner while I keep the home fires going and build my company. We have had a blessed life and wish only God's blessings for all of you. With fond memories, Phil Spottswood
From Don Camp:
Cate, thanks for keeping this going. Here's my update
I retired from the Foreign Service in December 2009, but I can't seem to break the cord. The State Department sent me to Kathmandu for three months this spring to fill a short-term vacancy at the embassy -- that was an awesome gig. After a leisurely summer in Washington (and an opportunity to meet Woodstock's new principal), I've just moved to New York for the fall to work at the US mission to the United Nations. I'm the "senior advisor for South Asia" which means I spend my time with the delegations from that part of the world. Only downside is that the family is in Washington, where my daughter is still in high school. She graduates next year. Does anyone have any recommendation for any fine arts schools with good photography programs?
Don Camp
From Claire Blickenstaff Beery:
Hi Cate,
Sorry. Somehow I missed your first request. Here’s my update:
I’m thoroughly enjoying my new stage of life as a grandmother. Matilda (Tillie) Rose is 15 months old and lives with her parents (my daughter Mira and son-in-law Greg) in Jacksonville, FL where Greg is a history professor. Too far away for regular play dates, but Skype keeps us connected. Mira (36) will have her first book of poetry published in 2011 by Kent State Press. Oldest daughter Willow (38) has received national praise for her ground-breaking work (sorry for the pun) in the urban farming movement. Check out City Slicker Farms online. Her book on urban farming is due out from Penguin in 2012. Zoe (20) is a junior at San Francisco State University studying history. She continues her dancing and journalism online about the “Indie” music scene. My two jobs continue: teaching child development at Santa Rosa Junior College and directing the programs for children and parents at Jewish Family and Children’s Services. On the side is my little jazz combo and my knitting projects. Life is full and fun.
Here’s a photo of me and Tillie.
Love, Claire
From Warren Rees:
Cate,
I’m recovering nicely from my heart attack just before Thanksgiving last year. I finished cardiac-rehab in May and the doctor gave me a life-sentence of working out in the gym. I walk briskly for about 20 minutes and then work out on weights for about 45 to 60 minutes. He also condemned me to eating fish, chicken, and turkey. I told him that I don’t like fish so he told me to eat chicken and turkey. I can’t even eat pork “the other white meat!” Beef was always my favorite, and I miss my roast beef. I told my kids that I couldn’t eat roast beef, and sympathy was the last thing from their mind when they asked, “But you can still cook it for us, right?” (When we have family dinners I cook very lean roast beef, in potatoes, onions, and baby carrots. I add garlic, and bay leaves, after rubbing the meat with Montreal steak seasoning. Serve with saffron rice.
Love to all, Warren
From Karen Smyres Wolner:
The biggest event for us this year was a lovely family reunion. Under the effects of Alzheimer's, my mother is beginning to forget who all of us are so we hurriedly arranged a weekend when all 23 of us (number 24 was born 4 days later) could enjoy some time together. The 4 children of Bob and Mary Smyres, two in-law children, 6 grandchildren , 5 grandchildren spouses and 4 great-grandchildren gathered at a lake in New York. We came from Thailand, Kansas, Virginia, Florida, Ohio, DC, and New York. It was a wonderful but bittersweet 3 days.
John and I continue to enjoy our retirement. Son Jason and wife have just purchased a home and daugther Kim and husband have moved to DC, making it much easier to visit than Atlanta. We feel immense gratitude every day for family, friends and all the uncountable blessings that we enjoy.
Karen
From Harishwar “Deepak” Dayal
Dear All,
The sheer magic of Woodstock! Despite the decades that have rolled by since we were together as a class - there remains a wonderful bond of spirit. I have not met most of you since 1963 when I left school but there is always a soft, beautiful fragrance of remembrance.
Phil, Ruth, Linda, Arun are some of the classmates I have greatly enjoyed meeting over the years, albeit briefly. Cate, who is virtually a neighbor in New Delhi, has been amazing. With her dedication, loyalty, love and sincerity, she has surely fanned the flame of the spirit to keep it burning! We meet, Jack, Cate and I, not as often as we would like to, but whenever we do, it is quality time!
My home for the past 40 years has been the Arpana Ashram at Madhuban, Karnal, Haryana and attached above is briefly a bit of what I have been wholly engrossed in and by Divine Grace, wonderfully happy and deeply fulfilled. I thought I would share this with all of you with whom those exceptional, formative years of life have been lived.
Whenever any of you are in Delhi, please do get in touch so that we can get together.
God bless and with love,
Harishwar Dayal (Deepak)
E/22, Defence Colony,
New Delhi – 110024
Mobile: 91 11 9818600644
Email: harishwar.dayal@gmail.com or aum.arpana@gmail.com
From Suzy McCulloch Friedricks:
Hope all is well with you. Richard and I meant to send you our family news, but time just gets away from us. Guess we'll fill everyone in next year. Grandchildren is our big news. All 3 of our kids have just had or are expecting babies this school year. Our middle son, Ethan, and his wife, Jody just had baby number 2, a boy, Kai, born Sept. 13. David and Stacey are expecting a girl (baby number 3) in November and Elizabeth and Chris are expecting their first child in March. We'd love to find a way to live in the States, but can't give up what we have here in Hong Kong just yet. The catch 22 is that we have to say we aren't returning to our jobs here in November and schools in the US don't hire until the spring generally. And, sadly, it seems that we're thought to be too old to hire, anyway!
From Frances Hilliard Dawson:
Dear Cate,
Since the news of Dan Terry's death and then Pixie's e-mail, I have found it difficult to just celebrate the every day ordinariness of my life. Dan's story has opened some interesting doors. But that is for another day.
You can use the following if it is not too late:
I seem to have a assumed a peripatetic life style this year. Michael is working in Colorado Springs and in May I was invited to the change of Command at NORAD. Since then I have visited my mother, Ruth Graham Hilliard (staff and class of '40) four times and my daughter in Calgary once. I will be visiting everyone again in the fall. At the same time I keep the home fires burning in Ottawa and attend to my volunteer commitments, friends and have fun along the way.
Affectionately,
Frances
From Elizabeth Roxburgh:
This has been a year of ups and downs. The biggest highlight was going to sing Mahler's 8th Symphony ("the Symphony of a thousand") with Christchurch City Choir, Wellington Orpheus Choir, NZ Youth Choir, Tower Voices NZ and others including a children's choir from Wellington schools, and the NZ Symphony Orchestra, all under the baton of Vladimir Ashkenazy, as the opening concert for the Wellington Festival of the Arts in February. I really enjoyed this, and catching up with friends when we went to Wellington.
The next big thing on my horizon was not so exciting. After very few symptoms, I wound up in Christchurch Women’s Hospital in mid March and had a hysterectomy for cancer. As we all know Elizabeth likes to be different, so instead of the usual endometrial uterine cancer, I had something more rare, called a leiomyosarcoma, which is a fast-acting aggressive tumour with a short prognosis, and with pulmonary secondaries. My op was successful, and no problems with healing up. But the secondaries continue. I had two doses of chemotherapy but unfortunately, although I was blessed with none of the nasty side-effects like nausea, I also had none of the useful side-effects either (apart from losing my hair). The secondaries are widespread in my lungs so they can't be treated by radiotherapy, and I was told to make the most of life while I could.
I took a couple of weeks’ holiday in Auckland visiting Rabbit's friends and relations, and then moved on to Australia for another couple of weeks with more. I intended to visit the South Island rellies, especially in Nelson end of this month. But time has run out on me.
I started passing the word among the immediate family from the start and widening the circle by word of mouth. But I realize I have missed out some completely. So this is going to come as a shock to many of you. My apologies for its coming like a bolt out of the blue so late. I'm still coming to terms with it myself, though God has helped.
The day after I received the bad news of my short prognosis the reading set out for the day in Scripture Union notes (which would have been planned several years in advance) was Philippians 1:12-26, where Paul says, "For me to live is Christ, to die is gain. And basically I don't know which to ask for; because I know that God is in control in all situations" (Elizabeth's translation). I believe in a God who works miracles, but I believe it is His prerogative to choose, and I trust Him.
The hardest part in the last few weeks has been not being able to sing in the City Choir because of the breathing difficulties. But also I've had the miracle of watching what's happened to my city over the last couple of weeks. As many of you will know, Christchurch suffered a 7.1 magnitude earthquake just over two weeks ago. And we've had over 700 aftershocks so far. Some of you will remember a decade or so ago my describing how God gave me my house and gave me all the details I asked for. I didn't ask at the time, but God knew I needed an earthquake-proof house and He added that in the mix. I never even had a power cut and I've not been able to find a crack in the fabric of the building.
Reminds me of the house we lived in on the hillside in India called Aotearoa, which was built on a rock and weathered the severe storms of the monsoon, without any landslides, unlike many of our neighbours.
Do you remember the parable of the two men; one built his house on the rock, one on sand. When we have a crunch time like this we discover what our life is built on.
Much love to all of you. I’ve known some for a life time, some for only a short time. And thank you to all of you who have been so kind to me over the years, and the last few months.
Elizabeth
From Raj Isar:
Yudhishthir (Raj) Isar continues his mix of international academic and public speaking activities from his base in Paris, France; the 4th volume, entitled 'Cultural Expression, Creativity and Innovation', in his co-edited series ('Cultures and Globalization') was published by SAGE in March. His wife Galia is currently Director of the Division of Cultural Expressions and Creative Industries at UNESCO. Their son Edouard Lalit this year completed a combined Masters in 'Global Media and Communication' at the London School of Economics and the University of Southern California.
Dear Cate,
Thanks for forwarding the info re Nancy Conrad and Dan Terry. That just confirmed what I suspected about Dan as our news did not list those killed in Afghanistan until several days later and when I saw Dan's name I couldn't remember if that was where he had been working so we went on the internet and confirmed it. What a sad time for the family, they will all be in our prayers along with the Conrad family. I'm also wondering if you have any updates on Pixie, I've thought a lot about her lately, I was just hoping that no news was good news. Our news has not changed drastically since Jan. when I wrote for this years Quad except that my mom, June Sergeant, continues to decline. Her Alzhiemer's is now considered severe and just two weeks ago hospice was brought in. It's hard to see her like this but most of the time she seems happy however, she talks very little but does still recognize the family and friends. Sarah will graduate in Dec. with a B.S. in Sports Management, she continues to work part-time in a P.T. clinic and will try again to get into a P.T. assistant program. Stephanie is in her second year of nursing school with the OU program, she will grad. in May 2011 with her BSN-RN. Steve continues with Red Cross although some changes will take place next year with the Military Emergency Call Centers but it looks like it will not affect his position or require a move for us. I continue to stay busy with home, church choir and Bible Study, Mary Kay and going back to Nebraska every couple months to help my sister, Sandy with my mom's care. I would love to see everyone next year but with all the uncertainties in our family I'll just have to wait and see. Colorado is always a preferred choice for me as it is not so far and I still have lots of family there.
Thanks again for keeping us posted, have a good safe move back from India.
From Helke Wolff Ferrie:
Helke (Wolff) Ferrie ('66) published this year a textbook in collaboration with various researchers and clinicians on the diagnosis, treatment, epidemiology, politics, and history on Lyme Disease in North America (Ending Denial is available through www.kospublishing.com). Helke and her husband Robert (a medical doctor and psychotherapist specializing on post-traumatic stress disorder) have started preparations for their move to Manitoulin Island in northern Ontario to open a practice in spring 2011; in that northern area there is a disproportionately large number of war veterans with PTSD yet, almost no mental health services. Their daughter Bronwen (Brar) Ferrie ('89) is teaching piano at the Doon School and working for MGVS in Mussoorie. Bronwen's daughter – and Helke's and Robert's granddaughter - Ysolt Brar was supposed to graduate in 2011, but did so a year ahead of schedule with an A-overall average, returning to Canada in May; she was admitted to the Ontario College of Art and Design and is sharing an apartment in Toronto with her older sister (18) Miranda, who attended Woodstock in kindergarten; Miranda also starts at the University of Toronto this year, having been accepted in the pre-meds life sciences program. The youngest sister, Malhar, began Grade 9 at Woodstock. Helke’s son Bryce Ferrie (’92) obtained a teaching certificate from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education and in January became engaged to Parul Sanduja, who has almost completed her training in homeopathy.
Since I sent my e-mail (below) to you on August 30, Bryce got a job at private highschool which he very much wanted and is now thrilled to work at. This update better stay in place till next year!
Cheers, Helke
From Miriam Haqq Prabahkar:
Dear Cate,
For some reason I am not able to open the attachment as it is a newer version of Excel. If possible could you send it in the older version?
I was in the US for July 2010 as my youngest son, Stephen was married to Monica in Huntsville, Alabama. They are now in Fort Wayne, Indiana where Stephen works and Monica will be going to school, probably at Indiana University. This is the last marriage in my family. My father turned 90 and all of the siblings met together in Minnesota. We all were able to get together after 10 years!! I am now back in India again.
With many thanks to you Cate for all that you do to keep everyone updated. Have a safe trip back to the US.
With love and prayers,
Miriam
From Linda Gamble McKendry:
Hi Cathy (Cate!) Yes, you can delete the todaysdisplays.com as I closed down the company July 2009. Managing and administering my senior parents' care is full time work and I have to be on hand for any driving, even though we have a full time live in foreign worker from Philipines. We've had two medical crisis in the last two years where we almost lost Dad after septic shock following very successful surgery to remove a tumor in his large intestine. That was three months in the hospital and many miracles with full recovery except for an ileostomy bag which is fine!
Mom almost died of pneumonia this July and we were ready to call in palliative care until we remembered that she LOVES lemon merangue pie... and that turned her appetite around so she started to eat again which strengthened her. We now have a saying in our family, "Be careful what you pray for!" God is good and our prayers were answered.
We are planning a train trip in the famous Dome Car across the rockies from Calgary to Vancouver in October which they are looking forward to. The great thing is that our nurse and I get to go for FREE because we are the medically recommended caregivers for Mom (90) and Dad (88)!
I took in a senior boarder to fill an empty room, increase our revenue, and provide the same service to someone else since we are already doing it for Mom and Dad. Joe has been a God send and is strong enough to care for the yard, do some of the chores around the house and loves to do little handy-man fix-its.
Since the house I rented for Mom and Dad is right across from the Community School where my grand children attend, and since my daughter who lives a couple of blocks down went back to school and now to work, we are also doing after school care. This has a lot of advantages, in addition to the extra revenue, we have four generations under our roof every day of the week! We took on another little boy too and he rounds out the mix with kids to play with.
Jim and I bought a 75 acre farm near Edmonton, four hours drive from Calgary where we still live. Jim parks our 48' 5th wheel trailer there for the summer and is steadily fixing up the place after many years of neglect. So he is gone most of the time.
I spend my 'extra' time taking on a few retail merchandising projects from time to time and am on the board of CAP, Canadian Artists for the Poor where we promote artists with various events and use the proceeds to help organizations that need funds for Water, Medical, Education, & Opportunity. The City of Calgary gives us three blocks on 8th Avene, a cobblestone street mostly blocked off to traffic and we have an anual Art Walk which is fun and profitable.
It's great to keep in touch through Cate and even though a lot of our news involves the passing of our parents, siblings, or spouses as we are journeying through this life, we still have so much of life left to enjoy and hopefully do some of the things we dreamed of in Woodstock!
Cathy... you can edit this any way you want to fit into the news...
Obviously I prefer to have our reunion in the West... but I know that is a LONG ways for you guys to come... google Canmore, Alberta, Canada, which is just outside the Banff National Park and see if that offers anything suitable... it's certainly the right terrain for our mountain retreat... we'd have to investigate the costs and availablility, etc. but sooner is better than later.
Love 'n Prayers... Linda
From Maric McKelvey Olsen
Hi Cate,
I am pleased to announce a new grandchild born the 26th of July. Miranda F. Olsen. I will be visiting her in New York in
Oct. It will be wonderful to see my grandson Ulysses again, who will be 3 in Nov.
I am still painting and hope to have a web-sight up and running this next year.
We all need to pray for those families who lost loved ones this year. Some, too young.
My best to all, Marcia McKelvey Olsen.
From Margaret Colling Wicks:
Your job in India sounds like fun. I am retired from school teaching but still have my local political job. We live right outside of Binghamton, New York. If you are in the area please come and visit.Thanks for doing all the mailings and everything. Love, Margaret
From David Rugh:
Dave Rugh retired from NOAA after 34 years of research on Alaska's whales, including over 50 field projects, mostly in the Arctic. Dave and Ruthe have built a home on the Olympic Peninsula where most of their retired years will be spent.
From Philip Spottswood:
Dear CHPEBUH Family,
It doesn't seem possible that we graduated 40 years ago, though our aches and pains give proof that many years have passed! My wife Michele and I live with our two youngest children (we have 5 but three have left the nest and started their own); Samual will be 18 in December and Noah is 16. We live in Dayton, Indiana, a small town that is a bedroom community for Lafayette, Indiana. I am semi-retired and am developing a company (www.carefamilyllc.com) that will provide low-cost housing for special-needs adult populations. Michele is finishing nursing school next summer and will become the bread-winner while I keep the home fires going and build my company. We have had a blessed life and wish only God's blessings for all of you. With fond memories, Phil Spottswood
From Don Camp:
Cate, thanks for keeping this going. Here's my update
I retired from the Foreign Service in December 2009, but I can't seem to break the cord. The State Department sent me to Kathmandu for three months this spring to fill a short-term vacancy at the embassy -- that was an awesome gig. After a leisurely summer in Washington (and an opportunity to meet Woodstock's new principal), I've just moved to New York for the fall to work at the US mission to the United Nations. I'm the "senior advisor for South Asia" which means I spend my time with the delegations from that part of the world. Only downside is that the family is in Washington, where my daughter is still in high school. She graduates next year. Does anyone have any recommendation for any fine arts schools with good photography programs?
Don Camp
From Claire Blickenstaff Beery:
Hi Cate,
Sorry. Somehow I missed your first request. Here’s my update:
I’m thoroughly enjoying my new stage of life as a grandmother. Matilda (Tillie) Rose is 15 months old and lives with her parents (my daughter Mira and son-in-law Greg) in Jacksonville, FL where Greg is a history professor. Too far away for regular play dates, but Skype keeps us connected. Mira (36) will have her first book of poetry published in 2011 by Kent State Press. Oldest daughter Willow (38) has received national praise for her ground-breaking work (sorry for the pun) in the urban farming movement. Check out City Slicker Farms online. Her book on urban farming is due out from Penguin in 2012. Zoe (20) is a junior at San Francisco State University studying history. She continues her dancing and journalism online about the “Indie” music scene. My two jobs continue: teaching child development at Santa Rosa Junior College and directing the programs for children and parents at Jewish Family and Children’s Services. On the side is my little jazz combo and my knitting projects. Life is full and fun.
Here’s a photo of me and Tillie.
Love, Claire
From Warren Rees:
Cate,
I’m recovering nicely from my heart attack just before Thanksgiving last year. I finished cardiac-rehab in May and the doctor gave me a life-sentence of working out in the gym. I walk briskly for about 20 minutes and then work out on weights for about 45 to 60 minutes. He also condemned me to eating fish, chicken, and turkey. I told him that I don’t like fish so he told me to eat chicken and turkey. I can’t even eat pork “the other white meat!” Beef was always my favorite, and I miss my roast beef. I told my kids that I couldn’t eat roast beef, and sympathy was the last thing from their mind when they asked, “But you can still cook it for us, right?” (When we have family dinners I cook very lean roast beef, in potatoes, onions, and baby carrots. I add garlic, and bay leaves, after rubbing the meat with Montreal steak seasoning. Serve with saffron rice.
Love to all, Warren
From Karen Smyres Wolner:
The biggest event for us this year was a lovely family reunion. Under the effects of Alzheimer's, my mother is beginning to forget who all of us are so we hurriedly arranged a weekend when all 23 of us (number 24 was born 4 days later) could enjoy some time together. The 4 children of Bob and Mary Smyres, two in-law children, 6 grandchildren , 5 grandchildren spouses and 4 great-grandchildren gathered at a lake in New York. We came from Thailand, Kansas, Virginia, Florida, Ohio, DC, and New York. It was a wonderful but bittersweet 3 days.
John and I continue to enjoy our retirement. Son Jason and wife have just purchased a home and daugther Kim and husband have moved to DC, making it much easier to visit than Atlanta. We feel immense gratitude every day for family, friends and all the uncountable blessings that we enjoy.
Karen
From Harishwar “Deepak” Dayal
Dear All,
The sheer magic of Woodstock! Despite the decades that have rolled by since we were together as a class - there remains a wonderful bond of spirit. I have not met most of you since 1963 when I left school but there is always a soft, beautiful fragrance of remembrance.
Phil, Ruth, Linda, Arun are some of the classmates I have greatly enjoyed meeting over the years, albeit briefly. Cate, who is virtually a neighbor in New Delhi, has been amazing. With her dedication, loyalty, love and sincerity, she has surely fanned the flame of the spirit to keep it burning! We meet, Jack, Cate and I, not as often as we would like to, but whenever we do, it is quality time!
My home for the past 40 years has been the Arpana Ashram at Madhuban, Karnal, Haryana and attached above is briefly a bit of what I have been wholly engrossed in and by Divine Grace, wonderfully happy and deeply fulfilled. I thought I would share this with all of you with whom those exceptional, formative years of life have been lived.
Whenever any of you are in Delhi, please do get in touch so that we can get together.
God bless and with love,
Harishwar Dayal (Deepak)
E/22, Defence Colony,
New Delhi – 110024
Mobile: 91 11 9818600644
Email: harishwar.dayal@gmail.com or aum.arpana@gmail.com
From Suzy McCulloch Friedricks:
Hope all is well with you. Richard and I meant to send you our family news, but time just gets away from us. Guess we'll fill everyone in next year. Grandchildren is our big news. All 3 of our kids have just had or are expecting babies this school year. Our middle son, Ethan, and his wife, Jody just had baby number 2, a boy, Kai, born Sept. 13. David and Stacey are expecting a girl (baby number 3) in November and Elizabeth and Chris are expecting their first child in March. We'd love to find a way to live in the States, but can't give up what we have here in Hong Kong just yet. The catch 22 is that we have to say we aren't returning to our jobs here in November and schools in the US don't hire until the spring generally. And, sadly, it seems that we're thought to be too old to hire, anyway!
From Frances Hilliard Dawson:
Dear Cate,
Since the news of Dan Terry's death and then Pixie's e-mail, I have found it difficult to just celebrate the every day ordinariness of my life. Dan's story has opened some interesting doors. But that is for another day.
You can use the following if it is not too late:
I seem to have a assumed a peripatetic life style this year. Michael is working in Colorado Springs and in May I was invited to the change of Command at NORAD. Since then I have visited my mother, Ruth Graham Hilliard (staff and class of '40) four times and my daughter in Calgary once. I will be visiting everyone again in the fall. At the same time I keep the home fires burning in Ottawa and attend to my volunteer commitments, friends and have fun along the way.
Affectionately,
Frances
From Elizabeth Roxburgh:
This has been a year of ups and downs. The biggest highlight was going to sing Mahler's 8th Symphony ("the Symphony of a thousand") with Christchurch City Choir, Wellington Orpheus Choir, NZ Youth Choir, Tower Voices NZ and others including a children's choir from Wellington schools, and the NZ Symphony Orchestra, all under the baton of Vladimir Ashkenazy, as the opening concert for the Wellington Festival of the Arts in February. I really enjoyed this, and catching up with friends when we went to Wellington.
The next big thing on my horizon was not so exciting. After very few symptoms, I wound up in Christchurch Women’s Hospital in mid March and had a hysterectomy for cancer. As we all know Elizabeth likes to be different, so instead of the usual endometrial uterine cancer, I had something more rare, called a leiomyosarcoma, which is a fast-acting aggressive tumour with a short prognosis, and with pulmonary secondaries. My op was successful, and no problems with healing up. But the secondaries continue. I had two doses of chemotherapy but unfortunately, although I was blessed with none of the nasty side-effects like nausea, I also had none of the useful side-effects either (apart from losing my hair). The secondaries are widespread in my lungs so they can't be treated by radiotherapy, and I was told to make the most of life while I could.
I took a couple of weeks’ holiday in Auckland visiting Rabbit's friends and relations, and then moved on to Australia for another couple of weeks with more. I intended to visit the South Island rellies, especially in Nelson end of this month. But time has run out on me.
I started passing the word among the immediate family from the start and widening the circle by word of mouth. But I realize I have missed out some completely. So this is going to come as a shock to many of you. My apologies for its coming like a bolt out of the blue so late. I'm still coming to terms with it myself, though God has helped.
The day after I received the bad news of my short prognosis the reading set out for the day in Scripture Union notes (which would have been planned several years in advance) was Philippians 1:12-26, where Paul says, "For me to live is Christ, to die is gain. And basically I don't know which to ask for; because I know that God is in control in all situations" (Elizabeth's translation). I believe in a God who works miracles, but I believe it is His prerogative to choose, and I trust Him.
The hardest part in the last few weeks has been not being able to sing in the City Choir because of the breathing difficulties. But also I've had the miracle of watching what's happened to my city over the last couple of weeks. As many of you will know, Christchurch suffered a 7.1 magnitude earthquake just over two weeks ago. And we've had over 700 aftershocks so far. Some of you will remember a decade or so ago my describing how God gave me my house and gave me all the details I asked for. I didn't ask at the time, but God knew I needed an earthquake-proof house and He added that in the mix. I never even had a power cut and I've not been able to find a crack in the fabric of the building.
Reminds me of the house we lived in on the hillside in India called Aotearoa, which was built on a rock and weathered the severe storms of the monsoon, without any landslides, unlike many of our neighbours.
Do you remember the parable of the two men; one built his house on the rock, one on sand. When we have a crunch time like this we discover what our life is built on.
Much love to all of you. I’ve known some for a life time, some for only a short time. And thank you to all of you who have been so kind to me over the years, and the last few months.
Elizabeth
From Raj Isar:
Yudhishthir (Raj) Isar continues his mix of international academic and public speaking activities from his base in Paris, France; the 4th volume, entitled 'Cultural Expression, Creativity and Innovation', in his co-edited series ('Cultures and Globalization') was published by SAGE in March. His wife Galia is currently Director of the Division of Cultural Expressions and Creative Industries at UNESCO. Their son Edouard Lalit this year completed a combined Masters in 'Global Media and Communication' at the London School of Economics and the University of Southern California.
Class News 2009
Marcia McKelvey Olsen
Hi, Cate, I can't believe another year has gone by. It seems as we age the years go by even faster.
I was reading Marvin's Christmas letter and like most of our age we are retiring and babysitting grand kids.
The Olsen news is, I will be spending this week in New York visiting my son and his family, Heather and their son, Ulysses, a precocious 2 year old, and of course he is brilliant.
They were here for a week in this summer and it was fun to teach him some Hindustani words.
I expect Latin to be his second language as that is what his dad teaches his students.
Stephanie is finishing up her first semester at dental school, it was harder than she expected, but she did very well.
I am retiring from what I did at the church and hope to spend more time painting.
We have been very blessed with good health, hopefully it will continue through the New Year.
My best to all and have a wonderful 2010.
Marcia McKelvey Olsen.
Regan Howard
Cate,
It's marvelous to hear from one who shared my brief stay at Woodstock. My memories are real dim, but I do remember walking home by myself one day after the poor soul who was to pick me up didn't make it. Scared Mom to no end. The attached picture is me and my sister Christine at about the age, and properly dressed. She's now retired living in France with her husband. I'm still working as a contract aerospace engineer for NASA.
Your Uncle Tom probably knew my father, Lee, who was also class of '41. Sadly, Dad passed away this April last. He was the last of the four Howard brothers, all of whom graduated from Woodstock.
I do keep in touch with my Howard cousins and aunts. My aunt Millie is Woodstock I'd guess '43 and I can't remember her maiden name at the moment, but she married my uncle Everett Eugene ("Gene") Howard of the same class (I think).
I live just north of Washington DC. My cell # is 301-717-5747. I'll try calling later this week.
Merry Christmas and Regards,
Regan
Elizabeth Roxburgh
Dear Family and Friends,
Offerings from many of you have started pouring in so it must be that time again, to add my personal update to the pile. So, how to summarize my year? – chronologically? by topic? randomly? How about a mixture of the lot?
This time last year we were preparing for a Roxburgh Christmas in Geraldine with most of the family arriving on Christmas Eve and others getting there in time to celebrate the New Year. We mostly had a lovely time, but the weather was extremely hot (remember this is the southern hemisphere) and for Mother, who had been undergoing various investigations and was not feeling very much like eating or drinking, this led to her having to be hospitalized for severe dehydration. As a family we wanted to support her, but also we had concerns about her continuing to live alone, so it came as a relief to all when she made her own decision that she was no longer able to manage, even with all available help, and so she is now a resident at McKenzie Health Care in Geraldine.
Next big memory for me was the wedding of my goddaughter Elizabeth Mackintosh to Carl Fraser in Dunedin. I was absolutely thrilled when she asked me to be her official witness. They chose to have a garden wedding in one of the lovely old homes in Dunedin, which was chancing it a bit, but though it rained in the morning it cleared up in time for the event. I must say she made a beautiful bride and of course I’m not biased.
As it’s a five hour drive from here to Dunedin I decided to combine the trip with a visit to Invercargill where two of John & Teresa’s offspring, Matthew & Helen, have been studying at Southland Polytech. The attraction south is that they charge zero fees, but the catch is that if you fail to pass your course you have to cough up – a wonderful incentive to work! I gave Clare a ride down to visit them too and had a lovely curry meal with the three of them. From there I travelled on to Arrowtown to visit Rachel & John & Lauren and finally drove home over the Crown Range, which is still as steep as ever but has now been sealed and so felt easier than the first time I attempted it in my Mini, I don’t remember how many years ago!
Liz & Carl’s wedding unfortunately coincided with the first concert City Choir put on this year, a performance of Karl Jenkins’ The Armed Man. I enjoyed all the rehearsals, but I’m afraid it was no contest when it came to choosing where I’d be. However, choir has continued to be a constant in my life which I enjoy thoroughly. The next event on the horizon is a performance in Wellington where we’ve been invited to join the Orpheus Choir (and several others, I believe) of Mahler’s Eighth Symphony, the “symphony of a thousand”, on the opening night of the Wellington Arts Festival, under the baton of Vladimir Ashkenazy! We’ve been told the house is already sold out.
This has been the year of no email (in case anyone was wondering why I never replied to messages). Telecom upgraded their software, which meant my computer was no longer wholly compatible with it. In essence I could receive (though still not open most attachments) but I couldn’t send. Thanks to the generosity of Hilary’s husband Andrew, whose workplace upgraded their computers, I am now back in business with a new (to me) laptop which has Windows XP rather than Windows 98 and I’m also able to have Broadband – the old PC didn’t have near enough RAM or ROM or whatever it needs… And I have been slowly working my way through all the emails, especially those with attachments, and reading last year’s letters etc. Even if they’re a year old I still find the news interesting.
This has also been the year of The Shoulder. I injured my right shoulder in January, but (typical nurse) didn’t think it worth going to the doc about until I had to go for something else. She diagnosed bursitis and recommended a cortisone injection followed by physio, which I duly had. After a couple of weeks with no obvious improvement, my physio sent me for an ultrasound scan which showed that as well as bursitis I had a tear in the supraspinatus tendon, one of four which make up the rotator cuff, which had retracted and so would not heal without surgery. My GP got me in to see an orthopaedic surgeon whose comment was that yes I needed surgery and that since I was still symptomatic I certainly should not be working, at least not in a heavy job like nursing which would continue to exacerbate it. NZ has a wonderful institution called the Accident Compensation Corporation, ACC for short. Unfortunately they are a bit picky (!) about whether they will accept a claim or not and in my case it took nearly six weeks before they finally did and as my job is casual, it meant the stress of having no money coming in. Once they accepted it, it was backdated so things did work out okay.
I had my surgery in June, having my arm in a sling 24/7 for six weeks, not allowed to drive for eight and then only around town. I needed help with showering and dressing and housework (yippee!) and shopping… I had thought I’d get lots of knitting done while I was off – fat chance! Do you realize how many things it takes two hands to accomplish??? I even made myself write left handed so I could still do crosswords and Sudoku… Then at my three month follow up I was not progressing as well as I should so I wound up going back to theatre for a washout and 48 hours of IV antibiotics plus a week of oral follow up. Since then it’s been all go and I was finally able to say thank you and goodbye to ACC and go back to work, four weeks ago. Whew!
The day I was discharged the second time was the same day we started a weekend of celebrations for our parish centenary. Of course I wasn’t going to miss out so I attended everything and then crashed and had a day to sleep it off after it was all over. I was intrigued to discover when I read the parish history that my Uncle Dick was a curate at St Martin’s at the time the parish was finally separated off as an independent entity!
I’m afraid the chronology has got confused so now we’re onto random thoughts. Other significant events this year include Mother’s 90th birthday which we celebrated twice, once on the actual birthday in March and once in the school holidays when most of the family were able to come. As they say, a good time was had by all. Four days after her birthday would have been her oldest brother Uncle Brian’s 100th birthday, but sadly he died six weeks prior. However, as Rachel commented to Mother at the time, he may have missed out on a telegram from the Queen of England but instead he’s been welcomed home by the King of the Universe. A couple of months later Dad’s only sister Aunty Hazel died in Wellington. I was able to go to both funerals which was great – you think you know someone well, but it’s amazing what else you learn about their lives when they’re being summed up. I’m proud to be related to two such great people. And it was great to catch up with lots of cuzzies and other rellies at the after match functions.
For the seven months I was off work I was not able to drive to Geraldine to see Mother and I have found phoning her an exercise in frustration as she often doesn’t have her hearing aid in and even when she does it may not be in properly so she can’t hear. This last weekend, however, Richard flew down from Auckland and the two of us drove (Richard drove as I had worked the night before and wasn’t exactly wide awake) down to see her. She had had a fall a week or so ago (probably a TIA) and had to show us her bruises. Ouch! We cut some roses from the garden at home and took Mother with us to put them on Dad’s grave. After leaving her back at the rest home R & I drove into Timaru and enjoyed lovely desi khana at a restaurant appropriately called the Punjab. The next day we offered to take Mother with us to church but she decided not to. In the afternoon, however, she did come out with us for a picnic afternoon tea at the Woodbury Domain where J & T also joined us. Mother is much more frail and more forgetful, but still with it – when she can hear what you say!
I still have my little furry friend, Piseag. I have been contemplating changing his name to Papageno. For those of you unfamiliar with Mozart’s Magic Flute, he’s der Vogelfaenger (which translates as the bird catcher…). He gets most upset when I insist that he has to take them outside. Today it was a mouse… Because of the number of cats in the neighbourhood I have an electronic cat door for him for which he wears a battery operated key on his collar. A few months ago we were rudely awoken by a bang. He jumped off my bed in protest and I got up to investigate. Poor cat, one of the batteries in the key had exploded, fortunately blowing the end off away from his neck. I had to replace the key and initially he was a bit reluctant to have me touch it, but he seems to have forgotten about the accident by now and happily goes in and out independently, except when I see he wants to bring in livestock and lock the door against him…
As we approach the holiday season may I wish you all a Happy Christmas and a New Year full of blessings.
Elizabeth
56 A Nursery Road
Phillipstown
Christchurch 8011
erox@xtra.co.nz
Carlton and Mary Hoke
Holiday greetings to you. The past year resulted in some major changes for our family. Andy and Christina’s children now attend cyber-school. They have found that lessons done at home via computer work better with their ballet schedule. Aaron and Rebecca have moved to Chestnut Hill, so now our whole family is living in Pennsylvania again. Rebecca is attending grad school at Temple working on a master’s degree in vocal performance. Aaron got a job teaching general music for the school district of Philadelphia (K-8) near South Street. For those of you who don’t already know, Alden and Amy have decided to go their separate ways. We were completely shocked to hear the news and have found it difficult to get used to, since Amy was part of our lives for eight-and-a-half years. Family members and Alden’s band have been very supportive and Alden has reconnected with some of his high school friends, which has also helped.
On a happier note, our grandson Simon received a scholarship to attend classes at the American Ballet Theater in NYC over the summer. While dancing there, he was spotted by the casting director for Billy Elliott and was asked to audition. Some of us got to visit him while on a church bus trip to see Mary Poppins. At the June Series in Harrisburg, we were thrilled to watch him dance in “Flirtation” which was choreographed just for him. In addition, he danced the role of Wendy’s brother John in Peter Pan and will again be the Prince for the Nutcracker. India, a beautiful dancer, is also involved in the shows, and recently Philip decided that he is ready to return to ballet, so it is very much a family affair. Lea, Amy & Steve’s daughter, has added church youth group and junior bell ringers to her schedule. She is already involved in playing piano and violin, taking tap and ballet, and singing with the Susquehanna Children’s Chorale. Evan is now involved in cub scouts and basketball. His dad is helping out with both of these activities. Evan and India both started taking piano lessons as well.
For a brief year in review, Carlton and Mary were glad for the opportunity to go to Florida in February to visit each of our sisters. We were able to join Jon and Anita’s choir and also saw the opera Turindot in Jacksonville. A Palm Beach highlight was touring the Flagler Museum with Susie. At the end of March, we were able to celebrate Grandpa Hoke’s 92nd birthday at Passage to India with most of the family in attendance. The end of April, we went on another bus trip for Historic Garden Week in Virginia. In May, we were proud to attend our nephew Alexander’s graduation from Penn State. Another bus trip took us to Wave Hill, a beautiful garden overlooking the Hudson River followed by a rainy ride on a tall ship in the New York harbor. Family vacations included a day at Hersheypark with the grandchildren, a week at a beach house in Sea Isle City, New Jersey, and some time at the cabin on Pine Creek where Simon learned to ride a bicycle and the grandchildren put on one of their famous shows. Our one cruise for the year was to the Canadian Maritimes with the Hetricks in September. We visited interesting cities and saw beautiful scenery, which included the Anne of Green Gables house and farm. At the end of September, we enjoyed a weekend at Rich and Carol Morgan’s beautifully decorated vacation home at Treasure Lake. More special times at the cabin included Sisters’ Weekend in October and our visits with the Stoudts, Edrises, and Scrinieres.
Philip gave us a scare when he was hospitalized with what turned out to be a staph infection of both kidneys and the blood stream. He was released in time to attend our family Thanksgiving celebration. He will need to be on IV antibiotics for at least four weeks. We thank all of our friends and family for your prayers and concern.
We continue to enjoy hearing Alden play with the Steven Courtney Band whenever we can. They recorded two new CDs this year, which showcase Alden’s ability to play many instruments.
Carlton is still subbing at Hershey as well as building and painting sets for the Hershey Area Playhouse. In addition, he started teaching adult pottery classes for the Art Association of Harrisburg. He appreciates his buddies, Doug, Gary, and Jim, for their help with cabin jobs and set painting.
Since one never knows what time will bring, our wish for you is a New Year full of God’s blessings and good health.
Carlton and Mary Hoke
Karen Smyres Wolner
Dear All,
2009 was a year of misstarts for the Smyres/Wolner family but with a lovely finish.
At the end of January I slipped on ice catching my left foot behind the car tire snapping my ankle. This was a first bone break for me and I had no idea how painful it could be. I had to have surgery, a metal plate on the outside ankle and pins on the inside. I was then laid up for 6 weeks. We live in a three floor brownstone so the second floor became my home and John had to carry my meals up and down the stairs giving his troubled knees quite the workout. There was a bright side so to speak. After the surgery, John had no idea how he was going to get me into the house much less up the stairs. A call to 911 brought 3 off-duty firemen who carried me in and up! Every woman's fantasy!! Unfortunately, I have to have more surgery this January to remove the pins since they have shifted pressing on an arthritic bone spur causing sharp pains. Ah, getting older is so much fun!
2 days after my mishap, my sister's husband passed away after a long illness and a week after that a cousin took his life leaving a wife and 3 children. Then my sister in-law required surgery on her spine/neck to repair an old injury and to relieve tremendous pain. It was very tricky but she has recovered nicely.
The rest of the year was filled with joys as we witnessed a nephew's wedding in June and then in October, the wedding of our son, Jason. Two weddings for us within a year (daughter Kim was married Nov. 08) has been exciting to say the least. All will be at our home for Christmas--the first time that we have been altogether without the stress of wedding or multiple friends and family around to greet. It will be so nice to spend a relaxing time as a new expanded family.
Kim and Caleb had decided to enter the Peace Corps in 2010 (Caleb served in Mauritania after college) and had been assigned to somewhere in Eastern Europe but have just recently chosen to withdraw. They continue to live and work in Atlanta but hope to move further north after Caleb finishes his grad work in May. Kim currently works for Make-a-Wish and Caleb trains Peace Corps recruiters.
Jason and his wife Lisbel live in Queens. He continues to teach in Syossett and she is an accountant/CPA in Manhattan. They have finally managed to sell his co-op in Forest Hills and are looking to buy a house somewhere in that area.
My dad performed Jason's wedding and is doing well. My mother is slowly losing her ability to focus. She still knows family members and actually most everyone in the community where they live but she isn't always sure where she is or why. Conversations are hard as she quickly loses the thread of the subject at hand but she is self-sufficient in terms of dressing, washing, etc. Other than hearing problems, health is excellent for the both of them. They still maintain their own home. Fortunately, the retirement community in which they live is very supportive and offer all sorts of services for each of them, giving Dad the needed break.
Many blessings to all of you and your families during the holiday season and in the year to come.
Love, Karen
Mary "Fritschle" Noggle
Greetings Dear Classmates! My year has also flown by. With growing grandchildren and my aging dad (he's 91 now) life has been full of travel. I had the chance to go with my sister Ruth to visit my older brother Dan (some of you may remember him) in Maine. It was so fantastic, I was amazed at how beautiful it is. It was my first trip to New england and I will certainly be going back.
We had a wonderful reunion with Dennis' family from San Antonio this Fourth of July. His daughters now each have a child and it was wonderful to see them. As always there is a bit of sadness, as Dennis never got to see them.
I have taken a part time position with the State of Wisconsin to help people plan for their own care. It is a new program and I am enjoying it so much. It is great to be able to help these vulnerable adults and to see how their quality is life is so improved. I continue to lead Bible Study, wrote another one on Jonah-what fun it was-and was the keynote speaker for our church's Christmas Tea. There were 130 women attending and I was terrified! Still God enabled me to speak and others were blessed so now I can relax and enjoy Christmas. I will be spending it in Seattle with my daughter Lyduia and her family, the first time in 5 years I have been able to spend it with her.
I wish each of you a wonderful and blessed Christmas.
Your classmate Mary "Fritschle" Noggle
Linda Gamble (McKendry)
Hello classmates.... what a treat to begin receiving all the "annual" newsletters. We are overall the most busy and active people I know of!
My news is that in the Spring of 2008 I could no longer see what was happening to my parents continue. We had sold their home after helping them downsize... a bitter/sweet job.. in order to move them into a beautiful Assisted Living facility. While the amenities were excellent, they were sick most of the time and we had crisis after crisis as we discovered more and more that they had dementia and were forgetting too many things...
We had promised them that they only had to try it for six months and if they didn't like it we would make other arrangements. The problem is that there is a huge gap in senior care in Canada. They weren't independent enough to be in Assisted Living or sick enough to be in Nursing Home. I could see that if we left them to the system, they would also be separated and would not live together as a couple.
I rented a bungalow near my daughter and just across from my grandchildren's school and moved my business and Mom and Dad into it. We have now been here 19 months and have transitioned to closing down my business end of July, creating a recovery room for Dad after almost losing him after surgery for a tumor in his bowel... and that room is shared with his downsized watch repair shop.
Last August we secured the services of a Filipino foreign worker who has two years of nursing... and also qualified for Government Funding... towards her salary with the Self Managed Care program. Recently, we took in a border, through Home Care... so he can share our schedule already in place for seniors... if he can make it up stairs... and his room and board is helping to subsidize our expenses.
Many days I feel like a mom with three children who can't be left alone but who also aren't needing me 24/7! I try to get home to our house, where Jim is as often as possible... either during the day when the nurse is on duty... or on the weekends that my siblings bring their spouses and stay from Friday evening to Monday morning.
Jim bought a 75 acre farm early summer and moved our trailer up to the property to live in while he had it cleaned up and fixed up. We are renting one of the farm houses to our daughter, Shelley Anne who is the primary caregiver for her mother. Jim was there for four months and has come home for the winter, expecting to go back in the Spring and do some more work, including creating an RV storage park.
My first project since closing down the corporation happens to be with an East Indian couple who are opening up a Massage Clinic.. and want to have the color scheme and furnishings to reflect an Indian/Asian theme. It's fun to be working with them. And God is good to provide some finances for me at this challenging time of transition.
I'm working on backdrops and props for a Christmas play, which is reminding me of all the stage art work I did in India... so my life is full with this incredible responsibility for Mom and Dad... but we are enjoying the extra family connections that this brings on a regular basis. All those hugs, kisses, and opportunities I missed with my parents because of boarding school... are mine these days! Having Mom and Dad all to myself and being able to make sure they are well cared for is a true privilege and gift from God. I now know what it really means to have God's GRACE as our sufficiency to do what we are called to do.
My dreams still include going back to India to help make a difference in some of the deteriorating buildings that need restoring and renovating... it would be wonderful if that included one of the houses in Landour! I also want to help mentor and provide venture capital for small businesses.
Francis Hilliard surprised me recently with a local phone call to let me know that she was here in Calgary to assist her daughter in giving birth to her first grand daughter... it was wonderful to spend time with her, first a quick coffee... and then a short trip to the mountains west of us... to my favourite spot, Elbow Falls. And because the snow was late in coming, the area reminded us even more of the Hills... rocks, pines, trails... birds... I really enjoyed the company of someone with whom I share so much history!
Thanks, Cate, for once again being our class 'mother' and bringing us back into community... once again. And I cried when I viewed the images of Woodstock and the new gym... thanks for taking us back... but I LOVED the Tiger, coming in a dandy!
God bless you all.... Blessed Christmas... Prosperous New Year too!
Linda
Kathy Coleman York
Merry Christmas, I continue to enjoy my semi-retirement I work when I want. I do wish at times that I lived in a warmer area of the world (when winter hits with a vengence) but overall life is good. Take care, Kathy
David and Ruthe Rugh
Greetings classmates from the Rughs-
Thanks to Cate's motivation for keeping us in communication, I'll provide a few lines for the Quad (hoping, of course, that no one will be grading my essay). Here goes:
"Dave and Ruthe Rugh had mini-Woodstock reunions with McCullochs at Thanksgiving and McCullochs/Friedericks at Christmas on the Olympic Peninsula. The rest of the year has been a continuation of research on Alaska's whales, including three trips to Barrow, AK, for counting whales
from sea ice, showing VIPs a personal perspective of global warming's affect on the Arctic, and aerial surveys to learn more about bowhead whale feeding ecology. Also there were trips for meetings and surveys of belugas in Cook Inlet. Time off was spent grooming and upgrading our Olympic homestead."
-Dave Rugh
Sherry Sergeant Cox
1048 Ketch Creek Drive
Lawton, OK 73507-8851
580/529-3188 s4cox@mptelco.com
Merry Christmas and Happy 2010 to you:
We hope this letter finds you doing well and that God has blessed you despite the economic downturn in our country and world. This year our family will be spending Christmas in Nebraska with Sherry’s family. New Year’s will be back in Oklahoma. It’s been a few years since we were in Nebraska for Christmas so we are looking forward to the trip.
This has been an interesting year for us. Sarah and Stephanie continuing with their college education while Sherry and Steve were kept busy with work, household chores, keeping up with Sarah and Stephanie, church activities, etc.
Stephanie was accepted into the Oklahoma University (OU) Nursing School at the Cameron campus here in Lawton. She has completed the first of four semesters. Part of her schoolwork is spent working/training at a local hospital. Her first semester was hard but included some interesting experiences. This past summer she went on a mission trip to Uganda with Youth With A Mission (YWAM). She joined a mission team in Colorado Springs then travelled to Uganda where the team spent a couple of weeks doing a variety of projects. They focused on working with the children there, passing out mosquito nets and her group got to live in a village for three days. She really loved all the experiences she had and getting to know the African people and other missionaries.
Sarah continues to go to school and work. She is a senior at Cameron University where she continues to work towards a Bachelor’s degree and get ready to apply for Physical Therapy Assistant school in 2010. Sarah also lives at home while going to school. She has been able to continue working as a Physical Therapy Tech. at the PT clinic she has been at for about a year. The clinic is very supportive of Sarah’s school so Sarah is able to work around her class schedule. The job not only gives her some income, it keeps her up-to-date with the different aspects of the PT profession. Entrance into PT Assistant schools is very competitive .
This summer Sarah and Stephanie flew to Washington DC for a week. Sarah has a good friend from Kansas who lives out there with her family. The girls spent the week playing tourist around the DC area. This was the first time they travelled by themselves. They got to see a lot of the sights in DC so it was a good trip for them. In July, Sherry and Steve took Stephanie to Colorado Springs. Sarah had to stay home and work. We drove out to Colorado and spent time visiting with relatives on Sherry’s Mom’s side of the family and some friends. It had been a couple of years since Sherry had visited in Colorado and almost 5 years for Steve and Stephanie.
Sherry had been working part time for the next door neighbor who owned a medical transportation company, doing office and administrative work. It was nice for her since she didn’t have to drive to work. The job ended in September when the neighbor decided to shut down her business. Sherry continues with her Mary Kay business on a part time basis too. In May she went to Nebraska and spent three weeks with her Mom, June, who had her pacemaker replaced. Her Mom is in her 80s so Sherry helped her out as she recovered. Sherry and June came back down to Oklahoma in July to spend a week before taking her out to Colorado with us. In June, June was diagnosed with early stages of Alzheimer’s. She is still living at home but ever since July has been cared for by Sherry’s sisters and nieces. Sherry plans to stay in Kearney two extra weeks in January to help relieve the others. Sherry continues to sing in the church choir and this year is part of the community choir that did the Messiah on the 12th of December.
In January Steve had his 30th anniversary of working with the Red Cross. He continues as the Midnight Shift Supervisor at the Fort Sill Emergency Services Center. He is still enjoying the work, overall. Red Cross has had to “tighten its belt” with the decrease in donations but the work of the Fort Sill Center continues. Chores around the house, some planned and some unplanned, kept him busy over the course of time too.
That brings you up-to-date with our family and our life in 2009. We are looking forward to some major milestones to come along in 2010, one being Sherry and Steve celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary in August. We hope and pray that 2010 will be a blessing to you and those close to you. As always, if you are ever in this part of the country you are welcome to stop in for a visit.
Miriam Haqq Prabhakar
Dear Cate,
Always good to hear from you and thanks again for keeping up with everyone. How are things in Delhi going for you?
Well I am in the US for a visit since the end of September and will be going back to India on January 2nd. My youngest son, Stephen, was engaged on October 3rd and Lord willing the marriage will take place in Huntsville, Alabama in mid July. After which they will be moving to Fort Wayne, Indiana where he is working. She is in college and so will transfer to Purdue University to complete her education. The eldest son, Joshua and his wife Josie are in Raleigh, NC and so I am visiting them for a week before Christmas and then we will be in Atlanta. The second son was married a year ago in December to Keerthi and she is in the process of going through her interviews for her Residency in Internal Medicine.
There is a real uprising in Andhra Pradesh as most of you are aware I am sure, with the Telengana's asking for their own state! With strikes, bus burnings, shops and schools closed it has been quite a problem. I do pray that these things will settle down before I head back to A.P.
I wish you each one a wonderful and blessed Christmas as we remember the birth of the King of Kings.
Love
Miriam
Don Camp
Hi, Cate. I'm nearing the end of a Foreign Service career at least partially devoted to South Asia. I'm in New York this fall for a temporary stint at the US mission to the United Nations, as advisor on South and Central Asia. I return to Washington and my family next week in time for Christmas. My wife Betsy and my kids Matt and Catherine and I will celebrate the holidays at home. Next year, I have a possible trip to Nepal in February (side trip to Mussoorie would be nice, but not too likely). Then, when I am fully retired, maybe some traveling. My sister Bea (who never had the Woodstock experience) is living in Shanghai so that's on my itinerary. Thanks for keeping everyone in touch.
Don Camp
John Chaffee
Barb and I had been talking about getting out a Christmas letter, which would have served as an easy update to send you, but since we haven't you will have to make do with the brief version.
This past year has been one of dramatic highs and lows for Barb and me. To begin with the lows, we both came down with cancer. Mine was prostate, I have finished my treatments, and all appears well. Barb's, however, is recurrent breast cancer, for which there are lots of treatments but no cures. She has done wonderfully, and we are actively making plans for the future, but we know that the challenge is ongoing. As for the highs, they included a fabulous three-week trip in northern Europe in June (almost a week in Norway and a two-week Baltic cruise), a terrific get together at the DeVols with Phil and Susan, Rajan Kose, and Ruth and Harvey Paige, and the arrival last March of Gideon and Caleb Chaffee, the sons of Conrad (Woodstock SAGE '96) and his wife Luba, and our first grandchildren. Naturally they are perfect!
Love,
John
Ruth Morris Paige
Harvey and Ruth Morris Paige celebrated Christmas, New Year's and their 40th wedding anniversary cruising on the Amazon River aboard the HMS Explorer (Semester at Sea vessel). We went inland as far as Manaus and also stopped at Santarem. Ruth continues as Director of International Admissions at Wright State University. Harvey was very active in the Obama campaign and is currently working on a project with our local NPR station. We both made trips to San Francisco to visit our son, Gene, who is spending this Christmas tramping in New Zealand. While in SF, Ruth visited Laurel Bunce Polarek on her houseboat in Sausalito and also stayed at Green Gulch Farm near Muir Beach. Daughter Eva and husband Ben will spend Christmas Eve here in Yellow Springs. A highlight of the year is the long weekend we spend with Phil and Susan DeVol and Rajan Kose on the farm at Crow Park. This year John and Barbie Chaffee joined us. Harvey spent a number of days at the farm rebuilding the DeVol's 1948 Ford 8N tractor and was delighted to mow the field when it was running again.
Claire Blickenstaff Beery
Sorry to be delinquent, Cate. My excuse is because of the best thing that’s happened to my family this year – we now have the next generation. My 6 month old granddaughter Tillie (for Matilda) has been visiting with her parents from Jacksonville, Florida. She’s already got a mouthful of teeth and seems to be holding up pretty well with all the doting from our big extended family.
Besides falling in love with this dynamic little person, I’ve also been so delighted to see my daughter Mira as a mother. She and her husband are both so wonderful with her, patient and responsive, realistic and utterly besotted. Greg is in his second year teaching history at the University of North Florida. Mira is finishing her PhD dissertation about the translation work of the Polish poet, Czelaw Milosz. Mira has had quite a few of her own poems published this year including one just recently in Slate Magazine with an audio link of her reading the poem: http://www.slate.com/id/2238550/. She also received a sizeable NEA grant in the past year.
My oldest, Willow, is working on a book to be published by Penguin next spring: The Essential Urban Farmer, co-written with her friend Novella Carpenter whose memoir , Farm City, was a hot item on Oprah’s list last summer. More people in urban areas are looking for guidance in raising their own food and livestock and this will be a complete guide.
Zoe decided to move back to California after one year at American University in Washington DC. It’s a common thing for young Californians to do, so I’m told.
She’ll be transferring to San Francisco State where she’ll study history. She’s currently living out her long time dream of living in San Francisco. I like her being closer to home too.
I continue to love my two part career: teaching Child Development at Santa Rosa Junior College and being the director of Parents Place, a program of Jewish Family and Children’s Services in Santa Rosa. I get to help design and implement many programs we offer to support children and parents as well as provide direct services consulting with parents and at child care centers. With an empty nest for the past year, I’ve had time to get back into music too – playing jazz on my vibraphone. I’ve recently joined up with three guys on guitars and we have a lot of fun. My challenge this year was, like Cate, having a total hip replacement. Mine was about 6 weeks after Cate’s so she provided so much wonderful support during my recovery. Let me just say, life’s so much better without chronic pain and being able walk easily once more.
Here’s a picture of Tillie and Mira.
It’s great to read the stories of my Woodstock brothers and sisters.
Love to you all, Claire
Judith Scheuerman Bender
I'm late this time too Cate. Sorry.
It has been a year of ups and downs. My husband was diagnosed with colorectal cancer and so we have been very busy with treatments, surgery, and now more treatments. It has been a real challenge for me and an exhausting one, both emotionally and physically. I have not ever seen my husband ill like this and it just broke my heart. I appreciate good health and a loving marriage all the more.
My children are doing well and so are the two grandchildren I have. I feel so blessed with the incredible family I have.
Pretty much, taking care of my husband is about what my life is right now and hopefully once he stabilizes out after the next round of treatments we can get back to a more normal life this next year.
Can't wait for the next reunion!!!!
Love to you all,
Judith
Frances Hilliard Dawson
Dear Cate,
Really late as usual. Our big news is that Michael and I are grandparents to Rebecca Frances, born November 19, parents Kathleen (our daughter) and Mike totally smitten and in love with this new soul. As I write my mother (Ruth Graham Hilliard class of '40 and staff) sits next to me having arrived last night to stay with us for Christmas and a bit.
Thank you so much for keeping us in touch with each other. I so enjoy the long letters that are sent out at this time of year. Michael and I will be sending ours out in the New Year as we expect some more news, which we will want to share.
Love,
Frances
I somehow missed Cate’s email and I know that this is late. I had a heart attack November 16 while I was working at the Atlanta Airport. A couple of deputies from a nearby county happened to be dropping off a prisoner at the airport and they saw what happened. According to their report I did not have a pulse and was not breathing. They performed CPR until an AED (automatic defibrillator) was brought by another passenger, it shocked me and my heart started beating again. These AED’s are wonderful tools for saving lives and if they don’t have them where you work or play you should lobby for them. I had 6 bypasses performed the next day. Recovery is boring but I don’t think that boredom is fatal. If any of you experience shortness of breath, don’t assume like I did that I was terribly out of shape, schedule a stress test immediately. I thought I had time and was scheduling one for May when I have my annual physical.
Marie and I went to Boston, MA for the WWD celebration, my sister Kathy Grosvenor, and Phil Schoonmaker were there. The celebration was held at Mark Wagner’s (’67) house. He has a beautiful house that looks like it was brought to Boston from the Hillside near Woodstock. We had a good time.
I am currently drawing social security and planning to retire when school lets out in May, so that I can baby sit my two youngest Granddaughters.
I have attached my Christmas letter, don’t worry it is not the usual boring letter that many send out. Warren
13105 Cedar St.
Leawood, KS 66209
December 21, 2009
Dear Friends and Family,
Merry Christmas from the Pitts!
The big news is that as of yesterday, Kevin is engaged to Jessica Morris. Kevin and Jessica have known each other for several years while they were both students at KU. Jessica graduated from KU with a degree in Music Therapy in the spring 2009 and is currently In Atlanta completing her internship in Music Therapy. Kevin is living in Lawrence and commuting to Topeka, where he continues his work at Payless as a corporate management associate in the merchandise distribution division. He leads the high school Bell Choir and participates in the choir and adult bell choir at First Baptist, Lawrence.
Michelle continues to work at Grosvenor in Chicago as an accountant. She does tax work as well as having many other accounting responsibilities. In addition, she has been studying for the CPA exam. She has just finished taking one and plans to complete the remaining 3 in the first half of 2010. Of course, she continues to cheer for KU basketball with her many KU friends that live in Chicago. Dan and I were able to see Michelle quite a few times this year, both when we went to Chicago, and when she has been able to come home to see us.
Dan continues to work at MHM Resources (now part of WageWorks Inc) where he is the Vice President of Product Management. Evelyn continues teaching math at Washburn University in Topeka.
This year Dan has been working many weekends helping to rehab apartments at Hillcrest Transitional Housing in Kansas City, KS for use by homeless families. In exchange for rent/utility-free housing, residents are required by written agreement to work full time, obey program guidelines and attend volunteer-taught classes in life skills, employment, community living and budgeting. This year Hillcrest has gone from 3 transitional units to 17 and over 90% of the families have become self-sufficient.
Over Spring Break, Dan and I returned to Nicaragua with a group from First Baptist, Topeka. We always come back feeling so blessed to be with those from AMOS and First Baptist, Manauga.
We hope that you all have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Oh Cate, I am sure that I am too late for this but just incase...we have had a difficult year with the loss of my parents over the summer...we miss them each and every day but celebrate the lives that they lived...we made several great trips this year. We went for a wonderful cruise around South America in February and have just returned from our annual trip to Vail for skiing. Our family is well and growing. Meghna (SAGE '96) and her husband, Anuj Grover, live here in Atlanta. They have a 19 mos old daughter, Simran, that delights us and reminds us how happy we are that they are nearby. Rahul is finishing his residency in Anesthesiology in July and is getting married in April. He and Amber are planning a family wedding in L.A. and will come here to Atlanta for a reception...if any of you find your way to Atlanta around April 24th, please join drop by to celebrate with us...Rajesh is working here in Atlanta...he is writing for a Sports Magazine called SCORE and will be going to grad school next Fall...more journalism. Ashwini is busy with medical practice and playing golf every chance he gets...I am working on my project to send medical equipment to programs around the world and babysitting little Simran. We plan a trip to South India in January, 2010...we make annual trips to North India and enjoyed our visit with you, Jack, and Harishwar, but hope to visit friends and family in the South that we don't see often. Peace, joy, and love to all, Linda Garst Gupta
AshlinGupta
Hi, Cate, I can't believe another year has gone by. It seems as we age the years go by even faster.
I was reading Marvin's Christmas letter and like most of our age we are retiring and babysitting grand kids.
The Olsen news is, I will be spending this week in New York visiting my son and his family, Heather and their son, Ulysses, a precocious 2 year old, and of course he is brilliant.
They were here for a week in this summer and it was fun to teach him some Hindustani words.
I expect Latin to be his second language as that is what his dad teaches his students.
Stephanie is finishing up her first semester at dental school, it was harder than she expected, but she did very well.
I am retiring from what I did at the church and hope to spend more time painting.
We have been very blessed with good health, hopefully it will continue through the New Year.
My best to all and have a wonderful 2010.
Marcia McKelvey Olsen.
Regan Howard
Cate,
It's marvelous to hear from one who shared my brief stay at Woodstock. My memories are real dim, but I do remember walking home by myself one day after the poor soul who was to pick me up didn't make it. Scared Mom to no end. The attached picture is me and my sister Christine at about the age, and properly dressed. She's now retired living in France with her husband. I'm still working as a contract aerospace engineer for NASA.
Your Uncle Tom probably knew my father, Lee, who was also class of '41. Sadly, Dad passed away this April last. He was the last of the four Howard brothers, all of whom graduated from Woodstock.
I do keep in touch with my Howard cousins and aunts. My aunt Millie is Woodstock I'd guess '43 and I can't remember her maiden name at the moment, but she married my uncle Everett Eugene ("Gene") Howard of the same class (I think).
I live just north of Washington DC. My cell # is 301-717-5747. I'll try calling later this week.
Merry Christmas and Regards,
Regan
Elizabeth Roxburgh
Dear Family and Friends,
Offerings from many of you have started pouring in so it must be that time again, to add my personal update to the pile. So, how to summarize my year? – chronologically? by topic? randomly? How about a mixture of the lot?
This time last year we were preparing for a Roxburgh Christmas in Geraldine with most of the family arriving on Christmas Eve and others getting there in time to celebrate the New Year. We mostly had a lovely time, but the weather was extremely hot (remember this is the southern hemisphere) and for Mother, who had been undergoing various investigations and was not feeling very much like eating or drinking, this led to her having to be hospitalized for severe dehydration. As a family we wanted to support her, but also we had concerns about her continuing to live alone, so it came as a relief to all when she made her own decision that she was no longer able to manage, even with all available help, and so she is now a resident at McKenzie Health Care in Geraldine.
Next big memory for me was the wedding of my goddaughter Elizabeth Mackintosh to Carl Fraser in Dunedin. I was absolutely thrilled when she asked me to be her official witness. They chose to have a garden wedding in one of the lovely old homes in Dunedin, which was chancing it a bit, but though it rained in the morning it cleared up in time for the event. I must say she made a beautiful bride and of course I’m not biased.
As it’s a five hour drive from here to Dunedin I decided to combine the trip with a visit to Invercargill where two of John & Teresa’s offspring, Matthew & Helen, have been studying at Southland Polytech. The attraction south is that they charge zero fees, but the catch is that if you fail to pass your course you have to cough up – a wonderful incentive to work! I gave Clare a ride down to visit them too and had a lovely curry meal with the three of them. From there I travelled on to Arrowtown to visit Rachel & John & Lauren and finally drove home over the Crown Range, which is still as steep as ever but has now been sealed and so felt easier than the first time I attempted it in my Mini, I don’t remember how many years ago!
Liz & Carl’s wedding unfortunately coincided with the first concert City Choir put on this year, a performance of Karl Jenkins’ The Armed Man. I enjoyed all the rehearsals, but I’m afraid it was no contest when it came to choosing where I’d be. However, choir has continued to be a constant in my life which I enjoy thoroughly. The next event on the horizon is a performance in Wellington where we’ve been invited to join the Orpheus Choir (and several others, I believe) of Mahler’s Eighth Symphony, the “symphony of a thousand”, on the opening night of the Wellington Arts Festival, under the baton of Vladimir Ashkenazy! We’ve been told the house is already sold out.
This has been the year of no email (in case anyone was wondering why I never replied to messages). Telecom upgraded their software, which meant my computer was no longer wholly compatible with it. In essence I could receive (though still not open most attachments) but I couldn’t send. Thanks to the generosity of Hilary’s husband Andrew, whose workplace upgraded their computers, I am now back in business with a new (to me) laptop which has Windows XP rather than Windows 98 and I’m also able to have Broadband – the old PC didn’t have near enough RAM or ROM or whatever it needs… And I have been slowly working my way through all the emails, especially those with attachments, and reading last year’s letters etc. Even if they’re a year old I still find the news interesting.
This has also been the year of The Shoulder. I injured my right shoulder in January, but (typical nurse) didn’t think it worth going to the doc about until I had to go for something else. She diagnosed bursitis and recommended a cortisone injection followed by physio, which I duly had. After a couple of weeks with no obvious improvement, my physio sent me for an ultrasound scan which showed that as well as bursitis I had a tear in the supraspinatus tendon, one of four which make up the rotator cuff, which had retracted and so would not heal without surgery. My GP got me in to see an orthopaedic surgeon whose comment was that yes I needed surgery and that since I was still symptomatic I certainly should not be working, at least not in a heavy job like nursing which would continue to exacerbate it. NZ has a wonderful institution called the Accident Compensation Corporation, ACC for short. Unfortunately they are a bit picky (!) about whether they will accept a claim or not and in my case it took nearly six weeks before they finally did and as my job is casual, it meant the stress of having no money coming in. Once they accepted it, it was backdated so things did work out okay.
I had my surgery in June, having my arm in a sling 24/7 for six weeks, not allowed to drive for eight and then only around town. I needed help with showering and dressing and housework (yippee!) and shopping… I had thought I’d get lots of knitting done while I was off – fat chance! Do you realize how many things it takes two hands to accomplish??? I even made myself write left handed so I could still do crosswords and Sudoku… Then at my three month follow up I was not progressing as well as I should so I wound up going back to theatre for a washout and 48 hours of IV antibiotics plus a week of oral follow up. Since then it’s been all go and I was finally able to say thank you and goodbye to ACC and go back to work, four weeks ago. Whew!
The day I was discharged the second time was the same day we started a weekend of celebrations for our parish centenary. Of course I wasn’t going to miss out so I attended everything and then crashed and had a day to sleep it off after it was all over. I was intrigued to discover when I read the parish history that my Uncle Dick was a curate at St Martin’s at the time the parish was finally separated off as an independent entity!
I’m afraid the chronology has got confused so now we’re onto random thoughts. Other significant events this year include Mother’s 90th birthday which we celebrated twice, once on the actual birthday in March and once in the school holidays when most of the family were able to come. As they say, a good time was had by all. Four days after her birthday would have been her oldest brother Uncle Brian’s 100th birthday, but sadly he died six weeks prior. However, as Rachel commented to Mother at the time, he may have missed out on a telegram from the Queen of England but instead he’s been welcomed home by the King of the Universe. A couple of months later Dad’s only sister Aunty Hazel died in Wellington. I was able to go to both funerals which was great – you think you know someone well, but it’s amazing what else you learn about their lives when they’re being summed up. I’m proud to be related to two such great people. And it was great to catch up with lots of cuzzies and other rellies at the after match functions.
For the seven months I was off work I was not able to drive to Geraldine to see Mother and I have found phoning her an exercise in frustration as she often doesn’t have her hearing aid in and even when she does it may not be in properly so she can’t hear. This last weekend, however, Richard flew down from Auckland and the two of us drove (Richard drove as I had worked the night before and wasn’t exactly wide awake) down to see her. She had had a fall a week or so ago (probably a TIA) and had to show us her bruises. Ouch! We cut some roses from the garden at home and took Mother with us to put them on Dad’s grave. After leaving her back at the rest home R & I drove into Timaru and enjoyed lovely desi khana at a restaurant appropriately called the Punjab. The next day we offered to take Mother with us to church but she decided not to. In the afternoon, however, she did come out with us for a picnic afternoon tea at the Woodbury Domain where J & T also joined us. Mother is much more frail and more forgetful, but still with it – when she can hear what you say!
I still have my little furry friend, Piseag. I have been contemplating changing his name to Papageno. For those of you unfamiliar with Mozart’s Magic Flute, he’s der Vogelfaenger (which translates as the bird catcher…). He gets most upset when I insist that he has to take them outside. Today it was a mouse… Because of the number of cats in the neighbourhood I have an electronic cat door for him for which he wears a battery operated key on his collar. A few months ago we were rudely awoken by a bang. He jumped off my bed in protest and I got up to investigate. Poor cat, one of the batteries in the key had exploded, fortunately blowing the end off away from his neck. I had to replace the key and initially he was a bit reluctant to have me touch it, but he seems to have forgotten about the accident by now and happily goes in and out independently, except when I see he wants to bring in livestock and lock the door against him…
As we approach the holiday season may I wish you all a Happy Christmas and a New Year full of blessings.
Elizabeth
56 A Nursery Road
Phillipstown
Christchurch 8011
erox@xtra.co.nz
Carlton and Mary Hoke
Holiday greetings to you. The past year resulted in some major changes for our family. Andy and Christina’s children now attend cyber-school. They have found that lessons done at home via computer work better with their ballet schedule. Aaron and Rebecca have moved to Chestnut Hill, so now our whole family is living in Pennsylvania again. Rebecca is attending grad school at Temple working on a master’s degree in vocal performance. Aaron got a job teaching general music for the school district of Philadelphia (K-8) near South Street. For those of you who don’t already know, Alden and Amy have decided to go their separate ways. We were completely shocked to hear the news and have found it difficult to get used to, since Amy was part of our lives for eight-and-a-half years. Family members and Alden’s band have been very supportive and Alden has reconnected with some of his high school friends, which has also helped.
On a happier note, our grandson Simon received a scholarship to attend classes at the American Ballet Theater in NYC over the summer. While dancing there, he was spotted by the casting director for Billy Elliott and was asked to audition. Some of us got to visit him while on a church bus trip to see Mary Poppins. At the June Series in Harrisburg, we were thrilled to watch him dance in “Flirtation” which was choreographed just for him. In addition, he danced the role of Wendy’s brother John in Peter Pan and will again be the Prince for the Nutcracker. India, a beautiful dancer, is also involved in the shows, and recently Philip decided that he is ready to return to ballet, so it is very much a family affair. Lea, Amy & Steve’s daughter, has added church youth group and junior bell ringers to her schedule. She is already involved in playing piano and violin, taking tap and ballet, and singing with the Susquehanna Children’s Chorale. Evan is now involved in cub scouts and basketball. His dad is helping out with both of these activities. Evan and India both started taking piano lessons as well.
For a brief year in review, Carlton and Mary were glad for the opportunity to go to Florida in February to visit each of our sisters. We were able to join Jon and Anita’s choir and also saw the opera Turindot in Jacksonville. A Palm Beach highlight was touring the Flagler Museum with Susie. At the end of March, we were able to celebrate Grandpa Hoke’s 92nd birthday at Passage to India with most of the family in attendance. The end of April, we went on another bus trip for Historic Garden Week in Virginia. In May, we were proud to attend our nephew Alexander’s graduation from Penn State. Another bus trip took us to Wave Hill, a beautiful garden overlooking the Hudson River followed by a rainy ride on a tall ship in the New York harbor. Family vacations included a day at Hersheypark with the grandchildren, a week at a beach house in Sea Isle City, New Jersey, and some time at the cabin on Pine Creek where Simon learned to ride a bicycle and the grandchildren put on one of their famous shows. Our one cruise for the year was to the Canadian Maritimes with the Hetricks in September. We visited interesting cities and saw beautiful scenery, which included the Anne of Green Gables house and farm. At the end of September, we enjoyed a weekend at Rich and Carol Morgan’s beautifully decorated vacation home at Treasure Lake. More special times at the cabin included Sisters’ Weekend in October and our visits with the Stoudts, Edrises, and Scrinieres.
Philip gave us a scare when he was hospitalized with what turned out to be a staph infection of both kidneys and the blood stream. He was released in time to attend our family Thanksgiving celebration. He will need to be on IV antibiotics for at least four weeks. We thank all of our friends and family for your prayers and concern.
We continue to enjoy hearing Alden play with the Steven Courtney Band whenever we can. They recorded two new CDs this year, which showcase Alden’s ability to play many instruments.
Carlton is still subbing at Hershey as well as building and painting sets for the Hershey Area Playhouse. In addition, he started teaching adult pottery classes for the Art Association of Harrisburg. He appreciates his buddies, Doug, Gary, and Jim, for their help with cabin jobs and set painting.
Since one never knows what time will bring, our wish for you is a New Year full of God’s blessings and good health.
Carlton and Mary Hoke
Karen Smyres Wolner
Dear All,
2009 was a year of misstarts for the Smyres/Wolner family but with a lovely finish.
At the end of January I slipped on ice catching my left foot behind the car tire snapping my ankle. This was a first bone break for me and I had no idea how painful it could be. I had to have surgery, a metal plate on the outside ankle and pins on the inside. I was then laid up for 6 weeks. We live in a three floor brownstone so the second floor became my home and John had to carry my meals up and down the stairs giving his troubled knees quite the workout. There was a bright side so to speak. After the surgery, John had no idea how he was going to get me into the house much less up the stairs. A call to 911 brought 3 off-duty firemen who carried me in and up! Every woman's fantasy!! Unfortunately, I have to have more surgery this January to remove the pins since they have shifted pressing on an arthritic bone spur causing sharp pains. Ah, getting older is so much fun!
2 days after my mishap, my sister's husband passed away after a long illness and a week after that a cousin took his life leaving a wife and 3 children. Then my sister in-law required surgery on her spine/neck to repair an old injury and to relieve tremendous pain. It was very tricky but she has recovered nicely.
The rest of the year was filled with joys as we witnessed a nephew's wedding in June and then in October, the wedding of our son, Jason. Two weddings for us within a year (daughter Kim was married Nov. 08) has been exciting to say the least. All will be at our home for Christmas--the first time that we have been altogether without the stress of wedding or multiple friends and family around to greet. It will be so nice to spend a relaxing time as a new expanded family.
Kim and Caleb had decided to enter the Peace Corps in 2010 (Caleb served in Mauritania after college) and had been assigned to somewhere in Eastern Europe but have just recently chosen to withdraw. They continue to live and work in Atlanta but hope to move further north after Caleb finishes his grad work in May. Kim currently works for Make-a-Wish and Caleb trains Peace Corps recruiters.
Jason and his wife Lisbel live in Queens. He continues to teach in Syossett and she is an accountant/CPA in Manhattan. They have finally managed to sell his co-op in Forest Hills and are looking to buy a house somewhere in that area.
My dad performed Jason's wedding and is doing well. My mother is slowly losing her ability to focus. She still knows family members and actually most everyone in the community where they live but she isn't always sure where she is or why. Conversations are hard as she quickly loses the thread of the subject at hand but she is self-sufficient in terms of dressing, washing, etc. Other than hearing problems, health is excellent for the both of them. They still maintain their own home. Fortunately, the retirement community in which they live is very supportive and offer all sorts of services for each of them, giving Dad the needed break.
Many blessings to all of you and your families during the holiday season and in the year to come.
Love, Karen
Mary "Fritschle" Noggle
Greetings Dear Classmates! My year has also flown by. With growing grandchildren and my aging dad (he's 91 now) life has been full of travel. I had the chance to go with my sister Ruth to visit my older brother Dan (some of you may remember him) in Maine. It was so fantastic, I was amazed at how beautiful it is. It was my first trip to New england and I will certainly be going back.
We had a wonderful reunion with Dennis' family from San Antonio this Fourth of July. His daughters now each have a child and it was wonderful to see them. As always there is a bit of sadness, as Dennis never got to see them.
I have taken a part time position with the State of Wisconsin to help people plan for their own care. It is a new program and I am enjoying it so much. It is great to be able to help these vulnerable adults and to see how their quality is life is so improved. I continue to lead Bible Study, wrote another one on Jonah-what fun it was-and was the keynote speaker for our church's Christmas Tea. There were 130 women attending and I was terrified! Still God enabled me to speak and others were blessed so now I can relax and enjoy Christmas. I will be spending it in Seattle with my daughter Lyduia and her family, the first time in 5 years I have been able to spend it with her.
I wish each of you a wonderful and blessed Christmas.
Your classmate Mary "Fritschle" Noggle
Linda Gamble (McKendry)
Hello classmates.... what a treat to begin receiving all the "annual" newsletters. We are overall the most busy and active people I know of!
My news is that in the Spring of 2008 I could no longer see what was happening to my parents continue. We had sold their home after helping them downsize... a bitter/sweet job.. in order to move them into a beautiful Assisted Living facility. While the amenities were excellent, they were sick most of the time and we had crisis after crisis as we discovered more and more that they had dementia and were forgetting too many things...
We had promised them that they only had to try it for six months and if they didn't like it we would make other arrangements. The problem is that there is a huge gap in senior care in Canada. They weren't independent enough to be in Assisted Living or sick enough to be in Nursing Home. I could see that if we left them to the system, they would also be separated and would not live together as a couple.
I rented a bungalow near my daughter and just across from my grandchildren's school and moved my business and Mom and Dad into it. We have now been here 19 months and have transitioned to closing down my business end of July, creating a recovery room for Dad after almost losing him after surgery for a tumor in his bowel... and that room is shared with his downsized watch repair shop.
Last August we secured the services of a Filipino foreign worker who has two years of nursing... and also qualified for Government Funding... towards her salary with the Self Managed Care program. Recently, we took in a border, through Home Care... so he can share our schedule already in place for seniors... if he can make it up stairs... and his room and board is helping to subsidize our expenses.
Many days I feel like a mom with three children who can't be left alone but who also aren't needing me 24/7! I try to get home to our house, where Jim is as often as possible... either during the day when the nurse is on duty... or on the weekends that my siblings bring their spouses and stay from Friday evening to Monday morning.
Jim bought a 75 acre farm early summer and moved our trailer up to the property to live in while he had it cleaned up and fixed up. We are renting one of the farm houses to our daughter, Shelley Anne who is the primary caregiver for her mother. Jim was there for four months and has come home for the winter, expecting to go back in the Spring and do some more work, including creating an RV storage park.
My first project since closing down the corporation happens to be with an East Indian couple who are opening up a Massage Clinic.. and want to have the color scheme and furnishings to reflect an Indian/Asian theme. It's fun to be working with them. And God is good to provide some finances for me at this challenging time of transition.
I'm working on backdrops and props for a Christmas play, which is reminding me of all the stage art work I did in India... so my life is full with this incredible responsibility for Mom and Dad... but we are enjoying the extra family connections that this brings on a regular basis. All those hugs, kisses, and opportunities I missed with my parents because of boarding school... are mine these days! Having Mom and Dad all to myself and being able to make sure they are well cared for is a true privilege and gift from God. I now know what it really means to have God's GRACE as our sufficiency to do what we are called to do.
My dreams still include going back to India to help make a difference in some of the deteriorating buildings that need restoring and renovating... it would be wonderful if that included one of the houses in Landour! I also want to help mentor and provide venture capital for small businesses.
Francis Hilliard surprised me recently with a local phone call to let me know that she was here in Calgary to assist her daughter in giving birth to her first grand daughter... it was wonderful to spend time with her, first a quick coffee... and then a short trip to the mountains west of us... to my favourite spot, Elbow Falls. And because the snow was late in coming, the area reminded us even more of the Hills... rocks, pines, trails... birds... I really enjoyed the company of someone with whom I share so much history!
Thanks, Cate, for once again being our class 'mother' and bringing us back into community... once again. And I cried when I viewed the images of Woodstock and the new gym... thanks for taking us back... but I LOVED the Tiger, coming in a dandy!
God bless you all.... Blessed Christmas... Prosperous New Year too!
Linda
Kathy Coleman York
Merry Christmas, I continue to enjoy my semi-retirement I work when I want. I do wish at times that I lived in a warmer area of the world (when winter hits with a vengence) but overall life is good. Take care, Kathy
David and Ruthe Rugh
Greetings classmates from the Rughs-
Thanks to Cate's motivation for keeping us in communication, I'll provide a few lines for the Quad (hoping, of course, that no one will be grading my essay). Here goes:
"Dave and Ruthe Rugh had mini-Woodstock reunions with McCullochs at Thanksgiving and McCullochs/Friedericks at Christmas on the Olympic Peninsula. The rest of the year has been a continuation of research on Alaska's whales, including three trips to Barrow, AK, for counting whales
from sea ice, showing VIPs a personal perspective of global warming's affect on the Arctic, and aerial surveys to learn more about bowhead whale feeding ecology. Also there were trips for meetings and surveys of belugas in Cook Inlet. Time off was spent grooming and upgrading our Olympic homestead."
-Dave Rugh
Sherry Sergeant Cox
1048 Ketch Creek Drive
Lawton, OK 73507-8851
580/529-3188 s4cox@mptelco.com
Merry Christmas and Happy 2010 to you:
We hope this letter finds you doing well and that God has blessed you despite the economic downturn in our country and world. This year our family will be spending Christmas in Nebraska with Sherry’s family. New Year’s will be back in Oklahoma. It’s been a few years since we were in Nebraska for Christmas so we are looking forward to the trip.
This has been an interesting year for us. Sarah and Stephanie continuing with their college education while Sherry and Steve were kept busy with work, household chores, keeping up with Sarah and Stephanie, church activities, etc.
Stephanie was accepted into the Oklahoma University (OU) Nursing School at the Cameron campus here in Lawton. She has completed the first of four semesters. Part of her schoolwork is spent working/training at a local hospital. Her first semester was hard but included some interesting experiences. This past summer she went on a mission trip to Uganda with Youth With A Mission (YWAM). She joined a mission team in Colorado Springs then travelled to Uganda where the team spent a couple of weeks doing a variety of projects. They focused on working with the children there, passing out mosquito nets and her group got to live in a village for three days. She really loved all the experiences she had and getting to know the African people and other missionaries.
Sarah continues to go to school and work. She is a senior at Cameron University where she continues to work towards a Bachelor’s degree and get ready to apply for Physical Therapy Assistant school in 2010. Sarah also lives at home while going to school. She has been able to continue working as a Physical Therapy Tech. at the PT clinic she has been at for about a year. The clinic is very supportive of Sarah’s school so Sarah is able to work around her class schedule. The job not only gives her some income, it keeps her up-to-date with the different aspects of the PT profession. Entrance into PT Assistant schools is very competitive .
This summer Sarah and Stephanie flew to Washington DC for a week. Sarah has a good friend from Kansas who lives out there with her family. The girls spent the week playing tourist around the DC area. This was the first time they travelled by themselves. They got to see a lot of the sights in DC so it was a good trip for them. In July, Sherry and Steve took Stephanie to Colorado Springs. Sarah had to stay home and work. We drove out to Colorado and spent time visiting with relatives on Sherry’s Mom’s side of the family and some friends. It had been a couple of years since Sherry had visited in Colorado and almost 5 years for Steve and Stephanie.
Sherry had been working part time for the next door neighbor who owned a medical transportation company, doing office and administrative work. It was nice for her since she didn’t have to drive to work. The job ended in September when the neighbor decided to shut down her business. Sherry continues with her Mary Kay business on a part time basis too. In May she went to Nebraska and spent three weeks with her Mom, June, who had her pacemaker replaced. Her Mom is in her 80s so Sherry helped her out as she recovered. Sherry and June came back down to Oklahoma in July to spend a week before taking her out to Colorado with us. In June, June was diagnosed with early stages of Alzheimer’s. She is still living at home but ever since July has been cared for by Sherry’s sisters and nieces. Sherry plans to stay in Kearney two extra weeks in January to help relieve the others. Sherry continues to sing in the church choir and this year is part of the community choir that did the Messiah on the 12th of December.
In January Steve had his 30th anniversary of working with the Red Cross. He continues as the Midnight Shift Supervisor at the Fort Sill Emergency Services Center. He is still enjoying the work, overall. Red Cross has had to “tighten its belt” with the decrease in donations but the work of the Fort Sill Center continues. Chores around the house, some planned and some unplanned, kept him busy over the course of time too.
That brings you up-to-date with our family and our life in 2009. We are looking forward to some major milestones to come along in 2010, one being Sherry and Steve celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary in August. We hope and pray that 2010 will be a blessing to you and those close to you. As always, if you are ever in this part of the country you are welcome to stop in for a visit.
Miriam Haqq Prabhakar
Dear Cate,
Always good to hear from you and thanks again for keeping up with everyone. How are things in Delhi going for you?
Well I am in the US for a visit since the end of September and will be going back to India on January 2nd. My youngest son, Stephen, was engaged on October 3rd and Lord willing the marriage will take place in Huntsville, Alabama in mid July. After which they will be moving to Fort Wayne, Indiana where he is working. She is in college and so will transfer to Purdue University to complete her education. The eldest son, Joshua and his wife Josie are in Raleigh, NC and so I am visiting them for a week before Christmas and then we will be in Atlanta. The second son was married a year ago in December to Keerthi and she is in the process of going through her interviews for her Residency in Internal Medicine.
There is a real uprising in Andhra Pradesh as most of you are aware I am sure, with the Telengana's asking for their own state! With strikes, bus burnings, shops and schools closed it has been quite a problem. I do pray that these things will settle down before I head back to A.P.
I wish you each one a wonderful and blessed Christmas as we remember the birth of the King of Kings.
Love
Miriam
Don Camp
Hi, Cate. I'm nearing the end of a Foreign Service career at least partially devoted to South Asia. I'm in New York this fall for a temporary stint at the US mission to the United Nations, as advisor on South and Central Asia. I return to Washington and my family next week in time for Christmas. My wife Betsy and my kids Matt and Catherine and I will celebrate the holidays at home. Next year, I have a possible trip to Nepal in February (side trip to Mussoorie would be nice, but not too likely). Then, when I am fully retired, maybe some traveling. My sister Bea (who never had the Woodstock experience) is living in Shanghai so that's on my itinerary. Thanks for keeping everyone in touch.
Don Camp
John Chaffee
Barb and I had been talking about getting out a Christmas letter, which would have served as an easy update to send you, but since we haven't you will have to make do with the brief version.
This past year has been one of dramatic highs and lows for Barb and me. To begin with the lows, we both came down with cancer. Mine was prostate, I have finished my treatments, and all appears well. Barb's, however, is recurrent breast cancer, for which there are lots of treatments but no cures. She has done wonderfully, and we are actively making plans for the future, but we know that the challenge is ongoing. As for the highs, they included a fabulous three-week trip in northern Europe in June (almost a week in Norway and a two-week Baltic cruise), a terrific get together at the DeVols with Phil and Susan, Rajan Kose, and Ruth and Harvey Paige, and the arrival last March of Gideon and Caleb Chaffee, the sons of Conrad (Woodstock SAGE '96) and his wife Luba, and our first grandchildren. Naturally they are perfect!
Love,
John
Ruth Morris Paige
Harvey and Ruth Morris Paige celebrated Christmas, New Year's and their 40th wedding anniversary cruising on the Amazon River aboard the HMS Explorer (Semester at Sea vessel). We went inland as far as Manaus and also stopped at Santarem. Ruth continues as Director of International Admissions at Wright State University. Harvey was very active in the Obama campaign and is currently working on a project with our local NPR station. We both made trips to San Francisco to visit our son, Gene, who is spending this Christmas tramping in New Zealand. While in SF, Ruth visited Laurel Bunce Polarek on her houseboat in Sausalito and also stayed at Green Gulch Farm near Muir Beach. Daughter Eva and husband Ben will spend Christmas Eve here in Yellow Springs. A highlight of the year is the long weekend we spend with Phil and Susan DeVol and Rajan Kose on the farm at Crow Park. This year John and Barbie Chaffee joined us. Harvey spent a number of days at the farm rebuilding the DeVol's 1948 Ford 8N tractor and was delighted to mow the field when it was running again.
Claire Blickenstaff Beery
Sorry to be delinquent, Cate. My excuse is because of the best thing that’s happened to my family this year – we now have the next generation. My 6 month old granddaughter Tillie (for Matilda) has been visiting with her parents from Jacksonville, Florida. She’s already got a mouthful of teeth and seems to be holding up pretty well with all the doting from our big extended family.
Besides falling in love with this dynamic little person, I’ve also been so delighted to see my daughter Mira as a mother. She and her husband are both so wonderful with her, patient and responsive, realistic and utterly besotted. Greg is in his second year teaching history at the University of North Florida. Mira is finishing her PhD dissertation about the translation work of the Polish poet, Czelaw Milosz. Mira has had quite a few of her own poems published this year including one just recently in Slate Magazine with an audio link of her reading the poem: http://www.slate.com/id/2238550/. She also received a sizeable NEA grant in the past year.
My oldest, Willow, is working on a book to be published by Penguin next spring: The Essential Urban Farmer, co-written with her friend Novella Carpenter whose memoir , Farm City, was a hot item on Oprah’s list last summer. More people in urban areas are looking for guidance in raising their own food and livestock and this will be a complete guide.
Zoe decided to move back to California after one year at American University in Washington DC. It’s a common thing for young Californians to do, so I’m told.
She’ll be transferring to San Francisco State where she’ll study history. She’s currently living out her long time dream of living in San Francisco. I like her being closer to home too.
I continue to love my two part career: teaching Child Development at Santa Rosa Junior College and being the director of Parents Place, a program of Jewish Family and Children’s Services in Santa Rosa. I get to help design and implement many programs we offer to support children and parents as well as provide direct services consulting with parents and at child care centers. With an empty nest for the past year, I’ve had time to get back into music too – playing jazz on my vibraphone. I’ve recently joined up with three guys on guitars and we have a lot of fun. My challenge this year was, like Cate, having a total hip replacement. Mine was about 6 weeks after Cate’s so she provided so much wonderful support during my recovery. Let me just say, life’s so much better without chronic pain and being able walk easily once more.
Here’s a picture of Tillie and Mira.
It’s great to read the stories of my Woodstock brothers and sisters.
Love to you all, Claire
Judith Scheuerman Bender
I'm late this time too Cate. Sorry.
It has been a year of ups and downs. My husband was diagnosed with colorectal cancer and so we have been very busy with treatments, surgery, and now more treatments. It has been a real challenge for me and an exhausting one, both emotionally and physically. I have not ever seen my husband ill like this and it just broke my heart. I appreciate good health and a loving marriage all the more.
My children are doing well and so are the two grandchildren I have. I feel so blessed with the incredible family I have.
Pretty much, taking care of my husband is about what my life is right now and hopefully once he stabilizes out after the next round of treatments we can get back to a more normal life this next year.
Can't wait for the next reunion!!!!
Love to you all,
Judith
Frances Hilliard Dawson
Dear Cate,
Really late as usual. Our big news is that Michael and I are grandparents to Rebecca Frances, born November 19, parents Kathleen (our daughter) and Mike totally smitten and in love with this new soul. As I write my mother (Ruth Graham Hilliard class of '40 and staff) sits next to me having arrived last night to stay with us for Christmas and a bit.
Thank you so much for keeping us in touch with each other. I so enjoy the long letters that are sent out at this time of year. Michael and I will be sending ours out in the New Year as we expect some more news, which we will want to share.
Love,
Frances
I somehow missed Cate’s email and I know that this is late. I had a heart attack November 16 while I was working at the Atlanta Airport. A couple of deputies from a nearby county happened to be dropping off a prisoner at the airport and they saw what happened. According to their report I did not have a pulse and was not breathing. They performed CPR until an AED (automatic defibrillator) was brought by another passenger, it shocked me and my heart started beating again. These AED’s are wonderful tools for saving lives and if they don’t have them where you work or play you should lobby for them. I had 6 bypasses performed the next day. Recovery is boring but I don’t think that boredom is fatal. If any of you experience shortness of breath, don’t assume like I did that I was terribly out of shape, schedule a stress test immediately. I thought I had time and was scheduling one for May when I have my annual physical.
Marie and I went to Boston, MA for the WWD celebration, my sister Kathy Grosvenor, and Phil Schoonmaker were there. The celebration was held at Mark Wagner’s (’67) house. He has a beautiful house that looks like it was brought to Boston from the Hillside near Woodstock. We had a good time.
I am currently drawing social security and planning to retire when school lets out in May, so that I can baby sit my two youngest Granddaughters.
I have attached my Christmas letter, don’t worry it is not the usual boring letter that many send out. Warren
13105 Cedar St.
Leawood, KS 66209
December 21, 2009
Dear Friends and Family,
Merry Christmas from the Pitts!
The big news is that as of yesterday, Kevin is engaged to Jessica Morris. Kevin and Jessica have known each other for several years while they were both students at KU. Jessica graduated from KU with a degree in Music Therapy in the spring 2009 and is currently In Atlanta completing her internship in Music Therapy. Kevin is living in Lawrence and commuting to Topeka, where he continues his work at Payless as a corporate management associate in the merchandise distribution division. He leads the high school Bell Choir and participates in the choir and adult bell choir at First Baptist, Lawrence.
Michelle continues to work at Grosvenor in Chicago as an accountant. She does tax work as well as having many other accounting responsibilities. In addition, she has been studying for the CPA exam. She has just finished taking one and plans to complete the remaining 3 in the first half of 2010. Of course, she continues to cheer for KU basketball with her many KU friends that live in Chicago. Dan and I were able to see Michelle quite a few times this year, both when we went to Chicago, and when she has been able to come home to see us.
Dan continues to work at MHM Resources (now part of WageWorks Inc) where he is the Vice President of Product Management. Evelyn continues teaching math at Washburn University in Topeka.
This year Dan has been working many weekends helping to rehab apartments at Hillcrest Transitional Housing in Kansas City, KS for use by homeless families. In exchange for rent/utility-free housing, residents are required by written agreement to work full time, obey program guidelines and attend volunteer-taught classes in life skills, employment, community living and budgeting. This year Hillcrest has gone from 3 transitional units to 17 and over 90% of the families have become self-sufficient.
Over Spring Break, Dan and I returned to Nicaragua with a group from First Baptist, Topeka. We always come back feeling so blessed to be with those from AMOS and First Baptist, Manauga.
We hope that you all have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Oh Cate, I am sure that I am too late for this but just incase...we have had a difficult year with the loss of my parents over the summer...we miss them each and every day but celebrate the lives that they lived...we made several great trips this year. We went for a wonderful cruise around South America in February and have just returned from our annual trip to Vail for skiing. Our family is well and growing. Meghna (SAGE '96) and her husband, Anuj Grover, live here in Atlanta. They have a 19 mos old daughter, Simran, that delights us and reminds us how happy we are that they are nearby. Rahul is finishing his residency in Anesthesiology in July and is getting married in April. He and Amber are planning a family wedding in L.A. and will come here to Atlanta for a reception...if any of you find your way to Atlanta around April 24th, please join drop by to celebrate with us...Rajesh is working here in Atlanta...he is writing for a Sports Magazine called SCORE and will be going to grad school next Fall...more journalism. Ashwini is busy with medical practice and playing golf every chance he gets...I am working on my project to send medical equipment to programs around the world and babysitting little Simran. We plan a trip to South India in January, 2010...we make annual trips to North India and enjoyed our visit with you, Jack, and Harishwar, but hope to visit friends and family in the South that we don't see often. Peace, joy, and love to all, Linda Garst Gupta
AshlinGupta
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