Hood Class of 1979 News

The biggest news is that the Class of 1979  gathered to celebrate our 40th (!?!) reunion on campus in June – it was SPECTACULAR.  What a bunch of amazing woman we are and if you weren’t there, we missed you and want to see you next time – specifically Donna Mishkin, Ruth Sikora, Ginny Roth, Cindy Guy Clark, and Sarah Stigelman Carroll, and you, insert-your-name-here.

There was a lot of laughing and connecting – we enjoyed ourselves fully and LOVED being back in Frederick which is way swankier than it was back in the day.

Many of us are grandmothers, some happily retired, many are immersed in eldercare.  Some, like Anne Kelley, are on second careers – Anne is now a librarian in Nashville, TN.  As different as our lives may seem, we were reminded that inside, we are all feeling very much the same as we embark upon life in our 60’s.

We were there in person to celebrate with classmate Cindy Nofziger as she received the 2019 Distinguished Alumna award.   Cindy leveraged her work as a Peace Corps Volunteer and founded Schools for Salone, an organization dedicated to improving education in West Africa’s Sierra Leone.   Nothing by chance they say – through her recent work in Sierra Leone, Cindy connected with a fellow Peace Corps Volunteer, Jillian Jones, who, as it turns out is a Hood Alum too – 2012.   What are the chances?

We all loved remembering and reminiscing and find that, even though we were not in the same dorm or same classes, 40 years later it all morphs and blends together – it is the common thread of Hood College that will be connecting us together forever.

Awesome campus.

Awesome people.

We are grateful.

See you next reunion!

BE SURE TO JOIN OUR FACEBOOK PAGE – look up Hood College Class of 1979 and come on in!

Trina Clickner
727.366.1424
trinaclickner@gmail.com

Betsey Ditto Lillard – I am loving retirement, visiting my kids, my grandson and traveling. I retired from work as an admin in large medical office, am taking Spanish class, volunteering at Ft Frederick State park, and speaking fluent German (Hood classes have paid off!).  Husband Ric:  retired from Regional Fire Manager – Western Region, MD Dept of Natural Resources.  Daughter Kristina: wedding planner in Costa Rica with her own company, Perennial Weddings – her son is four and speaks both English and Spanish (hence Spanish lessons!).  Son Alex:  professor of Earth Sciences at Georgia State U in Atlanta, part time stunt performer in movies.  Granddog: Copper. Ginnie Roth – Life in Boston is wonderful – my family is here.  I love living walking distance to Harvard Square and I’ve done some fun condo renovations.  We took a fantastic Rhine / Mosel river cruise last Fall.  I love my job working in the legal department at a genomics research institute (The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard).  Patents, licensing and trademarks are very different from the litigation and regulatory work I did in DC.  It is very interesting and not as fast-paced.  While I do miss Washington and Frederick, I’ll miss our reunion as we have vacation / family reunion plans.  Best wishes to all for a great 2019!  Janet Wehking Mullen – I’m a grandmother – son Greg adopted a baby girl at Thanksgiving!  Tom and I bought a house in Edenton, NC on the Albemarle Sound.  I’ll be retiring any day now and then will move from MD to NC. John Anderson – John will be anxiously awaiting our reunion in early-June and the arrival of his first grandchild mid-June!  John is hoping for a great turnout, can’t wait, and sends love to all!!  Joyce Lavado Soucy – Our youngest daughter, Beth:  was just married in Seattle to a wonderful guy and hired by Airbnb – so excited!  Our oldest daughter:  in Annapolis with her husband and 18 month old son, working for a NGO.  Great things for Paul and me:  summers in RI / winters in FL.  Enjoying life!  Special shout out to Linda, Shafer, Sue Kulow and Suzanne Valmas.  HELLLLLOOOO! Marianne Hastoglis Gravely: I am RETIRED after 30 years working for USDA – just in time to keep from being furloughed!  I had a wonderful career.  I told my colleagues (babies, all) about how the USDA was often featured in our Hood Home Economics coursework, and then how when we would drive by the huge USDA buildings on the downtown mall during weekend visits to DC.  Back then I would often think how WONDERFUL it would be to work there.  Then, less than a decade after graduating that career dream came true for me once I moved to Northern VA from Japan.  My husband Alan retired from the FBI, my son Thomas (HUD Special Agent), and daughter Marie (high school teacher) live in the area.  My youngest daughter Hope (General Dynamics) lives in Virginia Beach. The oldest two are moving to California soon but we still plan to retire to Virginia Beach within the next few years.  So, as we like to say, “we’ll always have Hope!”.  I am an avid quilter and even though I am retired, I still don’t get to spend enough time at my sewing machine.

Trina Clickner
727.366.1424
trinaclickner@gmail.com

Bess Muir – I love living on Kent Island! I work in Easton three days/week and then spend 2-3 days in New Jersey with my Dad. We journeyed to eastern Europe in May – just love the traveling bug! Would love to catch up with you if you are passing through! Carole Woods Bennett – I live in Parker, CO, SE of Denver, on a 40-acre small goat dairy. This is a family-managed affair for me, my husband of 30 years, Jim, and my two adult children (21 and 23). We have 50 goats, 3 horses, 2 Newfoundlands and several cats. We sell milk, cheese, yogurt, etc. I keep in touch with Julie Starr ’80 who is a professional artist living in CA. Debbie Eaton Thackston – Retirement is wonderful! I retired in July 2014 with 35 years in Frederick County Public Schools, the final ten as a school administrator. Now, I’m busy babysitting my two adorable grandsons three days/week, playing Pickleball and staying fit. I raise money for the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition and the Alzheimer’s Association.I met Lynn Hicks Townsend, Jane Krebs Drozinski, and Sue Murawski Ganley on campus for Homecoming Weekend and strolled about campus. I’m now serving on the Hood Board of Associates and wonder… has it really been 40 years since we called this campus our home? Jane Krebs Drozinski – I am in my 17th year teaching at Carroll Lutheran School and now in my 5th year teaching Kindergarten! Rick and I have 3 grandkids by our oldest son Andy – they are 6, 4-1/2 and 1. They are adorable and smart and even though they live in SC, we do spend quality time together! In October, I enjoyed spending the day at Hood Homecoming with classmates Lynn Hicks Townsend, Deb Eaton Thackston, and Sue Murawski Ganley! Malia Harrison Anderson – My daughter, Hilary, is in her 1st semester at University of TN in Knoxville and I’m waiting to hear that one day I’ll be a grandmother! Martha Pierce – After 20 years of a practicing medicine in a traditional Internal Medicine model, I opened a “concierge” Internal medical practice here in Frederick: Mid Maryland Internal Medicine. We’re now into our 3rd year and loving it. I am able to spend all the time I need with my patients and know them by name, not a number. The patients love it too, so life is good. www.MidMarylandInternalMedicine.com has more info – Frederick continues to be a great place to live and work! Patti Barth Hintze – I work for an accounting firm and it’s a good time of year for me to go on vacation so I’m writing from Edinburgh, Scotland! I am on a guided tour of the UK followed by 10 days in Vienna, Prague, Berlin, and Budapest. My husband of 35 years, Curtis, is tearing the bathroom apart while I’m gone – another good reason to leave town. Our 29-year-old daughter, Beth, is usually my traveling companion, but she is just starting work as a database manager for the Innocence Project. So, how old are we now? I received my first senior discount when I visited Shakespeare’s grave in Stratford-upon-Avon a few days ago, and my second senior discount at Edinburgh Castle today. That’s one nice benefits to aging. Aside from this travel, my life is pretty quiet. I keep busy with my work, my husband, two book clubs, church, baking, and I help care for my elderly, infirm parents, who live about an hour from my home. I visited Frederick recently and walked around town, accumulating Fitbit steps. I was amazed at how much the town has changed in the last 15 years, but at how little the feel of the campus remains so much the same. Steve Grigas – It’s been a busy year! My law firm has grown to almost 700 attorneys with 23 offices in 12 states. My focus remains healthcare regulatory law, and I was again named to Best Lawyers in America for my work in healthcare law. I’ve stepped down from my role as Chairman of the Florida Bar Health Law Section, but remain active on their Executive Council Board. My family and I did some traveling this year and headed to San Francisco for the 50th Anniversary of the “Summer of Love”. It was fun explaining that one to my son. Then off to Napa and a cruise through the inland passage of Alaska. Next? Cuba in December.

Trina Clickner
727-366-1424
trinaclickner@gmail.com

Rebecca Warner Gardiner:  I would like to report that eight ladies from Meyran Hall gathered for a fabulous reunion in Charleston, SC in April.  Nancy Rapp, Jill Jamieson Colavita, Louise Angus Cribbs, Linda Itell Thomas, Lisa Bryant, Laura Quinn Paschal, and Jane Rathbone Sanders joined me for an enjoyable long weekend at a beach house on Isle of Palms.  In addition to facetime chatting with Theresa Fisher Parlett, who couldn’t make the trip, we toured, biked, and did a LOT of catching up. Best time ever – Hood friends are friends forever! Bethanne Warrack:  Mark and I have been traveling a bit in 2017.  In February we visited the Seychelle Islands and Dubai, and in May we visited Stockholm.  I’m still working at BMS, so that remains a constant.  NJ has been gray and rainy.  Hoping for some good weather this summer and we’ll get down to the shore. Donna Walters Gault:  My biggest news is that my grandson (David’s stepson), Tyler, has graduated from Winter’s Mill High School.  As a graduation present, the three of them are spending a week at Daytona Beach.  I get to dog sit my grand dog, Russell.  Good Grandma!  :o) Virginia Roth:  Big news from me – I got married and moved to Boston.  Joyce Lavado Soucy:  Made the move to Florida, Palm Beach Gardens. Expecting to be a grandma late July – waiting for a beautiful baby boy! Catherine Sherman Hancher:  We are expecting our first grandchild in August!!  Other good things, Margaret “Meg” Forbes Mendoza is moving from California to Florida, so all Magnolia House ladies will be on the East coast – Meg, Donna Mishkin Gordon, Susan Barlett Dunbar, Emily Schwartz McEntee and me.  Being that we are all turning 60, I’m hoping for more than one reunion of some sort.  My husband, Hank, retired this year so of course we immediately adopted a dog now that someone is often home to care of her.  She’s a handful.  We are happy and busy with friends and family and are optimistically looking forward to a bright future. Malia Harrison Anderson: I am finally ending my role as a mother of a Fairfax County school student!  Thirty years!  My baby Hilary graduates June 21 – I have survived! Monica Manzoni Wentz:  Big happenings and joy!  Our first grandchild, Connor Vincent, was born in April and I’m retiring from teaching!  Hard to believe.  I often think back fondly (and with smiles) on our Hood days. Sally Shake Anthony:  Ordinarily I would not have sent this but thought it may be a different take on our class.  In 1978-79, I was a commuting from Baltimore day student back in college after 20 years of absence.  I was at the time 39 years old and in a few weeks I will be 80!  Getting my BS degree allowed for me to begin a wonderful career in design which I am still engaged in.  Never too late to get started.  At the time I had a daughter in college and a son in high school, 2 dogs and a house to run but I made it happen, and am grateful for Hood’s continuing Education program.  They were so supportive and that made a huge difference.  Graduation Day, at 41 years old was surely a happy day for me surrounded by my kids and family.  I remember every detail like it was yesterday.  Best thing I ever did!  Trina Clickner:  I am a happy-go-lucky fiddler, author, cook, landlady and “boss”.  I spend part of the year in Dunedin FL and enjoy summers in my Rochester NY family home.  While everyone else seems to be retiring, I’m thinking I may have just one more work adventure left in me – we’ll see!

1979

Trina Clickner
727-366-1424
trinaclickner@gmail.com

Right after the election, the Class of 1979 was asked for a word or two to sum things up for the year. Here’s how it went. Trina Clickner: Hello out there, Hood classmates! It’s Hood College Class of 1979 news time. Got news? I will sum up my recent mindset in one word—malaise. So, that’s my word. What’s yours? Bess Muir: My word is Maryland. Moved back this past year. Love it here. Bethanne Warrack: My word is milestones. In October, Mark and I celebrated our 20th anniversary in Hawaii. We snorkeled from the beach and found ourselves surrounded by a pod of spinner dolphins. Amazing. In November, I celebrated my 35th anniversary at BMS. Never would have imagined working in one place for so long. Gini Allen Natter: The word from my new home is joy. We have moved into a brand new home on the seventh fairway of a new golf course, five blocks from the ocean. We love our new digs in Atlantic Beach, FL! Janet Wehking Mullen: My one word is consternation. It’s how the election affected me. Please check out my company’s website—iwpr.org—get informed and donate to help us work on issues affecting women. Katt Sherman Hancher: Anxiety. I’d like to go with an entire essay, but I guess that sums it up best, thanks! Malia Harrison Anderson: Exhausted! What’s new! My son’s wedding in Nashville was fabulous in August, and my baby girl just turned 18! My older son is in his 10th year of work! Just getting old and waiting to be a grandma! Martha Pierce: It’s setting a pretty low bar for us to come up with one word… but I’m up for the challenge: trepidation, angst, déjà vu…you pick. Thanks for keeping up with our class! Mary Dale Jones Lancaster: Your word is malaise? Well, that sounds dreary. Could be physical, mental, political (!), emotional—whatever it is, it’s only temporary. Nothing much to report here—I, like many, feel particularly squeezed right now between arranging care of my 85-year-old mother and the younger generation. On one level, I am grateful that I am still of some help and usefulness. However, I do find myself torn in several directions, with less time than I’d like for my own pursuits. So, my word of the moment is “stretched.” I am no doubt not alone in this—it seems pretty common for women of our ilk and age to be stretched pretty thin. Of note, I am, at the ripe age of 60, taking up the piano. We’ll see. I can tell that my left hand really does not like to operate independently of my right—is there enough plasticity in my brain to make it all work? We’ll see what the year brings! Ruth Sikora Seel, P’14: Life is good! I am still working as a high school family and consumer science teacher and plan on going for another six years. Of course we will see how that all goes! Our oldest daughter lives just north of Houston, TX, in the Woodlands and is a stay-at-home mom with three beautiful, fun children. We enjoy grandparenting, but wish they were closer! We have one child local, and our Hood grad lives in Portland, OR. I am fortunate to still have both my parents, who are living independently in their home! This summer we had a great weekend with Sally Schrecengost Convery ’80 and Cathy Suber Kohl ’80 in Virginia Beach. We met a woman on the beach whose mom was a Hood grad—it’s a small Hood world!

1979

Trina Clickner
727-366-1424
trinaclickner@gmail.com

Bess Muir:  It’s moving time again!  I just moved to Kent Island, near Annapolis.  I am still traveling with Dad: this year it’s Austria, Germany, and The Netherlands.   I just completed a Master’s in Aging Services Management from USC and am enjoying grandkids – they are my new best friends! Gini Allen Natter: The time has come to say goodbye to Northrop Grumman and hello to our new home in Atlantic Beach, Florida.  I am retiring at the end of July and our new house is under construction.  I look forward to spending time with family and friends, at the beach, and on the golf course.  We have purchased a condo in Annapolis so that we can still enjoy time in this beautiful sailing town.  Joyce Lavado Soucy:  Daughter #1, Maura, is happily married and living in Annapolis.  She is working for a non-governmental organization doing global healthcare and traveling to remote and exotic places for work.  Daughter #2, Beth, moved to Seattle to work remotely as an industrial design consultant and to be with her boyfriend.  We recently sold our Connecticut home of 29 years and get to “live the dream” of 6 months in RI and 6 in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. We’re so excited to say adios to winter!  My husband, Paul, is not retired.  He was given the opportunity to work from the Jupiter office for months at a time so we thought we’d start making the transition to Florida. Katt Sherman Hancher:  I’ve happily have been able to spend time with a few of my favorite Hoodies. Our daughter Kelsey married in January at Old South Mountain Inn and both Meg Forbes Mendoza and Susan Bartlett Dunbar attended. Meg was back east recently for, unfortunately, her brother Charlie’s Memorial Service, and we had some good catch-up time. The Mendoza’s are planning on moving to Florida sometime next year, so at least they’ll be on the east coast! Hank and I are working away, and taking some time for house renovations between weddings. My younger brother and his wife moved from Arizona to Frederick not too long ago so we’ve been spending quite a bit of time there and love it now more than EVER. Looking forward to Homecoming this Fall.  See you there? Linda Itell-Thomas:  It’s hard to believe that I have been in Sarasota for 4 years.  Still enjoying Florida life – flip-flops and T-shirts whenever possible!  I am still working for SSA, a Division of Reliance Steel and I am planning to work at least until Jan 2016 so I can celebrate 40 years in the metals business. If I still am healthy and able, I plan to work until I am 65 then will consider retirement life so I can focus on my golf game. I have become addicted to the sport and try to play as much as possible in my “spare” time.  We celebrated my son’s graduation from college and he is on his way to becoming a police officer.  My daughter is in her senior year of nursing and will be graduating at the end of this year with her BSN.  She plans to stay in the Fort Myers area for the short term.  She is looking at various schools to continue her education to secure her DNP.  All in all, life is good.  If any of the Hood people from our class are in the area, let me know.  E-mail is lkitellthomas@gmail.com – I’d love to see you! Malia Harrison Anderson:  I’m getting a new right hip!  I have to be able to dance at my son Marty’s wedding on August 6 in Nashville, TN! Steven Grigas:  Apart from missing the good old days at Hood, I’ve been busy with my second career as an partner/attorney with the law firm of Akerman LLP.  My clients include numerous HMOs, and one of the nation’s largest hospital systems.   I have recently been recognized as one of the Best Attorneys in America 2016 for the area of health law.  I am on the editorial board of the online news service Law360, and am the incoming chairman of the Florida Bar’s Health Law Section for 2016-17.  My son finished his freshman year at the University of Florida. My wife retired from teaching elementary school and my two puppies, Penny Lane and George Parker, are teething and send greetings.  Life is good. Trina Clickner:  I am still fiddling incessantly and looking after my Aunt with dementia.  I recently moved her from Anacortes, WA back to Rochester NY.  A-D-V-E-N-T-U-R-E.

Trina Clickner
727-366-1424
trina@palmtoppublishing.com

REMINDER: Our class has a Facebook page – stop in some time!

Becky Warner Gardiner is happy about living in beautiful Cary, North Carolina for 21 years and being happily married to John for 34, the birth of her first grandchild in April, a wonderful little girl, and that the family is doing well with everyone in good health, employed and enjoying loving relationships. Becky will strive to maintain her health so she can enjoy watching the children and grandchild continue to prosper. Her wish is that she and John will continue to travel and take a river boat cruise next. Becky plans to back off of tennis a bit and learn to play golf so she can see more of John on weekends!

Bess Muir is still in love with traveling! In May, she went with her dad on a Rhine and Mosel river trip, visiting four countries along the way and meeting many wonderful folks! God gave Bess a new granddaughter this past year! Now Kole and his wife have two little ones AND Erin has a little one, too! Bess now knows that, yes, grandkids really ARE more fun! 🙂 Bess sends her best to all!

Jackie Totten took a pistol shooting class with Susan Gearey and nine other friends (most all from Napa Valley) at Gunsite Academy in Paulson, Arizona. This 3-day class was taught by ex-military and law enforcement individuals and was focused on handgun safety and marksmanship. Most participants had never held a gun before much less shot one. They discovered they can shoot straight (what a relief) and were amused by wearing holsters, magazine holders, and hats to keep the sun out of their eyes in order to see the targets. Both Susan and Jackie have wanted to learn how to shoot for some time and having the opportunity to attend the premier school in the U.S to learn the craft was a treat. It is one more experience shared since meeting at Hood on the first day of class, Psych 101, 40 years ago.

Margaret (Peggy) Van Schaick is happy to be in her 50’s (seriously, it’s been great!), that Hood friends are lifelong friends, and that it’s Fall. Peggy loves singing in a community choir and is striving for a healthier lifestyle and hopes to be spending less time at work!

Sandy Cochran Murphy is building a new home and has sold current one. She and husband Mike will rent for 18 months to two years as building ANYTHING is never easy or quick in California! Her new mailing address will be: 15918 Wilkes Lane, San Diego, CA 92127 and her e-mail address is Scmsandiego19@gmail.com. Sandy had fun at Marianne Hastoglis Gravely’s son’s wedding and just loves that family! Marianne and Sandy are close – they lived together in Norfolk and Virginia Beach, Virginia for the first couple years after Hood graduation. Two of her three daughters are in San Diego: Mary Elizabeth is teaching 3rd grade at a Catholic elementary school, Kelly, the youngest, is a junior at Pt. Loma Nazareth University in San Diego, and Sandy’s middle daughter, Leah, is working for Life Teen International, a Catholic youth ministry, in Phoenix, Arizona. Leah works in the media department and Sandy is just happy everyone is living in the same time zone! Sandy reminds us that “Life is good. God is awesome.”

Trina Clickner is semi-retired (there – she said it) and is spending her time in Dunedin Florida (paradise), Rochester, New York (old homestead), and Anacortes, Washington (Aunt at Lighthouse Memory Care) with her two basset hounds, fiddle, and MacBook Pro. She is helping families navigate the “old folks at home” challenge and thinks she may have one more entrepreneurial endeavor left in her, possibly related to helping families with aging parents. Trina rents her Florida bungalow so if you’re looking for a getaway in paradise, check it out on AIRBNB or contact her at trinaclickner@gmail.com. Trina is looking for connections in the Seattle/Anacortes WA area for her upcoming visit. This past spring, Trina spent time with her Hood big sister, Megen Mack Opsahl ‘77, who lives in Kirkland, Washington with her husband Mike.

Trina Clickner
727-366-1424
trina@palmtoppublishing.com

Debbie Eaton Thackston, P’11 reported, “I retired from Frederick County Public Schools after 25 years as a teacher and 10 years as an administrator! Our oldest daughter and husband have made us proud grandparents of Kaiden, 14 months, who I care for two days a week. They live a block from Hood! Our second daughter Julie teaches math in Montgomery County and lives in New Market. My husband Mike retires in July. We’ll do home renovations, travel and stay fit!” Donna Walters Gault wrote, “I have been volunteering during retirement and have been teaching ESL for two years. I teach a women’s Sunday school and during my free time, I sew.” Gini Allen Natter reported, “We bought property in Atlantic Beach, Fla., and hope to break ground this Fall. We’ll keep a condo in Annapolis–could never totally leave this beautiful town.” Ginnie Roth said, “I am selling my house and moving to Rockville! I am well and work is good (started at another law firm in spring 2014).” Janet Wehking Mullen wrote, “My baby Sarah graduates from Salisbury Univ. and planning a career in law enforcement. Hubby and I are looking to retire in North Carolina in a few years now that college payments have ended! I’m on LinkedIn–be in touch.” Joyce Lavado Soucy reported, “Mom passed away in February. Prior to that, my eldest daughter Maura was married in Narragansett, R.I. She lives in Annapolis and sails/races on the Bay. My daughter Beth lives in Providence, R.I., works as an industrial design consultant and is launching her own jewelry line on Etsy. My husband Paul and I have been married 31 years and after this God-awful winter, we are ready to abandon Connecticut! We purchased a home in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., and look forward to a warmer climate.” Julie Murray McCaffery wrote, “I was at both Hood Commencements to welcome the new undergraduate and alumni graduates to our alumni family. It was an honor to serve as the alumni representative to the Presidential Search Committee and could not be more pleased that Dr. Andrea Chapdelaine will serve as Hood’s president. At home, we are celebrating my daughter Cate’s graduation from The College of the Holy Cross and my daughter Brigid’s completion of her first-year at Georgetown.” Katt Sherman Hancher reported, “Hank and I have been married for 35 years now and celebrated in Charleston, S.C. We have three daughters, all launched. Our oldest Katie is an artist / art teacher. She was married last June and Meg Forbes Mendoza, Esq. and Pete Mendoza attended–they are Katie’s godparents. Susan Bartlett Dunbar was also there and I get to see her on a regular basis. Lacey is a consultant and is studying for State Department exams. She lives in Arlington, so we see her often. Kelsey is working in North Carolina and plans a January wedding–at Old South Mountain Inn in Boonsboro! I went to the Hood Homecoming and visited with classmates–a GREAT time. Check out the Class of ’79 facebook page! Professionally, I’m still full time, working in HR and collecting certifications and I am on the board of the local SHRM chapter. Lacey calls me an HR geek. I’m also active in our church, working in ESL and other outreach programs. Life, of course, has had its ups and downs, but for now, life is good! I’m at cathrinekatt@gmail.com and I love hearing from old friends.” Lynn Hicks Townsend has two new grandchildren! Meg Ostrom Duarte, P’11, P’14 wrote, “I just celebrated my 30th wedding anniversary with husband Joseph C. Duarte. We have four children: Cristina, Isabel, Alexander and Helena. Both Cristina and Isabel graduated from Hood. Cristina just received her JD from American Univ. Alexander attends the Univ. of Colorado, Boulder. The youngest Helena is a high school junior.” Paula Davis Driftmyer, M.A.’84 reported, “I took a great vacation in March to Asheville North Carolina and Tennessee. I drove over 1,000 miles in about four days just driving around the mountains. We are in the middle of a major yard makeover. I’m trying to learn the patience of gardening. I’m looking forward to the arrival of a second great-nephew.” Wanda Munsey Juraschek wrote, “I keep busy as a parish administrator and keeping up with my growing family. The last of my five kids is getting married this fall. Though a widow now, my life is full and happy with eight grandchildren (so far).

Debbie Bennett:  Reunion weekend weather was beautiful, events were enlightening and fun.  Seeing classmates – priceless. Bec Seymour Sweeney, Paula Davis Driftmeyer, Nancy Garrow Aldrich, Susie Hawk Coy and I shared a wing of Shriner second floor.  It always warms my heart the way I meet up with my college besties after months/years of being apart.  It’s like we have never been apart.  I love them!  Esther Beckman Bowman and Julie Flynn, ’80, came for the weekend.  The all class dinner Saturday night was surprisingly fun.  Who knew we all would be on the dance floor when the DJ played “It’s Raining Men”!  It happened!  So glad to participate in one of Ron Volpe’s last reunion weekends!  What an amazing legacy he leaves at Hood!

Gini Allen Natter:  Had a great, but short reunion visit – was so happy to see everyone.  Campus looks beautiful.  Left 3 days later to attend my son’s wedding and welcome a new daughter into the family.  I have a new position with Northrop Grumman so that I could work remotely – tired of commuting 2-3 hours daily.   Please please please join the Hood College Class of 1979 facebook page.  It is the quickest way for us to disseminate information and connect with one another.

Jackie Totten:  spent a June weekend in San Francisco with Susan Gearey Van Pelt as she hosted a major milestone birthday for husband, Dr. Steven Van Pelt, at the Metropolitan Club in SF.  Jackie is now a proud member of the Metropolitan Club which is celebrating 100 years with a special membership drive to welcome 100 new members. She launched two new websites that focus on two of her passions – www.bestbocceball.com and www.birdingbackyardhaven.com

Joyce Soucy:  Life has been very hectic lately.  Mom moved to assisted living and we’ve been dealing with that sandwich thing that happens.  My eldest daughter, Maura, is getting married in August in Narragansett, RI, so we’re busy planning shower and the wedding events.  My husband, Paul, and I enjoyed a 30th anniversary cruise from Istanbul to Venice (via Ephesus, Greece, Croatia, Slovenia).  I’m working part-time doing tax work for a local CPA firm to keep busy in the winter months.  Summers off – a requirement.

Linda Thomas:   I am enjoying life here in Sarasota, FL.  My 20 year old son will be a junior at Western CT State. Upon graduation, he plans to become a State Trooper.  My 21 year old daughter is at Nova Eastern for a B.S in Nursing. If I am not on the road selling metal (or on the golf course!), I am hanging out here with my two dogs, Lilly and Maya.   Life is good.

Malia Anderson:  Reunion weekend was a great time to get together and re-live our lives from years past!  Peggy, Esther and I are still laughing over who is remembering correctly – oh, no are we getting to that age!?  All of us agreed that we must work on getting more classmates to attend in 2019. The weekend at Hood was a great getaway.

Mary Lancaster:  Gil, Chloe (our 17 year old daughter) and I are on vacation and about to leave Salzburg for Munich.  I’ll stop by the Junior Year in Munich office, where Dr. Almute Wedekind encouraged me to apply – it remains one of the most formative events of my life – a great,  transformative year.   I don’t use my German much anymore, but oddly it’s pouring out at a pretty comfortable clip, and for once, my family is begrudgingly impressed.  I closed down my office where I was the one/only chief cook and bottle washer – taking a small break and, once again, figuring out what I want to be when I grow up.  It’s nice to breathe…  Alles Gute!

CELEBRATION ALERT – NEWS FLASH

Hey hey hey hey hey (Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike)!  The class of 1979 35th Reunion is in June 2014 – join us for the fun!   Do we need a hospitality suite for gatherings?  It’s planning time!

Bernice Graesch
Last August 2012 we sold our Fort Lauderdale, FL home of 16 yrs and relocated to Boca Raton, FL.  I am in the process of closing my small drapery workroom and am ready to begin the next chapter looking for a new “job”.  My husband, Patrick, is Executive Director of Manufacturing & Operations at Nipro Inc. (glucose tests strips – TruTest or Walgreen’s label).  Our 26 year-old son lives and works in Davie, FL; our daughter, Morgan, 22, is soon to be a PTA.  I keep in touch with a few Hood friends and get home to NJ to visit family about once a year.

Donna Gault
I am busy teaching English as a Second Language, a volunteer position near my home in Owings Mills, MD.  My students are from Guatemala, Chile, Colombia, Brazil, Pakistan, and India and I love teaching adults.  They are gracious and we have such fun.  I also teach a ladies Sunday School class.

As a hobby, I sew.  I’ve made 18″ doll (American Girl) clothes for a friend’s 9 year old daughter, quilts, purses, and each year I’ve made Christmas presents for the entire family.  One year it was aprons geared towards each person’s interest.  My stepfather is a vegetarian – his apron fabric was lettuces, my son and youngest brother are anglers – fish fabric for them.  But I have yet to make an apron for me!    THE SUN SHINES FOR 79!

Ginni Natter
Mid- June 2014 I will be the Mother of the groom and I will gain a new daughter.  Work responsibilities are ever changing – keeps life interesting.  Granddaughters are growing too fast.

Janet Mullen
Top three things to be anxious about, since you asked:  1. my company will have enough funding (small non-profit relying on grants);  2. my children being adults and my parents getting old;  3. being able to retire before I’m too old to enjoy it.

Ruth Seel
Life is good – almost empty nesters!  Traveling as much as possible.  Now many trips to Houston since our oldest daughter and family moved there.  It is hard to have the grandchildren so far away after living in the same town!  Thank goodness for Facebook and FaceTime.   Molly, our Hood girl, is preparing for May 2014 graduation.  She’s in the application process for the Peace Corps.  Top ten list:  finding great airfare, racking up airline miles, fall leaf colors, hugs from my students, daily laughs, clean floors, empty clothes hamper, Cock-a-poos who snuggle

Steven Grigas is thankful for the following:
1.  I am now a full Partner in Akerman, LLP – over 540 attorneys, 19 offices, in 8 states plus DC.

2.  I’ve been named to The Best Lawyers in America 2014 Guide in the practice area of Health Care Law.

3.  My son ranked 34th in the Florida High School cross country runners with a personal best 5K time of 16:09.  His high school team placed first in their regional race and are competing for the state championship.

Trina Clickner
It’s formally confirmed.  I seem to have (temporarily?!?) traded in my mobile computing career for a low-profile, low-budget, low-stress life of fiddling, looking after my aunt with Alzheimer’s/dementia, adorable basset hounds, scuffed up cowboy boots, red lipstick and a used Suburu Forester.  All is super duper – I just wish it paid more!  :o)  What’s next!?!