Class of ’69 Fall News – 2019

Pat Warren Carlson was thrilled to attend our 50th Reunion, noting that the physical changes to the campus were eye-opening, as were the strides being made in adding diversity to the student body. She is especially pleased with Hood’s addition of doctoral programs. Maureen Clancy Shiftan considers our reunion one of the highlights of her year. Soon thereafter she and her husband celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at their home in Telluride, CO. The festivities continued in early September when they traveled to the Dolomite Mountains of northern Italy. Son Ben and his wife celebrated their 1st anniversary with them – and son Nicholas proposed to his fiancée in Brittany, France before joining in the family fun. A month later Cindy Kannapel Weiss and Glenn also traveled to Italy in honor of their 50th. They hit all the high spots – Milan, Venice, Florence, Rome, Naples and Sorrento. Cindy considers it a “trip of a lifetime.” Jill Stanley welcomed a new grandson, Emmet, in May. He and his brother Aviv are – according to Jill, the “cutest little boys in the world.” Marty Silcox Hankins had a busy summer, visiting cousins in Long Island and Massachusetts, as well as her daughter and grandchildren in Chincoteague. She continues her involvement in Master Gardening and Shiloh Pottery, and recently helped organize a voter registration event in conjunction with the League of Women Voters. She caught up with Lila Wisotski at the annual Carroll County Public Library Day for Book Lovers. When Susie Oliver Schneider is not in the classroom she takes part in boat racing, including the J-70 World Championships which took place last September and featured 91 sailboats. Christy Lundt Lambertus had a stressful summer as a result of 3 different surgeries. Thankfully she is on the mend. I was pleased to hear from Sue Beers Hester and learn that she too lives here in the Seattle area – quite close in fact to her children and grandchildren. What an adventure she had celebrating a belated 70th birthday. She walked the Camino Frances in France and Spain – 550 miles and 39 days of walking/hiking through constantly changing landscapes. She found the experience physically challenging, meditative, and filled with interesting people from all over the world. Ellen Kiel was on hand in August to help Pat Etzel Parker and her husband Dowell celebrate their 50th anniversary – Ellen was a member of the wedding party! Ellen’s son and his wife recently moved to Colorado Springs – so that’s where Ellen and her husband will be spending the holidays. Jo Ann McManamy had a wonderful summer starting with our 50th reunion and ending with the taping of The Price is Right in August. She was selected as a contestant and won designer purses and a trip to Switzerland! Karol Bedyk Strang and Bill welcomed grandchild #2 in July – the first little girl in the family, Alice. Another baby – a boy this time, is due in January. She claims they are the “best 50th anniversary presents ever!” Carole Downing Staton rejoices that son Andrew has returned safely from Afghanistan. Next assignment – Hill AFB near Salt Lake City. Carole and Roy met roommate Betsy Kasin Hubbard and Ken on the Outer Banks this fall. She continues to delight in grandchildren Austin and Quinlynn. Whereas Europe seems to be the preferred destination for 50th anniversaries, Dave and I, Sayre Roney Steere headed in the opposite direction – to Bali and Singapore. Bali was extraordinary – so exotic, teeming with motorscooters, lush rice fields, and populated by strict Hindus who offer gifts to the Gods on a daily basis. Temples abounded! Singapore, on the other hand, is quite American, very cosmopolitan, and just as clean and safe as touted. And so easy to maneuver on foot! We’re now settling in for another Seattle winter, all the while keeping super busy with all the “fitness-focused” activities our Trilogy neighborhood has to offer.