Becky Sweeney reported, “My hurried, procrastinated update. I am a grandmother, a joyous role. Lyla Jean Rouleau, the daughter of my daughter Rachel arrived on Sept. 27, 2012, and just like that, cloud nine. She is a wonder. My prayers for 2013 include: 1. Devastated families of nearby Staten Island and Breezy Point, N.Y.; New Jersey; and the coastline of Connecticut for electricity, food and heated homes after Hurricane Sandy. 2. Restless college graduates to finally secure solid jobs that allow them independence. 3. For all to enjoy family and friends, whomever they may be, as long as we still have time. I am counting on seeing more Hoods soon––there is no friend like an old friend (interpret “old” any old way!).”

Bess Muir wrote, “I am working on: Thinking about going back to school; Top five, repeating grocery items: Frozen yogurt, diet Pepsi, apples, frozen yogurt, diet Pepsi; and, comforts include: Maryland, the sea, my kids, sleep and a warm place to be.” Bethanne Warrack said, “2012 was my year for caring for aging parents (my new normal). Both are now in a nursing home. I spent the summer clearing out and selling their home. I am still doing analytical chemistry at BMS, 31 years. I presented at a scientific conference in Lake Louise, Canada, and used a free afternoon for some early season skiing.” Linda Thomas wrote, “My children and I are now Floridians. We left Connecticut with our beagle/lab mix in late June with one stop in Pennsylvania before trekking south. It was a hot, humid summer in Sarasota, Fla., and we were homesick for Connecticut in the fall, but got over it quickly. Shorts and T-shirts and being on the golf course or beach, beats raking and preparing for cold, dark winter life. I am thankful for my health and a gratifying career in the metals industry. Some days retirement appeals, but I am not ready to leave 32 years in this business. I am thankful for my children and the direction they are taking with their futures. Grocery staples include: hearts of romaine, Swiss cheese, deli turkey and whole wheat bread!”

Malia Anderson said there was nothing too exciting. “I’m truly too old to be the mother of a 14-year-old girl!” said Malia. Martha Pierce said, “I am still busy in private practice and as physician at the Hood Wellness Center. After touring colleges with my daughter, I appreciate Hood more––perfect size, location and spirit. Unfortunately, just too close to home for Kia, so we are waiting on acceptance letters from far and wide. There continues to be a lot of changes on campus, most survived Hurricane Sandy. Come visit when you are in town. I am also making lamp work glass beads: www.marthajpierce.com. Mary Hoffman wrote, “This is the 25th year of operating and teaching at Mary M. Hoffman Music Studio, located in a restored carriage house at my farm in Edgewater, Md. I am very blessed by all students and instructors whose lives have been touched with the gift of music. It is my eighth year as an independent beauty consultant with Mary Kay–– a position that allows me to have more fun and freedom than you can imagine. Additionally, I run Hazelnut Ridge Farm, where we bale hay and are home to horse stables, a vegetable patch and critters. I am the volunteer program director for Henderson Harbor Water Sports Programs in Henderson Harbor, N.Y., where I summer. My 14-year-old stepson is the only child still home, but he keeps husband Cliff and me busy.

Steve Grigas wrote, “It has been a blessed and successful year for us. I continue to practice healthcare law with Akerman-Senterfitt in Tallahassee, Fla. It is quite the departure from my days as a Hood art student. To the credit of Professor Gates, Russo and others, I came to the law only after successfully working in graphic design for several northern newspapers. I then established myself as an art director for a production studio in south Florida. What a long strange trip it has been! I was recently named to the Best Lawyers in America for 2013, listing for my work in health law. I serve as the legislative chair for the Florida Bar’s Health Law Executive Council and on the board of directors for various associations in Florida. I am thankful for the many blessings that have come my way––not the least of which are the many fine memories and friendships established at Hood.”

Trina Clickner is working on “learning to play second fiddle, which requires surprisingly more fiddle and music mastery than playing first fiddle (so where did that “playing second fiddle” expression come from, I’m wondering?). My grocery list (top five, repeating items) include: eggs, Melitta filters #2, EVOO, hearts of romaine and milk 3. My comforts include my Basset hounds, my Mom’s house, friends and fiddling.”

Class Reporter:

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