Marty Kaiser Canner
410-747-0321
plcanner39@gmail.com

Katharine Baum Wolpe
212-677-5469
kwolpe@gmail.com

Constance Ann Coleman Alexander is enjoying her position as director of music at her church and also enjoying her family and friends.  She expects two more grandchildren in 2017 (June and November).  She will be traveling to Greece in August with her brother, Bill, and plans to visit China in the spring of 2018.  “Life is good.” Nancy Brown Braudrick finally moved into her new, newly-built home in Gold Beach, OR, on Easter weekend, the only time her son could help with the move.  Her daughter and son-in-law live nearby and are a great help.  Her home is still a work in progress. Estelle Harrison Brendle sent greetings from North Carolina.  She hoped to attend her sixtieth high school class reunion in Calvert County, MD in June.  She keeps in touch with Judy Freedom Westenhoefer.  “It’s fun to visit her in Bedford, VA and hear about her farm and all her animals.” Judy Arenson Friedman lives in Boca Raton, FL, as her children and grandchildren are in the NYC area, she spends June and September in the City and July and August in the Berkshires.  She had a fantastic 16-day trip in April to Israel and Jordan, covering Tel-Aviv, Haifa, upper Galilee, Jerusalem, the Dead Sea and Eilat. Marilyn King Jessen had sad news and good news.  The sad news is that her Hood roommate, Suzanne Brown Wellcome, passed away on October 30, 2016.  We send our condolences to Suzanne’s children and her husband, Page.  The good news is that Marilyn is taking her family, eleven in all, on a Disney cruise in August.  Marilyn also reported that she is doing very well after being diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer in February, 2016.  She feels great now and takes one pill a day, Torceva, to keep the cancer in check.  “I have all of my old energy back and am enjoying life.  Praise the Lord!  My friends call me a miracle and I am.  Every day is a gift, especially not knowing how much longer things will be this good.” Joy Hillegas Johnson’s daughter-in-law reported that Joy passed away May 14, 2017.  We send our condolences to Joy’s husband, Norman, and their children and grandchildren. Janet Spaulding Nunn, P’06 and husband, Jack, planned to go in July on the Rhine River cruise sponsored by Hood. Janice Dobbs Pedersen and husband, Tom, are happily settled in an Erickson retirement community in Tinton Falls, NJ.  She is doing watercolors and has had some nice commissions.  “We are fighting age with vigor, humor, and determination.” Mable Philipp Pochedly enjoys living in Long Beach, CA, and would be delighted to see anyone down that way.  As her children and grandchildren live on Long Island, NY, she visits there often. Lyn Adams Sprinkle is enjoying living at Sunrise community in Richmond, VA.  She dines with other residents daily and participates in the many activities.  Her daughters drop by 3 times a week.  Her son, Stuart, a policeman who has less time available, is married to Kim who has twin boys. Barbara Hufham Wells and husband, Richard, continue to be in good health and enjoy small town living in Moscow, ID.  They have become strong supporters of The Xercis Society, which is devoted to preserving invertebrates, particularly bees, butterflies, and other pollinators; and Richard, “the gardener,” has been busy planting flowering plants they find attractive. Beth Lee Zehnder has a second granddaughter about to go to college.  Her husband, Chuck, retired as a CPA; then in tax season was called back to work to help.  She and Vivi Bruckel Harvey got together and enjoyed “catching up.”  Beth says, “We’re still able to use the stairs in the home we purchased in 1966.  Thank You, Lord!”  Marty Kaiser Canner does not have much news, but has chatted a couple of times with Shirley Garrett Haley, P’85 and her husband, Ed, in a local grocery store since Shirley and Ed moved to Catonsville, MD last year. Katharine Baum Wolpe keeps a hectic schedule with her church, Democratic club, and as a volunteer escorting frail senior neighbors to weekly appointments and shopping.  She also participates in a local seniors group and exercise classes, and spends time posting flyers and sending emails about interesting local events.  She and companion Philip continue to enjoy concerts, dance and theater performances, and his home-cooked meals.  They also participate in a reading group on the Israel-Palestine situation.  Fluffy Pancho Cat continues as her sometimes cranky roommate.

Marilyn Garis Kellow
262-334-5782
maggiehood1958@gmail.com

I am saddened to report that we have lost 3 classmates since last fall. Betty Walsh Suto passed away in late 2016 and Emily Joyce Sanders in early 2017. Julee Moser, daughter of Betsy Smith Moser P’92 wrote that “the best mother and friend we have ever known” passed away May 9, 2017. In February, Polly Sherman Leigh moved from Hawaii to a retirement community in Carlsbad, CA. She is enjoying being close to family and a good friend. Fitness classes, educational speakers, the symphony, a big band production, live stage shows, wine tasting and a trolley ride around San Diego, which included Coronado, are among her new activities. Sue Brown Melech and husband Bob spend January through April in St Petersburg FL at the Hollander Hotel and would like to get to together with any classmates who may be in that area during those months. Jeb Bennett Moran reports that she along with Carol Horwath Klecka and Carol Huelsen Warrington had an unexpected treat on March 16^th. President Andrea Chapdelaine and her father joined classmates and significant others for breakfast at the Plantation Golf and Country Club in Venice FL. Sara Lea Callaway Redmon got the brave idea to have the first ever family reunion. It turned out Great!!! About 65 people from 22 months on up from 5 different states. Mary Allen Reynolds just returned from visiting gardens in England, including Sissinghust. She plans to go to her granddaughter’s high school graduation in Seattle. She continues to exhibit for the Ikebana International Chapter at the local garden center and attends national meetings. Knee replacement surgery is in her plans in the future. Bunnie Potter Richardson wrote the sad news that her brother Ken and his wife have passed away recently. Ken was married to Joey Liehmann who was a member of our class for our first 2 years at Hood. She then went to the University of Maryland to be with Ken. Penny Adams Rogers says Hawaii is still home but does travel to see family on the mainland. Last May they met family in NYC to celebrate her 80^th and saw Hamilton with the original cast. They then drove back across the country just for fun and stayed with family in Portland, Oregon. Remained in Hawaii for the summer and then to Calgary for cooler weather. November, December and January were spent in Boston with family. It was nice to see fall, Thanksgiving, and Christmas back in New England where she grew up. Jenny Krohn Rose and Shep are still in Henderson, Nevada training their Portuguese Water Dog, Rosie, and entering her in AKC agility and obedience trials. Jenny is happy that at 80 she can still run around an agility course. Marthanne Stephens Smith writes that her 2 daughters have adopted older dogs from kill shelters, (but they don’t want to adopt us)!!!!! Both dogs are adorable, a white husky and an old black and grey Cairn. She is still going to classes at the community college, enjoying living in their townhouse and reads all the time (recommends “A Gentleman in Moscow” by Amor Towles). Anne Merrick Vosti sends the sad news that husband Ken passed away April 26^th. Thanks to an incredible hospice organization, Mission Hospice, she could have him home with many visits from her large family. She has wonderful memories of where their 58-year partnership which started when they met at Hood. Jo Olmstead Witherington has traveled this year to Easter Island and the Patagonia area of Chile and Argentina. She has just finished singing in 3 concerts within a week and is now working on Titanic and some of the works of Rutter. After a cruise to Alaska she plans to stay home for a few months. Life in WI has been relatively quiet. My life focuses around family, especially my 4 grandchildren. Rickey (25) is in a doctorate program at U of Illinois, Gracie (22) graduated last December from U of WI Green Bay, Julia (21) will be a senior at Kent State (spent last semester in Florence, Italy), and Elena (17), a high school senior, will probably be headed for Miami of Ohio after graduation. Thanks for all the news. Our numbers are fewer each year, but it is a blessing to hear from so many………….Love and prayers, Maggie

Johanna Chait Essex
516-487-1883
johalessex@gmail.com

Connie Drown Blair has been selling real estate in Mass., and is thinking of retiring—but, being on the job keeps her mind active, and out of the house.  Connie and her husband, John, are quite active. They are able to travel and see their children and grandchildren several times a year. Joan Jazowski Fellows is a great grandmother for the second time.  The baby was born in Atlanta this past January. Penny Fradd Vahsen’s third grandson graduated from USNA this past May.  One of her other grandsons is a Submariner, and the second a Naval pilot.  She still travels, and was able to attend the weddings of four of the cadets that she had sponsored. Joan Gebhardt Tambling is still traveling. She and her dog, Lucy, are both active and well. While traveling in Maui, she sprained her ankle and discovered that “wheelchairs in airports are a great way to travel”. Sue Heubisch Milkey and her husband are still “season travelers” south to Florida for the winter, and back to N.Y. for the summer. Pat Lloyd Fordham attended her grandson’s college graduation this past May.  She is looking forward to seeing everyone at our reunion next year. Bim Mayer Werle’s husband, Jerry, had a hip replacement surgery right after they got to Florida last November, and is doing very well now. They plan to sign up for a continuing care community in Shelburne, Vt., and will move in when their unit is completed [May 2019].  They plan to list their house next spring. Marilynn Phillips had cataract surgery last March., and has had to receive knee injections for several weeks but other than that she is doing well and is active in church groups.  Her friends and family watch over her and take good care of her. She has many hobbies, grows orchids, and is a gourmet cook.  She also hopes to attend our next reunion. Beverly Rosenberg Sager’s children had her come to California to celebrate her 85^th birthday and to attend her grandson’s college graduation. She still goes to a community college twice a week, and frequently goes into NYC with a bus group to attend the theater. Sheila Seigal Asher, and husband Dick, have rented their home in S.C. and are now full time Floridians. Two of their grandchildren graduated from high school, and their oldest granddaughter is going to Israel on her “birthright” trip. Elaine Green Powell reported, “All goes well with Dave and me here in Concord, NH. No special news to pass along since last bulletin except to say hello to everyone!” Myrna Hays Slick is fine, has good memories of Hood, and all the paths that it led to. Hal and I are fine. Our vacation this year will be a Tauck tour to see the Grand Canyon, Bryce and Zion national parks, with my sisters, Muriel Chait Durbin ’56, P’81 and Linda Chait Solomon ’63, M.A.’84, M.A.’95. I still volunteer at the USMMA Cookie Café on Thursday’s. We serve over 400 young men and women with cookies from home, coffee, tea, milk and lots of love. Also, back at the nursery school where I taught many years ago, I read the” golden oldies” to the children.  We did attend the graduation of our grandson in Binghamton, N.Y. He was the third generation to graduate from the college. To the two people whose news did not get into this column—sorry, but your cards arrived with your names torn off. Thanks for all your kind words—looking forward to seeing you next June.–Jo

Eleanore Jackson Knott
843-681-8580
weknott2@gmail.com

Donna Fogle Fisher reports that she is fine, spending time reading, working crossword puzzles, and watching reruns of old TV.  She feels fortunate and truly blessed to see her children regularly.  She also reported on the death of Betty Merryman Blanset who was a beloved kindergarten teacher.  Our sympathy to her husband, two children and several grandchildren.

Mary Lou Henry Deisroth P’76 and Tony had just returned from Pittsburgh to visit a granddaughter and their new 6th great granddaughter and were in Bethany Beach, DE for Memorial Day where she had fun trying paddle boating. Their next trip was to be to MA for two grandsons graduations, one from high school and one from college.  Then she will be home, continuing her gardening and other activities. Mary Lou Hoffman Huff reports “the dull truth” that she enjoys her life which continues with gym, Lumosity, Mad Money account investing and occasional lunch or dinner with family and friends.  She is also fascinated with bird watching.  Shirley Keckler Trostle, reports “At 87, one can sum up the life that has been lived.  I gave birth to four children and three of them have departed, one in 1972, one in 2012 and one last January.  I have discovered that the tears of frustration burn like fire but the tears of grief are cleansing, purifying and healing.  You can live through anything but it is the creative spark that returns you to life and moves you forward.  And so I am phasing out quilting but I have picked up the pencil for sketching and I hope to write seriously this year.  And I still take a few appointments for Reflexology and Reiki and as long as I get results I will continue.”  Cathie Strachan Upp moved the end of April to a house next to her daughter Karen. She had the feeling that her whole life passed before her as she was going through all the papers, pictures and possessions, but she likes her new place where she can see the Catalina Mountains from her patio.  She is looking forward to a trip to Mexico this summer with her family and then a trip to Florida to visit her brother. Heard from Molly Wood Tully who is recovering from a hip replacement last February but is still unable to drive.  Her 2 sons spent time helping out but she is not yet involved in her usual plethora of activity.  She has given up tennis but will be in Cape May for June and July where friends and family will visit. Walt and I are hoping to leave this week to drive to New England again for the summer.  The trip seems to get longer each time but we feel very fortunate to still be able to do this.  Remember we only have news from those of you who contribute, so what are the rest of you doing?

Corky Edwards Shulman
808-254-2531
oahucork@aol.com

Aloha, Hoodlums. I think it is extraordinary that over 50 % of the class of 1948 are ‘still kicking’ (see below) while reaching their 90th year.…that’s sixty-plus women! Could it have been that (campus day) ‘Vitamin H’ we championed way back then??….Anne Chaney Mesmer is still in Washington, DC; granddaughter Andriana graduates from high school this June. Anne shares an Irish Blessing: “May all that is unloved in you Blossom into a future Graced with love….” (Lovely…mahalo, Anne) Nancy Naser Crawford writes that although she misses her car and her independence, she is really enjoying all the group physical therapy classes, trips and programs at the Salemtown Community Center where she now resides. (And I bet they enjoy her) Just learned of the death of Betty Patterson Reims in late May.  Betty was one of ‘the folksies”, our gang of eleven so called by Patty Beall Snader in “Future Perfect”.  Aloha, ol’ buddy. The Round Robin letter started by Shirley Benson Rice and eight other Hoodlums at graduation ended when Elsa Eggers Hauswald died, leaving Shirley and Barbara Heiss Jackson to keep it going. Shirley and Barb decided to keep in touch by phone and retire the Round Robin after an amazing sixty-eight years. (That should go in the record books!) Patty Callender Hewit lost her husband in 2011, and then her home at Normandy Beach, N.J. to hurricane Sandy, and now lives in a retirement community. “But I am also very lucky, as eight of my thirteen grandchildren are married with thirteen great grandchildren and two more on the way.” (THAT should go in the record books…..) Jean Herman Walker writes “Still kicking slowly but still kicking! Lost Wade three years ago, and now have fifteen grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Life is good and very few pains…..thank goodness!” Charlestown (Baltimore) Retirement Community is home to Bette Blome Winyall, who attended grandson Davey’s recent wedding in Blacksburg, VA while “missing grandson. Joe’s graduation from the University of Virginia on the same day. Philly soldiers on, coping with health problems. Dan’s been promoted to Captain…….daughter Ruth and sons David and Walter bring joy and delight as well…”. Bette also writes: “Pleasant days here as I enjoy good health, good friends, family and rewarding volunteering…every good wish to fellow Hoodlums!” Me, I’m the slackard here………I have (only) seven grandchildren and my very first great-grandchild will arrive in July, courtesy of granddaughter Maile Lewis Little and husband Micheal. Maile and Mike were the subjects of an article I wrote for local publication, called “Tutu Goes to New York” in 2015, about all the brouhaha around Maile’s marriage to an aristocratic New Yorker. I will include that story in my soon-to be-self-published biography which I’m writing just for fun, and family. All for now. Keep writing!

Catharine Smith Dunn
610-691-5653
kittysmithdunn26@gmail.com

Renie Quynn Collmus G’05 and I were the only two members of our class who attended our 70th reunion.  My daughter, Lindi, from New York City, and Renie’s granddaughter, Rachel, class of 2005 enabled us both to come, and we had a great time catching up.  Renie is living at Homewood Retirement Center in Frederick and her hair is still mostly black!!!  It was interesting to hear about Rachel’s experience in the Peace Corps after she graduated.  She served in Lesotho, South Africa and met the man, another Peace Corps worker, she married when they returned to the USA. My daughter, Lindi, a retired Occupational Therapist is now an usher at the Metropolitan Opera and enjoyed seeing the campus.  I did learn from someone who works at Hood and who had seen Elizabeth Jones Hesse that Jonsie is in good health, still living in her home in Annapolis and driving her car. I called Mary Lib Reeder Tiller, my roommate, to tell her about the weekend.  She lives in Fairfax, VA with her son, Richard and wife Christine.  She had a bad fall last winter and is still recovering from the after effects.  It was wonderful to be back and see the beautiful campus, meet the new president, enjoy eating in the Ronald J. Volpe Athletic Center, and having Strawberry Breakfast in Coblentz, followed by the chapel service….and then home, grateful for the years I spent at Hood College and the friends I made there.

V. Jean Wheatley Hilchuk
407-767-6863
jhilchuk@aol.com

Mary Lou Chorley Touart is still living in a retirement center. She talked with Margie Muth Alibasah– she now has two great grandchildren that are twins. Margie is mostly bed ridden. Mal Barnett lives alone. She reported she was retired and did nothing. Betty Lee Daubenspeck Carl has a busy day. She golfs, plays bingo and has her daily cocktail. Nancy Ogden Carson had been in an infirmary and was leaving for her retirement home that day. Janet Coblentz Cover is upset daily by the news that is being reported on the TV. Gert Flagg Dalzell fell three months ago. So she is in the process of moving to a retirement center. Peg Traver Emery lives in her own home. Her son and daughter-in-law came to see her one day. They live on the west side of Florida. They are now busy painting her house. Millie Geiple lost her son and a granddaughter. Annabelle Sunderland Kepler crashed her car into a building. Mary Knobloch Smith plays a lot of bridge. Phyllis Fine Soza and husband are still in a retirement center. Helen Stottler Leaver stays very busy working and helping others. She lives in her own home. I am still living in independent living in a retirement center. I ride an electric scooter for the halls. I ride my walker backwards in my apartment. The only place I can walk is in the pool. I try to do that every nice day. Jean Wheatley Hilchuk (Wheats)

If you have a classmate/friend who does not use email, please print out a copy and send it to her and encourage her to mail me her news.

TARUN COMEGYS JOHNS
The year of 2016 has been an amazing adventure. Last winter after spending a week on a friend’s schooner in Key West, I drove north visiting friends along the way to my ‘winter home’ in Reisterstown. Early Feb I flew to the Bahamas for six weeks of cruising on Finesse, the boat I had crewed on for two weeks earlier in Oct. My captain considered me to be a co-captain which allowed me to do much of the navigating building my own confidence. We sailed from Abaco Sea down through Eleuthera and crossed over to the Exumas and sailed down to Staniel Cay. Snorkeling, fishing, iguanas, dolphins, hiking over the islands, meeting so many wonderful folks — it was truly a stress-free paradise and a trip I shall never forget. The big item this summer was spending time on my boat in City Island, NY, then sailing it to Belfast, ME. I did bring a crew person along to handle the anchor and be an extra hand in many other ways. In the past two years I have sailed the East Coast except for the last 100 miles to Canada — next summer — and from the north of the Abacos to the south part of the Exumas. I can’t believe I had such opportunities! I plan to head south after the first of the year and back to sea, but just found out I have a triple root canal first.

STARR CULVER WEIHE SHERMAN
Obituary for Starr Culver Weihe Sherman
Dr. Starr Sherman passed away peacefully on December 13, 2016 at Canterbury Tower in Tampa. She was 79. Starr was born on April 10, 1937 in Salisbury, Maryland. Her father was the editor of the Democratic Messenger and her mother wrote the publication’s society column. From age 6 to 14 Starr wrote the weekly column titled Starr Reporter which chronicled the young children’s news from the backyards of her hometown of Berlin, Maryland. She then covered the teenage activities throughout Worcester County. She never ceased to love Berlin where she grew up and she made many visits there throughout her lifetime. Following high school graduation from St. Mary’s Seminary (now known as St. Mary’s College of Maryland), Starr attended Hood College where she majored in journalism and the sciences. She graduated from Hood College in 1959. She was accepted into the Beta Beta Beta national honor society of the Biology Academy. Based on her performance at Hood College, Starr was awarded a scholarship to study at Duke University’s marine laboratory at Beaufort, North Carolina. Starr earned a Master’s Degree in Zoology from Duke University. She then earned a Doctorate in Education from Nova Southeastern University. Her doctoral dissertation included the development of a model for a biology course that would prevent duplication with elements in multi-collegiate programs.Starr moved to St. Petersburg in 1961, where she taught at the newly established Florida Presbyterian College (now Eckerd College) as a biological science instructor in the Natural Sciences Department. During her years as a biology instructor she was instrumental in developing curricula for the biological and physical sciences. Starr coordinated student research across campus lines to laboratories at the University of South Florida Marine Science Department and the Veterans Administration Center at Bay Pines. Other professional activities included serving on the Advisory Board of the Magnet School Assistance Grant and the Center for Advanced Technologies at Lakewood High School and the SAC Visitation Committee for Clearwater High School. Starr received nation-wide honors as a recipient of the National Teaching Excellence Award. In their book titled Shared Vision – A Study in Excellence, renowned educators Dr. John Roueche and Dr. George Baxter cited her teaching techniques and their application to large lecture classes. She was also recognized in the Who’s Who of American Women. While Leningrad, Russia still lay largely out of contact behind the Iron Curtain, Starr managed to arrange a personal visit in the mid-90s to the President of Leningrad University, Rector Stanislav Merkuriev and conveyed an invitation from St. Petersburg Junior College President Dr. Carl Kuttler for a visit. The Rector came to St. Petersburg later that year accompanied by Anatole Sobcheck, the Mayor of St. Petersburg, Russia.  Starr retired from St. Petersburg Junior College in 1993. At President Kuttler’s request, she returned as Acting Director of the Science Department from 1996 to 1997.  Starr held memberships in the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Institute for the Advancement of Science, the American Institute of Biological Science, the American Association of University Professors, the American Association of University Women, the Florida Academy of Science and the Florida Association of Community Colleges.  Starr was a member of the Board of Trustees of the St. Petersburg Museum of Fine Arts for 12 years where she served as Secretary and member of the Executive Committee, and Chair of the Committee on Office of Trusteeship. She also served on the search committees for selection of the Director in 2000, and selection of the architect for the Hazel Hough Wing.  Starr was a member of the Board of Trustees of Community Action to Stop Abuse, and she served on the Eckerd College Library Committee. She held memberships in the former St. Petersburg Symphony Guild (now the Florida Orchestra Guild), the Pinellas County Dental Auxiliary, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the St. Petersburg Country Club, the Vinoy Club, and the St. Petersburg Yacht Club.  Starr found time to indulge in her personal interests in classical piano, English history, art and art history, and world travel while volunteering for community service. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church where she served on the Scholarship Committee, and Meals on Wheels. Starr married Dr. Rudolph Weihe in 1967. Dr. Weihe was a leader in the Florida dental profession. He passed away in 2009. In 2010 Starr married Peter Austin Sherman, who passed away in 2016. She is survived by three step-children and their spouses: Sally Weihe Wheeler and her husband Duke in Largo, Florida, R. Geoffrey Weihe, DDS, and his wife Anne in Tampa Florida, and Bruce Arthur Weihe, J.D. and his wife Lisa in Ft. Lauderdale. Her surviving step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren are Gregory Wheeler and his wife Donna in Ocala, Florida, Geoffrey Wheeler and his wife Hollen with their children Reagan and Hutchin in Midland, Texas, Taylor Weihe in Brooksville, Florida, Christian Weihe and his wife Lora with their children Jake and Luke in Tampa, Florida, Brooke Edge and her husband Dustin with children Violet and August in Kentucky, Katherine and her brother William Weihe in Idaho, Laura Weihe in Atlanta, Georgia, Alexandra Weihe in North Carolina, and Dana Thompson in Gainsville, Florida. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.  The family gives its heartfelt thanks to Joyce Mitchell of Canterbury Tower and caregivers Peggy Prince, Coller Williams, Indiana Williams, and Bay to Bay Assisted Care for their exceptional dedication. A memorial service will be held at the Anderson – McQueen Funeral Home at 2201 Dr. MLK Street, North in St. Petersburg on Saturday, January 28 at 11:00 a.m. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Starr’s name to the St. Petersburg Museum of Fine Arts or LifePath Hospice.

NANCY CURRAN CROWLEY
My news is sad, my dear Joe passed away in February. As a result there have been many changes in my life. My family, who do not live close, are concerned about me living alone. As a result, I will be moving in July to a smaller home near close friends.

NANCY FLETCHER ARTLETT
My situation has moved forward! The house was sold two weeks ago. I am waiting for the closing settlement. Then I can purchase my airplane ticket and fly home after a long duration of stress. Cleaning out a house Frank built in 1947 has not been easy…..especially with no communication with his family. The next chapter in my life has to be happier! I will stop to see Nancy and Fritz in California before heading to Virginia. Sally will take me to her home to recuperate. I am tired. So my email address will change and I should be in limbo for a while. Shipment is scheduled for June 8th. I am taking inventory now. A quilter has a bit of baggage!@?! But I am glad I can see the tunnel….looking forward to the light at the end! People have been most helpful and encouraging. I will stay with a neighbor for my final days in Sydney. There are always last minute duties in any move. I have been saddened with the loss of Starr…..my dear roommate, and Paige Wizotski…my Little Sister.  We have to be thankful for each day as we approach more aging! My heart went pitter patter when I found that beautiful picture of our May Queen with Dr. Truxal. I could not throw it away!

MARY ANN GUILD SIMMONS
As Elaine Stritch so famously sang…..”I’m still here!” In my house we built in ‘89, coping with my garden, which I love, but can’t work anymore. I do have a good bit of help, which is a mixed blessing. Some things get done wrong, like cutting my hellebores to the ground when what I said was peonies! Gardener did string 3500 white lights in my oak tree for Christmas, so that is my gift to the neighborhood. This was another traveling year, but just short jaunts. Bermuda, Cuba, Boston, NYC [saw The Humans], Providence. I play a lot of duplicate and attend tournaments. Cuba was a Road Scholar trip………to a 3rd world island. I can’t recommend it after spending $4000 for one week. My big flight was to Sophia Bulgaria for a trip up the Danube. It’s not at all blue but it is beautiful. The tiny towns, all in perfect condition and thriving, reminded me of Ravensberger puzzles. They are picture perfect and the food is fabulous…..every day. We finished in Vienna, Budapest and Prague, the last my favorite of all the cities.
I had another major major foot surgery. I’ve got to quit trying to improve my feet. The recuperation is arduous. Our sad news is that Lisa’s husband told her he was divorcing her in Jan and it was final in Nov. That’s what lots of $ can do. She has moved to a rental and done 2 semesters at GW towards a Master’s in Landscape Design. You remember that wonderful party barn and those gardens she devoted 10 yrs of her life developing. He found a recently divorced employee of interest and moved her in, age 48. He’s 65. C’est la vie. Son is in his 20th year of running a small landscaping company. He is one hard worker. Grandson will be at the Inaugural with the National Guard. Speaking of which……won’t we all be in for a riotous year emanating from DC/ NYC. At my age I consider myself just a spectator. I can only make a difference in Frederick. BTW…the new Hood pres is charming and a real people person. She’s out in the community and remembers names easily. Frederick itself is so different from what it was in the fifties that it is scarcely recognizable, except for the famous spires. Carroll Creek has 1000 linear feet of water lilies and lotus and is a larger water garden than the one at Longwood!!!! Our restaurants are a destination for many. If you care to drive up one fine day I’ll walk you around and we’ll have lunch. The good people here just raised 15 million in 3 years for a new cancer center, paid for before groundbreaking. 5/29/17 GAd! Looking at 80 is serious and calls for a year of celebrations. I’m starting early with a windjammer cruise in ME..sailing “downeast.” I’ve wanted to do that since I was a child. Most trips are to cities to play in duplicate bridge tournaments. I meet lots of nice people, do some sightseeing and get away for a bit. I tried online dating. No luck there. I’ll just have to make my own fun. So, all is well here.

GAYLE HAMILTON BLAKESLEE
Natalie and I had a lovely 10 days in Rome, a city we have lived in and love, in April. We are traveling all we can while we can, age is creeping up on us.

EDEE HOWARD HOGAN
As with many of the Class I celebrate my 80th on May 19th. At Easter, son Terry included me in the visit to youngest granddaughter (Junior at Miami of Ohio) who is spending Junior semester at their campus in Luxembourg. We had a delightful family trip starting in Luxembourg, going by train to Amsterdam for the tulips and tours. and then to Zurich. Great fun. WiIl be celebrating at a Grand Gathering friends have arranged and daughter Chrysti is coming from Memphis and many friends and other family will come also. Then it’s time for my annual move to Bethany Beach May 20 through the end of September. All are welcome. My cell is 202 744 5262; just give a call and there is lots of room for guests.
In March had a great trip to Chile and then to Ushuaia in Patagonia Argentina, the end of the world, which was breathtaking and we lucked out with wonderful weather.

CAROLE JONES ROGERS
Much to my chagrin (!), I was forced to celebrate my BIG birthday with Hood friends in Baltimore and with my family in DC. Caroline arranged for two nights in a hotel and tickets to the African-American Museum, which is very interesting and well done. I learned a lot. Back in Baltimore, Gayle Blakeslee drove Anne and me to Buckley’s Tavern to meet Mary-Lou Haddad for lunch. Then back to Columbus, picking up son Bobby in Frederick on the way.

ANNE MONTESANO KERPSACK ELLIS
12/23/16 Anne wrote at Christmas that she is happy to have moved to Emerald Lakes, Florida, a year ago. Her whole family gathered there for their second annual Florida Thanksgiving. Anne had recently returned from a Viking cruise of the Holy Land, Greece, and Italy. She was amazed by the many structures of antiquity.

JUDY MORELAND GRANGER
We had a fabulous time on our road trip–stayed 5 days in Golden, CO, with Don and Karen Nordberg Sanders ’60, while we were at our granddaughter Lacey Carter’s graduation from U. of Colorado in Boulder. Wonderful visit, so proud of Lacey, Sanders are great hosts. Then we headed west to spend 5 days with Bob’s older brother and his wife in Bakersfield, CA. On our way we saw Arches, Bryce Canyon (in the snow on May 16!), and Zion National Parks. Breathtaking, amazing, awe inspiring, I can’t say enough about them. Then in CA we went up to Sequoia NP, another amazing spot. On our way back home we stayed in Williams, AZ, got up early and had breakfast at El Tovar, the lodge in the Grand Canyon. Topped our list of wondrous parks, hope everyone has had the chance to see these amazing places! Use what you can; you can see that I am still in awe at the wonder of the five parks we’ve just seen.

JOANNE PEPER MILNOR
I’m just back from a river cruise on the Elbe River, Berlin to Prague. A most enjoyable and educational tour. Very cold over Easter with snow/sleet. Back home with more doctor appointments for the next step in treatment for back problems. Busy with the Long Bay Symphony serving on the planning committee for their 30th Anniversary Season, 2017-18. I will river cruise again in the fall from Basel Switzerland to Amsterdam. Will celebrate 80 this summer and still “keepin on” as they say.

JEANNETTE PHELPS
Had her big birthday, treated to lunch at Petite Louis and Peppermill. Roland Park Place is expanding, causing some disruption now but with big plans for the future. J.P. and I were victims of a truck “rolling coal” on our last outing. She told me she recently saw a news report about the absurd practice. J. P. said she is very good at self-amusement as long as she has her word puzzles and solitaire. J.P. and Joan Kirkpatrick keep in touch during the baseball season. J.P. received a note from Starr’s aide acknowledging the birthday card J.P. had sent after Starr died.

BARBARA SUE SCHANBACHER PEAY
We are gratefully still enjoying a wonderful life. We are so very lucky. We have been married 57 years. We have 3 children – our daughter, Elizabeth, in NYC with three granddaughters; two sons in northern CA, each with two sons. They have a very respected vineyard — Peay Vineyards — our older son, Nick, grows the grapes, his wife, Vanessa, is the winemaker, and his brother, Andy, sells the wine and runs the business. Nick Sr. still works full time as an investor. I retired from event planning some years ago but have stayed on several boards and taken up yoga since I can no longer play tennis. Can’t think of anything terribly fascinating going on at the moment.

MARY-LOU TROUT HADDAD
12/18/2016
Our daughter and her family are coming from Syracuse for 3 days! Sarah, her oldest, graduated from UVM and teaches in Warren NH ( pop. 900) now, so she has 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th grades in Social Studies, about 6 to 8 students in each class. What a different world!

CAROLYNNE VEAZEY LATHROP
Well, I finally made a decision and rented a one-story town house near my old house. It is one-third the size of my present home so I am getting rid of many things–donating and recycling whenever possible. I thought of what you wrote about women being vulnerable on their own, and I looked at several senior communities, including ones here in Dubuque and also in Davenport, but I just did not think I could handle institutional food on a full-time basis, even though most plans left some meals up to the resident. I have celiac disease, and it takes some effort to make gluten free food palatable. I finally ran out of time and had to make a decision.

JOAN VICTOR BOOS
We are still busy with John going to speech, cognitive and occupational therapy. He is down to one visit a week and hopefully will be finished at the end of the month. We are still hoping to downsize by next spring. I am still the designated driver and drove us down to Siesta Key, FL, this past Jan. where we spent 6 weeks. We have decided that we will not go back for that length of time any more but spend the time getting our house ready to put on the market. Winters have been relatively mild lately so maybe it won’t be too unpleasant. I am still volunteering in the Upper Arlington Public Library, sorting books for Friends of the Library, and at the Discovery Shop for the America Cancer Society and trying to fit in some gardening between the raindrops. John and I are both looking forward to our 60th reunion in 2 year and hope to see you there. Joan

CAROL WICK ERICKSON
My husband, Leif, continues to recover from Neuroinvasive West Nile Virus, which he became ill with last August. He has had extensive rehab , and is currently at an assisted living facility where he is relearning how to walk, talk and gain strength. All from a mosquito bite. Life changes quickly. I lIve close to Buckley’s also and would love to join you all sometime. My golf game continues to be fun and a challenge…Happy 80 to us all!!

Marion Zugale Rapp
ANNE WILSON HEUISLER
I am grateful to have had a mild, uneventful winter this year! I enjoyed my tutoring at Stevenson University and my editing of a friend’s memoir. I made a big decision recently to sell my house and move to Blakehurst Independent Living Community in Towson, MD. At this point, the house is still for sale, and I am biting my fingernails! Carole Rogers came in and out for her final overnights in this house where we have had good times.

2015

Sarah Tapscott
301-807-7821
st12@hood.edu

Travis Gilbert is the manager at the Lower Cape Fear Historical Society and Latimer House Museum in Wilmington, NC. Julianne Berg is about to complete her second year of service as an AmeriCorps VISTA in Charleston, SC. Her second year, she served as the VISTA Leader for a group of 23 VISTAs all across Charleston. She hopes to move back to Maryland after she completes her year and get a job somewhere in DC’s nonprofit sector. Khyle Ball joined the army and is currently in San Antonio for nursing school. Lindsey Willhide received her master’s at the University of Maryland School of Social Work and is currently a licensed social worker at the Washington County Department of Social Services. Chelsea Rudy during the past few months has loved working with FCPS as a special education teacher. She also bought a new car! Nicole Kuehl continues to work for the federal government, and has begun a master’s degree program in applied economics at Johns Hopkins University. She will marry Russell Gingrich ’15 in Coffman Chapel in January 2017. Kristen Geatz was recently promoted to program coordinator with the international visitors leadership program at the Institute of International Education, where she works with the Department of State to bring international visitors to the U.S. to meet with Americans who share similar careers. Nicole Burda is a kindergarten teacher and loving it. Sarah Austin is now living and working in Connecticut and currently employed as a paralegal at a small law firm. She’s going to school to get her graduate degree in library science from the University of Washington. She’s getting married in June 2017. Michael Smith has been working his butt off while somehow managing to find time to play Magic: The Gathering with his friends. He works at Zenimax Inc. as a QA contractor and performs certification testing for the latest and greatest games. He’s begun to develop a voice acting career. Kara O’Leary has been enjoying her time employed with a political consulting firm on Capitol Hill and working directly with more than 30 democratic members of the House of Representatives but still keeps a Sunday morning shift at the 7th Street Starbucks in Frederick. She’s looking forward to her upcoming trip back to France this summer and planning her next European adventure! Natalie Guerra is now Natalie Maltais. She married her Canadian sweetheart and is now living with him in Woodbridge, VA. For the past year and a half, she has been working at Keyway Lock Service as a bookkeeper and accountant assistant. This winter, she will start applying for graduate schools so that she can start her computer science degree. Margarita Swissler is currently living in Colmar, France. She is working as an English language teaching assistant at two local high schools. She hopes to remain in France next year as a teaching assistant, but in another region, so she can continue to explore and learn more about another part of France. James Sola began working for Pace Analytical Services last year. He is contracted to Elanco, where he supports the development of proteins designed to improve the nutritional value of animal foods. Maggie Thomas is pursuing a master’s in business at Hood College. She’s been keeping busy with her photography and graphic design business, Maggie’s Creative. Over the summer of 2016, Natalie Hernandez began working at a2z, Inc. as a digital project coordinator, and became engaged to David Langan ’14. Ben Atha has begun a master’s program in biological sciences at Towson University. When he is not in class, he spends his time conducting research between two molecular biology labs and working as a teaching assistant. He is recently engaged to Aristie Abbott ’14. After earning her MA in developmental psychology, Caitlin Presley has continued her graduate studies for a Psy.S. degree in school psychology at Gallaudet University. Caitlin recently completed her practicum in Prince George’s County Public School’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program and is currently in search of an internship placement. I, Sarah Tapscott, have been busy working, opening a new company, singing with the Choral Arts Society of Frederick, and instructing color guard at Frederick High School.

2014

Bianca Padilla
301-437-8772
bianca.e.padilla@gmail.com

Hello, Class of 2014! Looks like we have continued to stay busy after graduation. Let’s see what everyone has been up to! Katelyn Jenkins Hansrote got married April 23 to Andrew Hansrote, and they are expecting a baby girl in February. Paige DeVore got engaged July 4, Melissa Caples married Greg Miller on Oct. 8, and Zach Lynch and Kelsey Knippenberg got married Sept. 24, 2016. Jackie Frenning got married in December 2015. Kali Ball is engaged. Kate Kopasek got engaged to John Black in Annapolis on Aug.13, 2016, and they are getting married September 2017 in Baltimore. Madeline Birmingham got engaged in October to Bronson Washburn and plans to get married summer 2017. They bought a house in Frederick this past June and are living there with their English Bulldog, Lucy. David Langan got engaged to Natalie Hernandez ’15. Jennifer Bentz got engaged in March, and she and her fiance are looking forward to welcoming their first child in March. Tiffany Zechman Flook bought a house and is expecting her second child in May. Erin Droneburg married Javier Zavala ’16 on August 27, 2016. Katelyn Jenkins Hansrote graduated with her master’s degree in social work in May from Shippensburg University. She is currently working as an older adult protective service worker at the Perry County Area Agency on Aging in Pennsylvania. Kali Ball is an intervention teacher at Salem Avenue Elementary Hagerstown, and Jackie Frenning started her MS in academic advising from Kansas State University. Kate Kopasek started working on her Master of Nonprofit Management degree at Notre Dame of Maryland University in August. She is currently working at Key Point as the case manager for Catonsville’s Community Outreach Program. Steven Powell is completing his Ed.S. degree. He is a school psychologist intern at Halifax County Public Schools in Halifax, VA. Kylee Loss is currently working with Building Evaluation Services and Technology as an environmental analyst, Jolissa Gue teaches kindergarten for FCPS, and I, Bianca Padilla am a fifth grade teacher in Montgomery County and will graduate with a master’s in teaching with National Board Certified Teacher Leadership in August 2017. Justin Bowens works as a program cost and schedule analyst for Northrop Grumman in San Diego, CA. Anela Alic is living in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and is working for Emirates airline as part of the business class cabin crew. Emily Kraatz is a first grade teacher and STEM education leader at Twin Ridge Elementary School in FCPS. She is persuing a master’s in educational leadership from Hood College. Tiffany Zechman Flook is teaching kindergarten in Frederick County. Molly Fabricatore will graduate from Salem State University with her M.Ed. in higher education student affairs this May. She is working as an area coordinator at Hood College for Shriner, Coblentz and the Marx Center. Katrina Villa recently graduated with a Master of Science in Nursing from Seton Hall University and now resides in New York. She recently began work as a registered nurse in the neurosurgical critical care unit at the Mount Sinai Hospital. Until next time, Class of 2014! Wishing you all a wonderful 2017!