Where have you lived since high school? – NY, CA, OH, CO AZ, Germany and Japan
What careers have you pursued as an adult? – Teaching, Property Management, Small Business Owner: Laundromat, Dry Cleaning and Commerical Laundry.
If you are a traveler, what is your favorite place or experience? – Hiking to the top of Kilimanjaro in Africa was one of my most memorable trips. The air was so thin and the way seemed so long ... but "pullee pullee" (slowly, slowly) and the top was finally in view - the ultimate high - 19,336 feet! Climbing peaks are a favorite - Mt Fuji in Japan and Mt Whitney in CA along with a couple of hundred others that aren't so famous.
What volunteer roles or pet causes are important to you? – Pet causes: Independent teens; Women and children in crisis; and the underdog or cat in need - I am more into supporting them than volunteering, but now that I am retired I will have more time to volunteer.
Have you achieved something you never thought you would? – I never thought I would have an opportunity to live and work overseas: Japan (7 years) and Germany (2 years). I was blessed by the opportunity to work as a special education teacher and a special education assessor for the Department of Defense on military bases for the last nine years of my career.
How would you title your autobiography? - A CURIOUS TRAVELING TEACHER
What proverb, quote, or philosophy of life would you like to share? – Life is so much easier and pleasant when you let the Lord take the lead and follow the rules.
If you’re attending the reunion, how many miles will you be traveling? – 2534.84 miles
What was your favorite place to eat during high school? – Old Oak
Current mailing address - 14274 N Trade Winds Way, Oro Valley AZ 85755
Art Appell
Where have you lived since high school? - New Fairfield and Sherman CT, Port Saint Lucie Fl.
What careers have you pursued as an adult? - Construction
How many grandchildren and great-grandchildren? - Four grandchildren
If you are a traveler, what is your favorite place or experience? - I have traveled all over the US for business.
If you’re attending the reunion, how many miles will you be traveling?- 1200 miles
What was your favorite place to eat during high school? - The Lark
Current email address - arthurcaroljr@bellsouth.net
Current mailing address - 3270 SE West Snow Road, Port Saint Lucie FL 34984
Gary Arbesman
Where have you lived since high school? – Bethel, Milford, Huntington in CT and St Louis MO
What careers have you pursued as an adult? - District Manager for ITT
How many grandchildren and great-grandchildren? - Two grandchildren
If you are a traveler, what is your favorite place or experience? - 1996 vacation to Peru - a fantastic country to see! In 2 weeks there we saw Machu Picchu; flew over the Nasca Lines; and sailed on Lake Titicaca-the highest commercially-navigable lake in the world (over 12,400 feet)
Have your efforts been published, recorded, or exhibited? - listed in Who's Who in the Midwest 1985
What volunteer roles or pet causes are important to you? - I serve as Bus Ministry Manager for our local Methodist church.
Have you achieved something you never thought you would? - My wife and I recently celebrated our 45th anniversary!
If you’re attending the reunion, how many miles will you be traveling? - About 950 miles
What was your favorite place to eat during high school? - The Lark
Where have you lived since high school? – Danbury and Brookfield CT
What careers have you pursued as an adult? – Personnel Department Head, Homemaker, Receiving Clerk, Store Secretary, and the greatest career in the world, Meema to my grandchildren
How many grandchildren and great-grandchildren? – Three grandchildren
How would you title your autobiography? - IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE!
What was your favorite place to eat during high school? – The Lark
Current mailing address: - 12 Maple Tree Road, Brookfield CT 06804
Susan Backer Rodrigues
Where have you lived since high school? – Danbury CT, Wayne NJ and Plantation FL
What careers have you pursued as an adult? - Stay at home mom then 23 years with the Broward County School Board
How many grandchildren and great-grandchildren? - Five grandchildren
If you are a traveler, what is your favorite place or experience? - My favorite place to visit was Paris; also a few Caribbean Cruises - another one scheduled for Jan. 2012 to Costa Rica, Panama, Cozumel, Honduras, and Grand Cayman. It should be a lot of fun.
What volunteer roles or pet causes are important to you? - I volunteer at the Performing Arts Center of Fort Lauderdale
Have you achieved something you never thought you would? – My greatest accomplishments are my three children - all happily married with wonderful families.
How would you title your autobiography? - A DECADE OF HOPE
What proverb, quote, or philosophy of life would you like to share? – Don't count the days - make the days count.
If you’re attending the reunion, how many miles will you be traveling? – 1350 miles
What was your favorite place to eat during high school? – Quality Restaurant
Current mailing address: - 9565 Toledo Lane, Davie, Florida 33324
Ginny Bartley Young
Where have you lived since high school? – Ridgefield, Danbury and Bridgewater CT
What careers have you pursued as an adult? – Speech therapist, boutique owner, party planner/fund raiser, Christian Science Practioner
How many grandchildren and great-grandchildren? – Four grandchildren plus two forthcoming
If you are a traveler, what is your favorite place or experience? – Three weeks on "The World" in Antarctica. Took the icy plunge below the Antarctic Circle. Awesome!!
Have your efforts been published, recorded, or exhibited? - Testimony of metaphysical healing published in the Christian Science Journal in 1988.
What volunteer roles or pet causes are important to you? – I volunteer as party planner for Ability Beyond Disability, The Women's Center of Greater Danbury and other local charities.
Have you achieved something you never thought you would? – Bungee-jumped off the world's highest one in New Zealand.
What proverb, quote, or philosophy of life would you like to share? – "There is no life, truth, intelligence, nor substance in matter. All is infinite Mind and its infinite manifestation, for God is All-in-all. Spirit is immortal Truth; matter is mortal error. Spirit is the real and eternal: matter is the unreal and temporal. Spirit is God, and man is His image and likeness. Therefore man is not material: he is spiritual.” (From Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy, p. 468:9-15.)
If you’re attending the reunion, how many miles will you be traveling? – 10 miles
What was your favorite place to eat during high school? – The Spa
Current mailing address: - 245 Keeler Road, Bridgewater CT 06752
William Benedict
Where Have You Lived Since High School? – Manhattan KS, Knoxville TN, Austin and College Station TX, and San Luis Obispo CA
What careers have you pursued as an adult? – Architectural, Interior, Graphic and Industrial Designer, Architecture Professor
How many grandchildren and great-grandchildren? – Three grandchildren
If you are a traveler, what is your favorite place or experience? – I love the western landscape and have traveled and hiked throughout the southwest. The open spaces and dramatic forms always take my breath away.
Have your efforts been published, recorded, or exhibited? - Writing has been published in conference proceedings. Syllabi and teaching texts are available on my web site.
What volunteer roles or pet causes are important to you? – Active member of the San Luis Obispo Bicycle Club. Serve on their board, lead rides, design their jerseys and work as part of the volunteer team that puts on two large rides each year.
Have you achieved something you never thought you would? – I never pictured myself as an administrator but when the faculty choose me to be interim head of the Architecture Department at Cal Poly I discovered that it was something that I could do and take pride in.
How would you title your autobiography? - NEVER FELL ASLEEP
What proverb, quote, or philosophy of life would you like to share? – Secular Evolutionary Humanism
What was your favorite place to eat during high school? – The Old Oak
Where have you lived since high school? – Danbury and Brookfield CT
What careers have you pursued as an adult? – Jeweler
How many grandchildren and great-grandchildren? – Eleven grandchildren
If you are a traveler, what is your favorite place or experience? – Spending winters in South Carolina where I hope to retire.
What volunteer roles or pet causes are important to you? - I am a Stephen Minister for St. Paul's Angelican Church in Brookfield. Stephen Ministry is a Christian organization that comes alongside people in the congregation who are experiencing difficulties in their life and who walk the journey with them offering listening and God's love.
How would you title your autobiography? – ONE DAY AT A TIME
What proverb, quote, or philosophy of life would you like to share? - Keep Jesus Christ as the center of your life.
If you’re attending the reunion, how many miles will you be traveling? - 10 miles
What was your favorite place to eat during high school? – The Lark Drive-In
Where have you lived since high school? – Danbury CT
What careers have you pursued as an adult? - Paralegal
How many grandchildren and great-grandchildren? - One grandchild
If you are a traveler, what is your favorite place or experience? - Italy - Went there for a three-week trip covering north to south and in between. We both fell in love with the country and are returning in 2011.
What volunteer roles or pet causes are important to you? - I retired in June and plan to pursue volunteering in the fall
How would you title your autobiography? - Hometown Girl
What proverb, quote, or philosophy of life would you like to share? - The glass is always half full, not half empty
If you’re attending the reunion, how many miles will you be traveling?- 2 miles
What was your favorite place to eat during high school? – El Dorado
Current email address - thetaylors43@yahoo.com
Current mailing address - 169 Lake Place South, Danbury CT 06810
Mary Lou Costello Esposito
Where have you lived since high school? - -Danbury and Woodbury CT and Tucson AZ
What careers have you pursued as an adult? - I have worked in office administration in education, health education in a university setting, and health care field.
How many grandchildren and great-grandchildren? - One step daughter; two step granddaughters, and one step great granddaughter on the way.
If you are a traveler, what is your favorite place or experience? - I love Europe and since my retirement have been on many European holidays to Italy, France, Germany, Austria, England and Switzerland. Three of the trips were with the University of Arizona's classics department on educational tours to Italy.
Have your efforts been published, recorded, or exhibited?- Nothing of my own, but I have been acknowledged for my assistance on many research publications both from the University of Arizona and from universities in Chile and Argentina.
What volunteer roles or pet causes are important to you? - I spent several years as a member of an Arizona disaster medical assistance team following 9/11. I still volunteer at the county health department's immunization clinics, serve as a member of a community pharmacy task force, and a community disaster response team.
What proverb, quote, or philosophy of life would you like to share? - Snap out of it (from the movie, Moonstruck).
If you’re attending the reunion, how many miles will you be traveling?- 2,500 miles
What was your favorite place to eat during high school? - Any pizza place in Danbury.
Current email address - mlesposito@cox.net
Current mailing address - 7638 East Turnquist Street, Tucson AZ 85715
Janet Daone Ross
Where have you lived since high school? - -No place like home: Danbury CT
What careers have you pursued as an adult? - Medical Social Worker and Social Worker/Case Manager for Persons with Disabilities
How many grandchildren and great-grandchildren? - Five terrific grandchildren ages 16, 13, 6, 4 and 2
If you are a traveler, what is your favorite place or experience? - Our trips have been limited to the continental USA. Most impressive was Mount Rushmore; most historic was Charleston SC and the most outrageous was New Orleans.
Have your efforts been published, recorded, or exhibited? - Nothing notable in this area.
What volunteer roles or pet causes are important to you? - I volunteer two times a week at a local social service agency. I am active in our church and secretary of its Ladies Guild. I am involved in our local AARP chapter and have served as treasurer for the past three years.
Have you achieved something you never thought you would? - -I would have to say I am not afraid to try anything.
How would you title your autobiography? - Do You Need Help? I Can Help
What proverb, quote, or philosophy of life would you like to share? - Need to keep busy/need to keep going!
If you’re attending the reunion, how many miles will you be traveling? - About 6 miles
What was your favorite place to eat during high school? - The Lark and The Sycamore
Current email address - jross0876@comcast.net
Current mailing address - 11 Terra Glen Road, Danbury CT 06811-3419, 203 743-0727
Margaret Dardis Kovacs
Where Have You Lived Since High School? – Brookfield and Kent CT, and Steuben ME
What careers have you pursued as an adult? – Legal Secretary, Business Owner
How many grandchildren and great-grandchildren? – Three grandchildren
If you are a traveler, what is your favorite place or experience? – Our four children are widespread, so we travel to Tennessee and Arizona in the USA probably once a year. Our third child is in China so that certainly was the most interesting trip so far.
Have your efforts been published, recorded, or exhibited? - I have not produced anything that could be published other than a letter to the editor and I think that was a negative one
Have you achieved something you never thought you would? – Well, about 35 years ago we won a Cadillac in St Joseph's church raffle in Brookfield. That was exciting and put a few dollars in the bank. Our greatest achievement has been living a happy life and being able to retire to the place we love
How would you title your autobiography? - MY 150 GREATEST YEARS
What proverb, quote, or philosophy of life would you like to share? – Live by the sun, love by the moon
If you’re attending the reunion, how many miles will you be traveling? – 450 miles
What was your favorite place to eat during high school? – Home (sorry, it was my favorite)
Where have you lived since high school? - South Dakota, Navajo Reservation in New Mexico, suburbs of Philadelphia PA
What careers have you pursued as an adult? - Social studies teacher on the secondary level and show coordinator for the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks PA
If you are a traveler, what is your favorite place or experience? - I have always wanted to set foot on all seven continents and put my toes in all the major oceans. Last year I fulfilled that dream by sailing across Drake's Passage and spending two weeks in Antarctica.
Have your efforts been published, recorded, or exhibited? - Since the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center is the venue for the National Dog Show shown on NBC Thanksgiving Day after the Macy's Day Parade, I have the fun of working with the Kennel Club of Philadelphia and NBC to stage and produce this event. If you haven't seen it, please tune in this Thanksgiving!
What volunteer roles or pet causes are important to you? - -I volunteer with the Wissahickon Watershed to preserve as much land as possible along the creek as well as serve as a docent at the Evans-Mumbower Mill which now operates as it did back in the 1800's!
What proverb, quote, or philosophy of life would you like to share? - Tough times don't last...Tough people do!
If you’re attending the reunion, how many miles will you be traveling?- 120 miles depending on the route I take!
What was your favorite place to eat during high school? - DHS cafeteria with classmates or The Lark after a school event on Friday night
Current email address - emmaofabington@verizon.net
Current mailing address - -217 Nevin Lane, Lower Gwynedd PA 19002
Phyllis Esposito Tarsi
Where have you lived since high school? - Naugatuck and Waterbury CT
What careers have you pursued as an adult? - Human Resources Manager
How many grandchildren and great-grandchildren? - Four grandchildren
If you are a traveler, what is your favorite place or experience? - Myrtle Beach
What volunteer roles or pet causes are important to you? - Volunteer at Carolyn's Place in Waterbury which is a pregnancy resource center for teens.
How would you title your autobiography? - The Listener
What proverb, quote, or philosophy of life would you like to share? - Don't get upset over what you can't control!
If you’re attending the reunion, how many miles will you be traveling? - 30 miles
What was your favorite place to eat during high school? - The Lark
Current email address - phyllistarsi@hotmail.com
Current mailing address - 11 Midwood Avenue, Waterbury CT 06708
Willis Gelbart Binnard
Where have you lived since high school? – Pittsburgh PA, St Louis MO, Detroit MI and Palos Verdes (near LA) CA
What careers have you pursued as an adult? – Research chemist, at-home mom and technology director
How many grandchildren and great-grandchildren? – Three grandchildren
If you are a traveler, what is your favorite place or experience? – We have loved every travel experience throughout the USA, South America, China, Japan, New Zealand and Europe, but Galapagos and Africa are at the top of our favorite places list. The beautiful wildlife and their unique behaviors are unbeatable - especially for avid photographers – so it’s back to Africa in 2012!
Have your efforts been published, recorded, or exhibited? - During my second career I wrote many articles published in regional and national educational technology publications and served as editor of the newsletter for a large ed tech organization in California. Recently several photographs have won honorable mention in photography contests!
What volunteer roles or pet causes are important to you? - I've been a docent at three different science museums and have loved meeting people from everywhere while explaining science to students and adults. After Sputnik was launched during our freshman year, the US went on a campaign to improve science education and guess what? - More than 50 years later there is still much to be done to close the gap!
Have you achieved something you never thought you would? - Having the opportunity to conduct workshops and seminars all over the country with one of the pioneers in educational technology who was first a great idol, then a wonderful mentor and finally a great friend.
How would you title your autobiography? – COAST TO COAST – 10% LUCK AND 90% EFFORTor maybe this is better - WHATEVER HAPPENED TO THE 19 INCH WAIST?
What proverb, quote, or philosophy of life would you like to share? - My heart is in the work (Andrew Carnegie)
If you’re attending the reunion, how many miles will you be traveling? - About 2,500 miles
What was your favorite place to eat during high school? – I think it was called "The Old Oak"
Where have you lived since high school? – Boulder CO, Honolulu HI, New York City
What careers have you pursued as an adult? – Painter (fine arts), public relations, New York State licensed Social worker and administrator
How many grandchildren and great-grandchildren? – Three grandsons
If you are a traveler, what is your favorite place or experience? – I have been fortunate to travel to 20 countries, so far. My trips have been hiking/botanical adventures, usually in mountainous regions of the world. I guess because of my Anglo-Italian roots, I always love Italy and any place in the UK, especially Scottish islands, Rum, Muck, Eigg, and Skye. I spend every spring on a magnificent, verdant island in the Gulf of Alaska which is reminiscent of Scottish Isles or French Pyrenees.
Have your efforts been published, recorded, or exhibited? - As a painter I exhibited in galleries, museums in the northeast, Smithsonian (SITES), the Carter White House and occasionally Europe. My work was reviewed in newspapers and on TV; I won several grants and awards. I have had articles published in feminist journals and a popular hiker's handbook. My public relations record has been great, as I have been able to place many articles for and about my clients in NYC newspapers, especially the NY Times.
What volunteer roles or pet causes are important to you? – I am passionate about art preservation and education. I support Americans for the Arts and have been a life-long supporter of environmental conservation through many outdoor organizations like the Nature Conservancy and Open Space Institute. Also, I support Doctors Without Borders.
Have you achieved something you never thought you would? – I was honored and delighted to work with President Clinton's White House staff on arranging for a press conference for President Clinton. The best part: spending a half hour up close and personal with the President.
How would you title your autobiography? - I'll let you know when I write it!
What proverb, quote, or philosophy of life would you like to share? – “The world belongs to the brave" balanced against "The world spins on a dime"
What was your favorite place to eat during high school? – The Lark
Where have you lived since high school? – Texas, North Carolina, Danbury CT
What careers have you pursued as an adult? – Sales, Corporate Operations, Training
How many grandchildren and great-grandchildren? – Three grandchildren
If you are a traveler, what is your favorite place or experience? – Porte de La Cruz in Venezuela and St Kitts in the Caribbean. Both were remote and unspoiled when I had the opportunity to visit them in the 80's and mid 90's.
Have your efforts been published, recorded, or exhibited? - Not Yet
What volunteer roles or pet causes are important to you? – I volunteer at Ann's Place Cancer Services in Danbury, teaching Yoga to recovering cancer patients since 1997. Also, volunteered in elementary schools, high schools, colleges, hospitals and prisons teaching Yoga over the past 35 years.
Have you achieved something you never thought you would? – Having two wonderful sons and three beautiful grandchildren, reaching retirement, and having most of my faculties at age 68!
How would you title your autobiography? - ONE WHO HAS LEARNED HOW TO STAND ON HIS FEET AS WELL AS HIS HEAD
What proverb, quote, or philosophy of life would you like to share? – The greatest reward in life is to truly understand the meaning of Peace and Joy, Love and Light
If you’re attending the reunion, how many miles will you be traveling? – 3 miles
What was your favorite place to eat during high school? – The Sycamore
Current mailing address – 50 Mountainville Road, Danbury CT 06810
Barbara Gulla Vidal
Where have you lived since high school? – Danbury and Bridgewater CT
What careers have you pursued as an adult? – Software Engineer, Schlumberger-Doll and Perkin-Elmer
How many grandchildren and great-grandchildren? – Three grandchildren
If you are a traveler, what is your favorite place or experience? – Visited the Bay of Fundy in Canada. Amazed at the difference in the tide.
Have your efforts been published, recorded, or exhibited? - Just published the genealogy for the four families - Vidal/Oliver and Gulla/Bakos
What volunteer roles or pet causes are important to you? - Bridgewater Fair volunteer for over 40 years - started at the cake wheel when my kids were kids but now only do a ticket booth. AARP Tax Aide Volunteer for the Danbury Senior Center for the past 2 years. You have to pass an IRS Test with at least 80 correct answers - and since taxes change every year it is difficult. You get two tries. I don't believe that anyone who files taxes should have to pay to get a correct tax return.
Have you achieved something you never thought you would? – Did my family genealogy and got my husband to do his side of the family. Found long lost cousins, confirmed many tales handed down, and actually visited the towns and met some relatives in Slovakia. It took me over 20 years to confirm some information. I started before internet access using church records, town hall records, library records, and old newspapers and photos.
How would you title your autobiography? - I'M BARBARA NOT BETTY!
What proverb, quote, or philosophy of life would you like to share? – Jerry Seinfeld- Quote “I am so busy doing nothing… that the idea of doing anything — which as you know, always leads to something — cuts into the nothing and then forces me to have to drop everything.”
If you’re attending the reunion, how many miles will you be traveling? – I'm making this trip for 50 years so at least 50,000 miles - you should have the fewest miles traveled.
What was your favorite place to eat during high school? – El Dorado on Lake Ave- the pizza was free if you knew somebody working, next was Moffa's and then The Sycamore
Marguerite (Peggy Hand) Nissly
Where have you lived since high school? - Texas and Connecticut
What careers have you pursued as an adult? - Wife, mom and grandmother
How many grandchildren and great-grandchildren? - Six grandchildren
If you are a traveler, what is your favorite place or experience? - Love Ireland - One of our daughters was married there
What proverb, quote, or philosophy of life would you like to share? - Life is too short, enjoy it while you can.
What was your favorite place to eat during high school? - A&W
Current email address - pnissly@aol.com
Current mailing address - 105 Great Plain Road, Danbury CT 06811
Walter (Wally) Hatcher
Where have you lived since high school? – Brookfield, Danbury, Southbury twice, Bridgewater CT, Wayne NJ, Olmsead Township OH, Rochester MI, and North Andover MA
What careers have you pursued as an adult? - Sales Engineer, Sales and Marketing Management, Engineering Management, Manufacturers Rep, General/Operations Manager
How many grandchildren and great-grandchildren? - Gia has 4 kids and 5 grand kids; I have 3 kids and 5 grand kids
If you are a traveler, what is your favorite place or experience? - I have rafted the Colorado through the Grand Canyon (and many other rivers), stood on Mt. McKinley, camped and hiked in many of the National Parks, seen the Wolves in Yellowstone, climbed Mt. Washington, hiked part of the Appalachian trail and skied many mountains in the US, Canada and Europe. Visited all but three of these Great United States and have had the luck and privilege to visit 37 Countries and been around the world twice. Rita and I were lucky and went to Europe when we were in our late twenties we actually walked on the floor of the Parthenon on the night of a full moon in April of 1970. Gia and I have traveled to wonderful places in the 13 years we have been married - from Alaska to Russia and a lot of places in between.I had several international jobs that took me to many, many countries. Where I met wonderful people and was even a guest in many in their homes, a truly enlightening remarkable experience.
Have your efforts been published, recorded, or exhibited?- I have had several papers published in Automotive Engineering Journals around the world.
What volunteer roles or pet causes are important to you? - I actively support several local charities, Ann's Place, Regional Hospice and Catholic Charities and the Bridgewater Fire Department.
Have you achieved something you never thought you would? - Never thought I would manage a multi-million dollar 100 person North American sales force.
If you’re attending the reunion, how many miles will you be traveling?- 11 miles
What was your favorite place to eat during high school? - Mabel’s SPAfor the famous Flying Saucer (fried baloney with lettuce and tomato on Syrian bread.
Current mailing address:59 Main Street South, Bridgewater CT 06752
Doris Hawley Lester
Where have you lived since high school? – Hartford, Winsdor and West Hartford CT
What careers have you pursued as an adult? – Registered Nurse
How many grandchildren and great-grandchildren? – Three grandchildren
If you are a traveler, what is your favorite place or experience? - Loved our trip to British Columbia a few years ago and we are going on cruise to Alaska with our family in 2012.
Current mailing address: - 190 Raymond Rd, West Hartford CT 06107
Barbara Hyde Sands
Where have you lived since high school? – Past 38 years in PA, before that FL, ME, TX and VA
What careers have you pursued as an adult? – Registered Nurse and presently I teach at a local community college
How many grandchildren and great-grandchildren? – Three grandchildren
If you are a traveler, what is your favorite place or experience? – My husband and I like to travel but we are still working so can't do as much as we would like. Past few years have been in Italy, Alaska, and Ireland as well as several trips in the lower USA
What volunteer roles or pet causes are important to you? - I direct a handbell choir at my church. I do Meals on Wheels and give time to Habitat for Humanity.
What was your favorite place to eat during high school? – A&W Root Beer
Current mailing address: - 13 James Drive, Bernville PA 19506
Marcia Kaufmann Dampf
Where have you lived since high school? – Purdys, Lake Lincolndale, Peekskill, Fishkill, and finally Pleasant Valley NY
What careers have you pursued as an adult? – Teacher
How many grandchildren and great-grandchildren? – Eleven grandchildren
If you are a traveler, what is your favorite place or experience? – I went to visit my daughter in Rome, Italy while she was there studying and took a couple side trips to visit a niece in London, and take a gondola ride in Venice. I have also been to Bermuda and Ireland. Of all these experiences I think I enjoyed Ireland the most.
If you’re attending the reunion, how many miles will you be traveling? – about 35 miles
What was your favorite place to eat during high school? – The El Dorado
Current mailing address - 110 Carter Road, Pleasant Valley NY 12569
Leigh Keller Ryan
Where have you lived since high school? – Salisbury, New Britain, and New Fairfield CT; College Park and Adelphi MD
What careers have you pursued as an adult? - High school English teacher (three Connecticut schools), Writing Center Director and English professor (University of Maryland) .
How many grandchildren and great-grandchildren? - Three grandsons
If you are a traveler, what is your favorite place or experience? - I’ve traveled to fourteen countries and across the US. I especially loved Athens, Istanbul, and the Grand Canyon, but South Africa is my absolute favorite place. I’ve returned there once and plan to go again.
Have your efforts been published, recorded, or exhibited? - I wrote The Bedford Guide for Writing Tutors (5th ed.), published articles on tutoring writing in professional journals, and have several articles on local history in journals and newsletters. My favorite project, however, was helping to clear the name of Henry Vinton Plummer, a former slave and the first African American US Army chaplain. Plummer was dishonorably discharged under questionable circumstances in 1894. It took years of research, writing, and meetings with lawyers and politicians, but his discharge was changed to “honorable” in 2005. I appeared as a “talking head” on a PBS documentary, “Restoring Honor: The Story of Chaplain Henry Vinton Plummer,” and plan to write a book about Plummer’s life.
What volunteer roles or pet causes are important to you? - I volunteer at Riversdale, an historic house museum. The University of Maryland occupies land that was once part of this plantation. We have two stories, letters written by the plantation mistress and a journal kept by a literate slave, which I use in my literature course, “Women in the Plantation Household.”
Have you achieved something you never thought you would? – As a DHS student, I assumed I’d have a family and some sort of teaching career. My children and grandchildren are truly what I’m most proud of and enjoy now. I never imagined I’d direct a writing center and teach at a state university, much less see my work expand nationally and internationally as a consultant and speaker. While the professional connections are important, many friendships have resulted and I treasure them.
How would you title your autobiography? - EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED
What proverb, quote, or philosophy of life would you like to share? – Relax! It will be what it will be
If you’re attending the reunion, how many miles will you be traveling? – 280 miles
What was your favorite place to eat during high school? – The Lark and the Sycamore
Current mailing address: -8607 Riggs Road Adelphi, MD 20783
Jim Kirklin
Where have you lived since high school? – Boston MA and Long Beach NY
What careers have you pursued as an adult? – Business Consultant, Womenswear Manufacturer, Home Restoration.
If you are a traveler, what is your favorite place or experience? - Six weeks backpacking and Eurailing through thirteen countries in Europe. Stayed with a friend in Perugia, Italy; bought a racing bike in Florence; ate Bouillabaisse in Marseilles; climbed a glacier in Interlaken Switzerland; climbed Notre Dame in Paris; and enjoyed an open-air opera in Rome, etc. Also, have cruised the Caribbean.
What volunteer roles or pet causes are important to you? - Being environmentally active and creature friendly.
Have you achieved something you never thought you would? – Living near the ocean somewhere in a close community – currently a three minute walk to the beach in the historic town of Long Beach on Long Island NY.
How would you title your autobiography? - LUCKY IN LIFE AND LOVE
What proverb, quote, or philosophy of life would you like to share? – Always do your best.
If you’re attending the reunion, how many miles will you be traveling? – 95 miles
What was your favorite place to eat during high school? – JK's
Where have you lived since high school? - New York, Virginia, Roxbury and Bridgewater CT
What careers have you pursued as an adult? - Nursing and Real Estate
How many grandchildren and great-grandchildren? - Ten grandchildren
If you are a traveler, what is your favorite place or experience? - Besides spending three weeks a year in St.Marteen - Touring the world with my husband and several friends has been so rewarding. Our next trip is to Ireland, Normandy, Paris and Milan.
What volunteer roles or pet causes are important to you? - I am part of the Women’s Auxiliary in Bridgewater and I volunteer for I CAN.
Have you achieved something you never thought you would? - I have been lucky to be able to achieve all my goals. I have wonderful family and great friends.
How would you title your autobiography? - Are You there Pinot Grigio?It's me Gia!!
What proverb, quote, or philosophy of life would you like to share? - Life is Good
If you’re attending the reunion, how many miles will you be traveling? - 10 miles
What was your favorite place to eat during high school? - The Lark
Current email address - giawallyhome@hotmail.com
Current mailing address - 59 Main St. South, Bridgewater CT 06752
Lynn Levine Donnelley
Where have you lived since high school? – RI, MD, Botswana, DE and WY
What careers have you pursued as an adult? – Elementary school teacher and assistant principal
How many grandchildren and great-grandchildren? – Three grandchildren
If you are a traveler, what is your favorite place or experience? - I have been fortunate to have traveled around the world. I've been to Europe numerous times but found China and Russia fascinating. Best of all were the visits to countries in southern Africa. Now I'm interested in seeing all of the western USA.
What volunteer roles or pet causes are important to you? - I support the Grand Teton Association and volunteer at the Alpine Branch Library and the Animal Humane Society of Star Valley
Have you achieved something you never thought you would? – Never dreamed I'd see so much of the world.
How would you title your autobiography? - STILL EVOLVING
What proverb, quote, or philosophy of life would you like to share? – Carpe Diem
What was your favorite place to eat during high school? – Marcus Dairy
Current mailing address: - PO Box 3929, 391 Aspen Ridge Trail, Alpine WY 83128
Walt Loesch
Where have you lived since high school? – Brookfield CT
What careers have you pursued as an adult? – Retired Superintendent of Highways for Brookfield and presently Tree Warden for Brookfield
If you are a traveler, what is your favorite place or experience? – I go with Eleanor!! We recently took a cruise through the Panama Canal and loved seeing all the construction involved in widening it.
What volunteer roles or pet causes are important to you? - I am very involved with the Brookfield Volunteer Fire Company and presently the Vice President. I have served on several town committees. Eleanor and I are supporters of Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation and Hospice.
If you’re attending the reunion, how many miles will you be traveling? – 10 miles
Current mailing address: - 24 Oak Grove Road, Brookfield CT 06804
George Losito
Where have you lived since high school? – Woobury, Sherman and Danbury CT
What careers have you pursued as an adult? – Carpentry
How many grandchildren and great-grandchildren? – One grandchild
If you are a traveler, what is your favorite place or experience? – Have camped in every state on the eastern seaboard. Love the outer banks in North Carolina
What was your favorite place to eat during high school? – JK’s
Current mailing address -54 Padanaram Road, Danbury CT 06811
Edalina (Lily) Lourenco
Where have you lived since high school? – Just Danbury CT
What careers have you pursued as an adult? –Hairdresser and have owned my salon since 1969
How many grandchildren and great-grandchildren? – Three grandchildren
If you are a traveler, what is your favorite place or experience? – My husband Paul and I like to travel. We also like to snowmobile, so twice we have gone to Yellowstone National park with eight couples to snowmobile. One time we stopped on the trail to take pictures and a herd of buffalo decided to cross the trail weaving in and out of our snowmobiles. Needless to say that was quite a scary time for all of us!!!! That was a little up close and personal, too close!!! Alaska was also very beautiful in February. We went Dog Sledding, Snowshoeing and Snowmobiling. The nights were 21 hours long and we only had 3 hours of daylight! We also like the heat. We have a family reunion in the Bahamas every May. The most fun is traveling cross country and exploring each State . We would like to visit each state. Just this past March I went Skydiving in Las Vegas; that was the greatest thrill! We have been blessed with good health and happiness, wonderful children, family and friends! Paul and I have been married for 46 years and are looking forward to many more!!
Have your efforts been published, recorded, or exhibited? - I have worked in Wilton for 50 years as a hairdresser. I have owned my own beauty salon since 1969, so the local newspaper featured me on the front page as one of the oldest beauty salons in Wilton . We talked about all the changes that have occurred on Route #7 and all the growth that has changed the landscape of Wilton. I have taken care of four generations of the same family and hope to work for many more happy years !
What volunteer roles or pet causes are important to you? - My husband and I volunteer at the Portuguese Cultural Center in Danbury, located on Sandpit. Some of the committees are the Membership, Comedy, Dance, Fundrasing and the Lobsterfest held at the PCC in the summer to raise money for the Veterans. We also volunteer in June for Portuguese Day and for Saint Anthony and Saint John’s festivals held on the grounds of the PCC. I am also on the Board Of Directors of the Sokol Lodge #30 of Danbury and the events committee.
Have you achieved something you never thought you would? – Yes, I have been blessed with many things. God has been good to us with health, happiness and a good life and I thank him for that!!! I pray that we can all have peace, health, happiness and a prosperous life.
How would you title your autobiography? – WHAT A LIFE!
What proverb, quote, or philosophy of life would you like to share? - Live like you were dying !!!
If you’re attending the reunion, how many miles will you be traveling? - Only a few miles
What was your favorite place to eat during high school? – The Quality Restaurant on Main St
Current mailing address: - 4 W. Pine Drive, Danbury CT 06811, 203-748-6373
Christine Brenda Lucsky Melycher Wharton
Where have you lived since high school? – New Milford CT
What careers have you pursued as an adult? – Teacher
How many grandchildren and great-grandchildren? – Five grandchildren
If you are a traveler, what is your favorite place or experience? – I love taking cruises - anywhere. I have yet to go to Europe and do want to do that.
What volunteer roles or pet causes are important to you? - I'm secretary of the New Milford Garden Club. I really enjoy gardening and do some at my church as well as at home.
What was your favorite place to eat during high school? – Pizza Shop before football games
Where have you lived since high school? – Danbury and Waterbury CT, Wappingers Falls, Rosedale, Freeport, Bayport and East Patchogue NY
What careers have you pursued as an adult? – Retail, Marine Manufacturing and Real Estate
If you are a traveler, what is your favorite place or experience? – Hawaii, Tortola, Bermuda, Nova Scotia, Bahamas etc. were enjoyable but I still love to visit the greater Danbury area. Chicago is one of my favorite US cities to visit.
Have your efforts been published, recorded, or exhibited? - In 1965 I recorded a Demo Record of 2 songs with a Danbury group "The Sherwoods" but nothing happened professionally and that was that. Fast forward to 2008. . . I received a phone call from author Will Anderson. He was a Danbury area DJ and was given a copy by two of my group-mates. He loved the side I co-wrote with Chuck Spaulding and played it on the air in the 1970's and wanted to publish a CD about the Danbury Doo Wop era and feature our group! So, 43 years later the CD is published (continued below)
Have you achieved something you never thought you would? – In reference to "Lost Danbury Doo Wop" I will bring some copies to the Reunion for oldies music lovers. If you’re not attending just email me with your address and I'd be glad to share a copy. Somehow collectors have posted the two songs on U-Tube. If you Google “The Search Is Over The Sherwoods” or “That’s My Desire The Sherwoods”, you'll be able to play the songs.
How would you title your autobiography? - OUT OF THE NORM
What proverb, quote, or philosophy of life would you like to share? – Just Do It! - Nike
If you’re attending the reunion, how many miles will you be traveling? – 124 miles
What was your favorite place to eat during high school? – Marcus Dairy
Current mailing address -78 Munsell Road, East Patchogue NY 11772
Wendy McKee Burkowski
Where have you lived since high school? – Albany and Bolton Landing NY
What careers have you pursued as an adult? – Art education, Girl Scout professional, and retail
How many grandchildren and great-grandchildren? – Three grandchildren
If you are a traveler, what is your favorite place or experience? – Since my husband is ein echter deutscher (real German) mann, I've been to Germany and other places in Europe a few times. I always enjoy meeting local people and learn much more about a place from them than tour guides. Paris, Switzerland and Sweden are favorites. Unmet needs are Ireland, England (as an adult) and Italy.
Have your efforts been published, recorded, or exhibited? - Have any of you heard from me in fifty years? I'm downright shy with a pen but I do have opinions on everything!!
What volunteer roles or pet causes are important to you? – Girl Scouting, join and see the world through young people’s eyes, it's rejuvenating and Wildlife Rehabilitation since I've lived in a 6 million acre state park for 40 years and support keeping it that way for many more; also the Hyde Collection (art museum) and Bolton Town Recreation Commission, Warren County Youth Board.
Have you achieved something you never thought you would? – Raising two children who turned out to be wonderful parents.
How would you title your autobiography? - NOT DONE YET
What proverb, quote, or philosophy of life would you like to share? – “If you don't break the rules once in awhile, you miss all the fun” - Katherine Hepburn
What was your favorite place to eat during high school? – The Lark
Current mailing address -875 Trout Lake Road, Bolton Landing NY 12814
Karen Melycher Weis
Where have you lived since high school? –South Hadley MA, Danbury and Newtown CT
What careers have you pursued as an adult? – Worked at Western Connecticut State University for eight years in the Cashier's Office
How many grandchildren and great-grandchildren? – Six grandchildren
If you are a traveler, what is your favorite place or experience? – Upon my husband's retirement we took a five week cross country trip stopping at all the National Parks and places of historical significance. We took the Northern route as far West as Arizona and returned the Southern route through Texas. I am still amazed at how different the terrains are in the USA and now realize that we would have to spend much more time in each state to truly appreciate our country. We also spent two weeks in Italy which was enjoyable and filled with history. The museums, art, culture, and architecture just immersed you in this wonderful country. And oh yes, the gelato is divine!
How would you title your autobiography? - THE ENDLESS GARDENER
If you’re attending the reunion, how many miles will you be traveling? – Twelve miles
What was your favorite place to eat during high school? – Sycamore
Where have you lived since high school? - NY, NJ, Chicago IL, and Atlanta GA
What careers have you pursued as an adult? - Real Estate and Trade Show Production and Sales
How many grandchildren and great-grandchildren? - Four grandchildren
If you are a traveler, what is your favorite place or experience? - I've enjoyed many trips to Europe but I especially like Italy. Being half Italian I think my "roots" were speaking to me there.
Have your efforts been published, recorded, or exhibited? - If you count cookbooks, I've been published.
What volunteer roles or pet causes are important to you? - I belong to an international organization that provides loans and scholarships for girls to attend college and for women to go back to school. I also teach arts and crafts to "older" seniors - this is a window that is closing!
Have you achieved something you never thought you would? – For the last few years I've gone to Miraval Spa to challenge myself to rock climbing, telephone pole climbing and zip lining. I think I'm done with that stuff now!
How would you title your autobiography? - WAIT, THERE'S MORE
What proverb, quote, or philosophy of life would you like to share? - What doesn't kill you will make you stronger.
What was your favorite place to eat during high school? - The Lark
Current mailing address: - 193 Foxglen Drive, Naples FL 34104
Eleanor Morehouse Loesch
Where have you lived since high school? – Brookfield CT
What careers have you pursued as an adult? – Teacher
If you are a traveler, what is your favorite place or experience? – Walter and I enjoy traveling now that we are retired. Some of our favorite places are Aruba, Maui and Bermuda. Even though it is close to home, we enjoy mini vacations in New England!
What volunteer roles or pet causes are important to you? - I am a volunteer driver for Meals on Wheels and active at my church. Hospice of Western CT has a warm spot in my heart.
If you’re attending the reunion, how many miles will you be traveling? – 10 miles
Current mailing address: - 24 Oak Grove Road, Brookfield CT 06804
Bill Najam Jr
Where have you lived since high school? – Amherst, Boston, Brookline and Westfield MA; Brookfield and Danbury CT.
What careers have you pursued as an adult? – Attorney and Developer
How many grandchildren and great-grandchildren? - Four children ages 20-27
If you are a traveler, what is your favorite place or experience? – A grand tour of Europe, France, Italy, Greece and the islands; plus a honeymoon in Brazil.
Have your efforts been published, recorded, or exhibited? - Two articles in the Suffolk University Law Journal and the Executive Guide to the Agencies of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
What volunteer roles or pet causes are important to you? – Volunteered for several local civic and charitable organizations over the years. Favorite Charities are St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Doctors without Borders and Feed the Children.
Have you achieved something you never thought you would? – Survived to my 50th High School Reunion!!
How would you title your autobiography? - MANY THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES
What proverb, quote, or philosophy of life would you like to share? – Always be considerate of the needs and feelings of others.
If you’re attending the reunion, how many miles will you be traveling? – 1.5 miles
What was your favorite place to eat during high school? – The Lark
Current mailing address - 2 Dogwood Drive, Danbury CT 06811
Steve Nargiso
Where have you lived since high school? – Danbury, Sherman and New Milford CT
What careers have you pursued as an adult? - Started off in special education and retired as Director of Community Services for a large non-profit serving western CT.
How many grandchildren and great-grandchildren? - We currently have two wonderful grandchildren
