News From Classmates

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Sharon (Knopp) Bares
*Mary Ann (Floyd) Barton
*Anne (Tullidge) Bell
Dick Bell
*Charlie Bishop
*Bobby Cash
*Virginia (Wilhelm) Cash
*Dick Clemmer
*Janet (Hunter) Coiner
*Ann (Barker) Coon
Barbara (Henry) Corbin
Mary (Miller) Cox
*Lynn (Grine) Dillon
*Deane Dozier
Jane (Barnett) Elkins
Alicia (Rodón) Estéfani
Kenneth Ray Fox Sr.
*Carolyn (Bogan) Heitzman
Ingrid (Pelny) Hopper
*Charles Edward "Eddie" Horne
Rex Houser Jr.
*Calvin Holt
Pat (Wiseman) Johnson
*Mary Carter (Loth) Keifer
Virginia (Wilhelm) Kennedy
Karen (Buenting) Lane
*Steve Markley
Thomas C. McSwain, Jr.
*Peter Menk
Anne (Meckstroth) Menter
*Ed Morse
Tim Niles
*Mike Osteen
Kay (Atkins) Kemper Parker
Ed "Eddie" Quick
*George Rodon
Barbara (Barr) Sheets
*Becky (Sheets) Russell
*Page Shields
Susan Legg Slayton
Floyd Stilley
*Barbara (Morris) Szabo
Bill VandeWater
*Bill and Jo (Gibson) Viglione
Kitty Welsh
*Cecily C. Wood

Sharon (Knopp) Bares

Asheville, North Carolina

Greetings from cool, green Asheville, NC!  Yes, I am coming to the reunion and am looking forward to seeing everyone.  My husband, Lee, and I have been living in Asheville for 30 years.  Asheville has become the center for the 21st century hippie, the home for tattoo artists, and the residence for many retirees!  But, Lee and I would like to get back to a small town and Staunton is looking very good as a place for us to retire.

After high school, I received by BA in chemistry from Mary Baldwin and earned my MS in chemistry from Va. Tech.  I met Lee in Blacksburg while he was working on his Ph.D. We married in 1972 and moved to Fort Wayne, IN where he taught chemistry classes and I taught chemistry labs at Purdue University’s campus in Fort Wayne.  We lived there for 7 years and I went to night school and received my MBA from Indiana University in 1978.  We both wanted to move south and when an opening at the University of North Carolina-Asheville opened up Lee applied for it, got it, and we headed south.  I worked for 9 years as a research chemist in the rubber industry, and then I “retired”.

I volunteered as a literacy tutor for adults for 14 years and have been a Guardian ad Litem for children in the Court system for 9 years.  I became very interested in improving my speaking skills and have been in Toastmasters International for 18 years, even chartering my own club in 1995.  I discovered that I love to talk and have been a professional speaker and storyteller for 15 years.  But the activity that keeps us very busy is western square dancing.  We have danced for 30 years and have been involved on the local, state, regional and national level, serving as Assistant General Chairman of the 56th National Convention in Charlotte in 2007.  We had 8,000 dancers!  It has been a fabulous way to keep our bodies and minds active, while enjoying great fellowship.  It has afforded us many opportunities for travel across the U.S.

Lee has now retired and looking to forward to more hiking, fly fishing, traveling and reading. For me, storytelling has become an integral part of my life; I’ve even starting writing a book of family memories.  My parents still live in Staunton and my sisters live in the area.  If everything falls into place we hope to move to the Staunton area in the next six months. 

Hope to see everyone at the Reunion in September!

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Mary Ann (Floyd) Barton (2014 update at bottom of this entry)

Oakton, Virginia

Do you plan to attend the reunion?       Unfortunately, no.  Recovering from surgery I had this summer and the date of the reunion falling in between the first two weeks of the start of a new school year leave me somewhat reluctant to factor in travel at this time...to say nothing of the fact that Bryan and I will then be on baby watch...our first grandchild!

Education after high school:     Madison College...and then graduate classes across the board...from UVa to Mississippi State Univ....whatever worked!

Spouse and children:       Married Bryan Barton in 1968...we have three wonderful children Tom, Jim, and Ann.

Information about spouse and children:       Bryan has been with IBM since being graduated from VMI  (with the exception of two years while serving in the Army), and remains with them way past possible retirement for a couple of reasons...I suppose one reason is that I took about 15 years off from teaching to raise our three children so I'm still very engaged in the career, just beginning my 20th year in FCPS, and at times, I think he is waiting for me to retire.....but more seriously, he's been working with international customs and border protection and finds this is an extremely interesting time to work in the global environment and homeland security.   Our son Tom (a JMU grad) works for Oracle Corp., Jim (a Radford Univ. grad) for O'Brien and Gere (environmental engineering co.), and our daughter (a Mary Baldwin College grad) for Grant Thornton...loves working for her current client, NASA.   Tom, his wife Mercedes, and soon their first child are in Reston, Jim lives in Richmond, and Ann is in Falls Church.

What you’ve done since high school:      .....raise children, serve as Girl Scout leader, Den Mother, Sunday School teacher, and then teach...my absolute love in life...although I think being a Grandmother might trump that!

Achievements, awards, honors:      ....this one's difficult to answer...I guess one of my greatest honors was being selected as Teacher of the Year at James Madison High School in 2006.

Your occupation/position:    ...I teach Business Education (Accounting, Business Law, and Business Management) at James Madison High School in Vienna, VA.  I also sponsor the Student Government Association at Madison High so teach Leadership Training to the elected officers of the student body.

What do you do in your spare time?      ...spare time?  I love to exercise (preferably dance....Jazzercise  is my favorite).

Tell us one thing you’ve done or that you like to do that might surprise us.   ...maybe that I'm planning to take up golf for the first time?   ...and that as corny as it sounds, when I drive into the school parking lot each morning, my heart still skips a beat...so much to do...so little time...so much fun...at 63, that's a great way to start every day!

What have you learned in life that you wish you’d known in high school?    ...nothing...life is a process...I think it's very important to be "in the moment"...enjoy all life has to offer at every stage.

What did you learn in high school that has helped you in your life?      ...the importance of friends...especially friends with whom you share history...a lot of history.

Is there a high school teacher who made a lasting impression, or taught you things that you found especially useful in your career?       ....Yes!  Ms. Daniels...she made choosing Business over English as a college major very difficult.  

Do you remember any particular sayings or can you quote something a high school teacher said that still rings in your head?       not so much...but I love reading what other classmates have written.  I can absolutely hear them saying it...and have to wonder...what do I say that my students will remember 45 years from now!

Other memorable teachers or people who have made a difference in your life.    ...Our amazing band director, Mr. Paul Sanger.

A special memory or memories from high school--funny, poignant, colorful, etc.    ...so many...early a.m. band practices, football games, basketball games, sock hops at the Armory, the lighthouse finding its way to the park pond...what a wonderful blur.

The best thing that happened to you in high school      ....friends and timing....it was a magical time in life.  I think while students today may have greater advantages, they also face challenges we couldn't have imagined.

The worst thing that happened to you in high school      ....thankfully, those memories are harder to recall.

Are you on Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn?      ...Facebook....little time for writing in it...but occasionally have a moment to catch up with people.

2014 update:

Short and sweet update..since the last reunion (which I was unfortunately not able to attend), I retired from teaching business and leadership for Fairfax County Public Schools (June 30, 2014)...looking forward to exploring volunteer opportunities near to my heart, substitute teaching, hopefully online teaching in the not-too-distant future.  Oh yes, and the best part, enjoying adventures with two grandsons born since the last reunion!  Not used to my new life yet...unsure how a career could pass so quickly...but I had the time of my life...so far!

See you all in 2014!

Mary Ann Barton

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Anne (Tullidge) Bell

Troy, New York

Fifty years is a long time----a lifetime for many.  Now we are returning to the place where together we  ended one season and began our next. We are coming together to reminisce, renew old friendships, as we begin our tenuous steps to the finish line. Thinking  about all this, I discovered it most appropriate to be with you who knew me first and best long before I was defined by another person or profession---wife , mama, or  teacher. That is what makes reunions special. . . gathering of our first friends.

My journey began not far from Staunton at Bridgewater College  where I studied English and Elementary Education and met, fell in love, and married  David Bell."Long marriages are a testimonial to the perseverance of the human spirit." Forty eight years is also a long time. . . . . .

My family and my faith are the core of who I am now after all these years. David began grad school at UVA and we lived in Charlottesville for five years because he switched majors from physics to architecture. I taught,and welcomed Katherine to our family. After graduation,  we moved to Baltimore, where Christian was born. I felt blessed with a wonderful girl and boy baby. Later we moved to Manhattan , Kansas for David's first teaching job at K-State. Finally,  ending up back in the east  at  Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute  in Troy, New York  where David has been "professing" for 34 years. . .  Another lifetime. . .

We have been blessed with five perfect grandchildren. Katherine lives near by and has Grace, Henry and Alice.  Christian  lives in Skaneateles  and has Parker and Violet. Love, love , love Scott and Demone. . . children by another mama!

For seventeen years after grad school, a shorter lifetime, I was wife and stay at home mama.  A blessing for me, and I hope for my family. Then came tuition and I started teaching  at a Parochial School where my kids had  gone. I had not taught in all that time nor gone to grad school. . . nothing since those five years in Crozet. I found I still loved teaching elementary age  students and had lots of experiences  at Sacred Heart teaching  Kindergarten - 4th grade, except for first.

Finally, I am here telling you about the me of the last 20 years. . . Ten years teaching many grades at Sacred Heart and then off to a private school in Albany. There I was forced to take a step I had avoided.  To teach there, I had to work on my master's degree. Oh my goodness, I hadn't been  a student for 35 years and years ago, I was a disinterested student at best!  Professor husband encouraged me by saying that "experienced" students often have the best attitudes and success , probably because they are paying for it! Thus began an unexpected adventure in grad school, being older than most the professors and of course the students with whom I worked in groups. I ate in the cafeteria on nights I had class and just enjoyed every minute. The young students didn't treat me at all like a 50 something "old woman" and  graciously accepted my experiences. Shock of shocks, I found a loved the experience and if I had been younger or a tad more intellectual, I would have worked for a EdD or a PhD.

Next began part two of the adventure .  Finally , I had my NY teaching credentials and I wanted a public school job. This didn't happen and I was often asked, "How much experience do  you have teaching the low socio-economic student? I was disappointed, but little did I know as those doors were being shut , another was opening.   I visited my son and his family who had moved to Phoenix.  I met a teacher who asked if I had a job. This was boom time in Arizona in,2004 with lots of positions and the districts liked to hire experienced  teachers from the coasts. I did get a position in Mesa Public Schools, the 35th largest district in the country,and was there from 2005-2012. I was 59 years old.  Husband was in Troy, but we had some great visits exploring the southwest.  After all,the young kids have such living arrangements with jobs and family.  I taught 6th grade and 3rd grade and discovered I love to write and encourage writing in students after  I joined Mesa Writing project. Those seven years were not a lifetime but a magical time of discovery of being on my own, and learning about amazing Arizona. Christian and his family were a great support, too.

In 2012, I retired at 66 - still going strong, but to embark on another adventure.  I was joining  David and 11 architecture students going to India for four months! Through the years, before I returned to teaching, we had taken students several times  for a semester to  Rome.  RPI Architecture School international programs have been very good to us with many opportunities to travel. December 2012, just after Christmas, we flew to India for a 4 month adventure.  We fell in love with the people who are so warm and kind in spite of their many challenges. I started a blog where I wanted postcard shots of our time in India for my children , grandchildren and even great-grand children! I have continued blogging since we returned and now have 1800 followers.   And we are scheduled to go again this December with 15 new students for other adventures in incredible India!  We are thrilled!

Watching John Adams on HBO on July 4th, Mr. Jefferson said something like, "We are all influenced by our past and from where we have come. " I looked and looked and couldn't have the exact quote, but I do think it true.  We are all from Robert E. Lee High School in Staunton, VA in the mad  crazy 1960s.  We all have stories to tell of our journeys. I am very excited to return to the reunion , share mine with old friends and hear the paths you have taken over these 50 years.  Time for a season change!

I have a WordPress blog.  The posts made in Jan -May 2013 are all India. I continued blogging when we came home and  it is a little this and that. As of today, I have written  497 posts!

https://talesalongtheway.com (blog)  all one word: tales along the way

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/anne.bell.545

Email:anne.t.bell@gmail.com

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Richard P. Bell IV
Dick Bell

Afton, Virginia

I shall definitely attend the reunion.

After graduating from Lee, I spent a postgraduate year at SMA.  At SMA, I had the pleasure of tying for the Postgraduate English Medal with my brother Jim. A tie for an academic medal was unprecedented in the history of the school, even more so between two brothers.

I attended the University of Virginia where my performance was less than stellar. After two years, the school and I mutually agreed that it would be best if I followed some other pursuit until I became more focused. Throughout my adult years I have taken numerous courses in art and history at UVA and Piedmont Community College .

In July 1967, I married Linda Birch (Lee class of 1965.) We had two children, Lisa, born in January 1968 and Richard, born in May 1971. Linda and I separated in April 1977 and subsequently divorced. In January 1980, I married Virginia (Veegie) Taylor. She had a daughter, Paula, and a son, Jason, from her previous marriage. All of our children are college graduates and doing well. The girls are married but do not have children. Jason has a daughter, Olivia, age 8, and a daughter, Maya, age 4. Rich has a daughter, Lillian, age 5, and a son, Phin, age 4.

My first work, after I left UVA, was with Ast Hardware in Staunton.

In the Fall of 1967, I went to work for Moore Brothers Construction Company as the field office manager for the I64/I81 interchange.
In March 1968 I moved to Charlottesville and worked for the MCL Corporation as assistant manager of one of their 7 Day Jr. convenience stores.
In June 1968, I got my insurance license and joined Richmond Corporation as a life insurance agent for Life of Virginia. While I was with Life of Va, I got my securities license and became a “Financial Planner.”

In April 1970, I started Bell Construction Company. This was an earthmoving company and our first work was doing reclamation work in Nelson Co. following Hurricane Camille. During the early 70s the company moved into all types of site work, including lakes, roads, sewer, water, and septic systems. Also, during this time I got my real estate license and developed several medium and high density rental projects, including Belmont Terrace Apartments in Staunton. Following the recession of 1974, I dissolved the construction company and focused solely on real estate. I have been a licensed Realtor for over 38 years.

My interests include art, gardening, cooking, travel, ancient history and exotic tropical fish. In 1995, 1996, and 1998, I participated in fish collecting expeditions in the Amazon region of Peru.

I am on Facebook, as Richard Bell, and I am enjoying reconnecting with old friends.

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Charlie Bishop

Staunton, Virginia

While the reunion is still fresh in our minds, I feel a warm, gentle glow of gratitude just to be a part of this class.  It was fun to laugh again about the old stories; “Remember the time we….”  But, realizing where we all are now, this gathering was different and appropriately so.  This time, on a deeper, more significant level, conversations were more candid, meaningful and fulfilling.

Gone are the issues of children’s accomplishments, size of homes, makes of cars, all the STUFF.  Children and grandchildren talk was more about the sheer joy of having them. (Perhaps with a tinge of regret that our high school experience was much more idyllic than our children’s and grandchildren’s were.)  But the main joy was just seeing each other and catching up.  Classmates who were either close friends or barely acquaintances in high school are now bound together by the fact that we are still here.  Thus, we realize that we now have less time over our hood ornament than we do in our rearview mirror.

With that, however, comes the opportunity of deepening our appreciation of, and respect and affection for, classmates we didn’t know that well.  Those relationships can now be expanded and enhanced. But, also at this juncture, there is an increasing candor regarding those aspects of both our youth and adult lives that have not been all Norman Rockwell and Ozzie and Harriet.

We now know there was, and is, a story behind every doorknocker; stories of dysfunction of every variety from illness, alcoholism, and depression to financial reversal, divorce, and suicide to the subtle, but agonizing, pressure of a stage mother or little league daddy.  Perhaps we are all victims of and perpetrators of poor parenting and nurturing parenting.  Our parents were doing the best they could and so were we.

But the reunion weekend was much more positive than negative. Many well-deserved accolades were given.  Perhaps the group that did not receive sufficient recognition was made up of those who came great distances, and the spouses of classmates.  It has been said that attending your spouse’s reunion is “listening to people you don’t know talk about other people you don’t know.”  On the other hand, many classmates said their spouses felt welcomed by our class.

Perhaps the greatest respect should go to those classmates who attended despite personal circumstances that made it difficult to do so; to revisit memories that were painful.  Moreover, let us acknowledge and reach out to those who may not have been able to bring themselves to attend; to fight through whatever pain they were undergoing.  We have all been there. We have now been friends for over 50 years; some of us since kindergarten.  Amazing! What a blessing! We don’t have to “put on airs.”  We are now joined in a circle of acceptance. We have all had our triumphs and tragedies in varying ratios.  We have accomplished what we have accomplished, screwed up what we have screwed up, and survived what we have survived.  Our failures, shame, warts, regrets, and mistakes are irrelevant.  There is no test now to be admitted.  There is no rush week or ball system.  We are all in.  The only requirement is that we love each other and make the best of the time we have left.

Is it all going to be easier now?  Hell no! We are in that zone.  It is going to get tougher. We are going to need each other even more.  Pain, pills, procedures.  Loss of siblings and spouses. More events that will test our faith, our sense of fairness and our ability to persevere.  But we still know we are a group of quality people, taught and trained by quality people and buoyed by wonderful memories.  We now need to follow Winston Churchill’s life advice:
Never give in.
Never give in.
Never, never, never, never….

A final thought: We don’t have to wait five years and round up 100 people to get together.  If you are in the area, let us know and we can have lunch or whatever with 5, 10, 20, etc.

Charlie Bishop
October 2014

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Bobby Cash (new entry for 2014)

Here are a few notes about me:

Navy Corpsman with Marines in VNam 67-68, graduate of JMU 72, BS Public Health, worked in nursing and pharmacies most of career. Retired MSGT Army Nat'l GD-21 years,married to Mary Cash, 6 children, 39 to 19. Four grandkids. Hobbies, golf and motorcycles. Best bike ride, Mary and I rode separate Harley's 535 miles, from NY to Home, Steels Tavern, Virginia in one day.

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Virginia (Wilhelm) Cash (new entry for 2014)

Lexington, Virginia

I live in Lexington, VA with my husband, Dudley.  We have been married for almost 12 years.   My first husband and father of my children, Jim Kennedy, died in 1999.   I have 3 sons and 7 grandchildren and one more due in June. 

I graduated from Elizabeth Brant School of Business after graduation and worked at  GE for 3 years in Cost Accounting, ASR for 3 years as secretary to the Industrial Products Sales Manager. I was then a stay-at-home mom (during which time I did some substitute teaching) until 1987 when I went to work at Klann, Inc. as Payroll, Accounts Payable (in charge of  General Ledger, Insurances as well). Worked there for about 17 years, until I moved from Waynesboro to Lexington after Dudley and I were married. Immediately began working at Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory as Administrative Assistant. This position also included working for Bolling, Gross and Lotts Funeral Service in Buena Vista as the 2 homes are owned by the same people.

I retired in 2010, but still work 2 or 3 Saturdays a month and fill in as needed for the person who replaced me. I have 2 dogs, 3 cats, chickens, goats (that are as much pets as my dogs and cats) fish and birds. I love to garden, do crafts, all kinds of needlework--knit, crochet, needlepoint, quilting, counted cross stitch--most any of it, read and sing in our church choir. I enjoy spending time with my children and grandchildren.

I'm sure one unexpected thing in my life was riding my motorcycle with a side-car. Jim & I rode for quite a few years with the children when they were young. It was a lot of fun.

I am planning to attend the reunion.

I don't do Facebook.

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Dick Clemmer (see 2014 update at bottom of this entry)

Roanoke, Virginia

Education after high school—BA  English/Bridgewater College; MA Liberal Studies/Hollins University; 30+ hours beyond Masters in Educational Supervision and Administration

Spouse and children—married for 41 years to Sandi (Lee Class of ’65); daughter Jennifer; two grandchildren (Libby, age 5, and Davis, age 2))

Information about spouse and children, their personalities and interests, what they are doing
                Sandi taught elementary school for 20 years, then earned her doctorate from VA Tech, and was principal at Round Hill Montessori Primary School for ten years until her retirement in 2005
                Daughter graduated from UVA in ’96; married one of her high school classmates, Troy Jamison who graduated from Georgia Tech (the two of them have a big ACC rivalry); lived in Atlanta and Rockford, IL, then spent 2 ½ years in Denmark;  moved back to Roanoke last year.

What you’ve done since high school
                Have lived in Roanoke since graduating from college.   Taught school, etc. , etc.
                When I retired in ’05, I adopted the philosophy that I would “never be afraid to buy green bananas” and always look to the future.  That all changed in March 2008 when my granddaughter, then age 4, was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia.   She was visiting here from Denmark, went to see a doctor because of severe bruising, and started treatments of chemotherapy and arsenic trioxide within a week.  She battled through all of this for eight months and is now in complete remission although she still has to take daily medications until December 2010.  Her family never returned to their home in Denmark and now live in Roanoke.  I now get up every day, savor every moment I can spend with her and her brother, and don’t “sweat the small stuff.”  If she calls and wants me to come over and blow bubbles, ride bikes, draw, whatever, I’m on the way.  “Life is good” now, but I never take anything for granted —more like carpe diem!

Achievements, awards, honors – too numerous to mention (NOT)

Your occupation/position (now or previous, if retired)-- taught English and served as department head at Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke from 1968-96; moved to Central Office in 1996 as Coordinator of English/Social Studies, retired the first time in 2003; went back to work as Assistant Superintendent for Roanoke City Schools in 2004-05; then re-retired in 2005.

What do you do in your spare time? –play golf and run Pops’ (that’s what Libby and Davis call me) Kiddie Camp for the grandkids

Tell us one thing you’ve done or that you like to do that might surprise us. – shouldn’t be too surprising but have always been interested in high school sports;  founded the Patrick Henry HS Sports Hall of Fame in 1991—only the 2nd one in the state at the time;  still serve as chairman.  Another little known fact is that I took Paul Hatcher (the legendary Lee basketball coach) an application for Staunton City Schools in 1966.  He and I were friends at Bridgewater; I knew of an opening in the PE Department at Lee; he applied for a position and was named head coach a year later; and the rest is Virginia coaching history.

What have you learned in life that you wish you’d known in high school?  Having been a teacher myself, I wish I had paid more respect to my teachers.  I remember being a little silly at times.

Is there a high school teacher who made a lasting impression, or taught you things that you found especially useful in your career?  I always have fond memories of Mrs. Hanger.

Do you remember any particular sayings or can you quote something a high school teacher said that still rings in your head?   Can’t remember who wrote this (Emerson or Thoreau maybe) but it has meant a lot --“A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest of men.”

Other memorable teachers or people who have made a difference in your life.  This is not really relevant to this question but I find a great deal of pride now in running into some of my former students who have really done well and accomplished a lot in their lives.  Some of them change the oil in my car, check me out from the front end to the back end (dentist,  general physician, cardiologist), own restaurants, treat me to a week of golf on Kiawah Island (including the Ocean Course with a caddie), etc.  It really makes me feel good when they say that I helped make a difference in their lives.

Are you on Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn?     Facebook

2014 update—

I am still enjoying retirement living in Roanoke with my bride of 45+ years, Sandi, where we spend as much time as we can with our grandkids, Libby (10) and Davis (6).  Libby is “one brave chick,” as we lovingly refer to her, since she won her battle with leukemia at age 4 and has become a sort of poster child in Roanoke for kids fighting cancer.  Davis is Davis—all boy and loving life.  Both Sandi and I have overcome some health issues ourselves as we were glad to put 2013 in the rearview mirror.  Sandi had breast cancer in March, multiple blood clots in both lungs in early October, and a heart attack on October 31 and, trust me, I didn’t make all of this up.  She has overcome all of these issues and is doing very well now.  And for the first time since fourth grade, I don’t have to (but still do) wear glasses to avoid walking into walls, thanks to cataract surgery on both eyes.  Life is good, and we are looking forward to the 50th reunion.

One more thing under the “I didn’t make all of this up” category is that I may be the only member of the Class of 1964 who has been inducted into a high school sports hall of fame.  I know it’s hard to believe, but I was recognized last September for my work in establishing the Patrick Henry High School (VA) Sports Hall of Fame back in 1991 and then continuing its development to the present.  It was quite a thrill for me to be included among former PH student-athletes who had outstanding high school careers and then went on to play college sports and in professional leagues including the NBA and NFL. 

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Janet (Hunter) Coiner (new entry for 2014)

Janet (Hunter) Coiner of Augusta County is the 49 year wife of retired Staunton Police Sgt. Harold T. Coiner. In 2012, I retired as Office Manager of Henry Funeral Home, Inc., following 38 years of rewarding work.

Traveling to all 50 states is our goal before we get too old. Flying is not our choice of transportation, so we have been covering most of the states by auto in order to see more of the country. Of course, we took a plane to Alaska (best trip so far), and next year, to celebrate 50 years of marriage, we are going to Hawaii.

Known as the Bionic Woman, I have two new knees and two new hips! Now, I am battling arthritis in elbows!

We are members of Tinkling Spring Presbyterian Church where I do some Bible teaching in Sunday School and Circle. I also lead a Bible group called Mallory Miracles. Harold sings with the Men's Chorus.

Currently I am a member of the Red Hatters' Luncheon Ladies and enjoy the purple clothes and red hat!

Our one and only daughter and her family moved to Fishersville last year from Northern Virginia. This is thrilling as we can spend quantity time with our 4 grandchildren - attending school functions and sports, baking, shopping, movies, fishing, and over-night stays! Grandchildren are two boys - ages 15 and 8 and two girls - 13 and 11.

LIFE IS GREAT - NOTHING LIKE RETIREMENT!

With Christian love,

Janet H. Coiner

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Ann (Barker) Coon (see update at bottom of this entry)

Seneca, South Carolina

Do you plan to attend the reunion?
Our church, Trinity Lutheran, in Greenville, SC, is celebrating 100 years on that weekend.  Since my husband was pastor there for 30 years, we must be here.

Education after high school
BA in Music Education, Lenoir Rhyne College, Hickory, NC
M Mus Ed, University of SC, Columbia, SC

Spouse and children
Married Robert G. Coon in 1968   - Married 41 years this past July
Elizabeth Ann Coon, 1976
Robert Wade Coon, 1979

Information about spouse and children, their personalities and interests, what they are doing
--Elizabeth and Robert both grew up in Greenville, SC, went to Presbyterian College in Clinton, SC.
--Elizabeth taught second grade until her children were born..She is a mom and teaches "Music Together" in her church community.  She and her husband, Jeremy, live in Charlotte with their boys Will, 5, and Jay 2.
--Robert is in political consulting and public relations in Little Rock, Arkansas.  He is married to Lindsay and has two girls, Lucy, 1 1/2, and Sally, 3 months.

What you’ve done since high school (wide open)
Music has continued to be my vocation and my pleasure.  I have taught students from 3 year olds through college levels.  I have been a Lutheran minister's wife for thirty years.  I have been a stay-at-home mom and an eager grandparent.

Achievements, awards, honors
Teacher of the Year at my local school and Peace Center, Greenville

Your occupation/position (now or previous, if retired)
Elementary Music Teacher, K-4 through Grade 5 at Hunt Meadows Elementary, Easley, SC

What do you do in your spare time?
I love grandparenting, cooking, working in my yard, swimming, boating.  We live on Lake Keowee in Oconee County, SC

Tell us one thing you’ve done or that you like to do that might surprise us.
I sang a solo, "Getting to Know You", in the plaza in front of Cinderella's Castle at Disney World, when I was a graduate assistant at U of SC with the USC Choir. 

What have you learned in life that you wish you’d known in high school?
You can't tell a teenager much, but I wish that I had known to appreciate the learning opportunities offered at Lee High and work even harder to learn.

What did you learn in high school that has helped you in your life?
My life has been enriched by every musical experience I have had since elementary school.  The chorus classes, singing groups, musicals and other opportunities in music at Lee High prepared me to enter the world of music teaching with joy and enthusiasm.

Is there a high school teacher who made a lasting impression, or taught you things that you found especially useful in your career?
Mrs. Anna Hughes Garretson, the Choral Music teacher-great music experiences
Miss Whitelaw, literature in my junior and senior years-love of literature
Mr. John A. House, chemistry- what he taught got me through freshman chemistry at LR!

Other memorable teachers or people who have made a difference in your life.
My aunt, Thelma Erwin, of Staunton encouraged my love of music, paid for piano lessons, and even took me to my lessons.  She gave me wonderful experiences in church music also.

A special memory or memories from high school--funny, poignant, colorful, etc.
I was in musicals at Lee High:  South Pacific, The King and I,  The Sound of Music, Brigadoon.
Just as I was to have a scene to dance with the King of Siam (I was Anna), I wanted to have fresh breath for the actual kiss at the end of the scene, so I put a minty lifesaver in my mouth.  The king was a freshman boy..tall, handsome...sorry, I don't remember his name now.  Anyway, when I took a breath to sing my song, the minty coolness in my mouth took my breath away and I had to start over! How embarassing!

The best thing that happened to you in high school
music, friends

The worst thing that happened to you in high school
Senior year...my french novel....not a good story

(No website pages or presence)

2014 Update: My husband and I are planning to attend the Reunion and I am updating some of my information.....married for 46 years to Bob Coon, 5 grandchildren.  I am retired from teaching public school music, still enjoy cooking, yard work, music and family.

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Barbara (Henry) Corbin

email: bbcorbin62@hotmail.com

bio information pending

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Mary (Miller) Cox

Staunton, Virginia

Yes, coming to the reunion.

Graduated Staunton School of Cosmetology June 12th. 1964, have worked as a hairdressr for 45 years, own and operate my own shop for most of it.

I married Douglas Cox October 3, 1964, we have one daughter and two grandaughters, 10 and 13.

My husband retired from DuPont, June 1993.  I am still working 3 days a week.  We spend a lot of time keeping our grandaughters and traveling when we can.

The teacher that most impressed me at Lee was Martin Miller, science teacher, he was very kind.

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Lynn (Grine) Dillon (see Addendum at bottom of this entry for 2014 update)

Danville, Virginia

Do you plan to attend the reunion? Yes

Education after high school:

1. A. degree from Ferrum Junior College
2. S. degree from Radford University

M. S. degree from VA Tech
Doctorate degree from Nova Southeastern University

Spouse and Children:
I believe in trying everything at least one time! I have been married to my husband Norman for 40 years and we have one daughter Robin Dillon Shepherd. After 35 years, Norman retired from Sears. We met our junior year in college. He was a student at VA Tech and I was at Radford. We married in 1969 and Robin was born in 1978. Robin is married to Dan Shepherd from Charlottesville and lives in Gloucester, VA. They have four Chihuahuas. Dan is with the US Postal Service and after six years in the corporate world, Robin is a teacher in King and Queen County. Dan and Robin had a destination wedding in St. Lucia. We all loved the wedding in St. Lucia and the reception that followed a month later in Danville.

What have you’ve done since high school?
Looking back at the Leeway 1964 yearbook, my great aim was to return to Lee on the other side of the desk which I did in 1968. I taught at Lee and Shelbourne Junior High School for 1 ½ years until I married and moved to Roanoke. From Roanoke, Sears transferred my husband to Danville. I have been in education as a teacher, Project Director, Family Life Educator, Adjunct Professor and of course my favorite and most awarding area is that of teaching. I currently teach at a detention home and also serve in our school division as Lead for Health, Physical Education and Driver Education. I teach on-line classes in Personal Wellness, Human Sexuality, Stress Management and Intro to Drugs and Drug Abuse for the community college.

I have spent 40 plus years as a volunteer for the American Red Cross as an Instructor Trainer for Water Safety Instruction, Lifeguard Training and First Aid and CPR. I am also an American Heart Association instructor.

I also served as Youth Minister at First Baptist Church in Danville for 8 years.  

Is there a high school teacher who made a lasting impression?
Bette Lou Harris stated, “to work really hard and I am sure you will be justly rewarded as a good teacher” and La Verne Cacciapaglia stressed to work hard in college. Both of these teachers were role models for me.
 
Tell us one thing you’re done or that you like to do that might surprise us.
I was a NASA candidate for the space shuttle, The Challenger.

What do you do in your spare time?
My husband and I are known as Spring1 in the geo-caching world. If you are not familiar with geo-caching check out the website www.geocaching.com We have 2,274 caches and have traveled all but four of the US states geo-caching. We will complete all the states by July 2010.

We look forward to the reunion and spending time with each of you.

Addendum – 2014
Instead of “recreating the wheel”, I will update my information for the 50th class reunion.

I am probably starting the most difficult chapter of my life without my husband of 44 years. Norman passed away February 7, 2014 after a courageous battle with prostate cancer. One of his favorite stories was: “My wife, Lynn and I looped the United States in a Honda Accord for 30 days and we are still married.”

This past Christmas (2013) one of the true meanings of Christmas was shared with Norman when our daughter asked us to be home at a certain time on a certain day for a UPS delivery. We answered the door to 15 geo-cachers from NC and VA. The geo-cachers came with cookies and sang Christmas carols. The following day Robin made a surprise visit and stayed 5 days and other family members came for visits during the holidays.

I plan to attend the class reunion with my daughter Robin Lynn Shepherd.

I graduated from Danville Public Schools in June 2011. I use the word “graduated” because “retired” is for old people! A school Board member commented that I graduated with honors. I told him that was the first time I had ever graduated with honors!

Norman and I did complete visiting all 50 states geo-caching and sightseeing. Driving to and visiting the Key West was on his bucket list and we were able to make that trip.

In 2012, I attended the London Olympics with my daughter and her husband Dan. We also traveled to France and Ireland.

Currently, I am monitoring an educational on-line program for the Department of Education, teaching on-line classes through Danville Community College, playing Pickleball, capturing Munzees and logging geo-caches (the count now is 5,912 caches as compared to 2,274).

My daughter Robin and her husband Dan just purchased a beautiful log house in Mechanicsville, VA. Robin is completing her doctorate degree in Instructional Technology, head of a department and teaching at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College in Richmond. Dan is in supervision with the postal service in Richmond. I have four grand-dogs – yipping Chihuahua’s.  

Thank you to the Reunion Committee for all their planning and preparation and I look forward to the time we will spend together.

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Deane Dozier (2014 info)

Blue Ridge mountains of Virginia near Waynesboro

Short story: A meanderer with a camera in Virginia's mountains, valleys and back roads.

Below is the fuller story, which I wrote after an email conversation with classmate Steve Markley. I told Steve I admired the way he and his lovely bride, Lucia, live an amazing traveling life that many only dream of, and in reply, he said this: "You must believe me when I tell you my life has unfolded much the way Woody Allen described his....'80% of what occurs in life happens because you show up.' "

Oh boy, do I ever understand that! So here is my version of "showing up":

Fell in love with physical education in high school when I took it as my one easy course in senior year because I had all college prep classes...majored in physical ed and health sciences at UNC Greensboro campus thinking I would return as a researcher after two years of teaching...taught and coached at a union junior high and high school on Vermont's Canadian border and endured for two years though I knew immediately that teaching was not what I wanted to do the rest of my life (but boy do I admire teachers!)  Somehow wandered away from my idea of becoming a researcher (a decision that haunts the scientist in me still), came back to my beloved Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, wondering what in the heck do you do with a physical ed/health degree...applied to newspapers as a sports writer but Waynesboro paper said they needed general news reporter/photographer instead and somehow hired me for that.  Fell in love all over again, this time with newsrooms, with writing and photography, and with a certain gifted outdoor columnist/musician/consummate poker player, the late Garvey Winegar, who married me and with whom I spent a serendipitous 34 years, canoeing/camping/hiking/searching out back roads and waterways all over the state of Virginia for the Waynesboro News-Virginian, then Charlottesville Daily Progress and eventually for the Richmond Times-Dispatch, all the while also becoming intrigued with wildlife photography after freelancing in the earlier years as outdoor portrait photographer (not to mention waiting tables at Wintergreen Resort) to earn extra money when the three stepkids moved in (and yes, you'd think a writer would avoid these long run-on sentences). What a marvelous inheritance those children turned out to be!

For some dozen years in the 80s and early 90s exhibited and sold wildlife/nature photography in art shows and gift shops up and down the East Coast, then authored and co-authored three guidebooks to the Virginia outdoors, then developed another sideline interest as a psychology consultant for a niche psychology field called attachment behavior (my researcher sister Mary's field), which is now my main source of income (and no, I am not a psychologist but I know a whole lot about the Adult Attachment Interview). Wrote the text to the main introduction and three section introductions for a coffee-table book of Ben Greenberg's panoramic photographs called Natural Virginia, published this year.

Lost my mom this year, so sad, miss her every day. She was key in stirring my interest in the outdoors as a child, participating in earning Girl Scout badges when I didn't know Queen Anne's Lace from Joe-Pye-Weed, and could not pick out the Orion constellation from Andromeda or Cassiopeia. We charted the weather and predicted coming fronts, we planted seeds and watched them sprout. We listened mesmerized to the haunting melody of the whip-poor-will outside the camp windows in Deerfield Valley, and we followed the grooved tracks of white-tailed deer into the forest.

Some three years ago, met Jim, retired Navy intelligence officer, inventor, corporate IT specialist, world traveler, most recently from Council Bluffs, Iowa, who in retirement modestly refers to himself as Manuel, farm helper, at his brother's Bedford farm where shaggy highland cattle roam. I call him Jamie. He calls himself a gypsy.

I have skied down Vermont mountains under sky so blue it would bring tears to the eyes...shared a milkshake with hippies living in driftwood huts on Vancouver Island... toured the country with my sister, camping out of a Jeep CJ-5...jumped out of some airplanes and slogged through Pennsylvania swamps with bear researchers. Outside my windows in the Blue Ridge as I type on this computer is the endlessly surprising and entertaining outdoors at the southern end of Shenandoah National Park, where park bears are my closest neighbors. But I have no crystal ball. No earthly idea about the next chapter here....

Website: https://deanescreativearts.com

Website: https://aaicoding.com

Wildlife/Nature Slideshow, "A Walk With Deane": https://deanescreativearts.com

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Janie (Barnett) Elkins

Weyers Cave, Virginia

I married Ken Elkins and we have one son Trae.  We just celebrated our 45th anniversary.   Ken retired from State Farm Insurance 5 years ago after spending 40 years as an agent.  Now he spends his time working with the Ruritans and officiates kid’s baseball, softball and football   We never left the area and have been living in  Weyers Cave for eighteen years.

I didn’t finish college until I was 40.  I went to Mary Baldwin in the Adult Degree Program and from there I went to JMU and got my MBA. I majored in accounting and became a CPA and CMA.  For the past twenty years, I have been working for Augusta Lumber In Waynesboro where I am currently CFO.  My son, Trae works for Augusta Lumber also in customer service and sales so I see him every day.   I have no plans to retire, but would really like to slow down and work 3 or 4 days a week.  I believe I would get really lazy if I didn’t have someplace to go every day.

I started playing golf about 25 years ago, mainly because Ken loves to play.  I’m not good, but it’s a great way to relax and I always enjoy the  time I spend with Ken and our friends.

We don’t have any grandchildren, but we do have three sweet little dogs- Shih Tzu’s who act like little kids and fill our lives with joy.

Many of you know Jean Smith Belshee died with cancer this July.  Jean and I were close friends in high school, but over time we lost touch and when I found out she was sick, I really regretted not staying in touch with her.  Since her illness, I have been in touch with Carter Nicholas Flynn and Cathy Renalds WIttan.  I hadn’t talked to either of them for more than forty years, but we picked up where we left off and it’s wonderful to have my old friends back.  I encourage all of you who have lost touch with people who were important to you in the past to make the effort to reconnect. 
I will be at the reunion and look forward to seeing everyone.

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Alicia (Rodón) Estéfani

Key Biscayne, Florida

Do you plan to attend the reunion?
No , but will try to make until  to the end, this is my  last school year before retirement, in June 2010 – I will have 40 years in the  Florida school system in June 2010.

Education after high school:
B.A. Mary Baldwin College, Staunton, Virginia
M.A. (Spanish Literature and Education) University of Maryland, College  Park, Md.
M.S. (Library Science), Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL

Spouse : Luis (deceased)
  
What you’ve done since high school:
Taught , traveled, and was very happily married to Luis for 16 years.  Luis and I attended the 1994  reunion and he loved it. He enjoyed the friendliness and the southern hospitality. And most of all how you all remembered mother, Amparo Rodón…when we got back to Florida he told her she should have gone with us! That her students loved and remembered her!
  
Your occupation/position:
Teacher – 1970- 1987 – Brevard County Florida  (Cocoa Beach and Merritt Island High School, Spanish and English) – 1987 to present,  Miami Area – for the past 16 years the Head Media Specialist –Librarian- Miami Senior High School.

What do you do in your spare time?
Travel, keep busy with friends and family, and my nieces and nephews say…. I have the greatest back yard…. the beach at Key Biscayne! Come to visit!

What did you learn in high school that has helped you in your life?
I went to FOUR different High Schools….
1-Sept.to Nov. 1060 –School of the Sacred Heart, Santiago de Cuba
2-Jan.1961 –June 1961- Ponce de Leon Jr. High- Coral Gables, Fl.
3- Sept- 1961- to June 1963- Ravenna High School- Ravenna, Ohio
4- Sept. 1963 to June 1964- Robert E. Lee High School, Staunton, Va.
I enjoyed every place, but Staunton was SPECIAL ….our (George and mine) last year of high school, we were newcomers …and we never felt it, we were welcomed from the first day! THANKS! GRACIAS!

Do you remember any particular sayings or can you quote something a high school teacher said that still rings in your head?
Miss Whitelaw, I memorized the prologue to the Canterbury Tales and can recite it to this date! And Mrs. Hanger, I did pass Solid Geometry! Mrs. Martin my homeroom teacher, Mrs. Cummins …. counselor and neighbor, all were superb! And the Principal Mr. Smithers, his secretary Mrs. Cook and the greatest Superintendent Mr. Mc Swain!

Other memorable who people who have made a difference in your life.
It is “you all” --we were new comers and never felt it!
We felt as if we had gone to elementary school together.
We were welcomed from day one…. had more fun that any one could imagine (dances at the park and our “private club” at the Meckstroths) So many names and memories… We felt at home and part of the southern history and tradition of Staunton. This is the greatest nation on earth, and it is because of people like you! 
Our baby sister –Virginia – was born in Staunton- 46 years ago today (Aug.7-1963)

Again thanks!
Alicia / Alice

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Kenneth Ray Fox Sr.

Nashville, Tennessee

After graduating from Robert E Lee in ’64, I went to Nashville, TN to attend Trevecca Nazarene University where I majored in math and minored in physics. While there, I met my wife, Linda Duncan. We married during Thanksgiving break of ’66. In January of ’68 we were blessed with the birth of Carol Lynn who arrived just in time to watch her daddy graduate.

Based on an interview for a teaching position in Richmond I was hired for middle school in Martinsville, VA. The next four years were spent teaching everything from foundations of math to PreCalculus/Trig plus Physics at George Washington Carver High School in Bassett Forks. VA. The first year at GWC the teachers were integrated and the next the students. My eyes were really opened to the inaccuracy of the “separate but equal” doctrine. Monitoring 200 students by myself 6th period (last) in the auditorium was the challenge of my teaching career. With a small group of supporters and the denomination’s help we started and organized the first Church of the Nazarene in the Martinsville VA area. After a couple of years, my wife, daughter, and new son (Kenneth Ray, Jr.) packed up and headed for Nazarene Bible College in Colorado Springs, CO. Working full time (King Soopers) and going to school full time enabled me to graduate in two years. We accepted the Nazarene Church in Bedford, PA where we pastured for two years.

During this time, we came to the realization the ministry was not where God wanted to use us. I applied back with Kroger (where I worked while at TNU) and was hired into management. After three years as the assistant in Lawrenceburg (Stephen Lee, our last was born) I was promoted to store manager in Decherd, then to a larger store in Crossville. After another three years I was made the Unit Manager of a superstore in Cookeville. We were transferred back to Crossville to open a new store. Eventually, I was promoted to the Murfreesboro store as an “Antonymous Manager” and recognized as “The Best of the Best.” After a short stint at the Hermitage (Nashville area) store, I was offered a position as Merchandising Technologist for the Nashville Kroger Division. I enjoyed technology and was offered the opportunity to assist with the conversion from retail billing to FCB (Financial Cost Billing.) This position evolved into a role of technology specialist involving setup, networking, and troubleshooting nearly every technological system at Kroger, including the pharmacy, self-scanning, back door receiving, time clocks, and computer assisted ordering. I took early retirement at 55, but quickly got bored. My wife and I did some contract work for Kroger until they moved the regional headquarters from Nashville office to Louisville.

In 2003, I returned to teaching. I currently teach math (Algebra I Honors, PreCal/Trig Honors, and AP Statistics) at Overton High School in Nashville TN. My students have some of the best technology available, including CPS clickers (audience response), TI-Nspire CAS graphing calculators, several PCs connected to the internet, and a SMARTBOARD. I also have two classes with CAIT (Computer Assisted Instructional Technology) where up to twenty students at a time make up courses they have previously failed. I am currently working on National Board Certification which is taking as much effort as a masters!
Linda is my wife of 43 years, and we have three children (one girl, and two boys) with five grandchildren (three girls and two boys) who range from two to fifteen. David is eleven, autistic, and on grade level.
My wife and I teach an adult class at church, am a board member, and CFO.  

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Carolyn (Bogan) Heitzman (2009 information replaced with this one)

White Bear Lake, Minnesota

Do you plan to attend the reunion?
Not sure

Education after high school
BA-Mary Washington College (now U of Mary Washington)

Spouse and children
Husband: Gordy Heitzman
Children:
Shirley Heitzman
Paula Camara - 2 sons, 1 daughter
David Heitzman
Emily Oberlander - 2 sons
Bill Heitzman - 1 daughter
Steve Heitzman

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Calvin Holt (updated for 2014)

Franklin, Virginia

Do you plan to attend the reunion? Yes

Education after high school
B.A. Wake Forest University, 1968
M.Ed. University of Florida, 1972

Spouse and children
Married to Nita for 44 years
One child, two grandchildren (ages 8 and 6) in Seattle, Washington

Information about spouse and children, their personalities and interests, what they are doing
Nita and I worked in the same community college; she was the Admissions Coordinator until her retirement in December 2013.  We both stay busy with volunteer jobs at our church and our local chapter of Habitat for Humanity, of which Nita is President of the Board and I am Treasurer and Bookkeeper, including processing payroll for ReStore employees.

What you’ve done since high school  
After graduating from Wake Forest, I joined the Peace Corps and spent 3 years in the Philippines, getting married in my last year there.  Then I went to graduate school at the University of Florida and worked at several teaching jobs in Florida before moving back to Virginia in 1976.

Your occupation/position
Retired in 2012 after 36 years as Instructor of Mathematics at Paul D. Camp Community College in Franklin, VA.  Now my official title is “Professor Emeritus.”

What do you do in your spare time?
Even after retiring, we really don’t have much “spare time,” but we are traveling and gardening when we can fit it in.  Other than mowing grass on a riding mower, I can’t do much work in the yard any longer because of physical issues.

Tell us one thing you’ve done or that you like to do that might surprise us.
Nita and I have visited all 50 states in our travels.  We toured our last one, Alaska, in 2012. 

What else will surprise classmates who see me at the 2014 reunion?
I now use a walker to move around.  I was diagnosed in late 2012 with chondrosarcoma, a rare form of cancer, in the pelvic bone.  In January 2013, I underwent an 8-hour surgery at Duke University Hospital to remove the entire right pelvic bone.  After 7 weeks of being in the hospital and two rehabilitation centers, I had daily visits by a nurse for 9 more weeks at home, then more months of physical therapy.  Now I remain cancer-free, but keep in mind that my right leg is no longer attached to any bone at the hip – just held in place by muscles.  Despite the limitations, I am happy to have some use of this leg, since it was going to be amputated by the first surgeon I saw.  Always get a second opinion before major surgery!

Is there a high school teacher who made a lasting impression, or taught you things that you found especially useful in your career?
I thought all our math teachers were good, especially Mrs. Hanger.  When we took geometry under Mr. Robertson, he was a new teacher at the time, and many years later I met him as a fellow math teacher at a conference in Williamsburg; he was still teaching at Lee then. 
I know I'm in the minority, but I disliked Ms. Whitelaw.  One of her bad characteristics, I thought, was that she taught class most of the time while sitting down at her desk.  Therefore while teaching in the classroom, I made it a point to almost never sit down.

Are you on Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn?  Facebook

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Ingrid (Pelny) Hopper

Madison, North Carolina

Do you plan to attend the reunion?
Sorry to miss it; will be in Tennessee. Send me lots of pictures!

Education after high school
Brant's School of Business; Rockingham County Community College (nursing); additional classes part-time at UNCG

Spouse and children
Cuff Watson Hopper III (husband)
Cuff Hopper (son)
Erika Hopper (Daughter)

Information about spouse and children, their personalities and interests, what they are doing
I have five grandchildren:
                Cuff Hopper       - 16
                Colby Hopper    -11
                Cheyenne  Cayton -9
                Scout Cayton     -7
                Luke Craddock  -1

What you’ve done since high school
Have worked at the following:
UVA School of Nursing, Admissions – Charlottesville VA
Virginia A State Department of Health – Local Health Services Div., in Richmond VA
Fieldcrest Cannon Inc. – Eden, North Carolina
Current position listed below

Your occupation/position (now or previous, if retired)
Manager, Investor Relations – Greensboro Economic Development Alliance, Greensboro NC

What do you do in your spare time?
Active in my church, am a Hospice volunteer (patient caregiver), serve on the Town of Madison Board of Adjustments, past committee member of the Madison Historical Properties Commission, read, play tennis, bowling, and, of course, spend a lot of time with my grandchildren

Is there a high school teacher who made a lasting impression, or taught you things that you found especially useful in your career?
Mrs. Daniels made a lasting impression ---  her enthusiasm for English literature was contagious, and  I remember her as one teacher who truly loved teaching. 

Do you remember any particular sayings or can you quote something a high school teacher said that still rings in your head?
No, I can’t quote anything specific, but, as I read this question, a picture of Ms. Dice quoting Latin immediately came to mind.

Are you on Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn? No

Do you have a website? No

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Charles Edward "Eddie" Horne (new entry for 2014)

Woodbridge, Virginia

Reunion: Yes, I am attending

Education after high school:   

• BS, physics, secondary education and general science at JMU, 1968
• Completed graduate work at JMU, UVA and AU, 1969 to 1978
• Masters degree in education administration and physics at UVA, 1981

Spouse/ Children:  I met my wife Barbara at JMU (English and elementary education graduate in 1969), and we were married in August, 1968, we just celebrated our 46th wedding anniversary. We have one son Christopher, another JMU graduate, 1992 in English and political science. We also have two granddaughters, Audrey and Abigail.

Careers: I was a high school physics teacher / Science Department chairman / administrator at Page, Arlington, and Prince William Counties in Virginia, and retired in 2001. I also taught at Potomac College after 2001 and was a physics teacher trainer/coach/supervisor for new physics teachers at GMU from 2002 to 2008.

I also was a research physicist for Mel Labs which resulted in a patent in 1970 and I have been a realtor since 1980. My wife taught elementary school for a while and then entered a career in business. My son Chris is a graphic/web designer for the Army and lives in Richmond, Virginia.

Hobbies:  I still play the guitar at my church and often play at open mics at restaurants / bars, etc.
I also enjoy biking and classic cars.

Memories:  My favorite memory at Lee was playing with our little group "The Differentials" at the Senior Variety Show, where we played a couple of songs by the Ventures, "Pipeline” and “Wild Weekend."

Teachers:  My physics teacher, Mr. House, asked me at the end of the year what I was thinking about studying in college and I replied, "Probably engineering!”  He said, “That's good because I don't think you could make it in physics!” I replied, "I really don't like physics anyway!"  I was at a physics teachers meeting after I graduated with a major in physics and I happened to be sitting right next to him! Then I remembered that he had said in class that he had majored in chemistry, not physics!

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Rex Houser Jr.

Houston, Texas

Do you plan to attend the reunion? Sorry no. We are in hurricane season here.

Education after high school
South Texas Junior College, 1965-1967, Associates of Arts in Engineering
University of Houston, 1967-1970, Communication Arts 
Auto Cad, 1990
University of Phoenix – UNIX 2000

Spouse and children
I married Maggie Decker who attended Wilson in 1967.
We have one child, Wendy.

Information about spouse and children, their personalities and interests, what they are doing
Maggie has worked in the oil and gas field since the 70’s as an administration Assistance.  She worked for Fish Engineering and now works for Tracer Industries. 
She has traveled to London and Paris several times.  We are planning a trip to England if and when I retire.

What you’ve done since high school
I worked for Methodist Hospital as an orderly/ambulance driver for 3 years while I attended college.
After I married, I went to work for Houston Lightning and Power as a dispatcher. 
I have worked for the company for 41 years.  I had worked my way up from crew leader to supervisor of dispatching.
I was moved in the support roll of the department where we maintain and up date the computer equipment.  It is our job to keep our department out on the bleeding edge of technology.  

Your occupation/position (now or previous, if retired)
In 1968 I went to work for Houston Lighting and Power Company, dispatching trucks to electrical power outages in a 5000 square mile area. I have worked in the power industry for the past 41 years. (See above)

What do you do in your spare time?
I read.  For the past 10 years I have been on a Grail Quest.  I am interested in the paths of Christianity.  How it developed.  But most of all what happened to the other apostles after Christ ascended. The Church mostly speaks of Paul and Peter but there were twelve.  This search took me deep into history and down some wondrous paths.    

Tell us one thing you’ve done or that you like to do that might surprise us.
Since I was in high school, I had a fascination with hurricanes.  I use to track them each year.  I always wanted to be in the eye of a hurricane.  I have been there twice. 

What did you learn in high school that has helped you in your life?
Everything… Everything I learned in High School and college I have been able to apply in my life.  Yes even French, which I failed in both high school and college.  I never could speak it but thank God I could read it.  I have used it 4 times when I went to Quebec.  (I just wish I had taken Spanish).

.A special memory or memories from high school--funny, poignant, colorful, etc.
Helping my dad setup and take down the record hop each Saturday.  I use to hate it, but I would give anything to help him one more time…

 The best thing that happened to you in high school:
I graduated.

The worst thing that happened to you in high school
I found out that the Principal has sent a letter to the U of H stating that I was not college material.  Well, the laugh is on him. I attended the U of H.

Are you on Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn?
No.

Do you have a website?
No.

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Pat (Wiseman) Johnson

Augusta County, Virginia

Hi Jo and 45th Reunion Committee and Classmates:

First, I would like to say thank you for all the time and hard work the committee has put into all the arrangements for the reunion.  I know everyone appreciates your interest and effort in trying to get all of us together again.  I'm sure it will be a success and full of good memories!

I really thought we would be able to get to the reunion this year; but we just seem to never get everything together to make plans ahead of time in our lives.  We both have health issues now which really limits our mobility; and in addition, we have the responsibility of having a small farm on which we raise and breed miniature horses. Thankfully, we don't like to travel as this really keeps us tied down on a daily basis; but we love it and feel that it keeps us active.  These little guys have become a very big hobby for us for about the last 12 years. We enjoy them so much!

John and I were married on June 12, 1965;  and we have always stayed close to home here in Augusta County. After Lee High, John served two years active duty in the Navy working in the Post Office aboard ship. I went to the Elizabeth Brant School of Business for the next year.  We were blessed with two wonderful daughters, both married, who are still local; no grandchildren as yet.  John is retired from the U S Postal Service after 38 years service and now works part-time for the Dupont Community Credit Union running errands between the offices.  I worked for about five years as secretary for the Columbia Gas Company; and then was a stay-at-home mom for the next 15 years (would not trade this time for anything); then, went back to work for Hammond­ & Foster Insurance Company as a Secretary/Property and Casualty Insurance Agent for the past 23 years; now, still working part-time at home.

John sees more of our local classmates than I do, as I just don't go out much anymore; and it is hard to believe that the time has gone by so quickly since our Lee High days.  Life tends to pass us by; but we both have always had our faith in God that brings us thru.  As time goes on, that is all any of us will have to depend on!  God be with each classmate and their families.

Love in Christ,

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Mary Carter (Loth) Keifer

Athens, Ohio

2009 Information: I've been teaching business law at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio since 1975.  Athens is a pretty little college town located right in the middle of national forests and state parks.  All it's missing are the mountains!  Husband John teaches business law, strategy and international business.  We have 4 daughters (an administrator in the College of Education, a nurse, a finance professor and a middle school reading teacher) and 5 grandchildren, mostly boys!   My activities include lots of walking (treadmill and otherwise), reading and attending numerous sporting events!

2014 Update: My information is pretty much the same, except that our daughter the "nurse" has become a "baker."  Our 18 year old grandson lives with us along with 4 dogs (belonging to various family members) and 2 cats.  I'm starting to get a fair number of students in class who say "you taught my Mom and/or Dad" and at least one who claims that I taught his grandmother!  Yikes!  Guess I should consider retiring!  :-)

When I finally retire, whenever that is, I hope to come to some of the reunions! 

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Virginia (Wilhelm) Kennedy

Lexington, Virginia

After high school, I graduated from Elizabeth Brant School of Business and worked for the next 3 years at GE in Waynesboro; then went to ASR as Secretary to the Industrial Products Salesman, where I worked for about 3 years.  During my time at ASR I married James L. Kennedy, who passed away in 1999.  We had 3 sons, Karl(school teacher), Ken (worked as a correctional officer for about 12 years, but is now working at Target) and Keith (Branch manager for Bank of America in Bristol, TN).  I have 7 grandchildren. 

During the years my children were young, Jim and I rode motorcycles.  Mine had a sidecar.  He would ride one child on back of him and I would ride one on back of me and one in the sidecar.  That was a lot of fun.

In late 2000, I met my current husband--we were married in 2002.  I worked at Klann, Inc. in Waynesboro, where I lived most of my life, for 18 years.  Dudley Cash, my husband, had property in Lexington, so we built and moved to Lexington,  over 3 years ago.  I now work for Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory, from which I plan to retire in October or November, 2010.  Dudley and I have 2 dogs, 2 cats, 21 goats (all named and spoiled), 15 chickens and a number of fish.  I love spending time with all of my animals, working in my flower beds and vegetable garden, all kinds of needlework and crafts, and my family--which I don't get to see very often.  I lost my father in 1986, but my mother is 98 and still living in our homeplace. 

I do not have a website...actually, I spend very little time on the computer at home.  There are too many other things that I prefer to be doing.  Dudley and I are planning to attend the reunion.  See you there!

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Karen Buenting Lane

St. Louis, Missouri

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Steve Markley (see 2014 update at bottom of this entry)

Coral Gables and Punta Gorda, Florida

Here is a brief sketch of where I've been over the past 45 years:

Graduated from Randolph-Macon College in 1968 and because of the Vietnam War, went straight into the Navy.  I had gotten my pilot's license during college, so the easiest path for me was naval aviation.  I was commissioned an Ensign in late 1968 and spent the next 20 years "seeing the world."  I had tours of duty aboard the carriers USS Saratoga, USS Enterprise (Vietnam) and USS Kitty Hawk.  Only the Enterprise remains in commission....the others have been retired.  When not at sea, I had shore tours at Whidbey Island, Washington; San Francisco, California; San Diego, California; Washington, DC; Newport, Rhode Island (twice), and Yokosuka, Japan. 

In 1988, while stationed at the US Naval War College, I made the decision to retire.  Shortly afterward, I was recruited by company in Malvern, PA to help develop the software for a Naval War Gaming System to be installed in the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force Staff College near Tokyo, Japan.  This project lasted 5 years and involved frequent trips to Japan.  During one of those trips, the development team was invited to Taipei, Taiwan to discuss a similar project for the Republic of China Armed Forces University.  In 1994, shortly after the Japanese project ended, I was recruited by a company in Los Angles, CA to do the Republic of China project which lasted until late 1999.  This also required frequent trips to the Far East.  I have logged a lot of hours in 747s going back and forth over the Pacific.

In early 1999, I was starting to become stir crazy working in front of a computer 8-10 hours a day.  I started doing some part time flying for a company in Portland, ME which led, in 2000, to a job in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida as Chief Pilot for a large aircraft charter operation.  I stayed in that position until 2004 when one of the aircraft owners asked me to become the chief pilot of his company's flight department.  I accepted his offer and am still in that position today.

In 1970, I met Lucianna Cobb in San Francisco, CA.  We were married in 1971 and recently celebrated our 38th wedding anniversary.  We split our time between Coral Gables, FL where we own a home, and Punta Gorda, FL where we own a condo.  We have no children.

Update for 2014:

I continued as chief pilot for Saxon Copyair until Oct  2011, leading the company's transition to a Citation Sovereign which we operated throughout the US, Europe and the Caribbean.  In Nov 2011, I retired, had a knee replacement and as soon as the rehab from that was complete, Lucia and I took off in our RV for a 19-month tour of the United States.  Most of that time was spent exploring west of the Rocky Mountains, an area I had looked down upon for many years but had never visited on the ground.  It was an unbelievable trip packed full of good hikes, mule rides, scenic drives and train trips....impossible to summarize in any meaningful way.  We returned to Florida in November 2013 and have since chartered a catamaran in the British Virgin Islands, taken a cruise from Ft. Lauderdale to Barcelona, rented a house in France for five weeks and spent the summer of 2014 in the high country of western North Carolina.  After the 50th, we'll return to North Carolina to pick up the RV, head for the coast and spend the rest of the fall working our way back to Florida.  After that, ?????

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Thomas C. McSwain, Jr.

Shepherdstown, West Virginia

Do you plan to attend the reunion?
Unfortunately we have a niece’s engagement party the same weekend.

Education after high school
BS in Commerce, University of Virginia, 1968
MS in Logistics Management, Air Force Institute of Technology, 1977
Squadron Officer School
Air Command and Staff College
Air War College

Spouse and children
Jane Crane McSwain-spouse
Kristin Bunker McSwain-Daughter
Kimberly Sterrett McSwain Check- Daughter

Information about spouse and children, their personalities and interests, what they are doing
Jane continues to work as an administrative assistant for a small wealth management firm in Shepherdstown, WV

Daughter Kristin rounded out the Bush Administration as Director of AmeriCorps and now in the Obama Administration is the Chief of Program Operations (COO) for the Corporation for National and Community Service, the parent of AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and VISTA.

Daughter Kim is a massage therapist and along with Husband, Robert Check, is raising two young sons in Poquoson, VA where Robert is a Mechanical Engineer with Northrop Grumman building the Virginia Class Nuclear Submarines  

What you’ve done since high school (wide open)
Spent a 28+ year career in the Air Force, mostly in major hospitality programs including lodging, food service, dormitories, clubs, recreation, child development, libraries, etc.

Your occupation/position (now or previous, if retired)
Colonel USAF (Retired)

What do you do in your spare time?
Since retirement I’ve been involved in a lot of volunteer work.

Is there a high school teacher who made a lasting impression, or taught you things that you found especially useful in your career?
Miss Whitelaw

Do you remember any particular sayings or can you quote something a high school teacher said that still rings in your head?
Mr. May—“so on lika that”

Other memorable teachers or people who have made a difference in your life.
Sara George Hanger—what an algebra teacher

Do you have a website?
No, but e-mail is mcswaint@citlink.net

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Peter Menk (Entire form updated for 2014)

Staunton

Do you plan to attend the reunion?
Yes

Education after high school
BA, University of Miami, FL, 1968; JD, UVA Law School, 1973;  MA, Salve Regina University, Newport, RI,1997; Post Grad Fellow, Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy, 1997-1998; military education including: Air War College (ACP) (1995), U.S. Army War College (Fellow) (1997-98), and Civil Affairs "Q" Course, Special Warfare Center, Fort Bragg (2005).

Spouse and children
Spouse, Kay Golladay Menk (LHS 66), daughters Lorie Menk Bartee (LHS), Charlotte Menk Thomas (SDHS), Steven P. Menk (SDHS)  

Information about spouse and children
Kay and I are both retired. Kay taught and was a high school administrator in Augusta County Schools. Lorie and her spouse, Jonathan Bartee, live in Richmond with three sons, Peter, James, and Nathan. Lorie is a Dean of Students at a private school in Richmond. Jonathan works for Estes Trucking as a computer executive manager. Charlotte and her spouse, John Thomas, live in Midlands, NC (near Charlotte, NC). Charlotte is presently at home with a two year old and is expecting and second child). She is a flight nurse and last worked as an executive for a large medical aircraft company. John is a pilot for NASCAR. Steven is a computer engineer working at the Naval Research Lab in Washington, D.C. 
  
 What you've done since high school
Served in the Army 1968-2006, at one time or another in all three components, Regular Army, National Guard, and Reserve. I practiced law in Staunton 1973-1992. I taught for the Department of the Army at the graduate school level from 2007-2012. 

What do you do in your spare time?
 I am current taking a long line course using the remainder of my GI Bill. We enjoy travel especially to Bald Head Island, NC, an island with no cars and a diverse environment of beaches, salt marshes and Maritime forests.

Is there a high school teacher who made a lasting impression, or taught you things that you found especially useful in your career?
Academically, Mrs. Whitelaw, who taught me how to read to understand.  Coach Jim Conger taught me to persist.  

Do you remember any particular sayings or can you quote something
a high school teacher said that still rings in your head?
Only those that cannot be repeated this early in an evening.

Anything else that we didn’t ask?
I know we will take a moment at the Reunion  to remember our classmates who are no longer with us. 

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Anne (Meckstroth) Menter

Manlius, New York

My education after Lee was Vanderbilt University, BA 1968, Yale University, MAT 1969 and Arizona State University MBA 1976.

After Yale I taught high school Spanish in Boston and then high school history in Arizona.  I met my husband at ASU on the MBA program and we were married in 1978, moving to Manlius, NY (outside Syracuse) where he was involved with his family business, Hollowick, Inc. This is how I ended up in snow country! BRRRR!  We bought Hollowick from his folks in the early 1990's and have been enjoying the excitement of running a small manufacuring business ever since.  We also are partners with my brother-in-law and sister-in-law in a screen printing sign company, Voss Signs. 

We have 2 children:  Adam (1980) who graduated from my alma mater, Vanderbilt,  and Lora (1982) who graduated from the University of Pennsylania.  Both have engineering and business degrees. They are absolutely wonderful people and close friends! They both live in San Francisco and have fascinating jobs in the business consulting world. 

I was a basket case after both kids had left for college and started writing poetry about my emotional experience.  This resulted in my self publishing a small book, "Empty Nest - One Mother's Journey" in 2006.  Not great literature, but it helped me over the hurdle of this change. www.emptynestmom.com  I'll bring some books to the reunion to give away if anyone is interested.

Adam and Lora had always talked about travelling together after college graduation - and they made it happen by spending 9 months travelling together and working in Central and South America in 2005. How wonderful to see them arrive back home after that adventure!  And fortunately they didn't share all their travel stories with me until they returned! Oh my! (But, we did that crazy stuff too when we were younger, didn't we?). Adam took another year to travel the rest of the world and Lora, feeling the pinch of needing to earn money for her student loans, found employment for almost 2 years with Houston's Restaurants as a restaurant manager, a position that had her relocating across the country every several months - gruelling for a 25 year old's social life.)

Adam was married last August to Julie Medina in Lyme, CT, where her grandparent's live.  Julie is a wonderful young woman who was raised in France (French father and American mother). They met while Julie was on an exchange program with Vanderbilt.  So we have added an international awareness to our family life.   

My husband, Jerry, is a great guy. Last November we sold our home of 21 years where we had raised the kids -- (and where we had installed a soda fountain in the basement which became known as Menter's Place-- we were the high school hangout! Fun! And memories for me of Club 26 on Fallon Street!)  It was a difficult move emotionally for both Jerry and me --- but we did it!  and moved about 6 miles away to "the country" with 34 acres of land.  Guess what my birthday present was this year?  A tractor!  What a surprise!   It had been quite a while since Jerry has given me a birthday present! :) We have since added a little bulldozer to the family equipment. 

Many of you knew my mother.  Mom died in 1999 from pancreatic cancer.  This was a devastating loss for us, right before Adam's high school graduation. She so wanted to be there, and share the kids' college experiences.  Mom truly loved Staunton and she loved the Class of 1964.  We talked about this- and you -  often as we fondly remembered our life in Staunton  - (we left Staunton after I graduated due to my father's new job in New York City). My father is doing extremely well and living in Winter Park, Florida, where he and mom had retired in the late 80's.  Dad has since remarried and will be celebrating his 90th birthday this December.  My brother, David and his wife, Donna, live in Orlando. David went to NC State and is an architect.

I am certainly looking forward to visiting with you at the reunion.  The best thing that happened to me in high school is all of you! - our wonderful class of 1964!  How lucky we are to have each other.  And fortunately technology has caught up with us to bring us close together again.

Much love!
Anne Meck 

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Ed Morse (see 2014 update at bottom of this entry)

Morganton, NC

Do you plan to attend the reunion?
Yes, wouldn't miss it!

Education after high school
BS - Virginia Tech  Masters - Michigan State  Doctorate - Virginia Tech

Spouse and children
Wife - Debbie, Lee Class of 1966
Son - Brian, married (one year), lives near Charlottesville

Information about spouse and children, their personalities and interests, what they are doing
Ed and Deb are both retired educators.  Son is an independent Wildlife Biologist and his wife, Maggie, is an Events Coordinator for the UVa Darden School of Business

What you’ve done since high school
Worked in community college education for 38 years in Virginia and North Carolina

Achievements, awards, honors
Several but nothing warranting newspaper headlines
Your occupation/position (now or previous, if retired)
Retired.  Previously, Dean/Provost, Davidson County CC, Lexington, NC

What do you do in your spare time?
Travel, boating, Corvette club, reading, yard horticulture, community service

Tell us one thing you’ve done or that you like to do that might surprise us.
Drive Corvette on speedway or road course and automobile performance schools (this probably isn't a surprise to some of my Lee classmates)

What have you learned in life that you wish you’d known in high school?
That giving 100% to learning and friendships is important.

What did you learn in high school that has helped you in your life?
Persistance in the face of barriers.

Is there a high school teacher who made a lasting impression, or taught you things that you found especially useful in your career?
Miss Whitelaw prepared me well for success in college English courses.

Do you remember any particular sayings or can you quote something a high school teacher said that still rings in your head?
Not really.  I am lucky to remember what I said yesterday.

Other memorable teachers or people who have made a difference in your life.
Primarily my father.

A special memory or memories from high school--funny, poignant, colorful, etc.
Fun time we had putting the Senior prom "lighthouse" on the island at Gypsy Hill and having it appear in an article in the Staunton newspaper.

The best thing that happened to you in high school
Friendships and I graduated!

The worst thing that happened to you in high school
Stupid stuff associated with driving.  Just ask George Rodon or Jody Grogan

Are you on Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn?
Facebook

2014 Update:
Ed and Debbie Morse moved to Morganton, NC/ Lake James in late 2008.  Since then we have been busy settling in to our new home, getting involved in the community, and working on our "bucket" list. 

Ed trained and became a Master Gardener.  He chairs the Membership and Leadership Development committee of the local Master Gardeners Association. He was a charter organizer and member of the Lake James Wildlife and Nature Society, a chapter of the NC Wildlife Federation.  He has served as President of the chapter and currently chairs its Island Adoption program on Lake James.  Ed served as Vice President and Secretary on the Board of the Mimosa Christian Counseling Center and is Chair of the Boat Docks Committee of the SouthPointe HOA (Lake James).  Ed belongs to two local sports car clubs and enjoys participating in trips/events with the clubs in his 2007 Corvette Z06 including a couple of performance driving schools. 

Debbie has been equally busy with church, community,  social activities, and pottery classes. The Morses enjoy travel as a big item from the bucket list.  Since 2008 they have taken two 2-week national parks trips to the Southwest and West, a trip to Disney World, two weeks in Italy, a Charleston gardens trip, a trip to the Outer Banks of NC, to New York City, and many local trips to mountain destinations and wineries. A trip is planned for September 2014 to Scotland and England.  Our NUMBER 1 update is the addition of a new grandson, Baird Wellington Morse, born December 3, 2011 to our son, Brian, and his wife, Maggie.  They live in the Afton, Va area which makes it convenient to visit the Staunton area when we visit them.  As many of our classmates know, there is nothing quite like having grandchildren and we work hard at spoiling ours.  Brian has a private wildlife and forestry development company.  Check out his website at www.vaforestwild.com  which our very own Deane Dozier helped design.  Debbie and I look forward to the reunion this August

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Tim Niles

101 Farren Ct., Cary, NC 27511

Do you plan to attend the reunion? Yes, with wife Anne

Education after high school
undergraduate degree

Spouse and children
Anne Niles, 2 grown children, John and Rebekkah

Information about spouse and children, their personalities and interests, what they are doing
Anne, manager with State Employees Credit Union; son John, attorney in DC; Becky, author “Into The Tides” and employee of a testing control company.

What you’ve done since high school
Currently a Real Estate Broker and Investor.  Past includes inventing, starting and running a private Food Stamp distribution company and working in various tax and accounting positions.

Achievements, awards, honors
Several Real Estate awards; club golf champion

Your occupation/position
Real Estate Broker and Real Estate Investor
                                                                                                                    
What do you do in your spare time?
Golf, poker, travel

Tell us one thing you’ve done or that you like to do that might surprise us.
Was a Bridge (card) professional

What have you learned in life that you wish you’d known in high school?
Everything

What did you learn in high school that has helped you in your life?
Relationships

The best thing that happened to you in high school.
Graduated

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Mike Osteen

Irvington, Virginia

I plan to attend the 50th  reunion and look forward to seeing everyone.

I received a BA in English from Anderson University, 1968; MA in International Relations from University of Southern California, 1979;  MS in Systems Management from University of Southern California, 1984;  JD from University of San Diego, 1991

I married Dixie Vess in 1979.  She is a certified public accountant with a specialty in International Tax.  We have no children.

I served in the United States Navy from January, 1968 until October, 1988.  My early years were almost all sea duty in destroyers and cruisers.   Later I served on the staff of the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Plans, Policy and Strategy at the Pentagon and as Executive Officer of Naval Station San Diego.  After retiring from the Navy, I attended law school and then practiced law in San Diego until late 1995 when we relocated to Greenville, South Carolina to be closer to family.  We moved to Richmond in 1999, and I joined the law firm of Bourdow, Bowen & Ellis in Midlothian.  We have lived in Irvington since 2004 thanks to the wonders of technology which made it possible to continue to work for our Richmond area employers from a location 70 miles away with only the occasional trip to “the city”.  I retired from the practice of law at end of August of 2013.

I retired from the Navy as a Commander, was Executive Editor of the San Diego Law Review, and a Magna Cum Laude graduate of University of San Diego School of Law at the age of 45.  I now serve on the Board of Directors and as a volunteer at the Mary Ball Washington Museum & Library in Lancaster County and as Adjutant of The American Legion Adams Post 86 in Kilmarnock.  In my spare time, I play golf, read fiction and presidential biographies and am learning to play guitar.

My whole life has been a surprise to me.  I hope it surprises you, too.  I have learned it’s not where you start out; it’s where you end up. And I have learned you can overcome disappointments in life and still succeed and be happy.

In our sophomore year, Virginia Martin showed us that the study American literature could be both educational and entertaining.  It was from her I learned one of the most important lessons of my high school years – the importance of flattery, or what she called “brownie point procurement”.  Thanks to her, my skills in this area were honed to a fine edge and served me well over the years.

Mrs. Whitelaw had me convinced I was a complete dolt when it came to writing in the English language.  Her unceasing criticism was, no doubt, intended to encourage me to try to be a better writer and may have succeeded to some small degree.
   
Mrs. Whitelaw insisted we learn the prologue to The Canterbury Tales and appear personally before her to recite it.

               “Whan that Aprill with his shoures soote
               The droghte of March hath perced to the roote,”     etc. etc. etc.

Those lines still bubble to the surface of my mind from time to time.  In recent years I have learned many others who were in high school in the sixties were also required to learn those lines.  They have sometimes created an instant bond in conversation with a new acquaintance.

It was great being in the band in high school.  Mr. Sanger was  the perfect band director for a group of students who thought marching was a bit “uncool”, so he was OK with us sauntering on the football field or even in parades as long as we took concert band seriously.  Morning band practice was a great way to start the school day.

The best thing that happened to me in high school was, no doubt, having a great group of classmates. The bad memories, if there ever were any, are gone.

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Kay (Atkins) Kemper Parker

Norfolk, Virginia

Do you plan to attend the reunion? Yes

Education after high school:  BA, William and Mary; MPA, Old Dominion University

Spouse and children:  Carl Denver (Denny) Parker III, spouse; one child, John-Garrett Kemper, 39 this month; three stepchildren, 7 grandchildren

What you’ve done since high school:  In general, mostly stuff I could never have imagined…1) Have a career - Started my own state governmental relations (lobbying) firm in 1996 after 14 years at Old Dominion University; work with my son; 2) Travel all over the world

What do you do in your spare time? Travel and spend time with my husband; play with our grandchildren; “veg” on the Outer Banks of NC

Tell us one thing you’ve done or that you like to do that might surprise us.
Became a lobbyist; remarried after being single for 25 years 

Is there a high school teacher who made a lasting impression, or taught you things that you found especially useful in your career?
Mrs. Whitelaw; she’s the reason I majored in English and still love Dylan Thomas (actually made a “pilgrimage” to his home in Tenby, Wales years ago)

Other memorable teachers or people who have made a difference in your life: 
My father, “Easy Ed”

A special memory or memories from high school:
The day President Kennedy was shot

The best thing that happened to you in high school: 
Being fortunate enough to attend a small (almost idyllic) high school where academics were prized along with athletics and “fun”

Do you have a website?  www.kemperconsult.com

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Ed "Eddie" Quick

Anchorage, Alaska

Do you plan to attend the reunion? Yes

Education after high school
Military electronics technician (1967)
Associate of Applied Science in Electronics Technology, University of Alaska, Anchorage (1975)

Spouse and children
Wife: Marge, Kids: Vicki, Debbie, Robert

Information about spouse and children
Marge teaches ceramics, grooms dogs, has a horse.
Vicki and Debbie live in Calif.
Vicki graduated college with highest honors at age 48.
Debbie and Robert each have a son (ages 9 and 3, our only grandchildren).
Robert lives here in Anchorage.

What you've done since high school
U.S. Navy 7yrs., moved to Alaska, work for airlines (Reeve Aleutian Airways, 28yrs), Alaska Airlines since 2001. Last station in Navy was Suger Grove, W. VA., only 50 miles from Staunton

Achievements, awards, honors
Private Pilot, FAA Airframe and Powerplant License, FCC License

Your occupation/position
Aviation Electronics (avionics) Technician

What do you do in your spare time?
Fix things, like old house and old cars.

Tell us one thing you've done or that you like to do that might surprise us.
Gone on horseback camping and rides.

What have you learned in life that you wish you'd known in high school?
I should have studied harder and stayed in school (college). I have a bad memory for names, then and now, perhaps had I applied myself harder then....

A special memory or memories from high school--funny, poignant, colorful, etc.
Didn't like english lit/reading, but was required to read something, read a book about Alaska pilot Bob Reeve.; Loved it, flying and Alaska.; So we move there after my time in the Navy and I went to work for Reeve.; He was still alive then.

The best thing that happened to you in high school
Civil Air Patrol

Are you on Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn?
No

Do you have a website?
We have a Bed and Breakfast and have a web site for it: www.teddybearbnb.com

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George Rodon (text has been updated for 2014)

Orlando, Florida

Education:
B.S. University of Maryland 1970
MBA University of Alabama 1979
MPA University of Central Florida 1989
 
Yes! we plan to attend the reunion....I know many of you are saying....WHY!!!!!????
 
Spouse and children:
Spouse:  Rene, married 21 years
Children:  Michele (Tom), Carolyn (Chris), Kevin (Britany). One grandson (Max, age 2-1/2) from Michele and Tom
 
Information about Spouse and Children:
Rene and I visited Staunton during our Honeymoon in 1993 and she fell in love with beautiful Staunton.   We have been back too many times to remember. . .
Children are all grown up and doing well.  We have a "lawyer in the making", a PR specialist and a retailer.  We are happy as they are happy.  Two of them here in Orlando.  One in Cambridge MA.  I always say, "as a parent you are only as happy as your saddest child." All our children are happy thus we are happy!
 
What I have done since H.S.
Well, to many of my high school friends George turned out "okay".   I have ended my career as the Chief of Staff for the Mayor of Orange County Florida (yes we have a County Mayor here and it is a big deal).  In my job I was responsible for economic development and traveled to 29 foreign countries promoting business. In retirement, I continue to seize the moment, enjoying each day as they come.....lucky and blessed to be in good health and in the company of a wonderful lady who puts up with all my craziness!

Achievements
I have been named "Young Man of America" several times when I was young...and most recently several times as one of Central Florida's most influential individuals and one of the "Top 25 Hispanics" in Central Florida for several years.
 
Your Occupation Position:
Retired in December 2010 from being Chief of Staff to Mayor Richard T. Crotty, Orange County, Florida. Working "sparingly" at law firm utilizing contacts to increase business for the firm. Also, I serve of the board of directors for Florida's BB&T Bank.
 
What do you do in your spare time:
2014 update: Travel, travel, travel. Discovered Alaska in '12 and have been there three times since. Last time in February when we learned what cold really is (minus 30!).
2009 news:   Rene and I just returned from a wonderful trip to Peru and the Machu Picchu ruins.  This year I have been to Dubai, Spain, South American and after the reunion will be traveling to Japan, China, Panama and Costa Rica.  When not traveling we just like to hang out at our house, a very comfortable place we call "home".
 
Tell us something that may surprise you:
I have been blessed to have "amounted to something" surprise surprise...to many of you!
 
What I have learned in life that I wish I knew in H.S.
That Staunton represents the best in the "Greatest Country on Earth" the good ole USA.  Wonderful architecture, great scenery, relatively good weather and most of all, the nicest people anywhere.  I was too young and immature to appreciate Staunton but I am making amends...
 
What did I learn in H.S. that has helped me in life:
Don't drive so fast and take corners a bit slower and do not race on country roads specially against Ed Morse.
 
Is there any High School teacher that made a lasting impression:
Mr. Gordon...I was in his class when we learned of President Kennedy's assassination.  Mrs. Martin who never wore the same outfit twice and my mother...Mrs. Rodon (Spanish teacher)
 
Special memories of High School
Lee High School is when I became an "American".  As many of you know I was born in Cuba.  In Staunton and Lee High I learned all about "Weeguns" "Gant shirts" "The Men's Store" "madras shirts" etc.
 
The best thing that happened to me in high school:
I met the nicest people on Earth.
 
The worse thing that happened to me in high school:
Ed Morse will have to tell you....
 
(Please no website no face book, no tweeter)  lucky I was able to do this...

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Becky (Sheets) Russell (new entry for 2014)

Midlothian, Virginia

Do you plan to attend the reunion?  Yes

Education after high school: 
JMU (Bachelor of Music Education - 1968)

Spouse and children:
Married to Ken Wright 30 years, widowed; married to Bill Russell 5 years

Information about spouse and children, their personalities and interests, what they are doing: 
I married a Navy man in 1968 and moved to California—our daughter Tracy was born in 1969; being in the Navy, we moved a lot - living in Calif., Italy, Hawaii, Scotland and Va. Beach.  Our son Patrick was born in Italy.  Loved traveling and being a Navy wife.  Ken died of cancer in 1998.  Tracy is married and lives in Va. Beach - she & her husband have 2 daughters, Emily (17) and Lily (11). Both girls are active in cheerleading.  Patrick is married and lives in Fairfax - he and his wife welcomed their 1st child Fiona at age 40 - she was born on our other granddaughter's 16th birthday!  I was a widow for 6 years before meeting Bill - we married in 2009 in Hawaii with all our children and grandchildren present. I also have 2 step-grandsons - Ben and Zack who live in Ashland.

What you’ve done since high school:
I did not enjoy teaching music and, with moving around and living in other countries, it was difficult to teach.  I was a stay-at-home mom for most of our travels.  I was an admin assistant for a Dutch flower-bulb business for 15 years.  I also directed my church choir for 12 years and was also active in the church - being a lay leader and deacon.  I have sung in several choral groups - while living in Italy my husband and I were members of "The Sixth Fleet Singers" - the ladies of the group would fly to different ports throughout Europe when the ship was visiting and we gave concerts in those ports.  I was the accompanist for the group for several years and also sang.  I also accompanied and sang with "The Sounds of Joy" in Virginia Beach (where I met my present husband).  Currently Bill and I sing with "Jubilation" in Midlothian.  Bill and I have also sung with several groups that have toured and sung in Scotland and England and in Utah where we sang with Peter Cetera (formerly with the group "Chicago") for a 4th of July concert.

Your occupation/position:
Bill and I are currently retired.  Before retiring I worked as a part-time receptionist at a senior living facility in Va. Beach and Bill was the director of mental health for the City of Va. Beach.

What do you do in your spare time?
We love to travel - have lots of time-share weeks and try to take advantage of all of them.  We especially loved our riverboat cruise on the Danube.  This fall we are taking a New England/Canada cruise.  We sing in our chorus group and really enjoy dining out with friends.  In June 2013 I took my oldest granddaughter on a 12 day Mediterranean cruise - a great "bonding" time for us.  Hopefully I can take the other 2 granddaughters when they reach 16.

Tell us one thing you’ve done or that you like to do that might surprise us.
I really enjoy driving and my husband really enjoys cooking - so we sort of "trade off" chores - He said he always wanted to marry a chauffeur and I always wanted to marry a chef!  And so we did!!  Also, my husband has taught me to appreciate art - he was a collector before we married and, since our marriage, we have acquired more beautiful art pieces.  We had to purchase a home with high ceilings so we could display everything.  I commissioned a sculpture of his dog Quinton - an artist & sculptor friend of mine from Va. Beach did the work.  We also had a painting done of the 2 of us - me at the piano and Bill sitting on a stool singing (sort of a husband/wife cabaret act) - it hangs above my piano.

A special memory or memories from high school--funny, poignant, colorful, etc:. 
I loved the chorus concerts (musicals) we did - I especially remember "The Sound of Music" (I skipped one performance to attend a prom at Ft. Defiance High School - but as I was only in the chorus of the musical, I do not think I was missed) and "Brigadoon".  I loved going to the record hop at the National Guard Armory on Saturday nights. 

Anything else that we didn’t ask? 
I feel really blessed to have experienced everything that I have in my life.  I always wanted to travel to Europe and I not only have traveled there but lived in 2 European countries!  Music had always been an important part of my life and I have continued with that to this day.  I do think back on my high school days and wonder what ever happened to everyone - now at the reunion I will find out!

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Barbara (Barr) Sheets

Cardinal, Virginia

After high school, I went to the Chesapeake & Ohio Hospital School of Nursing (1964-67) & received my diploma in nursing.  I have pretty much been working as a nurse since graduation in 1967.  I'm currently working as a nursing supervisor @ Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center where I have worked for the past 36 years.  I'd love to retire some time soon but don't have any definite plans.

I live in Cardinal, Va., which is in Mathews County....kind of in the middle of nowhere.  Live on 38 acres, so except for the wildlife there isn't a lot of noise most of the time.  My second husband died in 2001 from cancer so I've been active with the American Cancer Society & Relay for Life each year since.

I have 3 children (from my first marriage) who live in the area down here but not really close to my house.  Roger Harlow is oldest & lives in Norfolk, Va., working with the Sentara Data Center as senior business applications systems analyst for the Sentara Healthcare System .  Bonnie Harlow is in the middle & lives in Newport News, Va., working as a senior tech in the pathology department of SWRMC.  Cathy Shumate is the youngest, living in Yorktown, Va., owns her own business, Shumate Trailer Repair, which is a mobile RV repair service.  I have 1 granddaughter, Cassi Harlow who lives in Yorktown (with Cathy) & is a senior at Tabb High School this year.  Cassi is active in softball & when she was 14 raced U-cars @ Langley Speedway in Hampton, Va.

My sister, Joyce, lives in Stuarts Draft & my mother is in the Augusta Nursing & Rehab Center so I do still come to Staunton on a regular basis.  I will be at the reunion.

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Page Shields (see 2014 update at bottom of this entry)

Yes, I will be at reunion.

I graduated from Randolph-Macon Woman's College (now Randolph College) in 1968 with a major in History . Then I spent a year in Charlottesville, sharing an apt. with Mary Carter Loth (who was in law school) and working while taking courses in anthropology.
My interests changed and I decided to get a Masters in Clinical Social Work, finishing that in 1971.
I loved my career, and worked in lots of settings over the next 40 years, including inpatient and outpatient psychiatry, inpatient pediatrics, teaching, and private practice, with all ages of clients and families. I retired last year.

After starting my work career in New York City, I moved to Atlanta, GA where I was for 12 years. While there I married, had my daughter, Jane, and got divorced. In 1986, I returned to Staunton with Jane, age 2. During my years back "home" I have had the pleasure of reconnecting with many of you, and I attended several reunions.

I married Joe Sharrer in 1995 and we live in Harrisonburg where we are enjoying retirement, pursuing hobbies, and doing lots of reading and gardening. Jane is living in New York City (like mother, like daughter!) and currently working at the NY Botanical Garden. I have two step-children, Ginger Sharrer, who lives in Staunton and works at Woodrow Wilson Rehab Center, and Mark Sharrer, who lives in Harpers Ferry, WVA, and works in environmental science. 

I have good memories from our days at Lee, but no single memory stands out with great significance.

2014 Update:

Essentially, my life is unchanged from 5 years ago!  And I guess that is a good thing!  Except for the constant effects of aging and the deaths of several good friends, I am still enjoying life and good health. My mother is still living and I spend a good bit of time with her at Brightview Assisted Living. And I also enjoy volunteering with first graders at a local elementary school.

I look forward to seeing everyone again at this reunion.

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Susan (Legg) Slayton

Littleton, North Carolina

Dear Classmates,
Here it is about 12:01 a.m. and according to the rules for 63-year-olds, we are probably all awake. Deane, (and, by the way, thank you for posting our classmates page; it has been a delight to read about you all) you have asked us about our memories. Here are some of mine.  I have given my annuals to my sister, Mary Ann Legg Martin, who now lives in Staunton. This means there will be no fact checking of the following reminiscences and probably many inaccuracies, so please correct/add as you can. 

Anyway, here goes, beginning with Thomas Jefferson Elementary:
Miss Bell and Miss Greer: Miss Bell was as wide as she was tall and had gray/white hair wrapped in a bun. She may have been 80 in 1958 (or at least she seemed that way to a 12-year-old) when we were seventh graders at T.J. This means that she may have begun teaching before the turn of the century.  Astonishing!!!  And isn’t there a mountain near Staunton named after the Bell family? And didn’t Miss Bell teach Virginia history? My children used the very same Virginia history book that we used and learned as we did that persimmon and hemp were native Virginia plants. Once, Carolyn Weaver and I studied for a history exam together by bouncing a ball back and forth and asking questions from our notes. Might have been the only “A” I ever got in Virginia history!

Miss Greer was about as tall as Miss Bell, but only as wide as a pencil. She had red hair, also pulled into a bun, but the gray streak told us that she didn’t dye it. She had a wonderful way of dealing with Doug MacMillan when he pulled the girls’ hair: She tottered to the back of the room (Doug always sat in the back) and pulled a few strands on his crew-cut head!

And the playgrounds: One side was for the girls and one for the boys. We girls played a lot of kick ball, and Anne Tullidge could kick a homerun every time. Guys, what did you do over there on the other side?

On to Lee High:
It looks like Lee High is soon to be turned into a condominium for seniors. So I have been imagining this scene in 2020:  Jody Grogan racing down the halls in his wheel chair and being chased by the ghost of Coach Pugh (or some other official) because Jody has a squirt gun hidden in the cut-out pages of a book.

In this condominium, the cafeteria gives you the choice of homemade whole wheat or white flour yeast rolls. Is this a true memory—that we could buy whole wheat yeast rolls at the price of 5 cents for two? No wonder we were skinny. We walked everywhere or rode our bikes up hills and down, through the park past a bear cage and around the swan pond, up to the reservoir behind the high school, down Spring Hill Road. Eating banana splits in the drug store next to Jimmy Anderson’s Grocery Store was, as my students would say, not a problem. (The grapevine reports that Jimmy Anderson’s may be reopening soon.)

There was, back in 1959, the inimitable Ms. Cacciapaglia of the wonderful crinoline skirts. She never wore the same outfit twice. Mr. Miller had us average our own grades in science using some arcane system and, with static electricity, he made Karen Buenting’s beautiful blond hair fly up and out.  Our 9th grade English teacher (what was her name?) loved Dag Hammarskjöld. Mrs. McClung, a sweet lady and teacher of French, tried her best to make us imitate a proper French accent. Miss Whitelaw (who can forget the first few lines of The Canterbury Tales?) was feared by all—but whyever were we afraid? Ms. Drake—I wish I had taken Latin more seriously--your ghost will probably be roaming Lee High’s condo halls and reciting Latin. In my imagination, Ms. Drake is having a liaison with the principal, Mr. Smithers, but I may be confusing this with Archie Comics. And do you remember eating chocolate-covered ants in 8th grade biology? Who was it that jumped out of Mr. Hansen’s window in algebra class?

So these are some of my memories. What a time it was!

About the present:
Country defines my life. I live on Country Road with a post office address of Littleton, NC, which is 25 minutes away from the house. We are still celebrating the coming of a grocery store to our community—it came about seven years ago and is seven miles away. My husband of 39 years, Russ Slayton, specializes in rural county law and has an office on Hicks Street in Lawrenceville, Virginia.

We are blessed with two children, Parker and Katherine. Kat just graduated from Wofford College as an English/History major and is currently enrolled at Converse College for a graduate degree in teaching. Park is now a resident in family medicine at the hospital in Charlottesville. I just retired from teaching English at our local community college, got a fourth Chesapeake Bay retriever, and am spending lots of time reading, walking the dog, and praying for grandchildren! I am very envious of all of you who already have them! But every day I am happy it is not last year when Russ was going through chemotherapy in Charlottesville.

Reading your contributions to Deane’s classmates’ page is so interesting. You all have done so much and done so well!
So here end my midnight ramblings. Hope you can add to them!

Susan Legg Slayton

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Floyd Stilley

Washington, Virginia

More than you wanted to know about Floyd Stilley
When I withdrew from UNC in 1966, I was promptly drafted (and nimbly got into the Air Force – thank you Civil Air Patrol !).  I graduated from Wilkes University (Wilkes-Barre, PA) in 1971 after the Air Force  (having gotten serious and earned a degree in Commerce and Finance (cum laude no less)).  I worked in Washington, DC for a non-profit as an office manager, and then went into real estate and was a broker until I went to law school (American University in DC) in 1973.  I went at night, including summers, while I worked full time as a litigation support specialist coding documents for a large antitrust case – which was the first computer assisted case in the country.  I also worked for the DC subway system for a year as a management specialist.  I graduated in December 1976, and have worked as in-house counsel for two non-profits and for 4 government contractors.  Currently am General Counsel for a 3,000 person group (the Mission Solutions Group) of QinetiQ North America (a large government contractor with offices over the US – see www.QinetiQ-NA.com ).

More importantly, after two painful false starts, in 1982 I married Linda Tarry, and we live in Washington, Virginia.  Our son Jacob graduated from the Maryland Institute College of Art, in Baltimore, last May.  He’s been home this summer, painting, and hopes to go to graduate school, and someday to teach art.

Linda is also an artist.  She taught art for a while after college, and after we married has done some painting, and for ten years was pretty active creating works in stained glass.  For the last 4 or 5 years she has been creating mosaic sculptures.  She doesn’t have her website up yet -- but its like teaching your spouse to drive – I am staying clear.
  
It shouldn’t surprise anyone that I’m still a bleeding heart liberal, and more recently worked unsuccessfully to try to get Wesley Clark, then John Kerry, elected.  I was privileged to work to get Obama elected and am glad the Bush-Cheney era is finally over.

Washington, Virginia is in Rappahannock County – population 7,000, no fast food, no stop lights, minimum lot size (for new homes) is 25 acres (we have 8 acres), one of the world’s  best restaurants.  Have lived here with Linda for 26 years, and except for two years when I practiced law at home, have commuted into Northern Virginia (about 70 miles) to my jobs.  My 2004 Prius has 182,000 miles on it, and I still get about 50mpg.

We have a Welch Corgi (Frodo), a cat (JAC), my son’s python (Slither), my son’s Cockateel (Beaker), (thankfully all the fish finally expired), and two retired goats (at one time Linda had 22 goats and made cheese).

Since my horizon to get my 201(k) back to where it was when it was a 401(k) is limited, I’ll probably keel over at work rather than be able to retire.  And except for the fact that time continues to go by faster and faster, its been great so far.

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Barbara (Morris) Szabo (2014 update at bottom of this entry)

Canada

Do you plan to attend the reunion?    Yes!

Education after high school:   Radford College

Spouse and children:
Ted Szabo is originally from Hungary-immigrated to Canada in1957 and graduated from U.B.C. then went to V.P.I for his masters and P.H.D. in Wood Science- Is a manager in the Alberta Gov't in Advanced Education and Technology. Is 71 years old and still working full time!  We have two daughters- Erika and Eva born in Ottawa.  We moved many times within Canada (Quebec, New Brunswick, Onatario) and in 1983 moved to Alberta.(Edmonton) We have been a very close family because we had no other family close by.  Erika who is now 36 years old was always  very outgoing and social and loved to talk (unlike me-got that from my husband!  She loved to dance, swim, play the piano, and do needlecrafts. She graduated from U. OF A. and went to Medical school-got her M.D. and 5 more years to become a psychiatrist. She has her own practice.  Eva who is now 34 has always been strong-willed and quiet. She danced, dived, loved to needlepoint, and played the piano and taught it as well.  She graduated from the U. of A. and went on to become an Occupational Therapist. She works for Alberta Hospital in the Forensic unit. All of her patients have committed serious crimes but she is patient and always in control.  They both are married and live within 3 minutes of our house. Erika and her husband have 2 girls Janelle(7) and Julie(4) whom I babysit while they work.

What you’ve done since high school  
I was graduated from RAdford College with a B.S. in elem. ED. and French. Met my husband at international day at V.P.I.-married 1968 and moved to Canada 1969. I substituted in elem. ed. in Quebec after our girls were born. 1983 moved to Alberta and worked for the Hudson's Bay Co.(retail store).After our grandchildren were born I looked after them full time and worked at the Bay a few hours a week and recently retired from there. Now I do whatever I Want!

Achievements, awards, honors
No award or honors that are significant.  My best achievement is having a great family!

Your occupation/position
 I was an elementary teacher- then worked for the Hudson"Bay Company and retired 2009

What do you do in your spare time?
When I am not grandkid-sitting ,I Aquasize, Swim, walk my dog, ride my bike and garden(in summer) cross-country ski(winter)

Tell us one thing you’ve done or that you like to do that might surprise us.
I was a Girl Guide Leader for 15 years! (same as Girl Scouts in U.S.A. ) and have taught Sunday School for preschoolers for 20 years.

What have you learned in life that you wish you’d known in high school?
I have learned that God is in Control  of our lives and that I am who I am because of Him. I can only be myself!

What did you learn in high school that has helped you in your life?
I learned that I could do anything I set my mind to.

Is there a high school teacher who made a lasting impression, or taught you things that you found especially useful in your career? 
Madame McClung and Miss Bette Harris

Do you remember any particular sayings or can you quote something a high school teacher said that still rings in your head?
You are determined and will always be rewarded for your effort (Miss Harris)

Other memorable teachers or people who have made a difference in your life.
Miss Drake(Latin)

The best thing that happened to you in high school
Singing in Brigadoon and Playing tennis

The worst thing that happened to you in high school
-I did not get to go to the prom!

Are you on Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn?
I am on Facebook

Do you have a website? NO

2014 Update: I took up accordion and have been playing for 4 years and am now in grade 10 (also took up guitar for a couple years). Still grandkid sitting and being chauffeur!

I am planning to come to the 50th reunion. My husband has had a few medical problems but is fine now.

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Bill VandeWater (Waters)

Do you plan to attend the reunion?
Cannot make it this year, but hopefully for the 50th

Education after high school
2 years at Duke, 3 years in the Army, graduated with BS in Engineering from UVa, 1973

Spouse and children
Spouse – Nina
Children – David (32), Grant (30)

Information about spouse and children, their personalities and interests, what they are doing
Nina – Bachelor of Science in Education from UVa; Masters in Library Science from Kent State, career as reference librarian
David – Associate degree in environmental science
Grant – BS Engineering from Vanderbilt, returning for Masters in Environmental Engineering

What you’ve done since high school
After 2 really fun years at Duke (where I accomplished almost nothing academically) I joined the Army to hopefully mature a bit.  After OCS, getting married (definitely the major factor in maturing), and a year in Vietnam as a 1st Lieutenant, Nina and I returned to school at UVa to complete degrees in Education and Engineering, respectively.
I accepted a job at Firestone Tire Company (later purchased by Bridgestone Tire Company) in 1973 in the Tire Development Department.  It wasn’t rocket science, but was actually more interesting than I thought it would be.  After working my way into management, I began to travel more and was fortunate enough to have seen much of the US with occasional trips to Japan, New Zealand, Canada, and Mexico.  We moved with the company from Akron, Ohio to Nashville, Tennessee in 1991 and both Nina and I retired last year, deciding to stay here.
I married Nina in 1968 and we’ve had over 40 wonderful years together.  David came along in 1977 and Grant in 1979 and we endured all the trials, etc., that go along with that.  Neither would be even partially classified as a nerd and we spent our share of nights wondering where they were.  But they’ve grown out of it and it appears they are both settling down in Nashville.

Achievements, awards, honors
Some company-related things, but one of the things I enjoyed most was the training I had at the Bridgestone Racing Academy in Toronto where we zipped around this 1-mile road course in Formula 2000 open-wheel race cars.  I didn’t catch the instructor (no one did), but it was a lot of fun for an old fart.
Also, the training/racing we did at the Bridgestone Winter Driving School in Steamboat Springs, CO.  This time we maneuvered around a 2-mile ice/snow course, trying to stay away from the snow banks, etc.  This time I did a bit better and was able to beat most of the media guys; but then it’s easier to be daredevil when all you’re going to hit is snow.

Your occupation/position (now or previous, if retired)
Retired since July, 2008
Previously Director Sales Engineering, Bridgestone Tire Company, Nashville, Tennessee

What do you do in your spare time?
I'm still getting used to retirement; you know that “Every day is Saturday” thing.  The house is at the stage where it is starting to require a bit of maintenance, so that is taking up part of my time.  I do a bit of reading; having a wife who was a librarian has helped there.

What have you learned in life that you wish you’d known in high school?
Take it easy! Slow down and enjoy life as it comes.

What did you learn in high school that has helped you in your life?
I was going to say that memorizing Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales Prologue in Middle English really did a lot in furthering my career, but I’m not sure too many people would buy that.

Is there a high school teacher who made a lasting impression, or taught you things that you found especially useful in your career?
Of course, Miss Whitelaw.  I’m not sure anyone who had her can say she wasn’t a factor in their high school lives.
Mrs. Hanger who gave me that all important start in math necessary for an engineer.
I also liked Mr. House who taught me that when you just lean back and think, much of complexity just melts away.
And I liked Mrs. McSwain who made even biology interesting.  And for those wonderful times in their basement playing ping pong and gobbling down their sweets.

A special memory or memories from high school--funny, poignant, colorful, etc.
I remember the fun we had at the Variety Show, and especially the skit The End of the World we swiped from Monte Python.

The best thing that happened to you in high school
Returning from Florida for my Senior year at Lee High. Everyone welcomed me back so genuinely that I really felt as if I were reunited with a family.

The worst thing that happened to you in high school
Probably one of the worst times of my life was the Junior year I spent in Florida. I never made friends there, except for the ones who almost got me sent to jail.

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Bill & Jo (Gibson) Viglione (2014 update at bottom of this entry)

Most of you are probably tired of hearing from the Vigliones by now but for those of you who are new to the e-mail list this year, I will bring you up to date on the Vigliones.

As you know, Bill was senior class president and as a result, we have felt the responsibility to make sure we have regular reunions.  Bill says he had to marry a classmate so he would have a secretary for this purpose!  So in our pre-nup, I think he stuck in there in fine print something about “must organize H.S. reunion throughout our marriage”!  Thus, the reason you’re always hearing from me.

Bill and I did not actually date until post high school.  On New Year’s Eve of our freshman year in college, Bill invited me to the Stonewall Jackson College Dance.  From that date, began a romance which continued throughout college culminating with our marriage in June, 1968 just after graduation.  I graduated from Madison College and Bill from the University of Richmond.  We moved to Richmond after our wedding for Bill to attend Dental School and I taught third grade at Sacred Heart Catholic School.  During college, I began attending the Catholic Church and converted to Catholicism during my Junior Year.  Throughout our life together our faith and the Catholic Church has been at the core of our relationship. 

Upon graduation from dental school, Bill entered the Army to serve in their residency program and I gave birth to our first child a few weeks later.  We were stationed at Fort Sam Houston for his first year and then Bill was appointed Chief Dental Officer at Ft. Dedrick, MD.  Upon completion of his army duty we moved to Charlottesville where Bill set up a general dentistry practice.  During the coming years, I was primarily a stay-at-home Mom but worked in many ministries in our church and ultimately was hired as a member of the Pastoral Staff.  I worked in that position for 10 years and then developed an interest in politics.  At the ripe old age of 50, I joined the Republican Party and became very involved in my first campaign for a young man named Paul Harris.  Paul was elected to Thomas Jefferson’s seat and was the first Black Republican elected to the VA General Assembly since reconstruction.  He tapped me to be his Legislative Assistant and thus began my third career.  Over the next ten years, I worked for three different delegates and retired just last year.  It was a wonderful opportunity.  I met and worked with many fascinating people over those years.  My career high was attending the first Bush-Chenney Convention when Paul was chosen to be the lead-off speaker.  As his staff person, I ended up working with the White House and the press core and even got be in the “green room” with him before he went on stage.  We were put up in the Bush hotel and seated in the Chenney box.  My first call post-speech came from Tom Brokow requesting an interview-quite a high for a small town L.A.

Bill has had a wonderful career in dentistry and has built his practice to include four dentists with a staff of over 20.  He still loves what he does and for most of his career was very active in the Virginia Dental Association.  He also has been involved in many community outreach efforts and just recently was instrumental in founding a private dental clinic to serve Medicaid children, an area which was largely unserved to that point. He has received many awards over the years but two of the more prominent ones were:  Being recognized as an alumni star by Virginia Commonwealth University and the Virginia Healthcare Foundation presented him an “Unsung Hero” award.  He would be too humble to tell you but I am very proud of him! He’s a wonderful person and an even better husband and father!

Bill and I have three daughters, all married with children.  Jenny is a research coordinator in the surgical department at UVA.  She is married to her high school sweetheart, Joe who is a professional firefighter.  They have two children Jessica(18) and Jake (13).  Rebecca is in management with Northrup Gruman and is currently CFO of one of their small divisions. She is married to her college sweetheart, Brandon, who is a Systems Analyst V.P.with T. Rowe Price.  They have one son, Logan who is a year old and live in the Baltimore area. Laura is a dental hygienist and lives in Florida with her husband, a medical student and their daughter Lizzie who is 7 years old. 

Bill and I just celebrated 41 years of marriage.  We enjoy spending as much time as possible with our kids and grandkids and traveling.  We especially love Italy and have been there twice in the last four years.  During our first visit there, we were blessed to be in St. Peter’s square when the conclave reached the decision for Pope Benedict and witnessed the white smoke and received his first blessing as Pope-a truly amazing experience. 

We both have wonderful memories of high school and especially the great people that were in our class.  They remain very special to us and we look forward to reunions and other opportunities to spend time with classmates. 

2014 Update:

The biggest changes since the above was written five years ago are with our grandchildren. Our oldest
granddaughter, Jessie, just graduated from JMU (my Alma Mater) and our grandson, Jake, just started
his freshman year at VCU (Bill attended Dental School). Jessie was a cheerleader at JMU all four years
and we spent many weekends attending football and basketball games there. The cheerleading squad
also competed nationally and we were with them when they won a National Championship! Our other
two grands are Lizzie, who just became a teenager and attends 8th grade at ouir local Catholic School, and Logan who just entered first grade in Ellicott City, MD.

In terms of children, our son-in-law completed medical school and entered a Psychiatric Residency at
UVA where he is completing his last year. We were thrilled to have them move back to Charlottesville. Laura has joined our practice as a Dental Hygienist and Dad is very happy about that.

Finally, Bill continues to practice Dentistry and although we discuss retirement, our plans are still incomplete. My retirement from government was short lived (I get bored easily) and the world of Social Media and Websites had started to impact the way we now do business so Bill drafted me to take over that aspect of the practice. I have been working for the last few years doing all of our marketing and related aspects of that. It has been fun to work together although I’m sure he sometimes wishes we talked less about the business!

We have been on a Mediterranean Cruise since the last reunion and are off to Italy with friends after the reunion. We can’t seem to get enough of that part of the world.

We are thrilled that so many classmates are coming to this reunion. We have so enjoyed the planning over the last year and looking forward to seeing everyone.

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Kitty Welsh

Bothell, Washington

Do you plan to attend the reunion?
No, but hope you all have fun!  If there is some donation set up for something for the school, I would like to participate in that.

Education after high school
Radford  64 -66
UNC Chapel Hill  66-68  BA -  Early Childhood Ed
Gallaudet 68-70  M.A.
University of Southern CA. summer program
Kent State summer program
BEH 6 month program at Lexington School for the Deaf (affiliated with Columbia)
Doctoral Program USF (got Administrative Credential, but dropped out of program)

Spouse and children
Married and annulled
One son, 23

Information about spouse and children, their personalities and interests, what they are doing
My son, Bram, graduated from Hofstra University on Long Island.  In high school he taught snowboarding and worked at UPS.  He has worked full time for UPS since ’08 in their finance department.

What you have done since high school?
Taught Deaf preschoolers in LA county (Lawndale and Redondo Beach)  &Taught for CA State Univ. Northridge Extension
Moved to SF and taught deaf infants for Richmond Unified School District,  & taught at Langley Porter Institute and College of San Mateo
Moved to Sacramento and taught deaf high school drop outs and Jr high for San Juan Unified and interpreted at America River Jr. College
Did 6 month BEH program with Deaf infants (affiliated with Columbia Univ) at Lexington school for the Deaf , Queens, NY
Moved back to SF bay area and taught deaf preschoolers for Mt. Diablo Unified
Offered an administrative position in Merced, CA, but instead moved back to LA & did residential real estate in Beverly Hills offices, with Mimi Styne & Assoc. (affiliated with Grubb & Ellis, & Sotheby’s) and Coldwell Banker.
Moved up to Washington state where I taught special ed preschool, resource room and was a communication specialist for Arlington School District, then moved to Everett School District where I currently teach special ed preschool

What do you do in your spare time?
In my spare time I walk my 2 dogs, go to the beach, read, movies, etc. (I used to water ski, but don’t have a boat now, and used to snow ski….but have gotten lazy!)

Tell us one thing that might surprise us.
One Labor Day weekend, years ago, I surfed tandem at Malibu beach. (A professional surfer friend simply picked me up, but everyone on the beach thought I knew what I was doing!) – Wish I had a video of that!  (I worked with KoKo the gorilla one summer.)

What have you learned in life that you wished you’d known in high school?
I never though life would be easy, but wish I’d been told to expect lots of twists and turns!

What did you learn in high school that has helped you in your life?
This too shall pass.  Remember the good times.  Smile!

Do you remember any particular sayings you can quote something a high school teacher said that still rings in your head?
Mr. Click, Biology – eating chocolate covered ants
Miss Bickle, Spanish, not too late (39,  I believe) to have a kid, -that’s when I had my son
Mrs. Rodon, Spanish, her smile
Mr. Roberson, French – J’entre dans la salle de classe. Etc, (first day someone finally whispered the translation after he entered the class about 50 times)
Mrs. Mc Clung, French, memorizing the 23rd Psalm in French
Mr. May, Government, all those idioms –  “Birds of a feather flock together” etc

Other memorable teachers or people who have made a difference in your life.
Other than my family, friends and Sunday school teachers,
Choir Director at First Baptist in Staunton
A teacher at the School for the Deaf & Blind, who was a counselor at choir camp & introduced me to deaf ed and thus my career choice

A special memory or memories from high school – funny, poignant, colorful, etc.
Practicing typing to pass those timings & finishing as the football team finished practice
Being petrified I would be out of step in band formations
Comments about my “Yankee” (Long Island) accent, & blonde hair (then it was natural!)

Are you on Facebook, My Space, Linkedln?
I’m on Facebook

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*Cecily C. Wood (new entry for 2014)

Roanoke, Virginia

Do you plan to attend the reunion? Yes

Education after high school:
College of William and Mary 1968 BA in Psychology
Smith College,  Northampton,Mass, Masters in Social Work (MSW)

Spouse and children:
I married for the first and only time Herb Beskar in 1991.  Herb was a divorcee, raising 4 adopted children on his own. A rainbow family: one Caucasian, one Mexican, one Vietnamese, one Cambodian.  All are now grown, 3 married with children. We have 12 grands and 4 great-grands all living here in Roanoke. Both Herb and I choose to have no birth children in an effort to support Zero population. The best laid plans......

Information about spouse and children, their personalities and interests, what they are doing-
Herb is a very high energy person.  He too is a retired Social Worker. For 20 years he served as Executive Director of DePaul Family Services (a private non-profit foster care agency) here in Roanoke and across Virginia. Since retirement, much of his energy goes into politics, Quaker peace movement efforts, Habitat for Humanity, bicycle riding, gardening, canning, traveling. I try vainly to keep up with him!!! 

What you’ve done since high school:
I lived mostly in Richmond,Virginia, for 30 years, working as a Social Work Supervisor in Child Welfare. A largely very frustrating system. The most rewarding epoch for me was 13 years of recruiting and training Foster Parents with my team of 5 workers. Richmond Social Services was a large system. At any given time we had close to 1000 foster children and 200 foster parents.

Your occupation/position:
Social Work Supervisor (see above). I retired in 1998 and moved to Roanoke to live with my husband (we commuted for 10 years)every weekend. Three hours one way. Insane but better than moving into a house with 4 teenagers!!

What do you do in your spare time?
I have always loved antiques, furniture, pottery, curios. Estate and yard sales are my idea of fun. I had a booth in an antique mall for awhile but now I deal mostly in china for Replacements in Greensboro, N.C. I also enjoy flower gardening and yard work. I  continue to do sewing, knitting, quilting, etc. My favorite pastime is art--namely, pastel painting. For 25-plus years I have attended an art retreat in the North Carolina mountains for week-long classes taught by staff from Ringling School of Art and Design in Florida. For many years I traveled throughout the US, tent-camping in state and national parks. Herb and I still enjoy traveling and have had some wonderful trips in our VW bus, but I've "out-grown" tent-camping and now require a bit more luxury!

Tell us one thing you’ve done or that you like to do that might surprise us.
I only ever wanted to experience one place and that was Paris, France. But I told myself I needed to see my own country before I went abroad. So I pledged to see America first! From 1969  til 1975, I spent all vacation time traveling each of the lower 48 states. Camping and eating locally - No fast food! Very enlightening! In 1976, I went to Switzerland for a month. That started it - I love to travel in Europe!!! The aesthetics are so appealing to me. Especially France, Italy, England, Germany, Austria, Poland, Czech Republic etc.!!
I am a Big animal lover! I adore my pets, especially my dog! There is nothing quite like the love bond with your animals! I currently have a Yorkie-wah-wah ( 7lbs) and 3cats. I hope I never have to live without a dog! I started out with a Doberman and keep getting smaller- so they'll live longer!

What have you learned in life that you wish you’d known in high school?
I wish I had understood more about politics and how it reflects one's values. I have spent a lot of time seeking the deeper spiritual meaning of life (Tri- Hi- Y chaplain). It is a continuous search. I found organized religion to be of limited help with this. But for the past 30 years I have been sustained by my association with the Quakers and their focus on Silence, Peace, and Social Justice.

What did you learn in high school that has helped you in your life?
I wish I had learned how to speak French!! Madam McClung tried but....Thanx much for Edith Piaf!    

Is there a high school teacher who made a lasting impression, or taught you things that you found especially useful in your career?
Elizabeth Whitelaw was the best teacher I ever had !!! High School, College and Grad school! Her love of her subject was contagious!! She taught me how to organize and present my thoughts in written form which helped with everything from resumes, reports to Grant applications, etc.

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