Bios. A-E

C 615-497-9041

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Bio (updated 5/15/10) . from Anthony J. Arnold, Walter Johnson class of 66

After graduating from Walter Johnson (66) I went to Univ. of Maryland (BS, '70), then 3 years as a naval officer attached to NATO in Italy, after which I bummed around Spain, studying flamenco guitar. Then I decided to be more responsible and went to U. of Georgia, and Harvard Univ for MS, MA and PhD in geology (specialty in paleontology). I am presently a professor at Florida State University (Tallahassee) on the verge of retirement. My wife Jill and I own an oriental rug store as a sideline. No children. 3 dachshunds. I still play classical and flamenco guitar (have since age 10).

Anthony Arnold class of 66 (Tony) 28852 Blue Star Memorial Hwy Havana FL 32333 anthonyarnold5170@att.net 850-539-8893

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Bio from Nancy E Arthur (McDaniels) Hi... B. A. in English , M.S. in Library science, myriad jobs in same field, all the way from volunteering to being the adult reference librarian in a small branch. Married once before, 34 years ago. Married now to a guy I've known for 30 years. Married 9 years. Yeah the math is funny. I sing in two choral groups, both Episcopal. Have done everything from being a burger joint lady to being a janitor to being a cleaning lady for old folks... currently working in my local public library. Also interested in prairie botany and very interestsed in keeping carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere. The car drinks ethanol,to that end.

Nancy.McDaniels@ci.stpaul.mn.us

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Bio. from Linda Balentine email linda@crowningtouchusa.com

The stream of flashbacks from the bios has been so tantalizing that I am finally stimulated to come to the reunion. (I would have had no good excuse to avoid it, really, because I live relatively close by in Roanoke, VA and

my mother still lives in Silver Spring). My personal memories of life at

WJ are jagged because family life kept me in the escapist mode. I worked every day after school and my boyfriend and future husband went to Landon so his social circles became mine. After graduation I spent two years at Montgomery College, then went on to Duke. I married my high school sweetheart, Bill Brannock, in my senior year at Duke. Accepted into the Masters of Teaching program at Duke, I taught school in Wheaton as part of that program before I "disappeared" into the mountains of Virginia where I spent the next 25 years. Life got very interesting very fast. My husband and I rehabilitated a turn of the century mountain farm, birthed a beautiful baby daughter at home and spent 10 glorious years without electricity, phone etc. Our anachronistic lifestyle was precious - like living inside a poem -and we made the most of it. I became a farrier, as well as a midwife, delivering 14 babies while living in the mountains. We worked the farm with horses, hauled water everyday, and developed aspects of strength and character while we enjoyed a sense of peace that is very rare in the here and now. Unfortunately, no one is immune from the minefields of life and subsequent bad choices. Divorce hit hard but not as hard as a tragic house fire in Bethesda that snuffed out the lives of my ex-husband and 7 year old daughter. I really did want to give up on life but God had a plan of restoration and renewal. I married Dan Roach, my current husband and a Master Cabinetmaker, who had three little boys and three years later, my daughter, Savanna Joy, (now 21) was born. More incredible twists on life's road since then, including, unbelievably, a divorce from Dan, a separation that lasted 6 years, and eventually a remarriage to Dan that is in its 9th year and will probably "see us out" as they say in these here mountains. (Makes figuring up anniversary dates really fun!) While I was a single Mom, I started my own business which has become very successful, celebrating our 10th year, and poised to begin franchising. Our moving company, headquartered in Roanoke, VA, is the only one of its kind in the U.S. We focus on moving seniors with a broad service menu that includes consigning and reselling the items that they no longer want. Managing the details of life for thousands of senior clients every year, and some moving over long distances, is really all consuming. We have a great staff, our own trucks, storage, retail showroom etc. Anyone interested in more detail can check out our web site @ CrowningTouchUSA.com. Our level of commitment runs deep and we take very little time off but I have put the reunion on my calendar. Looking forward to reconfiguring who is/was who. I love the pics some of you sent so here is one of me with my only "baby" still at home. See ya soon!! Lots more to share!! Linda Balentine President, Crowning Touch Senior Moving Services 6704 Williamson Road, NW Roanoke, VA 24019 Phone: (540) 982-5800 Fax: (540) 982-3903

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Bio from: Bill Barr email him at bill@williambarr.com

I will not be able to make the reunion but here is my story:

After graduation, went on to college. BS in math from Allegheny College and MS in Computer Science from U of Illinois. While at Illinois, met my wife of 34 years, Rhoda. Worked for almost 30 years in NJ with Bell Labs and successor companies (Bellcore and Telcordia Technologies).

Took early retirement in 2001 when the telecom industry collapsed. Have been working since then as an independent IT Management Consultant (work stuff is at http://www.williambarr.com). When Rhoda lost her corporate job in 2003, we realized we could live anywhere we want to - and NJ was no longer high on our list. We chose Breckenridge, CO. Our mantra: Went to NJ for the jobs, stayed for the schools. Now the jobs are gone, the kids are gone and so are we.

We have two children: James (25) and Ron (21). They are both out here in Breckenridge now. James graduated from Allegheny College in 2005 and came out here for a year before graduate school. He is still here - we will see. Ron is a professional snowboard instructor so we expect him to stay in the high country for quite a while.

Enjoy the reunion!

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Bio. from: Josephine (Josie Bechtold) Moser: email PBjamMD@aol.com

Thank you, Norris and the WJ' class of 1966 Committee, who have worked so hard on the web site, bios, and reunion activities. Job Well-Done and interesting reading.

After graduation from Walter Johnson HS, I went to work as a long distance operator with the Telephone Company - The Bell System. I married Richard

Moser the following year, and moved far away from home - to Frederick County, Maryland. I had a son and a daughter and I'm proud to say I did attend all five of their weddings. I was Best Mom at my son's second (but not finale) wedding. I continued to work for The Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Company of Maryland. The job was rewarding with a variety of duties, educational opportunities, and the call to service - volunteering in the community.

At the same time my family continued to grow. My son (Charles) completed college and my daughter (Debbie) blessed us with two beautiful granddaughters. Our children and grandchildren continued to be a joy, but my marriage of twenty-five years did not survive the challenges of life, love, and the pursuit of happiness. I moved back to Montgomery County to care for by parents and continued to work as a manager at the local Telephone Company - Bell Atlantic. I enjoyed thirty-five years of employment and volunteer services with Verizon (new name / same company).

After the tragic events of September 11th, I was offered an early out (retirement package) and accepted it. I'm enjoying retirement and the extra time with my precious granddaughters. Summers are great fun again. I continue to volunteer in the community and my church. I became an unofficial Caregiver of my dear friend and neighbor. After her death, I became the medical caregiver of her children and their transportation to appointments, school and after school activities. I am also a Hospice volunteer; Caregiver of my parents (my mother just turned 90 in Oct.) and in my spare time, I try to make quilts. Most of my quilt projects are donated to local hospitals, for babies and children in need. Forty years latter, I'm still not sure what I really want to do, when I grow up!

Josephine (Bechtold) Moser, 3116 Benton Square Drive, Olney, MD 20832

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I have a home in the Woodside Park section Silver Spring area where I have lived for the last 22 years. I graduated from the University of Maryland in 1971 with a degree in Speech and Hearing Pathology/Audiology. I worked for the Jewish Foundation for Mental Retardation in Washington , D.C. prior to going into the Information Technology (IT) industry. I have over 30 years of experience in the commercial/Federal Government computer and IT business.

I was a top salesman for Wang Laboratories in Washington D.C. in the early 70s and opened their branch office in Houston Texas in 1975. I left Wang Labs to work for Xerox Corporation where I was a Sales Training Instructor at their International Training Center in Leesburg , VA and was promoted to Sales Training Manager at Dallas Corporate Headquarters. I was a closet case Skins fan while in Dallas .

Returned home in 1984 and worked for Federal Data Corporation until starting my own consulting business. I have been working at Z-Tech Corporation for the last 12 months in the Federal Government Healthcare/IT sector in Rockville . I drive by WJ every work day.

The good news is that I only work in IT so that I can afford to buy new guitars… I have been playing music since the seventh grade and still love it. I have several bands that I play with and run an “Open Mike” at McGinty’s Public House in the new Downtown Silver Spring every Thursday. I won the 2006 ASCAP Songwriting Competition this year and played at the Kennedy Center in May.

I am still single/never married, however, I have been with the same lady now for three years. We share a home in Charles Town, West Virginia. I will be moving out there as soon as we build so many homes here in Montgomery County that we are in complete grid lock. Not long for that to happen…. No more green cows at WJ either. Looking forward to seeing everybody in November!

Photo on right was taken at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts May 1, 2006. My information technology job let's me buy the guitars I want now. Rock on.

click on pics to make larger

Edward P. Becker, 915 Highland Drive, Silver Spring, MD 20910, Voice: (301) 585-3918, Fax: (301) 588-2851

I can not believe you are on classmates. I went to your site and you look the same. I am so sorry to hear about your Mom. She was a very gracious lady.

I was also amazed to see the photo of you with Pete Lucas and Bobby and the others. Wow!!

Also, loved the photo of you and your brother. I still remember your brother. Was he trying to set your house on fire?.

I live in Reston and have two daughters and two grandchildren. My brother and sisters still live in the area which makes me pretty lucky and my mom is still going strong.

Sending a photo….I am a rules official for the USGA so that is why I am wearing this dumb jacket with badges.

Biography of Morgan Benson

Born into a career Army officer family, Morgan attended three high schools, before going his last two years to Walter Johnson HS, where he graduated in June 1966. Morgan graduated from the University of Delaware with a BS in Mechanical Engineering in 1971, and a Master’s Degree in 1984 from the University of Scranton (PA). Having taken ROTC at college, he obtained a commission as an Army Second Lieutenant, and decided to remain in the Army after his initial service obligation ended. He retired in 1998 as a Lieutenant Colonel, having worked almost 12 years in Germany , and in a number of other assignments in various states, including Pennsylvania , Kentucky , Georgia , and Alabama . After a short assignment to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington , DC , he became a Master Planner at the US Army’s Dugway Proving Ground, Utah , where he currently lives. He is married to the former Elaine “Kit” Page, and between them, they have five children, all from previous marriages. Kit was a Law Enforcement Officer and Detective in North Carolina for 10 years, and taught Special Education students for 9 years, as well as spent a year teaching students in a junior high school in-school suspension program. Morgan now works as a Master Planner for the US Army’s Dugway Proving Ground in Utah . He's a member of the Civil Air Patrol, The Retired Officers Association, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and is a Fellow with the Society of American Military Engineers. Active in Energy Conservation field, he has won several major awards for energy conservation, including two from the Department of the Army and two from the Department of Energy. He was also selected for “Who’s Who in America .” Morgan’s hobbies include active participation in Civil Air Patrol, military history, Volkesmarching, and genealogy (he has traced some branches of his family back as far as 1072 AD). Morgan can be reached at his e-mail address of morgan.benson@us.army.mil or by calling him at (435)-831-3555.

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Bio from: - Barbara Beveridge ....married Connery

It has been such fun reading all the bios, and I've been amazed both at the number of people I remember, and the number that I don't! We are a pretty amazing group. I'm sorry that I won't be able to get back to Bethesda for the reunion, because a lot of familiar names will be there.

My life since high school has been fun, and while there's a lot less wow-factor than many others, it's been a good life, and it just keeps getting better.

After graduation, I went to Hood College, then still a women's college, in Frederick, MD, secure in the knowledge that I would become a home ec teacher in short order. Then sophomore biochem appeared on the horizon, and I did a quick switch to English lit, my other love. After two years, though, I dropped out, rented a townhouse in SW DC with two other women, worked several jobs, and got married like many of us, for the first time, living first in Salisbury MD and then in Richmond VA. My son Marcus was born in 1972 and my marriage ended in 1974.

Marcus and I moved back to Bethesda, where I got a job with the personnel department of Booz Allen Applied Research, a DOD contractor. Through a contact I made there, I got a job with an art restoration studio in NW DC, which opened to me the whole new world of fine art and fine art restoration. I was originally hired to manage their office, but also apprenticed as a restorer for a couple of years. One of the partners there was the wife of an art dealer who consulted with C.G. Sloan & Co, a regional fine arts auction house in DC. I knew that my strengths really were much more in the business sector than in the art sector, so I took an administrative position at Sloan's, where I met my second husband, John. After a couple of years, we both moved to Weschler's, another DC auction house and Sloan's primary competitor. John and I were married in 1982 and are still happily married. Working at an auction house was great fun and intellectually satisfying, because we sold everything, and there was always something new, and beautiful, coming through for the next sale, so there was always something new to learn about. I worked my way up to Assistant to the President, and as John was the office manager and responsible for the business end of the firm, together we pretty much ran the daily operations. I was at Weschler's for a total of 13 years (John for 25), and it was a great time.

In 1983, in an effort to get one of my two (wonderful) new stepsons excited about college, I took a night course with him at the University of MD in College Park, and was immediately hooked (unfortunately, he wasn't). It took me several years at night, but I finally got my B.A., magna cum laude, in 1989 from UM.

Ever since I was a little kid, my family had vacationed on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, of Wilbur and Orville Wright fame, and happily John was as entranced with the area as I had always been. We vacationed there and bought a lot in 1985, and our first home, a little rental cottage, in 1986. We had kidded each other about chucking it all in moving to the beach, and in 1990, when Marcus graduated from high school, that's exactly what we did.

We still live in Kitty Hawk, and the Outer Banks is a wonderful place to live. In 1990, there weren't a lot of jobs here, though, and I decided to give real estate a try. Once again, I was pretty immediately hooked. I started with two small independent brokerages here, and in 2001 joined the local RE/MAX franchise.

One of the joys of living in a smaller community is that you have the opportunity to participate on a lot of levels and get to know so many people in the community. I have been very active in the local Realtor community, and served as our local Association president in 1999, as well as on committees at the state association. In 1999 I was asked by the National Association of Realtors to represent North Carolina at U.S. House Banking subcommittee hearings on coastal insurance issues. Even for a DC native like myself, that was quite an honor.

I currently am the Vice Chair of the Outer Banks Tourism Bureau Board of Directors and a member of the Kitty Hawk Board of Adjustment, as well as a Director of the Outer Banks Association of Realtors, a post I've held for 11 of the past 14 years.

Marcus has not married, but is living happily in Seattle, way too far from his Mom, in my opinion, but he loves it there and it's a great place to visit. Tom and John, John's sons from his first marriage, both live in MD, so it's easier to see them and their families.

About three years ago I became active in a professional coaching program that has helped John and me focus on a lot of business and non-business goals that we hadn't really thought enough about before. It's exciting to still be learning and growing, and neither of us sees retirement any time soon. We're having too much fun, and now that financial pressures are less, we're able to travel and enjoy each other and friends. One of the nicest parts of being self-employed is that I award myself days off whenever I feel the need. It's a good life here on the Outer Banks. I'd love to hear from anyone who vacations here - I know if you live in the DC area, there's a good chance you've been here in August!

I'm attaching a picture taken earlier this year. . . I've lost the cat's eye glasses!
Barb

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From Cleveland Bigelow..... - Spent the summer of 66 on the beach at OC learning to surf. Off to Harvard and graduated in 70 with a degree in Psychology. Favorite college activities were riding my Royal Enfield 750, playing bass in rock bands, and consuming in mass quantities. Yup, I did inhale. Married my college sweetheart, had a lovely daughter and experienced my first almost-death experience - was run over by a semi while on my motorcycle. Became a meditating drug and alcohol free vegetarian and was initiated into a spiritual path which I still follow. Accepted at Harvard Divinity School but dropped out to play bass in a hippy band in Vermont. Bad idea! Back to Boston and was a house-husband by day and musician at night. Began working as a teacher in daycare centers (start time of noon meant I could still play music at night). Marriage dissolved, lost my job, and was homeless for a brief period in 77. Began my high tech-high anxiety career - Statistician (I knew that Harvard degree would come in handy some day), Technical Consultant, OEM Account Manager, and finally Product Marketing Manager for Phoenix Technologies (given my current neo-luddite tendencies - no cell phone, no PC - this seems hilarious to me now). Second marriage, a house in the burbs, lots of cars, another motorcyle. I chose to ignore almost-death experience number two when my second wife and I hit a bridge going 70 in our new car and followed the good life. Almost-death experience number three I couldn't ignore - the house in Sudbury, the marriage, my career, my stuff all gone like a house of cards in a hurricane. Hitting frosty the snowman on a snowboard at 50 is a BAD idea. Shattered, shadubie, shattered! Healing from this latest experience led to some very interesting changes. Shiatsu school, Center for Body Oriented Psychotherapy studies, Psychic Healing, and finally getting initiated into Peruvian shamanism by a wonderful 90 year old medicine elder. Semi-retired on Cape Cod, still surfing (actually made it to the ESA finals twice), still meditating, still playing bass at the Onset Blues Cafe. Daughter grew up and is now playing bass in punk bands, the orange mohawk is gone (hers not mine) and life is beautiful.

Warmest regards to all, Cleveland Bigelow III (the surfing shaman)

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Bio. for Alan H. Blankenheimer

I've been reading the bios posted on the site with great interest (it is, as someone said, like renewing one's acquaintance with distant cousins after many years), and have finally been shamed into replacing the "temporary" bio someone was kind enough to paste in -- a promotional piece my firm places on its website -- with something more personal, so here it is. My gratitude, Tom and Norris, for your efforts to put this thing together. I'm sure it has been gratifying to you, though lots of work, and fun for all of us.

Because I'm so late in supplying this, I'll try to be concise. After WJ I attended Wesleyan University but unlike Bill Belicheck or Eric Mangini have not ended up coaching in the NFL. Instead, upon graduation I got a fellowship to study Philosophy of Science, was headed for an academic career, but switched gears when I got a taste of faculty politics (as Henry Kissinger famously said, faculty meetings are so contentious because the stakes are so small). Ended up going to law school at University of Chicago, and since then have specialized in intellectual property law, typically patent litigation for semiconductor companies. Married with two boys, Adam and Aaron, who are great and on good days keep me from taking myself too seriously. Along the way I moved to Texas, Arizona and now San Diego, got divorced and had the good luck to meet Valerie and remarry, studied Tae Kwon Do, got a black belt, became a devoted runner (and endorphin addict), studied electrical engineering, stopped reading or writing fiction (an serious lapse I hope one day to correct), traveled a lot in Asia, traveled a lot in Africa (where after WJ my family was stationed), and became a lover of (in addition to Valerie) red wine, climbing mountains, sunsets over the Pacific and denying my age.

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BIO for Jill Blomquist, married name Filipczyk
-Received BA in English from University of Maryland
-Upon graduation, I was employed by C & P Telephone Company, and worked in the commercial and marketing departments until 1983, when "the telephone company"ceased to be a monopoly and broke into competitive companies.
- From 1983 to 1986 I worked for AT&T Information Systems Marketing.
-In 1986 I left AT&T to work for the Federal Government, Defense Communications Agency, a career change which entailed buying rather than selling telecommunications. (Much more fun.)
-In 1988 I went to the General Services Administration, Federal Technology Service, where I still work today.
-In the 20 years I have been with the Federal Government, I have managed and directed a variety of departments including technical, marketing, and financial personnel.
-In 1998, at the age of 50, I received a master's degree in Public Administration, and since that time I have been the Director for Organization Development at GSA FTS.

I have been married to Ben Filipczyk, another DC local, since 1972. Ben worked in finance for the Department of Defense for 25 years, took an early retirement and then joined the private sector where he has been employed by Systems Planning and Analysis since 1995. We have stayed in the DC area and have lived in Chevy Chase since 1980. Our daughter, Katie, age 30, is a graduate of our WJ rival, BCC. Katie received a BA in Political Science and a MA in Interactive Journalism, from American University. She works as a news editor for USA Today, where she met her husband. They were married in April 2006 and now live in Germantown, Maryland. No grandchildren yet.

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Bio from Suzanne Bogart ....married name (Richman)

I attended Radford College and University of South Florida. I pledged Kappa Delta at USF when most of the students were attending sit-ins

(although I admit I attended a couple myself). I came back home after

graduating, where I have been ever since. My last full time job was working as a paralegal at Baker and Hostetler in Washington. We have lived in our bungalow in Brookdale, a section of Bethesda, for 23 years. This is a neighborhood west of Friendship Heights (you may remember this area as Wisconsin Circle where the Chevy Chase Woodies was located) and bordering the District line. My husband, Jerry, is an attorney with Skadden, Arps and

a longtime marathoner. I went from being a rabid feminist (as newly-weds

one night when my husband was commuting home he called to ask me if I would turn on the oven for him, I retorted that we weren't going to have that type of marriage) to a housewife and soccer mom. During the last two decades, I've raised my two boys (Nick, senior, Tulane, Civil Engineering, and Thomas, freshman, Washington University in St. Louis, Business), overseen several major remodeling projects, volunteered in innumerable school/community functions, held part-time jobs in editing and environmental areas and attended classes. I have of late enjoyed gardening and have become a "Weed Warrior" with Montgomery County, so I'm spending a lot of time trying to improve parks.. We have enjoyed wonderful vacations to HW, Canada, Costa Rica, England, western and southern US. I'm nearing completion of my certificate in Natural History Field Studies from the USDA Graduate Studies. Originating during those languid summers in 1950/60s Bethany Beach, DE, and continuing when tubing down clear spring-fed rivers in 1960s Florida, I have come to enjoy all aspects of the outdoors including here in the Washington area.

WJ still maintains the same fine reputation that it had when we were students as does our rival in those days, B-CC, my kids' alma mater.

If there is sufficient interest, I would be glad to host a nature walk/hike on the Friday before the reunion, November 3.

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Bio. from: Keith Bonn......I'll definitely be coming to the reunion Nov 4th, hope everybody can make it. Wow, where do you start, 40 years to cover. Well the short story on my career was Computers and Telecommunication and retired a Division Manager. Did the college thing over a number of years. Co-op with IBM when in college, it was a fun job. Worked for NSA (National Security Agency) 1968-1972. Was in the US Naval Reserve active duty Vietnam war, May 1969-Jan 1971 was in Pensacola, Florida then to Homestead, Florida. Not bad duty was it...got a great tan... After NSA was with Digital Equipment Corp for 15 years 1972-1988 and moved to Illinois with them in 1981 in Peoria, Illinois. Was with the Illinois Dept of Nuclear Safety 1988-2003 then moved to Florida when this agency was abolished by budget cuts. Worked till March 2006 and now retired. We have had 3 home in 3 years in Florida and flipped two of them and made great money in the very strong Florida housing market, thus retired this past March. Was remarried in 2000 and have 3 kids, 2 in Illinois and 1 in Florida. I enclosed a picture of myself and another of the family. Wife Judy and I have the matching shirts in the picture. She still works and is a guidance counselor for Sumter county schools 7 miles from home.

Keith Bonn

415 Timmonsville Way

The Villages, Florida

32162

ph 352-205-1383 email bonn.home@comcast.net

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Bio from: Ellen Bortman....married McMurdie email Ellen.McMurdie@montgomerycollege.edu
After high school I attended the University of Maryland where I majored in drama until my senior year. It then occurred to me that I hadn't found a husband and didn't have a way to support myself; so, I became certified as a Secondary English teacher.

I graduated in 1971, the year when there were 200 teachers for every position. I got my first job in Baltimore City Public Schools. Realizing that I couldn't teach English if my students couldn't read, I went on to earn a Master's Degree as a Reading Specialist at Hopkins while I was teaching in Baltimore . I then switched to Prince Georges County Public Schools where I worked as a high school reading specialist. I currently work as a full-time professor at Montgomery College where I teach college reading skills to under-prepared students. I have spent a total of 26 years teaching under-served students and I have found it very challenging and worthwhile work. I am grateful for my own education at Walter Johnson, where most of us took our education for granted (at best).

On the personal side, after a brief 2 year marriage in my 20's which ended in divorce, I married my current husband, Art, in 1984. We had two wonderful girls when I was 37 and 39. I was lucky to be able to stay home and raise them for 8 years. The youngest just left home to attend Drew University in New Jersey . The oldest is finishing her senior year at Kalamazoo College . I was dreading having an empty nest. I got depressed and lost weight. My husband didn't get it. Now that both girls are out of the house, life is wonderful. I don't know what I was worried about. If I leave something clean, it stays clean. If we want to go out to dinner at the last minute, we go out. Meanwhile, my husband is a little depressed.

Like some others of you, I began riding horses again when I was 50. I leased and now own a horse at Rock Creek Park Horse Center where I blissfully ride the trails and watch the seasons change. I've learned a lot from my horse about how to improve my relationships at home and at work.

In high school I was in a small, pre-hippy "beatnik" group. I felt very much out of the mainstream. It has been amazing to read about so many people who also felt that way. I look forward to meeting my high school classmates at the reunion.

Ellen (Bortman) McMurdie

12 Cleveland Ave

Takoma Park , MD 20912

301-565-3646

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Bio. from: Claire Bradley Ingley

I'm looking forward to our reunion (even though I only attended WJ for my senior year) and to seeing friends I have lost touch with, and hopefully making new friends!

Believe it or not, I just bought a laptop, and am new at typing and sending my own e-mails!! I am enjoying reading all the bios, and I appreciate all that Norris Hillery has done to get the reunion going, Tom Meleney for the website, and the others of you doing so much to keep the ball rolling to the big day - Nov. 4^th.

I attended and graduated from the University of Maryland in 1970 with a degree in Elementary Education. I did post graduate work toward a Masters in Human Development and also attained 60 more credits during my 30-year teaching career in Montgomery County Public Schools. I taught second and third grade for 20 years, then specialized as a math teacher for grades K-5, and then created and taught a gifted and talented program for 2nd through 5th grades. I also taught 5th and 6th grade English, literature and writing in the French immersion school, and spent the final two years teaching in a new "balanced literacy" reading program for first and second graders.

I lived in Rockville for ten years then moved to and currently live in Gaithersburg , Maryland . I love the beach and have spent every summer possible in Rehoboth Beach , Delaware . I also love to travel! I spent five summers in Europe and have been on 12 cruises to the Caribbean and Bermuda . I love to play volleyball and played on women's and co-ed teams in Montgomery County for twelve years, reaching AA at my peak. Now I play and enjoy golf!

I studied calligraphy and am a member of the Washington Calligraphers Guild. Combining calligraphy and my art background, I established an arts and crafts business 20 years ago (while still teaching) - ABC Designs by Claire. I design and create novel pins and earrings, specializing in pins for teachers and school staff. I have over 500 copyrighted designs for my teacher pins and sell them at state, regional, and national teacher conferences, as well as school fund raisers and at craft shows in Maryland and Delaware . I use my calligraphy in my teacher pin designs. I am now in the process of adding a new line of custom pins. I take children's artwork and turn it into pins that can be proudly worn by their mothers and grandmothers. They make great gifts!

I married Jerry Ingley (my best friend) in June 1979,and have been married for 27 years. Jerry was a career analyst at NSA, and is a musician, a songwriter, and writer. We met while he was playing in a band and I became a groupie! He has written and copyrighted over 100 songs and, during the '80s we traveled to Nashville yearly, pitching his songs to artists and publishers, and receiving four contract offers, one that was signed.

I enjoy photography and did real estate photography until I got my real estate license in the '80's (never really sold any homes -only referrals - yet keep my license active to use myself). I really enjoy real estate and the market, which lead to our purchasing a condo in Rehoboth , DE , early in our marriage. We've spent nearly every weekend there since.

Both of us are now retired and while I continue my pin business, Jerry is a consultant with Boeing supporting the DoD.

In 2004, we bought a new home in Lewes , DE , near Rehoboth Beach and, having survived the building process have been setting it up and moving into it as a second home. We will eventually retire there full time.

Meanwhile, we bought a condo in Leisure World, which is currently rented out, and plan to sell our Gaithersburg home and use the condo as a home base in MD, after we've moved to DE and while Jerry is still working in MD (it even confuses me sometimes!).

We're looking forward to seeing you all soon!!

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Bio. from: Allen Brimmer [mailto:abrimmer@cpcug.org]
Sent: Thursday, November 09, 2006 7:37 AM

It's been great reading all the biographies. I've always been a bit of a proscrastinator, but finally decided to write.

I went to University of Chicago after WJ. I loved it and studied al kinds of things of wonderful subjects like Performance of Renaissance music, Greek and international educational system. I thought I would become a teacher, but could not find a job. This may have been because of the strange course requirements of the Chicago public school system. It would not hire an education professor from UC because he had not taken a course that he taught.

So I got a job as an operating room orderly when I decided to become a doctor. So after 2 years of part time study, I got into medical school.

For my last year of medical school, I did an elective in Cameroon. It was wonderful living abroad. NO phones. No TV. I learned French.

Then I came back to Oak Park for my family practice residency. It was great. Then I went to a small town in Ohio to fulfill my National Health Service Corps (which paid for my medical school) requirement.

In 1980, I returned to DC to work with Kaiser. But the international bug was in me, so I went to Johns Hopkins part-time to get a Public Health degree in international health.

So in 1986, I removed my tie for what I hoped was the last time and went to Grenada with Project Hope to help develop the community health services there. AIDS was just starting and I became part to the National AIDS Task force. Grenada was absolutely wonderful. I learned scuba diving, was an

active Hash Hash Harrier (bizaare British running group). One memorable
experience was a beach party my neighbors held. I cooked loads of chicken.
They slaughtered a goat in the front yard and roasted it. When we got to the beach they went spear fishing, so we ate goat, chicken, sausage, and fresh fish. And drank and danced, and drank and danced, and drank and talked. That was Grenada. My first marriage of 16 years fell apart in Grenada, but left me one son. At the end of the time in Grenada I met a doctor from Barbados who was to become my second wife.

When my contract was finished in Grenada, Project hope moved me to Belize where I was the director of a small health education project. Belize was not a beautiful as Grenada, but was wonderful in a different way. I was there a year, then moved to Barbados to be near my girlfriend. We married there and had our first child there.

An old friend convinced me to join USAID to do international health work.
After long discussions, I decided to leave the paradise of Barbados and come back to DC again (a strange decision looking back on it).

I worked at USAID for 6 years, but left after getting frustrated being away from my family. There were now 2 daughters and they are the center of my life. So in 1994, I returned to family practice with Kaiser. To spend more time with my children, this year I started working in 2 nursing homes, one a few miles from WJ.

I missed the reunion because I had to help my daughter with her homework.
My life centers around my 2 daughters 12 and 16. We are looking at colleges and I finally am getting a chance to teach.

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Bio. from: Jane Brown.....(Burnette) email janeburnette@adelphia.net

Well, kids, it's been a long and crazy ride, not surprising since I'm the one at the steering wheel! After WJ. I went to Montgomery (Junior) College to study graphics arts, and found it much easier than high school!! Dropped out in my first semester after discovering I was pregnant. Stayed out that year and put my baby daughter up for adoption. Then I went to George Mason, got a bachelor's in psychology, married my wild and brilliant Ex, a former special forces officer who got his degree in math in 2 years, working as a computer programmer and then manager, setting up new computer systems, all at the same time. There was no time to be married, and that marriage ended just as I graduated. I lost all faith in marriage, and haven't been married again since. But I did gain 2 great sisters-in-law and a wonderful niece who has appointed me her "honorary aunt." I worked in human factors research, first for the Department of Transportation, then for a consulting firm. My house on Seneca Creek was caught in the flooding of Hurricane Agnes in 1972, declared a national disaster area, and after a few months with no potable water, I moved to Reston, Va, where I met Bill Toms, Ph.D., Cornell, Information Theory; loved music, played 5 instruments, 3 of them well. We bought a house together and lived there for about 10 years before that relationship fell apart. During that time, I realized that my best career skills were in writing, analysis and editing, moved to another consulting firm doing research in special education. Education for kids with disabilities was a big deal politically then, since legislation requiring their appropriate education was passed and funded in 1975 and needed to be implemented. At the same time, I took graduate classes in publications management, economics, urban planning and architecture but did not commit to any of these fields, so I consider these experiences matters of curiosity/personal development.

Went to work for the Council for Exceptional Children, an association for special educators, where I managed publications for a special research program associated with the ERIC Clearinghouse on Disabilities and Gifted Education. Later became publications manager for the clearinghouse and was fortunate enough to work with some of the best researchers and authors in the field. My writing's been fairly well accepted: I won a Curriculum Product News national award for one of the best 100 products of the year (what year, I don't remember), just completed 2 chapters in a book for art teachers on special education, and wrote and edited hundreds of products for the clearinghouse (among other things). Do any of you remember Mrs. (Jessie) Snowden, the English teacher? I worked with a woman who turned out to be friends with her and gave me her address at Leisure World in Maryland. I dropped her a note a couple of years ago. I'm sure she wouldn't remember me, but I hope she was glad to have some appreciation from one of her students. I met Andy Leonard, the love of my life, when I lived in Reston. Andy is British, came to the US at 9 when his dad's company went international. The rest of his family moved back to England when he was in high school. I'm glad he stayed here! Also while I was in Reston, my daughter found me. I never knew how much genetics influence personality until I met her-we had so much in common. She started to major in Psych, then switched to English, went back and got her teaching certificate and taught elementary school. Of all the things she could have done, those she chose were almost the same as mine. She married and has a 6-year-old son, but her marriage did not last. So I am an "auxiliary" mother and grandmother. Don't get to see them as much as I'd like, but we are great friends and e-mailers, and we love each other dearly. Llived in Reston, Andy in Oakton, until Sept. 11, 2001, when we packed the car and left for Warrenton. He thought I was overreacting, but I decided to flee until I knew more about what was going on. We already had a house in Warrenton that was sitting vacant, and when we left, we took our two cats. Anyone who has cats knows that once you've moved your cats, you've moved permanently! I sold my house in Reston and my rental townhouse and bought a tiny condo on Siesta Key, 5 miles from my mother's house in Sarasota. Don't get there as often as we'd like, but it's nice to dream about going down there and getting warm! I commuted from Warrenton to Arlington for about 3 years, and now I am doing developmental editing, writing, and consulting work from home. Clients include The Advocacy Institute, Sage Publications, CEC, and the National Association of School Psychologists. I've been a member of the professional advisory board of the P. Buckley Moss Foundation for Children's Education for the past 8 years-I'm sad that my term ends this year, it's been fun.

Andy volunteers at the environmental studies lab at Airlie, where he works with swans. Their lab was featured in the Disney movie "Fly Away Home" when they taught geese a new migration pattern using ultralights. They've also recently started a new project for swans migrating from Alaska, and have been been featured on a TV show. Andy is also an excellent guitar player and loves classic rock. Andy and I have a small "farmette," 2 huge dogs (a 120 pound Shiloh Shepherd and a 120 pound German Shepherd) , the 2 little cats, and a dozen goldfish in the living room. Oops-the dogs and cats have run of the house (get along lovingly); only the fish live in the living room! The picture I am attaching is of me and Angus, our Shiloh. Travels include Nova Scotia, Mexico from Tijuana to Acapulco, sailing in Tortola, a month driving around in Spain with my best friend y sus Papa, and numerous trips to the south of England to visit Andy's fam. Sports include swimming (always!), dirt bike riding in my 20's (the kind with the motor), sailing and bicycling in my 30's, aerobics, real jazz dance from 40-45, and now I'm a total slug .

I am so impressed by the bios I've read, it seems that everyone has done such interesting things and made HUGE contributions in many ways. I also imagine that everyone is rich and beautiful but me. Although I don't remember everyone, it's been fascinating to read the bios! Hope to see you at the reunion.

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Bio. from: John Buckley email throwfar99@hotmail.com

Thanks for all our work putting everything together--sorry I can't make it.

Here is a brief version of my life after WJ:

I graduated from Kent State University in 1971 (yes I was there on May 4, 1970). My mother had moved back to the Boston area in August of 1969 after the death of my father in July of 1967 and my younger sister's graduation from WJ in 1969. Anyway, after graduation my uncle got me a job teaching in the Boston Public School System. I didn't really want the job, at the time I was substitute teaching and working in a bar and planned to make a few bucks then go to California to train and hopefully become an Olympian in the Decathlon. (Looking back that would have been futile since I in no way had that kind of athletic ability). Anyway in December of 1971 I met my future wife Ann Marie who was a student teacher where I was teaching. We got married in July of 1974 and bought a home in Westwood Mass and both continued to teach in Boston. We moved to Hingham Mass in 1977 then moved across town to another home in Hingham in around 1987, where we still live.

We had our first child (Daniel J) in July of 1977. He always did very well in school and athletics especially wrestling and baseball. He wrestled for 4 years at Boston College where he graduated in 1999 with a double major in Human Resources and Marketing. Dan works in Quincy Mass for an Insurance company and handles the high-risk and sports insurance accounts.

We had a second son Craig who was born in 1980. Craig was an excellent athlete in both football and wrestling. He was a 2-time NCAA All-American wrestler in the 184 & 197 pound weight class. Craig received his masters degree last May and is a paid intern on the Boston College Strength & Conditioning staff. Although we are not 100% pleased he also fights professionally in mixed martial arts. We used to think his wrestling matches were stressful! Although he has done quite well (currently 3-0) these are very tough to be a spectator at if you are a parent.

As for Ann Marie and I we have been the typical parents involved in our children's lives and doting on them. We have both have taught full time except for the time Ann Marie took off for maternity leaves and the time I took off when I had a business (around seven years selling-you guessed it weight lifting equipment). I have coached quite a bit (I guess around 25 out of the last 30 years) and am currently in my tenth year as an assistant Track Coach at Boston College. I must admit I really enjoy this and we (the whole family and assorted friends go to all the BC home football games and tailgate etc. Now we are looking towards the next phase of our lives when we retire around 2010 (I will probably still coach part time). I will be surprised if we are not Grandparents by then but we shall see. In the meantime, we have both are homes paid for now (we also have a small home on Cape Cod that we currently rent year round), and are saving for retirement as we begin our mad dash towards that goal of financial security.

I must add that Ann Marie has put up with and continues to put up with a lot from me as she continues to try and be the voice of sanity for a family of 3 'boys'. All my friends tell me that "I am winning", since I have more toys (motorcycle, boat etc). She loves the boat but hates the bike. Anyway are lives and our health have been pretty good. I still workout 5 or 6 days a week but am still and weaker, slower, and fatter than 40 years ago-go figure.

Sorry I won't be there but wish everyone well,

John Buckley, 14 Stagecoach Road, Hingham, Ma 02043 (781) 749-1308

throwfar99@hotmail.com or john.buckley.3@bc.edu

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Bio. from: Sally Burtner.......married Schofield email schofies@georgetown.edu

Thanks to all of you who have worked so hard to set up the reunion! It has been fascinating reading about everyone; I'm attaching a picture taken this summer & look forward to the party!

I left for Tokyo before Christmas of our senior year when the Air Force surprised my Dad with orders to move to Tachikawa in 2 weeks, so I actually graduated from Yamato Dependents School in Tokyo-50 students in 3 grades compared to WJs much larger class...anyone know how many were in WJ that year?

Went to Western College for Women, now part of Miami Univ. in Oxford, OH for 2 years before transferring with my roommate to Boston where I started at BU School of Fine Arts & graduated with Art History degree, ending up in graphics & meeting my wonderful husband Russ who was attending Northeastern & had met my roommate before through her finance.

She had thought we would be a perfect match-she was right-we celebrated our 36th anniversary this year & have enjoyed it all!

I worked for the Air Line Pilots Association for 7 years before having our first daughter & leaving to start our own business, Tandem Graphics, to promote Russ' artwork & keep my hand in; tried real estate for 3 years in the late 80's (just in time for the slump) then returned to work full time at Georgetown University where I still work in the Kennedy Institute of Ethics-Philosophy professors & librarians who created & maintain the largest bioethics library in the world-wonderful place to work!

We've lived in Bethesda the entire time & have 3 delightful kids; Maggie, who is happily teaching in a So. Boston inner city school; Andy, who is in the 2nd year of Georgetown's 2 year MBA program & is interested in international real estate development; and Lizzy, who is in Manhattan working as a sales rep for Donghia & enjoying the Big Apple. We've come full circle with them, walking to what is now the Irish Inn at Glen Echo for a breather when they were just old enough to be left alone for a short time, to going there with them & enjoying their company!

We bought a sailboat a few years ago to try something that always sounded like fun to us; it was in Oxford, MD when we bought it & we liked the town so much, have kept it there, going on the weekends.

See you soon!

Sally

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Bio. from Vivian Cahnmann.....married Francesco email :francesco_18938@mybluelight.com

Hi, My name is Vivian Cahnmann Francesco.

I am a photographer (greeting cards with Hallmark, Recycled Paper Products and Northern Exposure and childrens books, Harper, Dutton) turned Psychologist...(Cognitive Therapy Center in Manhattan) in private practice in New Hope,Pa.

However, my greatest joy and accomplishment is being a birth mother of our( with husband Michael) currently 9 year old son, Michael Hans and our beautiful daughter since birth, Sophia. The joy and miracle of this "second life" far outweighs anything imaginable!!!!

Looking forward to the reunion....with kid photos in hand....

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Bio. from Marlena Campagna.....married Keenangkeenan@comcast.net

What an interesting and accomplished group the class of '66 is!

Since WJ - went to U.Md., ended up with a B.A. in Art History which qualifies you to work in the Natl. Gallery gift shop. Oh well, I just really enjoyed learning about the lives and works of creative people. I continued on in later years with courses in Gerontology.

While at U.Md., I met my husband, George (contract furniture, real estate) through a Kappa Delta sorority sister. It ended up that three KD sisters married three Keenan brothers - a great way to keep in touch with your friends! They live in NJ and Cape Cod so we do a lot of traveling up and down the east coast.

Went to Woodstock, my kids think that was cool. I think it would be cool if I found my tickets in the basement (ebay!)

We've lived in Georgetown, S.W. Washington waterfront area, and 2 houses in Bethesda. Currently in a wooded area where I battle with the wildlife that eat my attempts at landscaping and gave the dogs Lyme's disease and fox mange!

I've had a variety of employment experiences - newspaper, advertising & promotions, freelance graphic art and when the kids were in school, leading armchair exercise and art history slide shows at nursing homes and senior centers. This gradually led to me being for the last 15 years an Activities Dir. at a lovely assisted living home. The residents are a very cultured and interesting group. My Art History degree does come in handy - one resident worked on Grandma Moses' social security and another went to tea with Georgia O'Keeffe. It's like living with history sometimes. Another good thing is that I get to play my old records (original broadway shows, not Bob Dylan).

I do worry about us Baby-boomers and who will take care of us.. .

Two children: Shauna and Bryson, both graduated from Winston Churchill HS in Potomac. Spent many years as traveling soccer parents and still do as son plays in an adult league now (we don't have to bring the oranges anymore). Shauna graduated from Rider Univ., NJ, in American Studies, Bryson from Penn in Communications. They both work at the same law firm in "beautiful downtown Bethesda" and I hope the divorces and pre-nuptials don't scare them into being single forever!

I enjoy my book group (The Biblio Babes) of over 12 years, Pilates, swimming, and anything involving food and wine. Cheers!

Looking forward to seeing friends at the reunion and thanks to those putting in the organizing efforts.

P.S. I work with Kathy (Stefany) Morris, married to Pat Morris, both class of '66. She beautifies our residents and is very modest about the many small miracles she performs...

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Bio. from Donna Carl....married name Henderson

Upon graduating from WJ in ’66, I interned with the Dept. of Health, Education and Welfare during my college summers…downtown and at NIH. I attended Georgetown College , a small Baptist college in the bluegrass outside of Lexington , KY. Elementary education and art were my double majors. My college was half the size of WJ!

I taught first grade in Greenbelt , Md. for a year. Then, returning to Louisville , KY , I taught first grade for 6 years. It was during this time that court ordered busing was mandated…to save money in its first year, they bused the first grade teachers instead. So, I went to teach in government housing projects.

In 1974, I married a Baptist Theological Seminary student (who was from Arkansas ). David Henderson and I have been happily married for 32 years!! In 1977, we moved to Roanoke , Virginia , where he became the associate pastor of Virginia Heights Baptist Church . After 7 years, we remained in Roanoke , but David became the pastor of Central Baptist Church for 11 years. During this time, he earned his doctorate from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville , KY. 11 years ago, we moved to Bedford , Virginia (the location of the National D’ Day Memorial…if you have not been, it is very impressive.) David is the pastor of Bedford Baptist Church at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains . This is absolutely beautiful country! I taught first grade in Roanoke for 30 years…even making the hour’s commute after we moved to Bedford . I have had approximately 720 first graders over the years. It is the most exciting age to teach! You can hardly imagine being part of the magical thrill of learning to read for the very first time. My love for art was very useful in the classroom. In my career, I did not reign over the corporate world…but hopefully I planted the seeds to take others there.

This past spring, I retired from teaching. (You know you are getting old when you are teaching the children of former first grade students!) I had planned to teach for another year, but the school system was not promising that they would offer early retirement after that time. I immediately went to work for the Bedford County School System as the 21^st Century Grant Coordinator…”part time!” It is keeping me quite busy with planning after-school enrichment seminars. We are trying to offer cultural and fun learning experiences to the disadvantaged. I have also taught Sunday School these many years.

In 1980, David and I were blessed with a beautiful daughter. Kelly grew up to be a baseball nut with her dad! (Sometimes they let me tag along.) David is a Brooks Robinson fanatic and Kelly has every Cal Ripken memento ever made. The Orioles are their team…with The Atlanta Braves as a second. (Our church flew us to the World Series in Houston last year for our 10^th Anniv. at the church.) Kelly went to Virginia Tech in computer engineering…but decided she was more of a people person rather than designing chips and circuits. So, she graduated in IT in 2003 and was hired by Ingersoll-Rand in their leadership development program. She now works in their corporate offices on Lake Norman outside of Charlotte , NC . During this time, we have become Hokie fans in true maroon and orange style! We have season tickets and have missed very few games! In May of this year, Kelly married her beau of 5+ years. Her dad walked her down the aisle and then performed the ceremony. Jason Dye, our new son-in-law, also went to VT graduating in industrial engineering…but later became Microsoft certified. He worked for the Justice Department in Washington and later for the Executive Office of the President with their computers. He made the move to Charlotte to be with Kelly, and he is currently working with the computers for Lowes Corporate Offices.

My bio and my commitment to come to the reunion are late because my husband is recovering from surgery earlier this month. He is recuperating nicely but will not be attending with me. My parents still live in Kensington and I look forward to visiting with them as well. We don’t make it to DC very often…my parents come here, we meet at their boat on Solomon’s Island , or their lake house near Charlottesville . I am quite fortunate to still have my parents. They are both cancer survivors! I look forward to seeing everyone on Sat.

Thanks to Norris and all of the others who have planned this event so carefully.

Donna Henderson (CARL), Bedford , VA 24523,

email grade1tch@aol.com

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Julia Carlson: My Biography

I won't make it to the 40th, but all y'all have fun! It has been so interesting reading about what our class has done - most impressive! Please contact me at uberhuss@hotmail.com of you're ever in the Boston area. We have pubs here too! Best regards -

EDUCATION:

BA, Philosophy, MA, Social Work, Boston University.

MA, Linguistics, University of Toulouse-le-Mirail, Toulouse, France. OCCUPATIONS (all currently): Owner, STUFF, Nashville, TN: vintage clothing, instruments, country music memorabilia, general kitsch. Fiction Editor, Wilderness House Literary Review Writer Decoupage Artist Amateur Mandolinist HR professional (with general contactor/fine cabinet maker, Boston MA). Real Estate Mogul Orthodox Christian (yes, it's a job!)

FAMILY:

Beautiful and super-cool: my ex-husband's, and my family of origin, plus my daughter, grandson, son-in-law, and his family! We're a mixed bag - sculptors, artists, teachers, romance novelists, computer geeks, housewives, cake decorators, theatre ushers, heart surgeons, general contractors, tug boat captains, CPAs, carpenters, entrepreneurs, farmers, interior decorators, jewelry makers, merchants, tennis coaches, gangsters, spies, rap artists, preachers, tight rope walkers, reality show contestants, about 200

of us in all...I, thankfully, am single. Lord have mercy!

GOALS:

Live on the Mediterranean coast (preferably Sicily), write a great poem, Morocco in February 2007, the Great Wall of China before I die. Read all the books in my library. Learn Russian.

SECRET:

I still go to punk shows.

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Bio. from Bruce Carroll email

Hi. This is Bruce Carroll. After reading so many bios I decided it was unfair to keep reading and not sharing. So here's mine.

I have been a criminal defense lawyer in Boston for the last 28 years. Most of my clients are poor people of color who generally don't get the kind of representation other folks do. While I am not the best lawyer in Boston, I do hope I am making a difference in some peoples' lives by making sure that if the state is going to take away their liberty it does so only after my client gets a fair shake. I like having to think on my feet at trial, and I like beating the prosecutors and cops. It's hard to get rid of that old competitive spirit. So, if any of you get busted in Boston, give me a call - I have a special rate for college and high school classmates that is somewhere around 150% above what I would charge anybody else!

I went to Earlham College after WJ. Three good things happened there. It kept me out of the draft for four years. I was ready to go to Canada in late 1970, early '71 if I had had to but my lottery number turned out to be four numbers higher than they drafted that year. I did not think I could fight for what was, at that point, Tricky Dick Nixon's war. I got to play varsity soccer for three years. In those days small Quaker colleges had an advantage because all the Quaker high school jocks played soccer, not football. As a result I got to play with some really good players, and teams. My junior year we were ranked in the top 20 nationally - with no regard to divisions 1, 2, or 3 then. The third thing was I met Merri Lea Shaw (WJ '67). We have been together since - just celebrated the 39th anniversary of our first date. She is an MSW with a private practice doing psychotherapy - this after spending a number of years at McLean Hospital, a private psychiatric hospital.

I spent four years between college and law school. I went to Memphis, Tn. as a Vista volunteer, and to work with the NAACP Legal Defense Fund right after college. Most of the work was organizing poor women around welfare rights and education issues. Merri Lea joined me there when she finished at Earlham. We then spent a number of months traveling around the West, camping and visiting friends and family. In 1972, we moved to Massachusetts where we were part of an intentional community centered around a dairy farm. We were full time farmers for a year. When the community broke up, I took a job at Old Sturbridge Village (the poor man's Williamsburg) as a 19th century dirt farmer/historical interpreter. Best job I ever had - driving oxen while plowing a field, or to haul lumber out of the woods on a snowy day is tough to beat. I almost walked out of law school the first day it snowed during a class.

The best thing I have done since WJ was to become a father. I was not sure about the idea at the time, but it really has no equal. The unconditional, and inexplicable, love you feel for your kids is unfathomable if you haven't had kids. We have two: Will - class of '05 from Haverford, and Laura - class of '08 at St. Mary's College of Maryland. Merri Lea gets most of the credit for them being such terrific kids but she assures me I added something. They gave us a big compliment a couple of years ago when they asked to go on a vacation with us - not something I could picture asking my parents to do with me when I was in college.

I am jealous of the many things I see so many of you have done over the years, but my greatest admiration goes out to Kathleen Dawe. Anyone who does 700 miles of the Appalachian Trail rocks! Best hikes I have taken are to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, and the Kalalau Trail on Kauai.

I don't expect to make the party but I hope everyone has a great time.

Peace.

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Bio. From: Debbie Catt....married Marinaro email djmarinaro@earthlink.net

Deborah (Debbie) J. Catt Marinaro

I have been reading all of the bios you have sent, and not sure I wanted to let everyone know what I haven't done, but decided that I was having a good time, and that is what counted, so here it is.

I have enjoyed reading everyone's bios, also using the yearbook. I am amazed who I did not know.

After WJ, I headed west to Wm. Penn College, in Iowa. I left after 2 semesters, and enrolled in the University of Hard Knocks.

I married someone I met at college, moved to NJ, had a daughter, and divorced. (Life 101)

I stayed in NJ, remarried in 1976, a wonderful man, and really started enjoying my life. I did the "crazy lady" routine, working full time, wife, Mom, Girl Scout leader, Band Mom, and I continue playing my cello with the local symphony. I have spent a good amount of time and energy on the genealogy trees for both sides of my family, (my Father's tree goes back to the Mayflower), and those on my husband's.

As a family, we have vacationed on the NC Outerbanks since 1984, and since Kristin graduated from college in 1991, my husband & I have been exploring the western National Parks. At 50, we hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, and our latest were the National Parks in Hawaii.

For almost 20 years, I am working with an accounting firm. I live with Sam, my husband, in a lovely lake community in the northwest corner of NJ. The winters are too long, and we dream of moving 'south' one of these days.

Debbie Catt Marinaro, 647 West Shore Trail, Sparta, NJ 07871, 973-729-0676, djmarinaro@earthlink.net

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My name in the WJ roster is Jan M. Chaffee. and married name is (Erbe)

Great job! I loved the web site - - Won't be at reunion - son is senior in high school and has his next to last high school football game that night - - he is starting defense and probably starting offense. I won't miss the games!

My son plays football on friday night - so we're missing rehearsal dinner for my nephew.

My nephew is getting married in Charlotte, NC on Saturday late afternoon.

Unfortunately, Nov 4th is a weekend full of fun commitments for us elsewhere.

THANKS for your efforts making this happen! I'll look forward to the 50th, and am enjoying all the info and bios!

At age 17, I was meditating, and I asked the Higher Thingie a simple question. What is the Purpose of all the incredible gifts I’ve been given? (Great parents, cool friends, perfect health, living in the best country ever, plenty of food, shelter, clothing, education – and bright enough to get into Yale with a scholarship!)

The small quiet voice inside me (right, the one we all heard about from Davy Crockett J) asked: “Will other people be ‘better off’ because you were here?” I figured out, way back then, the most sensible Purpose of such gifts is to work toward better lives for all the people who weren’t given so much.

Then a series of “chance” events took me into the field of disabilities. The rest of that story leads through consulting firms, universities, and my own little nonprofit (not on purpose!) company that does policy-relevant research in the disability, aging, special education, and mental health fields. The rest of that career stuff can be googled pretty easily these days, or seen at www.eoutcome.org.

Physically, I won my first black belt from Jhoon Rhee (remember his dumb ads on TV? “Nobody bothers meeee!”) back in the summer between our junior and senior years. I swam and played hockey at Yale, started the Tae Kwon Do club there, and won a second black belt in Shotokan (Japanese) karate at a local New Haven School . I’ve never stopped that stuff, and, although it led me to a completely nonviolent path, I still love it. (Chuck Norris and Bruce Lee were guest instructors downtown at the main school back in 1965! Nobody even knew who they were at the time, except that they were champions. I thought Lee was bionic. I never saw a talent quite like that ever again.)

Romance & Family: I met Irene Taurins on Friday the 13^th of September in 1974 at Club Med in Martinique . We have been together ever since. She was living in Manhattan , I was in DC. She was head of Decorative Arts and Paintings at Sotheby’s, and I was at a dingbat consulting firm in DC at 18^th and L Sts. It took years to work out, but we migrated toward one another. For me, an opportunity arose to work at Temple University in Philadelphia , which brought me closer to NYC, in 1975. Then Irene began to commute from Phila to NYC every day in 1976. OK, here’s when I knew for sure that Irene was either (a) nuts or (b) really in love. By 1978, Irene found a job at the Philadelphia Museum of Art as a Junior Registrar. She’s now the head Registrar, and has been since 1981.

We were married in our living room by a Harvard grad Unitarian minister in his Harvard robes, with all four of our parents as our “Best Organisms” in 1978.

(Geez, I’ve had a hard time taking anything seriously. Laughing and kidding around is one of the top three values in my life. The President of Yale, Kingman Brewster, became one of my heroes when he was asked by the White House to be our Ambassador to England – “The Court of St. James” – and he wrote back asking “Does this mean I would have to begin taking myself seriously?” He got the job anyway.)

Then the kids thing….we named our kids Nick and Nora. Don’t even ask about our dog. I know we are going to do time in Purgatory for this, but they were our favorite names…..Nick’s 21, a junior studying to be a video game designer, and Nora, 25, just finished summa at community college, manages a posh hair salon, is looking for a 4 year college concept, and is victoriously coping with serious chronic clinical depression via meds and will. Both of them beat my SAT scores and are a real treat to hang around with. (Uh-oh – a preposition at the end of a sentence! Sorry!)

So what has life taught you all about the meaning of all this? Does “Faith” sustain you? Have you found “Meaning” without “Faith”? Are you “Spiritual” without being “Religious”? Can you reconcile Science with Religion in your worldview? And can you stand me doing little stupid close-up illusions at your table at Union Jack’s next week as an excuse to sit down and really talk with you about your life, your journey, and your insights?

Married to Janis Goodman in Boston , 1970. That'll be 37 years next June. Friend and classmate Richard Marks came to the wedding.

We are the proud parents of 2 kids: Heather is a geologist, living in Boston area, and

I am presently a senior scientist on the faculty of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Dept. at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh . I do some research, and some teaching, but mainly I help administer a research center whose mission is to figure out what the semiconductor industry should do as Moore 's Law ultimately gets broken. I saw in the WJ bios that Steve Graham studied art at Carnegie Mellon at the beginning of his career. Carnegie Mellon is known nationally for its fine and dramatic arts, and for its engineering. I guess Steve and I have that spectrum covered.

I got a bachelor's in physics at MIT in 1970, and a PhD at Harvard in 1976, then worked for IBM Research in New York for 17 years, including a half year sabbatical to the Technical University of Denmark in 1985, where I ran in to classmate Tom Haselton. In fact he bought my Toyota when Janis and I left Denmark .

We Left IBM and NY in 1992 and went to Pittsburgh to work for Westinghouse, which became Northrop Grumman, and ultimately moved operations to Baltimore .

We decided to stay in Pittsburgh , and I found this faculty job at Carnegie Mellon in 2000. I am having a ball!

Thanks to Norris and Tom and everyone who has put this reunion together. See you Saturday!

Hello, Class of 1966. Although I only attended Walter Johnson High School for our junior year and two months of our senior year, I have very fond memories of my time there. I had some good friends whom I hope will get in touch.

When my family moved back to California, I finished my senior year at Santa Barbara High School with the kids I had been with in elementary and junior high. I received my BA from UC Davis in 1970.

My husband, Richard, and I were married in February 1972 and have lived in Santa Barbara,California, the Washington DC area, Sacramento, California, and have been in Eugene, Oregon for the past 19 years. We keep busy as Assistant Managers of Briarwood, our manufactured home park, with church activities, and spending time with our adorable "granddaughters" (actually friends' girls who adopted us)!!!

Although I won't be able to attend the reunion this year, I would love to hear from old friends. I'll be thinking of you all on the 4th! Have a blast!!!

Vicki (Davies) Salman
salmanrv@wmconnect.com

A brief bio on Linda (DelVecchio) Galbraith......passed away after a courageous battle with scarcenoma....April, 2010

It is so amazing to read everyone's bio's. These last 40 years have gone by quickly. So many classmates have achieved some pretty impressive educational, humanitarian, and artistic goals. I guess we could all say that WJ gave us an excellent foundation as a starting point. I loved high school and felt I was "an involved" participant, but now that I'm reading these bio's I realize there are many classmates whose names I don't recognize.

My best friends, at WJ, were Susan Runnels and Stevie Flather. Sue and I were cheerleaders our senior year (so where are Faye Griffth and Sandy Searles and Lorraine Thackston??) and friends since the 4th grade. I hope she's coming to the reunion and that we recognize each other. Stevie and I have sort of stayed in touch with Xmas cards. She's a better , more loyal correspondent than I. I was always the more conservative, traditional one and she was and is the more liberal activist. That's never been a problem.

Always wanted to follow my mother's footsteps into nursing, so I went to the University of Evansville, IN and graduated with BSN in 1970. That same year, I married Vic Valeriano, who worked for United AL. We lived in Northern Virginia and I worked in the operating room at Fairfax Hospital. In our 9 years of marriage, we traveled the world. I certainly saw many places, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Tokyo etc. that I probably wouldn't have seen otherwise. The marriage ended amicably, "no-fault" in those days. Meanwhile, I decided that I wanted more challenge in my work and went back to school at Geo. Washington University and Fairfax Hospital School of Anesthesia and in 1974 became a CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse

Anesthetist) For about 11 years, I worked in various hospitals in the Metro DC area , until 1985, I joined another CRNA in private practice. We provided office anesthesia service to about 12 plastic surgeons and dermatologists in the DC, Md, VA area. I am now in solo practice, my corporation is Outpatient Anesthesia Solutions and I work exclusively for a world renown plastic surgeon in McLean, VA.

Yes, I will answer all questions at the reunion re: face lifts, tummy tucks and liposuction. It has been a very good career. Retirement is not in sight.

In 1981, I married Al, a local (Arlington, VA.) guy, who was a Fairfax Co. public school administrator, til he retired in 1997. We have 2 daughters, Diana, who's graduating from Geo. Mason Univ (psychology). this year and Alyson, who's graduating from Radford Univ. with a BSN in nursing. In 2002, my younger sister, Diane, died of breast cancer. No family history, already Stage III, when diagnosed. We are guardians, for her youngest child, John, who was 12 yrs. old when she died. He is now a junior at Langley High School in McLean.

I am "taking" high school chemistry for the 4th time, now with John. I think I'm finally getting it.

Al and I love to travel and love the beach and warm weather. We have a beach house in Fenwick Island, DE and second home in Naples, FL. One of these days we will retire and spend our time between the two of them. That's the plan anyway. Since Al has retired from work, he stays busy as Commissioner of Northern Virginia Girls Fastpitch Softball Teams. He coached both our daughters in high school and now has about 110 "daughters" in his program. This is a travel league for girls age 12-18.

Both my parents, age 84 and 86 still live in the area. (Rockville) and are living independently, still driving and very active. My family has been blessed. Hope to see everyone on Nov. 4th. Debbie