CLASSMATES' QUESTIONNAIRE ANSWERS

Bob Abrams

Spouse: Celia Bohanan Abrams
Phone Number: (603) 679-3469
E-mail Address: info@octavemandolin.com
Present Occupation: luthier (Trillium Octave Mandolins)

Life and Family: I went to work for a instrument maker soon after leaving U.City High and have been on more or less the same path ever since. I moved to New Hampshire in 1986, married the beautiful daughter of a yankee farmer and settled down to make mandolins in the rural community of Nottingham. Life is very good.....

Bob Adler

Spouse: Donna Camien Adler
Phone Number: (314) 993-1607
E-mail Address: Robertsadlerpc@aol.com
Present Occupation: Attorney/ Municipal Judge

Life and Family: I am most proud of my two children, Sam and Maddy. Sam is a junior at Indiana University and plays Ice Hockey, along with majoring in Finance in the Kelly School of Business. Maddy is a senior in high school at Ladue and plays field hockey and works at Sportsman's Park. Both participated in Youth Leadership St. Louis. I served 6 years on the Ladue School Board, have been a St. Louis County Municipal Judge for the past 14 years, and am also President of Missouri Municiapl and Associate Circuit Judges Association., this year. I am married to Donna Camien Adler, a 1973 Ladue graduate

Next 10 Years: Continue to enjoy spending time with my children, their friends, and in the right order grand children

Favorite Memories: My friends who remain so today

Marc H. Alper

Spouse: Penny Neuman Alper

Phone number: (314) 878-8075

E-mail address: marc.alper@alperaudi.com

Present occupation: Structural Engineer/Principal & President of Alper Audi, Inc.

Life and Family:  Life's been very good, and we do enjoy it to the fullest. Fortunately we're all healthy, happy and comfortable.  We have 3 great kids, mostly grown up now. Greg, the youngest, is a sophomore in engineering at Bradley University; Laura (28, MA in Journalism from Mizzou) just got married and is a director in Chicago of various cable-channel documentaries (she was nominated for an Emmy for a National Geographic series about 9/11); and David (32, MBA from SLU) has his own successful business a few blocks from U City HS making beautiful glass jewelry, mezzuzahs, keepsakes, neon and artwork. I anticipate a wedding for him sometime soon. Penny "retired" several years ago from teaching and as a Parent Educator for Parkway School District, and now is a heavy-duty volunteer.  She is now the President of J-Associates, an active group at the JCC.

My work has been great, and I still enjoy it immensely.  My firm, Alper Audi, (not a car dealership - my business partner is Andre Audi) is a vibrant, growing structural engineering firm, currently with 26 people.  Working for architects, contractors, developers, and owners we design a wide variety of buildings for commercial, industrial and institutional projects with a construction value of nearly $1 Billion dollars each year. Designing office buildings, schools, hospitals, university buildings, condominiums, distribution centers, arenas, hotels, theme parks, manufacturing, retail and mixed-use centers and more, (some of them award winners too), keeps it very interesting and challenging.  Some local projects that you might recognize include CBC High School, Shaw Park Place, St. Louis Ram's Practice Facility, Alberici's Headquarters (rated the "greenest" building in the world), SLU Arena, The Crescent condominiums, The Boulevard (Maggiano's etc.), the Galleria and lots of others.  We are very proud that Alper Audi received an award from the American Subcontractors Association as Best Architect/Engineer in St Louis, the first year they gave out the award.  I am licensed to practice in over 30 states, and more than half of our work is outside of the St Louis area.

I have gotten myself over-volunteered as well - but it's all good stuff, and I am honored to also have received several community service awards.  I am the Chairman of the St. Louis Men's Group Against Cancer (a wonderful charitable organization; BTW our main event Sports Dinner is November 6, 2006, check out www.mensgroupagainstcancer.org); Vice-Chairman of the Jewish Community Center and active in the reconstruction and revitalization of the J's campuses; I am the most recent past-Chairman and former National Director of the American Council of Engineering Companies (MO), and a former officer and director of our synagogue.  I am also a director of Enterprise Bank & Trust in Clayton.  Volunteering has been very rewarding and has allowed us to make new friends and reconnect with old ones.

Penny and I have a fantastic condominium and boats at the Lake of the Ozarks, and go there whenever we can.  I also try to ski (Colorado & Utah mostly) several times a year, and occasionally I golf, (not well).

Next 10 Years:  I'm looking forward to being a Grandfather, (can you believe that we're all that age?), and being able to play more and travel more for fun. But because I still enjoy my work, I expect to continue working for a while longer.

Favorite Memories:  All of the good friends and the fun, Wig-wam, Hamburger Heaven, (before cholesterol I used to be able to actually eat real hamburgers and fries with that secret sauce), and my red VW convertible.

Jaryl Ambler (Brown)

Spouse:  Bob Brown
Phone number:  (541) 826-9273
E-mail address:  jab@mind.net
Present occupation:  Horse rancher

Life and Family:  12 years ago my husband and I semi-retired from the telecommunications industry and moved to Oklahoma. We bought a small ranch and operated a cow/calf operation. In addition we started raising horses and breeding.  We had some good years and some bad and last fall we decided to downsize. We have quarterhorses and a few paints and they keep us busy.

Next 10 Years:  Stay healthy and smell the roses.

Favorite Memories:  Mr. Moceri, Camp White Cloud and the white convertible.

Rick Barber

Spouse: Caroline Enderle Barber
Phone number:  (941) 722-6070
E-mail address:  richardbarber@wcicommunities.com
Present occupation:  General Manager of Real Estate Communities

Life and Family:  The past 10 years have been interesting.  Within a month after our 30th reunion,  I went through a reasonably friendly divorce.  Interestingly, the reunion and the divorce were unrelated events!  Fortunately, within the year, I met and began dating a great lady (Caroline)  who I ultimately married.  We’ve now been married for over 4 years and life is great! 

 Through this past 10 years, two of my daughters have graduated from college and a third is now a college sophomore.  Amazing.  My fourth daughter will graduate from high school next year.  All in all, I’m a lucky man to be surrounded by such great women!

Next 10 Years:  I am currently managing two large real estate developments in the Sarasota, Florida area.  One is winding down, and the other will last about six more years.  At that point, I will probably retire in the Sarasota area.  Caroline and I are seriously considering a second home in New Hampshire, where we continue to have many close friends.  (I spent 15 years of my life in the mountains of New Hampshire).   So summers in New Hampshire and winters in Sarasota;  not bad.

Favorite Memories: I loved playing football at U. City.  We were even a good football team during my junior year – at least for four games.  After that, we tanked!  Anyway, I loved the game, the game days and the camaraderie of playing with the team.  I even loved and appreciated our coach, the famous Stub Muhl.   When I tell people that my high school football coach played with Red Grange, there’s usually total disbelief.  Hey, they played college football in the early 1920’s! 

Other great memories:  playing poker with buddies on non-date nights (and always losing!), dating my Jewish girlfriends (and their parent’s total disapproval!) and skinny dipping in the summer.  Let’s face it:  U. City was a very nice place to grow up.

Earl H. Barge



Spouse:  Sheila Applebaum Barge
Phone number:   (314) 606-1803
E-mail address:  ebarge@charter.net
Present occupation:   Drug court Administrator

Life and Family:  I retired from the Missouri Board of Probation and Parole as the District Administrator for District 38 (Lincoln, Pike and Western St. Charles Counties in August 2004 after 24 year of service. I am now the Drug Court Administrator for the 45th Judicial Circuit (Lincoln and Pike Counties)and  am currently assisting the circuit in establishing several Drug court tracks, including an Adult Drug Court, a Family Dependency Court and a DWI Court.

Next 10 years:  I'm working my way through the 100 Best Trout Streams in the U.S.

Alan Barth

Spouse: Nan
Phone number:   (619) 582-4158
E-mail address:  nanalan@cox.net
Present occupation:  podiatrist

Life and Family:  these last 10 years saw both my children graduate from college, ucla and university of judaism in los angeles. my darling daughter becky is an army pediatrician who is going to be doing a fellowship at walter reed army hospital for the next 3 years in pediatric neurology. she recently married  mark garfinkle,an internist, who will soon be working at johns hopkins. my unmarried very handsome son is now an owner operator of 2 assisted living homes here in san diego after living in los angeles as norman lear's personal assistant. my wife, nan, is a lab supervisor at the same h.m.o. that employs me in the orthopedic surgery department. she and i are very fortunate to live in a beautiful place with wonderful friends

Next 10 years:  being able to spend more time with people i love

Favorite memories: nino's, h, rinaldi's, the varsity and tivoli, wigwam, the pro shows, pro and concert choir, the big games, doubling, parking, mr jacoway

Lynn Bassin Liccione

Spouse: Bill Liccione
Phone Number: (314) 721-4060
E-mail Address: LLiccione@aol.com
Present Occupation: Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Business Co-owner

Morrie P. Beitch

Phone Number: (850) 654 1240
E-mail Address: moedes@cox.net
Present Occupation: retired

Life and Family: Not much to report.  I'm still in Destin playing golf, reading, boating.  I now have two grandchildren-Tyler 4 and Reagan 2.  My daughter's been married for 8 years to Mike who teaches at Maplewood; Amy is celebrating her tenth anniversary as a salesman at KTVI.  I look forward to seeing a lot of people I'm sure I won't recognize.

Renee Bidnick (Summers)

Spouse:  Jerry Summers (U. City, '61)
Phone number:   (636) 532-3034
E-mail address:   rsummers8@charter.net
Present occupation:   Retired/part-time administrator for Outplacement Agency

Life and Family:  I recently retired from a 25 year career at Anheuser-Busch where I worked in a variety of positions ranging from Telecommunications Analyst to Purchasing Agent.  In October of 2005, I took advantage of an early retirement opportunity.  I was so-o-o ready for eliminating the stress, the long drive, and the need to get up each day at 4:45 a.m.  I am now working part-time at an outplacement agency close to home and enjoying the changed, more relaxed lifestyle.  I have watched my 2 sons embark upon their careers.  Micah is 30 and is a computer consultant in St. Louis.  Jeremy is 28 and is an internal medicine resident in Richmond, VA. During these past 10 years, I met and married Jerry Summers, a fellow U. City graduate (class of '61), who grew up with my older sister and remembered me from my "tricycle days".  Though it was difficult to find time while working full-time and being a single parent, my main hobbies have been to exercise/stay in shape, and take piano and voice lessons.  I have sung in several local musical variety shows and enjoy that very much.

Next 10 Years:  Now that my kids are grown, and I am very happily married and working just part-time, I look forward to having more time to spend on the important things in life—family, friends, and smelling the roses.  I believe in taking one day at a time and making the most of it—filling each day with love, learning, and living.

Favorite Memories:  My favorite memories are of the people and friendships.  The activities that stand out most in my mind are being in Dr. Procasky's chorus and shows, being a Camp White Cloud counselor, planning the GAA Big Sister/Little Sister picnics, going on the Washington DC trip and going to Wigwam each Friday night.

Jo Ann Bierman (Black)

Phone number:  (314) 576-4036

E-mail address:  jblackt@sbcglobal.net

Present occupation:  semi-retired teacher

Life and Family:  The last ten years have brought many changes in my life.  After 31 years of teaching in Parkway School District (primary grades and more recently as a reading specialist), I took "early retirement" two years ago.  I guess, however, I wasn't quite ready to retire.  Since then, I've continued to be employed by Parkway accepting long term substitute assignments for reading specialists.  Last year I job-shared a reading specialist position.  It was the best of both worlds doing what I loved but only part time!   

I divorced 5 years ago after 26 years of marriage.  It's been quite an experience dating in the 21st century.  I'm enjoying my independence and have discovered new inner strengths.

My two greatest joys are my children.  Julia is 27 and is a strings teacher in Rockwood School District in St. Louis.  She married a wonderful man last year, and I'm thrilled that they have chosen to remain in St. Louis.  My son, Jordan, is 20 and starting his junior year in college.  Like his sister, he is also a music major.  He wants to either be a choral director or arrange and compose music.  He currently sings in 3 different university choirs and has started a men's a cappella group.  The best thing about having musical children is attending all their concerts.  My son recently sang in Prague, Budapest, and Vienna, and I spent two weeks traveling to those cities to hear him sing.

Next 10 Years:  I've been very blessed thus far.  My life with family, friends, and career, has been rich and rewarding.  I'd like to continue to teach reading part time or privately tutor.  Although I've traveled extensively, there are still many places in the world (and even in the U.S.) that I hope to visit.  I'd like to "smell the roses" more and enroll in some college or continuing ed. classes for fun. I'd also like to give back to the community by doing more volunteer work.  Of course I'm so envious of all my classmates who are already grandparents. I hope I have that opportunity when the time is right.  Finally, I'd like to eventually leave the dating scene behind and meet that "someone special" to share my life.

Favorite Memories:  It wasn't until I was much older and had children of my own that I fully realized how fortunate I was to have attended such an amazing high school.  I remember with fondness orchestra with Mr. Lang, playing in the musical "Sound of Music", the stimulating biology class with Mr. Jackoway, and Mrs. Gottlieb's challenging English class.  I relished all the football games when we cheered in the stadium wearing our black derbies with the yellow feathers and shaking our black and gold pom-poms.  I remember decorating the gym and turning it into a magical place before school dances.  Best of all I cherish the lasting friendships with classmates who are still my very special friends

Ken A. Birenbaum

Spouse: Sandra Strauss
Phone Number: (314) 872-9969
E-mail Address: kbirenbaum@yahoo.com
Present Occupation: Family man

Life and Family:  I'm still blessed with a wonderful family - wife Sandy - children: Adam 28 (wife Gretchen), Michelle 26 (husband, Jason), and Rick almost 19, who still seem to love me despite my faults and bad jokes.  2 year old grand-daughter, Lily, brings smiles to all our hearts and our "due any day" grandson will add to that.  Sandy and I are very happy with the people our children have grown to become and I'm not sure we could ask for anything more than that.

I sold my business in 2002 and have been adjusting to a much different but happier lifestyle.

Around 1998 my childhood friend, Mike Brewen, learned he had ALS.  Mike was a wonderful tennis and basketball player, thin, athletic, full of life, and lots of fun.  He devoted his life to teaching and coaching basketball.  When Mike learned of his illness he approached this challenge with an athlete's discipline and the same positive attitude he applied to everything else he did.  I will be forever grateful that he included me as part of his support system during a time where he faced the toughest experience anyone could imagine.   ALS can best be compared to being buried alive.  It appears to be the exact opposite of Alzheimers, where you don't know what is happening yet your body is productive.  With ALS, however, you are mentally aware of everything until the end.  Whatever I could do for him was nothing compared to the lessons he taught me.  His spirit, strength, and dignity were a testament to the person he was, and model of inspiration to me and others.  I recommend "Tuesdays with Morrie" by Mich Albom if you have an interest in understanding some of emotions those close to Mike have experienced. Despite the subject matter, it's an emotionally uplifting book.  I guess sharing these thoughts of Mike makes this a dedication of sorts, and I'm happy to have that opportunity, hopefully without being morbid.  Mike would never have wanted that, and though he died on August 18, 2000, I continue to celebrate the life of my friend.

I've also spent the last couple of years reading lots of books on American history, the Revolution, and biographies of the Presidents.  It really puts our society's current challenges into better context for me, yet shows how little mankind has changed over the years.

Next 10 Years:   First, enjoying family and friends.  More reading, biking, and traveling.  Staying involved with Shaare Emeth and my community.  Staying connected with old friends.  Trying to do little things to make life worthwhile is how I want to spend the next 10 years.

Favorite Memories:  Friends, silliness, and pride at having lived in the wonderful, yet challenging 60's in UCity.  Working in the library in 9th grade and having Kathy Dorn lean over the counter and touching her boobs to my arm.  I miss her.  Bonding with fellow ironing board salesmen after school, Indian Ball, AZA, Wig Wam (obviously), learning to drive and feeling independent.  Not being influenced all the crudeness around me (yeah, right).  JV Tennis, still aspiring to be on the Varsity, but finally realizing that loving the game was more important.  The walks to school in the morning and meeting up with other friends along the way.  Hutchens' Physics class.  Having fun with so many great people during study hall, while walking the hallways, or at sports events.  Playing Bullwinkle during lunch.  What a wonderful time to be alive!  And how did we ever survive?

Harvey Bloth

Spouse:   Linda Tonopolsky Bloth, U. City Grad, '64
Phone number:  (636) 532-2547
E-mailaddress:  lindabloth@aol.com
Present occupation:   Sales Manager

Life and Family:  We celebrated our 31st wedding anniversary ('06)- Daughter Gena Ph.D.(cellular structural biology-Don't ask)  Daughter Iris M.A. cultural anthropology. Both married good guys.  We still have the same house of 30 years,our 24 year old Sven, our 18 year old Inge and our 10 year old Tria (our Volvos).  Linda and I still like to go out and "shake a tail feather" every now and then (she hates it when I twirl her)—still try to run on weekends for endurance for hopefully a long life together. Still have our sights on Italy.

Next 10 years:  A deeper sense of inner peace and more gratitude

Favorite Memories:  Hitching rides down Kingsland Ave. and being picked up in a '55 T-Bird with one of those over-sized steering wheels with one of those turn knobs on it. Remember?
Popcorn with mustard at Heman Park pool
"Escaping" to the Brenner's on Orchard Ave
Mr.Kegel's history classes (the U.City version of "Southpark")
Sandi Mink (class of '65) in ANY of her sweaters 

Jay Boxerman

Spouse:  Melody Boxerman
Phone number:  (314) 691-2724
E-mail address:  jdb8828@sbcglobal.net
Present occupation:  Owner/operator of Quality Commercial Cleaning Company.

Life and Family:  I married my high school sweetheart, Debbie Heinze (class of '65). We have 3 wonderful kids, 2 girls and a boy. They ages are 32,30, & 28. They're all college grads and I'm very proud of them. I have 4 grand-kids with the 5th one due this month. Unfortunately, after 20 years of marrage we divorced in 1988. I ran wild for several years, I guess because I married at the age of 21. I love county music and dance. I danced several days a week. I met a very nice young lady (Melody) several months after my devorce. We became friends and danced a lot. Unfortunatly for me she was married and I respected her situation. Her husband didn't like county music or dancing either. He didn't mind his wife dancing with me. Over the following years I had a few relatonships, but after 20 years of marrage, I wasn't looking for any commitments. Melody and I remained friends for a long time. Unknown to me at the time, she devorced in 1992. We began dating some, and after a bad divorce to her second husband the last thing she wanted was a relationship. It was kind of nice because we where both on the same page with that situation. Our friendship began to grow and so did our relationship. In August of 1996 we where married. I think that our long friendship made a big differance. We sure got to know each other very well before we decided to get married again. She is the center to my world and we're both very happy.I look forward to gorwing old with her.

Next 10 Years:  A comfortable retirement.

Favorite Memories:  The many diverse people that I had as classmates.

Roger Brockman

Spouse:  Marcia (U City '67)

Life and Family:  Marcia and I have been busy sending our four children to college for the last 10 years.  Our oldest daughter Tara is 32, Emily is 31, Brent is 28 and Justin is 25.  Tara lives in Lyons, CO where she practices Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture.  Emily lives in Boulder, CO and is a special education teacher at the middle school.  My son Brent, shares the honors with me at Brock Auto and my other son, Justin is in commercial real estate in
St. Louis.

We have just celebrated our 35th wedding anniversary and still going strong.  We have just become Grandparents for the first time to a beautiful granddaughter, Cora Lily.  We spend a lot of time in Colorado visiting our children and skiing in Telluride.  Golf has become a big part of our life and we spend many hours trying to improve our skills.  Work is still fun and I do not see an end to that in the near future.  I still need the action.

Next 10 Years:  Looking forward to many more grandchildren and a lot of pars.  LIFE IS GOOD.

JoEllen Brody (Rubenstein)

Spouse:  Leonard Rubenstein (U. City '64)
Phone Number:  (636) 386-3655
E-mail Address: joellenbbr@charter.net
Present Occupation: Retired

Life and Family: Seven years ago Len and I purchased a condo in Naples, Florida.  We live in an area called Pelican Bay, 1/2 mile from the ocean.  We spend the winter there.  We have been lucky to make some special European trips in the last 10 years including England, France,Monaco, and Italy.  We especially enjoyed the art, history and the food in these places.  My hobbies include golf, bike riding, and reading for pleasure.  Other interests include the St. Louis symphony and Broadway shows.  I have had Lasik surgery which has eliminated the need for glasses.  We visit Chicago often as both of our children live there. 

Next 10 Years: I hope to stay healthy to continue to enjoy the activities on which I have focused.  We, as of yet, do not have grandchildren and I would like to become a grandmother soon (can you believe I said that?).  I love the beach and ocean.  I like to walk on the beach and also relax in my lounge chair reading a good book while listening to the waves of the Gulf of Mexico.

Spouse:  Bruce Reznick (U.City '65)
Phone Number:  (512) 340-1866
E-mail Address:  cennie001@aol.com
Present Occupation:  investment consultant/stockbroker

Life and Family:  Bruce and I were married 18 years before our only daughter, now 15, was born. Our greatest joy has been enjoying her journey. He and I work in the same brokerage firm office which he manages. We have been active with school, synogogue, and community activities in Austin, TX since 1977.

Favorite Memories:  I only spent my senior year at U. City but I was assigned to Phyllis Marx Kaplan as her "little" sister. We hadn't communicated in years so it was very sad to read of her untimely death. All the fun times I had that year were because of her

Michael Canis

Spouse:  Terry Rook
Phone number:  (636) 940-1347
E-mail address: cameraguy47@aol.com
Present occupation: Camera repair

Life and Family:   Enjoyed watching my 2 daughters grow into adulthood.

Achieve Next 10 Years:   Still being here

Favorite Memories:   All the music programs,Wig Wam, And the good friends

Larry Wayne Carney

Spouse:   Patricia Silverman Carney (U. City '72)
Phone Number:   (636)537-0757
E-mail Address:  lwcarney@sbcglobal.net
Present Occupation:  Sales

Life and Family:   I work for Bulova Corp.(NY).  I've been married to Patti Silverman UC'72 for 30 Years.  We have 2 sons Tim 29 and Tony 26.  Both have graduated college UMSL & Mizzou, respectively.  Patti & I became proud Grandparents May 27.  This is our first.  His name is Aidan Patrick Carney (what a great Irish name.) Relax, he's 1/4 Jewish.

Next 10 Years:   Make it to retirement.  Enjoy family and freinds.  Enjoy the next generation.  Golf, travel, Cardinals, Rams, Blues, Mizzou, SLU. AND all the fabulous Restaurants we have in St. Louis.

Favorite Memories:  U City, everything about it. We were lucky.  We went to one of the best schools in America.  Great people at school. Girls, we had 1000 cute ones.  Wig Wam, Nino's, Rinaldi's, Chuck, H, Steak, THE STRIP.  My great friend Tommy Dunn's Friday night parties.  Doing the Temptation "Thing" with Barry & Jeff at Wig.  Motown, Gaslight Square. Soccer.  Did I mention Girls?

Debbie Chait Korenblat

Spouse: Steve Korenblat
Phone number: (314) 997-0769
E-mail address: korenblat@yahoo.com
Present occupation: retired

Life and Family:  I have recently retired after having worked for over twenty years as an attorney for the federal court of appeals in St. Louis. My husband is a real estate attorney in a large St. Louis law firm.  Our daughter Rachel practices law in New York City.  Our son Josh is not an attorney, but a writer and an artist.  After working six years in the art department of National Geographic Magazine in Washington DC and receiving a master's in fiction writing, he is now enrolled in a master's in teaching program at Brown.

Next 10 Years:  To spend time with family and friends and to travel. To spend time with family and friends and to travel.

Anita Chapel (Dienstfrey)

Spouse: Steve Dienstfrey
Phone number: (703) 978-3899
E-mail address: dienst@cox.net
Present occupation: 8th grade civics teacher

Life and Family:  The past 10 years brought me more frequently to St. Louis, since my son and daughter both attended Washington University. My daughter now lives in New York, and my son, after a 2-year extension in St. Louis, will be moving back to the DC area this year. In 1996, after 22 years of teaching elementary school, I switched to teaching government/economics in a middle school. I wish I had done this 10 years earlier, since I feel teaching 13 & 14 year olds is definitely my "calling". 9/11 changed all our lives. Watching the events unfold on TV that morning with my students was their "Nov. 22nd" moment. (My guess, each of us remembers exactly where we were during our sophomore year at UCHS upon hearing the news.) This event helped me teach my students to distinguish between things that are important and those that are trivial.

Next 10 Years:   During the next 10 years I see myself continuing to teach for a few more years (Why not? It keeps me young!), continuing to travel...more cruises, more trips to Europe & Canada, perhaps a trip to South America, continuing to enjoy my children and their future families. And, oh yes, I hope to achieve "satisfaction" in Nov. 2006 when (hopefully) the Democrats take back either the Senate or the House of Representatives!!!!

Favorite Memories:  The major memories that stand out during our high school years were being involved in the "Pro" shows...the musicals as well as the winter concerts where alumni would join us on stage for the Hallelujah Chorus, working at Wigwam on Friday nights (my friends and students are amazed that we were able to bring in live bands each week...how did we ever afford it????), being involved in BBYO, and going to Gaslight Square. Would you believe, I still use the "notehand" skills that Mr. Rock taught me?

Linda Chaskelson (Shore)

Spouse: Norman Shore
Phone number:  (314) 576-1950
E-mail address:   linda.shore@sbcglobal.net
Present occupation:  French teacher

Life and Family:  After being divorced since '92, I found renewed happiness and remarried in 2005.  My 3 daughters are in their 20's and living on their own (no grandchildren yet though!), so Norm and I are still working hard, he with his trailer business and I still teaching French at Webster Groves High School, and we enjoy traveling to Florida and elsewhere.

Next 10 years:  I would like to continue working as a teacher and striving to remain active and in good health.

Favorite Mories:   Going to the GAA sock hops, drivers ed. classes (being scared by movies of accidents).

Nora Cone (Perlmutter)

Spouse: Steven Perlmutter, M.D.
Phone number: (480) 703-1411
E-mail address: noraperl@cox.net
Present Occupation: Self-employed — Go Teambuilders

Life and Family:  My husband, Steve, and I live in Scottsdale, Arizona with our rescue animals—our giant schnauzer, Vey; our German shepherd/Rhodesian ridgeback mix, Lox; and our cat, Tova.  We have two sons.  Our oldest lives in St. Louis with our two terrific grandchildren, Emma 4 and Samuel 2, who we see fairly often (aren’t webcams great!).  Our younger son lives in Phoenix and is still a work in progress.  I completed my degree in secondary education, obtained a certificate in mediation and started my own business called, Go Teambuilders.  I was president of my synagogue for four years.  I also work back office in my husband's ophthalmology practice.  I survived being held at gunpoint — the gunman used a 9 mm Glock.  I have my Concealed Weapon permit.  (I wanted to buy a Winchester pump shotgun, but the guy at Sports Authority talked me out of it). Most importantly, my family is extremely close.

Next 10 Years:   My mother-in-law has Alzheimer's.  I plan to do everything in my power to help her feel loved and cared for in this last chapter of her life.  My husband, two sons and grandchildren astound me with their innate ability to delight and amuse me.  I plan to enjoy them to the fullest.  I have a passion to own an apartment in Israel and visit the Galapagos Islands and Venice, and become a topnotch computer guru (probably not in this lifetime).

Favorite Memories:  Wigwam, chorus (Dr. Pro was one of a kind), Hamburger Heaven, junior/senior prom with Sandy Friedman, the senior play, football games, Jerry Kreisman, Cyrano's, Camp White Cloud, Imo's Pizza, Gaslight Square.

Spouse:  Linda Gilmer Cohen
Phone number:  (314 )863-6344
E-mail address:  jerrymcoo1@aol.com
Present occupation:   retired from chrysler after 35 yrs.

Merle Cohen (Tegman)

Spouse:  Bob Tegman (U. City '65)
Phone Number:  (636) 530-9922
E-mail Address:  merletegman@charter.net

Present occupation: retired

Life and Family:  We have three beautiful granddaughters, Maya, Abigail and Lilah. Abby lives in Deerfield, Illinois with my daughter. Our son lives in Chesterfield with Maya & newborn, Lilah.  They are such joys to us and have given us such pleasure.  We recently moved after 31 years in Greentrails to a villa off Conway in Chesterfield called "Conway on the Grove." It was a wonderful move for us and has changed our lives. My husband & I are retired and we have been traveling the past ten years to Europe, Alaska, Panama Canal, Caribbean and nine cruises to various countries. We have been enjoying life and have celebrated 36 married years together.

Next 10 Years:  We want to continue to live our retired life visiting our children & grandchildren, traveling and spending quality time with our good friends and family. Enjoying life and continue good health.

Favorite Memories:  Friday nights at Wigwam.  Washington D.C. trip in my Junior Year and the friends that I made.

Sandra Cohen (Patz)

Spouse: Stephen Patz
Phone number: (561) 733-3278
E-mail address: smpceo@bellsouth.net
Present occupation: retired

Life and Family:  We have 2 children who are married and we have 3 grandsons. We have lived in South Florida, North Jersey, and Chicago. We have traveled extensively and now have retired to South Florida. We enjoy golf, travel, and a country club lifestyle.

Next 10 Years:  We want enjoy our grand kids( hopefully have at least one more), travel, and improve our golf game. Most important is to continue good health.

Favorite Memories:  Enjoyed the friendship of my classmates and all of our interactions. I enjoyed after school sports.

Penny Curland (Levitt)

Spouse: Mark S. Levitt
Phone Number: (314) 469-5511
E-mail Address: pennylevitt@sbcglobal.net

Life and Family: The past 10 years have been quite the same as my last 39-1/2 years, except I lost both parents (1992 and 2000). I married a few times, but they didn't work and now I'm married to Mark S. Levitt (since 1987), who is an attorney and Municipal Judge and prosecutor. We have had no kids (my kids are my 2 lab puppies, 4 cats and fish).  My biological clock went too fast.  I've worked since 1968 as a legal secretary/administrative assistant.  I started my own business in 1989 and it went quite well until 9/11 and then things went downhill.  I then had to work for attorneys and it wasn't fun.  I was used to being self-employed and doing "my own thing".  Last summer I started a website, www.catlovers.us, and because it was a "niche" site, it hasn't done very well either. (Do I hear some negativity?)  On the positive side, I did reunite with Barbara Tennenbaum Steinman and she has been keeping me abreast of things going on in the world of U.City66. It's nice to talk to someone who remembers — Steak & Shake drivebys, Hamburger Heaven, streetcars, when a mouse was something you caught in a trap, when gas was $.19.9(!!!), etc.

Next 10 Years: I am currently a notary signing agent (just passed the test) and will be taking the Certified Notary Signing Agent exam and become fully accredited.  I want to start this business asap and hope that it works. It's called Levitt's Legal Assistance.   Remember this, any of you attorneys, mortgagors, lenders, etc.!  Oh yes, I want to win the lottery.(LOL)  And turn 30 again!  

Favorite Memories: I don't know about you guys, but 40 years is way too long to remember any particulars except I was YOUNG, YOUNG, YOUNG! Although I did like Art and P.E....    

Gary R. Cutter

Spouse Name: Sharon Gornek Cutter, U. City '65
Phone number: (205) 262-1716
E-mail address: cutterg@prodigy.net
Present occupation: Professor of Biostatistics UAB

Life and Family:  I am Professor of Biostatistics and Head of the Section on Research Methods and Clinical Trials at the UAB School of Public Health.  I am involved in a variety of different medical research studies, graduate education and run the coordinating centers for a number of multicenter clinical trials. A great deal of my most recent work is in Multiple Sclerosis and other neurological diseases.

I have been married for 36 years to another UCitian, Sharon Gornek from the class of '65, enabling me to have the experience of seeing a 40 year reunion as an interested bystander. I t's nice to see how age mellows some and how the treasures of our formative years survive. Sharon and I have 3 wonderful children and two grandchildren. My daughter Corey is an attorney in Atlanta; Sons Scott and Todd and their wives, Gisella and Ana, and daughters Liana and Maya, all live in Costa Rica, where they have tour and real estate businesses and welcomed visits now and then from (!) some U City Indians!

Next 10 Years:  My goals in the next 10 years are to begin to slow down and take more time for the many things I enjoy outside of work – family, exercise, cooking!

Favorite Memories: `My most memorable moments from U City are the times with friends.  Our education taught us many facts, but my lasting memories were learning that teachers were human and had lives as well. The wonderful talent amongst our classmates brought many laughs, admirations, perspectives and criminal intent, or was that pure fear? I'll never forget my 10th grade Algebra class, as it was a moment that brought the world into our classroom as the news of President Kennedy being shot was announced – television was never the same and the insulating bubble that surrounded us was burst.  A number of sporting events come to mind and related experiences (inappropriate still to mention), and I guess the fact that there are so many memories is a good thing!  We had a wonderful educational situation balanced in academics, art, music, exercise and good times. 

Barbara Dalin (Furman)

Spouse: David Furman
Phone Number: (770) 507-4767
E-mail Address: stlrdh@charter.net
Present Occupation: dental hygienist, since 1968

Life and Family: Have been married 36 years and have 2 grown children, both living in St.Louis. David and I have been on an adventure the last 10 years...turning 50, he decided to change careers, becoming a college professor, which took us to Fargo, ND, Stillwater,O.K. (where he received his phd in marketing at Oklahoma State) and now Atlanta,GA, where he teaches in the  business school at Clayton State University.  When we were married he told me we would go to neat places, but never did I imagine I would leave St. Louis...I work presently in midtown Atlanta for a dentist, part time.

Next 10 Years: David, having started his career late, would like to work forever.  I however, would like to retire soon, and have more time to travel and spend time with family and good friends I've had for over 40 years. Always love to have visitors in Atlanta!

Favorite Memories: My favorite memories of U.City High are the many friends and and good times...I hope to keep these friendships for many more years.

Don Darish

Spouse: Nancy Love Darish
Phone number: (913) 681-0770
E-mail address: Blinkie4@aol.com
Present occupation: Senior district manager for clothing store chain.

Life and Family: Nancy and I have been married for 34 years.  We have 1 son, Barry, now 28, living in Clearwater Beach, Florida. He does not seem to be getting the message that we want grandchildren (now).
In addition to St.Louis, our careers have taken us to Kansas City, New York, Indianapolis, and back to Kansas City.  We hope to retire soon to Tucson.

Next 10 Years: Stay alive and healthy.  Downsize and simplify everday living.  Do charity and volunteer work in appreciation for the good luck and good fortune we have had all these years.

Favorite Memories: Hamburger Heaven, meeting inside the cluster of evergreen bushes in the circle outside the front entrance of UCHS (to see who wanted to skip that day), being able to walk to school, everyone knowing everyone else.  We didn't know how good we had it.

Elinor Dennis (Jacobson)

Spouse:  Paul Jacobson

Phone number:  (414) 332-8848

E-mail address:  lej24@aol.com

Present occupation:  Volunteer Coordinator, Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra

Life and Family:  It has been a time of immense change.  In the last 10 years, both our children have gone to college, graduated, gone to graduate school, found jobs, moved away (one away from Milwaukee) and one has gotten married.  A lot of happy changes.  But also, in the last 10 years, both my mother and my sister have passed away.  And the loss of each left an empty place in my life which I know I will never fill.  What treasures family is, and how much we take it all for granted.  As I once heard on a radio ad, "Call your mama; I wish I could call mine."

Next 10 Years:  Now that our kids are (semi) launched, my husband Paul and I hope to do some living for ourselves in the next 10 years.  He will retire at some point from his job as a pension lawyer for a Milwaukee law firm, and I will give up my part time delightful job as an administrator for young musicians and their families at the Youth Symphony.  We are both lucky to be relatively healthy and enjoy many activities, so we will travel and continue to learn new skills and pursue new avenues.

Favorite Memories:  Don't know where to start. I remember having fun with Lynne Spiegelberg and making posters in her basement for all kinds of school activities.  I remember being in "The Music Man" and enjoying "The Boyfriend" and "The Sound of Music".  I remember remarkable teachers, Mrs. Gottleib, Miss Bowers and others.  And lots of faces from McKnight School on...can't wait to see you again!

Rita Deutch (Singer)

Spouse: Perry Singer
Phone Number: (217)483-2208
E-mail Address: ritasinge@hotmail.com
Present Occupation: retired HS Bio teacher, currently tutor and educational consultant

Life and Family: Perry and I have successfully launched our son and daughter — both to Chicago. I retired 6-05 from 30 hrs. teaching HS Biology — loved my career and am now a science tutor and study skills consultant and enjoying planning my own schedule! My husband retired and began a 2nd career, so we are busy but fulfilled! Have recently moved my folks from St. Louis to Springfield, IL area and that occupies lots of my attention. I successfully fought breast cancer in 2002-03 and am doing very well at present. We are very close to our family, love traveling, and I love maintaining my UCity contacts, as well as my Indiana Univ. connections. Been married since 1970 — guess that is an accomplishment I am proud of, too! Our son Matt is getting married in May, 2007(graduated from U of Ill. and Duke MBA) and our daughter Stacy (Univ. of Arizona graduate) is in process of re-locating to Chicago and is actively job-hunting in banking, so both of our kids will be in same city
for the 1st time! I stay in close contact with Susie Susman Gitt and Ronnie Goldberg Brockman — St. Louis info is dear to my heart!
Next 10 Years: I want to expand my consulting/tutoring business, want to become a grandma!, hope to travel to Greece, Australia, back to Italy and S. of France! Look at every day as a gift and try to enjoy it to fullest!!

Favorite Memories: wonderful friends and teachers, Camp White Cloud, lots of extra-curricular activities, dances,academic challenges and looking forward to school everyday — we had a unique experience during those years.

Sydney Diamond (Farber)

E-mail address: Kitty1106@aol.com or sydney1106@gmail.com
Present occupation: Assistant to the Associate Director of Development at St. Vincent's Home for Children

Life and Family:  Actually I'm going to go back a lil' bit more than 10 years ago.... From 1972-1975, I lived in Israel, trying to make aliyah, but ended up back in St. Louis, MO with my (then) 8-1/2 month old daughter, Galia, and husband Shai, from whom I'm now divorced (since 1992).

Galia is now 31 and Naomi, her sister, born 3 years later, is 27. Just last year (summer of 2005), they both moved to L.A. (No. Hollywood) to chase Galia's dream job. She studied in London, England, getting her masters in Art Management,and would like to pursue that career by working at Disney Studios or Pixar, or something similar. Tho' I miss them both, I'm glad they're doing it together! Naomi is in the teaching field. Together with one dog and two cats, they're on their way!

In 1990, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and in May 2006 (Memorial Day weekend), I will be celebrating 16 years cancer free. I took part in the Race for the Cure in St. Louis (tho' I walked the 1 mile course w/daughter, Naomi) in 1999 and 2000. A fall in July 2000 (just a few weeks after the Race/Walk for the Cure), ended my participating in the Walks.  Nothing broke, but still it's not as easy to move around these days, even 5-1/2 years later.

In September 2002, I joined Shaare Zedek Synagogue, feeling a lack of something in my life. Little did I realize that a few years later, my daughters would be the lack that I had already started missing in my life. I jumped into activities, relearning my Hebrew from 30 years prior, and decided it was time to go through the real experience of being a Bat Mitzvah, and so had my official ceremony on August 21, 2004 - with SEVEN other women! Ours was the biggest (to date) bat mitzvah class, women who had never had theirs at age 12-13.  After reading my three (smile) lines of Torah, and then Haftarah, I decided I wanted to do more - after my bat mitzvah. I have since had two other haftaroat and hope to do another one sometime this year. 

Being that Shaare Zedek is egalitarian, women count in a minyan and on the bimah, during Shabbat services. I can lead the afternoon Mincha service, as well as the evening Maariv service, plus am getting better (smile) at reciting the Birchat HaMazon (Blessing after Meals).

Up until 2002, I had 2 kitties in my life, but had to put down Maggie in 2001, due to complications from liver cancer, and the next year, when I had joined Shaare Zedek, I had to put Lyla down, also from a liver cancer. I had both since they were kittens (born from two separate litters but with Lyla being the oldest), Maggie having been 14 when she died and Lyla 16. I feel I'm due for another kitty now - it's almost 4 years w/o any meowing around here - tho' I must say I don't miss changing the litter box.

Next 10 Years:   In the next 10 years, I would like to be more proficient in my Hebrew, doing at least one, maybe two, haftarah a year.  I would also like to finish this book that I've been working on, get it published, and then start on a new one.  Of course, I would like to be on the BEST SELLER's LIST, too!! (smile)
And tho' this isn't really an achievement, at least not that I can do myself, I would love to be a grandmother!!!! LOL :)

Favorite Memories:  Some of my favorite memories include being in Mr. McKinney's chemistry class. He was NOT the typical teacher. He actually made learning (chemistry) fun.  I liked going to Washington, D.C. on my senior trip, tho' don't ask me too much about it, cuz the memory is a bit fuzzy there. (smile)I liked being a part of the Esperanto Club... it was fun being able to speak a language other than those required in school. Surprisingly, my French became so much better AFTER I finished high school, than while I was there (sigh).

I do remember (blush) watching the cute guys (whose names will be kept anonymous) who sat in front and behind me in English class. (smile) Unfortunately, I don't remember the teacher's name!! LOL

I liked being in Chorus and taking part in the musicals.  I even went on to being in the Chorus when I went to college (NE Mo State, which is now Temple).  To this day, I still take part in the musicals (Spiels during Purim) at Shaare Zedek.  I guess it's helping me get over my fear of being in front of an audience/crowd!

Sorry for rambling....

Joe Neal Dubman

Spouse: Sue Koffman Dubman

Phone number:  (650) 589-2088

E-mail address:  joe_dubman@msn.com

Present occupation:  customer service

Life and Family:  My wife and I have finally settled down after moving many times the last 10 years.  We are living in the San Francisco bay area and love it here!  We just celebrated our 35th anniversary.  We have one son, Robert.  He is married and has a daughter, Maya, who is 4 months old.  They all live in the Boston area.  I am currently working in customer service at a home cleaning company.  Every Thanksgiving, my wife, Sue and I go to visit our family in St. Louis.

Next 10 Years:  Spend as much time with my mother, brother, sister, son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter, who all live outside of California, as possible.  Also, would like to go on more cruises, and do volunteer work at a social service agency.

Favorite Memories:  I have many fond memories.  Restaurant wise---- Steak and Shake, White Castle, Nino's, Parkmoor, Hamburger Heaven, and Flaming Pit.  Also, wigwam, Cardinals baseball games, bowling at Bowl-A-Rama, and going to the Tivoli, Varsity, and Shady Oak on dates.  My favorite teacher was Mr. McKinney.  Loved my junior/senior trip to Washington DC.

Lauren Dulsky (Davis)

Spouse: Neil Davis, U. City, '64
Phone number: (314) 469-6917
E-mail address: ladavis913@charter.net
Present occupation: retired high school art teacher

Life and Family:  I retired from my beloved career as a teacher. I survived some difficult times and discovered the meaning of friendship in times of adversity.

Next 10 Years:  To work in my studio and do stone sculpture. to travel, to read more, and most important spend time with my children in New York, And finish a book I started 3 years ago.

Favorite Memories:   Mrs. Gottlieb's class; Miss Dicus' kindness and allowing me to be Camp White Cloud Counselor, an experience that brought me to teach high school; Mrs. Eckstein, who taught me that there was no such thing as a "dumb question." I will cherish these memories forever.

Rennie Eisenberg

Present Occupation:  Retired 3 years (2 careers and too many jobs to mention)

Life and Family:

• Civil Union – 29 years
• One daughter Rachel – 11 years old
• I've had 4 dogs, 3 cats, & 1 horse
• Lived in St. Louis & Los Angeles
• 2 homes and a cabin in the country
• Most changed about me – my experiences in life
• Right now I'm a full time mom to my very active 11 year old daughter.  I enjoying spending time at our country, riding my horse, Mesa, creating art and playing the drums

Next 10 Years:  I've been retired in St. Louis.  If I find the right place I'm open to moving.

Favorite Memories: 

• Favorite teacher – Lucile Dye-P.E.
• Favorite class – P.E.
• Loved to cruise through Steak 'n Shake
• Remember Most – Sports/Wig Wam
• People still recognize me from high school, so I must not have changed that much

Dave Ellison

Spouse: Lorraine Ellison
Phone Number: (602) 870-3701
E-mail Address: dse99@cox.net
Present Occupation: Sr. Account Exec

Life and Family:  Last 10 years have been spent in Phoenix working for Insight Enterprises selling computer hardware and software. Been selling one thing or another for my entire career (except a nice tour of Southeast Asia working for Uncle Sam) — see what happens when you don't know what to do with your life. I have 3 kids (Brandon-28 and a career Navy man, Katie-26 and an aspiring elementary teacher, and Kim-22 and a recent Ohio U grad.) I also became an avid motorcycle enthusiast (some would call me a biker now).

Next 10 Years:  Retire (like most others) and travel the US in a motor home, with retirement homes in Phoenix and Ohio (my adopted home).  Ride my Harley to the four corners of the US. I suppose what I would really like to do is re-discover my youth. 

Favorite Memories:  Can't believe no one has mentioned Fat Man's on Friday night before Wigwam and going to Ed's Pool Hall ("rack 'em Ed").  Great close friends (Cory B, Larry C, Carl P, Rich F) and the many other friends on all sides of the city from the Loop to Nelson Burton's, from Tropicana to Page Blvd.  Falling down drunk at Wigwam — what were we thinking?.  Riding in Jeff Schlesinger's car doing donuts on the Ladue football field after the game senior year, and getting caught!  Anyone else in that car?  Khoury League games — always losing to the big boys but holding my own.  Not liking the sauce at H, probably the only one in U. City — but finally coming over to loving it!  Having Cory as a personal bodyguard — there's still a guy from Chaminade walking around St. Louis with a bridge in his mouth.  Chasing the Ladue boys out of Steak & Shake.  It was all good! 

Irl Lawrence Extein

Spouse:  Barbara Sundheimer Extein
Phone number:  (561) 483-0264
E-mail address: irlex@aol.com
Present occupation: psychiatrist/psychopharmacologist

Life and Family:  I have a very busy private practice involving office and hospital work, and I still find psychiatry fascinating. Barbara and I continue to try to keep up with 4 wonderful children, ages 18 to 27, all still in various stages of education. I never really dreamed in high school how satisfying parenthood could be. I'm still a sports nut, playing JCC basketball and following the Cardinals and the Miami Hurricanes, and enjoying the hot weather of south Florida when I get a chance.

Next 10 Years: Just keep it all going, and get some grandchildren.

Favorite Memories: All the bright, wonderful friends. Mr. Jackoway's bio class, Mrs. Gottlieb's English class and lively debates. Our tennis team. Pizza.

Alison Feinstein (Pryor)

Spouse:  Doyle Pryor (U City 1966)

Phone number:  (212) 838-6874

E-mail address:  amfnyc@aol.com

Present occupation:  Executive Director

Life and Family:  I am still working as the Executive Director of a small trade association.  I did get married--it took moving to New York to meet a man from Kansas City.  My husband is one of the staff attorneys for the Major League Baseball Players Association, so I have learned more about baseball than I ever hoped to.  I became the proud stepmother of two interesting young men and watched them mature to adults.  One, the rock star, has given us two very entertaining grandchildren with one more on the way.

Next 10 Years:  During the next 10 years I would like to retire from my everyday job and spend more time doing my volunteer work with NY Cares; it is much more rewarding.

Gary Fine

Spouse: Carol
Phone Number: (636) 532-6039
E-mail Address: gfine@frenchgerleman.com
Present Occupation: Manager - Automation Products Divison

Life and Family: Come to the reunion and find out.

Favorite Memories: My favorite memories are of summers at the Heman Park tennis courts and swimming pool. Weekend nights at Ed's White Front, Sam The Watermelon Man and cruising in unknown territory aboard Fred Miller's dad's Edsel. That car could pass everything but a gas station.

Steve H. Finkelstein

Spouse: Soozi Weisberger
Phone Number: 972-365-5211
E-mail Address: finks4u@aol.com
Present Occupation: Realtor

Life and Family: My success is my family. I have been married for over 35 years to Soozi who has been the love of my life. As a matter of fact Fred Miller fixed us up and because of that it took me over 25 years to talk to that SOB, Fred, again. Soozi and I have a daughter, Julie, who has been married for over 4 years to a wonderful man, Tim. Our son, Brian, who has lived in Houston for the last 2 years, has a new job and has just moved back to Dallas. Soozi, Julie and I all work together as realtors in the Dallas area. I am a fortunate man that I work with my two favorite women in my life and that we still all get along. So if you ever need a realtor in the Dallas area give us a call or visit our web site: soozifinkelstein.com

Next 10 Years: Enjoy my family, enjoy life and smell the roses and stay away from the thorns

Favorite Memories: The friends and friendships that were developed and kept intact even though years and miles tried to weaken then; Heman Park; The Highlands; the Saturday football games; White Castle; Tivoli and Varsity; the Loop; trying to learn how to play poker(still learning); Wig Wam; just hanging out with friends; the Hill; sledding down Art Hill, and, taking a line from a song, "working on mysteries without any clues".

Jack Fishman

Spouse: Sue Gluck Fishman
Phone number: (757) 868-8958
E-mail address: suejack3@cox.net
Present occupation: Atmospheric Chemist

Life and Family: I’ve been at the NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, since 1979 doing atmospheric chemistry research—specifically how to use satellites to measure air pollution.  In general, it’s been a fantastic job as I’ve had the freedom to pursue topics of my own choosing (as long as I can get NASA funding to support the work).  Whereas many of my ideas were out of the mainstream 20 years ago, they’ve generally been accepted and we are now trying to sell a satellite to the country that is dedicated to measuring air pollution from space (rather than use currently orbiting satellites that were originally designed to do other things).  The job has allowed me to travel a lot (probably too much!) as the global atmospheric chemistry business is inherently an international endeavor.

Sue and I have been married for 33 years and have been living in the city of Poquoson (formerly a fishing village), which has a small town feel (population 11,000) although it is part of the much larger Norfolk-Virginia Beach-Hampton-Williamsburg metropolitan area.  Our two sons, David (29) and Jason (26), both have Fragile X Syndrome, and we have constantly been crusaders for them through involvement on the local Special Education Advisory Committee and learning as much about Fragile X as possible.  Both boys live at home, are comfortable in their part-time jobs, and are both currently active in Special Olympics which is one of the activities that keeps the entire family on the go.  Parts of many days throughout the year are taken up by swimming, bowling or soccer, as well as fundraising activities.  I coach the swim team (although I can barely swim, I have volunteer assistant coaches who know what they’re doing) and I find it rewarding when the athletes feel good about themselves by getting ribbons or medals.  In addition, the athletes at this age (my swimmers range from 19 to 31) rarely have the opportunity to get much exercise, so they benefit physically from participating in these sports. 

Our daughter, Melissa (24), graduated from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington this past December, and is working as a recreational therapist at a residential hospital for adolescents with autistic and emotional disorders.  I think being a member of our somewhat atypical family has brought her a special gift for working with this population.  Sue is a reading specialist for 1st and 2nd graders at the Poquoson Primary School where she works with at-risk children. In 2005, we became foster parents for one of her students and it really opened our eyes as to how disadvantaged some children are because of their home environment.  We also now have first-hand information that has shown us the complicated character of the traditional “nature vs. nurture” argument. 

Outside the family, Sue and I enjoy playing bridge and getting out whenever we can.  We belong to the Poquoson Yacht Club (even though we don’t own a boat!) and to the Colonial Shag Dancing Club.  I still play softball in a co-rec NASA league and enjoy pretending that I can still play the field like Dal Maxvill.  We’re still big Cardinal fans and try to see at least one game every year (the last two years we’ve traveled to Atlanta and Washington to see games).  My son Jason has never been to a losing game so I think the Cardinals should hire him as a professional fan!

Next 10 Years:  Having a degree in meteorology, I know that trying to forecast what life has in store for me ten years from now is a futile effort.  I’m sure that whatever happens will center around the two most important things in my life:  My family and my career.  Hopefully, before the next ten years are up, we will find a facility for our sons where they can maintain as independent a life style as possible and continued happiness.  This may mean moving from the area and possibly relocating to a place where there is some extended family.  Then again, our children have been raised in Virginia and they’re comfortable here.  The other unknown right now is the future of NASA.  Unfortunately, the current Administration has said that “we will go back to the moon and then onto Mars” (I think George Bush’s space policy was inspired by watching Buzz Lightyear in “Toy Story” too many times). At the same time, there’s no extra money in the budget to pay for these ambitious not-very-well-thought-out plans, so funding for science (especially Earth science) is being painfully squeezed and morale in my part of NASA is lower than it has ever been.  I still have a dream of launching the first satellite that will give us daily maps of pollution—I guess that stems back to our passionate days in the 60s and 70s where there was a national movement to care for the environment.  Although life is generally good, Sue and I keep thinking that we need to slow down and enjoy the good things we have.  We have a list of “things we want to see before we die” and we have seen some of them (the Grand Canyon, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, SeaWorld in San Diego, the craziness of Las Vegas, the beauty of Hawaii), but I would like to take back her to a couple of places that I’ve been by myself--in particular, London, Santorini and Namibia.  But the most important thing that I hope I see in the next 10 years is continued good health and happiness for our family and friends.

Favorite Memories:  Camping out all night with Gary Schechter to get tickets for the first World Series game in 1964 and then being pushed out of line after sunrise and not getting our bleacher seats.  Sitting on the bench with Bert Schweizer on the varsity baseball team and having Mr. Buffa’s son bring us cookies since he knew we weren’t going to play.  Wigwam—and meeting Susan and Karen Kisslinger’s father who brought a decibel meter to measure how loud the band was.  The influence of Mr. Hale’s teaching on my life.  The “Drivo-Trainers” in Mr. Vick’s