Announcements, Reunions
(Click here to go directly to news of Classmates and Friends.
For news over a year old, click for Archives.)
1983 - Class of 1983 Presents Channel 83—25th Reunion Show!! The Class of 1983 invites you and your family to attend a pre-Thanksgiving Game Coffee in the foyer between the WHS gym and auditorium. Come together on Thanksgiving morning between 9:00 and 10:00 AM with your classmates, relive your WHS days and then cheer the Wildcats onto victory over the Wayland Warriors. For those of you interested in spending more time together reliving those bygone days 25 years past, we’ll reassemble on Friday nnight November 28th at John Harvard’s Brew Pub in Framingham’s Shopper’s World from 7:30 PM to???? Read and print out the full printable invitation here. Those of you planning to attend the Thanksgiving morning Coffee and Donuts please RSVP by Monday, November 24th, 2008 to Ned Sennott on-line at NSennott@yahoo.com or by phone at 508-376-0199. Help with setting up and cleaning up would be greatly appreciated. If interested please contact Ned ASAP. Hoping to see a large turn out both on Thanksgiving morning and on Friday night. Remember— families are welcome.(11-16-08)
1979 - Hello Class of ’79! Plans for our 30th Reunion have begun! Save this date now! June 27, 2009, at the Weston Golf Club. The 25th was such a blast—hope to see you all again next summer. And if you missed the last one, you just can’t miss this one! We will tirelessly gather updated e-mail addresses for everyone, so please send me yours if you don't receive an e-mail announcement about the reunion in the next few days. Contact me at christy.edwards2@gmail.com. Thanks and we’ll be in touch with details as we figure them out! —Christy Sutherland Edwards (11-8-08)
All years - Weston High School Ice Hockey Team 2008 Alumni Game 11am - 1 pm, December 24, 2008, in Weston at the Rivers School Rink, 333 Winter Street. Varsity Ice Hockey is back at WHS! Coach Linc Cornell invites all past WHS ice hockey team players to meet the varsity team and skate on their HOME ice for the 4th annual Weston High School Ice Hockey Team Alumni Game. Come play and wear Weston colors once again! Please RSVP Coach Linc Cornell at Linccornell@mac.com. (11-8-08)
1988 - Wendy Paltrineri Fox has posted a detailed invitation for the 20th Reunion! Events are scheduled for November 28-29. Please click here for details and the printable invitation. Note that you may need to click on the invitation for it to show up full-size for easy reading. (11-2-08)
1978 - Reunion update from Nick Green: New location for the Thanksgiving evening party on the 27th! It will be at the Red Coach Grill, not at Ellen’s house. (10-7-08)
1978 - From Nicholas Green: The class of 1978 is planning our 30th reunion to be held Friday, November 28, 2008, 7-11:30pm, @ Josiah Tavern, “The Barn” @ Weston Center. RSVP to: nbagreen@aol.com. Also, Thursday, November 27, Thanksgiving morning football game Tail Gate party! 9-11am @ the Weston High School Parking Lot. Home game kick-off is 10am. Also, we have a change of plans for the Thursday, November 27, Thanksgiving evening party!...(This had formerly been announced as taking place at Ellen Fish Luchetti’s, but has now been finalized at the Red Coach Grill.)
By the way: Can anyone help us locate these missing classmates? Meredith Becker, Susan Belsky, Ali Best, Jose Brustoloni, Sarah R20Cain, Malcolm Cook, Kelly Dawson, Elizabeth Douglas, Chris Foran, Susan Frank, Duncan Frazer, Nina Garfield, Peter Goldstein, Chad Hale, Cynthia Johnston, Jennifer Keneally, Kim Kennedy, Birgithe Kragh, Bruce Krakauer, Diane Joy Martin, Ronald Quan, Joanne Reilly, Chris Ryan, Jack Schwartzkopf, Laura Smith, JeffSpencer, Henri Nash. Please continue to forward updated contact information! Send to: nbagreen@aol.com. (9-22-08)
Upcoming event: A Salute to METCO - 5th annual gathering, Saturday, September 27, 2008, at the Franklin Park Zoo. For additional information on this and other METCO events, visit the METCO website:
http://www.metcoalumni.org (9-4-08)
1983 - Ned Sennott asks, has anyone heard anything, or started to work on our 25th Reunion? I am available to help and have been getting questions about it from other class members. I can be reached by email at NSennott@yahoo.com. (8-31-08)
All Years - Second Annual WHS Alumni Baseball Game, Weston High School Baseball Field, Monday, May 26, 2008, 3:00 p.m. Cookout-style refreshments will be provided. New format for 2008! Players of even graduating years versus those of odd graduating years, current players included. For more information, please call T.K. Skenderian ’01 at 617-755-8692, or e-mail him at tkskenderian@hotmail.com. Hope to see you there! (5-10-08)
More on Bruce MacDonald - At the memorial service today, Mr. MacDonald’s son, Jamie, reminded attendees that Bruce had created the Principal’s Award at graduation, also known as the Mensch Award, for students who had contributed to the life of the school but not in areas that traditionally reap awards. As many pointed out, Bruce particularly liked underdogs and respected their dignity. Today’s Boston Globe has a fine obituary of Bruce MacDonald. (4-5-08)
1968 - 40th Reunion request— Please help us find our missing classmates. If you are a brother, sister, relative or friend, and you know where to find any of the following people, please let Nancy Seiler Orth (nancy.orth@parexel.com), Barb Honthumb (bhonthumb@comcast.net) or Sue Brodrick (suebrod@aol.com) know ASAP so we can get invite them to our 40th reunion coming up on May 2 & 3:
Bob Allen, Mike Allen, Pam Boyes, Sherry Brigham, Edith Brown, Jim Campbell, Richard Carlson, Anne Deibel, , Diana Dowse, Melissa Duncan, Liz Ellis, Scott Fitzpatrick, Alice Folger, Kristin Foss, Cricket Freeman, Denise Gardner, Robert Gray, Russell Green, Bill Hands, Debbie Hastings, Thomas Jacobs, Catherine Kehl, Ted Kelley, Charlie Landry, Deborah Lindsley, Paula Marston, Harold Martin, Sue McFarland, Kathy Melone, Mike Moore, Mike Peltier, Barbara Perry, Jim Rand, Linda Robinson, Stephanie Rowen, Bruce Sawyer, Bill Schultz, Mary Shea, Jeff Spencer, Bonny Theall, Chuck Tinkey, Alice Thomason, Judy Webber, Nancy Whelan, Steve Whitney, Lisa Windsor, Brad Wilkinson, Steven Yetter. (3-30-08)
Sad news: Former WHS principal Bruce MacDonald passed away on March 26. Mr. MacDonald began his service in the Weston Public Schools in 1966. He served as high school English teacher and Curriculum Leader, Dean of Secondary Faculty, and as Principal (from 1982 until his retirement in June of 1994).He had been living in German House in West Roxbury, a nursing home. Mr. MacDonald had Lewy Body disease, a condition quite similar to Alzheimer’s. Burial services will be private. There will be a memorial service April 5. Here is the death notice from the Globe: “Bruce L. MacDonald, of Chestnut Hill on March 26, 2008. Beloved husband of Alice (Dewing) MacDonald. Father of Jamie L. and his wife Meg of Roslindale and the late Rob Roy MacDonald. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 5 at 10:00 a.m. in Grace Episcopal Church, 76 Eldredge St., NEWTON CORNER, followed by a reception in the church. In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to The Grace Church Music Fund, 76 Eldredge St., Newton, MA 02458. Retired Principal Weston High School. Eaton & MacKay Funeral Home 617-244-2034.” Bruce’s wife Alice’s address is 1610 North Tower, The Towers, 250 Hammond Pond Parkway, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467. (updated 3-28-08)
1988 -Wendy Paltrineri Fox and Melissa Crocker are starting to talk about our upcoming 20th reunion. We’re planning to have it the weekend after Thanksgiving, and we’ll have a party for the class Saturday, November 29. We’ve also talked about having a family event that Saturday or Sunday. Beyond that, we haven’t made any decisions, so please feel free to get in touch with us if you'd like to help! Otherwise, please mark your calendars for our reunion on November 29! We can be reached at: melissa98@alumni.duke.edu or wendy.fox@nemoves.com. Looking forward to seeing everyone! (3-27-08)
Sad news - Lou Palena, a popular and charismatic Weston High social studies teacher in the early ’70s, died of a heart attack on January 3, 2008, at age 64.There is an obituary online, from the Boston Globe, at:
http://www.legacy.com/bostonglobe/DeathNotices.asp?Page=Lifestory&PersonId=100883422 (The obituary will remain available for a year, until January 2009.) Mr. Palena had taught at the Martin Luther King School during turbulent times, then moved on to Weston. After a few, influential years, he left Weston and teaching to work full time as a jazz musician. Subsequently he moved into high tech, married Margaret Rhodes, and raised a family. A memorial “Celebration of Life” was held Saturday, January 19, at the Story Chapel in Mt. Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge. Much of the celebration was music, performed mostly by members of his family. The final piece, played with an empty pulpit, was a recording of Lou Palena playing pianist Oscar Peterson’s “Hymn to Freedom.” (Peterson, one of Mr. Palena’s idols, died December 23, less than two weeks before Mr. Palena.) Contributions in Lou Palena’s name can be made to the Brookline Music School, 25 Kennard Street, Brookline or to the American Civil Liberties Union. (1-20-08)
All years - Weston High School Ice Hockey Team Alumni Game - 8:30 PM, December 26, 2007, in Weston at the Rivers School Rink, 333 Winter Street. Varsity Ice Hockey is back at WHS! Coach Linc Cornell invites all past WHS ice hockey team players to meet the varsity team and skate on their HOME ice for the third annual Weston High School Ice Hockey Team Alumni Game. Come play and wear Weston colors once again! Questions? Contact Coach Linc Cornell at Linccornell@mac.com. Coach Cornell writes that the varsity won its home opener against Dracut, 2-0. (updated 12-16-07)
Turnover and job openings in Weston Public Schools - Recently Superintendent Alan Oliff announced his resignation, followed by the naming of his upcoming successor, Cheryl Maloney, once a WHS history teacher and subsequently assistant superintendent. A previously failed search for a new Athletic Director to replace Pete Foley is being revived. Additonally, the following positions are to be filled: Assistant Superintendent, Field School Principal, Director of Technology and Libraries, and Grade 9-12 Guidance Department Head. (11-28-07)
1968 - The Class of 1968 has plans set for our 40th Reunion, Friday, May 2nd, 2008 - Sunday, May 4th, 2008. Friday, casual get together at the Weston Community Center on Alphabet Lane. Saturday, casual dinner at the Marriott Hotel Newton, Commmonwealth Avenue, Newton. Sunday, brunch at the hotel available on your own. Please contact Linda Cerniglia Curran rlcsail@aol.com if you plan to join us. (11-28-07)
Classmates and Friends
(latest 12 months of personal news and
reflections)
1963-1964 - Porto Alegre exchange student Léo Valter Tschiedel ’64 writes to say “I am alive” and to ask mates from the 1963-1964 classes whether they remember two former French exchange students from Rombas, France, Christianne Gombert and Geneviève Nicoleta. As I’m heading for Paris and Rome and Florence next March, I should like to know something about these two , who studied in almost the same classes I did at that time. (11-16-08)
1973 - Gillian Cowdery Orlinsky sends us this sad news about her father, Arthur Cowdery, who was the popular head of library and media services in the Weston schools in the 1970’s: “Dad passed away in 2006 of lung cancer. He was 76. The illness progressed for about 9 months, most of which time he felt ok. However, for the last 5 weeks he was in hospice care in Merrimack NH. We both remember our time at Weston with great fondness.” (10-22-08)
1985 - San Jose bicycle racer Julie Muccini Nevitt has shared this report from Steven Mielich of the San Jose Bicycle Club:
Masters Track National Championships, Hellyer Velodrome, San Jose, CA, September 2008
Womens 40-44 Points Race 10K
This was an unbelievable race to watch. Despite being out numbered, as others had teammates in the field, Julie not only managed to win this event, she won it with such command it was all too obvious that we were watching a true National Champion in the making. She rode this race to strategic perfection AND displayed such superior sprinting power it was obvious to all that title truly belonged to her. Julie laid low, let the others in the field chase down attacks and tightly rode safe wheels until it was time to pounce. After each sprint she would return to the protection of the pack and let the others do their part until the next bell-lap.
With all the tents in the in-field, it is impossible to see the entire track. On one occasion, when they rode past the ringing bell, Julie was not in an advantageous position. When the pack re-appeared on the back stretch, she not only was able to get herself out of the box, but was putting distance on the field to win yet another sprint. There were moments we were asking ourselves, is this really happening? Is it possible that she could be that superior to her competition? And with every sprint the answer came back... Yes! This is not luck! This is a true champion! Julie won that race with not only a commanding lead in points but also with total domination.
Look for more about Julie in national biking news reports. (10-21-08)
1993 - Derek Millen is back in the Boston area, living in Waltham and working for the Weston Police Dept. since 2003 in the Communications Division. (10-19-08)
1984 - Here’s a quick update from Michelle Holdsworth: I now live in Sydney, Australia, with my husband and two sons. We moved here 3 years ago to be closer to my parents and sister (Sharon ’93).
(10-9-08)
1983 - Michael Thau has been married for seven plus years with two beautiful girls. Since 1992, he has been the Executive Director of Plant-It 2020, a nonprofit, international reforestation foundation dedicated to properly planting, maintaining and protecting as many indigenous trees as possible worldwide. His undergraduate degree was in Political Science specializing in Soviet Foreign Policy and Disinformation Campaigns and he later earned an MBA. His earlier career focused on sales and marketing within the computer industry along with desktop publishing. He now lives in the Greater Denver area as a happy father and husband. (9-25-08)
1983 - Chris Reilly has this update: My wife Sue and I now live in Springfield VA with our eight children, Jonathan (11), Chris Jr. (10), Anthony (8), Nicholas (6), Kathleen (5), Timothy (3), Elizabeth (20 mos.) and Christina (1 mos.). I’m currently working as a Health Information Technology Consultant and enjoying all the time I get to spend with my wife and kids. We’ll be in MA for Thanksgiving. I’m wondering if there are any plans to celebrate our 25th reunion at that time. If possible, it would be nice to reconnect with others in the area.
(9-7-08)
1979 - John Tariot and family are now in downtown Aspen Colorado for the upcoming year, following the snow for his daughter’s ski racing career. John is still busy working in film preservation and video editing, and encourages any wandering Wildcats passing through Aspen to stop by and say hello. Hoping to see everyone at our upcoming (gasp!) 30th reunion next year. (9-6-08)
2002 - Sad news. The following note was sent to Weston staff by Superintendent Cheryl Maloney: I am saddened to inform you that Thomas Danforth, member of the Class 2002, passed away unexpectedly on August 26. Private services will be held by his family. Donations in Tom’s memory may be sent to the Garden of Peace, PO Box 8382, Boston, MA 02114.
(9-4-08)
1972 - Sad news sent in by a reader: Patricia Franchi Flaherty, 53, died Monday, August 18, 2008, at her home in Natick, MA after a long and courageous battle with ovarian cancer. She was the wife of Paul Flaherty. Mr. and Mrs. Flaherty have resided in Natick since their marriage 16 years ago. Originally from Weston, Patty was the daughter of Pasquale Franchi and the late Madeline (Corsi) Franchi. She was preceded in death by sisters Susanne and Deborah. Educated in Weston Schools, she was a 1972 graduate of Weston High School and received her Business and Accounting Degrees from Bentley College in 1976. Mrs. Franchi Flaherty was the General Manager at Franchi Management Company, Inc., where she worked for over 30 years, and the founder of Ovations for the Cure, a non-profit organization she created in 2006 to raise awareness and funding for ovarian cancer research. A trustee at Bostons Dana-Farber Cancer Institute since 1992, Mrs. Franchi Flaherty was instrumental in the formation of numerous research funds, both at DFCI and in renowned medical facilities across the country aimed at developing early detection testing and better treatments for women with ovarian cancer nationwide. In addition to her husband and father, she is survived by her sister, Linda Kacewicz and husband Jack of Warwick, RI; brother Louis and wife Deirdre of Newton; brother Michael of Sherborn; several nieces and nephews and many dear friends. Funeral from the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 477 Washington St., (Rt.16), WELLESLEY, Friday at 8 AM. Funeral Mass in St. Paul's Church, Wellesley at 9 AM. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Visiting hours Thursday, 1-4 & 6-9 PM. Interment will be held at Glenwood Cemetery, South Natick for close friends and family. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Ovations for the Cure, 251 West Central St., Suite 32, Natick, MA 01760. Online guestbook and directions: www.gfdoherty.com. George F. Doherty & Sons Wellesley, 781-235-4100. Published in the Boston Globe from 8/19/2008 - 8/20/2008. (8-20-08)
1974 - Sad news regarding Sandra Keery Russell of Wellesley Hills and Sagamore Beach, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 6, 2008. Born on May 5, 1956, Sandra grew up in Weston. She graduated from the Katherine Gibbs School in 1975 and had a successful career as a legal secretary at the firm of Palmer and Dodge in Boston. In 1984 she married Gordon C. Russell and moved to Wellesley Hills where she and her husband raised their two children. Sandra was an active member of the Wellesley community and specifically of the St. John's School where she spearheaded fundraising events and was most proud of being a dedicated pizza mom. Sandra and her family summered on Nantucket where in 1997 Sandra and her husband founded in the pink, the first Lilly Pulitzer Signature Store. Sandra embodied the spirit of the happy, fun and carefree lifestyle this brand represents. Her efforts led to the expansion from the original Nantucket location to the current eight stores in Massachusetts. Sandra is survived by her loving husband Gordon C. Russell of Wellesley Hills, their beloved children Gordon B. Buck Russell and Jonathan M. Russell, her mother Constance F. Keery of Plymouth and St. Croix, her siblings Lynne K. Ellis and her husband Keith of Sagamore Beach, Thomas R. Keery, II and his wife Laura of Weston, David G. Keery and his wife Nina of Newburyport and Scott E. Keery of Kingston, her brothers in-law Benjamin W. Russell of Newburyport and Winfield P. Russell and his wife Elizabeth of Rowayton, CT. Sandra is also survived by 15 nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly. Sandra was predeceased by her father Thomas D. Keery. Funeral from the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 477 Washington St., (Rt.16) WELLESLEY, Tuesday, Aug. 12, at 9:30 AM. Funeral Mass in St. John the Evangelist Church, Wellesley Hills, at 10:30 AM. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Visiting hours Monday 4-8 PM. Private interment in Woodlawn Cemetery, Wellesley. Donations in Sandra's memory may be made to MitoAction, 14 Pembroke Street, Medford, MA 02155-4827 or online at www.mitoaction.org. Online guestbook & directions at www.gfdoherty.com George F. Doherty & Sons Wellesley 781-235-4100. Thanks to Karen Woodsum for sending in this notice. (8-9-08)
1984 - Sad news, in this notice from today’s Boston Globe:
Bumpus, John F., Of Marlboro, formerly of Weston, passed away at the Massachusetts General Hospital, Sunday, August 3, 2008 after a brief illness. A joyful person and proud father, he was born May 6, 1966. He is survived by his loving children Ryan and Ashley Bumpus of Marlboro. He was the devoted son of Mona (Carson) Bumpus and the late Frederick J. Bumpus. Brother of Ann Bumpus ’79, Kathryn Bumpus ’80 and David ’82 and Kristine Bumpus. He is survived by his nieces Lisa and Zia and nephews Brian, Christopher and Austin. A graduate of Springfield College and Weston High School, John enjoyed golfing and spending time with his friends, family and loved ones. Funeral from the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 477 Washington St., (Rt.16) WELLESLEY, Thursday at 10 AM. Funeral mass in St. Julia's Church, Weston, at 11 AM. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Visiting hours Wednesday 4-8 PM. Interment Linwood Cemetery, Weston. Friends and family are invited to attend a gathering at St. Julia's Parish Center immediately following the committal services. In lieu of flowers donations in his memory may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, 30 East 33rd St., New York, NY 10016. Online guestbook and directions at www.gfdoherty.com. George F. Doherty & Sons Wellesley 781-235-4100
(8-5-08)
1979 - Sad news. Anne Wilbur VanDusen of Reston, Virginia, died unexpectedly on Wednesday June 25, 2008, in Ottawa, Canada. An obituary in the Weston Town Crier recalls , “Ms. VanDusen was an accomplished flutist, writer, and singer. Best known for her beautiful smile, gentle spirit, and heart of gold, Anne touched the lives of everyone with whom she came into contact.” Thanks to Paul Barlett for alerting the Alumni News. Read the full obituary here. (7-2-08)
1985 - Now living in Providence RI, Nick Spooner says “hello” and... Just trying to get back in touch with my classmates. I grew up in Weston and attended public school there through Jr. High in 1981. So, I’m hoping that anyone from the WHS class of 1985 is still out there...(6-18-08)
1997 - Joseph Wolenski writes: I’m working as a criminal defense attorney (www.miami-criminal-defense.net) in Miami, Florida. I’m married, and I hang out as often as I can with fellow Westonites Brian Travers (now living in France), John Sarianides, and Nick Keramaris. (6-15-08)
1971 - From Africa, Barbara Brown writes: I am now living in Antananarivo, Madagascar. I am teaching ESL and my husband is the Peace Corps country director. From what I have seen so far of this very diverse island, I think we are going to enjoy our next few years here. (6-15-08)
1972 - Dee Fisher Jackson sends this update: Hello classmates of ’72. I am really looking forward to actually making the next class reunion. I have enjoyed catching up on alumni news, though saddened by the loss of the teachers. I am still teaching special education in Anacortes, WA. Retirement is just a few years away! My daughter, Lindsey, 26, is flying C-17's for the Air Force and leaves for Iraq in a month. My son, Scott, 21, is an EMT/firefighter for the county. Husband, John, commutes from Houston to Seattle each week. He flies for Continental. I am looking forward to my annual trip to Rangeley, ME for rest and relaxation and to Jacksonville to visit in-laws... The best to all! (5-24-08)
1958 - Debbie Toppan reports the sad news that Ned Buckminster and Jay Crowe have died. (5-10-08)
1983 - Ned Sennott has a happy updated: My wife Suzi and son Patrick (3 yrs) are pleased to announce the arrival of the newest member of our family. Miss Jillian Anne Sennott arrived in this world on Tuesday, March 25, 2008, at 7.8 lbs and 20.5". Suzi & Jillian are doing fine, and Patrick is ecstatic at being a “Big Brother.” (4-12-08)
1977 - Ellen Sturgis invites WHS alumni of all years who live in Bolton, Stow, Maynard or Hudson (MA) to get involved in her campaign for state representative. From class secretary to school committee to selectman and now to the 3rd Middlesex state rep. My website is www.ellensturgis.com. Would be happy to connect with all former Westonites politically active or not—I’m an Independent Democrat, connecting people, building results. It’s all about getting things done, not about ideologies! I’ve lived here in Stow for 18 years, and it’s time to represent our little towns at the State House. I welcome questions, volunteers, and support of all types! campaign@ellensturgis.com. (4-5-08)
1981 - Here’s an update from author Barry Zellen: I wanted to let classmates and former teachers who read the classnotes know that my first book, an historical study of the indigenous rights movement in the Arctic, has (finally!) been published, called: “Breaking the Ice: From Land Claims to Tribal Sovereignty in the Arctic” (Lexington Books, 2008).
It examines the movement to settle Native claims in Alaska and the Northwest Territories, and observes how the land claims experience served as a laboratory for learning about contemporary management and governance, providing a new generation of leadership with the experience they needed to restore many parts of their lost sovereignty. While the end result was not independence, it was a greater amount of autonomy, something I describe as “sovereignty duality” with tribal powers restored, but within a broader constitutional framework, helping to unite the tribal peoples along the “last frontier” with the political, economic and social fabric of society.
It’s the first of five books in the pipeline - the second is due out at the end of this year, called (very tentatively) “Leviathan Rising: Visionaries of Order at the Crossroads of Thought and Action -- an inquiry into the endurance of realism in political philosophy, from classical to contemporary times.” That’s just the working title, the publisher will help me whittle it down to something more snappy - it examines how philosophers respond to political chaos, crisis and war, and use language to build an alternate reality, sort of a blueprint of order, that ultimately gave birth to the modern state (for better or worse - since the state has been at once the ultimate security blanket in a chaotic world, but also a source of tremendous insecurity.)
Am enjoying the process of completing so many projects that were incubating for so many years!
My other new project, still in the early stages, is called TechnologyforaSmallPlanet.org, an effort to transfer digital technology to remote, indigenous communities to help preserve and document traditional languages and cultures at risk of extinction - continuing my work on aboriginal rights that I started up in the Arctic. Am soliciting donations from IT manufacturers for digital cameras, audio recorders, video camcorders, and PCs so that villages can learn to use these tools as a means of cultural preservation - the first pilot projects are in Sapa, Vietnam, and Lijiang and Xichang, China. Still a long way to go and much to learn, but already tons of fun. (3-27-08)
1974 - A note from Weston, sent in by Valerie Siek: Hi all, it’s been a while since I’ve sent anything in so I thought I would share. I am currently living in Weston, helping out my mom. I work full time for TD Banknorth in Needham. For fun I have been traveling… my latest trips have been 3 weeks in South Africa and just last year storm chasing in the Mid-west which I am considering doing again this year as it was an AMAZING trip, very educational…learning to read and understand many different weather maps…but we will see. My trips have inspired me and I am also doing some photography on the side. I have seen Nancy (Bianchi) LaMotto, Sue Lee and Lila Baghdady who are all living in the D.C. area. That was a fun visit. Would love to hear from my old friend, Mike King (hint, hint)… so that the next time I am down in PA we could maybe get together. (3-16-08)
1996? - From the email to the Alumni News: “Could you help me? I am looking for Anya BUSZA who came to France in 1992/1993 to school for one year. I want to invite her to France. I remenber that she lives on Glenn Road, Weston MA. Thanks a lot. My address is schangel.olivier@neuf.fr .” [Is this the same Anya as the Anya Lakner, listed in 1996 on the e-Directory?] (3-9-08)
1978/1979 - Ed Summers, of New Jersey, would like help locating Lisa Wilde, once of NJ, who he thinks graduated from WHS in 1978 or 1979. He’d appreciate help in making contact. Ed’s contact info is (732) 948-1016, or guppyflipper@aol.com. (3-4-08)
1998 - I’m writing to update the WHS alumni site with new news on my sisters and me. I, Selena Coppock, am living in New York City and I work as a book editor by day, standup comedian by night. I update my schedule and rant about meaningless minutae semi-regularly on www.selenacoppock.com. My older sister Laurel ’95 is married and living in Los Angeles. She’s an actress/comedian. Our oldest sister Emily ’92 is married and living in Wayland. We all ripped on her for marrying a Wayland Warrior, but what can you do? She works at an art gallery on Newbury Street and is doing well. That’s the scoop on the Coppock ladies :) (2-27-08)
1969 - Sad news: Beverlie Conant Sloane died suddenly on Dec. 10, 2007, in Los Angeles, CA. She is survived by her husband David Conant Sloane, sister Lisa ’71, and her father Ralph Conant. David’s address is: 4844 1/2 McConnell St., Los Angeles, CA 9006-6712, and his email is dsloane@usc.edu. At Weston HS Beverlie was very active in the theater..was Joan in the play Joan of Arc. Read the obituary telling of her remarkable life. She was a great friend and will truly be missed. Submitted by Karen Degerberg ’71. (2-27-08)
1980 - Celeste “Elizabeth” Gallagher O'Keeffe writes:. My family and I have moved back to Weston from North Carolina after fourteen years, two years ago. I am an Assistant General Counsel at Fresenius Medical Care, a dialysis provider, and my husband’s orthopaedic practice is in the Melrose-Wakefield-Winchester region. My twin daughters, Alison and Kaitlin, are now 18 (!!) and off to college in the fall. They will graduate from Newton Country Day School in June. Alison plans to attend the University of Richmond where she aspires to be a diplomat in the international studies program there; Kate desires to be a teacher and will hear about her college plans soon! Our son Michael is 12 and just started at Belmont Hill School this year and is doing very well academically and looks forward to his first lacrosse season there as a goalie. We love to play golf in the summer in Hyannis Port and Oyster Harbors so please let us know if you ever want to play! It is great to be back home and to see family and friends more frequently. P.S. Can anyone tell me what happened to Madeleine Rostad? She was my neighbor on Nobscot Road. (2-19-08)
1976 - Peter Perkins checks in with best wishes to all those who contributed so vividly to his twelve years in the Weston public school system. Peter's kaleidoscopic world has included following the Grateful Dead coast to coast, working as a field geologist in Alaska and Wyoming, managing the mid-mountain restaurant at a major ski resort in Utah, being a carpenter and construction superintendent in the Sacramento area, teaching fourth and eighth grade in a small Sierra Nevada community, and serving in company operations for a high-end audio manufacturer. He is now semi-retired and catching his breath working on his first novel, and creating a small nature conservatory. Peter and his wife Catherine, who is a clothing and interior designer, also house and take care of their two elderly mothers on their rural property in Grass Valley, CA, in the Gold Country about an hour west of Lake Tahoe. Between them they have three sons: a Marine, a senior at the University of Nevada in Reno, and a fifth grader. His hope for us all is to honor how far we have come in life, rather than how far we believe we need to go. (2-8-08)
1942 - Passing of father: My father James S.Tebo (perhaps known as Bud) was in the class of ’42. He has passed away in Florida on Jan 19. In a search for Linwood cemetery I came across this alumni section, and thought perhaps some of his classmates that are living might be interested. There is an obituary at the Boston Globe. Thank you, James Tebo, Jr., oldest son. (Click here for the obituary.) (1-26-08)
1989 - A catch-up from Eli Golub, who is Down Under: Wanted to drop a note (because I don’t think I ever have), and let everybody know that after twelve years in LA in the film business (I guess I missed Anders, Billy, and Phil), my wife Justine and I sold our house in Mar Vista and moved just outside of Melbourne, Australia, with our two boys Kai (3) and Liam (1). Regrettably I’ll have to miss Coach Baldanza’s retirement party. Drop a line if you come down here for a visit. I think I’ll be staying in the same place for a while. Happy New Year everyone! (1-24-08)
1989 - Hilary Sayer Munson writes, Just a quick update that Brian & I moved to Winter Park, Florida, in August. We currently have 3 children and are loving the Florida lifestyle! (1-19-08)
1993 - Sad news: Alicia (Lisa) White passed away unexpectedly last week. Lisa was a former Weston/METCO student. A wake will be held at the Jubilee Church on Blue Hill Avenue in Mattapan on Thursday, January 10, at 10:00a.m. with the funeral to follow at 11:00a.m. (1-8-08)
1963 - From Consuelo Castillo: Living in Toronto (still) with my partner of 12 years, I am contemplating retirement after many years in I.S. My mother is again living in Weston; my son, a jazz pianist, sometimes plays in the Boston area (www.solomondouglas.com). I would love to hear about any reunion plans (class of 1963), and from/about old friends and teachers (and does anyone know the whereabouts of Cora ne Coggins?). (1-8-08)
1969 - Hi. Charlene Ferro here. I live in Hollywood, Florida, for the last 27 years. I have to wonderful sons Mark and Bobby. Married twice. Divorced twice. Presently single but very happy...I work as a medical secretary for the last 30 years. Love living in Florida and love being close to my 7 brothers and two sons...I would love to hear from anyone else who graduated in 69...I am still in touch with Michelle Zirpolo Henderson, John Sugden, Mark Sawyer, Sharon Sawyer, lost touch with most everyone else...Never did make it to my 30th reunion but hope we’ll have another one...Fondly, Charlene Ferro. (1-4-08)
1968 - Dear Class of ’68 Friends, I'm so excited to share my happy news! I am engaged to be married to a most wonderful man, Ron Kane. He proposed to me at Thanksgiving dinner in front of my whole family! I answered, “Absolutely!” Ron is in business and lives in Philadelphia, but will soon move here to Boca Raton, Florida (affectionately known as “Paradise.”) I will be the “step mother” of 28 year old, Amanda, and 31 year old, Michael and his wife, Amy. My children, Jesse (24 yrs. old) and Rosie (21 yrs. old) are thrilled. Rosie told Jesse that she is so happy that their mom is finally growing up! Looking forward to seeing you all at our reunion in May! All my best, Ellie Stettner (12-26-07)
1968 - Linda Cerniglia Curran extends condolences to the families of Charles (Chuck) Averil ’68 and Mark Clair ’74 (Jim Clair's brother) for the class of 1968. Both passed away this past November and December. (12-16-07)
1978 - Question: Who was “the black devil” for Valentine’s Day? Dave McKenzie wants to know. (12-12-07)
1979 - Scott Duhaime writes: Contrary to popular opinion, I am alive in well in Bolton, Mass! Midlife crisis has hit pretty hard, so I went and formed a rock and roll band with a bunch of friends. Our first CD is due out in January, 2008, and you can see and hear us on the web at www.myspace.com/tanodyssey, or www.tanodyssey.com. If you like what you hear, become a friend on MySpace. My kids love having a dad who’s a rock star! Ran into classmate Russ Foreman twice in 2007 at two different triathlon events, one in Lowell and another in Worcester. I challenge the rest of my classmates to stay healthy, keep the spirit of our old cross country Coach Don Dunkin alive, and sign up to run some local races in 2008! (12-6-07)
1974 - Sad news (sent in by Lana Moy Harrington from today’s Boston Globe): Mark J. Clair, 51, of Dover formerly of Weston died suddenly on Saturday December 1, 2007. Beloved husband of Jane M. (Darveau). Loving father of Jonathan E., CarolineA. and Colette A. all of Dover. Dear son of Theresa (Walton) Clair of Weston and the late James Ernie Clair. Brother of James E. Clair Jr. and his wife Claire of Dover, Mary T. Clair of Weymouth, Joseph P. Clair ’72 and his wifeLaurie of Medfield and Michael S. Clair and his Wife Cornelia of Biddeford, ME. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Church of Most Precious Blood, 30 Center St., Dover on Thursday at 10 AM. Relatives and friends are kindly invited. Visiting Hoursat The Eaton Funeral Home 1351 Highland Ave., NEEDHAM on Tuesday 4-8 andWednesday 4-8. Interment will take place at the Highland Cemetery in Dover. In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Mark’s memory may be made to Greater Boston Association for Retarded Citizens. (G.B.A.R.C.) 221 North Beacon St., Brighton, MA 02135. Late graduate from Weston High School, Classof 74, attended Babson and Curry College. Former co-owner of Clair International Motor Cars in West Roxbury. Mark was a dedicated member and fund raiser for G.B.A.R.C. where he received their distinguished Man of theYear Award. Also very active in the Jack Devine Foundation in Dover, a member of the American Legion-George P. Preston Post 209 in Dover and memberof the Board of Chamber of Commerce in Walpole. For directions obit and guest book www.eatonfuneralhomes.com. Eaton Funeral Home 1-781-444-0201 (12-4-07)
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