This is going to be my final column as I have decided it’s time to fully retire. It was a hard decision to make and I may regret it, but, like a great friend just recently told me on the eve of his passing, “It is what it is.”
I think my laptop has been down more this year than ever before and I am not technically inclined to make my own repairs. So, I am calling it quits. I don’t want to be a bother to anyone. I will still have my laptop with Facebook so you can read about me there.
I’ve enjoyed my work as a journalist/columnist and will no doubt miss it. But, I think it’s for the best. I thank everyone for believing in me, especially Gaylen Blosser, with whom I worked with at every newspaper I’ve been employed.
I have made lots of friends over the 60-plus years. I could not have chosen a better career.
The birthdays and recent deaths won’t be appearing here but I will keep people informed on Facebook from here on out.
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The focus of my final column will focus on another part of my life…in the early days, and a group of us recently gathered for our 60th class reunion at the Ansonia American Legion this past Friday on the exact anniversary that our graduation was held, May 22.
A committee of people made the event a success, with Tammy Sholley Arnett, at the helm. Her daughter, Nikki, took photos with a My County Link camera and she did a great job.
Those in attendance were: Barbara Baker Teaford, Tammy Sholley Arnett, Margie Barga Walasimski, Pat Barga, Carol Bowman Cox, Stan Cox, Don Brandt, Gloria Carter Ault, Robert Christian, Norman Dickey, Carol Henderson Baughman, Jack Henkeline, Leanna House Whittington, Sherry Jacobs Deubner, Patricia Jennings, Tom Landis, Tom Liette, Jerry Marker, Russell Midlam, Karen Miller Mote, Paula Muhlenkamp Cox, Denny Poffenberger, Tedd Pratt, Gene Rieman, Larry Singer, Cheryl Snyder Clouse, Judy Striegel Brandenberg and myself.
Unable to attend were: Starr Baltes Schmitmeyer, Barbara Billenstein, Terry Birt, Diane Boerger Birt, Diane Dickey Young, Gary Jenkinson, Sara Miller Fast, John Peters, Jim Owens, Tom Prosyk, Gerald Rhoades, Patricia Rhynard Fogerty, Sondra Shiverdecker White, Sharon Stammen Winner, Otis Stewart, Jean Whittaker Unger and Susan Walls Harbison.
Deceased members of our class, who were remembered at the reunion, are: Phil Replogle, Jay Morrow, Pauline Borger, Dan Brewer, Charles Broering, Keith Cottrell, Nick Cox, Linda Doyle Duncan, Albert Duncan, Gary Gibson, Ruth Hall Richards, Terry Hall, Debbie Hunt, Jim Hunt, Edwina Lambert, Jim Lewis, Luis Macias, Gail McKnight, Steve Miller, Ron Moody, Pat Nunley, Jane Pepple Hammareth, Jerome Rosenbeck, Gayle Schlechty Koontz, Mike Shade, Steve Shaw, Gerald Subler, Ron Thompson, Ruby Trittschuh Peeples, Ralph Whittaker, Anita Whittington Gibson, Mitch Wiley and Doyle Woodman.
What a great group of people to grow up with!
It was a fun time, complete with a meal, and memories were made with the help of Jack Henkaline, who was one of the highlights of the evening. The veterans in our class were also honored with a table set up with various information set up for the dedication.
And the food was delicious.
I just hope I didn’t leave anybody out. If I did, it wasn’t intentional. I’m only human. Thanks, everyone, for a fun evening.
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Think about it: “Don’t let today’s disappointments cast a shadow on tomorrow’s dreams.”– Author Unknown
