Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Carl's Cwestionnaire
Here are a few snippets from Carl Kowalski's questionnaire. Thanks for sharing them with us. You can read his complete responses at the reunion.
"Retired in 2009 from Massasoit Community College in Brockton as Senior Vice President (Student Services and Enrollment Management) after 37.5 years at the College"
"Still married to Carol...we have two children and four grandchildren."
"Carol and I like to travel and have been to over 25 countries...my favorite trip was to Poland with Carol’s family when we took her Mom and Dad to find the farmhouses in southeastern Poland where their parents once lived."
"...for one brief, shining moment, I was on the board of selectmen while my sister Peggy Cerilli, also a Williams grad (1975), was on the School Committee with my son, Craig; now how cool was that?"
"...sitting in the back seat with Karen Maloney on my first big high school date, with my father acting as driver in the front seat (I felt like John Wayne with Maureen O’Hara in the buggy from The Quiet Man, with Dad doing his best Barry Fitzgerald, “There’ll be no patty-fingers, if you please. Keep the proprieties at all times!”)."
"Most of all, however, I’m happy to have gotten to know better the one guy who’s done the most to keep the spirit of Williams alive for so many of the class of ’62, Paul McAuliffe, even though his taste in golf fashion needs some work"
"Retired in 2009 from Massasoit Community College in Brockton as Senior Vice President (Student Services and Enrollment Management) after 37.5 years at the College"
"Still married to Carol...we have two children and four grandchildren."
"Carol and I like to travel and have been to over 25 countries...my favorite trip was to Poland with Carol’s family when we took her Mom and Dad to find the farmhouses in southeastern Poland where their parents once lived."
"...for one brief, shining moment, I was on the board of selectmen while my sister Peggy Cerilli, also a Williams grad (1975), was on the School Committee with my son, Craig; now how cool was that?"
"...sitting in the back seat with Karen Maloney on my first big high school date, with my father acting as driver in the front seat (I felt like John Wayne with Maureen O’Hara in the buggy from The Quiet Man, with Dad doing his best Barry Fitzgerald, “There’ll be no patty-fingers, if you please. Keep the proprieties at all times!”)."
"Most of all, however, I’m happy to have gotten to know better the one guy who’s done the most to keep the spirit of Williams alive for so many of the class of ’62, Paul McAuliffe, even though his taste in golf fashion needs some work"
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Sneak Preview of Some Responses to the Reunion Questionnaire
Some Early Responses to the 50th Reunion Questionnaire
A Sampling of Messages, Memories, and Current Activities
Messages to Classmates:
This is my first reunion at Archies. I’m dying to see everyone.
- Karen Kirsch, Atlanta, GA
Proud to be members of the greatest class ever to graduate AWHS and still enjoy getting together w/our classmates.
- Paul Miles and Nancy McShane Miles, Norwell, MA
Old friends are the best. Can’t wait to see you all!!!!
- Elaine Mattie McCombs, Huntingdon Valley, PA
Thank God for arriving at this stage of life. “There is a season” and this is such a wonderful, calm season with the time to look back and be amazed at how we got here. Williams helped get us on a strong course.
- Louise O’Brien Moore, Westwood MA
Still looking for the next Mrs. B …
- Rick Blasser, Canton, MA
Memories of Archies:
… school dances – praying for someone, anyone to ask me to dance
- Lynn Ruell Wilkins, Westboro, MA
… the too few Friday night dances that allowed me to fantasize that I was on American Bandstand.
- Terry Christian Howe, Foxboro, MA
The people who taught us.
Sister Emily Ann hitching up her skirt so that she could play basketball with us.
Sister Miriam - forgetting where she was during Latin. Gaul got divided many times.
Sister Clara Ann – teaching Spanish with a Southern accent.
Sister Josella who was a champion to those of us in her homeroom.
Mr. Saunders who introduced me to the world of science.
- Gail Walters Farley. Hingham, MA
…our graduation ceremony when the entire class sang “Give me your tired, your poor…”
Hmmmm, now where is that 33 1/3 RPM recording with a picture of the graduating class on the cover.
- Stella “Dina” Daly Grazioso, Quincy, MA
Our Current and Future Lives:
… After the reunion, my husband and I are leaving for 2 weeks in Ireland with a quick 3-day stop-off in London.
- Cheryl Singler Gardner, Amelia Island, FL
Recently I’ve gotten back into music, playing jazz piano and learning improvisation. Lots of fun but not ready for prime time.
- Elaine Mattie McCombs, Huntingdon Valley, PA
… Since my years in GM, I have loved cars and everything about them. I currently have a 1967 Corvette coupe that I restored over the years. I drive it to car shows and cruise nights as well. I am a 28-year member of the National Corvette Restorers Society and also judged for that organization.
- Donald Milone, Punta Gorda, FL
… Working on the “Bucket List,” went to Hawaii in Feb and on the way to Alaska Aug. 22nd!!
- Lois Hannon Ready, Murrells Inlet, SC
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
What's Up With Jim and Joan Hartnett
Jim Hartnett married Joan Loughran Hartnett and have been happily married for 43 years. Jim went to Stonehill College and served in the Coast Guard during the Vietnam War . He worked for the Commonwealth of Mass for his entire career. Joan graduated from Quincy City Hospital School of Nursing and became an RN.
We have 4 beautiful, successful daughters who are also AWHS alumni. They all live close by , are happily married and who provide us with so much joy every day. We have 4 terrific Son in Laws and 13 incredible grandchildren with one more on the way, due anyday.Our life has been full and blessed by God.
We have traveled extensively including Europe, Alaska, Canada and many other beautiful islands and places. We plan on many more exciting trips in the future. After traveling cross country several times we are constantly reminded how lucky we are to live here and how beautiful and diverse this country is.
We still enjoy many relationships we made at AWHS, we love kayaking, mini trips with the grandchildren to places like New Hampshire, Maine, Niagra Falls, Notre Dame and boat trips and train rides into Boston to see the Swans. Joan still loves to do photography and biking.
Our family is our life and we are very content. Thank you Sisters of Charity of Nazareth for helping to lay the foundation of our spiritual life which we continue to pass on to the next generation.
Love Jim and Joan .
We have 4 beautiful, successful daughters who are also AWHS alumni. They all live close by , are happily married and who provide us with so much joy every day. We have 4 terrific Son in Laws and 13 incredible grandchildren with one more on the way, due anyday.Our life has been full and blessed by God.
We have traveled extensively including Europe, Alaska, Canada and many other beautiful islands and places. We plan on many more exciting trips in the future. After traveling cross country several times we are constantly reminded how lucky we are to live here and how beautiful and diverse this country is.
We still enjoy many relationships we made at AWHS, we love kayaking, mini trips with the grandchildren to places like New Hampshire, Maine, Niagra Falls, Notre Dame and boat trips and train rides into Boston to see the Swans. Joan still loves to do photography and biking.
Our family is our life and we are very content. Thank you Sisters of Charity of Nazareth for helping to lay the foundation of our spiritual life which we continue to pass on to the next generation.
Love Jim and Joan .
Alumnus/Alumna
Why, I do declare that the years have been kind to one of our most charmin' alumnus/a. Do you all agree?
Friday, August 3, 2012
AWHS '62 Golfers "Better than working" Tournament
Our 1st tournament was won by Tony D. (who suggested we play at Sandwich Hollows coincidentally?) Finishing tied for 2nd were Bob Bonner & Ricky B. (really!) which meant I paid everyone. A good time was had by all and it only rained on the 8th, 9th, 17th and 18th holes with no one having an umbrella.
p.p.s. Don't tell Marie that I lost or I won't be going to Atlantic.
Next outing...
Monday, August 6 for "Best Upscale Public Course South of Boston" (Boston Globe):
Atlantic Country Club in Plymouth for $48 as special rate 12:30pm - 2:30pm or using our 4 for 3 coupons $49.50?
I know it's last minute but what else were you doing this Monday?
I'd suggest 12:30pm +or-
Let me know ASAP and I'll make tee time.
Thanks, Jon
p.p.s. Don't tell Marie that I lost or I won't be going to Atlantic.
Next outing...
Monday, August 6 for "Best Upscale Public Course South of Boston" (Boston Globe):
Atlantic Country Club in Plymouth for $48 as special rate 12:30pm - 2:30pm or using our 4 for 3 coupons $49.50?
I know it's last minute but what else were you doing this Monday?
I'd suggest 12:30pm +or-
Let me know ASAP and I'll make tee time.
Thanks, Jon
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Some humor from Pat Haddad
LIVE, LOVE AND LAUGH!!
Fifteen years ago my wife and I moved into a retirement development on Florida coast --The Stuart, Port St. Lucie Kingswood Golf, Spa, Pool, Clubhouse, Bath and Tennis Club on Lake Fake-A-Hatchee. There are 3000 lakes in Florida; only three are real.
Our biggest retirement concern was time management . What were we going to do all day? Let me assure you, passing the time is not a problem. Your days will be eaten up by simple, daily activities. Just getting out of your car takes 15 minutes. Trying to find where you parked takes 20 minutes. It takes 1/2 hour on the check-out line and one hour to return the item the next day.
Let me take you through a typical day. We get up at 5:00 AM, have a quick breakfast and join the early morning 'Walk and Talk Club.' There are about 30 of us, and rain or shine we walk around the streets, all talking at once. Every development has some late risers who stay in bed until 6 AM. After a nimble walk avoiding irate drivers out to make us road kill, we go back home, shower and change for the next activity.
My wife goes directly to the pool for her underwater Pilates class, followed by gasping for breath and CPR. I put on my 'Ask me about my Grandchildren' T-shirt, my plaid mid-calf shorts, my black socks and sandals and go to the clubhouse for Wii bowling.
Before you know it, it's time for lunch. We go to or Sam's Club to partake of the many tasty samples dispensed by ladies in white hairnets. All free! After a filling lunch, if we don't have any doctor appointments, we might go to the flea market to see if any new white belts have come in, or to buy a Rolex watch for $2.00.
We're usually back home by 2 PM to get ready for dinner. People start lining up for the early bird about 4 PM, but we get there by 4:45 PM, because we're late eaters. The dinners are very popular because of the large portions they serve. You can take home enough food for the next day's lunch and dinner, including extra bread, crackers, packets of mustard, relish, ketchup and Sweet-and-Low along with mints.
At 5:30 PM we're home ready to watch the 6 o'clock news. By 6:30 PM we're fast asleep. Then we get up and make five or six trips to the bathroom during the night, and it's time to get up and start a new day all over again.
Doctor-related activities eat up most of your retirement time. I enjoy reading old magazines in subzero temperatures in the waiting room, so I don't mind. Calling for test results also helps the days fly by. It takes at least half an hour just getting through the doctor's phone menu. Then there's the hold time until you're connected to the right party. Sometimes they forget you're holding, and the whole office goes off to lunch.
Should you find you still have time on your hands, volunteering provides a rewarding opportunity to help the less fortunate. Florida has the largest concentration of seniors under five feet tall and they need our help. I myself am a volunteer for 'The Vertically Challenged Over 80. ' I coach their basketball team, The Arthritic Avengers.
The hoop is only 4.5 feet from the floor. You should see the look of confidence on their faces when they make a slam dunk.
Food shopping is a problem for short seniors or 'bottom feeders' as we call them, because they can't reach the items on the upper shelves. There are many foods they've never tasted. After shopping, most seniors can't remember where they parked their cars and wander the parking lot for hours while their food defrosts.
Lastly, it's important to choose a development with an impressive name. Italian names are very popular in Florida . They convey world traveler, uppity sophistication and wealth. Where would you rather live? Murray 's Condos or The Lakes Of Venice ? There's no difference. They're both owned by Murray, who happens to be a cheapskate.
I hope this material has been of help to you future retirees. If Ican be of any further assistance, please look me up when you're in Florida . I live in The Leaning Condos of Pisa On Boynton Beach
Fifteen years ago my wife and I moved into a retirement development on Florida coast --The Stuart, Port St. Lucie Kingswood Golf, Spa, Pool, Clubhouse, Bath and Tennis Club on Lake Fake-A-Hatchee. There are 3000 lakes in Florida; only three are real.
Our biggest retirement concern was time management . What were we going to do all day? Let me assure you, passing the time is not a problem. Your days will be eaten up by simple, daily activities. Just getting out of your car takes 15 minutes. Trying to find where you parked takes 20 minutes. It takes 1/2 hour on the check-out line and one hour to return the item the next day.
Let me take you through a typical day. We get up at 5:00 AM, have a quick breakfast and join the early morning 'Walk and Talk Club.' There are about 30 of us, and rain or shine we walk around the streets, all talking at once. Every development has some late risers who stay in bed until 6 AM. After a nimble walk avoiding irate drivers out to make us road kill, we go back home, shower and change for the next activity.
My wife goes directly to the pool for her underwater Pilates class, followed by gasping for breath and CPR. I put on my 'Ask me about my Grandchildren' T-shirt, my plaid mid-calf shorts, my black socks and sandals and go to the clubhouse for Wii bowling.
Before you know it, it's time for lunch. We go to or Sam's Club to partake of the many tasty samples dispensed by ladies in white hairnets. All free! After a filling lunch, if we don't have any doctor appointments, we might go to the flea market to see if any new white belts have come in, or to buy a Rolex watch for $2.00.
We're usually back home by 2 PM to get ready for dinner. People start lining up for the early bird about 4 PM, but we get there by 4:45 PM, because we're late eaters. The dinners are very popular because of the large portions they serve. You can take home enough food for the next day's lunch and dinner, including extra bread, crackers, packets of mustard, relish, ketchup and Sweet-and-Low along with mints.
At 5:30 PM we're home ready to watch the 6 o'clock news. By 6:30 PM we're fast asleep. Then we get up and make five or six trips to the bathroom during the night, and it's time to get up and start a new day all over again.
Doctor-related activities eat up most of your retirement time. I enjoy reading old magazines in subzero temperatures in the waiting room, so I don't mind. Calling for test results also helps the days fly by. It takes at least half an hour just getting through the doctor's phone menu. Then there's the hold time until you're connected to the right party. Sometimes they forget you're holding, and the whole office goes off to lunch.
Should you find you still have time on your hands, volunteering provides a rewarding opportunity to help the less fortunate. Florida has the largest concentration of seniors under five feet tall and they need our help. I myself am a volunteer for 'The Vertically Challenged Over 80. ' I coach their basketball team, The Arthritic Avengers.
The hoop is only 4.5 feet from the floor. You should see the look of confidence on their faces when they make a slam dunk.
Food shopping is a problem for short seniors or 'bottom feeders' as we call them, because they can't reach the items on the upper shelves. There are many foods they've never tasted. After shopping, most seniors can't remember where they parked their cars and wander the parking lot for hours while their food defrosts.
Lastly, it's important to choose a development with an impressive name. Italian names are very popular in Florida . They convey world traveler, uppity sophistication and wealth. Where would you rather live? Murray 's Condos or The Lakes Of Venice ? There's no difference. They're both owned by Murray, who happens to be a cheapskate.
I hope this material has been of help to you future retirees. If Ican be of any further assistance, please look me up when you're in Florida . I live in The Leaning Condos of Pisa On Boynton Beach
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