CLASS OF 1965 AUTOBIOGRAPHIES
What have YOU been up to??? ...for the last 50 years!!...
Class of 1965: Here's your chance to tell everyone about the highlights of your fascinating life ...and to give us a head start on catching up with each other. Many have not been in contact since graduation. Send a few lies ... err, I mean lines about yourself by Email to: [email protected] and your info will be copied and pasted below.
All entries will be posted in alphabetical order by last name (maiden name for the ladies, 'cause that's how we knew you, once-upon-a-time, long, long ago ~~~sigh~~~). This will facilitate quicker searches as the page grows longer. JG
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Martha~Sue Allmond Crawford
Hello Class of "65"!
I cannot begin to tell you all how excited I am about our "50th" and getting to see you ALL!!! It has been way too long!!!
My life, so far, has not been as exciting as some of yours that I have read about, but very FULFILLING and WONDERFUL!!
I went to American Hairstyling Academy in Jacksonville, FL. I graduated and took my FL and GA state board exams and was licensed in both states. I was married after I graduated from school. I married Lamar and we have three children, two sons, Payton and Kyler, and one daughter, Paige. We have seven grandchildren, ranging in age from 21yrs to 3yrs old. We lived in Patterson, GA from 1967 until UPS sent us to Atlanta in 1985. I was a stay at home mom while my children were little.
Once my baby started school, I went back to work. In 1989, I decided I wanted to teach Cosmetology in the high school, so I went back to school to get all my hours to become an instructor. Once I was finished with 1500 more hours, I took another state board exam and got my instructor license. I then went to GSU in Atlanta, when I was 43yrs old, to get my teaching degree. I then taught at Lithia Springs High School until I retired in May of 2010.
During my teaching career, I was a softball coach, a cheerleading coach, a soccer coach, girls golf coach, department head, Junior Class Sponsor for 10yrs, a sponsor of GA Skills USA, served on the advisory board for the school system, was a member of GTAE and a member of the Cosmetology Association at the state and national level.
I love to travel and have been to many parts of the country. We are planning more trips in the future. Lamar and I will be celebrating our Golden Wedding Anniversary next year. He is my BEST FRIEND, my partner in crime, my best fishing buddy, the best daddy and granddaddy in the world and the man I gave my whole heart to "52yrs ago".
"CANNOT WAIT UNTIL OCTOBER!!!!! TO SEE YOU ALL!!! : )" S/Martha~Sue Allmond Crawford
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Martha~Sue Allmond Crawford
Hello Class of "65"!
I cannot begin to tell you all how excited I am about our "50th" and getting to see you ALL!!! It has been way too long!!!
My life, so far, has not been as exciting as some of yours that I have read about, but very FULFILLING and WONDERFUL!!
I went to American Hairstyling Academy in Jacksonville, FL. I graduated and took my FL and GA state board exams and was licensed in both states. I was married after I graduated from school. I married Lamar and we have three children, two sons, Payton and Kyler, and one daughter, Paige. We have seven grandchildren, ranging in age from 21yrs to 3yrs old. We lived in Patterson, GA from 1967 until UPS sent us to Atlanta in 1985. I was a stay at home mom while my children were little.
Once my baby started school, I went back to work. In 1989, I decided I wanted to teach Cosmetology in the high school, so I went back to school to get all my hours to become an instructor. Once I was finished with 1500 more hours, I took another state board exam and got my instructor license. I then went to GSU in Atlanta, when I was 43yrs old, to get my teaching degree. I then taught at Lithia Springs High School until I retired in May of 2010.
During my teaching career, I was a softball coach, a cheerleading coach, a soccer coach, girls golf coach, department head, Junior Class Sponsor for 10yrs, a sponsor of GA Skills USA, served on the advisory board for the school system, was a member of GTAE and a member of the Cosmetology Association at the state and national level.
I love to travel and have been to many parts of the country. We are planning more trips in the future. Lamar and I will be celebrating our Golden Wedding Anniversary next year. He is my BEST FRIEND, my partner in crime, my best fishing buddy, the best daddy and granddaddy in the world and the man I gave my whole heart to "52yrs ago".
"CANNOT WAIT UNTIL OCTOBER!!!!! TO SEE YOU ALL!!! : )" S/Martha~Sue Allmond Crawford
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Gary Brenner
After graduation I attended Mercer University for 7 years receiving my AB and J.D. degrees. Upon graduation from undergraduate school I was commissioned a 2nd Lt. in the US Army and received a deferment to attend law school. I graduated law school in 1972 and took the Ga. Bar exam. In August I was assigned to Ft. Benning for Infantry Officers Basic Course. I was promoted to 1st Lt.during law school (don't ask me why !) and roomed with junior officer 2nd Lt. Eddie Sasser while at Ft. Benning. Thank you Col. Sasser and congratulations on your military career.
I practiced law in Macon for 2 years and moved to San Francisco in 1974. I met a beautiful Greek girl, Arleen Pasvanis in 1975 and we were married in 1976. Arleen graduated from high school in Steubenville,Ohio in 1965 and we will be attending her Reunion on October 3rd. Arleen recently retired as an RN in surgery from Stanford University Hospital. Our daughter Ashley is 31 and our son Derek is 28.
Arleen has introduced me to all things Greek including the language, the food, the culture and the Greek Orthodox Church. We chair the Lamb BBQ at our 3 day food festival over Labor Day Weekend.
My hobbies are golf, snow skiing and cooking in my outdoor kitchen. My passions are Arleen and Masters Swimming. I started swimming in 1980 as my daily exercise. I began competing in 1983 and have traveled to the 4 corners of the US to compete in National Swim Meets. I have swum from Alcatraz to San Francisco 3 times and the Golden Gate Bridge swim 2 times.I have crossed Lake Tahoe 21 times as part of a relay team.
I am still maintaining my law practice but hope to retire soon.
"We love visiting South Georgia and look forward to seeing you all in October ! " S/Gary Brenner
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After graduation I attended Mercer University for 7 years receiving my AB and J.D. degrees. Upon graduation from undergraduate school I was commissioned a 2nd Lt. in the US Army and received a deferment to attend law school. I graduated law school in 1972 and took the Ga. Bar exam. In August I was assigned to Ft. Benning for Infantry Officers Basic Course. I was promoted to 1st Lt.during law school (don't ask me why !) and roomed with junior officer 2nd Lt. Eddie Sasser while at Ft. Benning. Thank you Col. Sasser and congratulations on your military career.
I practiced law in Macon for 2 years and moved to San Francisco in 1974. I met a beautiful Greek girl, Arleen Pasvanis in 1975 and we were married in 1976. Arleen graduated from high school in Steubenville,Ohio in 1965 and we will be attending her Reunion on October 3rd. Arleen recently retired as an RN in surgery from Stanford University Hospital. Our daughter Ashley is 31 and our son Derek is 28.
Arleen has introduced me to all things Greek including the language, the food, the culture and the Greek Orthodox Church. We chair the Lamb BBQ at our 3 day food festival over Labor Day Weekend.
My hobbies are golf, snow skiing and cooking in my outdoor kitchen. My passions are Arleen and Masters Swimming. I started swimming in 1980 as my daily exercise. I began competing in 1983 and have traveled to the 4 corners of the US to compete in National Swim Meets. I have swum from Alcatraz to San Francisco 3 times and the Golden Gate Bridge swim 2 times.I have crossed Lake Tahoe 21 times as part of a relay team.
I am still maintaining my law practice but hope to retire soon.
"We love visiting South Georgia and look forward to seeing you all in October ! " S/Gary Brenner
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Janis Brooker Benson Moyer
50 Years in the Making!
After the CCHS graduation, I came to Big Atlanta. I attended The Art Institute of Atlanta with my major being in Architectural Design with a BA. In the second year, I and 29 others were chosen to tour Europe with the school. I had the privilege of being chosen to model in the fashion houses of Christian Dior, Cardin, Givenchy & others. I experienced the sights of London, Paris, Rome, Madrid, Monte Carlo, and East & West Berlin. Later in my life, I met my husband, Jimmy Benson. We married and had 4 children: Brad (now 46), Jill (42 deceased), Sabrina (now 44), and Chad (32 deceased). During this time, I was an advocate for parents with special needs children on the state level, as well as, the county level of Dallas, GA., where we lived. I attended Georgia Real Estate School at Kennesaw College and later, I attended the Georgia Banking School for Mortgage Loans to become a Mortgage Loan Broker for the Community Trust Bank in Dallas, GA. I’m a member of the First Baptist Church of Dallas, GA and sang in the choir and taught Sunday school. I have been a Member of the Woman’s Club, an advisory parent to the Margaret Harris School in Atlanta, GA. Sadly, Jim died in 1999; BUT-life does go on! I have 7 grandchildren. Dec. 2014 my first great grandchild was born. Life certainly does go on…
At 50 yrs. of age, a widow, I started traveling with NASCAR Winston Co. all over the US. Yes! I was one of the Winston Girls! At this time, I inherited seventeen acres of land and a Lg. house, a lake, a pool and a tractor I could not even drive! Knowing, I had to get serious and get a real job with benefits. I attended Floyd Junior College to study Computer Science for two years. Since then, I have worked for Bethesda Family Practice (doctors) of Powder Springs, GA, which led me to WellStar Home Health, as a billing coordinator, up to Dept. Secretary.
Now thirteen years later to the present 2015! At this time, God granted me another person to enter my life. During the travels with NASCAR, I had met Bill in an airport in Gainesville Fl. when traveling back and forth to Atlanta. But, I did not date him for long, long time! Finally, with lots of encouragement from my kids and from Bill, we did meet for coffee.
I tell this Story to everyone: Time had passed when we did finally meet to talk and get to know one another. (Me, being sarcastic!) I asked him, “Do you cut grass?” (Seeing, if he would run?) He looked at me strangely and said, “How much grass have you to cut?” I replied (laughingly) “Try 17 acres!” He nearly fell out of his chair! It stuck; we married five years later on the beach in Destin, Fl. in 2005. I am 6 years his senior! I do not proclaim to be a Cougar, to anyone! Okay? Bill has opened a new way of life and new world of traveling that I never dreamed would exist in this lifetime. We are soul mates... He grew up in New Port Richey, Fl. He has three grown children. (2 boys and 1 girl) Bill is a developer of residential use codes (Apt’s and Condo’s) He travels from Atlanta, N.C. TN and Florida, through Pollacks Shores, Inc. Atlanta, GA. For all of you Braves Fans: He is working on the new stadium/condo’s being built in Marietta, in Cobb County at the present time.
I started my art company in 1990. It began off my kitchen table, and I never knew it would develop into more, than I ever imagined. I began sculpting in clay, after being an accomplished artist in oils, acrylics, & chalks to this day. I fell in love using wet clay! As a gift for my deceased husband, I created a miniature building of his old high school and our church. From there it took off to the present day. I was in gift shops in Atlanta and 5 surrounding states for many years. I have had many opportunities to travel, met many new people, and have articles written.
My niche is the history of each piece ( Ms. Dyess, would be proud! ). I would search in newspapers/books to get the descriptions/details to apply to the back of each piece. The artwork is registered, certified by State of Georgia, signed & numbered. I make my own rubber molds, the registered trademark is, ”Jan’s Originals.” From there, I make a casting. I have been honored to be the sculptress/artist/owner by the Collector’s Magazine during 1998, 1999. I was offered by Georgia Tourism to represent one of the Artist’s of Georgia through QVC at one time. (I have created buildings of St. Mary’s ,Cumberland, Courthouse of Woodbine, and CCHS) I have another design I call “The Victorian Design” (lamps, musical teapots w/lights). I implemented the three-way wiring/switch and one must be have an Underwriters Laboratory Registration listing. My oldest son, the Electrical Engineer from Ga Tech, does these for me.
When I want to unwind, I spin and dye fleece (wool) into yarn. I love to knit while watching TV at night. I still create the art line and add new pieces when asked. My creations are enjoyed in the art studio in Dallas. Bill and I have my three dogs: "Otter" an Italian Spinone (couldn’t speak English, he he!), "Brooker" (you read it right! ) a Silky Terrier, and "Mattie," my 4 lb. Yorkie.
Bill and I hope to retire soon, and maybe, on our lots across from the St Mary’s Waterfront, on the intercoastal waterway of Yulee. We live in Marietta during the week, and go to Dallas, GA. on weekends for him to cut my grass!
"Looking forward to visiting with everyone…" s/Jan (Janis) Brooker Benson Moyer
50 Years in the Making!
After the CCHS graduation, I came to Big Atlanta. I attended The Art Institute of Atlanta with my major being in Architectural Design with a BA. In the second year, I and 29 others were chosen to tour Europe with the school. I had the privilege of being chosen to model in the fashion houses of Christian Dior, Cardin, Givenchy & others. I experienced the sights of London, Paris, Rome, Madrid, Monte Carlo, and East & West Berlin. Later in my life, I met my husband, Jimmy Benson. We married and had 4 children: Brad (now 46), Jill (42 deceased), Sabrina (now 44), and Chad (32 deceased). During this time, I was an advocate for parents with special needs children on the state level, as well as, the county level of Dallas, GA., where we lived. I attended Georgia Real Estate School at Kennesaw College and later, I attended the Georgia Banking School for Mortgage Loans to become a Mortgage Loan Broker for the Community Trust Bank in Dallas, GA. I’m a member of the First Baptist Church of Dallas, GA and sang in the choir and taught Sunday school. I have been a Member of the Woman’s Club, an advisory parent to the Margaret Harris School in Atlanta, GA. Sadly, Jim died in 1999; BUT-life does go on! I have 7 grandchildren. Dec. 2014 my first great grandchild was born. Life certainly does go on…
At 50 yrs. of age, a widow, I started traveling with NASCAR Winston Co. all over the US. Yes! I was one of the Winston Girls! At this time, I inherited seventeen acres of land and a Lg. house, a lake, a pool and a tractor I could not even drive! Knowing, I had to get serious and get a real job with benefits. I attended Floyd Junior College to study Computer Science for two years. Since then, I have worked for Bethesda Family Practice (doctors) of Powder Springs, GA, which led me to WellStar Home Health, as a billing coordinator, up to Dept. Secretary.
Now thirteen years later to the present 2015! At this time, God granted me another person to enter my life. During the travels with NASCAR, I had met Bill in an airport in Gainesville Fl. when traveling back and forth to Atlanta. But, I did not date him for long, long time! Finally, with lots of encouragement from my kids and from Bill, we did meet for coffee.
I tell this Story to everyone: Time had passed when we did finally meet to talk and get to know one another. (Me, being sarcastic!) I asked him, “Do you cut grass?” (Seeing, if he would run?) He looked at me strangely and said, “How much grass have you to cut?” I replied (laughingly) “Try 17 acres!” He nearly fell out of his chair! It stuck; we married five years later on the beach in Destin, Fl. in 2005. I am 6 years his senior! I do not proclaim to be a Cougar, to anyone! Okay? Bill has opened a new way of life and new world of traveling that I never dreamed would exist in this lifetime. We are soul mates... He grew up in New Port Richey, Fl. He has three grown children. (2 boys and 1 girl) Bill is a developer of residential use codes (Apt’s and Condo’s) He travels from Atlanta, N.C. TN and Florida, through Pollacks Shores, Inc. Atlanta, GA. For all of you Braves Fans: He is working on the new stadium/condo’s being built in Marietta, in Cobb County at the present time.
I started my art company in 1990. It began off my kitchen table, and I never knew it would develop into more, than I ever imagined. I began sculpting in clay, after being an accomplished artist in oils, acrylics, & chalks to this day. I fell in love using wet clay! As a gift for my deceased husband, I created a miniature building of his old high school and our church. From there it took off to the present day. I was in gift shops in Atlanta and 5 surrounding states for many years. I have had many opportunities to travel, met many new people, and have articles written.
My niche is the history of each piece ( Ms. Dyess, would be proud! ). I would search in newspapers/books to get the descriptions/details to apply to the back of each piece. The artwork is registered, certified by State of Georgia, signed & numbered. I make my own rubber molds, the registered trademark is, ”Jan’s Originals.” From there, I make a casting. I have been honored to be the sculptress/artist/owner by the Collector’s Magazine during 1998, 1999. I was offered by Georgia Tourism to represent one of the Artist’s of Georgia through QVC at one time. (I have created buildings of St. Mary’s ,Cumberland, Courthouse of Woodbine, and CCHS) I have another design I call “The Victorian Design” (lamps, musical teapots w/lights). I implemented the three-way wiring/switch and one must be have an Underwriters Laboratory Registration listing. My oldest son, the Electrical Engineer from Ga Tech, does these for me.
When I want to unwind, I spin and dye fleece (wool) into yarn. I love to knit while watching TV at night. I still create the art line and add new pieces when asked. My creations are enjoyed in the art studio in Dallas. Bill and I have my three dogs: "Otter" an Italian Spinone (couldn’t speak English, he he!), "Brooker" (you read it right! ) a Silky Terrier, and "Mattie," my 4 lb. Yorkie.
Bill and I hope to retire soon, and maybe, on our lots across from the St Mary’s Waterfront, on the intercoastal waterway of Yulee. We live in Marietta during the week, and go to Dallas, GA. on weekends for him to cut my grass!
"Looking forward to visiting with everyone…" s/Jan (Janis) Brooker Benson Moyer
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Virginia Godley Frazier
After graduation for the University of Georgia in 1969, I moved to Warner Robins and began my 35-year career in special education. That summer as man walked on the moon, a Red Sox fan stationed at Robins Air Force Base walked into my life. Walt and I were married in 1971.
In the early '70s we lived in New Hampshire and after three winters decided to head south. We made our home in Jacksonville, where our daughter, Rachel, was born. I retired in 2008; Walt the following year.
We built a house on the Georgia Coast Rail-Trail and I boomeranged right back to Woodbine where a good walk, friendly faces, a decent book and a few flowers keep me happy. See you all in October! s/Virginia Godley Frazier
Virginia Godley Frazier
After graduation for the University of Georgia in 1969, I moved to Warner Robins and began my 35-year career in special education. That summer as man walked on the moon, a Red Sox fan stationed at Robins Air Force Base walked into my life. Walt and I were married in 1971.
In the early '70s we lived in New Hampshire and after three winters decided to head south. We made our home in Jacksonville, where our daughter, Rachel, was born. I retired in 2008; Walt the following year.
We built a house on the Georgia Coast Rail-Trail and I boomeranged right back to Woodbine where a good walk, friendly faces, a decent book and a few flowers keep me happy. See you all in October! s/Virginia Godley Frazier
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Jim Goodman
Dear Classmates:
After graduating from CCHS… let’s see… where do I begin… Well, let’s just say that I blinked my eyes and 50 years have gone by... WTH???!!! So, if I’m pressed to commit it to words, I think I would rather express my thoughts about those 5 decades in broad generalizations rather than specifics.
The obvious truth is my life has been remarkably unremarkable. ...Might as well admit that right up front. Understanding that this is not about “comparisons".... but doing that very thing anyway, such is the human condition… I really don’t feel that I have anything singularly impressive to tell you. Alas, I myself have never jumped from an airplane... and, had I done so, I suspect it would have really upset the crew, not to mention all the other passengers.
Let’s get this out of the way also… As to FAME and FORTUNE, I, apart from all others in the CCHS Class of 1965 have been, without a doubt, the MOST SUCCESSFUL …at AVOIDING both of those things. But I have always had ENOUGH… and that’s all that one really needs anyway. . . .Yeah, I know, if I just keep telling myself that...
Yes, I went to college and finished with a Bachelors in Psychology at Georgia College… formerly the Georgia State College for Women… I went there the first year they admitted MALES and the ratio of women to men was 17 women to every guy. Yaaaaay!! Even I could get a date!!
I married my first wife, "Mrs. Plaintiff" right out of college and had served 25 years of that "forever-after" sentence when a State Court Judge in Brantley County slammed down the gavel and said sternly, “Mr. Goodman, I’m going to give your wife $2,000 per month!” …And I made the mistake of replying, “That’s mighty nice of you, Y’Onner" ... "I’ll try to chip in a little myself every now and then!” (I now take medication to help me avoid blurting out things like that. I have to constantly increase the dosage.)
To be sure, that lady is the greatest mother and grandmother on Earth and we have two grown and wonderful children from that union… both doing very well... four grandchildren. Claudia and I are now far better at being friends than we ever were at trying to be spouses to each other. I never fail to tell her that I love her as the mother of our children, and she reciprocates.
I have now been remarried for 18 years and Fran and I are doing well and living in St. Marys on the Borrell Creek marsh. We had been living in Mt. Dora, FL in a gated community… (but Fran kept escaping anyway and going to the Mall).... so we decided we would look for a home in St. Marys to live out our days. (P.S. After reading this, Fran said something to the effect that my days are numbered!)
Most of my career years were spent in hospital/healthcare administration and Public Health disaster response. I retired in 2009 after being injured during basic recruit training with the Florida Highway Patrol while pursuing a late in life desire to be in law enforcement… apparently too late in life. But I have no regrets.
The thing I would say is that I've always done pretty much whatever I wanted to do, (well....OK, there was that little misunderstanding with Nicole Kidman's bodyguard and the restraining order from her attorney.) But it's all good now! I have survived life-threatening injuries and illnesses several times …and I have emerged with a few body parts missing, some scorched by megavoltage radiation, and still other parts patched together with hardware like titanium rods and stainless steel screws… BUT, so have many of you, and I won't mention it unless you ask. I move slower than I would like to, but I KEEP MOVING. That’s the important thing. I once asked my hospital attorney, who was 85 and sharp as a tack, what was his secret to keeping so fit. He replied, "Trust in God... and keep your bowels free." Words to live by...
What I look forward to the most is the opportunity to just sit and TALK with as many of you as I can in the short time that we will have together. Given the way we are scattered far and wide, and recognizing that time is precious, we may never again have this opportunity.
"I'm really looking forward to seeing every one of you!!" S/Jim Goodman
(P.S. Let me know what I can do to make this Website better, to encourage you to attend the reunion! [email protected] )
Jim Goodman
Dear Classmates:
After graduating from CCHS… let’s see… where do I begin… Well, let’s just say that I blinked my eyes and 50 years have gone by... WTH???!!! So, if I’m pressed to commit it to words, I think I would rather express my thoughts about those 5 decades in broad generalizations rather than specifics.
The obvious truth is my life has been remarkably unremarkable. ...Might as well admit that right up front. Understanding that this is not about “comparisons".... but doing that very thing anyway, such is the human condition… I really don’t feel that I have anything singularly impressive to tell you. Alas, I myself have never jumped from an airplane... and, had I done so, I suspect it would have really upset the crew, not to mention all the other passengers.
Let’s get this out of the way also… As to FAME and FORTUNE, I, apart from all others in the CCHS Class of 1965 have been, without a doubt, the MOST SUCCESSFUL …at AVOIDING both of those things. But I have always had ENOUGH… and that’s all that one really needs anyway. . . .Yeah, I know, if I just keep telling myself that...
Yes, I went to college and finished with a Bachelors in Psychology at Georgia College… formerly the Georgia State College for Women… I went there the first year they admitted MALES and the ratio of women to men was 17 women to every guy. Yaaaaay!! Even I could get a date!!
I married my first wife, "Mrs. Plaintiff" right out of college and had served 25 years of that "forever-after" sentence when a State Court Judge in Brantley County slammed down the gavel and said sternly, “Mr. Goodman, I’m going to give your wife $2,000 per month!” …And I made the mistake of replying, “That’s mighty nice of you, Y’Onner" ... "I’ll try to chip in a little myself every now and then!” (I now take medication to help me avoid blurting out things like that. I have to constantly increase the dosage.)
To be sure, that lady is the greatest mother and grandmother on Earth and we have two grown and wonderful children from that union… both doing very well... four grandchildren. Claudia and I are now far better at being friends than we ever were at trying to be spouses to each other. I never fail to tell her that I love her as the mother of our children, and she reciprocates.
I have now been remarried for 18 years and Fran and I are doing well and living in St. Marys on the Borrell Creek marsh. We had been living in Mt. Dora, FL in a gated community… (but Fran kept escaping anyway and going to the Mall).... so we decided we would look for a home in St. Marys to live out our days. (P.S. After reading this, Fran said something to the effect that my days are numbered!)
Most of my career years were spent in hospital/healthcare administration and Public Health disaster response. I retired in 2009 after being injured during basic recruit training with the Florida Highway Patrol while pursuing a late in life desire to be in law enforcement… apparently too late in life. But I have no regrets.
The thing I would say is that I've always done pretty much whatever I wanted to do, (well....OK, there was that little misunderstanding with Nicole Kidman's bodyguard and the restraining order from her attorney.) But it's all good now! I have survived life-threatening injuries and illnesses several times …and I have emerged with a few body parts missing, some scorched by megavoltage radiation, and still other parts patched together with hardware like titanium rods and stainless steel screws… BUT, so have many of you, and I won't mention it unless you ask. I move slower than I would like to, but I KEEP MOVING. That’s the important thing. I once asked my hospital attorney, who was 85 and sharp as a tack, what was his secret to keeping so fit. He replied, "Trust in God... and keep your bowels free." Words to live by...
What I look forward to the most is the opportunity to just sit and TALK with as many of you as I can in the short time that we will have together. Given the way we are scattered far and wide, and recognizing that time is precious, we may never again have this opportunity.
"I'm really looking forward to seeing every one of you!!" S/Jim Goodman
(P.S. Let me know what I can do to make this Website better, to encourage you to attend the reunion! [email protected] )
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Wendell Harrell
The Last Fifty Years
When I saw CCHS in the rear view mirror in June of 1965, I reflected on the memories of the prior five years and wondered what the future would bring. I thought about the fear I had in the fall of 1960, the first time I stepped up the steps and into the hall in front of the school office, or when I was “initiated” into the band by two big upper classmen in the parking lot of the Plantation restaurant in Homerville Georgia after the football game; remember I was “the smallest eighth grader” no doubt. There they took off my band pants and left me in my “tighty-whities.” Then there was the time when I was a ninth grader placed in first period American History class (Mrs. Dyess’ class) because of my scheduling, it was a tenth grade class; the guys tried to throw me out the window while the girls giggled. What fun I had at CCHS!!! Was I going to miss it???
Well, as I got older I started to grow and continue to hang with my pals, Jimmy Onofrey and Jim Goodman. We were all nearly the same size, and anyone picking on one of us had to contend with all of us. This relationship continued throughout our high school years, but…now at graduation we were heading in different directions. What was going to happen????
I entered Brunswick Junior College in the fall of 1965 and found out about a whole different world. I learned so much about living; that I am responsible for everything in my life, if not what happens to me, then how I receive it and react to it. While at the college in Brunswick, I met the love of my life in the fall of 1966, we’ve been married nearly forty eight years now. I think it would be too hard to train another one, and I don’t have the energy I once had. Other 1965 and 1966 CCHS graduates attended BJC also; Bill Clark, Harvin Quarterman, Renva Foddrell, and Francis McKendree. I received an Associate of Science degree in June of 1967.
I attended UGA in fall of 1967 majoring in Entomology, got strep throat, nearly croaked, got reclassified 1-A (remember Vietnam?) before my fever ever broke from the strep. My dad had his hair cut in Woodbine and the barber was on the draft board. While at Georgia, I ran across Virginia G., Janice Joiner, Charlie Smith, etc., etc. By now I had lost weight due to strep throat, to 104lbs. When I had my pre-induction physical they said if I lost another four pounds I would be turned down. Gee, I passed the physical with flying colors, despite nearly fainting three times from weakness. Well, the sickness ended my career at UGA, but I had signed the list for enlistment in the Georgia National Guard the previous year and was told there was a two year waiting list for the guard.
The guard called and I joined, on July 16, 1968, the next day I received my draft notice. I left on Oct 18, 1968 for active duty training, and returned home in March 1969, took a job with Georgia Power at Milledgeville, and moved there with my little family and went to work (night shift 11-7). While there I crossed paths with Jim Goodman, I think it was at the Hardee’s. Jim was going to the college in Milledgeville. He confided in me that GC&SU formally Georgia State College for Women had just become Co-Ed and his “chances with the girls were GREATLY enhanced”. He was also working at Central State Hospital there with the criminally insane, and that while he was having lunch one day in the cafeteria, a ’66 CCHS female graduate came on tour of the hospital from N. Georgia College with her psychology class. Recognizing Jim, she immediately ran over to greet him and asked, “Jim what are you doing here?” To which he giggled, picked up the glass of water off his tray, and started pouring it in his ear. Poor girl, I don’t think she ever fully recovered. (Editors Note: Wendell, That was Gwendolyn Edenfield on a field trip with her Psychology Class from Brenau University. The woman Professor quickly came over and escorted the young ladies to "SAFETY", explaining that some of the "INMATES" looked relatively normal, but were deeply psychologically disturbed ...and she was right about that!)
Realizing I wouldn’t be able to attend GC&SU while working on shift, I found a job in a chemical research facility in Decatur, GA with US Steel. There I worked in Process development as a research technician (thanks Mrs. Brock) my grasp of chemistry, the ability to perform ratio and proportion calculations, and an understanding of industrial processes placed me in the center of phospho-fluorine chemical research leading up to the development of lithium batteries. That work was fascinating, but my real purpose there was to complete my education. I was able to enter Georgia State University, attend school at night, work all day, and maintain some family life. I finished the requirements for a BS in Biology in March 1974, and ended my enlistment in the reserves in July that year. We moved back to Brunswick, and I went to work with W. R. Grace and Company as a plant engineer in their new food processing plant in Brunswick.
In 1975 the nuclear plant in Baxley was under construction, so I decided that I would like to try the construction industry for a while. Well, I did and continued in that for much of the rest of my career. I worked as a welder, pipefitter, in supervision, and in management for many years, and still hold a foot in the door of that industry. I also became certified and licensed in the state of Georgia as a plumbing contractor and a HVAC contractor maintaining these certifications even today. I also have certification as a welding inspector, in electrical and instrumentation and control inspections, mechanical, and civil inspections in nuclear power plants, as well as, government construction quality control management at Ft. Stewart, Kings Bay, and FLETC.
My life has had its ups and downs, desperation and distress are no strangers to me. After undergoing serious illness, depression overwhelmed me and brought me to the very edge of my existence. In this state, and desperately seeking answers to my concerns, I found out the answer was there all the time. When I cried out for help, a thought took center stage in my mind; it was sweet and simple. “Everything necessary for you has been done…not just for you, but for the whole world.” My life was changed in an instant, and I became glad instead of sad. I found out that I had to forgive those who wronged me, including those guys who “initiated” me into the band, the ones who wanted to throw me out of the window in world history, and so many other incidents throughout high school and even before and since. I’m not perfect, but I know who is. I know it is He who has blessed me far above all I could think or imagine, and exceedingly more than I deserve with a loving family; including two wonderful daughters, two sons-in-law, two grandsons, and two granddaughters.
"Just as well, CCHS and the class of 1965 are a real part of my life. I still have vivid and wonderful memories of the whole experience and each one of you. I’m richer for all of it and wouldn’t trade any of it for anything I know. Yes, I miss CCHS and you all; and I know when this reunion weekend is over, I’ll be better for being with you and making another memory with each of you. I don’t know what the future holds, but I know it will be alright. May God bless you all."
S/Wendell Harrell
*******************************************************************************************************************************************
Walton Hooks
After graduation from CCHS I joined the US Navy. I always liked rockets and was fortunate to have a career working on missile systems (the recruiter was honest) and I spent a lot of time in various schools. I stayed in the navy for 24 years, served on several destroyers and cruisers and was an instructor at Guided Missiles School twice. During my navy career I received a BA from Thomas Edison College and an MA in International Studies from Old Dominion University; I retired as a Master Chief Firecontrolman (guiding missiles not putting out fires) and Command Master Chief. After so much time with Uncle Sam, I began a second career at Old Dominion University, Department of Physics, retiring from the state in 2011 after 21 years. During this time I completed my MBA and had the opportunity to work with lots of great (and smart) folks, an international faculty and graduate students from the world over. One couldn’t imagine more diverse careers than going from the military to a university!
I married Vickie (Fulford) in 1967 before my first Vietnam cruise. We were very happily married for 40 years until she passed away in 2008. We had two children, now grown with families and careers of their own. I’ve since remarried a wonderful lady named Diane, also widowed and retired. She has two grown sons with families. Altogether we have 9 grandchildren. My son is in the Atlanta area, daughter in Williamsburg and Diane’s sons are here in the tidewater area.
Diane and I enjoy traveling and are blessed to be able to do so. We have visited most of Europe and the Caribbean together, including Russia, and if I include my navy trips and some by myself, I’ve visited over 50 countries. Of course some of these places are small (like Luxembourg or Vatican City) and some were only short visits. I have visited a lot of places more than once, but I don’t count repeats, or airport stops! We’re working on US states too, and have about 10 to go in the northwest. It is a big wonderful world out there and I never imagined I would see so much of it.
I’ve discovered it is possible to have all kinds of interests and hobbies over so many years. I’ve continued to enjoy woodworking, photography and cooking (especially making sausages and smoked things, and I help at church events). I have also jumped out of planes, taken a few lessons in a powered hang glider, am a certified scuba diver and love to ride my Honda VTX1800 (but now only on nice days).
Another thing I’ve found is that all these things are more fun with others to share doing them with; family and friends and just getting together counts most. One of the greatest pleasures is sitting with friends and sharing the stories of life and we all have ‘em!
"Looking forward to seeing you and sharing 50 years!" S/Walt Hooks
***********************************************************************************************************************
Wendell Harrell
The Last Fifty Years
When I saw CCHS in the rear view mirror in June of 1965, I reflected on the memories of the prior five years and wondered what the future would bring. I thought about the fear I had in the fall of 1960, the first time I stepped up the steps and into the hall in front of the school office, or when I was “initiated” into the band by two big upper classmen in the parking lot of the Plantation restaurant in Homerville Georgia after the football game; remember I was “the smallest eighth grader” no doubt. There they took off my band pants and left me in my “tighty-whities.” Then there was the time when I was a ninth grader placed in first period American History class (Mrs. Dyess’ class) because of my scheduling, it was a tenth grade class; the guys tried to throw me out the window while the girls giggled. What fun I had at CCHS!!! Was I going to miss it???
Well, as I got older I started to grow and continue to hang with my pals, Jimmy Onofrey and Jim Goodman. We were all nearly the same size, and anyone picking on one of us had to contend with all of us. This relationship continued throughout our high school years, but…now at graduation we were heading in different directions. What was going to happen????
I entered Brunswick Junior College in the fall of 1965 and found out about a whole different world. I learned so much about living; that I am responsible for everything in my life, if not what happens to me, then how I receive it and react to it. While at the college in Brunswick, I met the love of my life in the fall of 1966, we’ve been married nearly forty eight years now. I think it would be too hard to train another one, and I don’t have the energy I once had. Other 1965 and 1966 CCHS graduates attended BJC also; Bill Clark, Harvin Quarterman, Renva Foddrell, and Francis McKendree. I received an Associate of Science degree in June of 1967.
I attended UGA in fall of 1967 majoring in Entomology, got strep throat, nearly croaked, got reclassified 1-A (remember Vietnam?) before my fever ever broke from the strep. My dad had his hair cut in Woodbine and the barber was on the draft board. While at Georgia, I ran across Virginia G., Janice Joiner, Charlie Smith, etc., etc. By now I had lost weight due to strep throat, to 104lbs. When I had my pre-induction physical they said if I lost another four pounds I would be turned down. Gee, I passed the physical with flying colors, despite nearly fainting three times from weakness. Well, the sickness ended my career at UGA, but I had signed the list for enlistment in the Georgia National Guard the previous year and was told there was a two year waiting list for the guard.
The guard called and I joined, on July 16, 1968, the next day I received my draft notice. I left on Oct 18, 1968 for active duty training, and returned home in March 1969, took a job with Georgia Power at Milledgeville, and moved there with my little family and went to work (night shift 11-7). While there I crossed paths with Jim Goodman, I think it was at the Hardee’s. Jim was going to the college in Milledgeville. He confided in me that GC&SU formally Georgia State College for Women had just become Co-Ed and his “chances with the girls were GREATLY enhanced”. He was also working at Central State Hospital there with the criminally insane, and that while he was having lunch one day in the cafeteria, a ’66 CCHS female graduate came on tour of the hospital from N. Georgia College with her psychology class. Recognizing Jim, she immediately ran over to greet him and asked, “Jim what are you doing here?” To which he giggled, picked up the glass of water off his tray, and started pouring it in his ear. Poor girl, I don’t think she ever fully recovered. (Editors Note: Wendell, That was Gwendolyn Edenfield on a field trip with her Psychology Class from Brenau University. The woman Professor quickly came over and escorted the young ladies to "SAFETY", explaining that some of the "INMATES" looked relatively normal, but were deeply psychologically disturbed ...and she was right about that!)
Realizing I wouldn’t be able to attend GC&SU while working on shift, I found a job in a chemical research facility in Decatur, GA with US Steel. There I worked in Process development as a research technician (thanks Mrs. Brock) my grasp of chemistry, the ability to perform ratio and proportion calculations, and an understanding of industrial processes placed me in the center of phospho-fluorine chemical research leading up to the development of lithium batteries. That work was fascinating, but my real purpose there was to complete my education. I was able to enter Georgia State University, attend school at night, work all day, and maintain some family life. I finished the requirements for a BS in Biology in March 1974, and ended my enlistment in the reserves in July that year. We moved back to Brunswick, and I went to work with W. R. Grace and Company as a plant engineer in their new food processing plant in Brunswick.
In 1975 the nuclear plant in Baxley was under construction, so I decided that I would like to try the construction industry for a while. Well, I did and continued in that for much of the rest of my career. I worked as a welder, pipefitter, in supervision, and in management for many years, and still hold a foot in the door of that industry. I also became certified and licensed in the state of Georgia as a plumbing contractor and a HVAC contractor maintaining these certifications even today. I also have certification as a welding inspector, in electrical and instrumentation and control inspections, mechanical, and civil inspections in nuclear power plants, as well as, government construction quality control management at Ft. Stewart, Kings Bay, and FLETC.
My life has had its ups and downs, desperation and distress are no strangers to me. After undergoing serious illness, depression overwhelmed me and brought me to the very edge of my existence. In this state, and desperately seeking answers to my concerns, I found out the answer was there all the time. When I cried out for help, a thought took center stage in my mind; it was sweet and simple. “Everything necessary for you has been done…not just for you, but for the whole world.” My life was changed in an instant, and I became glad instead of sad. I found out that I had to forgive those who wronged me, including those guys who “initiated” me into the band, the ones who wanted to throw me out of the window in world history, and so many other incidents throughout high school and even before and since. I’m not perfect, but I know who is. I know it is He who has blessed me far above all I could think or imagine, and exceedingly more than I deserve with a loving family; including two wonderful daughters, two sons-in-law, two grandsons, and two granddaughters.
"Just as well, CCHS and the class of 1965 are a real part of my life. I still have vivid and wonderful memories of the whole experience and each one of you. I’m richer for all of it and wouldn’t trade any of it for anything I know. Yes, I miss CCHS and you all; and I know when this reunion weekend is over, I’ll be better for being with you and making another memory with each of you. I don’t know what the future holds, but I know it will be alright. May God bless you all."
S/Wendell Harrell
*******************************************************************************************************************************************
Walton Hooks
After graduation from CCHS I joined the US Navy. I always liked rockets and was fortunate to have a career working on missile systems (the recruiter was honest) and I spent a lot of time in various schools. I stayed in the navy for 24 years, served on several destroyers and cruisers and was an instructor at Guided Missiles School twice. During my navy career I received a BA from Thomas Edison College and an MA in International Studies from Old Dominion University; I retired as a Master Chief Firecontrolman (guiding missiles not putting out fires) and Command Master Chief. After so much time with Uncle Sam, I began a second career at Old Dominion University, Department of Physics, retiring from the state in 2011 after 21 years. During this time I completed my MBA and had the opportunity to work with lots of great (and smart) folks, an international faculty and graduate students from the world over. One couldn’t imagine more diverse careers than going from the military to a university!
I married Vickie (Fulford) in 1967 before my first Vietnam cruise. We were very happily married for 40 years until she passed away in 2008. We had two children, now grown with families and careers of their own. I’ve since remarried a wonderful lady named Diane, also widowed and retired. She has two grown sons with families. Altogether we have 9 grandchildren. My son is in the Atlanta area, daughter in Williamsburg and Diane’s sons are here in the tidewater area.
Diane and I enjoy traveling and are blessed to be able to do so. We have visited most of Europe and the Caribbean together, including Russia, and if I include my navy trips and some by myself, I’ve visited over 50 countries. Of course some of these places are small (like Luxembourg or Vatican City) and some were only short visits. I have visited a lot of places more than once, but I don’t count repeats, or airport stops! We’re working on US states too, and have about 10 to go in the northwest. It is a big wonderful world out there and I never imagined I would see so much of it.
I’ve discovered it is possible to have all kinds of interests and hobbies over so many years. I’ve continued to enjoy woodworking, photography and cooking (especially making sausages and smoked things, and I help at church events). I have also jumped out of planes, taken a few lessons in a powered hang glider, am a certified scuba diver and love to ride my Honda VTX1800 (but now only on nice days).
Another thing I’ve found is that all these things are more fun with others to share doing them with; family and friends and just getting together counts most. One of the greatest pleasures is sitting with friends and sharing the stories of life and we all have ‘em!
"Looking forward to seeing you and sharing 50 years!" S/Walt Hooks
***********************************************************************************************************************
Katie~Rose Johns Lunsford
Right out of high school; I got married, had a baby and went to Beauty School and got my Master Hair Dresser's license. Sadly, the marriage didn't last. I spent the next 5 years just working and raising my daughter. I met my current husband ( Joel Lunsford) on Valentine's Day 1970. We were married Sept. 5, 1971. We traveled around the country and worked in various places for a couple of years until the next daughter was born in June, 1973.
Time to settle down. So we moved back to Asheboro, North Carolina where my husband was raised. We had a son in January, 1975. So there we stayed until the oldest was married and the two younger ones were in high school. I took the opportunity to get my college degree in computer programming during that time. I was working for General Electric/Black & Decker and took advantage of their paid college program for employees.
We moved to Palm Bay, Florida about six months after I graduated in 1989. I went to work for the City of Palm Bay in the Technology Services Division as a Systems Operator (the bottom of the ladder) and worked my way up to Telecom Network Administrator. I retired from the City in 2010 after 20 years service. All three of our children are grown and married with children of their own. We have 7 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.
I had taken a few classes in oil painting over the years, but had never tried acrylics until about 5 years before I retired. Needless to say, that opened up a whole new dimension in my life. I became involved in a Painting Club, which allowed me to take classes from nationally known artists in oils, acrylics, watercolor, pastels and professional colored pencil.
During the last 5 years, I have had my work shown in a gallery and sold quite a few pieces. I paint just about anything. (Landscapes, seascapes, flowers, architecture, still life and portraits.) My favorite thing to paint is portraits, in oil, acrylic, and color pencil. I also teach oil, acrylic and watercolor painting in my home studio.
Recently, my husband and I have started painting together. We do three dimensional paintings under the pseudonym “Arturo”. These are on display in downtown Asheboro, NC.
Our contact information is:
Katie-Rose and Joel Lunsford
1382 Southmont Drive
Asheboro, NC 27205
cellphone #: 321-431-7983
Email add: [email protected] s/Katie~Rose Johns Lunsford*
**********************************************************************************************************************************************************
Right out of high school; I got married, had a baby and went to Beauty School and got my Master Hair Dresser's license. Sadly, the marriage didn't last. I spent the next 5 years just working and raising my daughter. I met my current husband ( Joel Lunsford) on Valentine's Day 1970. We were married Sept. 5, 1971. We traveled around the country and worked in various places for a couple of years until the next daughter was born in June, 1973.
Time to settle down. So we moved back to Asheboro, North Carolina where my husband was raised. We had a son in January, 1975. So there we stayed until the oldest was married and the two younger ones were in high school. I took the opportunity to get my college degree in computer programming during that time. I was working for General Electric/Black & Decker and took advantage of their paid college program for employees.
We moved to Palm Bay, Florida about six months after I graduated in 1989. I went to work for the City of Palm Bay in the Technology Services Division as a Systems Operator (the bottom of the ladder) and worked my way up to Telecom Network Administrator. I retired from the City in 2010 after 20 years service. All three of our children are grown and married with children of their own. We have 7 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.
I had taken a few classes in oil painting over the years, but had never tried acrylics until about 5 years before I retired. Needless to say, that opened up a whole new dimension in my life. I became involved in a Painting Club, which allowed me to take classes from nationally known artists in oils, acrylics, watercolor, pastels and professional colored pencil.
During the last 5 years, I have had my work shown in a gallery and sold quite a few pieces. I paint just about anything. (Landscapes, seascapes, flowers, architecture, still life and portraits.) My favorite thing to paint is portraits, in oil, acrylic, and color pencil. I also teach oil, acrylic and watercolor painting in my home studio.
Recently, my husband and I have started painting together. We do three dimensional paintings under the pseudonym “Arturo”. These are on display in downtown Asheboro, NC.
Our contact information is:
Katie-Rose and Joel Lunsford
1382 Southmont Drive
Asheboro, NC 27205
cellphone #: 321-431-7983
Email add: [email protected] s/Katie~Rose Johns Lunsford*
**********************************************************************************************************************************************************
Janice Johnson Campbell
Here we are fellow classmates looking at the world in a rear view mirror. We are now "them", the old people! My life hasn't been the exciting adventure of some of you, but I have the adventure of life.
Mine started after going to school in Jacksonville for a year and getting on the Jr. Buyer's Program and disliking every minute of it. Coming back home, I started working for GA Power Co. Then my adventure really started; Roddy Campbell walked up my driveway after being stationed in Germany for two years for Uncle Sam. After falling in love with my soulmate, three months later we were married.
Rod and I were blessed with three beautiful children, Joey (deceased), Jaimee, and Justin. We were so fortunate to raise them on the river and the cabin on Cumberland Island, spending all summers, weekends, and holidays there the years while Rod was maintenance supervisor. They are now teaching their children, my beautiful grandchildren, Lainee and Cameron, how to appreciate the river and island.
We visited all fifty states, spent time in Hawaii and thirty one days traveling to Alaska. We also traveled to Australia, Puerto Rico, Bahamas, toured Canada and loved every minute of it.
April 28, 2012, my world came crashing down for the second time, my beloved Rod died of a massive heart attack. The old saying is "time heals all"; no it doesn't, but you do learn how to live with that time.
Now I have decided to take the tail of adventure and swing with it. I went backpacking with my brothers on the Appalachian Trail sleeping on rocks for five days, not made for old bones! After not having a shower during this time, we really bonded. This adventure was on my oldest bro Cliff''s bucket list, not mine! I have taken a seven day cruise to the Caribbean, been kayaking and snorkeling in the FL Keys, and will be taking a trip to Napa CA in a couple of weeks to check out the wine country, yea me. First week of Oct., I will fly to NY to catch a ship for Nova Scotia. The last week will be spent in the mountains doing absolutely nothing; well maybe hiking some trails. Dec. I will be camping at a deer lease hunting club in west TX with my bros sitting around a bonfire talking about the past and thinking about the what~ifs.
Still not exciting as some of you, but I'm getting there. I have to learn to do these things without my partner, but I have learned how to deal with that time.
So to all my "old" classmates, I wish you much love, happiness, and adventures. I can't wait to see ya'll at the 50th!
s/Janice Johnson Campbell
Here we are fellow classmates looking at the world in a rear view mirror. We are now "them", the old people! My life hasn't been the exciting adventure of some of you, but I have the adventure of life.
Mine started after going to school in Jacksonville for a year and getting on the Jr. Buyer's Program and disliking every minute of it. Coming back home, I started working for GA Power Co. Then my adventure really started; Roddy Campbell walked up my driveway after being stationed in Germany for two years for Uncle Sam. After falling in love with my soulmate, three months later we were married.
Rod and I were blessed with three beautiful children, Joey (deceased), Jaimee, and Justin. We were so fortunate to raise them on the river and the cabin on Cumberland Island, spending all summers, weekends, and holidays there the years while Rod was maintenance supervisor. They are now teaching their children, my beautiful grandchildren, Lainee and Cameron, how to appreciate the river and island.
We visited all fifty states, spent time in Hawaii and thirty one days traveling to Alaska. We also traveled to Australia, Puerto Rico, Bahamas, toured Canada and loved every minute of it.
April 28, 2012, my world came crashing down for the second time, my beloved Rod died of a massive heart attack. The old saying is "time heals all"; no it doesn't, but you do learn how to live with that time.
Now I have decided to take the tail of adventure and swing with it. I went backpacking with my brothers on the Appalachian Trail sleeping on rocks for five days, not made for old bones! After not having a shower during this time, we really bonded. This adventure was on my oldest bro Cliff''s bucket list, not mine! I have taken a seven day cruise to the Caribbean, been kayaking and snorkeling in the FL Keys, and will be taking a trip to Napa CA in a couple of weeks to check out the wine country, yea me. First week of Oct., I will fly to NY to catch a ship for Nova Scotia. The last week will be spent in the mountains doing absolutely nothing; well maybe hiking some trails. Dec. I will be camping at a deer lease hunting club in west TX with my bros sitting around a bonfire talking about the past and thinking about the what~ifs.
Still not exciting as some of you, but I'm getting there. I have to learn to do these things without my partner, but I have learned how to deal with that time.
So to all my "old" classmates, I wish you much love, happiness, and adventures. I can't wait to see ya'll at the 50th!
s/Janice Johnson Campbell
*******************************************************************************************************************************************
Dan Johnson
Hello fellow graduates! Jim has asked me, rather forcefully (threats), to send in a synopsis of my 50-year journey thus far. I can't imagine why anyone would be interested, but here it is. I have only 2 major regrets in my life... I'll tell you what they were at the end.
After graduation from CCHS, my girlfriend at the time, Ann, had an uncle in the Naval Air Reserve, so I enlisted and was sent to boot camp and "A" school as an anti-submarine warfare technician. Upon finishing and returning home, I found out that Ann was getting married the very next morning ...to someone else!
I was offered a job with a large computer company, UNIVAC, as a customer service technician. I accepted and was sent to their school in Ilion, New York (home to Remington Arms!). While there I met Sue, my soul-mate and the love of my life. I finished school and went to work at Marshal Space Flight Center in Slidell, LA. while Sue finished college.
After graduation we got married -finally- and moved to Fort Walton Beach, FL. Sue taught school, and I worked on Eglin AFB as a computer service tech. After 4 years, we were transferred to Minnesota and 4 years later we had the opportunity to move to Colorado Springs, CO. As part of another government contract, I was assigned to NORAD, inside Cheyenne Mountain. We lived there for 18 years.
By that time, we had 2 daughters, Erin and Jennifer. Cutbacks threatened lay-offs, so I took a volunteer buy-out and left UNISYS (formerly UNIVAC) after 29 years. We moved back to Fort Walton Beach, where we now make our home.
My two regrets? Not going to Vietnam, and never having gone to college. Sue and I have been married 46 years, and both daughters are all growed up- and all 3 graduated college!! S/ Dan Johnson
Dan Johnson
Hello fellow graduates! Jim has asked me, rather forcefully (threats), to send in a synopsis of my 50-year journey thus far. I can't imagine why anyone would be interested, but here it is. I have only 2 major regrets in my life... I'll tell you what they were at the end.
After graduation from CCHS, my girlfriend at the time, Ann, had an uncle in the Naval Air Reserve, so I enlisted and was sent to boot camp and "A" school as an anti-submarine warfare technician. Upon finishing and returning home, I found out that Ann was getting married the very next morning ...to someone else!
I was offered a job with a large computer company, UNIVAC, as a customer service technician. I accepted and was sent to their school in Ilion, New York (home to Remington Arms!). While there I met Sue, my soul-mate and the love of my life. I finished school and went to work at Marshal Space Flight Center in Slidell, LA. while Sue finished college.
After graduation we got married -finally- and moved to Fort Walton Beach, FL. Sue taught school, and I worked on Eglin AFB as a computer service tech. After 4 years, we were transferred to Minnesota and 4 years later we had the opportunity to move to Colorado Springs, CO. As part of another government contract, I was assigned to NORAD, inside Cheyenne Mountain. We lived there for 18 years.
By that time, we had 2 daughters, Erin and Jennifer. Cutbacks threatened lay-offs, so I took a volunteer buy-out and left UNISYS (formerly UNIVAC) after 29 years. We moved back to Fort Walton Beach, where we now make our home.
My two regrets? Not going to Vietnam, and never having gone to college. Sue and I have been married 46 years, and both daughters are all growed up- and all 3 graduated college!! S/ Dan Johnson
************************************************************************************************************************
Janice Joiner Turner
Hello Class of '65,
After graduating from CCHS, I entered the University of Georgia in the Fall of 1965, graduated In June of 1969 with a Bachelors Degree in Music Education. I taught public school music for one year in Palatka, Fl., then married (found this true blessing at UGA!) in August of 1970.
My husband was an officer in the U.S. Navy, and was stationed in Charleston, SC, where we lived for two and a half years-I also taught public school music there during that time (not so great experience as my first year!). After leaving the Navy and Charleston, we found ourselves in Jacksonville, Fl, where I continued to teach until we started our family. We had one son and two daughters, and I thoroughly enjoyed being a stay-at-home Mom for them. After they got older and all in school, I began accompanying ballet classes at JU and then Douglas Anderson High School for the Arts (a super fun part time job-loved it!). During these years, I also enjoyed being pianist and organist in our church.
After all the children grew up, went to college and got married themselves, we decided to fulfill a dream - build a house on water where we actually have seasons other than summer and also a necessity- get above the "gnat line"!! Our dream has been fulfilled- we live on Lake Sinclair near Eatonton and Greensboro, Ga. We have six grandchildren, five girls and finally one boy, aging from the oldest who is six down to ten months. We enjoy traveling to spend time with our family in their homes, and having them come play with us on the lake.
"Looking forward to reconnecting with you!" s/Janice Joiner Turner
Janice Joiner Turner
Hello Class of '65,
After graduating from CCHS, I entered the University of Georgia in the Fall of 1965, graduated In June of 1969 with a Bachelors Degree in Music Education. I taught public school music for one year in Palatka, Fl., then married (found this true blessing at UGA!) in August of 1970.
My husband was an officer in the U.S. Navy, and was stationed in Charleston, SC, where we lived for two and a half years-I also taught public school music there during that time (not so great experience as my first year!). After leaving the Navy and Charleston, we found ourselves in Jacksonville, Fl, where I continued to teach until we started our family. We had one son and two daughters, and I thoroughly enjoyed being a stay-at-home Mom for them. After they got older and all in school, I began accompanying ballet classes at JU and then Douglas Anderson High School for the Arts (a super fun part time job-loved it!). During these years, I also enjoyed being pianist and organist in our church.
After all the children grew up, went to college and got married themselves, we decided to fulfill a dream - build a house on water where we actually have seasons other than summer and also a necessity- get above the "gnat line"!! Our dream has been fulfilled- we live on Lake Sinclair near Eatonton and Greensboro, Ga. We have six grandchildren, five girls and finally one boy, aging from the oldest who is six down to ten months. We enjoy traveling to spend time with our family in their homes, and having them come play with us on the lake.
"Looking forward to reconnecting with you!" s/Janice Joiner Turner
*************************************************************************************************************************
Mike Jordan
Personal:
Married Libby Godley July 3, 1970
Two sons--Matthew and David
Two grandsons--Caleb and Ben
After leaving the US Army in Jan. 1972 (Matt was born while I was in Korea and he was 6 months old when I first saw him), I returned to college and graduated in 1973. I worked for Nationwide Insurance in Macon. I entered the trucking business in 1977 and moved to Atlanta, Valdosta, Ft. Myers, Orlando, Jacksonville, and Chattanooga. In 1990 I began teaching at St. Marys Middle School and later at CCHS. I taught US History and AP Government (how unlikely was that?) and retired in 2010. Last year I bought a truck and now deliver boats/rvs in the US and Canada. Libby and I live at Harrietts Bluff. S/Mike Jordan
Mike Jordan
Personal:
Married Libby Godley July 3, 1970
Two sons--Matthew and David
Two grandsons--Caleb and Ben
After leaving the US Army in Jan. 1972 (Matt was born while I was in Korea and he was 6 months old when I first saw him), I returned to college and graduated in 1973. I worked for Nationwide Insurance in Macon. I entered the trucking business in 1977 and moved to Atlanta, Valdosta, Ft. Myers, Orlando, Jacksonville, and Chattanooga. In 1990 I began teaching at St. Marys Middle School and later at CCHS. I taught US History and AP Government (how unlikely was that?) and retired in 2010. Last year I bought a truck and now deliver boats/rvs in the US and Canada. Libby and I live at Harrietts Bluff. S/Mike Jordan
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Karen Kaminis Bottorf
Hello Classmates,
I came home from playing tennis one morning and after having heard two messages on my answering machine I had to literally sit down and try to take it all in. Jane and Jim both mentioned the 50th high school reunion and there was no question about my reaction that for sure I would be there!
Of course I'm eager to learn about where life has taken you as you're probably wondering where I have been and done low all these many years. So I thought of sending a very short blurb on me.
My whole life has been dedicated to teaching Spanish and French to high school students both in Mexico and in the U.S. I had several stints as an adjunct instructor at community colleges and universities. Teaching was my passion and I was lucky to have chosen it as my profession.
I met my husband 32 years ago when I was teaching 5 of his 7 children in Mexico. We got married 3 years after his wife passed and we moved to the U.S where we have been living in the Southwest.
Socorro, New Mexico, is our home and we love it. I'm retired now and dabble in a variety of activities that keep me busy.
"I'm so anxious to meet up with you all again for it has been too long! Please do drop me a line about you." s/Karen Kaminis Bottorf
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Karen Kaminis Bottorf
Hello Classmates,
I came home from playing tennis one morning and after having heard two messages on my answering machine I had to literally sit down and try to take it all in. Jane and Jim both mentioned the 50th high school reunion and there was no question about my reaction that for sure I would be there!
Of course I'm eager to learn about where life has taken you as you're probably wondering where I have been and done low all these many years. So I thought of sending a very short blurb on me.
My whole life has been dedicated to teaching Spanish and French to high school students both in Mexico and in the U.S. I had several stints as an adjunct instructor at community colleges and universities. Teaching was my passion and I was lucky to have chosen it as my profession.
I met my husband 32 years ago when I was teaching 5 of his 7 children in Mexico. We got married 3 years after his wife passed and we moved to the U.S where we have been living in the Southwest.
Socorro, New Mexico, is our home and we love it. I'm retired now and dabble in a variety of activities that keep me busy.
"I'm so anxious to meet up with you all again for it has been too long! Please do drop me a line about you." s/Karen Kaminis Bottorf
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Eddie Sasser
Retired from military (30 years) and URS Corporation Defense Contractor (13 years) at 316 Veterans Parkway, Fayetteville, GA with beautiful wife of 42 years - Lee. Hobbies: Golf, Day Trader/Private Equity Investor, Do Taxes for AARP, SCUBA, Fishing, Travel, Garden for local deer amusement, Car and M/C Collector and member Peach State Corvette Club, Aggravate my wife when bored, Co-Owner/President with son as COO of Graphic Signs Incorporated in Fayetteville. 2 Kids (both grown) and 3 grand daughters, 1 Mastiff/American Bull (120 lbs) and 1 barky small dog (12 lbs). S/Eddie Sasser
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Retired from military (30 years) and URS Corporation Defense Contractor (13 years) at 316 Veterans Parkway, Fayetteville, GA with beautiful wife of 42 years - Lee. Hobbies: Golf, Day Trader/Private Equity Investor, Do Taxes for AARP, SCUBA, Fishing, Travel, Garden for local deer amusement, Car and M/C Collector and member Peach State Corvette Club, Aggravate my wife when bored, Co-Owner/President with son as COO of Graphic Signs Incorporated in Fayetteville. 2 Kids (both grown) and 3 grand daughters, 1 Mastiff/American Bull (120 lbs) and 1 barky small dog (12 lbs). S/Eddie Sasser
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Harriett Sheffield Buckey
O.K.....You all probably know that I went to 3 yr.nursing school: Warren A. Candler school of nursing in Savannah, Ga....graduated 1968 and have had a 41 year career span in surgery, ICU, home health and Radiation Oncology...retired 2009 from Mayo Clinic in Jax,Fl.... (Jim, do you remember our stent in Milledgeville?...we were both in that insane asylum at same time!)....3 months..seemed an eternity...one of our students actually went crazy while there and had to be hauled off to a private asylum....our class was the last one at that school as the BSdegree programs had gotten under way by 1968...we started out with 32 students and only managed to graduate 10...pretty rough..
I am now on my third husband...kept trading up....he is retired Col. Robert Buckey...fighter pilot...served 142 missions over Vietnam..said all his takeoffs and landings equaled out...a good thing...served 4 years in Pentagon and 5 years in Central Command...I met him when he was undergoing treatment for base of tongue cancer...met up sev. yrs later after I had divorced my sec. husband..a big shot lawyer in Jax....first one was Jimmy McCollum...2beautiful dtrs. Elizabeth and Suzanne...Elizabeth married to Steve Berry and lives in St. Augustine with Steve and her son, Eli...Steve is New York times best selling author and Elizabeth has her own publishing co....Suzanne lives here in Gray, Ga...three miles down the road...country red neck territory and Bob and I LOVE it here...Suzanne and Jeff have one child: Ella, now 7..smart as a whip...gets it from me, of course!....
Bob and I both play the piano for church..dang it..he plays by ear..something I could never do...we are both in Civil War Reenacting...he has a 2015 red not GT mustang,....430 horse power...6 shift...boy can it fly!....I taught watercolor classes in my studio next to our house..stopped last year...turned it into a cute apartment..Bob also in the car cruisers club and the local Cowboy shooting club...we both work out at the gym...got to keep up my awesome good looks for my honey!
"Can't wait to catch up with all..." S/Harriett Sheffield Buckey
Editor's Note: Harriett and I were not "IN" the famed Milledgeville State Insane Asylum, (at least not at the same time!!)... She was doing her Psychiatric Hospital Rotation for her RN Program, and I was working as a Psychiatric Orderly while studying Psychology at Georgia College... just so's ya'll know!!! As the song says, "That's my story and I'm stickin' to it ! " Editor, JimG
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O.K.....You all probably know that I went to 3 yr.nursing school: Warren A. Candler school of nursing in Savannah, Ga....graduated 1968 and have had a 41 year career span in surgery, ICU, home health and Radiation Oncology...retired 2009 from Mayo Clinic in Jax,Fl.... (Jim, do you remember our stent in Milledgeville?...we were both in that insane asylum at same time!)....3 months..seemed an eternity...one of our students actually went crazy while there and had to be hauled off to a private asylum....our class was the last one at that school as the BSdegree programs had gotten under way by 1968...we started out with 32 students and only managed to graduate 10...pretty rough..
I am now on my third husband...kept trading up....he is retired Col. Robert Buckey...fighter pilot...served 142 missions over Vietnam..said all his takeoffs and landings equaled out...a good thing...served 4 years in Pentagon and 5 years in Central Command...I met him when he was undergoing treatment for base of tongue cancer...met up sev. yrs later after I had divorced my sec. husband..a big shot lawyer in Jax....first one was Jimmy McCollum...2beautiful dtrs. Elizabeth and Suzanne...Elizabeth married to Steve Berry and lives in St. Augustine with Steve and her son, Eli...Steve is New York times best selling author and Elizabeth has her own publishing co....Suzanne lives here in Gray, Ga...three miles down the road...country red neck territory and Bob and I LOVE it here...Suzanne and Jeff have one child: Ella, now 7..smart as a whip...gets it from me, of course!....
Bob and I both play the piano for church..dang it..he plays by ear..something I could never do...we are both in Civil War Reenacting...he has a 2015 red not GT mustang,....430 horse power...6 shift...boy can it fly!....I taught watercolor classes in my studio next to our house..stopped last year...turned it into a cute apartment..Bob also in the car cruisers club and the local Cowboy shooting club...we both work out at the gym...got to keep up my awesome good looks for my honey!
"Can't wait to catch up with all..." S/Harriett Sheffield Buckey
Editor's Note: Harriett and I were not "IN" the famed Milledgeville State Insane Asylum, (at least not at the same time!!)... She was doing her Psychiatric Hospital Rotation for her RN Program, and I was working as a Psychiatric Orderly while studying Psychology at Georgia College... just so's ya'll know!!! As the song says, "That's my story and I'm stickin' to it ! " Editor, JimG
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Susan Smith Simmons
After a year each at Georgia Southern College & the University of Georgia, I got married & transferred to Samford University School of Pharmacy in Birmingham, Alabama. My CCHS chemistry & biology classes with Mrs. Brock certainly helped smooth the way. At college graduation I was 7 months pregnant with my son. A year later was pregnant again & moved to Portsmouth, Virginia where my daughter was born.
Since high school I've lived in Georgia, Alabama, Virginia, North Carolina, Italy, Connecticut, & Florida. My work life has been varied. About 22 years of pharmacy work: hospital pharmacy, retail pharmacy, nursing home pharmacist consultant work. While living in Naples, Italy for 3.5 years I taught English to adult Italians (college students & older adults) at the American Studies Center. Interestingly, a number of French words from my CCHS days in Mrs. May's French class kept popping up in my brain when I was learning to speak a bit of Italian. I managed a small motorcycle seat manufacturing company in Massachusetts that was owned by a man I ended up marrying. On 1/1/91 just minutes into the new year in Key West, I became "Mrs. Mustang". That title didn't mean much to most people at the time, but we worked hard for & eventually built our motorcycle seat company into the biggest aftermarket seat company in the world. I had to give up pharmacy & help build our business. That meant I did practically everything: bookkeeper, retail sales/seat installations at motorcycle events, dealer shows, warehouse shipping, packaging, human resources, managing our company's 401k plan, & even....vacuuming, dusting, & cleaning bathrooms.
Besides working & rearing 2 children I tried to have some fun along life's way. I learned to ride a motorcycle while in Pharmacy School & would ride the Honda 250 down the highway toward a place of volunteer work for a handicapped child. Ice skating came in my late 20's. At age 30 I learned to snow ski; then lost an inch in my left leg in Italy by a botched repair of a triple spiral break incurred at Roccaraso, Italy. Ouch! I enjoyed traveling to many different countries in Europe, Asia, & Africa while living in Italy. Did a couple of years of handicap bowling league and played bridge & learned to windsurf while in Italy. In my 40's I finally snorkeled for the 1st time, then I got my PADI scuba diving certification & enjoyed diving for Maine lobsters & scallops in New England's frigid waters. Began roller blading. (Remember those clamp-on skates from childhood.) I did dirt bike riding & land sailing & ice boating & winter boarding (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwoJIh9SU7k for those southerners who don't know what winterboarding on ice is) In my 40's & 50's Al & I competed in numerous windsurfing regattas around the US, Canada, & the Carribean, culminating in my winning the National One-Design Windsurfing Championship in 2003 (beating my husband by 1/4 point). Salt water fishing was another activity I started in my 40's. A lot more exciting that those tiny fresh water brim & catfish caught with a bamboo pole, line, cork, & worm on hook in the St. Marys River from my childhood days.
Then came my 60's - which have thus far turned out to actually be somewhat less scary than imagined. At age 59, with the big 6-0 looming, I decided I really needed a challenge: flying. So I started lessons & soloed 5 days before my 60th birthday. Got my private pilot certificate at age 60 & instrument rating at 62. Have also achieved my tailwheel endorsement, complex/high performance endorsement, glider rating, motor glider endorsement, high altitude course, multiengine rating, & seaplane rating. In March, at the age of 67, I even flew a jet - & did one of my sweetest landings ever. What a thrill. Other activities I've done in 'late life' are kiteboarding and standup paddleboarding, bicycIing, walking, gardening, reading. I've been happily retired since age 63 & have been busy trying to check off all the things on my bucket list. But it seems as fast as I can check things off, I'm adding even more to the list.
"Looking forward to seeing everyone at the 50th CCHS class reunion in October & hearing about your lives!" S/Susan Smith Simmons
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After a year each at Georgia Southern College & the University of Georgia, I got married & transferred to Samford University School of Pharmacy in Birmingham, Alabama. My CCHS chemistry & biology classes with Mrs. Brock certainly helped smooth the way. At college graduation I was 7 months pregnant with my son. A year later was pregnant again & moved to Portsmouth, Virginia where my daughter was born.
Since high school I've lived in Georgia, Alabama, Virginia, North Carolina, Italy, Connecticut, & Florida. My work life has been varied. About 22 years of pharmacy work: hospital pharmacy, retail pharmacy, nursing home pharmacist consultant work. While living in Naples, Italy for 3.5 years I taught English to adult Italians (college students & older adults) at the American Studies Center. Interestingly, a number of French words from my CCHS days in Mrs. May's French class kept popping up in my brain when I was learning to speak a bit of Italian. I managed a small motorcycle seat manufacturing company in Massachusetts that was owned by a man I ended up marrying. On 1/1/91 just minutes into the new year in Key West, I became "Mrs. Mustang". That title didn't mean much to most people at the time, but we worked hard for & eventually built our motorcycle seat company into the biggest aftermarket seat company in the world. I had to give up pharmacy & help build our business. That meant I did practically everything: bookkeeper, retail sales/seat installations at motorcycle events, dealer shows, warehouse shipping, packaging, human resources, managing our company's 401k plan, & even....vacuuming, dusting, & cleaning bathrooms.
Besides working & rearing 2 children I tried to have some fun along life's way. I learned to ride a motorcycle while in Pharmacy School & would ride the Honda 250 down the highway toward a place of volunteer work for a handicapped child. Ice skating came in my late 20's. At age 30 I learned to snow ski; then lost an inch in my left leg in Italy by a botched repair of a triple spiral break incurred at Roccaraso, Italy. Ouch! I enjoyed traveling to many different countries in Europe, Asia, & Africa while living in Italy. Did a couple of years of handicap bowling league and played bridge & learned to windsurf while in Italy. In my 40's I finally snorkeled for the 1st time, then I got my PADI scuba diving certification & enjoyed diving for Maine lobsters & scallops in New England's frigid waters. Began roller blading. (Remember those clamp-on skates from childhood.) I did dirt bike riding & land sailing & ice boating & winter boarding (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwoJIh9SU7k for those southerners who don't know what winterboarding on ice is) In my 40's & 50's Al & I competed in numerous windsurfing regattas around the US, Canada, & the Carribean, culminating in my winning the National One-Design Windsurfing Championship in 2003 (beating my husband by 1/4 point). Salt water fishing was another activity I started in my 40's. A lot more exciting that those tiny fresh water brim & catfish caught with a bamboo pole, line, cork, & worm on hook in the St. Marys River from my childhood days.
Then came my 60's - which have thus far turned out to actually be somewhat less scary than imagined. At age 59, with the big 6-0 looming, I decided I really needed a challenge: flying. So I started lessons & soloed 5 days before my 60th birthday. Got my private pilot certificate at age 60 & instrument rating at 62. Have also achieved my tailwheel endorsement, complex/high performance endorsement, glider rating, motor glider endorsement, high altitude course, multiengine rating, & seaplane rating. In March, at the age of 67, I even flew a jet - & did one of my sweetest landings ever. What a thrill. Other activities I've done in 'late life' are kiteboarding and standup paddleboarding, bicycIing, walking, gardening, reading. I've been happily retired since age 63 & have been busy trying to check off all the things on my bucket list. But it seems as fast as I can check things off, I'm adding even more to the list.
"Looking forward to seeing everyone at the 50th CCHS class reunion in October & hearing about your lives!" S/Susan Smith Simmons
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Andrea Strickland Cohen
In the fall of ’65 Andy Pritchard and I joined Bobby Sweat as the only three Camdenites at North Georgia College. After the flat lands of South Georgia, I loved my 4 years in Dahlonega and to this day run our class reunions every 5 years so a big thank you to those of you who have worked so hard to make this one a success. I graduated with a business degree so of course my first job out of college in those forward thinking years was as a secretary (even after flunking the typing test) in public relations at Lockheed. After 9 months I was laid off. What you may vaguely remember (especially Walton and Bill) is that a crack appeared in the wing of the C5A (I have proof of it. Because of my size and the size of the world’s largest airplane, my photo made national news as I stood on a freezing runway next to that plane holding a tiny piece of airplane wing.)
Fortunately I landed on my high heels and advanced my career to an executive secretary (still couldn’t type) for a financial firm. Fortunately I had a good mentor and went on from there to a career in advertising/marketing for a textile firm (SC) then a bank (Atlanta). In 1982 I had the good fortune to become an entrepreneur thanks to a brilliant woman (not me) who founded a company called The Executive Speaker. I spent some long nights getting a Masters in Communication from Georgia State.
Since then I have taught seminars in communication skills to a variety of clients all over the US and even in Europe. (To the day of his death my Dad could never get over the fact that people paid good money for me to stand up and talk.) Yes, I still do a few courses a year so I can’t say I am really retired just too lazy to do the marketing any more. If they call, I answer. My career life today is mainly about volunteer work -- Alumni council for North Georgia as well as perennial president of my garden club and neighborhood association (why make money when you can spend all your time working for free).
On the personal side I am currently married (20 years by the time of the reunion) to Jerry Cohen, a well-recognized corporate tax lawyer here in Atlanta, who puts up with his high maintenance wife. (He was forewarned!) I have three wonderful step children (NYC, DC, Atlanta) who are all married so I can claim 6 grandkids ages 8 to 17. "I will be happy to brag on every one of them if you have the nerve to ask!" S/Andrea “Poo” Strickland
P.S. No Jimmy and others. I don’t use the Cohen being the modern woman that I am – plus, Have you ever had to change your name back after a divorce? Way too much trouble to risk that again! S/Poo
JimmyG REPLIES: Thank Goodness , Poo dearest, No!, I did not have to change my name back after my divorce... but "I feel your pain..." Actually, I was able to cleverly arrange it so's I could keep my "maiden name" when I got married 25 years before. So, that was not at risk when the divorce came... BUT, to be sure, my maiden name is about the only thamn ding I was able to keep when that gavel came down! (I really did pizz that Judge off... and I really can't imagine why?!) Hey! Maybe GaryB will be able to shed some light on it if he will look at it "pro-bono" at the reunion?!! What~say~ye, Esquire GaryB?
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In the fall of ’65 Andy Pritchard and I joined Bobby Sweat as the only three Camdenites at North Georgia College. After the flat lands of South Georgia, I loved my 4 years in Dahlonega and to this day run our class reunions every 5 years so a big thank you to those of you who have worked so hard to make this one a success. I graduated with a business degree so of course my first job out of college in those forward thinking years was as a secretary (even after flunking the typing test) in public relations at Lockheed. After 9 months I was laid off. What you may vaguely remember (especially Walton and Bill) is that a crack appeared in the wing of the C5A (I have proof of it. Because of my size and the size of the world’s largest airplane, my photo made national news as I stood on a freezing runway next to that plane holding a tiny piece of airplane wing.)
Fortunately I landed on my high heels and advanced my career to an executive secretary (still couldn’t type) for a financial firm. Fortunately I had a good mentor and went on from there to a career in advertising/marketing for a textile firm (SC) then a bank (Atlanta). In 1982 I had the good fortune to become an entrepreneur thanks to a brilliant woman (not me) who founded a company called The Executive Speaker. I spent some long nights getting a Masters in Communication from Georgia State.
Since then I have taught seminars in communication skills to a variety of clients all over the US and even in Europe. (To the day of his death my Dad could never get over the fact that people paid good money for me to stand up and talk.) Yes, I still do a few courses a year so I can’t say I am really retired just too lazy to do the marketing any more. If they call, I answer. My career life today is mainly about volunteer work -- Alumni council for North Georgia as well as perennial president of my garden club and neighborhood association (why make money when you can spend all your time working for free).
On the personal side I am currently married (20 years by the time of the reunion) to Jerry Cohen, a well-recognized corporate tax lawyer here in Atlanta, who puts up with his high maintenance wife. (He was forewarned!) I have three wonderful step children (NYC, DC, Atlanta) who are all married so I can claim 6 grandkids ages 8 to 17. "I will be happy to brag on every one of them if you have the nerve to ask!" S/Andrea “Poo” Strickland
P.S. No Jimmy and others. I don’t use the Cohen being the modern woman that I am – plus, Have you ever had to change your name back after a divorce? Way too much trouble to risk that again! S/Poo
JimmyG REPLIES: Thank Goodness , Poo dearest, No!, I did not have to change my name back after my divorce... but "I feel your pain..." Actually, I was able to cleverly arrange it so's I could keep my "maiden name" when I got married 25 years before. So, that was not at risk when the divorce came... BUT, to be sure, my maiden name is about the only thamn ding I was able to keep when that gavel came down! (I really did pizz that Judge off... and I really can't imagine why?!) Hey! Maybe GaryB will be able to shed some light on it if he will look at it "pro-bono" at the reunion?!! What~say~ye, Esquire GaryB?
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We know how much you enjoyed reading about these CCHS Classmates. So....
Hey!!! ...Where's YOUR Auto-Biography???
Hey!!! ...Where's YOUR Auto-Biography???