News From Carolyn Cunningham Larson

Carolyn (Cunningham) Larson and her husband, Peter in Zagreb, Croatia in April of 2009. The couple were performing Early Music -vocals and recorders-with the Boston Early Music Society.

Here is an update from Carolyn Cunningham Larson, former GHS Senior Class Vice President and voted Best All-Round, Most Dependable, BestMannered, and Most Musical by our class Little Oscar committee.

Carolyn has been married for 47 years to Peter Larson. The couple has two children, Karen and Susan. Susan is married, has a two-year old son and is expecting another child in June. Karen runs a combination tutoring program for adolescents and a small kennel/dog-training business. Carolyn and Peter moved thirteen times to many states and cities. Carolyn has degrees from Clark University and Boston University, plus a New York State School Psychology Certiificate from SUNY/Albany. She adds, "I like learning and would still be in school if I could."

Carolyn says that she has "been fortunate in meeting some of the most wonderful people in this journey called life - people of commitment and passion who want to make a postive difference in this complicated world." Over the years, Carolyn and Peter broke some ground of their own:

* the first camping program for children with autism
* first summer residence camping program for mental health patients

* an alternative school serving children from 2 years to 8th grade

* an extended family and friendship network living communally on 5 acres of land

* a small education and consulting partnership serving local and state agencies

"Carrie," as she is known by her friends, writes that "Music has always been a centering part of my life as have the arts, gardening, travel, flower-arranging, fly-fishing, reading, church, and now golf." Carrie and Peter formed the Byrd in the Bush Recorder Consort and have performed in Italy, Croatia, and Hungary with the Boston Early Music Society. Carrie started taking flute lessons again at the age of 40 and loves playing with local singing/musical groups.

Carolyn looks forward to reconnecting with classmates at our 50th Class Reunion in July and is "saddened to hear of the death of classmates but know they will be there with us as we share our memories."

News from George A. Kangas

George A. Kangas

George A. Kangas is among the Hubbardston students who attended Gardner High School from 1956 -1960. George's career was as a contract engineer at major nuclear power stations in the United States. George is a member of the Facebook community and lives with his wife, Dee in Holly Hill, Florida.

Do you have news to share with friends and former classmates? Please send digital image and text in a mesage you send to ghsclassof1960@gmail.com .

Peggy Ball DiStefano

Peggy (Ball) DiStefano

Peggy and her husband Tony live in Wichita, Kansas. They relax in their place in Baja, Mexico on the Pacific Coast south of San Diego, CA. They also enjoy "road trips" around the country in their red Corvette. Peggy has two sons and two grandsons. She enjoys cats, card games, music, reading, gardening, walking, dining out, and movies. Peggy is on Facebook and is looking forward to retirement from her work in a corporate accounting department.

Do you have news to share with other GHS classmates? Please send pics and story to ghsclassof1960@gmail.com .

Reunion Reminder

Table Centerpieces - with surprises inside! (photo by Judy Heino Collette)

Our 50th Class Reunion events will be held on July 23, 24, and 25 2010. Reunion registration forms and checks should be mailed to Judy Heino Collette by Friday, April 2.

* Attire for all events is casual. All meetings will be held indoors. Dress comfortably.

* Bring an item of memorabilia to share with others - a photo, an object, or a story about a special teacher or friend.

* You don't have to go to all reunion events. Pick the ones that fit your schedule.

There are three additional ways to connect to GHS classmates before and after the reunion.

__ Check the GHS web log for weekly updates, news from classmates, and other Gardner-related information. http://ghsclassof1960.blogspot.com/

__ Browse the GHS Reunion Archives to download descriptions of reunion events, registration forms, past reunion photos, and messages sent in by classmates. http://mysite.verizon.net/vzep7fvn/index.htm

__ Join Facebook. Over 70 GHS classmates have Facebook accounts. You control who can see what. Send messages, view photo albums, chat live with friends. http://www.facebook.com/

Got a question about a reunion event? Send an email message to: ghsclassof1960@gmail.com

News from Pamela LeBlanc Sogard

Pamela (LeBlanc) Sogard

Pam has two children now in their forties, and three grandchildren, all of whom live on the east coast. This year is Pam's 28th in northern California, and she admits that she still misses New England. Her husband, Mike, is still working full time. Pam is enjoying retirement after twenty-five years in the technical field. She says she spoils her Miniature Schnauzer, studies French in formal classes and informal groups, and works out in a gym. "Life," she writes, "has been good."

News From Jim Tamulen

James and Dolores Tamulen

The year 2009 marked Jim's 40th year as an ironworker in the greater Boston area, for Ironworkers Local Union #7. Jim is retired from the daily commute now, but continues as an Apprentice Instructor and Safety Trainer for the union's Joint Apprenticeship Program.

Jim lived in Westminster for 25 years and raised two sons. He got involved in Little League, and served as a town Selectman for two terms. Jim notes that "Bakers Dairy Bar" is gone and the old Town Hall is closed. He remembers the Friday night dances at the town hall and going to Bakers Dairy Bar for a coke and fried clams. He adds, in a wry way, that you can now go there for Subway and Dunkin Donuts.

Jim was remarried 12 years ago and moved back to South Gardner. His wife, Dolores is the former co-owner of H-K Photo, which has taken some GHS reunion photos in the past. Dolores also has two sons. After closing the photo business Dolores worked as a receptionist for a dentist.

For the past 20 years, Jim has had a part time job in a couple of health food stores and reports that he enjoys the interaction with customers. Jim has elected to live a gluten-free and dairy- free life and talks with many people about health issues. Jim maintains a gluten-free information web site to help others make decisions about what they can or cannot eat. Click on http://www.glutenfreetidbits.com/ to read more.

Both Jim and Dolores enjoy their grandchildren - all four of them - and list travel, (especially Hawaii), golfing, walking, and reading as hobbies and interests.

Do you enjoy reading news and updates about GHS Classmates? Aren't we a diverse and interesting group? Shouldn't your story be shared on our web log too? Send us some news in a message you address to ghsclassof1960@gmail.com .