Classmates at Work, Part 1

Jim Tamulen teaches first year iron-worker apprentices.

Not all GHS Class of 1960 classmates are fully retired...yet. Approximately 35 alumni are still employed or are self-employed, full or part-time. This post is the first in a series of posts on what they do and why they do it.

Jim Tamulen, a retired iron worker, teaches first year apprentices in Structural Steel Erection, Labor History, and Rods. He has conducted classes in Boston, Worcester, Springfield, Burlington (VT), and Clinton (ME). "My wife comes along on some of the travel and we make it a nice long weekend," says Jim. "The pay has helped us enjoy life more."

Marjorie (Jandris) Kraskouskas works full time overseeing all aspects of human resources for 1000 + employees at the Hockomock Area YMCA. She writes, "Working for a mission-based organization that models character values is important to me personally. The position continues to be stimulating, challenging, and ever-changing - something I thrive on. Marjorie adds, "The face may be aging, but the brain still works."

Claudine (Marchegiani) Reilly is Wellness Manager at CVS Caremark in Woonsocket, RI, providing health promotion programs to over 220,000 employees country-wide. She also does telephonic health coaching weekends and evenings and plans to contunue that work through her 70's. She regards health coaching as "a fabulous opportunity because I can do it in the comfort of home and set my own hours." Claudine enjoys photography, gardnening, biking, xc skiing, and hiking.

Merilyn (Ruuska) Dunn retired in 2007, spent the next few years "on vacation," and then got restless. She missed her clients who became friends, and started consulting again on a limited basis. She used her market research background to move into health care needs for seniors, teaming up with an associate who publishes monthly newspapers directed at senior issues. She also continues to consult on digital imaging.

Marilyn Michelson recently moved from California to Alaska. She works for the MatSu Business Alliance, an organization that focuses on helping small and medium-sized businrsses. Marilyn writes their weeky newsleters, operating from home and loving it. Her husband, Ron, consults on environmental issues and also works from home.

Harold Fiske retired as professor of Music from the University of Western Ontario in June of 2010 but continued to work part time, teaching an undergraduate course. He is considering doing a graduate course during the 2012 winter term, and still writes book reviews and articles. Harold and his wife, Anne (Fleming) Fiske continue to live in London, Ontario and travel to far offplaces like Dubai, where theuir son and family live.