My Career:Following my freshman year at MJC, I joined the Air Force where I served in the medical field spending three years in Texas and the final year in Turkey. Upon my discharge from the Air Force, I joined a highway construction company that was engaged in the construction of the interstate highway system in West Virginia. Beginning as a field office manager, I eventally was promoted to Cost Analyst and Accounting Surpervisor for the corporation which was made up of nine different companies. In the summer of 1975, I had the opportunity to join in a business venture with my father in first one then eventually four supermarkets. In the summer of 1986, having become disillusioned with "being the boss", I joined Wal-Mart Stores as a member of the management team in the Sam's Club division. During my tenure with Sam's I worked in West Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina and Ohio while my wife and family remained at home. Tiring of the travel and being forced to spend ! so much time apart I seized the opportunity to return home and joined the West Virginia State Tax Department as a tax auditor. Effective April 1, 2010, I assumed the position of Tax Unit Supervisor of the Withholding Tax Unit. Ten days after our 50th Reunion I retired and enjoyed two months of leisure before taking a "part-time" gig with a local automobile dealership driving vehicles from one of our sales center to another and doing dealer trades.
How I spend my free time:Spare time is a precious commodity for both of us, but what we have we enjoy spending traveling and involved in church work. I serve as Worship Leader for our Sunday services and also teach an adult Sunday School class. I've also been involved in fund raising activities for the Children's Miracle Network for several years
Other comments:Really enjoyed getting together with everyone for our 70th Birthday (can you believe it) Reunion. Missed those who couldn't make it and look forward to seeing everyone next time. (Updated 11/9/2017)
Anne Fair Address:P.O. Box 14452 Bradenton, FL 34280
Home:941 714-0875 Office:800-672-0882 Email:Aforrest@arthritis.org
Personal:Nothing like having to update a reunion biography to help you realize that you're in a rut!!Still married to my job but looking forward to a divorce!! My canine and feline population is holding steady. I now act as a "placement agent" for homeless creatures instead of adopting them myself.
My Education:After MJC I traveled and lived in many interesting and beautiful places. Returned to school for a Bachelor of Science in Public Health. Internship at an STD Clinic in NYC at the beginning of the AIDS epidemic. Many career-related seminars.
My Career:Joined the Arthritis Foundation in 1986 as a Program Director intending to stay for one year. Twenty-four years later I am the President of the Florida Chapter and feel privileged to be able to work for such a worthwhile cause. I can't believe that nearly a quarter of a century has passed in what seems like an instant!!
How I spend my free time:My #1 hobby lately seems to be fretting about whether the housing market will rebound sufficiently to allow me to dump some real estate before I die. My guilty pleasures are still shopping for art, antiques and curious objects of any kind...and, of course, Shake Pit!! I love to travel but also enjoy sunsets on the Manatee River.
Other comments:I missed the last reunion so I'm really looking forward to seeing everyone this time!! (I'm the one with the gray hair!!) (Updated 6/13/2010)
Penny Felts Riley Address:7623 9th Avenue Dr. NW Bradenton, FL 34209
Home:941 795-8971 Email:sing.out@verizon.net
Spouse:Married to Michael for 5 years with 2 children and 3 grandchildren.
Personal:I met Michael when I worked as a minutes stenographer at the Clerk's office. He is an internal auditor.
My Career:Secretarial/administrative work. Currently work for the Chief of Emergency Medical Services, for Manatee County Public Safety Department.
How I spend my free time:We enjoy tent camping and hiking, our local beaches and parks. I have been doing some genealogy and recently found living relatives on my mom's side of the family, when she believed she had no family left. They're coming to see her in June! I make hand-pieced, hand-quilted quilts, and I'm just finishing up one for my first grandchild due in June. I cross stitch, and belong to a weekly stitch & b---- group.NW Bradenton has the new Robinson Preserve and I utilize it a lot for walking.
Other comments:The accomplishment that I am most proud of is that I have overcome the belief that I could never learn to play a guitar. I have a long way to go, but I can make music with the thing and accompany myself in my attempt to sing. It was such a confidence boost, that I bought a banjo and started on that too. I really look forward to playing for the grandchildren and introducing them to the traditional songs I learned in elementary school--plus a few other good ones I know!I'm a cabin widow in 2008-2009! We purchased a log cabin package and had it dried in on our property in Brasstown, N.C. It's now a low-budget, one-man operation with Michael working much of the year(s)to complete it. It's on-the-job trainng and he's anxious to see if the electric will actually work! Someday, it may be a vacation rental cabin. (Updated 6/29/2015)
Bill Fisher Address:740 Liberty Cir Murphy, NC 28906-1890
Home:941 750-8516
Spouse:Married to Debbie Mark Fisher for 15 years with 5 children and 3 grandchildren.
Personal:Debbie and I both worked for Staff Leasing. Her father, Doug Mark and Bill Mullis were two of the four original owners. I had been married , previously for 19 years and have 3 grown children from that relationship: Mike, (named for Mike Mallonee, for real), age 35 and 2 children. Mike lives near Minneapolis and is a courrier for a company that ships vital organs, bone marrow and body parts from all over the world. Mindi, age 25 has a son and lives here in B'Town, Andy s 22 and is serving his final year of a 5 year enlistment in the Navy, stationed at Pearl Harbor. After that marriage ended, I was single for 4 years when I let Debbie catch me and so I married the bosses daughter. Debbie was born in our Junior year of HS, We have two boys: Chandler, age 11 and Chase, age 10. We have lived in River Pointe Subdivision for the last 9 1/2 years.
My Education:After attending Emory University, I attended their med school and rec'd my Medical License in Follecullarology.
My Career:I spent four years of residencey interning at the Beverly Hills, California School of Cosmotology where I was able to pioneer and perfect several innovative procedures, perhaps you have heard of one or all of the following: Follecullar inventorious, Follecular Transference, Follecullar extractionus and the Coup De Gras, Follecullar transistance.
How I spend my free time:Today, I am retired and have a home here in B'Town and others in West Palm Beach, San Francisco, Vail and Hazzard, Kentucky. I have done Follecullar Transferences for former Presidents Ford and Reagan. Obviously it didn't take for former President Ford, but I sure hit a home run for former President Reagan. My greatest professional axchievement is the Follecullar Transistance,it has become a passion of mine, as well as a hobby. Now, you don't need a Bose radio or a surround sound system, you can just listen to your hair by brushing your hair, with a specialty brush, you can receive all of the satellite radio signals known to mankind. Whoa! What a hoot.
Other comments:Seriously, I have not accomplished much professionally, but personally, I am the riches man alive. My biggest accomplishment is my 5 children of whom I am tremendously proud. My greatest achievement is marrying my beautiful wife, Debbie. My happiest moments are at home with them. God is Good!!! (Updated 3/3/2015)
Don Flowers(Passed Away) Address:4202 17th Ave W Bradenton, FL 34205
Home:941 746-6464
Other comments:Don was a native of Bradenton and graduated from MHS in 1965. After two years at the Presbyterian College in SC, Don served in the US Air Force and later at the NSA. Returning back to Florida, Don continued his studies at the University of Florida College of Pharmacy. After graduating in 1987, he worked alongside his father as a Pharmacist at Foster Drug Store in downtown Bradenton. Don was known for his love of learning, great conversation, and devotion to family and friends. He was not ashamed to share his faith in Christ nor did he hide his eager anticipation for His soon return.
Mike Flynn Address:Richmond, VA
Chuck Forrest Address:1899 South 126th Street Omaha, NE 68144
Home:402 334-5698 Office:402-501-8104
Spouse:Married to Sherry a/k/a she who must be obeyed for 34 years with 4 children and 2 grandchildren.
Personal:I met Sherry ( a librarian) in a local dixie land bar in Feb. 1970, while I was stationed at Offutt Airforce Base in Nebraska. Unfortunately for her, she forgot her fake phone number and gave me her real one. We have 3 sons, Ryan is 32 and practicing law in Omaha, Eric and Kevin are twins and are in the last stages of undergraduate work. My daughter from my first marriage (Kay Andress) is a graduate of FSU and is now running a business with her husband. I have 2 granddaughters, Stephanine is 18 and living with us while she attends college, Lindsay is 17 and a junior in high school in Tallahassee.
My Education:I dropped out of MJC and joined the Air Force in 1966. After I returned from Vietnam in 1968, I quickly got into the University of Nebraska at Omaha, where I graduated in 1971. In 1973 I graduated from Creighton Law School in Omaha and have been in private practice ever since.
My Career:I now practice law as a one man firm. FINALLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
How I spend my free time:GOLF, is there anything else worthwhile.
Other comments:I am surprised at how old you all have gotten. (Updated 11/22/2017)
Paul Fortney
Joe Foster Address:8520 Nolan St Harvard, IL 60033
Home:815 236-9390 Office:847 320-3527 Email:t53d84@AOL.com
Spouse:Married to Dana for 13 years with 3 children.
Personal:Married Dana Boyle from Sarasota in 1971 - Divorced 1985, 3 sons: (Colton 30, Rory 28, and Brian 25).
My Education:At Manatee Junior College received an AS Degree in Computer Programming, Florida Atlantic University 1 ½ years Marketing. While in the military various courses from University of Maryland and City College of Chicago. While in the Education Department at Kemper Insurance many more computer programming courses.
My Career:I’ve been lucky with my career until now and rode the computer wave from Junior College to today. I’ve been a machine operator at Palmer Bank Sarasota, computer operator at First Federal Bradenton, programmer at Sarasota Memorial Hospital. In the US Army Zweibrucken, Germany, I was a computer programming instructor for 3 years. After the Army I came to Kemper Insurance in Long Grove, IL. I’ve been here for 28 years and now about to be laid-off. Kemper is out of business now. The remaining employees are here to keep systems going until the last policy expires (in a year or two). While at Kemper I’ve been a programming instructor, programmer, designer/analyst, and help desk analyst. After 40 years in the computer field I’m tired of it and ready to retire at 58.
How I spend my free time:I like photography and old movies. I work a lot on my old Gravely garden tractor to keep it running.
Other comments:Now my focus is on planning a retirement. My youngest son Brian (25) wants to attend the University of South Florida for his last 2 years of college starting in 2006 or 2007. It would be great to follow him down to Florida for my retirement (Updated 2/25/2011)
Linda Freeman Williams
Tom French(Passed Away) Spouse:Married to none.
Personal:I met my current girlfriend through the Penthouse forum-we met over shakes and fries at the Shake Pit in 1972-by sharing past columns we found we had much in common, both with each other and others we had both met along the way.
My Education:Graduated from MJC (2 year college) in 1976. Have held real estate, banking and mortgage broker licenses as well as as Masters in sexual massage therapy. I am now still in the small loan business and oversee a fleet of 4 rental cars,
My Career:Received an honorable discharge from the USAF much to the chagrin of my military leaders. I have travelled world wide,mostly in Tenn and KY, searching for a niche in the after care industry for used cars-worked briefly with Bill Gates in california setting up a drive through business for prime rib dinners. Overextended ourselves on paperwork and had to close because we had no update system. Dabbled in banking, real estate and selling cars before being implicated in a Girls Gone Wild scam with my girlfriend. I was saved by the testimony of Poop Dog(Snoops cousin) at the trial.
How I spend my free time:Really do not have the spare time I wish I had-my girlfriend is trying to obtain a grant from Penthouse to extend her work in personal counseling-after trying to rent out my 4 car fleet I usually hit the putt putt golf course and try to unwind-my favorite hole is the windmill hole. OUR TIME TOGETHER(OUTSIDE OF TONY GASTON AND THOSE GUYS IN THE BLUE JACKETS WHO ALWAYS BEAT ME UP) WAS AND WILL ALWAYS BE SPECIAL-OUR SPRINGBOARD TO WHAT AND WHO WE ARE WAS MORE OR LESS FORMULATED IN HIGH SCHOOL-GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
Other comments:On October 1, 2009, Tom was reunited with his savior and Lord. Tom was born July 20, 1947 in Gallipolis, Ohio and moved to Bradenton in 1951. He is predeceased by his father Carl and mother Jackie. Tom graduated from Manatee High in 1965 and Manatee Junior College and served in the U.S. Air Force. Tom's Career was concentrated among Real Estate, Banking, and the Automotive industry. He excelled at free lance writing. Discretion prohibits the naming of his ex-wives. Tom will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor and his ability to light up a room by his mere presence. Tom is survived by his brother Ted and his wife Becky, his nephews, Tanner (Lisa) and Tyler; his cousin, Cathy (David) Simmons, and dear friends, Marti and Ralph Slocum. (Updated 10/18/2009)
Elaine Fugate Pavlisko Address:4207 52nd Street Ct. W. Bradenton, FL 34209 (Updated 9/8/2009)
James Gallery Address:5035 St. Denis Ct. #616 Orlando, FL 32812
Home:407-851-2914 Email:jimgallery@bellsouth.net
Spouse:Married to Sue Coffey Gallery for 2 years with 2 children and 1 grandchild.
Personal:Married to former Sue Coffey, MHS class of 1967. Two children, Julie and Jimmy.
My Education:BA from U of South Florida in Political Science. Master of Divinity from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. One year of doctoral work at NOBTS.
My Career:US Air Force 1966-69; College and US Congressional Aide from 1970-1976; Seminary from 1976-1978; Ministry from 1978-1996; Publisher and Writer 1996-2002; Free lance writer and publishing coach 2002 til present. Mediator with state of Tennessee until 2013. Retired and helping writers self publish.
How I spend my free time:Sports enthusiast; reading, love traveling. (Updated 11/11/2017)
Tony Gaston Address:5412 4th St E Bradenton, FL 34203
Home:941 755-0254 Office:retired
Spouse:Married to Carol for 42 years with 1 child.
Personal:In school
How I spend my free time:Boating & fishing (Updated 6/17/2010)
Garnet Gates Brown Address:Panama,
Barbara Geist Swan(Passed Away)
James Gelder Address:115 Chapel Street Stratford, CT 06614-1641
Home:203 375-2382 (Updated 9/8/2009)
Susan Geldert Schlife Address:P O Box 275 Chester, NE 68327
Home:402 324-5055 Email:sschlife@gpcom.net
Spouse:Married to John Schlife for 3 years with 3 children and 4 grandchildren.
Personal:John and I met in the mid-90's in Anchorage, Alaska, as Dr. and patient. He's an exercise physiologist and life-style counselor and he was successful in showing me the right path to wellness. He relocated to Michigan and years later, we ran into each other unexpectedly at an Anchorage Running Club event. He had been back to Anchorage for a speaking engagement and was helping his buddy, the race director, set up the course that day. We discovered that we are soulmates. He "popped the question" at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, we spent our honeymoon on a 520 mile road bike trek across Nebraska and the rest is joyful history. I have three children from previous marriages. Jason, 35, and his wife Tisha and their two daughters Ashlyn and Avery, live in Bradenton, as well as Sara ,32, and her husband John and their two sons, Alex and Jackson. Jason is working in the mortgage industry and Sara works for T-Mobile. Jon, 29, and still single, after completing his tour of duty in the Navy aboard the USS Independence aircraft carrier in the Persian Gulf, lives and works in Las Vegas,in marketing and PR.
My Education:Following Manatee High, went to MJC, married and became a Navy wife and mom.
My Career:The best way that I can describe my "career" is that it has been a collage of varied and usually, interesting experiences, including banking, medical secretary, carpentry (working up to crew leader on several Arvida projects for Holmes Construction),podiatric surgical assistant and certified x-ray tech, Nikken Wellness Consultant and most recently, admin. assistant at Disability Support Services at the University of Alaska-Anchorage for seven years prior to marrying John and moving to Chester, Nebraska, his hometown, to where he has semi- retired.I loved my eleven years in Alaska. Besides being stunningly beautiful, I found it to be multi-culturally rich.I thoroughly enjoyed my work at the University and my volunteer work with the Rainbow Project, an equestrian program for disabled children, the Bird Treatment Center, a rescue and rehab center for birds caught in oil spills, the Alaska Run for Women, the Men's Cancer Run, the Iditarod, and the World Special Olympics Winter Games to name a few.
How I spend my free time:First of all, I love spending time with my kids and grandchildren, returning to B'town every chance I get and getting together with Jon whenever possible. John and I love biking and travelling, gardening,being sports fans and just being together.John presented me with a wonderful yearling registered Paint colt upon my arrival here and I have become an avid student of Parelli natural horsemanship, as we now have three horses and a donkey, with ages ranging from under 2 to 27 yrs old.It's fascinating. We are both involved in our local economic development group. We are staunch supporters of our local high school sports teams and enjoy every Nebraska Husker "Big Red" game that we can get to. I've become a member of our local volunteer fire and rescue squad as a First Responder with the rescue squad and plan to take the EMT course this fall. I love photography. I find great joy in making wheel-thrown pottery. Have joined a ladies' tap dance class and ,yes, we've even performed at the Spring Recital for the past three years!( Quite a revolutionary concept at first, for some of the local audience!) It's great fun and exercise!
Other comments:Life has been such a wonderful journey, ups and downs included. I've been so blessed with loving family and friends and enriched by so many opportunities and experiences. Having lost a dear friend in November to cancer, I'm more mindful than ever, to do my best to make the very best, of every day I'm given, cherishing my family, friends and life in general. I'm really looking forward to our reunion! (Updated 6/25/2012)
Wayne Geoffrion Address:6375 Sunbriar Drive Cumming, GA 30040
Home:770 888-7860 Office:770-883-3012 Email:wgeoffrion@gmail.com
Spouse:Married to Sandy for 41 years with 3 children and 5 grandchildren.
Personal:One of our daughters (Michelle) is married, has three daughters and currently lives in Milwaukee, Wi. with her husband Jason.Our other daughter (Pam) is married and has two daughters who have recently graduated from University of Georgia (Go Dogs!!) The granddaughters still live here in Georgia while our daughter (Pam) and her husband (Todd) has been relocated to Austin Tx. They plan to return here to Georgia within the year.We also have a son who is living in Las Vegas.
My Education:Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration with a Major in Economics, and Minor in Computer Science. Certificates and Expertise in Networking and Computer Operations Management.
My Career:AT&T Company 15 years, Regional Sales Manager (Jacksonville, Miami, Atlanta, Akron). British Petroleum Company as Manager of Corporate Networks,8 yrs.(Cleveland, Houston). Retired from Kimberly Clark Corporation after 18 years as Director, Information Systems (Neenah, Wisc., Sydney Australia, and Atlanta). Worked in real estate sales after retirement until market crashed in 2008.Now I am enjoying retirement with the freedom it permits to do many different things with my wife Sandy.
