Gainesville High School Class of 1981

GHS 1981 30 year reunion

2011-04-13T01:33:00.002+02:00

Just in case someone ends up finding this place...wanting to let you know that the 30 year Reunion is in Gainesville the weekend of July 29th and 30th. To get all the info...go to www.ghs1981.com or become Facebook friends with GHS REUNION 1981!!! Can't wait to see you there!

Carol's Memorial

2009-08-03T04:23:00.002+02:00

In the words of Jane West:
We met for lunch before the service at Olive Garden...it's the only pic I took and I will post it today. But for lunch, Jana, Sara, Morehouse and his wife, Tosi, Kelley Roselund, Cat Lisle and her husband, Mary Clemons and me. It was very fun and we laughed a lot...I forgot how hysterical Sara is! She remembers so much! John talked more than I think I ever heard him talk all through high school!
So, when we arrived at the meeting hall, the place was packed. It was not a very big place to begin with...Carol touched many lives. But the room itself was very lovely...a round room surrounded by windows that looked out on nature.
There were three musicians performing in the center...Kim Chalmers, Jennifer Kitts and Petar Kecenovici...beautiful classical music from a string trio. Guests were invited to sign a guest registry before entering.
As in the Quaker tradition, guests were invited to speak as the spirit moved them. Jean Chalmers was the mediator...she let us know how the service would proceed. We started with a 10 minute silence...a time of reflection and personal prayer...and lots of tears.
Polly was the first to stand and speak....about trying to adjust to the idea that she was gone...and being thankful for the full life she led. Very emotional...for her and me. Several others also spoke...her cousin, an old friend of the family. Paul also spoke of Carol's adventurous spirit, how she had gone away to college, left for California with only one suitcase...loved traveling...meeting Bo and moving to Sweden. He said that two words kept coming to his mind about her and they were independent and love. Mitra's mom spoke about how Carol had befriended Mitra our senior year...how much it had meant to Mitra and how it helped her to adjust to a new school. [Carol did exactly the same for me coming from Hawthorne High in the 10th grade and Cheryl Katz had the same story to tell as well when she moved in...]
Sara also spoke about funny high school memories...meeting her in 5th grade, etc. Kathy brought a card that Carol had sent her about how much she loved Maya...and stood up and read it. She could hardly get through it....
Tom was there but was so emotional that he did not speak.
Linda Aubry and Pat Shille both spoke...Linda about what an unforgettable student Carol was and how she always made the effort to stay in touch with her and always sent her an e-mail on her birthday. Pat Shille thanked her for supporting the soccer team and taking home the uniforms to wash them!

So we ended with shaking hands and then there were refreshments in an adjoining room. I wanted to say something...but I couldn't get the words out. Now I kind of regret it....
Anyway...like I said...there were a lot of people there...many older people who are friends of Paul and Polly's. But of the high school friends that were there...all of the above that came to lunch plus Lori and Annie Bonneville, Karen Heany, Dr. and Mrs. Sandeen...I think that's it.
It was a fitting tribute...Carol would have liked it. Low key, upbeat for the most part, lots of friends!

Carol's Memorial Information

2009-07-16T15:57:00.000+02:00

CAROL FRENCH DOUGHTY (1963-2009)Carol Doughty, 45, died in Helsingborg Sweden, May 14, asleep and at peace when her struggle with cancer ceased. The daughter of Polly and Paul Doughty and older sister of Tom, Carol was born in Lima, Peru in 1963 where her father was working for Cornell University. She grew up in Bloomington Indiana and Gainesville where her family moved in 1971. She attended JJ Finley school and graduated from Gainesville High School in 1981. She was an eager student, active in Keyettes, Model United Nations, Spanish Club and winning letters with the swimming and soccer teams. While at GHS and later in university she participated in student exchange programs in Peru. She graduated from Indiana University in 1985, majoring in Latin American Studies/ Spanish and Anthropology and took a job in the center of Los Angeles as a primary school teacher, a job that she loved. Carol earned a Masters degree in education at Long Beach State, and was a mentor teacher in bi-lingual education in two Los Angeles schools, specializing in teaching kindergarten and first grade pupils. Always outspoken and never short of ideas, she also was elected by her peers to represent them in the United Teachers of LA County Union. In the summer of 1995 on a trip to Peru with her parents, Carol took an ecological tour to the Manu Rain Forest, where she met her future husband, Bo Nilsson, from Sweden. She married Bo, living in the town of Perstorp where Nilsson is employed as an industrial chemist. Carol resumed teaching primary grades in Slottshöjdens Skola, an international school in the city of Helsingborg where she taught English, Spanish and art. In 2002 her daughter, Maya was born. In Sweden she was an active participant in the American Women’s club, book club and home gardening activities. She enjoyed reading, travel, handicrafts and photography. She always sent in her absentee ballot for elections. Carol enjoyed a large network of friends, eventually starting a blog communicating with high school friends in Lima and Gainesville, quilters, many colleagues and even some of her early first grade students and others of all ages around the Americas and the world. She was helping to organize her GHS forthcoming class reunion. All knew her to be a caring, creative and enthusiastic person. Her parents Polly and Paul Doughty, brother Tom Doughty of Gainesville, her husband Bo Nilsson and daughter of 7 years, Maya Doughty Nilsson in Perstorp, Sweden, love and miss her greatly. Carol loved teaching and working with children and was devoted to her profession. The family has started two Memorials recognizing her interest in Latin America and to commemorate her dedication to education and to sustain her strong belief that teaching was an indispensable calling in support of society and nation.A memorial service was held in Perstorp where she is at rest in the community cemetery. Her memorial service in Gainesville will be held for her at the Society of Friends (Quaker) Meeting House at 702 NW 38th Street, on Saturday August 1 at 3pm.

Notes from Carol's Funeral by Brother Tom

2009-06-02T16:42:00.002+02:00

We began the day as we would any other day with a special occasion. People hurrying to prepare food, shower, and getting dressed up for a party. As we all piled into the cars to head to our destination we spoke softy and slowly began to ready ourselves for what we were about to do. We were heading to the small churchyard near the center of Perstorp, Sweden to say goodbye to our wonderful Carol. The many friends and family members gathered in the gravel parking area in brilliant crisp sunlight. On a tall flagpole hung a Swedish flag at half mast. Tears and hugs were shared as everyone assembled. Gradually we walked over to the small building where the ceremony would take place. Once inside we were able to view the simple blonde wood coffin covered with brightly colored flower arrangements and white ribbons with the names of the well wishers and family members. The room itself was stained shiplap pine wood, with a light brown tile floor and narrow windows above circling the room. A sturdy long oak table near the head of the coffin held flowers, candles, and sculptured glass cross. It seemed such a strange setting to say goodbye to the Carol I knew. Quaint and peaceful but somehow I knew that Carol’s spirit had expanded out into the universe. She was with us but she had blown the roof off this little place. Christopher, a freind who came often to the hospital to deliver fresh juice and give foot massages to Carol, began the funeral by playing his violin. It was a soaring and sorrowful piece that had me transfixed on to one of the roses in an arrangement near the floor. I could see forever into the unfolding petals, and as the music played I could feel once again the spirit of my sister and life that she brought into this world. Even as the tears began to began to well up in the eyes of everyone around I could sense the light that came from my sister was still shining. The service continued with the Funeral director reading the short biography of Carol in Swedish. In fact the whole service was in Swedish. If it weren’t for the music I’m not so sure I would have been able to connect with the moment so well. After a few more moments it was time for Bo to say a few words. He and Maya stood with tears in their eyes and thanked her so many good years wishing for more. He’s wasn’t able to speak but his face said everything Carol needed to know. After they placed their roses on the coffin, my dad stood to say his few words. In my understanding I didn’t think the rest of us would get up to say anything but then it was my mom’s turn and then mine. My mind was firing off in so many different directions. I was stuck in the moment of grief and didn’t know what to say. If I started I could have gone on forever, if could have gotten past the tears. I managed a simple goodbye. If I could have spoken I would have said something like this. “Carol I am so proud to have had a you as my big sister. The lives you touched and the minds you encouraged will have a positive and lasting effect for many generations. Like the rose unfolding before me, and Maya sitting so close, your life, our lives, are part of the continuation of the unbreakable chain. This chain of life, interconnected moments, and existences that cannot be bracketed or isolated into individual lives is what we are. We are the accumulation of what has come before us and we pass on to others and the world through our children and our deeds the knowledge and fruits of our action. You Carol, have passed on so much that we can all admire and aspire to. I hope to be as caring and sharing as you were. You were a guide and friend to so many people. I truly believe you left this world far to early but you left it a much better place and realized so many of your dreams. Carol, I love you and I will always miss you.” Everyone in attendance proceeded to come up to the coffin and give their thanks and prayers to Carol. Bo’s family, neighbors, co-workers, and friends from Peru, Poland, and Iraq all stood to say good-bye. The touching ceremony closed with the singing of “You are my Sunshine”. This was a song a favorite sung by Maya and her mother. Maya once in the hospital sang this song to her mom and included a verse of her own. “Sunshine, My only sunshine, You make me happy when skies are grey, You never know dear how much I love you, Please don’t take my Mommy away.” After the saying good-bye we all relocated to Carol and Bo’s home for some food and to share stories and look at pictures of Carol. The shouts of children always reminding us that there is so much to live for, and that through all the pain and suffering life goes on, as it always will. With every laugh, cry, or need we are snapped back into the present, not being able to bring Carol back. We do not come into this life wanting to experience these moments of loss and pain, but we learn that this is something that we must accept in order to appreciate all that we have and are blessed to have experienced in our lives. Carol was certainly not short on enthusiasm for life, and we will all learn to do the same again. The next day we planted a magnolia tree in Carol’s honor just outside the dinning room window in the front yard. Soon after we drove ourselves over to the Memory Garden, where Carol’s ashes will be placed, to view all the flowers that had been displayed at the ceremony. We were very moved by all the sentiments and the kind gestures that were displayed. Carol was an amazing person and she attracted amazing people into her life. We are filled with gratitude to all the kindness that has surrounded us the past few weeks. Every kind word, every gesture every thought has made this circumstance much easier to handle and confront. Love to you all. Thank you for being here and showing so much love for Carol. Tom Doughty

A BELOVED WOMAN

2009-05-24T14:48:00.003+02:00

Dear GHS World...and anyone else who may just happen by here--we are sad, and profoundly affected by the death of Carol. May 14th 2009 she left us for her new adventure in her next existence. I know many of us have different ideas as to what that existence entails. I am sure none of us can deny that it will involve more LOVE and LOVING as that has always been Carol's gift. Feel free to leave her any messages of love in the comment section below. Feel free to include somebody today that maybe you normally wouldn't have. Feel free to reconnect with someone that has been at the back of your mind, or hug that person at work that just looks sad, or CELEBRATE all the GOOD in your life on purpose with others who help to make it so. Remember Carol with your love and goodness--keep her light glowing and love burning.

We will continue this blog...Babe Adams and Jane West have volunteered to help me in co-authoring entries...and it is open to ANYONE who would like to contribute. Starting next Sunday(May 31st) we will begin our new posts. If you know the dates you will be in Gainesville over the summer, please send them to me at natalie.loves@gmail.com we will post them and thereby allow whoever can to gather with whoever wants when they are HOME. Carol would like this....

I am relieved that you already knew Carol. Forgive the lameness of this entry. I know she already forgives me...but I have no words to express what should rightfully be expressed here. But I have a heart FULL of feelings that I know are commonly shared with you. Here's to loving each other and expressing it more in the time we have left together.....as Bill Bush put it...Here's to BETTER DAYS and GREAT FRIENDS!

Sheryl in Pennsylvania

2009-04-14T07:54:00.004+02:00

Sheryl Katz is now living in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania. My husband and I met in 1991. She was teaching school before but unfortunately, Sheryl is not teaching right now because there are no public school jobs around her area. She has two daughters, Rachel (13) and Holli (16).

Can't wait to see you in person at the next reunion, Sheryl!

A Holiday Party in 1973 at JJ Finley

2009-03-29T20:38:00.002+02:00

What party people we were in 5th Grade at J.J. Finley! In case you don't recognize anyone...(or yourself!)
Here's what I wrote on the back of the photo back in 1973
Mrs. Daniels, David Lee,
Jane West, Carol Doughty, Owen O'Malley, Frank Wickes, Bill Bush
Mike Godby, Bill Foster, Marvin ?
Grant Denny, Arthur Plant
Leslie Silver, Karen Woods

Mrs. Brooks, Karen Woods, Grant Denny, Leslie Silver, Carla Dolder

Norma Shaw, Jane West plays the piano for us while Carol Doughty admires every one of Jane's
magical musical fingers moves! I was always so envious...she could play by ear! WOW! LOL

Margaret's Obituary and a few more details from her cousin

2009-03-24T23:21:00.002+01:00

Brock, Margaret R.
March 6, 2009Margaret R. Brock 45, Indianapolis, died March 4, 2009. Services: 10:30 a.m. March 7 at Faith Presbyterian Church, Indianapolis with calling there one hour prior to service. Burial: Glen Cove Cemetery, Knightstown. Arrangements: Erlewein Mortuary, Greenfield

Margaret passed away on Wednesday March 4th at Indiana Heart Hospital. I am her cousin and Margaret's funeral was Saturday, March 7th. She died unexpectedly from a blood clot that caused a heart attack that she never recovered from. She was a wonderful cousin and we will miss her lots.

I was her cousin and she was going to be staying at my house after she recovered from her ankle surgery...so, this has been very hard for me. I was visiting her every few days and taking her DVD's. She thought it was stress and so didn't think anything about the chest pain she was having until Monday when she went to the Emergency Room at Indiana Heart Hospital and then had a now we realize fatal heart attack from a blood clot. She died with her family around her on Wednesday the 4th, after being pronounced brain dead. I will miss all of her good stories and her crazy humor and of course her smile. - Kari

Margaret Brock

2009-03-21T22:03:00.006+01:00

Margaret Brock
August 1, 1963-March 4, 2009

A Message from her cousin
To all of Margaret's friends....
Margaret Brock passed away unexpectedly March 4th, 2009. She joins her parents in heaven. She was loved very much by her family and many friends. You can sign a guest book at www.erleweinmortuary.com or make a Memorial contribution to Faith Presbyterian Church here in Indianapolis or the Indianapolis Humane Society.

*******************
What was Margaret recently doing?
Here's our recent facebook correspondence...
Margaret Brock (Indianapolis, IN) wrote on February 6th, 2009
Hi,
Sorry, I have been busy. I go to Indiana University here in Indianapolis. I am double majoring in Accounting and Finance. I want to be a forensic auditor when I grow up!
***
Margaret Brock (Indianapolis, IN) wrote on February 8th, 2009
(Answers my question about what a forsensic auditor does)
A forensic auditor does not want to work for Donald Trump, they just want to put him in jail. A forensic auditor follows the money to put bad guys away.

*****************************
Margaret....we loved you, and love you still. I especially loved your laugh and happy demeanor.I'll still ask that you help Carol :) Gather up the best of the best healers and send them to her for us.
We'll let YOU be in charge of the reunion on the other side...if Heaven is how we hope--MY SUGGESTION FOR the venue is an English Castle with stables and gardens and an amazing pool and fireplaces in all the bedrooms for each of us...with the yummiest foods ever from earth...and huge doses of love for each class member and their families as they arrive...I promise to help when I get there.
Until then, may we both be found surrounded by loved ones.....and working to become our very best selves.... Natalie Broadhurst
********************
Margaret... you will be missed. I am so glad that we had a little time to get reconnected on facebook. I will be praying for your family and friends during this trying time. We love you but know that you are with your parents and that they are joyous to see your smiling face.
Gina Spivey
**********************
What a shock Margaret...we just get back in touch and now you aren't here anymore! I feel a loss for me, your friends and especially your family! We had GREAT times together at GHS. You were a good friend to me and I probably didn't appreciate it as much as I should have. Your cheerful, spunky outlook, and your sly comments often had me rolling on the floor with laughter! I love you! Your spirit will continue to cheer my life knowing that you were my friend on Earth. May you rest peacefully in heaven and play your GHS instrutment with the angel band! Carol Doughty
***********************
I was so sad to hear about Margaret Brock. What a shock! I remember how funny she was....a quick wit that made her seem wise beyond her years. I wish I had the opportunity to have been back in touch with her through FB.
Jane West
**********************

I was sad to hear about Margaret Brock. Do you remember the book she was wriring?
and how she'd read us chapter updates at lunch in 9th grade under the tree?

Sara Sandeen

******************

If you would like to leave a message for our blog for Margaret, you may send it to Natalie or Carol or leave a message on her fb account. (It's still open)

Did Margaret play trumpet? or french horn? I can't remember...she was a band buddy and kept her eyes and ears open for me about my band guy interests. (which none of them, of course, were interested in me! But Margaret was always trying to be cupid!) What a sense of humor! That girl could make me LAUGH! I'm so glad I got to see her and hug her at our last reunion...she still was as funny as ever! -- Carol

Back to the 10th Reunion

2009-03-19T13:12:00.005+01:00

Dinner Enjoyment.....
Mike, Randi, Kristina Larsson and Neil

Bill Price and Tammy Toskes--still together!

George and Kelley---wow, beards and tashes!
Charles Sidman (and wife), George and Karen
Mary Clemons (and friend?) and Nikki Muth
Linda and Bao
Get together on the side...
Kathy Tosi and Catherine Coleman/John Moorhouse/Kim Fradd with baby Lindsey

Thanks to Sara Sandeen who sent me these original photos in 1991...because I wasn't able to attend the reunion! Looks like it was a lot of fun! Does anyone have more photos from that reunion?

Let's Go to CRESENT BEACH

2009-03-17T08:33:00.004+01:00

Beach Babes of the Class of 1981
Summer 1981Mihae Kang, Kim Fradd, Jana Stauffer, Mary Clemons, Nikki Muth, and Jane West

George Holland catches a frisbee

Summer 1982
Jana Stauffer, Karen Pfaff, Tammy Toskes, and Gilbert Nguyen

Fall 1999
Crescent Beach
Karen Pfaff (with Emerson), Carol Doughty, Charles Richardson,
Sara Sandeen, Jane West (with Conner and hubby)
We were much more sensible then...sitting in the shade during the strongest sunshine of the day!

The giant HUG of cherished FRIENDSHIPS

2009-03-15T21:32:00.009+01:00

What a week it's been....my life has changed focus, the world around me has turned upside down, and I'm so relieved to finally understand why I've been so tired, sick and painful over the last few months. I'm not a complainer (well, most of the time, and usually just to my hubby)...so I haven't shared much of my aches and concerns but when driving, eating and sleeping (and sitting on the computer chair-I even joked with Cardie that I had Facebook hemorroids!) started to become unbearable I knew that I had to go to the Doctor. NEVER did I wildly imagine that the results would be cancer! Aside from being overweight and a little out of shape, I'm generally a very healthy, happy person! This was a TOTAL SHOCK for me and my family!

On Wednesday, I went into the regular Doctor station in our little town for a hemorroid check (never have had one so I wasn't sure)......but she didn't like what she found in there. So she told me to go immediately to the hospital in Helsingborg for a more expert opinion, then I began to freak a bit. I drove myself there, in my new driving position - half reclined on my side. After further excruciating probing by the doctor, she told me that the lump in my rump was not a good bump and that I would have to stay overnight for additional tests in the morning to rule out cancer. There the word was said. And I FREAKED...before being checked into my room, thank goodness, I had the excuse to put additional money into the parking meter (like the worst of my worries! ha) because once I got outside I could let lose a wail of a cry (in my car)...yes, the ugly kind of cry that makes your face go red and blouchy, snorting muscus, hiccup breathing pattern. Not pretty. Then I spent the next two days getting tested (CT scan, blood tests and blood tests, and biospy which I got two doses of morphine for the pain--yuck, throw up city!). Being with my husband for the results was awful...this man is a sensitive puppy dog of a guy who nearly cries when he sees road kill. Sucking it in, he was the one who called the principal of my school to say that I won't be working for a couple of months! I think the first call was the hardest for us. And he couldn't say the c-word! (my Swedish friends say I'm the glue and the engine of our family....so I was proud he could be brave and make this difficult call for me..I love my job and I will REALLY miss my students!)

Anyway....to get on with my story...no beating around the bush here...the fact is I have rectal cancer that has spread to my liver. (I don't like that matastize word...see, I can't even spell it!)
Biospy results are not in yet but they already know it's cancer--what stage and all that, I don't know. GOOD NEWS: my red blood count is "normal" although on the low side so my lovely liver is still working hard! (GO LIVER, work it!) I will find out "early next week" (let's hope by Wednesday or I'll be a crazy woman with this waiting business!) The plan of action is that I will get chemo directed at my liver first since that is the most important, then they'll focus chemo and raditation on the rectum. (wish I could request some limposuction too but that's going a little too far!) We are guessing that surgery is not being considered at this point because of the possibility that I might have to live with a "disposal bag" the rest of my life. I don' t know but when I meet my oncology team I will be armed with a zillion questions. (I'm keeping a journal so I don't forget what I want to ask and say.) The main concern at the moment is to keep my poopies coming through and not lodging themselves on the other side of the bad bump! (ouchy!) I have meds for this but still it can take a couple of days! (not to mention I'm hardly eating so there's not much there anyway) So, all you well wishers....here's what I ask of you....whenever you do a "good poop" WISH one for me too! Who'd have ever thought I'd publicly ask for this type of favor! But it's VERY IMPORTANT! I kid you not. Now....the waiting begins and I just want to get started on the treatment...come on folks (doctors)....let's KICK CANCER OUT OF ME! I'm going to BEAT IT (thanks Michael Jackson!) and I WILL SURVIVE (thanks Gloria!) and I'm MOVING ON (thanks Sarah Dawn Finer!).

The support we have gotten has been INCREDIBLE! I THANK YOU!
(sorry, in this photo I could not smile my usual one because I was holding in the tears!)

Living so far away from my home country is one thing (and my choice)....but we also live in the countryside...not even in town. I LOVE IT! However, it gets lonely some times, very lonely. And that's probably why I have loved "gathering" the Class of 1981 so much into this blog during these past winter months. (and all our FB rantings! What fun!) But this blog is not just for me...that's why I posted this horrible news on my personal blog...and Natalie saw it and ran with it!

Natalie, that was the BEST thing you could have done for me! Thank you, my dear soul sister!
And what you wrote on your own personal blog put me into another crying fit of JOY and GRATEFULNESS and my husband, too--we were sobbing fools during dinner tonight!....all that you and Randy and Kim and Marcus Lisle....everyone is doing for me! It hardly seems fair that I would deserve such attention! I am VERY VERY TOUCHED!

The friendship, love, support, prayers and offers of help have REALLY HUGGED ME! The distance doesn't seem so great. I can FEEL YOUR POSITIVE ENERGY coming into my mind and body and I am STRENGTHEN! This disease will BITE THE DUST...NOT ME! (thanks Queen!)

Thank you, I love you...everyone of you!
You all are "FRIENDSHIP true"!

Your words have touched me very deeply and I will be literally carrying them into chemotherapy with me. I've copied them all and pasted them together to print out for my long appointments at the hospital...to read in those moments when I'm feeling the need for a hug and support...far and near, in Swedish, in Spanish, in English from old and young, new friends and old ones. And especially my GHS ones! The POWER OF THE HURRICANES is running through my body! Thank you for being my friends!

*****Another note of business.....this will be the last you read on this blog about my illness...this is the GHS BLOG for the Class of 1981 not mine. However, if you want to keep up with my treatment...you are welcome to follow on www.whatshappeningwithcarol.blogspot.com
You can type that address above into your address window for websites if this link isn't working!
or you can email me at carol.doughty@telia.com

PRAY FOR CAROL

2009-03-14T02:28:00.004+01:00

Look, I'm taking some personal liberty here...but when someone you love comes up against something that feels bigger than they are, they need help and LOVE. And from PERSONAL EXPERIENCE I KNOW that OUR CLASS is FILLED with LOVE and GOODNESS....

Carol has been diagnosed with Rectal Cancer. She won't find out until MONDAY what the procedures will be to fight it. She is as surprised as anyone...refer to her BLOG POST today
FRIDAY, MARCH 13th, 2009.

I don't care what or who you believe in....but WHATEVER/WHOEVER it is...will you please summon the Gods to come down and heal her? I LOVE this woman. I know SO MANY of YOU do as well. I also believe with ALL MY HEART in the healing power of a collective conscience...in addition to that of a loving God. If you just consider the SMILES she has brought to each of us over the last few months....

I also believe in Fasting...I have personally witnessed miracles from fasting.

To fast is to go without food and drink voluntarily for a certain period of time. Fasting combined with sincere prayer can strengthen us spiritually, bring us closer to God, and help us prepare ourselves and others to receive His blessings. I will start my fast tomorrow night(Sat. March 14, 2009) at 6pm and end it Sunday night (March 15th, 2009) at 6pm, and invite any and all to join me, whether it be in a fast(for however long YOU choose) or some other personal means of yours in behalf of Carol's healing and peace to her and her family as they begin this journey.

It's times like these I wish I had a magic wand, or the tongue of an angel to be able to move mutlitudes to act in her behalf. There are so many elements of life I am unsure of...but LOVE, I have FAITH in the power of LOVE...and FAITH in HE who IS LOVE. Please, will you join me...in whatever ways you have proven in your life so far...I am SO OPEN to any new suggestions as well...I just want her WELL and as QUICK as it can happen. And...if you could let her KNOW that you are WITH her....

PLEASE POST ANY IDEAS YOU HAVE HERE...let's get the LOVE energy heading her way as SOON AS POSSIBLE!!!

Thank you!!!! Thank you for being apart of my life, and especially apart of hers...
Carol WOMAN...a HURRICANE OF LOVE and HEALING IS HEADING TO SWEDEN TO YOU
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Natalie

Babe, Bill and Gina --Recent photos!

2009-03-07T22:46:00.002+01:00

Babe Adams is the proud mom of a Duck Calling Champion!
Her daughter, Shelby won the Southeastern Wildlife Expo trophy!

Bill Umlauf with his wife, Laura, and their 3 Gator loving kids, Jeremy, Josh and Jay.
Hershey, the dog wants everyone to know that he loves the Gators, too!

Another runner in the alumni bunch!

Gina Spivey and her hubby on vacation!

Two beautiful ladies...Gina and her mom!

Gator families - Cardie and Shelley

2009-03-05T19:04:00.004+01:00

A message from Cardie Conyers!

I have been loving life and working mostly in a sales-related position since HS (just had my management position eliminated at my company, so although I was offered the opportunity to stay on, decided that its time for something new and am currently pondering what I might try next). Every day is an adventure. Goal is to never grow up, make sure I cherish every single day and live life to its fullest with a positive outlook. My husband Jim and I have been together for 6 years now. Very happily married with two very furry, mixed breed daughters, Emma and Savannah. Travel, relaxing, spending time with good friends and family are top priorities for us. Gators, Rays and just about anything related to the beach take up a good amount of our time. Recently have been enjoying reconnecting with old friends and making new ones that I might not have had the opportunity to get to know during our GHS time via Facebook. Gainesville is home (having li ved more places around the world before I was 8 as an Airforce brat than many people do in a lifetime, its good to have a comfortable home base). Looking forward to our next reunion. All I can say is time flies when you are having fun!

Shelley Russell and her daughter celebrate the Gator National Victory!

What does Carter Scott wear to work?

2009-03-02T21:37:00.003+01:00

Well, some days she dresses like this.....And on other days, she dresses in one of these outfits
or something completely different !

Whatever the work dress style....SHE'S ALWAYS SINGING!
Carter has been performing in OPERA shows all over the USA and Europe!
If you'd like to read more and see what she normally looks like
CLICK HERE!

Wow...we have another celebrity in our Class of 1981!
Break a leg, Carter!
(can you say that for opera singers too?)

Thanks Bill Bush!

2009-02-28T09:39:00.004+01:00

Bill and his family by the ocean....Thanks to Bill we can remember some more JJ Finley faces!
This is the 1973 class of Mrs. Brooks!
Who do you recognize? (please help us identify some of our old friends!)

(Click on photo to make it larger)

5th Grade, Mrs. Brooks Class:

Back: - Mrs. Brooks

Top Row: Doug Copeland, Grant Denny, Ricky ?, who??, who??, Brian Thomas, Benford Samuels, who?? ,who ??

Second Row: Happy Gilmore, Bill Bush, Ted Dew, Linda Julin, Laura Zelaney, Julie Wilson, John McGuigan, Michael Godby, Marvin Capo

Bottom Row: Julie Kirkland, Bernard Shaw? , ??, Bill Foster, Rhonda Updyke, Sam Roberts, Cindy Parham , Toby Boyd, who ??

*Thanks Linda for your help...maybe someone else from Brooks class can remember the others in photo.
* Does anyone have class photos from Mrs. Ringwood's, Mrs. Drisclald's (spell?), Mrs. Walkers ? what were the other teachers names?

Getting ready for Jr. Prom 1980

2009-02-26T19:46:00.007+01:00

Who are these young ladies?
Carol and Natalie (and Sara, I think) made loads of foil decorations for our
"Stairway to Heaven" prom theme!
What a LOT of work...and who said they were cheesy?

Check out those HUGE glasses!

At the Gainesville Women's Club (without airconditioning)
Karen Pfaff, ?, Sheryl Katz, Sara Sandeen and Carol help
decorate for the big night ahead!
Isn't that staircase wonderful? WHO got that thing?

Carol, Sara, Karen pose for Carol's dad
...background Laura Moberly and John Waitcus do some more work.
FUNDRAISING....donuts, car washes, candy bar sales....what else?
We did a LOT!
Who else helped with the decorating?
Endless hours planning and preparing?
Renting stuff....(stairway, disco ball, what else?)
Selecting a band.... (Susan Johnson, I recall was part of that committee)

Anyone brave enough to send in their prom photo to post?!
Come on now!!

HELP WANTED

2009-02-23T21:54:00.002+01:00

Help Wanted....

Do you have the Senior Yearbook?
Do you have a decent scanner?
Do you have some time?
There have been a few requests from our dear classmates to post our senior year photos on this blog so that we can remember each other as we come into contact again. After all, it has been a number of years since most of us have seen one another!
If you are willing to scan the pages of the IMAGE yearbook (the purple one, can't miss it) and email them to Carol (carol.doughty@telia.com) she'll do the rest! Scanning the names WITH the photos would be extremely helpful as well! (I do not have a yearbook with me over here so this would be a GREAT FAVOR!) Many of our friends would REALLY appreciate it!
Thanks for your visit on the GHS Class of 1981 blog!
It's been wonderful hearing from so many people
and getting such HURRICANE PRIDE support!

Shelley Russell flips through pages of MEMORIES in our year book in 2001!

More from Saturday night of the 20th Reunion...

2009-02-23T21:36:00.010+01:00

Name tags, in case we couldn't recognize each other!
Better have some more of those made up for the 30th, geesh!

Karen Pfaff, Sam Roberts and Kelley Rosenlund

Bryan Thomas and ??? (help me here, I can't read the name tag!)

Bao Ngo, Karen, Sam, Gilbert Nguyen and Deb (Gil's wife)

Randi Weitzen and Kim ReVoir

Natalie Broadhurst (who won least changed prize!)
Cindy Schwartz and Jeff Kiker

Tina Montalbano and Mike Hooks

Kathy Tosi and John Moorhouse

Kathy Tosi and JD Hall

Deborah Gerachis came all the way from China or was it Finland?!

John Clark and Jeff Davis

Kelly Dooley

Teddy Dew and ??? Pierce 007?

Thank you again to Randi and Neil for sharing these with us!

***(what? there isn't one photo of Neil!) Randi...you'll have to take one and send it to me!

****** Note from Linda Julin on Monday, Feb. 23 ******

Hi Carol,

The site is going great. Thanks.

Linda
*********
*Thanks Linda for identifying some folks for me! Very helpful! :-)

20th reunion picnic continues.....

2009-02-20T07:40:00.004+01:00

Teddy Dew and family at the picnic fun!

Bill Bush and Jessica Heath

Janet Mullersman and daughter

Disa Rosenbloom, Randi Weitzen,
Jeff Davis, Bao Ngo (& friend),

John Clark & Pam Rogers, and Toby Boyd were there! Shelley Russell, Kelley Rosenlund, Mike Thomas and Bill Umlauf, too!

Where were you for the 20th Reunion picnic?
Would you like there to be another one for our 30th?
Bao suggested we have organized games to include the kids as well! That would be fun!
Teams: White and Purple Games such as ????

Picnic at the 20th continued....

2009-02-18T14:09:00.003+01:00

Jeff Davis , Cindy Schwartz and Keith Elerby at the picnic!

?? and Jessica Heath

Karen Nash points the way to the picnic area to Sheryl Dicks and family!

Big smiles...Karen Nash, Bao Ngo and Janet Mullersman

More picnic photos on the way.......

October Picnic- 20th Reunion

2009-02-16T21:40:00.004+01:00

GHS NAD CORPS together again
...aren't a few people missing?
Mike Thomas, Bill Bush, Bryan Thomas and Toby Boyd !
Chatting around the picnic tables...John Clark, Jeff , Pam Rogers and Cindy Schwartz

Disa Rosenbloom, Randi Weitzen, Jessica Heath,
(Sophia-Disa's baby) and Jim Faris (Randi's hubby)

Picnic time!

Mike Thomas and Karen Nash

Karen did a GREAT job organizing the 20th Reunion with the help of other folks in Gainesville. It was a full weekend with Meet & Greet by the pool, Family Picnic time and a lovely dinner on Saturday night. This gave us all plenty of time to get reacquainted!
******
Please think of how you'd like to spend our 30th reunion and write Natalie, Tina or Carol with your ideas! (we're keeping a list over on the side bar >>>over there>>>>)
More photos to will be posted later from this event!
Thanks to Neil and Randi for their time and identification services!

Happy Valentine's Day '81ers

2009-02-14T10:14:00.008+01:00

A big hug to each of you....
and all who couldn't make it to the 20th!

(click on photo to make it bigger)
Bao Ngo and Gilbert Nguyen exchange happy news.
Sam Roberts listens in.

Walt (Sara's hubby) tells some stories to Sara Sandeen, Catherine Coleman and Jana Stauffer.

Randi Weitzen, Jeff Kiker and Karen Pfaff give us a smile!

Thank you to Randi and Neil for sending in these photos from

our 20th reunion.......there are more so stay tuned!

**************

From Facebook

Jane West wrote:
"I finally got on the webpage....It's AWESOME!  I love learning about old classmates and what they're up to. Doctors, attorneys and the like!!!"
*****************

Bao sent you a message.

Subject: Blog Spot

Carol & Natalie,

You guys are doing a great job with this website!

Thank you!

Bao (Ngo)
*********************

<>Thanks Carol,
The blog looks great. I would love to help with any organizing of a reunion. Thanks for everything you've done to get so many people in touch. It is so cool seeing all the "old folks" from school. Keep up the great work. <>
Tina (Montalbano)
************************

Hey Carol,

<>Good for you, getting things rolling!!! I was kind of bummed that we didn't do a "25" reunion, but I just couldn't be the go to person. It's even more impressive that you've stepped up from across the water. You Rock! <>
Talk to you soon... Big Hello to Sara and Natalie.

-Bill (Bush)

*******************

Hey Carol-

<>Obviously I had good intentions of keeping my health-update blog updated, but stayed so busy in Baltimore that I let it slip. I am back and done with radiation treatment and all went well. I had very minor fatigue--more inconvenience than anything. However, that was MINOR for the best treatment you can get. Of course, I need to update it and change the subject toward brighter things! I have a lot on my plate right now, but I have added your GHS blog to my favorites and plan to keep up. I'll try to add something with a photo or 2 soon. I am glad you are well and thanks again for doing this!

Peace--Doug (Fields)

P.S.--I'll get on Tosi and Steve Perry!

***************************

Teri Hardwick wrote:

"Hey Carol, I did check out the GHS blog..You did a great job..I am very happy as a School nurse, It's a very rewarding job. I started remembering all these people from school after getting on GHS blog, It was so neat, I can't beleive it's been 30yrs.


*****************
Thank you for the kind words!
We enjoy doing this as much as many of you enjoy reading it!
It's sort of like a newspaper for our class...but new stories are always needed so if you have one to share...please do! And pass the address to anyone you know from our class...the more the merrier our reunion (virtual and real) will be!

JJ FINLEY 1971-1973

2009-02-11T21:35:00.006+01:00

Thanks to Jane West O'Neal....we have two wonderful JJ Finley Elementary School photos to share with you all! Can you guess who these kids are? What are they doing now? Where do they live?

Miss Stearns Third Grade Class 1971-1972 (Click on the photo to make it bigger! )
Top row (left to right): ??, ? Chapman, Todd Lacy, Paul Dinkler, ??, ??, ?? Miss Stearns
Middle row: Jill?, Jerri ?, Happy Gilmore, Toby Boyd, Cordell Jones, ??, ??, Karen Birkett, Susan ?
Bottom row: ??, Angie Roberts, Julie Higley, Cindy Parm?, JANE WEST, Carol Doughty, Tontee Jones (James?)

If you can help identify the ??...please write in! Thanks!
*******************

Mrs. Cooper Fourth Grade Class 1972-1973

(click on the photo to make it bigger)

Top row (left to right): Bill Bush, ??Chapman, ????, ????, Cordell Jones, ???, ???, Robby Booth? , Mrs. Cooper
Middle row: Shelly Davidson?, ???, Beth Ann Feinberg, Deborah ?, Lisa Sutton, Beth Roberts, Mary Ann Blount, ???
Bottom row: Carol Doughty (already showing her GHS purples!), David Lee, Happy Gilmore (looking very unhappy), Julie Higley, JANE WEST, Catherine Lisle, Angie Roberts, Arthur Plant

*****************
Maybe someone else has an elementary photo with a few of our GHS graduates to share here on our blog spot! More from JJ Finley or some of the other area schools?

Gainesville Sun Articles

2009-02-08T11:18:00.005+01:00

Look who is in the newspaper!

Gorgeous pottery by Darrell Adams can be found at the Artistians Guild Gallery in Gainesville!
Click here Darrell Adams to read more about him and the traditional style work he does.

Timmothy McCann's books can be found on Amazon!

Click here Timmothy McCann to read the Gainesville Sun article about our class friend's life and work! (Including kind words from Coach Niblack!) Click here to listen to a bit of Timmothy's Sermon. Timmothy's words

Michael Rubin's work can be found from coast to coast and around the world!
Click here Michael Rubin to read about Mike's interesting career and life's experiences in the Gainesville Sun.

John Clark has some short fictional stories published on line at Infinite Biscuit. If you would like to read them, please click here John Clark and enjoy!

The GHS blog welcomes all suggestions and ideas about our class members! If you have something you'd like to share with others, please email carol.doughty@telia.com.

Thanks for checking in....

2009-02-04T06:17:00.003+01:00

Thanks for checking in to this GHS Class of '81 blog!

I have nothing new to report about the reunion other than I was able to get this blog address attached to the "real" GHS School website in their "Alumni" section. It's only an information blip about reunion contacts. There is some other website for a general GHS Alumni but it looked more like a commercial site for one of the classes to earn money for their reunion. It's not ours.
I don't know why the guy at GHS put it in our Class of 1981 section because it's deceiving. Check it out and see if you figure it out. Write me a note if you think I should ask him to take it off "our" section on the Alumni page of the GHS School website. I'm not sure how many people check in there.

Bill Bush sent me a data base from the last reunion to help Tina Montalbano, Natalie Broadhurst and me start locating more of our large class. Your help in passing along this address would be appreciated! I know it seems early but we only have 2.5 years to find a LOT of people! Don't know if you've noticed but on the side bar to the left of this area I'm keeping a list of people who I (Carol) have made some sort of contact with...if you're reading this and not on the list, PLEASE email me or Natalie or Tina! Just so we have an updated addy for you!

I'm out of photos to post for the moment...a few people have promised to email me some but I'm still waiting! (And you know who you are!) LOL

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS SENT ME PHOTOS FOR THIS VIRTUAL REUNION SO FAR!
GETTING LOTS OF GOOD FEEDBACK!

A friend of mine here in Sweden is loaning me a scanner....so perhaps I can dig up some more photos from my own collection to share. In the meantime, if you have any you are willing to share for me to post, PLEASE email them to me! We'd all appreciate it!
carol.doughty@telia.com

For now....Remember the CANES!
Purple Pride Power!

Jim Heaney's family fun

2009-02-01T00:40:00.003+01:00

Jim Heaney vacationed with his sweet family on the island of Maui in Hawaii during 2008!

Looks like "our" Jimmy!

Thanks for letting us see your crew, Jim!

20th Reunion- Sunday after dinner

2009-01-30T13:58:00.005+01:00

October 2001...shorts, t-shirts and sitting outside! Gotta love that Florida Fall weather!

A few of us had a brunch on Sunday at Carol's house after our 20th Reunion Dinner. Sam Roberts, Disa and Sophia Rosenbloom Halbach (of Germany), John Moorhouse

Deb Sullins (Mrs. Gilbert), Karen Pfaff, Gilbert Nguyen, and Sara Sandeen

John & Sandra Moorhouse and Karen Pfaff

Can't wait until the next reunion!
Only 2 1/2 more years!
Keep spreading the word...
there's a lot more people to find before 2011!

Tidbits from Holli Goldman

2009-01-29T21:24:00.002+01:00

Wouldn't you recognize Holli walking down the street?

Holli's husband, Louis Berry and their children, Owen and Mora Lilli!

Fun Facts about Holli's connections to GHS friends!

"My husband is Carla Dolder's step-brother (his mom and her dad). Small world!!! And...Carter Scott is my step-sister. Her dad and my mom married in 2002 and spent almost 4 blissful years together before he died of lung cancer. My daughter was Baptised by Taylor (her dad) and they had a very special bond, too. Carter and I haven't talked in a while but it was fun having her for a sister-type for the short time."

Wondering about Carla Dolder

2009-01-28T20:58:00.004+01:00

I was wondering if Carla Dolder was still running. So I Googled her....not only is she still running...she's still WINNING!

News From: Monday, December 16, 2002
	Jacksonville Marathon
		Post-Race Review/ Results
		Lawson Dominates Jacksonville Marathon Field (The Florida Times-Union) Jerry Lawson had no trouble winning Florida's Jacksonville Marathon this weekend in 2:23:56. His time was 12 minutes, and two miles, ahead of second place Moatacim Hamcha (2:35:53) of New Bedford, Mass. Carla Dolder of Gainesville, Florida won in the women's race, finishing in 2:57:12. She set a Masters Women's course record, finishing seven minutes ahead of Sharon Hathaway (3:04:31) of Powell, Ohio.

**************

Sunrunners 10 K
Vero Beach, FL
February 20, 2005


Male Overall Winner:   Travis Grappo   36:57

Female Overall Winner:  Lotte Branigan  39:53


Male Masters Winner:  Mike Dahan     39:06

Female Masters Winner:  Carla Dolder  43:22
**************

These are only  a few of the races I found about her!
Way to go Carla!

More from our 20th Reunion

2009-01-26T18:04:00.007+01:00

BUSTIN' LOOSE...after 20 years!
We met on the GHS campus to pose on the same spot as our yearbook photo!
Instead of Izod shirts we wore something more "elegant"!
Karen Pfaff, Sara Sandeen, Sam Roberts
Natalie Broadhurst, Kathy Tosi, Jana Stauffer, Carol Doughty
Missing from the original photo: Carla Dolder, Carey Sheilds, Disa Rosenbloom, Kim Fradd and Carter Scott

20th Reunion group shot
can you find yourself?
double click on the group photo to enlarge it (I know our eyes aren't what they used to be!)

What was going on here?

Natalie and her guys...John Moorhouse and George Holland

Will we look the same after another 10 years?

Kiker, Moorhouse, Holland
Doughty, Stauffer, Broadhurst, Sandeen, Catherine Coleman
Tosi, Ngo

Bao hugs the girls and makes them smile!

Natalie in deep conversation with George, Kelley Rosenlund and John.

Anyone else have photos from the 20th to share?

*************************from an email********

Hey there Carol!!

hope all is going well over there!

just a quick note to say 'thanks' for all you've done with the website, blog etc! you have so much more energy than i have!

thanks babe for your efforts!

Kathy (Tosi)

Party at Sandeen's before 20th dinner

2009-01-24T11:55:00.002+01:00

Sam Roberts, little Sophia (Disa Rosenbloom's baby), Natalie Broadhurst

Sam Roberts talks with little Sophia at Sara's house.

Carol Doughty and Tammy Toskes

Jeff Kiker, Carol Doughty and Shelley Russell

Do you have any photos you'd like to share with us from the past reunions? Send them in!

The Music of John Clark

2009-01-23T10:09:00.006+01:00

Presenting ....all the way from Atlanta, Georgia...
John and Kim Clark! When John's cats allow him...you can find him making comical, satirical and intelligent comments on Facebook along with a growing number of others from our class!Thank you John for sharing your snuggle-up photos with your wife, Kim!

When John isn't working, or making speciality beers, or being cozy with his wife....
he is PLAYING MUSIC with the Ether Family!
Click HERE to listen to some of the tunes!

Quote from CD BABY -Independent Music:

"The Ether Family Presents... creates infectious pop-rock of a style all their own. Their output is prolific and ambitious, weaving complex themes and story lines throughout their releases. The four-piece pulls influence from every decade of rock and pop. Many fans have heard hints of The Beach Boys, Kinks, Beatles, Big Star, Jellyfish, The Replacements, Pavement, The Grifters, Guided By Voices and The Apples In Stereo in TEFP releases, but the band always maintains their unique individuality and rare chemistry."

**********************
If you would like to view all their albums
Click HERE for the link to see more "ear candy" at Headphone Treats!
****
On the GHS blog side bar >>over there>>>
You can visit another website of John's band
and see them at practice!
Very cool!

Works of fiction by John Clark can be seen if you click HERE.

Fotos de Felipe de la Torre

2009-01-22T07:54:00.005+01:00

Do you remember Felipe de la Torre?
Here he is with his family in the gorgeous
Rainforest of Ecuador! Felipe with his 8 year old daughter, Camila , on a raft in Amazonia!

His wife, Evangelina, and his son, Sebastian, 13 years old floating in the Amazon area.

Felipe and his family camped out near the Cotopaxi Volcano,
the highest ACTIVE volcano in the world!
That's 4,800 meters above sea level!
(That's nearly 3 miles above sea level or 15,800 feet!)

Sebastian came in second in his first motorcycle race!

****** Thank you Felipe for sharing this with us! *****

.............from email........
Hola Carol,
Of course, I remember you, I still have bruises on my legs!!! You will find lots of pictures on my albums (on FACEBOOK). I finished university and returned to Ecuador in 1985. Then I lived in Quito until 1995 and moved to Galapagos until 2005 working for a company that has boats operating in the Galapagos Islands. Now I have my own tour operator company. I married Evangelina, from Argentina, and have 2 kids; Sebastian (13) and Camila (8).

Felipe de la Torre

Click Here to read about Felipe's
Travel Business >>Latin Roots Travel Company

Photos from John, Tina and Kim

2009-01-21T23:45:00.007+01:00

John, Sandra and Evan Moorhouse at beautiful Crescent Beach!

*************************************************************

Email from .....Tina Montalbano..................

Ok Carol,
Jay and I married just 2 months after graduation. It was 27 years in August-OMG! We have 3 kids, Tristan, Joey, and Lindsey (25,23,21). Tristan is married and has two young children (ages 2 yrs and 6mths). Joey and Lindsey are both seniors in college. We live in Augusta, Georgia where we've been for 12 years. The kids all live in town so we get visits often. Jay retired from the Air Force in 2004 after 20 years. He now works for the US Navy-Civilian. I have been the controller for the same construction company since 1996. The picture of Jay and I is pretty recent, New Years Eve 2008-09. The photo of the kids is from Tristan's wedding (with a small cousin).

Your blog is GREAT. It's so fun to see what everyone is doing. Thanks for the great work. Stay warm.

Tina (Montalbano) Hart

Jay and Tina Montalbano Hart ringing in the
NEW 2009 YEAR in style!

****************************
Kim ReVoir and her boys, Logan and Joshua, ran in the Disney Marathon
and half-marathon recently! Her husband, Mark, used to run with them but he is unable to now due to health issues with his heart.

Here's Kim running like Cinderella after the
pumpkin coach through the castle door!
Yeah KIM!

More to come......

Just Seven Years Ago.....

2009-01-17T08:53:00.005+01:00

We met for our 20th Reunion!
How many came in October 2001?

Shelley Russell, Kim ReVoir and Deborah Gerachis
(Thanks Kim for sharing this photo!)

Carol Doughty, Jana Stauffer, Kathy Tosi, Sara Sandeen
The "beach bunnies"

Karen Pfaff, Carol Doughty, Jane West, Jana Stauffer, Natalie Broadhurst,
Kathy Tosi, Sara Sandeen

Jana and Carol

Bernice Douglas and Carol Doughty

I have more somewhere...2001 I was pregnant and although I made it to the reunion my mind was concentrating on other things. I have many more photos to share but I must dig around for them. I think I got some of these photos from Sara and Jana after the event. Thanks!

A memory from GHS days

2009-01-16T13:47:00.004+01:00

Bao wrote:
"Carol, here's a little story about Beth Feinberg that I can remember:
One of my fondest memories is in Ms. Wanninger's (sp?) Algebra I class.  I was sitting up front (barely spoke English at the time).  Ms. Wanninger was explaining something on the board.  Someone was talking to Beth who was sitting behind me.  Ms. Wanninger turned around and said "Beth! Quit talking or I am sending you to Dean Beard's office!".  Beth replied:"But Ms. Wanninger, I wasn't talking; I was just listening!"  Ms. Wanninger then replied: "Listening is a part of talking."

Some how that made such a funny impression to this little Vietnamese boy.  I still use that story when coaching girls volleyball or teaching karate."


***************From Comment box********

Doug Fields said...: Hi Guys--

Checking in per Tosi! Great seeing this and I look forward to posting soon. Very groovy, surreal and nostalgic!!

Peace, Doug-

***************************************************

Blast from the Past - 10th Reunion

2009-01-15T22:25:00.011+01:00

Thanks to Randi Weitzen and Kim ReVoir we've got some fun photos of the 10th reunion!
Big hair, big eyeglasses, skinny bodies and faces....LOTS OF SMILES!

Mike Rubin, Randi Weitzen, Bill Bush and Tina Larson at the table
Nikki Muth, Mary Clemons back left.What a turn out! How many were there in 1991?

Do you recognize these people?
Bill Umlauf (back side), Gina Spivey

Bao Ngo and Randi Weitzen...sorry the photo doesn't want to turn around for me!
(HELP Mike or John!)

The BAND GANG!
Bryan Thomas, Shelley Russell, Bill Bush,Neil Schmertmann,
Randi Weitzen, Kim ReVoir, Gwen Cox

Shelley Russell, Bryan Thomas and Gwen Cox

Rubin, Benford Samuels, Scotty Woods, Nikki Muth

Kitty Brigham and hubby?

Neil Schmertmann making an important point
to Bill Umlauf, Rubin and Randi Weitzen.

If you've got more from this reunion or the 20th...consider emailing them to Carol or Natalie so we can post them on the blogspot!

*********From Comment Box*************************
OMG! Don't publish anymore of those! That was not a good time in fashion or hairstyles (although Randi looks cute no matter what).

Linda Julin McNamara
***************************************************

Our Student Body President's family

2009-01-14T17:36:00.003+01:00

With as much love Natalie has to give...I just knew she'd have a big family! And what a bunch!

Natalie and Don Broadhurst Harris

Don & Spencer
Sam, Megan, Josh, Michael
& Natalie
Thanks Natalie for sharing your family with all of us!

In 2011, Natalie plans to run the Disney Marathon with her children! Maybe some other GHS runners could join in...as an extension of our reunion? What do you say?

Photos from Kiker, Rubin and Rosenlund

2009-01-13T20:37:00.008+01:00

Here's Jeff and Amanda Kiker with their daughters Cecilia and Nicole on a family adventure!
Thanks for the happy photo, Jeff! Did you know that Liz & Kelley were married at the Sheraton Hotel and took their vows in the Gazebo by the pool? Not 20 feet from where they met at the 20th year reunion! (Liz worked at the Sheraton during our 20th Reunion Weekend!) While vacationing in the Dominican Republic last May, Kelley & Liz Rosenlund
took this cozy shot together....thanks for the photo!

Check out Mike Rubin with his flipper family in Fiji!

From an email:

Hi Carol,
It's surpisingly fun to see everyone's families like this, so I figured I'd lob some info onto the pile. I've been in California since graduating college; I met my wife in LA and we moved north, to Santa Cruz, where we live by the beach. We have two kids, Jonah (9) and Alina (6) and a dog (Bodhi). Jen runs our small chain of ceramics studios (Petroglyph Ceramic Lounge) and I do lots of odd jobs -- from writing books (see below) to teaching filmmaking to working at Netflix (where I spent the last 2.5 years). Right now I'm hanging with the kids, helping build our ceramics business, and consulting about "web 2.0", social networks and blogs. I still always have a camera (or now, a camcorder) nearby, and have been getting back into photography after a little hiatus. This photo is from our holiday card: Jen and the kids spent the fall living and going to school in Fiji while I remained in California (and played with the dog). I visited for a few weeks, and this snap is from one of those days. They're all back now, but miss the Fijian lifestyle...

My parents are still in G'ville and we visit rather randomly; it was great to be home last Thanksgiving (where I saw Maria and Linda and their families) and introduce my kids to the creeks in the ol' neighborhood... I also had a bit of a medical issue after the Sundance Film Festival last February in Park City, and found myself in a hospital hanging out with Steve Desautels (how lucky he's a doctor in Utah!)- always great to see him under any odd circumstances... anyway, the recent burst of beach activity aside, I'm still a geek and you can find me online most days.

My most current book has a blog:http://ldvb.blogspot.com/and many of the video illustrations in the book are just my home videos. There are links to the "sketches" on the right top of the blog. It's random family stuff too...

Cheers,

Rubin
********************************************
Thanks Mike for telling us more about your life! If you'd like to read more of Rubin's adventures you can click on this link : http://droidmaker.blogspot.com/
And you can click on this > Petroglyph Ceramic Lounge to see Mike's wife's business!

It''s super to get updates from people! KEEP THEM COMING! And get this REUNION together people! The more, the merrier!
Please email carol.doughty@telia.com if you, too, would like to join our virtual reunion!

An author in our class...Mara!

2009-01-12T17:04:00.005+01:00

Surely you remember Mara Uman!

Mara Uman Hixon is still living in the warmth of Florida! She regularly spends time frolicking with her children and 3 dogs on the beach! She is also a famous author! Click here to see more! Would you believe that Carol's daughter received this book as a gift for her birthday here in Sweden!? When we read the book, Carol recognized Mara's photo on the back cover! It was even signed by the author! What a treat! It's one of our favorite books! Mara's first book A Rotten Apple is a diary of her teaching experiences while working at GHS as a teacher! (an Erma Bombeck-ish type of book according to Mara) Now that might be an interesting read! Hummmm..... Mara is busy writing a third book, Sea Turtles A-Z: Loggy, Greeny and Leather. Hopefully, it will be out in time for the summer crowds at SeaWorld!

Thank you Mara for emailing a photo of your family!

Mara Uman Hixon's Family

Family photos from Randi and Linda

2009-01-10T00:14:00.005+01:00

Thank you to Randi for sharing photos of her family! Randi Weitzen Faris and family live in south Florida!

************************************************************************

Thank you to Linda for sharing her family with us!
Email From Linda Julin McNamara

Hi Carol,

I was snooping on the GHS site—how nice of you to create it—and saw the nice family photos that a few people had posted. I’ll share one too. This is from a trip to Italy last year, and the kids (especially my son) have already grown so much since then. We live in Tampa, and my daughter Olivia is 16 and my son Griffin is 12. I work full time as the Deputy Chief of the Appellate Division at the United States Attorney’s Office, and my husband, Pat, is also a lawyer, but in private practice. The kids are super busy, like all kids these days—Olivia has been a competitive ice skater since she was six years old and Griffin (who is getting taller by the minute) plays baseball and basketball. We are enjoying our lives and beginning to think about Olivia applying for colleges in another year or so. I hope an actual reunion comes together for 2011—it would be fun to see people. I keep in touch with Mike Rubin and Maria Ohrn and usually hear from Randi Weitzen once or twice a year. I used to hear from Jeff Kiker* on occasion, but it’s been a while since I heard from him.

<>Love,
Linda Julin McNamara

******************************

*Carol's note: You'll find Jeff Kiker playing around on Facebook these days! or cheering at the Gator games! He's the one in the blue shirt!

Coming soon: 10th Reunion photos!

GATOR VICTORY!

2009-01-09T16:25:00.003+01:00

Oh, It's GREAT to be a FLORIDA GATOR!

What a game! Chomp, Chomp! There's at least one little Swedish-American Girl who is a GATOR FAN!
In her 6 year old mind being a Gator = USA!
This is the flag Maya made to cheer with during the game. Unfortunately, when I woke her up at 2 am to watch it live on NASN she just couldn't keep her eyes open! But we celebrated in the morning with HIGH FIVES and shake-our-booties and the Gator Chomp!

I can imagine some of you are STILL celebrating...and will continue to SHOUT IT OUT during the coming season!
GATORS #1, GATORS #1....YEAH!

Who's gonna win?

2009-01-08T18:43:00.003+01:00

The Florida Gators!!!!Hope you have a grand time watching the orange and blue win the National Championship!

An update from Beth Feinberg!

2009-01-05T20:40:00.002+01:00

Thanks Beth for sharing your family and news with us! Hi Carol. It's Beth Feinberg... sorry it's taken me a while to reply... I have a 3-yr. old so I don't get a lot of time on the computer. My brother Mark told me you were looking for me. We are in the Bay area and I stay at home with our son Marcus...he's my joy. I was in Radiology for 22 yrs and quit when Marcus was born. My husband Neil works as an construction engineer and we spend our time enjoying the beautiful environs of the Bay area. I travelled around the world for many years and worked over in Israel in the 80's /90's. Got married, had Marcus and now am "settled" in one place. I still keep a small backpack filled just in case. It's great that you and Natalie started this site.... it sure does bring back memories!! Hope you and your family had a great holiday season.. all the best to you.!! Go Gators!!!!

Happy Trails !

Beth A. Oettinger

Happy NEW YEAR!!!!

2008-12-30T21:11:00.002+01:00

Anyone brave enough to post a few resolutions??? The other thing I'd love to know about are the charitable organizations you support.

As far as resolutions go, I've decided to just SIMPLIFY to the max. Instead of listing the races I'll run, the weight I want to maintain, the service I want to do with my family, the amount of money I want to make, I just want to have a year where I focus on ENJOYING being alive. Sounds trite I know...but with my brain, ....well....it's like spontaneity....I have to PLAN IT :) and WORK on it. So, I'm PLANNING the time and Spaces I'll need to ensure that I don't miss the joy along the way. I'm doing it by some books I'm going to read to keep my head where I want it. I'm going to journal the process. I'm doing it by literally blocking out time that I'm not allowed to schedule over. I'm playing with the idea of a couple of FRIEND groups that get together quarterly for Book Sharing, Card Playing, outdoors adventuring, etc....

Carol is my inspiration....this past year has been so LOVELY getting back reacquainted with everyone.

Please share YOUR ideas.

Holiday Greetings...family photos!

2008-12-29T19:59:00.007+01:00

It's so fun to get greeting cards from "old" friends from High School days during the holiday season! I love to see photos of their families to see how their little babies grow into kids...then into teenagers...and now many are young adults! Hardly seems possible that my high school friends' children are attending high school...and some at GHS! And now some are ready for college! Wasn't it just yesterday when we were in high school? Well, I guess it really doesn't seem like yesterday, but maybe last week? Time flies!

Thank you for your photos, my friends! I look forward to receiving your cards each year! Carol's family at the Orlando airport in 2008
ready to head back "home" to Sweden
(Bo, Maya & Carol Nilsson)

Jana Stauffer's Family 2008
(Tom & Jana Pennekamp)

Kim Fradd's Family 2008
(Todd & Kim Saxton)

Hey Carol:

I wasn't sure if you got our card this year. But, after going to www.gainesvillehighschoolof1981.blogspot.com I realized that you had my card!

<>Go Gators - we've definitely been watching the games. Of course, it is still my Dad's biggest delight. So, I always call him during the game. We are traveling some, but tend to go where the job sends us. I've got Sweden on our list of places to figure out when to get to. In the meantime, I love the reunion website. Hard to believe it's been nearly 20 years since I've seen anyone.
Kim

Sara Sandeen's Family 2008
(Sara & Walter Kennedy)

Tammy Toskes & Bill Price's Family 2008
(Tammy & Bill Price)

* If you would like to add your family to our groups here, please email Carol & I'll post it for you. carol.doughty@telia.com

Anything of interest for New Year's Eve?

2008-12-26T22:23:00.001+01:00

Does anyone know of something interesting or exciting to do for NEW YEAR's EVE in Gainesville?

Or have we become a group of old foogies already?

Who will be in Gainesville over the holidays?

2008-12-08T23:52:00.001+01:00

Will anyone be in Gainesville over the holidays?

Just wondering.....

GATOR VICTORY

2008-12-07T02:17:00.003+01:00

The Gators won the SEC championship tonight in Atlanta! Many of our GHS friends were watching and commenting to each other on Facebook! If we can't be together to watch and CELEBRATE....we can connect over the internet!

Remember when WE won the STATE Championship?

Purple Hurricanes #1

Who went to Titusville (?) to watch our guys WIN?
Who made the touch downs?
Who was the quarterback?
Who was our coach?

What memories do you have from that game?

I remember screaming and cheering so much my throat was sore for days!
I remember flirting with guys in the band...and in the stands!
I remember giggling and talking on the bus ride there and back....
I remember taking photos...but where are they???

GO CANES!!!!!
And HOW 'BOUT THEM GATORS!!!!!

FACEBOOK connections

2008-11-29T11:37:00.004+01:00

Hello CLASS OF 1981 friends!
You can join us here on BLOGSPOT or you can sign up for FACEBOOK and invite friends individually to chat with from high school days.

With FACEBOOK you control who looks at your comments and photos. It's sort of like putting notes to each other on a "wall", so everyone can read them or you send it personally to them through a private connection (like sticking the notes directly into their locker!).

This BLOGSPOT is open to everyone. (although I've put a stop on the search engine, so you can't find this place without the address) It's like a newspaper...at the moment only Natalie and Carol can write articles and post photos...but if you'd like to be a contributor just email one of us and we'll set you up with the ability to do posts too.

Next year will be our 28th anniversary of graduating from GHS! Can you believe it???
Seems like yesterday....well, sort of! This photo sits on my bookshelf here in Sweden. It was taken on the way to the O'Connell Center. Sara's Dad, Art Sandeen, was our speaker. Remember? What a day! My checks hurt so much from smiling and crying day and night! And what great parties that night....and to the beach the next day!

*It's ironic that I'd end up in Sweden...Sara has the Swedish genes!! (not me!)

Hello Class of 1981!!!!

2008-11-19T01:03:00.004+01:00

First of all, THANK YOU Carol...she put my name on here like I had something to do with it...well, I'v been a good cheerleader to Carol --but that's about it. Anyway!! We are hoping to get a good group of us together communicating here---who knows...we could even end up with a reunion sometime. Carol and I have so loved keeping in touch with each other through our family blogs, that when she had the brain storm to invite all of you...it just seemed too perfect. Obviously we don't have hardly enough e-mail addresses from our class, so please help us pass the word. We hope to see pictures of you and your families and hear about memories we want to remember with you. We are both anxious and eager to hear about your lives and experiences. I feel silly that I don't even have a family picture to share--YET. The top picture is my 4th child Spencer who is an avid golfer and 16. I have 5 children-a daughter who is 23 and 4 sons from 21-14...they are the LIGHT and LOVE of my life. I will post a family picture soon. Don and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary this year---seriously...could we have been married longer than I ever lived at "Home"? Time is too wierd for me. I swear I FEEL 18!!!I am a real estate agent and specialize in land and development. I am a marathoner, and may try TRI's this next summer. Had a nasty spill and the road rash has made me a certified wuss, so still thinking it over. I spend a fair amount of time with the High School PTA and I smile everytime I have a meeting because it brings me right back to good ole GHS. I still love to read and we could even have a recommended book list or book group through this site. I'm still quilting. I'm also a professional genealogist with my specialty being the British Isles. As my kids keep leaving I keep trying to fill up the spaces they are leaving. I really hate that they get to go off and have lives AWAY from me. But I love what they are doing with their lives, so I guess I really am glad. Just those dang empty spaces!!!

One of my favortie memories I'v been thinking of this week was the GIVING TREE we did at Christmas time our Senior year....somewhere I still have the notes that were left to me...AMAZING notes that were hysterical and made me feel so loved. That made me think of winning the State Football Championship, that makes me think of the bus ride home, ....okay....this could go on and on.

Hope to hear from you...and PLEASE...pass this site on.....AND POST A MESSAGE even if you don't post a picture!!!

What PURPLE CANE stuff do you have in your house?

2008-11-17T20:54:00.003+01:00

In my house there is evidence of PURPLE HURRICANE PRIDE! still.....although you'd have to know where to look exactly....in the closet you can see.....These PURPLE jackets...NO, I don't still wear them! However, I do take them to my school to show the Swedish kids what "real" High School stuff looks like! (Not just High School Musical stuff) And of course, soccer = football here...so that's another topic to explain. Does anyone else have their old jackets? (I can't be the ONLY one!)
Evidence of my commitment to GHS swimming....this hangs in my laundry room. I have no idea what happened to the soccer one.
If you knew me well...you may have known that my dear mom knitted me a "lap blanket" when I was in HS for TV watching. (Before the days of DVD and VCR!) Yep, I still have it! But strangely enough, my daughter (6 years old) has claimed it as hers since she was about one year old. (She was only given about 23 blankets & flannelettes of her own when she was born...I guess many people thought she would be cold here in Sweden!) So this old but strong blanket is a constant reminder of all things GHS! And it is everywhere in our house...sort of has its own identity! That's all Purple for me......Carol

What do you have around your house that is from GHS days?
A trumpet?
Year book?
Visor?
T-shirt? (must be in the rag bag by now!)
PHOTOS?

Randi has left a new comment on your post:
I have my purple band "cowboy" hat that I wore when I was in the rifle corps. I also have the rifle (don't tell on me!) My kids use my old symphonic band bow tie for dress up fun. I still have both my marching clarinet and my very nice, but needs-to-be-refurbished Buffet concert clarinet. Somewhere in my memory box is the G for lettering in band as well as a few medals and pins.
Did anyone else save pieces of their uniform?
- Randi (Weitzen)

Please leave a comment.....

How to leave a COMMENT & other things

2008-11-15T09:44:00.008+01:00

If you are new to this blogging thing....you might like to know some tips....

1- anyone can leave a comment
* Just click on the little "COMMENT" word at the end of the post (or article) You are reading a "post" now.
* A separate window will pop up and you can write in your comment,
* then you must fill out the information it asks you for....
I found it is just easier to create a free blogspot identification or
you can use the Anonymous option if you will but remember to sign your name or we won't know who you are! (and that's no fun!)
* If you want to read other people's comments...you just click on the COMMENT word at the bottom of the post. (same as you do to leave a comment!)

2- if you want to plunge into the blogging fun and write the POSTS (main article) and put in PHOTOS (upload) onto the blog, then email me and I can add your name on the list of "authors" *

3- where there are HIGHLIGHTED & UNDERLINED words or phrases in the POST, you can click on them to be linked to a related website. (for example: if you click > GHS homepage< see where you go?)

4 - if you're not sure about something...you can always check out the HELP page for the blog site

I was completely new to all of this just a few months ago....but I just clicked here and there until I learned what I was doing...I'm sure all of you can do the same!

5- if you have a BLOG yourself, you can add your name in the FOLLOWERS section of the GHS site and we can have the link to your blog, if you'd like.

6- please pass along this blog address to anyone you know in your email address book from CLASS of '81 so they can join us in the virtual world!

*If you want to "donate" photos (old or new) to the blog but don't want to be an "author" then you can email me or Natalie the photos and we can up load them for you.

Hope to hear from more of you SOON!

Go Canes!
Carol

Welcome to the new GHS BLOG!

2008-11-14T20:59:00.005+01:00

We are setting up this blog as a place for GHS Class of '81 friends to be in contact with each other over the internet while we are waiting for our next reunion to miraculously be organized!

At the moment Carol Doughty (Nilsson) and Natalie Broadhurst (Harris) are the authors of this blog but we gladly GLADLY encourage anyone else to join us in this project. If you would like to be an "author" please contact one of us over the email so we can send you the information. Of course, anyone may make a comment without being an "author". At this point you may only upload photos if you are an "author" but you can send them to one of us to upload if you don't want to do it yourself.

We hope that as many people as possible will like to communicate with old friends about GHS days and whatever else comes to mind about life these days.

Please let us know what you think about this idea...the GHS CLASS OF '81 BLOG!

We can't wait to hear from YOU!
Coming soon....purple things around the house from GHS!