WAGNER - CLARK AB - CLASSES 75-80

Turning 50: James Owens, '75

Jim Owens lives in Maryland and is a Senior Systems Engineer for Bechtel Corporation, a worldwide engineering, construction, and project management firm. He gives us his insight on how fast the years fly by.....

Have you turned 50 yet, and if so, was it a big deal? Yes, not a big deal.

Was turning 30 or 40 more significant? No

Have you re-evaluated your life, your dreams, goals, or accomplishments in the past few years? Yes

If so, are you happy with your life so far? Somewhat, I have not reached all of my goals and my goals are also changing.

Do you want to do anything different with the second half of your life? Yes, spend more time doing things that are fun and less work.

Are you taking up any new hobbies or interests? No, but will start to spend more time on the hobbies I have been ignoring over the past few years.

Are friendships more important now? No.

Are you where you thought you would be at this age? Doing much better than planned – My original goals were set too low.

Are you amazed that the years have flown by and we are now our parent's age when we were in high school? More concerned than amazed.

If your kids are out of the house, are you doing different things, spending more time on yourself? My kids are still in the house.

Do you think expectations for "50-somethings" are different than what they were when we were in high school? Do you think that 50 is the new 40? Yes, expectations are very different. I don’t feel fifty and do not believe I act 50.

Additional comments: Lifestyle plays a significant part in how a person looks and feels. My suggestion to all classmates is to remain active - go to the gym and exercise. I started going to the gym regularly about a year ago and my energy level has improved significantly. I have also dropped 40 pounds and my once borderline high blood pressure is now normal.

Christmas at Camp Bucca

Jon Barnhill '76 updates us on Christmas in his corner of the world in one of his last posts from Camp Bucca. Half of his battalion has redeployed stateside (i.e. returned to the US) and next month he will return as well following his tour of duty in Iraq. Click here to get to the article or click on the Members Only Site on the left side bar.

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Holiday Traditions - What are Yours?

by Nina Pierce Baker, '77

Well, I’ve gone and done it. Got my annual “Holiday” cold. My resistance is always down this time of year because I’m trying to do a hundred things at once with limited time and functioning brain cells. Seems to be a holiday tradition for me – one that I so really could do without. Other holiday traditions, however, I do cherish.

My mother is originally from Iceland and the tradition in that country is to do the big celebration on Christmas Eve. So, as soon as our parents realized we were onto the big con regarding Santa (oops, sorry if you were in the dark!), we followed Icelandic tradition and ate our big feast of rack of lamb and opened our gifts to each other on Christmas Eve. Since I’ve had children, it’s back to Christmas Day – although it saddens me to say that my kids are no longer fooled by their parents either. Dang – I so enjoyed their exuberant enjoyment of the jolly old elf!

Many years our Christmas’ were celebrated away from home. Since my dad was an educator and possessed of the wandering gene, we would usually travel over the Christmas break to new and adventurous locales. My mom would bring along a tiny tinsel tree and Santa would make his way to wherever we were at the time - be it England, Thailand, India or Japan. That Santa sure gets around!

Living in different countries, we would usually incorporate the local custom. In Holland we eagerly awaited the annual parade where Sinterklaas ( aka St. Nicholas - the forebear of the American Santa Claus) would toss candies to children. Then on December 5th we would place our wooden shoes by the fireplace to get more candies and cookies from Sinterklaas. In the Philippines, we would hang our giant star lantern made of colorful papers in intricate designs outside the house.

During the holidays, my mother would spend hours making all sorts of delicious cookies. She would pull out her unique baking utensils – ceramic cookie stamps, cast iron rosettes, fancy cookie irons, intricate carved molds - some from Iceland and some from travels throughout Holland and Germany.

She would make cookies traditional to Norway and Iceland - sugar cookies with elaborate designs, delicious deep fried twisted donuts dusted with sugar called Kleinur, and gingerbread cookies called Mömmukökur - Mama's Cookies. But my all time favorite is my mom’s specialty – Pönnukökur – which is similar to a French crepe filled with jelly and whip cream. Soooo good! We would also make the occasional traditional gingerbread house and my mom would let us go wild with the decorations.

Since I’ve spent very few Christmases with my parents since leaving home, I haven’t passed on these cookie recipes to my family, and it’s recently that I really miss that old tradition baking (or at least eating) Scandinavian cookies. I did, however, continue the gingerbread house tradition with my own daughter – usually inviting several of her friends over to join in the fun. Of course, we always bake the requisite sugar cookies and being Ohioan’s, make a huge batch of our annual Buckeyes (balls of peanut butter dipped in chocolate). Either way, lots of calorie-laden food seems to make it into our house over the holidays. Now I just need a few more guests to help me partake!

With such a diverse Wagnerite population, I know there have to be some great holiday traditions out there. Drop a comment and let us know how your family celebrates the season.

Have a wonderful holiday with family and friends & Maligayang Pasko!

Turning 50: Eileen Burke Beaulieu, '76

Eileen, like Karen Jimerson, is one of those women you can't help but admire. She's weathered the worst life can deal out to a parent and has refused to let it defeat her. She is passionate about her life, her family, and leaving our world a better place. And to do that, she helps provide scholarships through the Ryan Beaulieu Memorial Education Fund set up in her son's memory. I, for one, am looking forward to getting to know this impressive lady better at the DC reunion.

Have you turned 50 yet, and if so, was it a big deal? Not yet, but I will next May...I'm sure it will be fun for my family since we love to tease each other about our ages...but in reality I'm proud to have made it to 50. Why? Because I feel a little wiser, more secure in who I am and I feel I've learned what's really important in life: family, friends and trying in some small way to make the world a little better because I was here.

Was turning 30 or 40 more significant? My husband gave me a surprise party when I turned 40... it was a blast and boy, was I surprised... other than that, age has never been a big deal for me.

Have you re-evaluated your life, your dreams, goals, or accomplishments in the past few years? Yes, once I retire from my current job, which I hope to be able to do when I turn 55, I want to start a brand new career and refocus my life. I want to link it to my passions which include art, animals and children (not necessarily in that order). I also want to go back to school just for fun (no pressure to get a degree etc.) to learn about things that are of interest to me now... which weren't necessarily on my radar screen when I was younger (history, world religion, psychology, sociology, writing, building web-pages) - the list goes on and on.

If so, are you happy with your life so far? Very grateful!

Are you taking up any new hobbies or interests? I have a number of hobbies that I've put on the back burner and I'm slowly picking them back up again.

Are friendships more important to you now? My friendships are extremely important and always have been.

Are you where you thought you would be at this age? Yes, I think my biggest accomplishment has been being the best parent I could possibly be. I have a wonderful husband and my sons have made me proud. I still have my parents who I cherish deeply. Although, I do wish I did not have the death of a child and one divorce as part of my life story. It has made me wiser and, of course, built my character. From a career standpoint I have attained far more than I could have ever imagined.

Are you amazed that the years have flown by and we are now our parent's age when we were in high school? Oh, yes!

If your kids are out of the house, are you doing different things, spending more time on yourself? I still have a 12 year old who keeps me very, very busy. I'm not in a place where I'm spending a lot of time on myself...but I know that time is coming.

Do you think expectations for "50-somethings" are different than what they were when we were in high school? Do you think that 50 is the new 40? I think so. If you read and listen, you know that a lot of emphasis is being paid to the aging of the Baby Boomer generation. A lot is being written on how to take care of yourself and maintain your body, mind, happiness etc. I'm a self-help junky I try and apply a lot of the stuff I read that I feel will make my life better and, believe it or not, it does help me. In addition, many of us had children in our 30s and 40s...something almost unheard of in our parent’s generation. Being parents at an older age keeps one young...we don't want our kids to feel like they have old parents so we strive to maintain our youth for their benefit.

Pictures: Top: Eileen with husband, Ray, and son, Dylan, in Maui - May 2007. Middle: Eileen and Dylan at son Ryan's high school graduation in May 2005. Bottom: Eileen and Dylan enjoying Maui. To read more on Ryan's life click here and to find out more about the Ryan Beaulieu Memorial Education Fund and other endowments set up in his memory click here.

Turning 50: Bill Gardner, '74

Bill and his wife, Lori, lead an interesting life. They are linguists and teachers for SIL International, an organization that focuses on community-based programs for lesser-known language communities. SIL International assists in training local people to assume increasing responsibility for sustainable literacy programs in their own communities and languages.

Bill and his family have lived much of the past 25 years in different parts of Africa including The Congo, Mozambique and Kenya. Bill should have been a member of the class of '76 but graduated two years early and therefore hasn't turned the big "5-0". However, he faces that prospect this year and gives us his thoughts on the momentous occasion.

Have you turned 50 yet, and if so, was it a big deal? Not yet!

If you're going to turn 50 this year, is a big deal to you? Yes, and it is quite significant. My wife and I will both be turning 50 next year, so that means that we have been married for over half our lives. With our return to Kenya, we have been reflecting upon what these 25 years have held, and what our "third" quarter-century will look like. Most of those years (14) have been spent living and working with SIL in three African countries, where our two sons, Michael and Jonathan, have also grown up: Brazzaville, Congo, for two years; Maputo, Mozambique, for seven years; and we are now in our fifth year in Nairobi, Kenya. We lived another two years in Europe, stuyding Portuguese in Lisbon (where Michael was born) and French in Vichy, for our work in Africa.

Was turning 30 or 40 more significant? Turning 40 was more significant: about half-way through life.

Have you re-evaluated your life, your dreams, goals, or accomplishments in the past few years? Yes, as I prepare to begin my “3rd” 25 years, I have reflected on what I have done and what lies ahead.

If so, are you happy with your life so far? Yes, I am feeling satisfied with my life so far.

Do you want to do anything different with the second half of your life? Focus on mentoring others, and I look forward to having grandkids someday. We have come to see over the years that our primary responsibility has been to be mentors, to pass on our vision, experience and skills to others. And that will continue to develop as our major contribution in years to come. Recently, while we've been adjusting to being "empty nesters" here in Africa, God has been bringing into our lives the children of "old friends" from our SIL-Mozambique and college (UC Davis) days for us to encourage. It reminds me that in this world, we are only the stewards of everything we have, even of our own children.

Are you taking up any new hobbies or interests? I recently started doing jigsaw puzzles with my wife!

Are friendships more important now? I think that friendships remain just as important, while other things fade away.

Are you where you thought you would be at this age? I never really thought much about being 50!

Are you amazed that the years have flown by and we are now our parent's age when we were in high school? Certainly.

If your kids are out of the house, are you doing different things, spending more time on yourself? My wife and I definitely have a much different rhythm, eating much smaller dinners, going to much fewer school sports events, etc. We will also spend Thanksgiving and Christmas without either of our sons for the first time in 23 years.

Do you think expectations for "50-somethings" are different than what they were when we were in high school? Do you think that 50 is the new 40? I expect we are more active than 50-somethings a generation ago. However, I think our families are even more fractured now than they were a generation ago.

Pictures: Top - Bill Gardner with Herman Harris '75 on the Harbor Cruise at the San Diego Reunion. #2 - Bill with his son, Jonathan, and wife Lori in Yreka California, their stateside home base. Read this Letter from Bill  for more details about his life and contact information.

Turning 50: Debbie Goldey Wardick, '76

We all know her as "Duckie". She's been instrumental in keeping Wagnerites in touch for years with her dedicated work on the WHOA site. She just celebrated her 50th this fall and now tells us her story of the funny yet painful day!

Have you turned 50 yet, and if so, was it a big deal? I had surgery on October 10, with 5 incisions in my stomach. I turned 50 October 12. I learned a hard lesson - never have a Birthday celebration with family after surgery involving your stomach muscles. I begged my family to please not do anything to make me laugh, and of course, they couldn't help themselves. I was in a drug haze, and while serving the food, my daughter's lamb chop floated across the table onto the floor and she scooped it up like it was a hockey puck. My husband meanwhile declared it was safe to eat as it didn't violate the 5 second rule. My wonderful family, including my mom, could not stop laughing. I only ate about 5 small bites of my birthday dinner - the pain was too much from the laughter. Things progressed from that point on and I excused myself from the table hugging a pillow to my tummy as hard as I could, but the shenanigans continued and mercifully, my husband finally had the sense to send everyone home once he saw how much pain I was in from the laughter. I'll never forget my 50th birthday, what a painful ordeal.

Was turning 30 or 40 more significant? My family thought me turning 40 was a big deal, they did everything in BLACK. I still don't understand why. I went through the "age crises" when I turned 38 - I cried and cried and I just felt inside my heart that I was too young to be that old!!!

Have you re-evaluated your life, your dreams, goals, or accomplishments in the past few years? I think for me it's been an ongoing process since I turned 38. I've really learned to enjoy life and live it to its fullest, as each day is precious and we never know when our last day will be. I never let a day go by without telling my closest friends and family how much I love them and how much they mean to me.

If so, are you happy with your life so far? I love my life.

Do you want to do anything different with the second half of your life? I'm on the right path already, so no...I'm going to continue this path, as I'm very happy and content.

Are you taking up any new hobbies or interests? No

Are friendships more important now? They have the same importance.

Are you where you thought you would be at this age? It's better than I thought.

Are you amazed that the years have flown by and we are now our parent's age when we were in high school? I am not and will never be my parent’s age, as they grow older as I grow older.

If your kids are out of the house, are you doing different things, spending more time on yourself? YES, YES, YES - and with my husband. It's like we are finally able to date again, and be naked in the house if we want. LOL!

Do you think expectations for "50-somethings" are different than what they were when we were in high school? Do you think that 50 is the new 40? No.

Picture: Debbie with Wendy Sevenandt '79 at the 2006 San Diego reunion. To check out Debbie's photo album on the WHOA site click here.

The Yellow Ribbon Fund

by Nina Pierce Baker '77

I'll admit it....I'm a Stephen Colbert fan...or as members of the Colbert Nation say...Stephen Col-bearrrr! I love his in-your-face irreverence, his sanctimonious, supersized alter ego, and the fact that no one is immune from his satirical wit. Love or hate his humor, the man has his heart in the right place.

Those of you who watch his show, The Colbert Report, on Comedy Central know that he broke his wrist a few months ago and, in typical egocentric Colbert fashion, made a big deal out of it, going so far as to sell WristStrong bracelets to "promote the cause of wrist awareness". In reality, 100% of the proceeds of the sale of the bracelets and his autographed cast go to The Yellow Ribbon Fund - an organization of volunteers that help wounded soldiers and their families adjust to life during their treatment and afterward. Below is some information from their website regarding this fine organization. I've also added their link to the right sidebar for those interested in volunteering either their time or money.

Welcoming Our Injured Service Members Home

Every day, our wounded servicemen and women return from combat, many to long-term rehabilitation at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and Bethesda Naval Hospital. Beginning in late 2004, over 500 individuals and businesses in the Washington Metropolitan Area donated funds to help these service members and their families. In February, 2005, the Yellow Ribbon Fund was created specifically to welcome them into the community through Yellow Ribbon Fund volunteers--friends who care.

Long-term rehabilitation at any hospital is not easy. Family and community support helps a patient tremendously in their recovery. Most injured service members at Walter Reed and Bethesda Naval Hospital are away from their own communities, with only a few family members around and some with none. Many are amputees. These active duty service members' primary responsibility is to successfully accomplish their recovery mission. That mission still leaves many of them a substantial amount of free time.

Yellow Ribbon Fund volunteers arrange opportunities for the patient to enjoy our community, just as members of their local community would do if Walter Reed were there, instead of here. We take them to local sporting events, invite them to join us in hunting, fishing, and other sports. We take them and their families to a variety of other events in our community. When the Government does not cover the cost of a family visit, the Yellow Ribbon Fund arranges free hotel rooms and apartments. If a family is here for an extended period, the Yellow Ribbon Fund arranges taxis and rental cars so that they can enjoy our community.

In our Mentor/Intern Program, we offer these service members the following: (1) an opportunity to use their free time to learn job skills with a local company and to have meaningful interaction with the civilian business community (2) if appropriate, more formal training on the job, in a local business or at a technical institution (3) as required, transportation to and from the job or training site (4) mentors and friends who care.

In our Warfighter Appreciation Program we link interested organizations and community members with returning troops and their families. We have had the pleasure of accompanying these fine troops to baseball games, basketball games, hockey games and a wide variety of other spectator sporting events. We have had their families with us as well. They have joined us at the circus, ice skating, and other special performances in local arenas.

If you have tickets to a local event to donate to the troops, we would be pleased to facilitate that donation. If you want to include troops as your guests attending local sporting events or other entertainment performances, please contact us. Finally, if you want a soldier or marine to be your guest at your next golf game, duck hunt, or fishing trip, give us a call - www.yellowribbonfund.com

Turning 50: Kent Johnson, '76

Long time friend, Kent Johnson, stays young camping, hiking, and being a scout leader for his two young sons. Here he weighs in on turning the big "5-0".

Have you turned 50 yet, and if so, was it a big deal? Not a big deal, at least not yet.

Was turning 30 or 40 more significant? Who the hell can remember back to when they were 30? 40 was more of a biggie.

Have you re-evaluated your life, your dreams, goals, or accomplishments in the past few years? No.

If so, are you happy with your life so far? I'm happy with my life so far.

Do you want to do anything different with the second half of your life? Second half? Don't you mean the 2nd third? Anyway, I hope to work less, and travel more.

Are you taking up any new hobbies or interests? New hobbies are critical-- got to stay busy with something. New stuff isn't necessarily to be avoided, either.

Are friendships more important now? Yes-- as time goes on, it's more challenging to find people who can relate to our life's experiences. So, it's a good idea to take care of the friends we have. Making a lot of new friends requires so much training.

Are you where you thought you would be at this age? Not quite where I thought I'd be, but close.

Are you amazed that the years have flown by and we are now our parent's age when we were in high school? The years do seem to fly by as we get older. And, I'm now my grandparents' age when we were in high school, although I don't feel anywhere near as old as they looked.

If your kids are out of the house, are you doing different things, spending more time on yourself? Kids are still in the house, but they're not staying more than a year or 2 after high school.

Do you think expectations for "50-somethings" are different than what they were when we were in high school? Do you think that 50 is the new 40? I do think expectations are different, higher now for 50-somethings than they used to be. Also, I think 60 is the new 40 -- we're basically in better physical condition, and not out there trying to muster the strength to play shuffleboard.

Additional comments: King Leonidas of the Spartans was 66 when he fought at the epic battle of Thermopylae in 480 B.C. I strive to be in that kind of shape when I'm 66.

Picture: Kent with Susan Kitchenmaster '76 and Helen Jackson '78 at the San Diego Reunion 2006.

A Humorous View on "Aging"

I had previously posted this witty piece as "George Carlin's views on Aging" - It was mistakenly attributed to the irreverent, satirical and always hilarious George Carlin. According to the website Truth or Fiction, the quote is not attributable to Carlin, but they have not been able to determine where it came from. Thanks to Don Detwiler for pointing out the error and my apologies to George Carlin for posting as such. However, I think it's funny, so I'll leave the post up and say that it's always best to check out the source of anything you get via the net utlizing Snopes (www.snopes.com) or Truth or Fiction (http://www.truthorfiction.com/rumors/c/carlin-on-aging.htm) before posting something as fact.                        

A Humorous View on Aging

Do you realize that the only time in our lives when we like to get old is when we're kids? If you're less than 10 years old, you're so excited about aging that you think in fractions.

"How old are you?" "I'm four and a half!" You're never thirty-six and a half. You're four and a half, going on five! That's the key

You get into your teens, now they can't hold you back. You jump to the next number, or even a few ahead.

"How old are you?" "I'm gonna be 16!" You could be 13, but hey, you're gonna be 16! And then the greatest day of your life . You become 21. Even the words sound like a ceremony . YOU BECOME 21 - YESSSS!!!

But then you turn 30. Oooohh, what happened there? Makes you sound like bad milk! He TURNED; we had to throw him out. There's no fun now, you're just a sour-dumpling. What's wrong? What's changed?

You BECOME 21, you TURN 30, then you're PUSHING 40. Whoa! Put on the brakes, it's all slipping away. Before you know it, you REACH 50 and your dreams are gone.

But wait!!! You MAKE it to 60. You didn't think you would!

So you BECOME 21, TURN 30, PUSH 40, REACH 50 and MAKE it to 60.

You've built up so much speed that you HIT 70! After that it's a day-by-day thing; you HIT Wednesday!

You get into your 80's and every day is a complete cycle; you HIT lunch; you TURN 4:30; you REACH bedtime. And it doesn't end there. Into the 90s, you start going backwards; "I Was JUST 92."

Then a strange thing happens. If you make it over 100, you become a little kid again. "I'm 100 and a half!"

May you all make it to a healthy 100 and a half!!

Turning 50: Karen Jimerson, '76

When I sent out this survey, Judy Seals '76 said that I would learn a lot about my fellow Wagnerites from their responses. Was she ever right! I've learned that for all of us, age is just a number and although our bodies may not function as they used to when we were teenagers, our spirit and zest for life is just as strong! Judy Seals has become active promoting literacy and other causes, Joan Owens is traveling more and learning about fine wines, Ross Clardy is busy chasing around his young children, Jason Roosma has taken up sailing, Cindy Franz made a major career change, and after years of jumping out of airplanes, Rob Barnhill is enjoying time with his wife and sons. However, no one embodies that spirit better than Karen Jimerson. She tackles life by the horns and shows it who's boss! See what this amazing lady is up to!

Have you turned 50 yet, and if so, was it a big deal? The big deal was that my family hosted a celebration with so many of my friends in attendance.

Was turning 30 or 40 more significant? All of them were significant in that they are what we "make" of them in terms of milestones. I struggled with the 30 year mark of being middle aged. Then at 40, I felt I was settling down. But now at 50, I am seeing life as more vibrant, I know who "I" am.

Have you re-evaluated your life, your dreams, goals, or accomplishments in the past few years? I feel so much more powerful, alive and energetic. I've become more compassionate and caring. Fifty for me was real in that I am a grandmother and I've redefined the values I live by by the fact that I am loved.

If so, are you happy with your life so far? Absolutely!

Do you want to do anything different with the second half of your life? Yes. I want to engage the people I come in contact with more sincerely. I want to be much more of a motivator and empowering those that cross my path.

Are you taking up any new hobbies or interests? Always. I have forced myself into arenas that I am very uncomfortable in. I even climbed Yosemite's Half Dome this summer. It took 13 hours and was 17.3 miles with well over a 4,000 climb in elevation. It was AWESOME!! We started hiking at 4 a.m. and arrived back at our vans at 5 p.m. that evening. The 13 hours included the one hour we stayed on top of the mountain taking pictures enjoying the wonderful scenery. I did this climb on June 2 this summer. One week later, a Japanese man here in the US on a work visa fell to his death off of one of the cables. One of my close friends worked with him and knew him well.

Are friendships more important to you now? Now more so than ever, because I have resided in this location for 27 years and before that I never HAD to work at maintaining friends for over a long period of time. My belief, while I was a youthful military brat, was that I didn't have to work at relationships because I was going to be leaving in two years anyhow. It is very easy for me to establish communication with a stranger. However it has been difficult to work at maintaining those friendships - to be vulnerable and steadfast.

Are you where you thought you would be at this age? Yes, with the exception of being a grandmother. I thought that wouldn't happen for another 5 to 10 years.

Are you amazed that the years have flown by and we are now our parent's age when we were in high school? Yes, stunned even.

If your kids are out of the house, are you doing different things, spending more time on yourself? Even with them in the house I am doing that. It has made me a better person for me and my family.

Do you think expectations for "50-somethings" are different than what they were when we were in high school? Do you think that 50 is the new 40? Most certainly. With new information through health, science, technology and plain old self-awareness, we project a younger, more dynamic image than our predecessors did.

Pictures: The top picture was taken the day before Karen's hike. She was standing on a split rail fence so that they could get the top of the dome in the picture.  Those are massive redwood trees behind her. #2 Karen cresting  the ridge at the top of Half Dome and coming off of the cables (see them on the granite) The guy with the green shirt on is someone she met as she was climbing up the cables. He coached her  to the top and helped her through her terror. #3 The trainers for the trip along with Karen's hiking buddy. Karen, Raquel in front, and Stacey and Laurel behind us. #4 This is a shot of the Yosemite Valley below where they started hiking from. To check out a nice collection of pictures of Karen's time at Clark - click here to see her photo album on the WHOA site.

Montana: A Visual Break

My sister, Elin Pierce '78, took a position at Montana State University this fall as an Assistant Professor teaching Introductory Biology. She's now living in Bozeman and has been sharing pictures of the magnificent countryside. The views are breathtaking: soaring mountains meeting prairie and dramatic skyscapes. I've never been to Montana but I can see from her photos that it's not a gentle land - it's bold, harsh and beautiful. To give you a break from contemplating the Big 5-0, take a look at her photos and judge for yourself.

Can't you just hear the song - "The green, green grass of home"? Summer in Spring hill near Bozeman. Ross Peak in the background - part of the Bridger Mountains.

The Reese Creek community north of Bozeman - Hay Harvest with the Bridger Mountains in the background.

The sun is setting as the storm clouds roll in... Farm pastures in Reese Creek with the Gallatin Mountains in the distance

Post storm evening - the view of Reese Creek just after a heavy rainstorm passed through, the setting sun bathing the prairie with a pink glow

A view of Ross Peak on a quiet evening after the thunderstorm

Ross Peak in the fall at Springhill near Bozeman

White-tail Deer at the base of Ross Peak in the fall

Arrival of the first snowstorm of the season in Bozeman...

A cold, stark and yet tranquil beauty follows the storm..

A new day brings the sun....farmland in Springhill in early December - the late afternoon sun is shining on Sacajawea Peak.

All is tranquil again...and the White-tail deer enjoy the wintry day

It's a perfect time to romp in the snow......

or take in a barn dance!

All photos by Elin Pierce, '78. Anyone wishing a print or CD of her pictures can contact her by email. The dog in the second to last picture is her husky, Sipmek.

Turning 50: Rob Barnhill, '75

Rob Barnhill, a valued friend, former mentor and running buddy, and all-around good guy weighs in on Turning the Big "5-0".

Have you turned 50 yet, and if so, was it a big deal? Yes, we celebrated my 50th birthday with an extemporaneous family reunion. Normally, the Barnhill clan gathers for a single family get together each year at Barnhill Orchards in Arkansas over the Fourth of July weekend. This past year, we met at my home in October for a Kentucky family weekend. Mom, Kathy, and all the sisters-in-law prepared the dinner meal and birthday cake while the nieces and nephews played around the yard. Of course the Barnhill menfolk plus our one brother-in-law went to the golf course. Jeter and Jon fought for the family bragging rights while the rest of us spent most of our time in the woods looking for lost golf balls. There was actually very little significance to my turning 50, rather it was more of an opportunity for the extended family to be together once again.

Was turning 30 or 40 more significant? Turning 30 was probably more significant because at that was the time at which I realized the days of being a care free individual were only memories. At 30, I was—

• Married for six years and a father of one son with another on the way
• Commanded an Army battery of 125 Soldiers going to work at 0530 and getting home around 2000 hrs each night.
• Saddled with a home mortgage, attending elementary school activities, coaching Peewee football and baseball.
• Concerned with investments, savings, and insurance to take care of the family in case of my early demise.

Have you re-evaluated your life, your dreams, goals, or accomplishments in the past few years? Re-evaluated no, but there sure are a lot of decisions I made and actions I took that I would do differently if given the chance again.

If so, are you happy with your life so far? I am extremely happy with where I am in my life. Many folks may re-think their lives and what they have done thus far in order to make adjustments. I have done just about everything that I want to do already. I have a wife that loves (tolerates?) me, two grown sons that have started their own lives, and a post-military retirement job that I find rewarding.

Do you want to do anything different with the second half of your life? Play more golf.

Are you taking up any new hobbies or interests? I would not consider them new, but I am now spending more time working with Kathy in her hobbies and pastimes. I assist her in refinishing furniture we pick up at yard sales or auctions and keeping up with the home garden. I still shoot skeet with a regular group of guys on an occasional basis and am active with the local Abraham Lincoln Celebration events with the local community.

Are friendships more important now? Not really. Over the years in the military, I have met, worked with, and left what seems like a million friends. We have shared the highs and lows of ballgames, deployments, and poker games, but we have parted and gone our separate ways after a while. I occasionally see or hear from many of them to re-tell and share old war stories, but I see Kathy as my best and most important friend.

Are you where you thought you would be at this age? Right on track for the goals I set for myself. I have had a successful military career and now settled into a retirement position that enables me to do those things that I wish.

Are you amazed that the years have flown by and we are now our parent's age? Flown by no, as the years of separation away from the family have made it seem that time has actually gone by very slowly.

If your kids are out of the house, are you doing different things, spending more time on yourself? No, as I am still doing those things that I was doing all this time. Though not having the boys around has certainly made the place a lot quieter (in terms of events and noise) without the constant stream of phone calls from multiple girlfriends, rushing around to make the next athletic event, and the ever constant requests for money from "the old man".

Do you think expectations for "50-somethings" are different than what they were when we were in high school? Do you think that 50 is the new 40? Not really. For me, expectations are not age dependent.

Picture: Kathy and Rob Barnhill with their youngest son, Bryant, at his High School Football Senior Night celebration last fall.

Turning 50: Cindy Franz, '76

I always had the impression of Cindy Franz as a quiet, studious person until I saw her in action at the San Diego reunion. That woman can do some mean flower arranging - And I think we can all attest to the fact that the woman can boogie down! Yes, Cindy, you will still be dancing when you're 70! Here's her response to turning 50.

Have you turned 50 yet, and if so, was it a big deal? No, I'll be hitting the big 5-0 next year. The only thing that's significant about it is the thought that I'll be half-a-century old!

Was turning 30 or 40 more significant? Turning 30 was more noticeable. Turning 40 was more of a blip on the timeline - life was just too fast-paced to worry about it.

Have you re-evaluated your life, your dreams, goals, or accomplishments in the past few years? Yes. About 5 years ago, I re-examined where I was in life and decided to make a career change. Best thing I ever did!

If so, are you happy with your life so far? Very much so!

Do you want to do anything different with the second half of your life? Not for the near future. As I hit my 70s, I'll think about slowing down and pursuing some of my old hobbies with more vigor.

Are you taking up any new hobbies or interests? No - no time!

Are friendships more important now? Not really - about the same.

Are you where you thought you would be at this age? When? When I was very young, I thought I'd be a teacher. When I was in high school, I had aspirations of winning a Nobel Prize (well, that's not going to happen!). Now, I'm content with where my life is going, although I sometimes wish I'd arrived here sooner. Still, things work out the way they do for a reason, and I'm probably better at what I'm doing now for the experiences I had getting here.

Are you amazed that the years have flown by and we are now our parent's age? You know it! Where did it all go? It's hard to believe we're here. We're actually older than our parents were when we were in high school! Scary.

If your kids are out of the house, are you doing different things, spending more time on yourself? Don't have any kids.

Do you think expectations for "50-somethings" are different than what they were when we were in high school? Do you think that 50 is the new 40? Yes. Retiring at 65 (or 62) was the normal course of events for most people when we were in high school. Now, with higher life expectancies, most people at 50 aren't thinking their careers will be over in 15 years. I'm certainly not planning on it. In addition, with so many advances in the medical field, on average, we won't be in as bad shape physically. I don't know about "the new 40," but I think we'll definitely feel younger than the 50-somethings when we were in high school.

Additional comments: I'm wondering at which reunion we won't be able to dance to the music! Will it look strange to see a bunch of 70-year-olds shaking their groove thing?

Pictures: Top - Three of the four San Diego reunion organizers: Cindy Franz, Pam Grice & Peter Shusterman. Bottom - Cindy "shaking her groove thing" with husband, Bill, on the dinner cruise.

Turning 50: Jason Roosma, '76

Jason and I didn't really know each other in high school. We had friends in common, but didn't hang out together. I got to know him through the San Diego reunion and now consider him a friend. He's a great guy with a wonderful wife (Cindy), a great sense of humor, and a compassionate heart. And he still looks pretty damn good in those tennis shorts - right ladies???

Have you turned 50 yet, and if so, was it a big deal? I’m turning 50 this February. I'm actually proud of the way I've run my life and thankful for my family and friends. I Hope I can sustain the same level of happiness in the next part of my life.

Was turning 30 or 40 more significant? Nope, just numbers.

Have you re-evaluated your life, your dreams, goals, or accomplishments in the past few years? Only when I have more than 6 beers.

If so, are you happy with your life so far? Yes.

Do you want to do anything different with the second half of your life? I'd like to keep traveling and perhaps take up sailing.

Are you taking up any new hobbies or interests? Sailing.

Are friendships more important now? No, they've always been important.

Are you where you thought you would be at this age? Yes. Amazing how time flies.

Are you amazed that the years have flown by and we are now our parent's age? How come whenever I answer a question here, the next questions seems to ask just what I answered?

If your kids are out of the house, are you doing different things, spending more time on yourself? No, my wife keeps me pretty satisfied :)

Do you think expectations for "50-somethings" are different than what they were when we were in high school? Do you think that 50 is the new 40? I really don’t feel 50 and would have to agree with 50 being the new 40 - or is that just an excuse??

Picture: Jason with the ladies! Chrys Atwater '78, Jason & Cindy Roosma, & Gayna Bernhardt '75 at the San Diego reunion.

Turning 50: Joan Owens Siler '76

Joan Owens Siler is obviously enjoying her life - age is just a number for her! Check out her response to Turning the Big "5-0"

Have you turned 50 yet, and if so, was it a big deal? Nope, not for another year, but when it hits, Woooo Hoooo - am I going to celebrate! I’m planning a huge party with all my friends, family etc.

Was turning 30 or 40 more significant? Not really

Have you re-evaluated your life, your dreams, goals, or accomplishments in the past few years? Yes, fours year ago I changed them all. I'm doing bigger better things than I ever dreamed could happen. I'm single, financially secure, travel internationally and absolutely love it!

If so, are you happy with your life so far? I'm very happy with my life.

Do you want to do anything different with the second half of your life? Not really because my life now is so much different that in the past. I hope to be able to travel for many, many years to come. Unless of course I have grandchildren...that would make a difference.

Are you taking up any new hobbies or interests? Traveling, appreciation of fine wines, and fitness.

Are friendships more important now? Yes

Are you where you thought you would be at this age? Well beyond.

Are you amazed that the years have flown by and we are now our parent's age? Not really.

If your kids are out of the house, are you doing different things, spending more time on yourself? Absolutely.

Do you think expectations for "50-somethings" are different than what they were when we were in high school? Do you think that 50 is the new 40? No, I think 50 is the new 30! You're only as old as you feel and I'm not feeling anywhere near 50.

Picture: Debbie Best '76, Kathy Newlin '77, Carol Martin '77 & Joan Owens '76 at the San Diego Reunion.

Turning 50: Ross Clardy, '75

Ross Clardy, '75, responded with wit and humor on turning the big "5-0". I particularly enjoy his last comment!

Have you turned 50 yet, and if so, was it a big deal?
Just did - Oct 30. Was only a big deal because my wife made it a big deal with a big fun party. I tried to hide and pretend I wasn't turning 50. She wouldn't let that happen.

Was turning 30 or 40 more significant?
Probably not, but then I have trouble remembering back that far now...

Have you re-evaluated your life, your dreams, goals, or accomplishments in the past few years?
Not really, but I'm thinking now I have an excuse to start one of those mid-life crises things I've heard about. Could be fun from what I've heard. ;-)

If so, are you happy with your life so far?
Well, I do count my blessings every day. Can't take anything for granted -- for fear of losing it.

Do you want to do anything different with the second half of your life?
Let's see how the mid-life crises thing pans out.

Are you taking up any new hobbies or interests?
Naw, I'm still trying to perfect the old ones.

Are friendships more important now?
Nope. They've always been important.

Are you where you thought you would be at this age?
I usually tried not to think that far ahead, although I'm not gonna be able to retire as early as my dad did. Oh well, one goal missed...

Are you amazed that the years have flown by and we are now our parent's age?
Thankfully my parents are still older than me and I'm surely a lot hipper at 50 then they were at 30 because you couldn't trust anyone over 30 back then.

If your kids are out of the house, are you doing different things, spending more time on yourself?
Still a long time before this nest will be empty thanks to a late start in the procreation phase of my life.

Do you think expectations for "50-somethings" are different than what they were when we were in high school? Do you think that 50 is the new 40? As far as I am concerned, 50 is the new 30...

Additional comments: The definition of old = your age + 10 years.

Picture: Ross & Dana Williams '77 at the Mongolian Dinner Cruise - San Diego Reunion. To check out Ross' photo album on the WHOA site click here.

Turning 50: Judy Seals Baker '76

Recently, I sent a mini-survey to those in the classes of '75 & '76 (that I had email addresses for) on the subject of Turning the Big "5-0". Since it's such a big milestone, and we've either reached it or are closing on it, I felt that it would be a great subject for the Wagner website. Many sent back replies (email us if you'd like to participate) and I found them funny, poignant and insightful. So without further ado, here's my first respondent, and an extraordinary woman - Judy Seals Baker!

1. Have you turned 50 yet, and if so, was it a big deal?

Not yet... but the day is fast approaching

2. If you're going to turn 50 this year, is it a big deal to you?

You bet! We are going to celebrate with a huge b-day bash.... IF we can pull it together in time.

3. Was turning 30 or 40 more significant?

Not really. It felt like just another birthday.

4. Have you re-evaluated your life, your dreams, goals, or accomplishments in the past few years?

Definitely! But unfortunately, I cannot go back in time and change the things I wish I had done differently. I have reached a point in my life and in my job that I can take time to be involved in voluntary work in the community. I enjoy giving my time once a week for a literacy project to help a child in need that extra boost. I recently addressed my daughter's student body during "unique" week. It was fun and now I have about a thousand new little friends! If I changed the life of one child and how he or she will view others who are different, it was well worth my time.

5. If so, are you happy with your life so far?

I am who I am and where I am today because of who and where I was yesterday. I am definitely happy with who I am today. Getting here is a different story, but all is well that ends well.

6. Do you want to do anything different with the second half of your life?

I am doing it! I quit smoking 10 years ago, changed my diet, and I am trying to maintain a much healthier lifestyle so I will be here for many years to come. Now if I can just find the time to make it to the gym everyday, I would be happier.

7. Are you taking up any new hobbies or interests?

With working full time, serving on the board of a charitable organization, on the advisory board of a new specialty medical clinic, leading a mom's time out group once a month, and being the mother of an energetic 7-year old... I think for the moment, my plate is full.

8. Are friendships more important now?

Definitely! But instead of one very close friend, I have several very good friends that I can call upon in a time of need, or for fun.

9. Are you where you thought you would be at this age?

If you mean where I thought I would be when I was 18 and thinking about my future -- no. But I am glad where I am today.

10. Are you amazed that the years have flown by and we are now our parent's age?

I am sad that the years have flown by and I am now my parents age. If there is one thing I could wish for and receive, it would definitely be another 50 years feeling as young and healthy, capable and independent, as I am today.

11. If your kids are out of the house, are you doing different things, spending more time on yourself?

We have a 17 year old who will enter the honors program at Alabama next fall and a 7 year old. So, no, we are not spending more time on ourselves.

12. Do you think expectations for "50-somethings" are different than what they were when we were in high school? Do you think that 50 is the new 40?

I don't know what expectations are for "50-somethings." I try not to have too many expectations anymore, and I don't place a whole lot of stock in what others have to say or expect these days. I think I gave that up in my thirties when I learned that expectations can cause a feeling of being let down or sense of failure. Is 50 the new 40? Maybe so. I have not really thought about it.

Additional comments: 50 is a great place to be, and I can't wait for the next 50 years of my life to unfold! I just hope I can keep up with my youngster for many, MANY years!

Picture: Lisa Roach '76, Judy Seals '76 & Lynn Eby '76 on the dinner cruise at the San Diego Reunion. To check out Judy's photo album on the WHOA site click here.