off the coastal route; visiting Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for 18 years during the Apartheid regime; slack packing for 3 days on the Dolphin Route, nestled between mountain and sea. But, probably my favorite was the photo safaris, thrilling us with close ups of the “Big five.” We then ended the year with a family trip to Treasure Beach, Jamaica. Now, back at work, I fantasize about our next adventure. (Suggestions are welcome!) But I have to say that South Africa was the best with so much diversity; totally a different experience—like being in an episode of the lifestyles of the rich and famous! We stayed in the most luxurious of settings—totally opposite from our hostel and bus experiences of S. America. We are in the planning stages of our travels for 2015—too many options to narrow it down though—oh such a life! I am working when I am home so there is nothing new to report on that front; work and more work to get me to my new travel destination. I have been to the Loaf (Sugarloaf, Maine) for only one day of skiing as a snow storm descended and I needed to return back to work. I am hoping, if weather is good, to go back this coming week (January 10th) for a few days. We bought silver passes so have to get our money’s worth at some point! As of February 25th Starr reported that she and her husband, Gilly, have enjoyed more skiing in some great powder and packed conditions at Sugarloaf. She is definitely making that Silver Pass pay off!
Mike Sapuppo: I’m signed up to climb Mt. Rainier in July. I’m already having panic attacks! I just have to remember the climber’s chant, “one step at a time”. I continue to bike the roads of Sonoma and Napa. Last year I rode the Bottega Gran Fondo, an event sponsored by Chef Michael Chiarello and best described as food, wine, champagne and a little bit of riding! It’s so much fun I’m doing it again in late April, 2015. Among other notable rides this year is the Tour de Tahoe; 75 scenic miles around the Lake. My daughter completed her first semester at the University of Oregon. Go Ducks! I will be attending the reunion this June. I hope to see all of you there.
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Dian
Entekhabi: Here’s my pitch. “The sixth Entekhabi, Amir, is graduating this June from GDA. I herein make the motion that the seventh member of one family (whether or not born yet) should be allowed to enroll for free. All in favor, say “AYE”!
Jamie White: I have been spending a lot of time on campus these days as my oldest son is now a sophomore at Govs and living in Perkins. The fog of time has transformed what I recall as rather palatial rooms into almost unbearable cells from my perspective, but he doesn’t seem to mind at all. I guess I didn’t either at that age. What is most impressive these days are the fantastic new facilities, and a really great and dedicated group of teachers and staff. It has been a lot of fun going to the football games this past fall and getting to know all the new people and the school again. I see Spencer Purinton in New Hampshire as we have a group that skis together on a regular basis most weekends. Mike Ponce: The only thing new in the Ponce family is that Jen is the shade tree commissioner of Springfield Township of Montgomery County, Pa. and I am doing work for Audubon of Pennsylvania at John Audubon’s house at Mill Grove! Specifically, I am fund raising for a new museum at Mill Grove! And yes, it was Mr. Stone and I who went out to Plum Island to find Ross’s Gull!! Jen wants to introduce hazel nuts to Springfield so people have nuts to eat! The township commissioners call her Martha! The girls, Annie and Lindsay are busy being “The Girls”. They particularly enjoy going to the mall and to Starbucks! It’s the age! And Annie is driving so I have not seen my car for a few months now.
Gretchen Huffsmith: Last November, my partner and I sold our Bed and Breakfast Inn to an event company out of Miami, Florida. After five years of getting the business up and running, we had realized a couple of things. One, we absolutely love Asheville and two, we didn’t really want to be Innkeepers any longer! Although we loved the people that we met and the experiences we
The Archon | Spring/Summer 2015
were able to give those who stayed with us, it was not to be our life’s purpose. During our time at Honey Hill, I had gotten my Real Estate license and decided what I really wanted to do was to sell BandB’s and other unique accommodations in Western North Carolina. So I joined Keller Williams and the “Blue Ridge Hospitality Group” was formed to do just that. I am just getting started and hope to build a referral based business here in Asheville. So if you know someone that is interested in buying or selling property, send them my way! Just a few months ago I got a referral from Joe Pietrafesa, another GDA Alumni. Thanks Joe and keep those referrals coming. I’m really looking forward to seeing everyone at the reunion in June!!!
Terry
Williams: I’ve been working as Assistant Director of an organization that provides technical assistance to entrepreneurs and small businesses. I live and work in Lowell, Mass and really like it. I occasionally bump into Jim O’Donnell. I’ve been competing in triathlons the past 8 years and am now preparing for my first Ironman distance, if my body holds up!
Spencer Purinton: I’m planning on coming to our 40th Reunion and will host a cocktail party Friday evening in Newburyport if we exceed our 35th turn out. Currently, I am taking a break from being a Govs parent but I still have one more potential candidate for enrollment: Louisa, our 7th grader. We still have two classmates who are current Govs parents; Jamie White, whose son Mat is a junior, and Derek Bergmann whose daughter Elise, is a junior. Both Mat and Elise are extraordinary young adults. I am still active in the Gov’s community as I am currently serving as Committee chairman for the Faculty and Staff committee as well as working hard to raise money for our GovsPlus summer program for under-served middle schoolers. In addition to Jamie and Derek, I still get to see Rob Kaplan and Lisa Johnson with some frequency because of our local connections. Although I am suffering the usual detrimental effect of aging, i.e., gray hair, slumping
posture, failing eye sight, and short term memory loss, I plan on outlasting all my classmates on the reunion dance floor!
Paula Sekora McNutt: My husband of 28 years, Bill, and I plan to attend the 40th Reunion so Audrey Grant and Stephanie Farrar had better plan on being there, too! Bring husbands with you! I am reminding them both that the last time we three got together was on a snowy evening in Lenox at a cozy BandB where there was a lot of silliness as well as alcohol! I am looking forward to seeing and catching up with you, Audrey (whom I’ve known since grade school), Stephanie, Gretchen, and anyone else who attends and remembers me!! I continue to heal from 2 surgeries I had this last fall. I tore my rotator cuff tendon while on a cruise in the Caribbean this last summer. Nevertheless, I had a lot of fun on the cruise. We tubed down the White River in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, swam with the dolphins and stingrays in the Caymans, then (and this was the best part of all) explored Rio Secreto Reserva Natural (Secret River Nature Reserve) in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. This place is amazing! It was only discovered a few years ago but to see it one has to hike, climb and SWIM through it! I’ve been to caves in Ecuador and Belize but this one is still very pristine! Anyway, all that exploring did my shoulder and knee in. LOL! It was worth it though!! Our family is planning a couple of trips this spring. My husband, my son, Judd, and I are planning on a quick trip up to Kings Point, NY in the middle of March. Judd has been offered an appointment to the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) in Kings Point, NY. Senator Marco Rubio gave him his political nomination and Judd was offered the appointment early. We are extremely proud of him! He also earned early acceptance to Florida State University and University of South Florida. At the time of this writing he still hasn’t made up his mind on which school: FSU or USMMA . The USMMA is a Service Academy like West Point or Annapolis with the exception that upon graduation they can choose whether they want to serve active