Informal 20th Year Reunion in the works for July 2007

David Adkins, 12-05: "Still working at the University of Maine School of Performing Arts. Adele and I had our tenth wedding anniversary on November 11. We adopted a newborn baby boy on October 7, 2004 and celebrated his first birthday last month. I received my M.A. in theater in 2003 and now in my free time I am taking classes towards an M.B.A. degree. Would love to hear from Gillian, Andy, Syd, Michelle, or anyone who remembers me from '87. " david.adkins@umit.maine.edu

Brent C. Carey: Living in Rochester, MN and is currently a Computer Consultant By day and Drama director at church all other times Since '87: Spent 1 year in Russia doing computer support for Campus Crusade for Christ. Purchased a nice 5 br home and spends his vacations in warm places (like Hawaii). "Volunteering as drama director at our church (we do drama sketches every Sunday illustrating what the service is about) ... still love to sing.. but don't get to do it enough!!" bcarey@ratedg.com

Chris Chalmers: His company - Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette (DLJ) - was just bought by another big investment bank - Credit Suisse First Boston (CSFB) - so I'll be moving to a new office and working with a bunch of new people. Still living in NYC. chris.chalmers@csfb.com.

Don Chappelear, 7/06: Getting Married to Carrol Latham in Las Vegas on January 31, 2002. Angie Miller (SOA) will be a witness. This is my second and FINAL marriage.I run my own mortgage comapany and can make loans Nationwide. If you need me just call. (205) 276-6153

Now that the add is out of the way. We are planning a Reunion for our tour of 1987, and have several ideas for of where if you can attend we would like your input. We have thought about a Cruise, or Vegas, or NYC, but we are open for other suggestions.
dchappelear@charter.net

Gillian Deresh Warmkessel, 10/05: "Hello to all my SOA '87 friends! I currently live in Worthington, OH with husband Jeffrey (just celebrated our 10th anniversary) and our two beautiful daughters, Grace and Lily. I would love to hear from my '87 friends!" gillyjeff@columbus.rr.com

Alma Dockery Kersh, 5-04: "I live in Cheyenne, Wyoming with my husband, Andy, and our two children. Aaron is a busy 5 year old and Kayla is an even busier at 3 years old.  I am currently staying home with by kids being a mom.  My degree is in Elementary Education and I hope to open a preschool in the near future." akersh12@attbi.com

Susan Freeland. 10/04: Teaching middle school music/band in Charlottesville, VA and married June 2004!

Jeff Galon: Married the former Mendy Lynn Ruiz on 27 October 2001. In attendance were Chris Chalmers, Kandi (Lynn) Stelling, Krista (Ritchie) Lesiecki, and Joe Henseler. It was a great mini-reunion, and everyone had a BLAST! Mendy and I are expecting our first on 24 August 2002. We live in Tracy, CA...so if anyone is ever in the San Francisco, San Jose, or passing through to Stockton or Sacramento - please give us a yell! Wishing you all the best that life has to offer! - Jeff Married to Mendy 10-27-01. Primary e-mail address: Keydet92@yahoo.com

Sarah Harnish Hinkle: "I have two children -Ben who's 6 and Madelyn who turned 3 on March 15. They keep me busy!!! I've taught fifth grade, been a youth director and now I'm a stay-at-home mom that leads the cherub choir (3-6yr olds) and sings for church and weddings. I would love to hear from any 1987 SOAers." She & her husband live in Lancaster, PA area. Recent vacation included Block Island, RI jfh3rph@comcast.net

Joe Hensler: He's a part-time member of Super Sonic Samba School in San Diego; currently works in the studio of Artist James Hubbell, Julian, CA; he's doing is won art (painting and sculpture) too. Henseler@hotmail.com

Jamie Jinks: "Hi to all!! I'm a Jinks again, though engaged with no date set! Recently moved from Indianapolis to Suwanee (Atlanta) GA, to be closer to my folks in south GA. Their health is not great. Still tending my menagerie of 2 small dogs, 2 kitties, and 2 birds, but no kids! (Can I list Zookeeper as my job title??) Trying to get healthy so I can attend esthetician school for skin care. Hope to work with a Plastic Surgeon or Dermatologist when I'm done. When I get the REST of my life in order (this moving thing REALLY stinks) I hope to get back involved in music, and do more volunteering with the Humane Society. I have a great house on a lake and recently acquired a boat for the HUGE Lake Lanier that is close by, so all my friends can come visit and we can play!! Would LOVE to hear from former SOA friends!! Hi to Allen Vanes, Derrick Mittelstaedt, "Suzy Q", FINALLY Brian West, Terri and any others who have contacted me. I stink at correspondence, but I think of ALL my old SOA buddies often!! I love you guys!! " JLJHarmony@aol.com

Kirk Johnson: Such a blast to read all the things that go along with growing older - - I'm still having a great family life in Des Moines, IA. Two kids (Ashton - 3 Pryce -2), wife of 7 years (Shana) and a goldfish. Speech and Drama teaching still pays the bills. Just started picking up college teaching gigs when I have the time. I operate a small summer business called "Mower Power To Ya" - it makes me feel like I'm still on the farm. I'll check in with you here when I can." Previous info: Completed a master of arts program from Northern IA , Aug 2000. Kirk.johnson@dmps.k12.ia.us

Kristi Kerr Rada, 6-03: "Residing in Kent Island, MD. Married with 2 boys Caleb- 8 and Elijah 20 mths. God is Good!" kmrada@dmv.com

Kirk Lange, 3-04: "Hello to all!  I currently live in Kirkland, WA, with my girlfriend of 4 1/2 years.  Graduated from Washington State University, GO COUGS!, in 1993 and worked in the hospitality industry for about 6 years before getting into technology. I now work for Microsoft as an Account Manager.  I am still into music but not the clarinet!  I play electric bass and play in a local band here in the Seattle area.  I miss you all!  The times we had in SOA were some of my best memories.  Please write to keep in touch!  I look forward to hear from you!" cougfan70@yahoo.com

Kandi Linn Stelling, 4/06: "Living in Kearney, Ne., teaching elementary music. Clinician for Sing Around Nebraska Choirs and for other conference sites. Two children- Mariah (98) and Cassidy (00). I would love to hear from anyone from the tour! White bus RULES! :)" kandi.stelling@kearneypublic.org

Missy Locke Knouse, 1-06: "Graduated from Bloomsburg University in 1992 with a BS in Elementary and Early Childhood Education. Lives with her husband, Chris, and our two children, Lauren 10, and Aaron, 5, in a small town about 15 miles north of Indianapolis. She's currently employed as an early childhood special education teacher. " mknouse@indy.rr.com

Mark Mendicino: Has a new position as an Investment Executive with Parker/Hunter Inv. Firm. Had a baby boy, Joshua Adam, 6/99. That makes 2 kids, including Amanda, his first. mendicinom@parkerhunter.com

J.F. Miller: Married Nov 11, 2000. Still works at SOA Headquarters. jfmiller@soundofamerica.org

Yaira Ojeda: "Came back to Venezuela that summer ('87) and I am still here. I am a Systems Engineer, married with a beautiful 2 year old girl."
yairashanne@hotmail.com

Juliet Potter, 8/05; "Life is flying by! I have been with the Charles F. Kettering Foundation as an Economist and Research Associate for 6 years now. I now hold a BS in Economics, an MS in Applied Economics, and am almost at the dissertation stage of my PhD now. I will tackle the issue of community exhaustion of intellectual property right within the European Union in the parallel trade of pharmacueticals. I know, I know, enough to put everyone to sleep! My husband Jeff is doing great. He is a very busy exec for NCR. My son Jack just turned 4 and we await a baby in April! Life is busy but great. Write if you get a chance. :)"

Previous: Was married 3/12/2000; Living in Fairborn, OH. Julie recently had her first baby, Jack! japotter@ameritech.net

Heather Purdie Hulsey: "Just celebrated my 10th wedding anniversary and had my 3rd boy 3 weeks ago. I taught deaf children for 4 years before becoming a stay at home mom. I am now a Director for Mary Kay cosmetics while staying at home and to answer most people's question..... yes, I do drive a pink cadillac!!! I hope you are all doing well. I still have very fond memories of SOA 1987." hulsey1@bellsouth.net

LeAnn Redemske Haroldson, 10/04: "Wow! Things have changed. Brian and I have three children, Grace (99), Will (00) and Grant (03). I have been back in school getting my degree to teach middle school. My best to everyone!" theharoldsons@mhtc.net

Lisa (Reese) Feil, 7/06: "Hi! I married Matt Feil in '93. We have four children: Mikayla - 8 years old, Abby & Grace - 6 years old and Watson - 7 months old. Completed my doctorate in school psychology from Alfred University and work as the Director of Student Services in Wellsboro, Pennsylvania. Enjoy outdoor activities, camping, scrapbooking, good beer and fine wine. Would love to hear from everyone! " lfeil@wellsborosd.k12.pa.us

Bruce Rewerts: Living in Papillion, NE.

Krista Ritchie Lesiecki: klesiecki@mtsd.k12.wi.us

Kevin Rotty, 1/07: "Living in suburb of Minneapolis, MN with my wife Jennifer (married in 1993), and our daughters Arianna (1999) and Liza (2001). As of 2006, performing in a dueling pianos show by night and teaching voice by day. Since 1987, have been all over the place as a singer aboard cruise ships (even got back to Europe!) also toured as a singer/actor as well as musical director/conductor for theatrical tours across North America. I've also worked as Musical Director for many shows in the Minneapolis metro area. Presently I'm performing at a dueling pianos club in Minneapolis called the Shout House (www.theshouthouse.com). Yeah...white bus RULES! BORT BORT BORT! Peace." bigkmusic@frontiernet.net

Diane Schaff: Living in Dayton, OH.

Sheri A. Sierak Riesel, 6/05: "Hi All! Been doing so many things in the last, almost, oh, 20 years!!! In 1996, I graduated with My Master's Degree in Health Services Administration. In 1998, I married the love of my life Chad Riesel, and we have 3 Beautiful Children. We live in Herkimer, NY. I have my own Business, doing what I love! I am a professional mezzosoprano! I sing weddings, funerals, memorial masses, and church masses. I have been playing flute for the last 2 years and have added that to my business as well! Been trying to find Mickey Bailey from Milford NY, as well as Samantha Heath from Washington. Please help! Hope everyone is doing well, and hope to hear from other alumni! Keep on singing!" criesel@twcny.rr.com

Jon Sprout: "Left the cold of New York and went to college in the great state of Kentucky.Currently am a district manager with Cingular Wireless for over 7 years. Married for 7 years with a two year old (Parker). Actually found old pictures and thought I'd see if there was a site. It's nice to read that everyone is well." stuyniski@aol.com

Susan Wilmarth: Reportedly married and living in Iowa City, IA

John Whaley: "My daughter is now 8 and lives in Okinawa, Japan with her mother and stepfather (he is in the Marines). We have spent the past few weeks dealing with the tragedy of September 11th. Not only is Alexandra (my daughter) on a military base, but my wife and her family lost 15 friends in the World Trade Center. This has hit VERY close to home. I often think of the wonderful experience in Europe, email me!!!" NEW "Kerry and I just bought our first home. It is in my hometown of Bath, NY. We will be celebrating our first anniversary on July 14. My daughter Allie (9) will be coming to live with us for the next year. We are very excited about this!!!. I will be starting my 5th year of teaching 5th grade in September." jwhaley@mail.sctboces.org

last updated 1-31-07, tlb