1948
Bill Fichtel, who recently turned 99, writes: “Hi – Getting ready for the next one!”
1956
Christopher Blaydon writes: “All is well here. I retired three times: Air Force Officer, Pan Am Captain, and Mayor of my town. I’m still happily married to a wonderful wife and life is full: tennis, sailing, and I still fly. Sure would like to hear from my classmates.”
James Curley (LA) writes: “Covid restrictions are still loosening here in D.C. Although Covid vaccination cards are no longer needed for admittance to theaters and concert halls, full masks are still required inside the halls. It was different in the Shakespeare Theater at Stratford, Ontario, where we attended a great performance of Richard III last August. Masks were not required, but many in the audience wore them. Incidentally, while I was waiting outside the theater after the performance. A young lady asked me if I had gone to ESF. (I was wearing an ESF hat.) I think she said she was from Indiana and was in her second year at ESF. Unfortunately, we did not exchange names, so she remains a mystery woman. Our trip to Ontario was supposed to be a 10-day family reunion. Instead it turned out to be a very expensive (plane reservation canceled and then rebooked) long weekend for us when Jackson, our grandson from California, tested positive for Covid. Wife Mary Ann and I headed to my son Daniel’s cottage on Bellwood Lake while the rest of the folks stayed in Toronto. Then after the weekend we returned to D.C. so the other folks could enjoy Covid together at the cottage. Son Michael (ES/Forest Biology) had been driving with his family from Massachusetts to Ontario but turned around when he learned of Jackson’s Covid test and spent the weekend in Albany. Still keep in touch with Maurice Wrangell ‘57 by phone and email.”
1957
Karl K. Blixt writes: “Still retired in Gilbert, AZ, where we have a son and daughter close by in Chandler and Mesa. Have traded cold and snowy for hot and dry. Old age is taking its toll, but we have very good medical facilities. Celebrated 61st wedding anniversary this year. Go Orange.”
Richard Klingaman writes: “It’s a nice tribute to those of our class who are no longer with us if we continue to support the Class of 1957 Scholarship Fund that they enthusiastically supported when we launched it at our 50th Class Reunion. The Class of 1957 Scholarship Fund continues to grow and provides support to today’s ‘stumpies!’ Take care.”
Ron Koenig writes: “Still keeping busy as Church Elder, Chaplain of our American Legion Post, and cutting firewood from trees I planted in 1987. Had to give up skiing and long hikes when I had both knees replaced. Met a 100-year-old mountain guide in the Swiss Alps, and when asked if he was afraid of death, he replied that he hardly ever saw someone his age in the obituaries! Good attitude for us senior foresters!”
For the past 11 years, David Noyes has enjoyed his retirement in West Denver, an area that reminds him fondly of the Adirondacks. He has been enjoying quality time with his family, including his children, grandkids, and great grandkids. He is happy to say that he also has remained good friends with alumni Chuck Rohn, Dick Schultz, and Orrin Stevens. He was married in 1956 after completing 2 years of service in the military, and graduated from ESF a year later. After graduation, David joined the Johns-Manville Corporation as a product development engineer. After relocating to Denver, CO, David continued to take on corporate management roles and retired after 36 years of service to the Johns-Manville Corporation. At age 62, David opened an Environmental Consulting Business, which lasted until 2010 when he hit his 80th birthday. Since then, David has remained an active part of his rural community.
1960
Hugh O. Canham writes: “Keeping busy doing volunteer work with the New York Forest Owners Association. Feel pretty good after the open-heart surgery last year. Living with my daughter and son-in-law. Was on campus recently, lots of changes but the old buildings are still there.”
William Ciesla writes: “Enjoying retirement in Fort Collins, Colorado. Pat and I are staying closer to home due to Covid-19. However, we are taking a late summer trip to Oregon and California to visit friends and family.”
Walter Kehm writes: “Hello, all. Life continues to be an exciting trip. I still feel that I am in the LA design studio as I begin the commission for the landscape design 155 acres at Ontario Place on the Toronto waterfront. I recently completed the award-winning Trillium Park and the client would like to extend this urban forest to the rest of the Ontario Place islands.”
Richard G. Ward writes: “My wife Kathleen and I have been living in Vermont full time since I retired after selling my firm, Ward Associates, PC, Landscape Architects, Architects and Engineers, which was based in Bohemia, Long Island. I still enjoy skiing, fishing, hiking, and sailing in the local reservoir. This past year I worked on a local Pilgrimage route through the Deerfield Valley, which attracted 52 hikers this past September. If you are interested in participating in the two-day event in 2023, look up our website at Deerfield Valley Pilgrimage Walk. On Thanksgiving, I worked at a Grab-n-Go Thanksgiving Dinner sponsored by St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Wilmington, VT, with assistance from the local Rotary and Health Center employees, serving those in need or alone. After Thanksgiving, we traveled to the Cape to visit with Art Mittelstaedt ’58 and his wife, Sue. We stayed in Barnstable with Kathleen’s sister and family for a few days. Christmas found us in Marco Island, FL, at my son’s home while they traveled to Europe to visit Christmas fairs and we watched the dog! Summers we travel to Canada to visit my sister in Tatamagouch, Nova Scotia, and make our annual trip to the Forest Home in New Brunswick, Canada, where I have been spending a week or two each summer since 1953.”
1962
John Radosta writes: “My senior year at Music and Art was a pivotal year for me, as I was faced with the unknown future of what I would do next. My family could not afford a private college so I looked at public institutions. I chose the SUNY College of Forestry at Syracuse and was accepted. I really did not know how this would work out, but I knew I enjoyed being outdoors. Luckily, my choice of this unusual college major paid off. It brought me to Oregon in the summer of 1960 when I was employed by the USDI Bureau of Land Management as a Forestry Aide. I had never been west of Pennsylvania, so the trip across the country was a huge experience. Working in old-growth Douglas-fir forests near the city of Roseburg that summer was incredible. I knew I would return to Oregon after graduation. My senior year also gave me an experience that would result in unforeseen delights. We were given a choice of several electives and I chose conducting. It was a large class, so large that we were only given two chances to step on the podium to lead the orchestra. Conducting felt easy for me and I was thrilled at the chance to lead. Upon graduation, I knew that I had left behind any hope to find a career in music. My skills at the French horn would not earn a living salary, and I did not wish to teach music. I continued to play the piano (as a hobby) wherever I went. Eventually, my job assignments brought me to Salem in 1970 and I was asked to participate in a small community theater production of “Man of La Mancha.” I was promoted to music director and my high school elective choice came back to me. This musical was followed by several others and, eventually, to my being asked to lead the all-volunteer Salem Pops Orchestra. During our May 1997 concert, the Salem newspaper covered the event and had a photographer capture me in the act. I had no knowledge this would happen and when the photograph was published the next day, I was surprised and greatly pleased. I still have a desire to be the music director for community theater productions but everything is at a standstill right now. Here’s to more lucky breaks!”
1963
Norman Baker writes: “I own commercial forest land (200+ foot timber) that I manage as a preserve and is designated in our will and trust as a perpetual preserve. I log dead, dying, diseased, and windthrown timber. I also purchased a sawmill that I operate to produce lumber for personal use. My forest is my gym.”
Curt Reese writes: “Brenda and I continue to keep busy volunteering, traveling, and maintaining the home and yard. I’d urge my classmates to consider donating to our Class of 1963 alumni fund pool (I can’t think of the proper term) and the Pulp and Paper Foundation.”
1964
Theo L. Mercer writes: “Two vaccinations, three boosters, and now Covid. The CDC says I’m bulletproof surviving that. I’d like to hear from ’64 guys at: itheojr@yahoo.com.”
1965
Bob Edmonds writes: “A piece of Adirondack History is now identified on-site at the College’s Pack Demonstration Forest. This wonderful old lodge was on the main route between New York City and Montreal as a way to show the public about the value of Forest Management. It was my “dormitory” as a student in 1964 at Spring Camp in my Forest Management undergraduate days. Up until now, it sat unidentified on what is now a one-lane road in the woods at Pack Forest. Thanks to the College’s Forest Properties Director, Bob MacGregor, Forest Property Manager Bruce Breitmeyer and Graphic Designer Robyn Jonick, the history comes to life via a new sign in front of the historic building. There has been talk of placing the lodge and perhaps all of Pack Forest on the National Register of Historic Places. If you have an interest in this, please let me know at robertleeedmonds@gmail.com.
Norman Grenell writes: “Retired. Still hanging out in Western Oregon. Interesting fall being on the potential evacuation end of a forest fire instead of the attacking end.”
1967
Frank Bowers writes: “Retired as President, Cox Virginia Telecom, and moved from Virginia Beach, VA, to Williamsburg, VA. We built a house on College Creek off the James River. I volunteer as an Executive Partner in the MBA Program at the College of William & Mary. I spend my free time traveling with my family, along with deep sea fishing and hunting.”
Robert Kinstrey writes: “Mostly retired, but still doing some consulting. Splitting time between SC and FL. Active in a few Veterans organizations and several Corvette clubs. Just celebrated our 51st wedding anniversary. Pauline and my health is good.”
R. Stephen Shauger writes: “We are happily retired in Cooperstown, NY, and busy with outdoor activities, wood turning for the gallery, and quilting. Son Jeff is building his new wooden boat shop in Castine, ME, and granddaughter Cemmellia has graduated Princeton and is engaged in environmental pursuits in D.C. Ken Szelazkiewicz ’67 visited this summer with family and Dave Tousignant ‘67 filled us in on his life in NC. Health remains stable and climate change brings new species and challenges. Best to all in class of 1967.”
1968
Richard C. Benas writes: “Visual assessment skills acquired in the LA program helped in the creative modeling that determined what dark matter and dark energy might be. There is significant ongoing national and international interest in this theory.”
Chris Smith retired from international consulting in January 2020 after 45 years working in and for developing countries in Latin America, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. After initial natural resources work, he moved into water, infrastructure, and economic development areas, ending with corporate work in risk management and ethics. He and Angela were blessed with five children and are now busy with their 10 grandchildren who all live nearby in northern Virginia. After retiring, Chris joined the boards of the Farm of the Child and Sea La Luz, helping orphans and youth at risk in Honduras and Central America. Having injured ankles and knees from too much road running and racing, he took up the intense sport of golf this year, taking lessons from an 86-year-old instructor.
1971
Brian V. Todd writes: “Still building cabinets and doing woodworking in beautiful Northwest Montana. Enjoying life, watching the grandkids grow. The golden years have been kind so far.”
1972
Marilyn Chakroff writes: “My husband Paul Chakroff and I retired to Lisbon, Portugal, in 2017. Paul is a Ph.D. student at the University of Lisbon in climate change and sustainability. He finishes this summer. I am walking after my second knee replacement surgery. We visited Paul’s father in May for his 97th birthday!”
Gregory Hoer writes: “I continue to enjoy retirement … four years now … and stay busy with home projects and our many family activities. I also volunteer one day per week at Towson University’s Landscape Services Department performing a wide range of landscape maintenance work. In September, I attended the Maryland Chapter ASLA Annual Awards Gala and a celebration of the chapter’s 50th anniversary. Having been the Chapter President in 1980, I was asked to participate in a panel of four ‘long-time members’ to present a retrospective of major chapter accomplishments and the impacts that the chapter has had on the field of landscape architecture during the past 50 years.”
Roy Hopke writes: “We kept a small retirement house in NY and picked up a place in Florida, which was NOT destroyed or damaged in the two recent hurricanes. We are splitting our time between the two states.”
Randall C. Kelly writes: “I am still practicing forestry in the Catskills, where an influx of people buying property is keeping me quite busy. Lucci and I still reside on our Rosehedge Farm near Roxbury, where all ESF alumni are welcome. We hope to drive cross country next year, to attend the SAF Conference in California. Hope you enjoy the picture of the sunflowers, which I planted more of this year, in support of the Ukranian people. Peace to all.”
1974
Jeffrey Palmerton retired on Sept. 30, 2021, from Carolina Handling, LLC, in Charlotte, NC. Jeff retired as a national account manager, after 41 years with the company.
Mark Wadopian writes: “My retirement has been far from inactive. Aside from incidental and family traveling, I have kept active by volunteering in several capacities. I assist with event coordination on special occasions at the Wolf Mountain Nature Center near Norwich, NY. I also assist the Manlius Library on occasion when they have spring and fall book sales. My most active endeavor, however, has been serving on the board of the CNY Chapter of the North Country Trail Association, an affiliate and support group that builds, maintains, and administers to the needs of the North Country National Scenic Trail (at 4,700+ miles – from North Dakota to Vermont – the longest of the eleven USNPS National Scenic Trails throughout the US). Currently the chapter is rerouting the trail north of Rome, N.Y., and building an 8-mile stretch of wilderness trail through Pixley Falls State Park and Clark Hill State Forest. Much of this section has been roughed in, but a great deal of work remains to be done over the next two years. If anyone is interested in participating in a significant project to develop and enhance long-distance hiking through NY State and across our great nation, please contact me at blackhorsetraveler@gmail.com for more information. The opportunity is available to meet and work alongside other dedicated volunteers from all walks of life while enhancing a resource to be enjoyed by all hiking enthusiasts well into the future.”
Stephen Young writes: “After 31 years as chief botanist for New York State and the NY Natural Heritage Program (a program of ESF), I retired to pursue other botanical projects and some relaxing travel with my wife, Laura. I was also recently inducted into the ESF Athletic Hall of Fame for my four years playing soccer for SU.”
1975
Spencer Jarrett is enjoying life in rural Vermont with his family and dog, Ruth Bader Ginsburg (Ruthie).
1976
Michael Corey writes: “Well. Yes indeed, I date back to the class of 1976, but also to the later class of ’85, at which point I gained a M.S. degree at ESF. After working pretty much non-stop for the past 37 years, with either full-time or multiple part-time or seasonal jobs, including a change in careers, I’m still moving. For the past 29 years or so my family has lived in Minerva, NY, up in Essex County, within the Adirondack Blue Line. Both children are grown and living away (yet no more than three hours away). My lovely spouse, Sue, is currently working 1.5 jobs, in both Indian Lake and Elizabethtown. I have several part-time gigs, as an adjunct instructor at North Country Community College and as a per-diem paramedic, and do some substitute teaching on the side. It’s pretty nice up here in the woods.”
Lewis Cutler writes: “Sally and I were in the Piedmont area of Italy near Monforte d’Alba truffle hunting in a hazelnut grove.”
Richard Feldman writes: “After presenting my Japanese knotweed control & habitat restoration research at the ESA/CSEE meeting in Montreal, I stopped by to see Mike Corey in the central Adirondacks. We spent a delightful afternoon paddling on Minerva Lake botanizing and birding; this small lake harbored an osprey and a mother loon with its youngster, who allowed us to drift within 50′ of them. Mike has a new career as paramedic with the local rescue squad, while I continue at Marist College.”
Karin (Carlton) Fullam writes: “Hello to Warren and Terry Stein Knapp ’76.”
Nick Hyduke writes: “I am alive and well in Ithaca, NY,” and apologizes for having remained so out of touch with his classmates for so long. Nick welcomes any and all correspondence, and may be reached at nicholashyduke@yahoo.com.
Don E. Moore writes: “Hi to everyone in the mid-70s alumni classes! I ‘retired’ during the Covid-era ‘Great Retirement,’ moved back East (Delaware) and within weeks had multiple calls to help fill in the ‘Great Retirement’-caused brain drain in our professions. Good thing Delaware is one of the best states to set up a corporation, and that my local attorney does that! So I am now un-retired at Don E. Moore Consulting, LLC, and help with zoo, aquarium, and museum accreditation; safety at the dangerous animal-human interface (‘Lions and Tigers and Bears and Elephants, oh my!’), with strategic and master planning, organizational redesign; and with advocacy for conservation of our world’s nature. I guess some of us don’t know how to ‘retire!’ I thank ESF professors, staff, and you fellow students for that!”
Jim D. Murray writes: “I find myself happily retired from the National Oceanographic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in Naples, FL, where my hobbies include fishing, golf, and traveling. I serve on five environmental advisory boards including the National Sea Grant Advisory Board where I am currently Vice Chair. I miss the northern forests and could use another summer at Pack Forest!”
A. Neil Newman writes: “Following graduation, I spent 45 years of my career in specialty papermaking. The last 12 years consulting. Over the years I have seen HUGE changes in the pulp and paper industry. Still, I enjoyed every day. I thank ESF and the PSE department for providing me with a well-grounded education.”
George Steele writes, “My first book, co-authored with my wife, Anita Sanchez, was published by Muddy Boots, an imprint of Rowman and Littlefield, this past fall. Wait Till It Gets Dark: A Kid’s Guide to Exploring The Night is an introduction for children to night time natural history with activities that help children explore the uses of their senses. I also continue to do environmental education programs in schools and nature places. I attended the NYS Outdoor Education Association’s annual conference which had a nice contingent of ESF alumni, students and faculty.”
1977
Douglas Porter writes: “I start to miss upstate NY when fall arrives and I think about the apples ready to be picked and weekend firehouse pancake breakfasts in the small towns around Syracuse. Most other seasons, I’m glad to be in Colorado, where I can produce all the electricity I need from PV panels and am working to wean our home off natural gas. Thankful for the diverse forest engineering degree that gave me the resources to complete 38 years with forest service, national park service and general services administration where I retired as Regional Chief Engineer, managing a construction budget of $200M in the final years. Love to visit and hear from old classmates or alumni and stay sustainable. Our planet is at a tipping point and needs all the help we can provide.”
Scott J. Tait writes: “Blessed to have had a great past year. Passed the FE exam, was offered a new position with a water utility, received the Colorado EI license, my family is in good health, I scheduled the PE exam for 2023 and got to hang out a lot in Pike NF, which is close to my home in Castle Rock, CO. Looking forward to an outstanding 2023. Best to my classmates and teachers for the new year!”
1979
Don Cardin and Bill Wilson write: “Met up for a successful moose hunt in far northern Maine in late October. Bill drew the tag after nearly two decades of persistent annual application in the very popular lottery.”
1980
Edward McTiernan: Mini reunion this summer in New Hampshire with Rachel Grumm ‘17 (Forester, NYC Parks), Mike Grumm ‘78 (President, WeatherTech) and Ed McTiernan ‘80 (former Assistant Commissioner/General Counsel, NYSDEC).
1982
Craig Coronato writes: “Happy 40th my fellow Landscape Architects! Next time you are in Denver, please look me up.”
Steven Finklestein writes: “After 28 years of teaching high school biology and AP environmental science, I am happily retired! Each semester, I still teach one section of environmental science at Nassau Community College, my alma mater from back in the days of the dual enrollment program between NCC and ESF. After a huge flood in my basement, I am reconstructing it as a soundproof rehearsal and recording studio and focusing more than ever on my music, keeping very busy with gigs all over the New York metro area. I also just recently joined the board at the Friends of the Hempstead Plains at Nassau Community College; Believe it or not, the first prairie European settlers ever saw was right here on Long Island! I still keep in touch with my stumpy buddies, Rob Cammarata, Carsten Glaeser, Dave Stern, and Todd Miller.”
1983
Robin Kruse writes: “Mike Kruse and I are fully retired as of June. We took some fun trips last summer to Maine and Colorado, and hope to travel more in the upcoming year. Our son and daughter-in-law welcomed their third son in August, and our daughter will get married this April. We’re in the process of entering the world of solar power – panels will hopefully be installed on our roof in early 2023. Cheers!”
1985
John P. Haas writes: “Hello to my fellow Stumpies in the class of 1985. After 32 years working as the Staff Arborist in the Parks Department for the Town of Greenburgh (in Westchester County, NY), I was able to retire in June 2021! I look back fondly to my time at ESF which, at that time, was a two-year program. I remember the summer field experience at Pack Forest with Dr. Coufal, among others. At the Syracuse Campus, I remember walking the Quad in the shadow of the Carrier Dome taking classes with Dr. Nyland and Dr. Richards (who spurred me to work in the area of Urban Forestry) and hanging out in Marshall Hall. Great memories to look back on and a great school to attend. Thank you ESF!”
David S. Sutherland is enjoying life in Connecticut as he enters his 29th year teaching science. He would like to shout out to Kappa Phi Delta alumni and all Stumpies!
1986
Terrence Croad writes: “Celebrated my son Casey’s wedding this summer and won the City of Southfield’s (MI) golf league, where I serve as Director of Planning. Enjoyed a golf vacation playing at Marquette, MI; Green Lakes State Park; Valley View; Utica; and Lake Placid Country Club this fall! Second grandson on the way!”
1988
Erick Lacy writes: “I’ve been with Consigli Construction for 15 years with a primary focus on life science projects. I would love to hear from current and future alumni to network and share experiences and new technologies.”
1991
Alan Ellsworth writes: “Living in Fort Collins, CO. 20 years with the National Park Service working in watershed science. Currently within the NPS climate change program. Best wishes to the ESF family.”
Katherine Terry writes: “I recently purchased a home in Princeton, Kentucky, so I hope to be here for a few years. I am a Natural Resource Specialist with USDA NRCS working on the Wetland Reserve Easement Farm Bill program. It is very rewarding to restore wetlands on farmland!”
2007
Brittany Cronk writes: “Hello, I am happy to have finally joined the Alumni Association! I am excited for the different programming and learning events organized for alumni. I miss thinking about the environment and biology in the abstract and creative realm and want to build more on that foundation that ESF provided to me with. I have been working in applied science since graduating and have been missing that curiosity and wonder about life, the universe and everything (!) with my day job. It hits me occasionally, but less frequently than those early years. Looking forward to reconnecting with old friends and making some new ones.”
2011
Jessica (Coulter) Haggerty writes: “I FINALLY earned my first ‘biologist’ title as the Wildlife Damage Biologist for Delaware DNREC in 2019. Zachary Haggerty ’10 and I were married in 2018 and he recently opened a craft brewery, 5th Company Brewing, in Perryville, MD. Stumpies are always welcome!”
2017
Amanda Miller writes: “I live in Denver, Colorado, and work as the Manager of Sustainability Initiatives for the Downtown Denver Partnership. My main project is growing the urban tree canopy in downtown Denver by assisting property owners with tree bed enlargement projects.”
Weddings & Celebrations
1975
Steven Anilan is happy to announce his engagement to Ms. Renée Hendley of Alexandria, VA. Wedding took place in September 2022.
2015
Mark Bailey and Erin Reidy wedding photo
Mark Bailey and Erin Reidy were married August 6, 2022 in Rochester, NY.
2016
Bryan Comer and Angela Malo welcomed their son, Simon Kenai Malo Comer, in September. Adventure awaits!