Rosemary Hydrisko Dougherty
Hello, classmates and friends,
Have been thinking of you as we begin another glorious summer season!
Cindy Louise Van de Workeen Allen writes that she continues to live in New Jersey, and is active with her job as office manager of a medical office. She also sings in a 30-member women’s chorus that performs at local nursing homes and rehabilitation facilities.
In addition, Cindy serves as a Pro-Life volunteer. Cindy’s older son, Mark, is a co-owner and VPE of Vydia, a tech company that helps musicians monetize their videos. Cindy’s other son, Sean, works in the business field, and is presently on a search for his next assignment. Cindy added that she would be returning to Maine in April to attend an awards ceremony, at which time one of her close UMaine friends would be honored.
Gail Deabay Rucci and husband, Mike ‘79, live in Millinocket, and have been married for 37 years. They have one daughter, two sons, and seven grandchildren. Gail is in her 31st year teaching elementary school, with the last 18 years serving as a Reading Recovery teacher in East Millinocket. Gail and Mike enjoy snowshoeing, spending time at camp with family, and summering at a campground in Wells, where they are near four of their grandchildren.
Rob Kieffer was recently awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce. The award recognizes those who have made significant and lasting contributions to Aroostook County through their careers and volunteerism within the community. Rob has operated his family’s insurance agency for the last 35 years, and is now the agency manager of United Insurance in Caribou. He has served on the Cary Medical Center board of directors, Rotary Club, as a middle school ski team coach, with the Cary Medical Center’s Camp Adventure-summer camp for children with diabetes, as a Maine Guide volunteering with the Maine Disabled Veterans moose hunt, several economic development and tourism committees, and more. His family and community are proud of his accomplishments and look forward to his future contributions to Aroostook County.
Bob Salt sent this update: “In August 2016 a dozen of us who played varsity tennis at UMaine met in Brunswick for a reunion and some high level tennis in spite of all the years in between. UMaine alum Rob Manter hosted the event and Coach Brud Folger ’79G joined in the fun. That same year I became dean of the College of Education, Hospitality, Health, and Human Sciences at University of Wisconsin-Stout. I have been at UW-Stout for 31 years. My two kids are now both professionals in the performing arts world. Josh has been an actor on TV and on Broadway, and Emily works as an assistant director for independent films. I am single again. I get back to New England a few times a year to see family, and one of these years will get back up to Orono. Hello to all my old friends from UMaine.”
I (Rosemary) continue to work as a nurse practitioner with special needs youth in New Hampshire and enjoy working at Camp SnoMo each summer, a camp for special needs youth located in the lakes region, near Alton Bay. This year will be my ninth year at this very special camp where miracles happen every day. I have two sons, Michael and Brandon, who both live and work close by, which I am grateful for. Michael works with a community-based organization that serves young adults with autism. Brandon is currently serving with the Air Force.
It’s not too early to start thinking about a trip back to UMaine this fall for Homecoming. Hope you can make it.