Class of 1997 Summer 2019 Class Note

Yolanda Sly Kozuha

Hello, Class of ’97!

C is for coffee as I’m still adjusting to early mornings at the roastery. Spent last summer mastering booth set-up at farmers markets while enjoying wares from local farmers and artisans. Farmers markets are a great place to discover local fresh food and great finds. My roastery, Greenwood Lake Roasters, was named Hudson Valley Magazine’s Best of Hudson Valley 2018 for Coffee Bean Selection.

I hope this finds you well and don’t forget! You can share news by emailing yolandasly@gmail.com or via Facebook under Yolanda Sly Kozuha.

Thank you, everyone, for your generous donations to the Class of 1997 Scholarship. Ashley Russell was the recipient for the fall semester of the 2018-2019 academic year. Ashley sent us a wonderful note and something hopefully we all can relate to regardless of graduating class. Her note includes, “The University of Maine has an atmosphere unlike any other, with many opportunities for every type of student. Choosing UMaine was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. While here I have excelled in academics; created connections with faculty and peers; held leadership roles; been pushed outside my comfort zone; and have been fortunate enough to make friends to last a lifetime.” Ashley is studying elementary education, with a minor and concentration in English as a Second Language. She works as a tutor with the Tutor Program, is a student ambassador for the College of Education and Human Development, a student ambassador for the Peace Corps, and is on the executive board of her sorority, Alpha Phi.

Congratulations to Superior Court Justice Lance Walker, who was confirmed by the US Senate to be a federal judge in Maine. He was appointed to the Maine District Court in 2014 and Superior Court in 2015. Lance has nearly 20 years of legal experience as a judge and attorney and lives in Falmouth with his family.

Congratulations to Joe Lachowski G, who the National Park Service selected to serve as the new chief ranger for Gettysburg National Military Park and Eisenhower National Historic Site. He serves as the senior law enforcement officer and is responsible for the planning, direction, and execution of programs dealing with law enforcement and resource protection, emergency services, and safety. “Growing up on the East Coast, I am excited to return to the area and serve the visitors and employees of these iconic parks,” Joe said. “I enjoy working with a variety of challenging situations and I am looking forward to becoming part of the hardworking team at Gettysburg and Eisenhower national parks.” He previously was a supervisor and protection ranger for both Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Grand Teton National Parks. Joe has been with the National Park Service since 1997.

Kathy Wong Cook has been named general manager of The Ellsworth American and its sister paper, the Mount Desert Islander. Kathy received her bachelor’s degree in business administration. She spent more than 10 years at the Bangor Daily News as bureau office manager and circulation administrator. She lives in Ellsworth with her husband, Brent, their two children, Olivia and Michael, and their dog, Momo.