RE Log Spring 2019

42 Ransom Everglades LOG SPRING 2019 Class Notes Nancy Romfh Schlichting , see Marie Romfh Keith ’72 , In Loving Memory 1982 Class Agent: Dave Bricker (dave@davebricker.com ), Greg Glass (greg@gregoryglass.com ), Jennifer Keedy (jenwired@gmail.com ), Renu Mody (Miamieye@aol.com ) Ana Alas and her husband Carlos Gonzalez-Abreu, principals of GAA Architecture|Interior Design in South Florida, opened up their hearts and Coral Gables home this past December to benefit The Villagers — a not for- profit organization dedicated to the restoration and preservation of historic sites. The Holiday House Tour is the organization’s main fundraiser and it awards college scholarships to deserving students interested in pursuing careers in architectural historic preservation, in addition to providing funds to restore historical buildings in the area. In the spirit of giving back to their community and because of their strong conviction that historical buildings are the con- textual forces that shape our cities, the Gonzalez-Abreus agreed to share their own award-winning home (Luxe Red Awards for Classical Architecture) as part of The Villagers 2018 Holiday House Tour. Over 400 guests filed through the main gallery where The Villagers’ staff described in detail the homeowners’ ex- tensive art and sculpture collections and pointed out the incorporation of artifacts and design ideas (in addition to being architects, the couple are both registered interior designers). The Gonzalez-Abreus were thrilled to be an integral part of The Villagers’ commitment to helping pre- serve historical architecture monuments in their community while encouraging young students to move forward in architectural fields. Vivianne Vila Del Rio was elected as Circuit Court Judge of the 11th Judicial Circuit in Miami-Dade County on November 6, 2018. Her six-year term began on January 8, 2019. Gene Flipse is starting his 11th year escorting small groups on week-long excursions to swim with wild hump- back whales in the Silver Bank whale sanctuary of the Dominican Republic. This blend of adventure and education offers an opportunity to look earth’s most powerful and gentle creatures in the eye while observing breaches and other exciting surface behaviors. And because the in-water encounters are all done with snorkel gear (no SCUBA), kids and grandparents can enjoy the experience as well. A 132-foot dive boat offers plenty of space for a maximum of 18 passengers, along with excellent dining and com- fortable accommodations. As naturalist and guide, Captain Gene ensures a safe, comfortable and unforgettable journey for all. More at http://consciousbreathadventures.com . 1983 Please consider becoming a class agent. Todd Friedman writes, “As of January 10, I’ll be relocating from Fort Lauderdale to the Pacific Northwest, Seattle/Tacoma, Wash., due to an employment opportunity accepted by my better half. I’m looking forward to the move, since I used to live there back in the late ’80s while on active duty in the Army after graduating from West Point. With the move, I plan to continue my independent insurance and financial services business and, of course, winery visits and travels.” Karen Romfh Nunes , see Marie Romfh Keith ’72 , In Loving Memory 1984 Class Agent: Eliot Gelber (egelber@msn.com ) Spencer Greene , see Former Faculty Eleanor Backman Callie Flipse Spurr works in the Leisure Services Department for her local Australian government council in Lake Macquarie, New South Wales. She is a team leader with direct responsibilities over two swim centers. In the past year she also became a grandmother for the first time. 1985 Class Agents: Stacey Deutsch Shoer (shoerstacey@gmail.com) , Rosa Eckstein Schechter (res@landsatrdevelopment.com) Melissa O’Neill Albert celebrates 25 years in beautiful Seattle, where she lives with her husband and two sons (13 and 14). After years as a small business owner and then startup co-founder, she has taken a new position as Executive Director of the VICIS Foundation, mak- ing grants to youth sports programs to afford them access to state-of-the-art protective sports equipment. Supported by many NFL players, corporate spon- sors and individuals, VICIS Foundation awarded its initial two grants to pro- grams in Miami, which ranks fifth in cit- ies for sending athletes to the NFL. Any alumni interested in protecting youth athletes or just passing through Seattle should reach out. Betsy Wise writes, “News from our family — I was elected a commissioner for the Village of Biscayne Park. I will be attending a weekend-long workshop given by the Florida League of Cities for newly-elected officials at the end of this month in Jacksonville, and I’m excited to immerse myself in the world of public service. I hope to bring my expertise in branding and communications to refine the village’s identity, and improve its communications to its residents and neighboring communities. Otherwise, my twin boys Max and Jack are now six and doing well at Lehrman Community Day School. We just spent our holiday in Montana where they had their first downhill skiing experience and abso- lutely loved it.” 1986 Class Agents: Pam Pennell Kelly (pam@kellyart.com ), Lissette Suarez Stancioff (lissettes- tancioff@gmail.com ), Roland Samimy (rsamimy@umassd.edu )