News from Northwestern HS Class of '65 Reunion Committee

In November 2004, I went to work for Judge John G. Roberts, Jr., at the U. S. Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit. In July 2005, he was nominated to replace Supreme Court Associate Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. For most of the summer, two of Judge Roberts's law clerks and I prepared an 87-page Senate Questionnaire and other documents necessary to the Judge's confirmation.

In September 2005, Judge Roberts was nominated as Chief Justice of the United States and confirmed soon thereafter.

The first Monday of the 2005 Term was my third day on the job and the ensuing months have been a whirlwind. I'm responsible for the Chief Justice's travel and appointment schedules, interaction with the Executive and Judicial branches of government, social calendar and just about everything in between. I am blessed to work with the Chief Justice, a true gentlemen.

My husband, John Nelson, sustained and supported me through the 80-hour work weeks, months without a day off, and my abundant adrenaline/total exhaustion.

I am the proud Grandmother of Patrick (1999), the son of my daughter, Sarah (1978) and also Jayda (2004), the daughter of my daughter, Meghan (1980). My children grew up on a dairy farm in Frederick County, MD. Eventually, I returned to work in DC and married John Nelson in 1995. My Mom and three sisters still live in the area.

It would be a pleasure to welcome former Wildcats to the Supreme Court -- for a tour or perhaps to attend one of the oral arguments being held between now and the end of April. I may be reached at dnelson@supremecourt.gov .

Nelda Jansen Followed Her Dreams

Nelda Jansen "Then" Nel "Now"

Following our dreams sometimes means going out on a limb. As many of you may remember, I was always interested in art. I've always wanted to try devoting my full time to my art, and in the past year, I've been able to do this, by moving in with my daughter and her family. As a part of the Daily Painters Gallery I have launched a blog to post a completed painting almost every day. The commitment to paint every day has been both a discipline and a pleasure, and many of the paintings have sold, both from my subscription list and from the Gallery site. I'd be delighted for any of you to visit the site and leave comments."

Nel Jansen

www.DailyPainters.com

http://nelseverydaypainting.blogspot.com/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/neljansen/

Our classmate John Thompson remembers...

His was the first message posted on our website. It read: It makes my heart sad to see so many people who have gone, so many old and dear friends...I'll miss you all.

John "Then" John Thompson "Now"

Classmate John Thompson, a former Marine member of Force Recon, served two tours in Vietnam. He traveled to the nation's capital on November 10, 2007 for the re-dedication of the Memorial. While there, John paid tribute to his fallen classmates, and to his Marine buddies who perished in Vietnam.

The Wall of Names stands on the Washington Mall, a constant reminder of the sacrifice of 58, 226 men who served and died in Vietnam. Chiseled into the black granite are six names of particular significance to our Class of 1965:

                                                                 John M. Biondi
                                                               Clifford G. Burch
                                                            Stephen M. Dydynski
                                                               Ronald S. Gilliam
                                                               Kurt C. Hussman

Paul A. Leonard

Don't Forget to support our sponsors! From our Sophomore year - 1962

What's New?
Help make this newsletter and our website better. Please send interesting photos to Dwight Gentry, newsletter editor, with a short statement about what's going on in your life. Where are you working now? Do you have children or grandchildren? Have you traveled to interesting places lately? What about retirement plans, hobbies, community activities. Your classmates would love to know. And, of special interest, are you still in touch with classmates? If so, we'd love to know how you have maintained your friendships over the years and interesting things you may have done together. Photos and stories are needed!

Begin Again

One of the best things we can do in our lives is this - begin again.

Begin to see yourself as you were

When you were the happiest and strongest you've ever been.

Begin to remember what worked for you

And try to capture the magic again.

Begin to remember how natural it was when you were a child

to live a lifetime each day.

Begin to forget the baggage you carried with you for years:

The problems that don't matter any more. The tears that cried themselves away

and the worries that are going to wash away on the shore of tomorrow's new beginnings.

Tomorrow tells us it will be here every new day of our lives;

And if we will be wise, we will turn away from the problems of the past

and give the future and ourselves a chance to become the best of friends.

Sometimes all it takes is a wish in the heart to let yourself

Begin again.

Adebola

John M. Biondi Clifford G. Burch Stephen M. Dydynski Ronald S. Gilliam Kurt C. Hussman

Paul A. Leonard

John M. Biondi
Clifford G. Burch
Stephen M. Dydynski
Ronald S. Gilliam
Kurt C. Hussman