Waukegan East - Class of 1980

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Peter Alfino

Then

Now

Occupation:Business Owner Website:www.milehighmultisport.com What is your spouse/partner's name (if applicable) and their occupation?:Kathy What have you been up to since high school?:raising children and running my business. I've completed 4 Ironman triathlons but my passion is fly fishing now. Ive run a multisport coaching business in Colorado for the past 13 years. What are your current hobbies and interests?:fly fishing, gardening and working

From Peter:Looking forward to seeing everyone again.

Paul Apple

Then

Now

Occupation:Attorney at Law Website:www.weierlaw.com Marital Status:Divorced What have you been up to since high school?:I've done a lot of things in the last 30 years, too many to recount, but here are a few. After I graduated from Northwestern University, I lived in Chicago for 4 years, working a number of temporary TV production jobs with no luck in making a permanent career. I then went to law school at Western Michigan University. After graduating I ended up going west all the way to Washington State with my girlfriend from law school. We were together for 8 years and in 1993 were foster parents to a Capuchin monkey (you know like the one in that Stephen King movie "Monkey Shines" except she wasn't an evil monkey…well most of the time). The monkey belonged to Helping Hands out of Boston, MA. They train monkeys to help aid quadriplegics by doing simple tasks and she lived with us to get used to being around humans in a home. Later the girlfriend left me and got married to someone else; then divorced after a year; then suffered a brain injury in a terrible pedestrian car accident; then got back with her ex-husband. After that, the monkey went back to Boston University, for advanced training and placement. I think that monkey had as much schooling as I did, except I had to pay back my student loans.

I was married for 13 years but after a second deployment in 2012 Sue and I divorced. I did a lot of hiking, camping and climbing in the Cascades. I've summit Mt. Rainier twice. It's really a scenic place even when it rains. Its different topography, (high desserts, mountains, rain forests, wind swept beaches) a whole new world for a Midwest boy, one that I appreciate seeing everyday. In 2002, and at the ripe age of 39, I joined the Army Reserve (you know one weekend a month two weeks a year) and was commissioned a JAG officer. It was something I always wanted to do and I did not want to regret never having served and give something back. Anyway, in 2006 I ended up doing a "tour" (like it’s a vacation, right?) in Iraq. I got back and life went on as if nothing had happen. There were some days where I thought the entire thing was some dream. In 2012 l again deployed to the Middle East for a year. I was able to see some of this world since leaving Waukegan, having traveled to places like Rhode Island, Boston, Mass., New Hampshire, Florida, Virginia, Washington D.C., Texas, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Korea, Canada, Kuwait, Qatar, Italy and yes even Iraq. Now I work for a new law firm with a great bunch of professionals helping a lot of people (some very nice) with their legal problems. Every now and then I go into court and still get to be a trial lawyer (and one of the good guys if we win). What are your current hobbies and interests?:Traveling, spending time in the outdoors, hiking, camping, climbing, skiing, reading, visiting art galleries and museums.

From Paul:

You can thank Patti for tracking me down. Great job on the website.

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Diane Birtic (Calabrese)

Then

Now

Occupation:School Bus Driver Marital Status:Married No. of Children:3 What is your spouse/partner's name (if applicable) and their occupation?:Carl business owner of a wire manufacturing company What have you been up to since high school?:Raising my three children and having a blast!!! Enjoying life.

Was married at age 22 and had my first child at age 22, divorced at age 24. My son is now 26 and living in West Virginia.
He went to colleg at University of Arizona where he was the Quarterback for 5 years. (Red-shirted the first year). He then went on to play in Japan as the starting Quarterback and won for team USA!!! It was a part of my life I will never forget. He is now a GA at Marshall university hoping to be a head coach at a division 1 school.

I lost my Dad in 1989 of a fatal heartattack and lost my mom in 2008 after battling Alzheimers for 12 years.

I remarried to my current husband in Sept of 1994. Had our first child in Dec of 1995, a girl. Had our second child in August of 1997, a boy. I stayed home with them until they started kindergarten. Then I became their bus driver and have been driving ever since.

My life isn't as exciting as some of yours but I am happy and proud of all my children. God put me on this earth for a reason and I finally realize what that is. To be the best wife and mother I can be. What are your current hobbies and interests?:We own two horses so my daughter and I ride almost everyday. My daughter is the better rider. I just do it for fun.

I started driving a school bus 8 years ago. I like being part of my kids day. Although my daughter is in High School now but I still drive my son.

We are in the process of building a new home. We should break ground in a month or so. We';ve been planning this for 5 years. I think we're finally going to start.

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JoAnne Blumberg

Then

Now

Marital Status:Divorced No. of Children:3 What have you been up to since high school?:The past 40+ years have flown by too quickly! I graduated from the University of Illinois and while working, completed my MBA, at Loyola University. I was fortunate to be a stay-at-home mom while raising my daughters. Throughout the years, I have been active in the community and many volunteer organizations. I was a big volunteer in high school, and that hasn't changed. I have worked for Stepan Company for the past 12 years, taking on different roles and responsibilities, enjoying working on special projects. At the start of the pandemic, I was traveling with my daughter Melanie. We were visiting my daughter Peri and her husband Scott who were living in Israel at the time. It was interesting to be across the world as everything began to implode. I felt calm because we were together. I am grateful that my kids have put down roots close by, each buying homes in Chicago. What are your current hobbies and interests?:I enjoy spending time with family and friends. Gardening is a hobby. Most of my free time goes to volunteer work, but I hope to find more time for reading in the coming months. I have made a commitment to focus more time on fun activities and myself, this year, along with sorting and purging with the thought of downsizing in the not-to-distant future!

From JoAnne:I have two wonderful daughters, Melanie (32), Peri (29) and a terrific son-in-law, Scott (29).

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Wendy Boller (Mabbett)

Then

Now

Occupation:Addictive DisordersTherapist/CADC Website:www.nicasa.org Marital Status:Married No. of Children:2 What is your spouse/partner's name (if applicable) and their occupation?:Steve/Millwright-25 years in the Carpenters Union If you have grandchildren, how old are they?:I have 2 grandchildren/4 years old and 5 mos What have you been up to since high school?:Went through some very rough times most of my adult life, made some horrible decisions, but made it through a stronger more productive woman than ever! Lived in St. Maarten an island in the carribean in my late teens and early 20's...Oh what a life that was! Had the most adorable strawberry blonde daughter a mom could ask for! Have the most amazing friends, sisters, and one dynamic brother! I am a late bloomer in life, started going to college when I was 43 years old...just got my Associates Degree specializing in Addictive Disorders, will be pursuing my BA in Human Services/Psych this year in October... Love education and working with women with mental health and alcohol/drug issues! It's been a rocky road, but oh was the trip to success soooo worth it! What are your current hobbies and interests?:Hobbies are traveling, gardening, a good movie with my man, and quality time spent with my daughters, grandchildren, and good friends! My interests are education; I'm not stopping till I have at least a Masters degree...Love, Love, Love, a great class and brilliant teachers!

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Tammi Bolling

Then

Now

Occupation:Account Manager Marital Status:Divorced What is your spouse/partner's name (if applicable) and their occupation?:Darryl Eanos Sr. Designer What have you been up to since high school?:Nothing exciting just working. Never left the area as I am close to my family. Was married and divorced. Now living with my boyfriend who has a teenage son. Never blessed with kids of my own so just enjoy my very grown up nephews and now their children. What are your current hobbies and interests?:Genealogy, golf - had to give up the horses I loved so much. Rode stadium jumpers for many years and miss it. Enjoy traveling. One of my "bucket list" items is to visit all the major league baseball parks. Of course we enjoy all the sights and sounds in the area too.

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John Breitweiser

Then

Now

Occupation:BMW Body Technician Marital Status:Committed Relationship No. of Children:2 What is your spouse/partner's name (if applicable) and their occupation?:Kellye Gross Interior Designer/Realtor What have you been up to since high school?:After high school I started the process of be coming a chef, however I changed my mind and instead went to school for Auto Mechanics/Auto Body. I have been working as an Auto body Technical ever since.
I have 2 daughters, Danielle 23 who has graduated from ASU & Jamie 18 who is starting CLC this fall.
In 1996 I moved to WI. for a few years, and then in 2001 I moved to Arizona (was tired of snow) loving every minute of it.
I currently reside in Phoenix with my girlfriend, and work in Scottsdale AZ. What are your current hobbies and interests?:I golf 3 out of 4 weekends a month, we spend a lot of time in our yard swimming and BBQing. I also enjoy camping, hiking, biking & snorkling.

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Kim Brown (Crowder)

Then

Now

Occupation:Business Manager Website:www.calpine.com/ Marital Status:Single Again No. of Children:3 If you have grandchildren, how old are they?:I have 5 grandchildren. Rowen 13, Thatcher 10, Novalee 8, Ryder 5 & Johnny 1 What have you been up to since high school?:After completing my education at WEHS I took a job as a waitress for a while and stayed in the area. Married very early in life, motherhood came a little sooner than planned for me and overall I was blessed with 3 awesome kids, 2 sons, Aryk & Derick, and a daughter, Hollee. Choosing to be a a stay at home Mom until my youngest started 1st grade, after which I began working for Jewel Foods Store where I started out as a cashier then quickly moved on to an HR position where I maintained the hiring and training for the Lakehurst store for over 18 years.(Lakehurst Mall, who remembers that? Best.Mall.Ever! Right?!) While working PT at Jewel I also followed my passion and formed a band know as "Exit South". I had been in several bands since HS but starting Exit South went beyond my expectations, we excelled to become one of the top country bands in the Lake County area at the time working closely with Chicago's US99 radio station and having the privilege of opening for Diamond Rio, Sawyer Brown, Suzy Bogus,David Lee Murphy, Patty Loveless and Lee Greenwood. In 2001 I took a new job and was hired on as a Plant Administrator for Calpine Corp., which at the time was a new power plant that was being built in Zion, IL. In 2004 I was promoted from within to where I now serve as Business Manager for the Zion, IL plant as well as the Business Manager for our sister plant Rockgen Energy In Cambridge, WI. What are your current hobbies and interests?:I’m retired from breeding Yorkshire Terrier puppies after 11 years wonderful years, raising those precious fur babies was a hobby that I thoroughly enjoyed. I also enjoy music, landscaping, fishing, cruising and spending time with my 5 grandkids. I love the Caribbean, and hope to be able to retire in St. Thomas USVI someday.

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Dean Bunnell

Then

Now

Occupation:Maintenance Mechanic Website:www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=app_2915120374#!/profile.php?ref=profile&id=1527006232 Marital Status:Committed Relationship No. of Children:2 If you have grandchildren, how old are they?:Vincent 14, Dylan 11, and Elizabeth 11 What have you been up to since high school?:I became a father at the ripe old age of 19, and a grandpa at 38! Now that all of that is out of the way. It's time for Papa to have some fun! Talk about an early empty nester!!! Since High School, it's been a non stop learning experience! What are your current hobbies and interests?:I enjoy camping, boating, water skiing motorcycling, singing, puttering.

From Dean:

We are how old???

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Sherrie Carpenter (Fiducci)

Then

Occupation:RN Marital Status:Married No. of Children:2 What is your spouse/partner's name (if applicable) and their occupation?:Brian Auto Mechanic If you have grandchildren, how old are they?:Yes Xavier age 6 What have you been up to since high school?:Ended up graduating from West Campus, but my heart remained with East Campus. Worked for the State of Illinois for 13 yrs then became an RN. Have worked various places in Illinois and Montana. Currently working as a Hospice Nurse and studying for my BSN. What are your current hobbies and interests?:Play frisbee golf with my husband and I am a Facebook gaming addict.

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Ed Cato

Then

Occupation:Nuclear Field Tech Marital Status:Married No. of Children:6 What is your spouse/partner's name (if applicable) and their occupation?:Pinkie If you have grandchildren, how old are they?:3 and 6 What have you been up to since high school?:Went to Devry for 1 yr and dropped out to let US Army pay for education. After the military worked for Abbott Labs and every major company in area while going back to school. Have Now been been working for Westinghouse Nuclear Services for past 13 yrs. doing Nuclear repairs and modifications around the world and started a pond cleaning service. And got married to my best friend. What are your current hobbies and interests?:Fishing,Building things, serving my church and traveling.

From Ed:My Children are 30,25,25,23,21 and 18

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Manny Cepeda

Occupation:fleet manager Marital Status:Married No. of Children:2 What is your spouse/partner's name (if applicable) and their occupation?:Natalie something to do with college students What have you been up to since high school?:working and enjoying it What are your current hobbies and interests?:trying to figure out how to work a computer

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Tim (Wayne) Chilcote

Then

Now

Occupation:Technical Designer (Boeing Co.) Marital Status:Married No. of Children:2 What is your spouse/partner's name (if applicable) and their occupation?:Mijung Chilcote; Technical Designer/drafter If you have grandchildren, how old are they?:None What have you been up to since high school?:Readers Digest Version......Graduated then left for Air Force basic training. Sent to Alaska where I lived for 9 yrs. While in the AF I worked on various fighters and cargo airplanes and also Went to Anchorage Comm College where I studied Aviation Maintenance. Got married at 20 then divorced 9yrs later had 2 kids, Ian 21 and Katie 23. Left Alaska in 1989 to work for the Boeing Co. While here, I took a temp assignment to Korea where I met my current wife. We have been married now for 18yrs, no kids....first 2 were enough. I have been with Boeing almost 22yrs now. I live about 35 miles north of Seattle. What are your current hobbies and interests?:I have restored a 71 Nova same as the one I had in HS....only nicer...money helps. I'm currently restoring a 1968 Mustang Fastback. I also have a large shop with wood working tools and a large list of projects to complete.

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Cathy Christian (Glickman)

Then

Now

Occupation:Music Educator/Professional Singer Website:www.misscathymusic.com or www.kindermusiknorthshore.com Marital Status:Married No. of Children:2 What is your spouse/partner's name (if applicable) and their occupation?:Marty Glickman- Financial Consultant with Northwestern Mutual Financial Network What have you been up to since high school?:I went to ISU and got my BS in Medical Technology in 1985, I then specialized in microbiology in the hospital setting for 13 years before getting married, having 2 kids (Carly, 17 and Joel, 14) and then becoming licensed to teach an early childhood music program entitled Kindermusik. My program has been in the top 5% for students enrolled in the world (Kindermusik is enjoyed in 66 countries worldwide) for four years now. I sing professionally in just about every genre of music from choral classical, kid's music, rock and roll, and musical theatre. The biggest thrills in my career were being accepted to sing at Carnegie Hall(1999) and releasing my first solo CD (2005)of original and re-arranged children's music! What are your current hobbies and interests?:Singing, downhill skiing, traveling, cooking, musical theatre, sampling ethnic foods and enjoying marriage and my two talented teenagers.

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Joni Clausing (Branham)

Then

Now

Occupation:psychotherapist Website:branhamcounseling.com Marital Status:Divorced No. of Children:2 If you have grandchildren, how old are they?:2 What have you been up to since high school?:College, Graduate school, worked and currently work as a Psychotherapist in private practice. I was married 28 years, have two beautiful children and and a step daughter with two grandchildren. I took time off to stay at home and raise my kids for 10 years. Have moved several times but now have lived in Fallbrook CA for 20 years. What are your current hobbies and interests?:I enjoy hiking, photography and gardening. Time with my grown kids and grand kids too of course.

From Joni:Thanks Patti for doing all this hard work! I just love the profiles!!! Hoping to make the reunion this time!

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Cathy collins (Stark)

Occupation:School worker Marital Status:Married What is your spouse/partner's name (if applicable) and their occupation?:Gerald, Quality Engenieer What are your current hobbies and interests?:Camping, horsebackriding, doing things with my beautiful girls and my Husband.

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Darleen Conlan (Gano )

Then

Now

Occupation:Fraud Investigator Marital Status:Married No. of Children:3 What is your spouse/partner's name (if applicable) and their occupation?:Christopher / Plant Engineer What have you been up to since high school?:I got married shortly after high school, had 2 awesome children. 14 years later, I became a single parent. Working full time and taking care of 2 children was enough! 6 years later, I was blessed enough to marry an incredible man. (Going on 10 years) I had my 3rd child and moved to Gurnee. At this time of my life, I enjoy my family! My daughter bought a house right up the street. My oldest son is attending CLC. My youngest son is in 6th grade and keeps me busy with all his extra activities. I’ve worked for Walgreens for 16 years and love my job!

What are your current hobbies and interests?:Current hobbies & interests: I enjoy Stampin UP, and now Scrapbooking. I love reading and spending time with my family. (kids keep us busy)

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Stephen Connally

Then

Now

Occupation:Personal Trainer Marital Status:Married No. of Children:4 What is your spouse/partner's name (if applicable) and their occupation?:Crystal (Event Planner) What have you been up to since high school?:Started my own Personal Training Business many years ago and still going strong. Served in the US Air Force in the late 80s/early 90s. I have 4 beautiful children and a wonderful wife who puts up with me. What are your current hobbies and interests?:Health and Fitness, spending time with my family, bodybuilding, traveling the globe, camping, and on occasion riding my Harley.

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Cassandra Cooper

Then

Occupation:Resource Manager Marital Status:Single

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david daniels

Then

Occupation:limo driver/ forklift/gospel singer Marital Status:Single No. of Children:7 What is your spouse/partner's name (if applicable) and their occupation?:bachelor If you have grandchildren, how old are they?:6yr 5yr old twins two two yr olds What have you been up to since high school?:mostly serving the almighty god enjoying family and friends i love being granpa i direct my church choir been in church faithfully for twenty-one years love the lord What are your current hobbies and interests?:singing bowling and the wii game

From david:cant wait for this big event

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