Linda Wooldridge Chester

After graduation I moved to Georgia with my first husband. We had two children Kathy (35) and Matt (33). We divorced after 12 years and I married my second husband in 1988, he has one daughter Michelle (40). Between all the children we have six grandchildren ranging in age from 17 years to 10 months. I worked in several different textile plants making my way from the bottom (sweeping floors) up. I finished my career in textiles as a Purchasing Agent for a major textile company in GA/SC. After 30 years of living in GA my husband and I (click here to see them) moved back to VA about 5 years ago to be near my parents. Now in my pre-retirement years I'm working at a farm equipment store selling tractor parts. It's quite a change but I get to meet lots of new people and really enjoy the no-stress job for a change.

                      Tom Oney

Seeing all the new postings on the web page finally has convinced me that if I cannot make it to DC, at least I can participate in a "Virtual Reunion" through the web. Where to start? After FCHS I went to the mid-west (Iowa) and pursued my love of theatre by majoring in Technical Theatre at Simpson College in Indianola IA. Some of you who know my sister are aware that she attended there also, although through mutual understanding we pretended we did not know each other... (not true, I was just a non-repentant hippie and she was a good girl) I blissfully believed I would spend my life in the theatre. Not so. Half way through my Jr. year I changed to Sociology and Criminal Justice. I met my wife, Peggy, shortly afterwards and have been with her for 32 years now. (Married 30 thanks) I made no use of my degree other than getting in the door at an insurance company. I have been in that line of business for 30 years now, although working many jobs. Presently I am a Regional Claim Manager for the largest work comp carrier in Missouri. (Medium fish in a small bowl) My career has taken me from Iowa to KC, then a stint in Arkansas. I have been in Ozark, MO now for 12 years and love it. Clear, gentle rivers for floating and lots of places to trail ride. I have four daughters, I assume as punishment for how I treated girls in my misspent youth. They are the light of my life and I know now what my girlfriends dads must have thought when I showed up at their doors. Megan is 27 and expecting with my first grandchild, She was the fourth generation of our family that attended Simpson College. Darby is 23, teaching swimming and working with autistic children. Kaylin is 19 and in her first year of college here in Springfield, MO. Molly is 10 and is an avid horsewoman and barrel racer. Won her first buckle last year! What have I learned 30 years out from FCHS? That George Robert Allen's favorite quote was one of the most important things to understand and practice in life. My children all know it by heart, and I have shared it many times with friends, co-workers and kids in community theatre, "In this world you must be 'Oh so smart' or 'Oh so pleasant.' For years I was smart. May I recommend pleasant?"

Here is a pic from last Christmas (see last Christmas) that shows the whole family with my son in law Chad and my oldest, Megan in the back, Peggy and I in the middle and daughters left to right Kaylin ( with the Irish Setter) Darby center and my youngest Molly on my lap. The pic below that is Peyton, my granddaughter. (see Peyton)

Love to all. Be safe, live fully, never forget to tell those you love how you feel every day, as you never know when it may be your last chance.
Tom Oney

                    Anna Smith Elwood

Since Joni has been so wonderful and diligent about ferreting out all of us I thought I would finally add some info. about what I have been doing for the last "oh so many" years.   My two proudest accomplishments since graduating from high school include making it to 25 years married to wild and crazy Greg and raising four children.   Even though we divorced we are still friends and share a passion that will never fade, our four children.   Secondarily, my career in nursing has been a source of constant joy, knowledge and skill set building and has taught me a great deal about human beings.   Our four children are Ben, age 33-teaches at George Mason University and has his Master's in linguistics.  Andy age 28, in graduate school for mass communications and works in TN.  Scott, age 26, degree in aeronautics and a pilot, now an air traffic controller in NY and last but not least Laura, age 23 graduated from George Mason University, works at Univ. of Taxas at Austin and is currently in the process of being hired as an air traffic controller as well.   None are married, (they listened to their mom about something!).   Me, I am very proud of my nursing career, struggled through the proverbial grabbing of the "bootstraps" to complete my Master's degree in nursing.   I work for the Department of Veterans Affairs in administration as the clinical consultant to the fiscal department.   I am also "chief nurse and overseer" as legal guardian for my 80 year old father, bless his heart, I love him dearly.   I live in Martinsburg, WV where I purchased a home close to the mountains and work.   I Would love to hear from any of you! I don't have a picture, but I can assure you that my hair is a little shorter than it was in '73!   E-mail if you'd like:
aelwood@rocketmail.com