RVRHS Alumni October 2002 Newsletter

Welcome to the October installment of the RVRHS Alumni newsletter. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Lindsay Nuttall (Class of 97) for her upcoming nuptials - October 19.

I am giving everyone a heads up NOW that there will be another mailing later this week concerning the closure of RVRHS and the biggest bash RVRHS has ever seen – and ever will see.

Anyone not interested in personal reminiscences can skip the next four paragraphs:

Thinking about the closure of RVRHS got me to thinking about my first day there. The first and most different thing about going to high school was the bus ride to the school. If I remember right my bus was H8 and traced a serpentine route through half of Otterburn Park and then along Richelieu Boulevard (Chemin des Patriotes as it is known now). I still remember parts of the route, which changed little over the years; it is blurred, in my memory with the bus routes of elementary school and the tracks of my Gazette, Star and Sunday Express routes.

It wasn’t a long ride but it was so different – I was leaving my town and going across the river to school. We only ever crossed the river on weekends to do groceries at the Dominion on Laurier or at the Steinberg at the Montenach Mall (which I think was a strip mall at the time). That was it – I was in foreign country and it was exciting. It was all the more foreign when arriving at the school. The vast parking lot and the walk across the moat into a building that could have just as easily passed for a minimum security prison as a high school was intimidating on the first day of school. Navigating from A block to E block was hazardous as well. The school was populated with just enough wise acres to make the directions you got chancy at best. Fortune shone upon me that day for moments after I had been misdirected into the teachers lounge on my way to E block I was gently redirected in the right direction by Laura Zanon who, while laughing, I knew was not laughing at me and steered me right. That chance meeting never developed into any kind of a friendship or anything like that but I did over the years that our time at RVRHS overlapped see and speak to Laura on a number of occasions. She was always good humored and patient and she stands out as one of my best memories of high school.

Finally making it to E block didn’t really sort things out. At Mountainview there were two grade six classes each regulated to different ends of the school and they really didn’t interact that much. Combine that with my own stunted social skill and what had been a few but trusted friends in elementary school evaporated into a home room class populated entirely with people I did not know but all of whom seemed to know each other.

Excitement about high school was short lived barely making it through the first month. Miss Sangollo my home room teacher scared the bejesus out of me a feeling not allayed by the teachers that followed, Mrs. Matts, Mr. Higgs, Mr. Baldock, Mr. Finlayson and Miss Cardella. I was scared of all of them. They all seemed to expect more than I could deliver and I hated them all. Of course my love of writing and reading is largely because Miss Sangollo took the time to encourage both pursuits and planted the seeds which later bore fruit at the hands of Mrs. Riehm who also expected more of me than I ever thought I could deliver. Each teacher in their own way, with their expectations and encouragement, fashioned in me a love of knowledge and a belief that I can learn which for some of us is the most important thing we can ever believe. I have a lot of memories of high school some good, some bad, some humiliating, some edged with fear and other with sadness. If I could go back and change things I probably would do so but a life without regrets is a life unlived. For better or worse I am who I am today in part because of the teachers, administration and staff who showed up everyday even when they knew that I was only there because I had to be there.

If you have a personal memory about RVRHS that you would like to share send it along - maybe we can create a new section on the site.

Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Lorna Wallace (Class of 80) is encouraged to drop me a line. Her yearbook turned up in a box at the Maccarone residence and they would like to return it to her.

Not unusually I am asking for anyone who can to put out word about the site to former RVRHS students - especially to siblings to please spread the word. Also I am very interested in getting more pictures on the site so if you have pictures in electronic format (jpg, gif, bmp) feel free to forward them. If you would rather mail hard copies to me to scan the address is:

Denis Bernicky
552 Prince Charles,
Dorval, Qc H9P1Z3

Now onto the updates:

Neil Manders (Class of 64) nmanders AT fc.wcsu.k12.vt.us
So I was lying in bed this morning in half sleep and getting images of the old McMasterville village. I saw the old stone church on the river road where I took piano lessons, the row of apartments between the school and the skating rink where we would have to sing for our Halloween treat, Jim Leal running from the skating shack yelling “you Bastards shot me in the head ! !" , the bridge crossing the creek by Mrs Freezes house, Carol Poudrier's basement where we practiced the band, and Gary Ormerods basement were we all grew up playing ping pong. I could go on and on to crossing bridges, making out in Suander's basement, and so on. Feeling nostalgic, I came down to the computer and thought I'd just see if there were any old photos of McMasterville on the net and don't you just know I bumped in to the RVRHS/William McMaster page and found all of you. WHAT A THRILL.

To bring you up to date, I left Canada to go to Oswego New York for University. Half way through that, I had to return briefly to Montreal (to avoid the US Immigration dudes who were in hot pursuit). I stayed there a couple of years and taught in Rosemount then booked back to University (when I was legal) and completed the program. Since then, I have been living in Vermont. I first taught on the eastern side of the state in Manchester, then moved to Brattleboro to teach at a school for the deaf (yes and learn sign language). I did that for 10 years then moved to a nearby High School to teach Shop
(called industrial arts or Technology education). I was doing that until this past September when I became the technology coordinator for the school district. In all I've taught 33 years (OMG - Oh My God!!!!).

In 1966, I married one of those damn American women my dad had warned me about. We have been happily (well at least 90% happily) married ever since. We have 4 children. Darcie is 29, married, gave birth to Willow first grandchild in July), lives and works at Northfield Mount Herman Private school about 15 miles from here; Alicia is 26, graduated from Bryant in Accounting, lives in Bridgeport and works for the Federal Accounting Standards Board engaged, not married; Joshua is 23, attended 2 years college, working in Boston as graphic artist and musician (plays keyboard like his old man) girlfriend not married; and Virginia is 19, sleeping at home (mostly) working long hours at the local coffee house and attending Greenfield Community College about 20 miles from here, dancer.

Here are a couple of sites where I show up: This is one I did quickly for a Chinese friend that is a bit of bring and
brag to it. http://www.fc.wcsu.k12.vt.us/~neil_manders/0000D576-80000001/Neil_s_House/neil_s_house.html

This one is the one I designed for the High School last year

http://www.wcsu.k12.vt.us/~lguhs/Visitor_Center/Who__What__Where/Staff/Neil_Manders/neil_manders.html

William Brian Rattray (Class of 70) Biltray AT aol.com
Now living in Niagara Falls

Toni Jarosz (Class of 75) toni.jarosz AT sympatico.ca

Glenn Hamilton-Browne (Class of 78) glennhamilton-browne AT claridgeinc.com

Pam Grimshaw (Class of 79) Pampers62 AT hotmail.com
I am living in Kanata, Ontario. Life is good and I have been with Mike (my boyfriend) for 8 years. It's hard to believe

that it has been 23 years since we all graduated!!
I am looking for Debbie Gibbs and Sandy Topping. If anyone knows their whereabouts, please email me.

Anita Marcotte (Class of 79) amarc AT attcanada.ca
I am presently living in St Lazare Quebec and have 4 children.

Kimberly Mertick (Class of 84) soccerb AT total.net
Still living in Chambly. Married Jimmy Barron (class '82). Have 3 beautiful daughters, one who goes to RVR right now in grade 8. Sad to say the school will be closing this year. I've been a stay at home mom for the past 11 years and loving every minute of it. Could not of hoped for a better job! Would love to hear from some old friends.

Kevin Sodhi (Class of 85) kevin.sodhi AT pwc.ca

Martin Gougeon (class of 86) taz69 AT videotron.ca
Hello everyone! I'm glad to find out that there is a place to hear about R.V.R. Actually, it's by brother Carl from Class of '91 that told me about this site. I've been wondering for a couple of years now what happened to all of you. For my part, I've been working for 16 years at the same place. I work for a company that designs and creates architectural structures. We've done the Molson Centre, many hotels around Canada and some around the world, and much more. I've been for 13 years a Lieutenant firefighter in Richelieu(near Chambly) and that is where I live. I've been living here all my life, never moved. I lived with a girl for nine years, no children, got separated, and now been with a great woman for 3 years and I have a beautiful son named Felix who is 7 months old. I had a little house with my ex-girlfriend, sold that when we split, now bought a beautiful house, much bigger. I travelled around in the last couple of years. I went to Disney W!
orld in Florida twice, Mexico, Vancouver, New Jersey, to name a few places. My life is great and I'm glad to hear that many of you are happy too. I hope that more students from our class will write a word, it would be nice if we could get news from everyone. Hope everyone is alive and well. Feel free to e-mail, I'd love to hear from those of you that remember who I am and even those who don't!
P.S. Surprised and happy to hear about the new found love of Mike and Christine. Best wishes to both of you.

Rob Prosser (Class of 85) rob_prosser AT serca.com
Living in Calgary 15 years. I work as a Project Coordinator for a Food Service Company. I would love to hear from old friends that might remember me.

Robert Morin (class of 87) robertmorin AT shaw.ca
After RVR, I went to Champlain College and completed a DEC in Commerce. I then went to Concordia and completed a degree in Economics. I coached girls volleyball at College Durocher for ten years and coached during the summer for the FVBQ for four
years. I have been living in Calgary since June, 1998 with my wife Santisouk (Yen).She works as an Electrical Engineer for Nortel Networks. A few years ago I completed The Master of Teaching Program at The University of Calgary. I am presently teaching Math, Science, and Computers for grades ten to twelve. I have also been coaching club teams and Provincial volleyball teams in Alberta. I would love to hear from anyone from the class of 1987.

Stephen Walker (Class of 89) montrealsouthshore AT hotmail.com
Since i graduated from RVR in 98 , I moved out west to Calgary and started working for Canadian Airlines. My new job brought me back to Montreal a few times for a small period of time. I was married in 98 and divorced now (short marriage).I currently reside in Richmond BC, and have taken up sailing. I am still in touch with Jean Latromoille and his sister Tara. Would love to hear from anyone out there.

Karri-Ann Turnbull (Class of 89) justice001 AT hotmail.com
Hailing from the boonies of the Eastern Townships, Quebec, you will be surprised to learn the government actually trusts me to investigate our lucky citizens. Engaged to a construction worker, I have 2 other block-builders running around the house, Zachary who is 4 and Josh who is 6 months. Of course, their truly cool mother would like to hear from any of the trouble-makers she once knew, so send me a line.

Kelly Van Geel (Class of 89) vangeelk AT nationalcar.com
Right now I'm living in Vancouver, so is Tanya. I work at the Vancouver Airport Main Terminal and Tanya is at the South Terminal. In my spare time I do tons of volunteer work at the local SPCA. I became a licensed dog trainer about 5 years ago and my house became a zoo there for a while, needless to say I have yet to find a man that will put up with my animals. I kept Charlie the dog and Ginger the cat, so the only children I have are of the 4 legged kind. I also work as a Union Representative on a part-time basis. I still keep in touch with Karri-Ann, she still lives in Quebec and has 2 boys. Tanya does not have e-mail so if you want to get in touch with her, e-mail me and I will pass it along. Take Care everyone.....

Jason Lainesse (Class of 92) jaspeed AT hotmail.com
Hi all! Life really took off fore me after High School and it hasn’t really slowed down since. Cant complain life’s been good, now I teach at the Autosport Basi Racing school. It s lots of responsibility but also lots off fun.

Eric Tousignant (Class of 92) toutou_com AT hotmail.com

Tim Sharbel (Class of 94) tsharbel AT ifremer.fr
I had a post doctoral research position in Weimar Germany, but a month ago I began a permanent research position on the coast of France about 2 hours north of Bordeaux. It's beautiful here, and the food and wine are great!

Alexandre Cote (Class of 95) acote AT cisco.com
Hey peeps,
Boy- I gotta say- life sure does change after high school eh? All those little clicks we had in high school- ha! After leaving high school- I decided to sharpen up :)... While I was studying AT Dawson and later AT McGill in Computer Engineering- I got my Commercial Pilots Licence (with Floatplane, MultiEngine & Aerobatics Ratings)... When I graduated from McGill- I headed for Ottawa and now work at Cisco over here... Currently- my time is filled practicing & teaching karate (already AT green belt and on my way to black- yes- I actually enjoy physical activity now!), working towards my flight instructors rating (Should be done by the end of the year and then I'll start instructing on weekends on top of working at my current job)- as well- I'm practicing aerobatics over here with the national champion in a kicker of a plane (Pitts) pulling g's like there’s no tomorrow (last flight- +6.5/-3 sweet! )... Anyways- it's cool to have found this site- hope you're all doing great- drop me a line anytime, especially if you decide on making your way to Ottawa- we can go for coffee sometime- I'd love to see any of your mugs.

Stephanie Murray (Class of 95) stephaniemur AT hotmail.com
Hello everyone! I have just finished my 2nd DEC in Tourism, last spring. I am currently working in a 4 star hotel downtown Mtl. I have been engaged for 2 years now and plan to get married next summer.

Sarah Breton (Class of 98) willow800 AT canada.com
After 2 years of suffering in the health science program at Dawson College, I caved and switched to social science. Now I'm in my second year of university and I’m studying to be (get this) a teacher. I'm at McGill and I'm in the B. Ed. program. My plan is simple, get my degree and then move on to a Masters in Literature. Not quite the route I had in mind as many of you know but at least I'm happy with what I'm doing. Hope you are all doing well and living life to its fullest. Peace out.

Catherine Sandilands (Class of 99) Cate1722 AT aol.com
Hi all!
I know that I kind of disappeared of the map but I haven't gone far geographically! Right now I am in Kingston Ontario, in my 3rd year of a 4 year program at RMC (Royal Military College). As some of you know, I joined the Military...I finished Basic training the summer of '99 then did a year in St-Jean as a sort of CEGEP year. Now I am in 3rd year and finally among the senior cadets here. I am taking Honour Space Science and training to be an AERE (Aerospace Engineering Officer). When I graduate in 2004 I will become a commissioned officer in the Canadian Forces (a second-lieutenant-2LT). I am around on long weekends and it would be cool to get together and catch up. As for my sports...I am pretty busy...I am a varsity Fencer...that's right, think sword fighting! It is really fun.
I hope you are all doing well, take care!

Sonya Rennie (Class of 99) sonky9 AT hotmail.com

Valerie Charbonneau (Class of 99) tryn_7 AT yahoo.ca
Currently studying at Concordia and engaged to be married in 2004!

Stephen Decary (Class of 99) decarys AT hotmail.com
Presently a Computer Programmer Analyst. Attended RVRHS for sec 1,2 and 3

Sabrina Loubier (Class of 00) sunnydsab AT hotmail.com
I can't wait to see you all at the school reunion. Take care.