(Found 7/21/2004)
MikeAnnFerg@aol.com
Ann writes:
Mike Beresin has shamed me into writing this - so here goes!
I am married to Mike Ferguson (25 years!) and have two awesome kids named Katie (12) and Becky (10). We live in a restored barn in Media - and now share the place with 3 cats, 2 guinea pigs, assorted hermit crabs and 25 chickens. (Please so not tell the authorities..). Life is never dull at the Ferguson's with kids and animals coming and going pretty much all of the time.
My parents retired and moved north which sparked my renewed interest in skiing - so I travel now with my own junior girls ski team. Once a year I escape (ie. no husband or kids) and travel off with a ski team to all parts of the western US and Europe. It's amazing how fast you can revert to teenage behavior when placed in these situations... better than a year's worth of therapy!
My family is well and some are nearby. Polly married Paul Bech (Class of 76) and they have 2 kids and live in Swarthmore. Eric is in Va., Frank in Pittsburgh, and Wini and Frank near Scranton. My parents have traveled the world since retirement (Africa, Romania, Sarajevo and more) and dad has even written 4 murder mysteries!
I have been a nurse for a long time - and found my best fit in public health. Since 1989 I have worked in Chester with people living with HIV disease. I started an AIDS Service Organization agency with a few colleagues in 1998. We now have over 500 patients from all parts of the county and beyond. It has taught me more than I could have imagined about life, public policy, health care and human rights. After 10+ years as the "AIDS lady" in Chester, I have expanded the work this year a bit to north central Philadelphia (Kensington) where I am helping the hosptital get their HIV program up and running. (I hope Pete Koelle will now teach me Spanish too!) As my kids get older, I will look towards more consulting around the country for this type of program. (If they don't all get killed by the current administration) I never want to lose touch with patients though... that I hope to do for a long time.
I cannot wait to work with everyone to put together another reunion. Like others have said, Swarthmore holds a special place in my heart. I only moved there is 7th grade, but know that growing up there led me to the work I do today, and the beliefs I hold for the future. I am still suffering from Post Election Depression - forgive me!
Enough - I look forward to seeing everyone - and have enjoyed reconnecting with many already. Here's to our 30th! (did I write as much as Stoner?)
No Ann, that's just not possible (MB)