Secretarial science grads reunite

By Maureen Carter  
Special to the Pioneer Times
    The first secretarial science class to graduate from Northern Maine Vocational Technical Institute (NMVTI) in Presque Isle had a reunion with Doris Woodward, one of their instructors, on September 12.  
TOGETHER AGAIN — The first secretarial science graduates of Northern Maine Vocational Technical Institute had a reunion recently. From left are Maureen (Gould) Carter, Jan (Viehman) Coombs, Doris Woodward, Cindy Carusi and Pam (Perkins) Tracy.
   The hosts were Pam and Alden Tracy of Prospect Harbor. Pam is a native of Sherman and attended NMVTI. However, she fell in love with Alden (a 1966 graduate of the auto mechanics class) and did not return the following year. She was a bookkeeper for most of her working career. She now baby-sits her 4-year-old granddaughter.
    Alden is still working at Linnehan’s since graduating. They have two daughters.     Others attending the reunion were Cindy Carusi, who resides in Orono. She has been employed at University of Maine since graduating from NMVTI. She has one son.
    Jan (Viehman) Coombs and her husband Leo Coombs, who graduated in 1967 from the school of auto mechanics, were present. Jan is a successful pastry cook who makes beautiful wedding and special occasion cakes along with all the other delectable sweet treats. Leo has his own construction business and they reside on Orrs Island.
    Cindy and Jan were both daughters of career Air Force families and were stationed at Loring AFB during the time they were attending NMVTI. When Cindy’s family left the state, she made the decision to stay.  Jan left the state and later returned after marrying Leo.
    Maureen (Gould) Carter is a native of Sherman and her husband, Dale Carter, is a native of Presque Isle.  They met shortly after graduating from NMVTI in 1967. Maureen worked at Chester M. Kearney and Co. in Presque Isle until late 1969 when she and Dale married and moved to the Bangor area.
    Maureen worked, mostly part-time, doing bookkeeping until her retirement three years ago. Dale has worked for Diversified Communications and had just returned from a stint in the Army before meeting Maureen. They now reside in Hampden and have two sons.
    Doris Woodward is retired from teaching and resides on Beals Island where she cares for her mother. A wonderful time was had by all. And all hope to reunite again — sooner next time.