FEBRUARY 2016

The Always Late Holiday Newsletter

Well, 2015 certainly brought happiness but also loses to
our family. Lets start with the good news!
Our youngest, Robin, graduated in May with a degree in
mechanical engineering from University of MD-College
Park, a top notch engineering school. She soon accepted a
federal civil service position to become a nuclear engineer
at the Naval Shipyard at Norfolk, VA. She did very well in
her first set of trainings and has chosen to work on aircraft
carriers rather than submarines. They paid for her move,
much to the relief to Joels back, and now she lives in the
quant Old Towne Portsmouth, VA. Being just 2 miles from
work she can ride her bike in good weather. And shes
close enough for us to visit which weve enjoyed doing a
couple of times. She knows all the best restaurants.
Emily continued her architectural work with the National
Park Services (NPS), working on the baggage and
dormitory building on Ellis Island last summer and
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documenting a Hawaiian Heiau in the fall. The NPS job
wasnt a permanent position so she just recently accepted
a new position at a small woman owned architectural firm,
where she will be able to experience a variety of
architectural tasks. She and Danielle have moved into DC,
th
right on 16 Street N.W., which is close to work for both of
them. It is a snug little apartment with a great view of Rock
Creek Park and Piney Branch.
Joel built Ritas dream Ikea kitchen in the summer. It is
wonderful in so many ways, says Rita. We didnt get much
gardening done but it is a kitchen and that keeps on giving!
Rita and Joel continue to enjoy traveling. The whole family
went to Malaga, Spain in January 2015. In August, we
went to Banff, Canada, with our friend, Linda Weiner.
Before Christmas, we went with friends Karen and Steve
Rubin to Williamsburg, VA. And in July we went to Missouri
for the Vandivort Family Reunion to see family of course.
Our family lost a dear friend Caren Kaplan, one of Ritas
long time BFFs, to cancer, which took her so fast. Caren
first came into our family when Rita was put to bed when
pregnant with Robin. Then we nursed her surviving
husband, who also had cancer and passed just 6 months
later. We also lost our dear cat, Dusty, who had been a
loved and a loving family member for almost 17 years. We
hope 2016 will be kinder and gentler yearand wishing the
best for your year too!
Best wishes for the New Year!
The Vandivort Warren Family

We were blessed to be together for Christmas, but

miss dear old Dusty and most precious Caren