Philmont Training Center Staff - Old News

Below is some of the news that has been on the site for a while.  We wanted to keep it so if you have not been here for a while you can catch up.

Last year, a few of us 'old-timers' got together in Ohio. Here's some of the pics for the site. I never got around to sending them, so I hope I'm not too late.  They include: Scott & Jenn Weitzel, Rich & Erin Gregory, Joe Ciecierega, Paul Sudan, & Daniel Johnson. Since then, Scott & Jenn (she was pregnant during these photos) had their first child. And, I'm pretty sure that Rich & Erin have had another one, too. (But, don't quote me on that.) Bye for now -Daniel Johnson

Andrea (Nuccio) Watson has been awarded the BSA National President's Scoutreach Achievement Award for her service to rural youth.  She is one of eight Scouting professionals in the Western Region and 32 nationally to receive the award.  Andrea is now a District Director in the Kennewick, Washington council.

Johanna (Jo Jensen) Vega is now a district executive in the Great Salt Lake council.

My name is Andy Gorz.  I worked at the PTC for the summer of 1994 as the Cub Scout age group leader.  I have been wondering what has happened to many of the people that worked there that summer.

Randy Saunders, son of former PTC group leader and Program Director Barbara Saunders, is the new executive director of the Philmont Staff Association.

Jude Almeida (PTC Program Staff 97-98) and wife Jennifer welcomed their first child, daughter August Ruth, on July 1st, 2007 at 1:15pm.  She weighed 6lbs 11oz and was 21 inches long. She is now two months old. It goes so quickly!

Just an update on the ever growing Maxey Family.  Sean (97-99) and Amy (Uhler 98-99) just welcomed number five into the masses.  Her name is Victoria Grace (Tori) and she was 8lb 6oz at birth and 21in long.  Everything went smoothly and the older four love her.  Even Olivia.  Our biggest problem is letting her get sound sleep with so many little hands wanting to hold her.  Isabelle will be 7 in August and just finished first grade.  Caleb is four and Eleanor will be three in July.  We are hoping to send both of them to preschool in the fall.  Olivia will be 2 in August and hasn't really shown any signs of jealousy, which is a bit relieving.  Can you believe that there are five little Sean's running around?!  Scary.  He is really good at warping them.  They are constantly asking me if Daddy is telling the truth, or if he is just making it up.  Actually, now they just automatically look at me after he tells them anything (and I usually shake my head).  What a wonderful father he is!  There is always lots of teasing and laughing here at the Maxey house.  He just invited everyone over for a diaper changing contest.  Seriously,  we miss Philmont and all of those we met through our experiences there.  We hope everyone is well and if you are ever in Illinois, stop by!

Just thought I would send a few of the pictures we've taken of our little small fry.  Our little girl is a cutie.  Her name is Tessleigh McKenna Newman.  She is currently 6lbs and 21 inches long.Say hi to everyone and we'll keep in contact as much as we can.  That is when we're not changing diapers.  I think the pile in the outdoor trash is about as tall as the zip line at the cope course.  Take care.  The Newmans

Greg Geske (99-01) and Haylie Light (00-01)  We are engaged!!!  Greg came to Texas and proposed April 6. (It was all very romantic!)  I am currently packing up my house and getting ready to move to Memphis.  It's taken us a long time, I am excited that we are FINALLY going to be together and get married!!!!!!  Greg is the only person in the word that could get me out of Texas and I am ready to go!  I am planning a wedding for this summer if all goes well...  We will see...  Haylie

Keith Vandiver - Love the internet, slow day at work, surfing the net, came across the PTC Staff site, very refreshing.  Name is Keith Vandiver, had the opportunity to serve on the VTC staff in 1963,1964 and 1965. Worked in the kitchen, maintanance, and South Tent City.  Too many memories to list.  When I have gotten back to the Ranch over the years, either as a Course Participant, Visitor, or Faculty Member, the TC always holds a special place in my Heart and Feelings.  During those years we were segregated, a shame, but that was life back then, and the bunkhouse was our living quarters. The Big House was open, so as a staff member we could always go there, read, reflect and share precious times with other staffers. Got an e-mail from Rachel Ricklefs a few weeks ago upon learning of my wife's passing and I told her I am going to try and get back to the Ranch this summer if all goes right. Well, have rambled long enough. Glad I found your site.

Andrea (Nuccio) Watson was married to John Watson on February 17 in Orlando.  Photos are on the Wedding Pictures page.

Dublin (97-99, 01) and Cameron Ruesch (01) - What a fun website!!!  It was so great to see photos of old friends. For quick info sake: Dublin was  Group leader '97, Kit Carson Museum '98, Asst. Program Director '99, Asst. Registrar '01. Cameron was Group leader '01.  Dublin graduated from BYU in the Rec Management/Youth Leadership in '99. Cameron graduated from the U of U in '03 and worked as a District Executive in the Trapper Trails Council under Rick Barnes.  In '05, Cameron came back to school for an MBA and will graduate in April.  We currently reside in Provo, Utah.  After graduation, Cameron is going to work for Ford Motor Company but we don't know where exacly yet (Sadly, New Mexico is not among the possible locations). We have two girls, Addie who is 4 and Rachel is 20 months.  Dublin stays busy with them at home.  We have a lot of fun. We love PTC and Philmont!  Addie may be surprised when she gets to Kindergarten and learns that "This land is your land, this land is my land" does not go from Baldy Mountain to Cimmaroncito in most people's versions!

The Griffins - We hate to put sad stuff here, but on January 5, after 14 wonderful years as part of our family we lost our Border Collie Miranda. The extreme sadness of her passing is tempered by the memories of her spirit, her intelligence, and her unconditional love.  Almost to the end she was full of energy and playfulness.  A brain tumor took her from us.  We will really, really miss her. Thanks to many of you for being a part of her life and helping to make it such a full one.  We are especially grateful to Bob and Rachel Ricklefs who let her leave their home in Cimarron as a puppy to join our family at Thanksgiving in 1992.  Thank you Bob and Rachel.  We cannot imagine our lives without Miranda and the memories of her.  We are glad that she was able to return to Philmont in 1995 and enjoy more of her life there, as we did, for five years.

Ben Hurley (99-01) - Hi everyone!  I worked at the PTC from 1999 through 2001 and it's great to see so many people I remember!  I got married in August 2005 to my wife, Christine.  I've been teaching middle school for the past 3 years and then this year moved on to teaching 4th grade (Christine has been teaching 4th grade for the past 3 years.  We have just built and finished our home in Greencastle, PA and just settled and moved in on October 30, 2006.  We are very busy getting things organized and put away.  I've sent some pictures along to share.  Great to hear that everyone seems to be doing well!

John Henson (54-63,66) Good Afternoon from East Texas, What a joy it was to finally see a web site dedicated strictly to the Training Center and former Training Center Staff members. I was fortunate enough to "grow up" at the Training Center. I served on staff from 1954-1963 and again in 1966 along with my new wife. My entire family, Dad, Mom, Sister and I worked at the training center. I worked for Dick Potter, Dick Dutcher and Gene Bowden. I worked in both East and South Tent Cities as either a member of the Tent City Crew or as the Manager. I also worked the field sports area, teaching archery and mo-skeet for one summer. I grew up under the influence of such wonderful role models like Lou and Otto Love, Jack Rea, among others. My Dad and Mom, Gene and Velera Henson, are gone, but my sister Carole (Henson) Suggs lives not far from my wife and me. Ouida and I have been married almost 41 years and still enjoy visiting the ranch whenever possible. Wishing I was in "God's Country" tonight. (ed note: John is the District Governor for Rotary District 5830.)

Johanna (Jo Jensen) Vega - 00 Group Leader - has joined the professional staff of the Blue Mountain Council in Kennewick, WA.  She is serving as a district executive in Walla Walla, WA.  She took the place of Monte Job who has left professional Scouting and is living in Austin.

Gayle & Jeri Reams worked the summer of 1963 at PTC.  This was a honeymoon summer for us because we got married just 2 days before the season to start.  Have been back to VTC on several occasions. Took Wood Badge, was on WB staff, took relationship course and visited ranch on many occasions.  Gayle was assistant program director and Jeri was group leader for girls 10 to 13.  Was great summer and met lots of very fine people, as usual at Philmont.  Recently sent lengthy article with Dan Sheehan photos to HIGH COUNTRY.   The article was about the summer of  1963. Hope they find use for it in future issue.  Look for it. 

Hi! I'm a former PTC program staffer who is a member of the PSA!  Last summer I took my family to the PSA reunion that was held at PTC, it was great!  My husband and children were able to experience firsthand what I used to. My kids did program and loved it.  When we left my son (who was 6 at the time) wanted to know "When can we come back to Philmont?"  I am now the Cubmaster for my son's pack, 991 in St. Charles County, Missouri.... we are working toward coming back to Philmont for the next PTC PSA reunion; and he is working on his Wolf badge, so that eventually he can attend a backcountry trek, and bring me as his advisor. Stacey Greene Locke PTC program staff 89-90 

Amber and I welcomed our second daughter, Claire Brooklyn Abercrombie, into the world on 8/28/06 at 7:52am. She weighed 7 lbs 8 oz and was 21 inches long As you can see, Cora is quite proud of her little sister. Mom and baby are doing well.  We hope all is well with all of you. Mark Abercrombie

Susan and I have had an exciting summer.  We started off by going to camp pregnant and only made it through 2 and a half weeks at camp before Paul William Dannenberg was born 5 weeks early.  She was supposed to make it until the end of the summer – instead she barely made it to the hospital.  We spent a week in the hospital and went home with a healthy baby boy.  He was born on July 19^th and is an official camp baby since he disrupted the entire summer.  I fortunately have not had to go back to camp since we have so many people in management down at Peaceful Valley Scout Ranch.  Susan and I are still living in Denver where I work for the Scouts and she now stays at home with Paul. Pat Dannenberg

Hey y'all.  It's been a while since I've posted any updates, but I have an announcement to make.  Believe it or not, it's finally happening.  I'll be getting married to Candice Ritter (some of you may remember her from the Seton Museum in 2003) on November 5th.  The wedding will take place in New Orleans, and anyone who may happen to be in the area should feel free to drop by.  I hope everyone's doing well.  Sorry I haven't done a very good job of keeping in touch, but I'd love to hear from y'all.  Steve Benelli (PTC and Rayado '98-03)

We are back in Illinois about to close on our house!  We have four beautiful, but ornery kids: Isabelle will be 6 on the 5th of August and just finished kindergarten; Caleb turned 3 on the 12th of March and is VERY busy; Eleanor (Nora) will be 2 on the 9th of July and is learning how to cause trouble from her brother and learning very well; and Olivia will be 1 on the 12th of August and is busy crawling and exploring.  Sean works for himself buying and selling real estate, which he just started in March.  He does have a partner and they are doing pretty good.  It just takes awhile to get up and really going.  The phone is always ringing with someone either looking to sell or buy a house.  Amy stays home with the kids and attempts to not go too crazy.  Summer is hard since they are all home and no end in sight of the dirt.  Laundry seems never-ending these days.  We really do enjoy the kids so much and wouldn't trade them for anything.  We have been wondering when the next one should come, but we aren't sure when we will be ready to add to the masses.  Sean always did say he wanted 11.  Amy still says no.  We have actually been talking about going back for a visit to Philmont, but it isn't easy to find a time to get the six of us on a 16 hour road trip...   Sean and Amy Maxey

I was on the VTC staff (its name back then) in 1962, '63, '64 and '65 after high school. Would like to find out if anybody from back that far is here.  Quick bio . . . life after VTC, for your info: Architecture Degree from Univ. of Florida, Masters in Planning from Georgia Tech. Married 37 years to Carol & we have two adult kids. Twenty year career in U.S. Navy Civil Engineer Corps, "retiring" as a Commander in 1988. Now live on the River in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, and own my own business doing Capital Reserve Fund Planning for common interest community associations in the Washington, DC area.  Skip (J. G.) Sims

Hello to all.  In the past seven months I have been down in Baton Rouge and the New Orleans area to work on the hurricane effort down there.  I was working for a company that was finding people temporary housing (not FEMA, a different company.) I went down there on Labor Day weekend and returned on April 8th. I have been doing good. Take care.  Chris Wachal

Amber (Greta) Gielser married Richard Withers on Saturday, June 3! We have a photo on the Staff Photos page.  They moved to Provo in August where she is serving on the staff of the Utah National Parks Council.

I just wanted to update you on our family.  My husband and I will have been married 10 years this fall.  We have 2 beautiful Children. Samuel who will be 6 in June and Cynthia Quinn who is 18 months.  We moved into the suburbs in November and are enjoying life.  I miss Philmont more than words can express and am moved to tears when I hear of people and their growing families and life accomplishments.  I love the pictures and updates.  Philmont was definitely one of the highlights of my life.  Definitely God’s Country.  I hope to go back to visit one day.  Loya Thomas Zalit, and Erin Harrison Gregory and I are meeting in St. Louis this month for a visit.  I have not seen them in about 5 years.  We keep in touch through E-mail, snail mail and phone calls but I can’t wait to see them in person!  Gretchen (Geske) Gintz (95-96)

My latest news is that my wife and I are expecting a baby girl! The due date is May 1, so only 3 weeks to go. My son will be 3 in September, and the whole family is doing well. Dan Yeisley (96)

We are expecting another baby the end of August. We will find out if it is a boy or a girl in a few weeks. We just built a new house and moved in last weekend. We figured we had so much more space, why not fill it with another baby! All is well with everyone here. Cora is almost 2 and is talking up a storm. She still looks exactly like Mark. Mark is still with the Boise Police Department and is working nights (when all the action happens, of course!). We recently visited my aunt and uncle in Phoenix. My uncle worked at Philmont in the 80's and so we had a great time swapping memories. I have come to learn that regardless of whether you have been gone from Philmont for 5 years or 50 years, the love for God's Country just never goes away!! Well we hope life is treating you well. Take care. Mark, Amber and Cora Abercrombie

Hi! Nothing major going on. I just graduated from POST academy for Juvenile Probation Officers, so I guess I'm official now... they swore us in an everything. Other than that I'm still living in Boise and looking forward to a lot of climbing this summer!! Renee Waite

Robert Griffin (03-05) did internship though Washington State University at Walt Disney World this year.  He was a "butler" in the Haunted Mansion!

Spring is here and the kids have called it a year. They aren't doing much, but causing problems. I had to have security escort two out today. That is a first. Lu had knee surgery on Feb. 20 and is still in recovery and rehab. It has been difficult. Caitlin will go to Tarleton State in Stephenville this fall. I report to Camp Pirtle at May's end. One last time. John Moring will finish his second term as Camp Director. Ron Mills

This is an unofficial site owned and maintained by former members of the Training Center Staff at the Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico.  The content in no way represents the Ranch or the Boy Scouts of America.

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