Beth Finenco Wilson         

Life immediately after Gables was one rapid transition after another.  I attended U of F, took a certification as a clinical laboratory tech, worked in a clinic, married and had a daughter.  During those ten years I lived in Coral Gables and for a year in California.  The marriage got left behind in California.

The next decade was filled with lots of busy things.  I was Chairman of Safety Services for the American Red Cross as an instructor trainer in CPR and First Aid and became an EMT in the beginning of the EMS system.  Country living kept me busy with caring for my horses, being a Girl Scout leader and Organizer Consultant.   In 1984 I married Hugh Wilson, went back to school (several times) worked in a clinic and began a hobby of genealogical research. After completing the four year program of Education for Ministry through the University of the South and mentoring the program for another 3 years, I considered seeking ordination in the Episcopal Church.  More transition came when Hugh’s career as a pilot for Eastern Airlines came to a halt and I took a job in a family practice clinic and began studying medical office management. It was a great choice and led to the management of two large practices before I retired in 2000.

We left South Florida in 2004 to move to our hometown of Jacksonville.  Hugh is a retired Lt. Col. USMC and it was a good choice for retired military.  In my pursuit of genealogy I was accepted into 17 heritage societies, having traced my ancestry from Charlemagne through the Pilgrim Fathers and the pioneers of the Florida territory.  Continuing study and internet resources have also given me the ability to help other people with their research.

Life on the St. Johns River is wonderful.  We wonder how we found time to work.  I am looking forward to the 50^th Reunion.  There are several people that pre-date Gables:  Mary Moseley Johnston was a 3^rd Grade Brownie Scout friend, Scott DeGarmo, Kerry Johnson and Pam Mathews were met in the 4^th grade;  all at Coconut Grove Elementary. Having  spent  5th and 6^th grade at Sunset Elementary, 7th grade at Ponce and 8^th and 9^th grade at South Miami Junior High gave a opportunity to know many kids before the Gables years.

Memories of the Gables years include being alphabetically grouped with D, E, F—DeGarmo, Dekle, Estes, Ferguson and Finenco.  I confess to being the author of the Highlights gossip column “The Phantom Stroller”. I indexed the Cavaleon for two years using 3x5 cards---what a difference a computer would have made. Many of my hours were split between Mr. Bowlby’s chemistry lab and the journalism room of 504.  Enduring friendships made Gables memories golden.