Debra Thrift:
CLASS OF 1971
Parkdale High SchoolClass of 1971
Riverdale, MD
University of Maryland Class of 1975
College park, MD
Greenbelt Junior High SchoolClass of 1968
Greenbelt, MD
Berwyn Heights Elementary SchoolClass of 1965
Berwyn heights, MD
Debra's Story
Most Current July 2022 -- Way, way down on the bottom....
"Story" began "Not Sure" after reviewing!!! Lots of updates......
2012-2014: Last name changed back to maiden name-Thrift 10/5/11. My daughter, Jennifer Elizabeth, is 25 now. National Society of Collegiate Scholars (also in National Society of High School Scholars and Who's Who in High School) and the Key International Society --Graduated from Towson- Dean's list all 4 years GPA 3.80 -- sorry, I have to brag! Internship with State of Maryland in international business at Maryland Trade Center in Baltimore Attended Oakland Mills HS -- she had a 3.86 GPA in high school (Honor Society all 4 years, Top 5% of class, etc., etc.) (she must have acquired this from her Grandfather or Aunts!). Transferred to Towson after attending Hood College for 2007-2008 Business/Major and Asian Studies/Minor. Fluent in Japanese and Spanish. Works at Towson U Cook Library Tech Center. Starting Graduate School Fall 2011 at Towson. Sang in Towson's Choir for 3 years and the Hood College Choir for 1 year (was in Children's Chorus of Wash for 10 years; traveled to Europe, South America, Canada to sing --she took after me (Choralettes and Concert Choir-Mr. Nonnemacher!), much better though! Graduated January 2012, Magna cum laude, 3.7 GPA, Business/International. She is now a HR intern at COPT (Corporate Office Properties Trust) in Columbia, MD. Update: 2014 employed at Robert Haft as a HR Consultant and doing great.
My son, Robert (stone mason), is 42 now, divorced. Has three wonderful children, Kylah 18 in Sept, Dyami 13 in Aug (very sports minded like his uncle and dad), and Atiya 10 in April (lots of "y's"!). Kylah is the artist -- like her Uncle Kenny was (Kenny Thrift, class of 73). They call me Mamon and Meemaw (the younger ones call me that).
Still live in Columbia, MD -- been there 41 years when it was still way out there and country, now 6-lane roads, and houses everywhere, etc.! Love my house, been there 16 years (June 1998). And still working. I still go to OBX -now my 54th year and still love it and now take myself and anyone who wants to go (and of course my daughter, who thinks of it as her second home, like me)! Still plan to retire in Manteo if the financings go the way I plan (and if it isn't covered by the Atlantic Ocean!)! And still have my Atlantic Blue Mustang (2000), love those cars; now want a new one! And love my cats (Mutt-Mutt, Slick, Tiger, and Kittie-Kittie) and 2 dogs, Taco and Carly -- Chow mix. Now, 3 years and is 65 lbs! Not a puppy anymore. Love Summer, the Fall and always the Christmas holidays! Cut my own trees (2) and even put the lights on my house by myself -- proud of that!
2012-2014: And, still single "head of household"! Love that too, but do get lonely even with all the pets! (m. 1971 -- yes 1971!/div. 1975 and m.1989, div. 2000) But, still like to meet new people, see old friends, etc., etc., and be by the ocean and/or the bay and have a glass of wine (or 2, 3!) Love history, especially Civil War and the Colonial period - my major at U. of Md was History/Political Science. Still love to read and watch old movies. Projects in the house, yard, etc., and help older neighbors with their yards and house if they need assistance. And, my family -- which are all in Maryland -- minus my parents and brother -- which I still miss dearly - all 3 left way too early and still young! Have my children and grandkids which I love more than anything! And updated this again July 2012. Looking forward to the Reunion in September too! Enjoyed the Reunion -- believe it was one of the best. Updated: March 2013 -- major birthday, but its ok - don't feel it and hope not look it! March 2014 another birthday and and and an upcoming Pool Party/.Reunion for Parkdalers, etc. in July 2014 (which was a fiasco and did not go).
Update: 9/11/13 -- had a great summer and loved the OBX (again!). Looking forward to the fall and holidays, which I love! Still have my Mustang and still running great -- 214,000 miles, now 215,800! Still have all of the pets. A mother cat had 3 babies under porch--had her fixed and the kitties--TC (Top Cat, I know-Top Cat was a male) -- Jennifer is taking one-their names are Tarzan-boy (my mom's first cat), Smokey and Christmas (she looks like the Christmas Cat on a calendar) both girls. So, now I am a regular Ms. Doolittle! Still working at Security Development--job is good and close to home. Read a lot and have been doing day trips to the bay, Annapolis, the Naval Academy--their museum, and occasionally checking out the "students"!!! Eating crabs, walking a lot and now Redskins! Love football. So, that's it until something new occurs!
Update: Nov. 2013 --So looking forward to Thanksgiving and Christmas! Oh, will be starting to go to gym with my daughter twice a week (11/15/13 start date) -- so that will be fun and healthy! Met a new person who we have been emailing for several years and now actually talking. And, so that's it for now -- oh, my BEST FRIEND, Starla Juergenson '71 has a birthday 11/17/13. Happy Birthday Starla!
Updated again number 2 12-9-13: So, going to gym -- Santa has been very good to me and to my family, so this year the holiday means much more. Special person -- we talk a lot and planning on seeing each other Jan. 4-7 2014.
Merry Christmas!
Update 3 01/22/14-2/21/14: Had a great Christmas!!!! Happy New Year too! Went to Florida for a couple of days and had a wonderful time with my special person. Planning on the later part of Jan again. Still going to gym with my daughter and now my grand-daughter who graduates from high school this year! Son is taking classes with Univ. of Colorado, and daughter will be taking her graduate school courses this spring -- so, life is GOOD -- now come on Spring!!!! Went to Florida 2/21-2/24 another good time and also received beautiful roses for Valentine's Day. Planning on a trip in March -- could be a good birthday! Family is doing well and so 2014 is starting out great! March 14 - 3/28 trip to Florida for birthday and family is great, and I am too!
Update 9/19/14: Had a great spring and summer -- went to the Outer Banks in August with my daughter, her boyfriend, Paul and my BF Alan Martin. Have been to Florida April, May, he came up June and I went 9/11/14 for a long weekend. Very warm, but needed to "refresh" my tan!!! Grandson Dyami became a teenager 8/12 -- 13! My Granddaughter Kylah turned 18 on 9/15/19 and Paul's birthday is also 9/15. Have a family wedding 9/20 --so excited! Fall is next week - love that season. My son Bobby is staying with me -- very nice -- and he does so much around the house for me. Jennifer is doing great and has a great job, as well as Paul -- waiting for that wedding to happen very soon! And, I am very happy with Alan -- he treats me like a princess -- just hate that its once a month! Met his family and they are really nice. So, that's my update -- short;and hoping for Florida in October. Wish he had a private airplane so I could be with him alot 'cause I love him very much! So, that's it for now. Oh, missed the reunion at the Glendale -- but my reunion was much better with another Parkdaler-New Carrollton guy!
OK, new update as of 2/26/15 -- have been going to Florida on a monthly basis! Pretty Cool! Holidays were great! Family is all good. Tired of the snow and want Spring! This past year there seem to be too many Parkdalers-Berwyn Heights friends who have passed -- much too young! Still working....unless I win the lottery, but could be a problem since I don't play the lottery! Jennifer, my daughter is going through a rough time with her Lyme condition-- extensive treatments and antibiotics -- wish there was a cure -- she is my HEART! Grandchildren are all growing up -- all 3 are smart, talented and beautiful and handsome (the one young man). Can't wait until August for my annual OBX trip. I love it there -- they had snow there this past week and view pictures of snowmen on the beach! House is finally in my name and all mine after a 4-year ordeal with my ex - not sure why -- Judge told my ex that he was either mean or ignorant or both! Love that Judge (Judge Bernhardt, Circuit Ct. Howard County) Still have the 2000 Mustang and still having work done on it -- love it and no car payments! So, that's it for now.
8/25/15 Had a great time at OBX -- as usual -- great weather and food and just love the ocean! Family is doing great -- life is good -- heading back to Florida in Sept -- Redskins vs. Miami -- that should be fun and will start my monthly trip back to Pompano - I think I'll work on a bi-monthly trip! Looking forward to the Fall and the Christmas seasons. Jennifer is progressing with her Lyme -- feeling much better and has just started a new job. Very proud of her -- as well as my son and grandchildren. My grandson who turned 14(!) started high school this year! Kylah will turn 19 9/15! Lost several pets this year -- Taco and Tiger -- they have joined the others in the Gentle Way pet resting place! And, the Mustang is still going strong.... So, family, my life, my love life are all good -- Thanks to Mr. Alan Martin!
10/16/15 Fall....love the Fall season -- have 3 huge pumpkins on front steps to carve when I return from Pompano (next weekend, Yeah!) Leaves, not so much love -- have huge trees all around and it usually takes 20-30 bags every other weekend! Family is doing well; Jennifer is still on meds for Lyme's....hopefully, one day this will "leave" her body so she can return to her beautiful healthy self! Mustang has 238,000 miles!! Still good and looks good (only some m...Expand for more
inor scratches from anonymous "nice" people in parking lots that just will not leave their calling cards!!! Been in Columbia MD for 42 years this week! That's a long time.....17 years in current house. Still working, going to the gym -- again -- feel better and look better (I hope). Still with Alan Martin and that's good too! Happy Halloween for now!
05/23/16 Spring/Memorial Day Weekend -- Just came back from Pompano being with Alan -- all is very good -- well, at least I think so!! We went to this Jungle retreat -- got to hold a parrot, saw other wild animals and alligators -- all very cool! My daughter Jennifer, now 27(!), is pet sitting -- since she has been doing "it" since she was small, she is doing very well -- and, still has Lyme -- but still doing different treatments, etc., to keep it controlled. My grandchildren are all doing well and growing up so fast -- they are smart and very good looking and pretty! Still have the Mustang - 243,000 miles and still drives great -- and no car payment. Still have my house, yard looks great since it rained 40 days -- well almost! Rest of my family are doing good -- no one is in the hospital or rehab, so that's even better. Still have dog, Carly and the Cat Family -- Mutt-Mutt who is now 21!, Slick, Kitty-Kitty, TC-Momma, Smokey (Moe) and Christmas. Still working for Security and still loving it. Well, this is my update -- had great holidays and still happy and blessed that I have Alan J. Martin!
01/03/17 -- Just returned from Florida -- had a wonderful week from 12/28 through this morning! Well, before that, Fall was good, had a great Thanksgiving, even though there were several unhealthy relatives, a no-family dinner, but a healthy baby boy born into our family -- finally, a baby!!! Christmas was wonderful with my family, had a wonderful Christmas Eve Dinner at my home -- had two trees; house decorated and I did the outside too -- Christmas Day Dinner at my Aunt's -- that was great too! The week with Alan was the best that we have had -- looking forward to another visit soon! Love him very much! And love my family very much!
07/31/17 -- Almost August -- Summer has been very good -- Florida trips in May and June -- all Good! Looking forward to my Outer Banks trip 8/13-8/20/17 -- missed it last year, so really excited about it. Family: Son, Bobby is doing well, my grandchildren -- youngest Granddaughter turned 13 in April, my Grandson turns 16, and my oldest Granddaughter turns 21 -- all "milestones" in their lives and in mine! All doing great, very smart, good grades, in sports, oldest is a daycare teacher with infants and starting college hopefully in the spring of 2018. My Daugther, Jennifer, turned 28 -- can't believe it. She is doing well with her Lyme's -- still beautiful and so intelligent! She is my heart! Well, so are the others, but you know..... She is still with Paul (10 years now) and they are talking of marriage with a wedding at OBX -- where else?! I am still working -- love my job and the people I work for -- like a family. And, looking forward to the reunion in September -- that's a good month, great weather always. Still in a great relationship with Alan Martin -- my passenger to the Banks! He has a great family also -- met all of them this past June and just love his Mom! I still have my baby, Carly -- a Chow-retriever and now only 4 cats! So, this is my update since Jan. -- looking forward to vacation, the reunion, fall, and Christmas holidays (my favorite!). See you in September.....(remember that song?!) And, most, I miss Kenny, my brother, his birthday 8/12/55 -- he would have been 62 -- it has been almost 20 years.....miss him dearly.
6/11/18 -- Still raining!!! Almost a year for update -- Jennifer is in Grad School for her Masters -- so smart and still beautiful -- can't believe she will be 30 next year! Son, is 47 and doing well (also smart -- back in college and getting all A's -- Kylah, 22 -- day care teacher and doing art projects, i.e., mural for walls -- for kids, last one was Ariel; Dyami, 16 -- still soccer and going for his license; and Atiya, 14 -- starting high school, also still playing soccer -- both of them also very good in art. Holidays in 2017 were wonderful; several trips to Florida -- last one was June 1-4 -- lots of sun -- next trip will be August for 10 days (I think). Still in a wonderful relationship -- they say distance makes a heart grow fonder -- it is definitely not easy sometimes! But, worth it!! OBX will be next year -- $2500.00 replacement of water line in February took that vac. fund plus just received water bill for that period! And, turned 65 -- Ugh! still working, probably will be for a while unless some unknown inheritance or a marriage/live-with-me proposal! Still driving my 2000 Mustang -- 260,000 miles -- still runs great -- and no car payment! Carly, my Chow-Retriever is 10! Still a big baby -- and my 4 kitties. Hope the summer is good, sunny and warm! Thankful for all I have and my family and Pompano Beach Boy!
August 2018 -- It has been a wonderful summer -- too fast -- aren't they all! Great trip to Florida in August - did not go to OBX -- will return next year! "It" calls me all the time! Youngest grandkids in high school -- Atiya 14 -- first year -- Dyami 17 -- Jr. Then Kylah will turn 22 in September -- she is a day care teacher. Jennifer my daughter is 29 and starting 2nd year of Grad School in Finance. Bobby -- father of all 3 grandkids -- doing fine and will be home soon (my birthday! 3/31) All three are great in art -- Atiya takes after Aunt Jen and Mamon (that's me) with the singing plus art. Looking forward to the Parkdale "Reunion" at Glen Dale in September -- that is always fun! And, still driving my 2000 Atlantic Blue Mustang! Runs great and a few scratches, but it's 20 years old! So, as the song goes, "See You in September" -- always liked that song! And, so next update will be Fall/Winter -- and can't wait until football season starts! Hail Redskins, Alabama and Florida State my favorite college -- and, I do always root for Maryland -- wish they stayed in the ACC. Oh, almost forgot, well not forgot.....still hanging around that Alan Martin beach guy -- he is very habit-forming and lives in Florida and has a pool to say the the least!
7/9/2019 -- Another year, my daughter Jennifer turned 30 -- OMG -- 30 -- studying for her Master's in Business. Son is 48 and doing well -- Stone Mason -- grandchildren: Kylah will be 22, Dyami 18 and Atiya 16. All smart, pretty and handsome! Still have my Carly (Chow) she is 10 years and slowing down. Down to 3 kitties -- my pet cemetery has increased -- as long as it is not like the book by King! Have been in my house now 21 years and still love it. And, still have my 2000 Atlantic Blue Mustang -- she still runs great and looks pretty good too for her age -- like her owner! (just kidding....) I WILL BE GOING TO OBX this year! Yeah!!! August 25-September 2 and right on the ocean front -- my guests will be Jen and her boyfriend Paul (which I hope there is a wedding soon) and Alan Martin -- been with him since 2013. Will be going to visit him on Sunday, 8/4/19 -- two days after the reunion at Glenn Dale. Looking forward to seeing classmates and people from BH. Will be in Florida for a week; so, August will definitely be a Beach Month! My kind of month! Well, saw it had been over a year for my updates, so just want to be consistent. Will try to add something in the Fall/Winter -- football season, holidays, etc. Another favorite time of the year.
September 2019: Reunion was great and great to see friends! Music was much better this year. Hope a new location is found. Went to Pompano Beach Aug 4 - Aug 12 -- that was fun and good weather, food and Alan! Alan then came up Aug 24 and then we went to OBX for a week, including my daughter Jennifer and her boyfriend Paul. Weather was also great, and the water too -- clear and pretty green. Great condo right on the beach -- perfect place -- so perfect I have reserved for next year (8/23/20)! Planning more trips to Florida for the fall and the holidays -- so I am looking forward to this. Family is good and have several birthdays coming up in September. So, I will "check" back in after the holidays!
July 2022 -- Daughter Jennifer got married to Paul on 7/16/22 at Jeannette's Pier in Nags Head/OBX -- spent 2 weeks and everything was perfect and wonderful. Same condo right on the beach. She was and is a beautiful bride and I love Paul! Looking forward to Reunion in September. Best friend from HS, Starla Jeurgenson is coming and can't wait! It has been years since I saw her but talk regularly. Worked through the COVID mess -- not retired yet -- still have a mortgage to pay! But love my job and its 15 minutes from home. Been there (my home) since June 1998. Lost my dog Carly in March this year. She was 14 -- miss her so much. Planning on getting another puppy in the Fall -- thinking of a German Shepherd since I live alone. Became a Great-Grandmother in Nov. 2020 -- Kylah,(25) my son's (Bobby Gerhold) oldest had Koda. Too cute!!! My other 2 -- Dyami Gerhold will be 21 and Atiya turned 18 -- this year! Time is going by too quickly. Several times in Florida since 2020....After 9 years, relationship is whatever -- still love him -- all good memories. Still have the 2000 Mustang -- 289,900 miles -- finally will be looking for a newer car in the fall also. But it still runs great! Looking forward to the holidays this year -- no masks and no staying away from relatives! Yeah! Well, this concludes my addition -- it needed to be updated!
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