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Dear Dave,
YOU MADE IT! Happy Retirement! I am so so grateful to you for taking a chance on me when I was fresh out of college and treating me like family ever since. You helped to make my time at BHS special and unforgettable and you've provided me with mentorship and friendship that I will continue to treasure throughout the years. I cannot thank you enough for all of the advice, humor, and knowledge you have imparted over the years. Your genuine passion for what you do is apparent to anyone who crosses your path. You set a high bar for your students and colleagues, but we rise to the challenge because of you make us want to, because you go above and beyond for us. You will truly be missed. I wish you a happy, healthy, and long retirement; enjoy every second of it!

Love,
Rachel

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Dear Dave,
Congratulations on your retirement! It is hard to believe that over two decades ago, I sat in your classroom as a student. At that time, I never imagined my career would land me an amazing job at Belchertown High School in the biology department working alongside you. I am lucky to now call you a teacher, a colleague and a friend. As your student, I was captivated by your teaching and fascinated with the scientific world. I am forever grateful that you made biology class interesting, intriguing, and invigorating. Your class had an everlasting impact on me and eventually led me to work side by side with you sharing the same passions of teaching science and helping students to succeed. Throughout your career, you have helped so many students overcome challenges and reach for their dreams. You have made a difference in the lives of so many students that have graduated from Belchertown High School. Thank you for your support, guidance, and encouragement during the past three years. You will be missed (especially your jokes and endless smile) at Belchertown High School! It’s now time to sit back, reflect, and enjoy a well-deserved summer! Congratulations Dave!

Best Wishes,
Kym

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Congratulations on your retirement, Dave! I had the amazing opportunity of learning from you and working alongside you (and Louise), during my student teaching. Every day, I saw you putting your ego aside and doing what was best for the students. Sometimes that meant having controversial conversations with students about birth control, discrimination, or politics. Sometimes that meant being tough on them so that they work harder and have the skills to prepare for college. I have always been able to count on you for sharing anything and everything you have to offer- advice, time, infectiously uplifting conversation, jokes, resources- you name it. I really miss working together, and I am so excited to hear about what awesome adventures you have in retirement!  Best, Gina

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Happy Retirement, my friend!
Congratulaaaaaaaations.
Belchertown High School just won't be the same without you ... I don't think Kym will be able to pull off the puns, I don't think we'll ask Jonathan to sing, and I don't think we can pay Steve enough to stick his foot in his mouth quite like you can!
Your devotion to your students and dedication to Science is a gift that you give so freely, everyone around you is all the richer for knowing you.  You embrace life with passion and gusto, and remind us to continue to continuing "widening our circle of compassion" (AE)  Thanks for all those "GO HOME!"'s shouted across the hall.  Thanks for all the Atta-girl's.  Thanks for being my sounding board and editor for the first grant, the one from Toyota. Thanks for nominating me for a ridiculous number of awards, and standing by me when I was awarded a few (including Best Hat ... see below).  Thanks for believing in me those bakers-dozen years ago, and welcoming me into the BHS family ... you helped me find my school "home."
Mostly, thanks for being my friend.
Bon voyage.

Love you.
Louise

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It seems like only yesterday you were welcoming me to Belchertown. You have succeeded in making the department feel like a family, and that sense is a big reason why I came to Belchertown, and why I hope to stay for many years to come. I know that that sense of community you've helped build will live on, but it will not be the same without you. I will miss you knocking on my door to tell my students bad puns!
Thank you for all you've given to your community, to all your students and to the department. Your perspective, guidance and hard work as a scientist, teacher, and human, has been so valuable and refreshing. I hope you get some well needed rest , and then get out there and have some adventures!

All the best,
Andy

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You have always been so kind and supportive of the students in the Transitions Classroom. From loaning us your life size skeleton for our Skeletal System Unit to coming in and teaching an impromptu class on the Digestive System. You visited us almost everyday and talked to each of my students. They loved your jokes and stories and they loved that you listened to their jokes and stories. We will really miss you and wish you the best in your retirement.
Best of luck,
Ruth, Liz, Sue, Anna, Victoria, Sabrina, Shane, Mikey, Ian, and Abby

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I will miss you.    You have been an amazing presence in my teaching career for the last 21 years.  I still remember all our time together in the old high school (with you living in the copy room across the hall from me)  Your kindness, insight and humor helped to make BHS the best place I could ever hope to work.  Enjoy your retirement.

Brian Meehan

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Dave, Thank you for welcoming this timid, inexperienced student teacher to the BHS science family! You helped me break out of my shell and grow as a teacher. I learned so much during my time at Belchertown and I would not be the teacher I am today without your wisdom and guidance. Thanks for all the smiles and laughs. (Brian still raves about you being one of the funniest people he has ever met) I hope you enjoy some peace and relaxation during retirement - you deserve it!
All the Best,
Jenn Fardy

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Dear Dave

First, welcome to the retirement club. Ray wants you to know that your application has been fully accepted with the provision that you keep us updated with all of your adventures. Second, welcome to the Grandparents Club. You and Ann have so much joy headed your way. Hope you will Post many pictures.

Thanks for making our department feel like family. I will always remember your humor, so many puns, and your ability to eat all of us under the table. We knew we had to beat you to all the pot lucks😂.  But seriously, thanks for your apricot squares recipe. I still get compliments on it. Most of all, Thanks for making department meetings somewhat bearable. The science department is the best. Best wishes for a great retirement. New adventures await.
Betty

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I will miss you. Now there won't be anyone left who uses words that I could never understand. Darryl

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Happy Retirement Dave!
Your kindness and wisdom will be missed by the entire BHS community. How many times have we turned to you for comfort, or to ask why? Your ready reply was always uplifting and hopeful. Students remember these things too. We fondly look back on these treasures and realize that you gave us all so much love and support. We wish we could keep you here just one more year, or two would be better. Enjoy your we'll deserved retirement.
Cathy O'Neill

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The 7 Highly Effective Habits of Retirement: 

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The 7 Highly Effective Habits of Retirement: 

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1. Be Proactive:
Take the calendar off the fridge and turn off the alarm, Your time is yours now!

2. Begin with the end in mind:
Plan where you are going out to dinner while eating breakfast!

3. Put First things First:
Remember socks BEFORE shoes

4. Think Win-Win:
A cheat is available for the Draw Three option in solitaire. If you press Ctrl+Alt+Shift and then click the deck, Windows turns over one card at a time.

5. Seek first to understand then to be understood:
This is especially important when calling about Medicare or your cable service!

6. Synergize:
I had to look this one up, "to innovate and problem solve with those who have a different point of view"
You and Anne will have plenty of time to practice this one......

7. Sharpen the Saw:
This one is all about balance. Might I suggest Chair Yoga?

Seriously Dave, thanks for brining me in to the BHS family! Your enthusiasm, kindness and dad humor will be sorely missed. Enjoy your retirement and I can't wait to see you at our Seminars once they can begin again.

Enjoy!
Maria

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Happy Retirement Dave!
Fall of 1989, we both started our journey at BHS; me as a high school freshman and you as a Biology teacher and our class advisor. Thank you for leading us through those four years and thank you for being an amazing colleague. As part of the ILT you have always represented your department well and advocated for all of our students. You have been an energetic force at BHS and I will most certainly miss you! Congratulations!
Chris Holesovsky

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The years have flown

Where have they gone?

Your teaching began when we were wed.

The first years were tough with so many plans and so many papers

There were many late nights and some early mornings.

Every year was a challenge and joy.

Some students were great and some students

Well, better left unsaid….

We had some challenges over the years

I was not always the most understanding of your dedication

You made me smile with your stories and shed some tears too

You made a difference to hundreds

The students will always remember you, your humor, and your life lessons

You have earned your time, 31 years

Enjoy the sunsets and the beauty around you.

Congratulations to my husband, I am so very proud of you on a job well done.

“You didn’t teach from the books

You taught from your soul

In their lives you have played

A very important role

You didn’t just teach them from

What was there in the syllabus

You taught all those things

Which were important for them

Thanks so much for being

More than just a teacher

You have coached their lives

By being their mentor”

Love you for always,
Anne

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Dave, I wish I could add something that's better than what Steve contributed but his is pretty awesome.

I remember my first day at BHS with Mike Beretsky as department chair and then when he retired, you filling that role. I remember meeting you, John, Debbie, Betty, Mike, and later Louise and Maria and thinking, "This is going to be a fun and certainly interesting department". Between your jokes and good humour and John's strong opinions, there was never a dull moment.

You've always supported your department and challenged us to improve but yet recognising that we're already pretty good. Whenever we had concerns or issues, you were there to listen and support us -- no matter what crazy stuff was happening at the time or how much work you had on your plate.

Thank you very much. I look forward to keeping connections and carrying on with our seminars. Go raibh míle maith agat agus bain sult as an t-am atá romhat. Tá sé tuillte go maith agat.

Jonathan

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You will be missed.

Peace Out

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Congrats dad!

“Don’t underestimate the value of Doing Nothing, of just going along, listening to all the things you can’t hear, and not bothering.”- Winnie the Pooh
Remember this quote when you feel you aren’t doing enough.  It’s your time to sit back, relax,  and enjoy this time off because you deserve it.  My whole life I’ve watched you work so hard and never give up on anything or anyone.  You are such an inspiration in life and the classroom, and I know you will truly be missed by all your students and friends at work.  “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard”- Winnie the Pooh.  I’m so glad you got to share your brilliance and life lessons with everyone, because I know for a fact you made such a positive impact in so many peoples lives, and I couldn’t be prouder.  Just remember your journey isn’t over yet,  you have a little girl who will need all the wisdom, dad jokes, and positivity you’ve brought so many people over the years!

Love you so much ,
Your proud daughter Heather

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Dave,  I think you know i am NOT happy about your retiring, particuarly before I do!  I hate losing good people at BHS.  Other than former students that are now faculty members, there are not too many of us left that remember the old high school.  We were young then.  I don;t know what happened.  One day we were on the last page of the seniority list and then all of a sudden we're on the top of the first page.  Time flies when you're having fun.  And we have had fun despite the paperwork, meetings, accreditations and endless grading deadlines.
You have been a friend, a confidant, a mentor, a sounding board and my go-to guy for everything connected with the human body  I will miss your quick wit and borderline inappropriate jokes and puns.  Unfortunately, future Seniors will never get the pleasure of listening to your jokes or horse stories  I always knew that if a student paid even minimal attention in your classes they would be well prepared for anything college could throw at them  I loved when I had my study in your room (except during cat season).  I was able to keep up on current anatomy and physiology information.  You never hesitated to explain, "in detail", the latest news and discoveries.
We will manage to continue on here at BHS without you, but it will not be the same.  You are leaving behind an exceptional science department filled with people just as passionate as you are about learning and teaching.  We will miss you.
Good health and good luck in your retirement-you have earned it.
Mike C.

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I'm sure this is bittersweet for you, after all the times I've heard you talk about your students, the joy they brought you, and even helping you grade a few projects along the way. Time to pick up a few new books, binge a few TV shows, and crack open a special bottle you've been saving.

Belchertown will be the poorer without you, but your own life will be that much richer with more time for yourself and your family! Enjoy, and congratulations!
-Nick, Caroline, John, and Ellie

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The Roman statesman Cicero had advice on retirement, “if you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need!” I’d say you’re there, Brother!
Love,
Ann (Bonney)

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Congratulations on your retirement, Dave!  I've known for a few years that this event was quietly looming out there, and now that time is here.

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I will always remember your helpful and caring discussions about anything at all in the world.

When we go back to school, I am probably going to miss you every single time I walk by your room.  NO ONE can fill your shoes with the kindness, intelligence, wit, altruism, and desire to inform others for their own benefit that exudes from you.

Thank you fondly for all the conversations, fun technical things to fix, ego boosts, forwarded articles about health breakthroughs for diabetes and other important information, and for your sound and caring advice.

You truly are an exemplary, sterling person to have in one's life, and I'm very grateful to have you for a friend.

I hope you continue your verve for enjoying life, and then take it up some very wonderful notches!

Love, Kim Frisino-Hurst

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Wow, I get to be on this life journey with you before, during and after your amazing teaching career! Dave, you have always been "Sunday's Child, full of grace". Your students and colleagues have had the benefits of your caring and passionate approach to teaching and life. Who knew that a horse falling on your leg would lead you to your bride and a teaching career?
God knew, that's who! You and Anne are an incredible team, and your house keeping skills improved immediately when you teamed up! You complement each other in many ways, and Heather completes the picture.
Steve and I send all our love on this special day. Surprise! (Or should I say "supplies"!)
Barbara Lee

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Welcome to the other side, aka retirement, where one used to be able to do whatever one wanted and get a nice check every month. You still get the check but now you just get to stay home with it. I always enjoyed spending time with you and listening to your crazy jokes. I hope you have lots of plans for your new freedom and that they are all realized. Enjoy!
Love,
Ginny

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I hold the honored position of knowing you longer than anyone else in this group.  I first met you when I was hired in 1990 and that was the start of a great career with a great department.  Dave, you made my time at BHS one of the best decisions of my life!  Your attitude and demeanor with the students and colleagues was one to eminate.  You were so helpful to me as I got acquainted with my position in the science department.  As the years went by, we dealt with the comings and goings of faculty and staff, the move to a new building, the growth of the student population and numerous ups and downs.  Now it is your time to move on and it is well deserved.  Take a moment to shed a tear and wave goodbye and be happy that you have come to a very deserved time in your life.  The road ahead is very different but you will take it on with all the gusto that I know you have.  Xoxo virtual hugs, Debbie