Cassie Anderson Wherry

I work at the Grinnell College Bookstore in Grinnell, Iowa. I have been the manager for 37 years. These colleges students keep me young... I plan to retire in 2026!

I have three cats, Pepper (15 years old), Gordon and BooBoo2. When I get married I'll add 2 shiny black cats to the mix, Sadie and Annie. I've always said 3 cats is one over the limit but this can't be helped! I sort of consider all my friends' pets as my own. Do horses count as pets? I think so!

I am so fortunate to have found a career and town to spend my last 37 years. Grinnell College has been a wonderful employer. I been able to visit many cities for business conferencs. I have formed long lasting friendships in the industry. I've served as a Trustee and a board member for a foundation for seven years. I volunteer for many things in Grinnell. Most recently as a poll worker for elections.

It's been a great ride. After discovering my love of the wilderness while in college, I have spent many of my travel adventures there. I enjoy hiking, camping and fly fishing. Of course now I camp in a 28 foot, fully equiped camper instead of a tent! I can still sleep under the stars, next to my camper, in a nice recliner! I've learned to throw pottery. I collect rocks and tumble them. The problem with that is what to do with all my rocks? Now I can understand how the Grotto was created! He needed a place for his rocks! I have learned to knit and crochet.

I'm getting married in December! Thanks goodness a very wise friend (Laura Besch) told me to see him 3 times before deciding to move on. Jeff loves to travel and be in the wilderness like I do. In 18 months we have been to Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, Devils Tower, South Dakota, all over Wyoming, Iowa, Colorado, Kentucky, plus a cruise in the Caribbean. He has been patient while I learn to get comfortable riding with him on his Harley. (I'm not feeling the joy yet.) I much prefer his Corvette (C5) that he let's me drive sometimes! Every weekend we keep busy going to events at theaters, concerts, art, craft, antique and flea markets, horse shows, rodeos, celebrations and car shows. We are going to figure out if we remember how to snow ski and water ski. Much more to plan! I'm anxious to retire so I have more time to travel!

I come to Ames to see Laura Besch Bauer, Jana Tschopp, Cathi Adams and others from different classes. I keep in touch with many of my friends from 4-H, Cheri Carr, Donna Moore, Nancy Newbourgh, Karen Burgeson, Chris Block. Plus, it's been so much fun working with our class reunion committee! Facebook is such a nice way to keep track of classmates' lives and find old friends.

I have many warm feelings surrounding my high school years.

I like to visit a friend's Kentucky horse farm in the spring during foaling and breeding. I've interacted with some important race horse people who are amazingly down to earth even though it is the sport of kings (rich kings). When I"m there, I'm up before dawn to meet with the vet who visits all the mares for their reproductive healthcare. The work is fascinating! I also get to see famous racing stallions at the "breeding shed" and see the beautiful horse farms. If I'm lucky, a foal or two are born during the night. This farm is owned by AHS grad Nancy Newbrough Hamlin. I think she is class of 1984.

I probably get to Ames every couple months but I don't have family there anymore.

I hope to retire in good health with enough money to be comfortable with a little extra to travel or at least go south for the winter. I dream of growing old with my soul mate at my side, still holding hands and laughing often.