Mollie Wright Frish

1976 I became self employed as a dressmaker, exclusively on wedding apparel. I married John (Pratt & Whitney Mechanical Engineer) in 1983, and we built a home in West Palm Beach. I opened a Bridal salon on Military Trail that I operated until 2000. While having the store, I earned several national awards in the industry, and was instrumental in governing, and establishing industry standards, nationwide. In 1992 I took up flying and earned a Private Pilot's Liscense. (We have a small plane.that moved with us to Connecticut.) John was developing the engine parts for the Stealth Military Aircraft in 2000 when Pratt & Whitney moved the government engine division to Hartford, Connecticut. We sadly sold out home, closed the business, and bid goodbye to family and life-long friends in my beloved West Palm Beach. Upon moving to Connecticut I retired, spending my free time volunteering at the local high school as a costume designer, and sewing doll clothes for fun. When our sons went to college, I began working (independent seamstress contractor) for several bridal salons in the area. That evolved into a large contract with Alfred Angelo Bridals, Inc. So much for retirement... Both sons graduated 2000 (on the Dean;s list!) from Universities in Connecticut. We are active in our small church, and we are active ballroom dancers. I can't believe I'm a snowbird! I have a condo in West Palm Beach that I occupy January through March. John stays in Connecticut shoveling snow, visiting WPB for a week or so during that time for 'husband re-certification training' (his words!.) John and I both love our carreers and we rarely use the word 'retire' in our vocabulary.

Growing up with many school friends has forged life-long friendships. Beginning elementary school, I remember sweating it out to see if Debbie Platt and I would be together in the same 1st grade class. Most days I walked home with Debbie Bensch. In Jr. High school I met a 'new' student, Linda Rieckhoff, and we're still dear friends. The friendships forged in High School are priceless.