Many people know Paula Bueno; she has been the front gate at the school since our inception. If you have been coming to the school for years, you would also know her husband, Herman.

Herman and I were friends in high school, we went to college together and were in each other’s weddings. Herman helped me and Zane get the building ready when I started the school 30 years ago. Although Herman is a Junior High Science teacher, he always found time during his summer breaks to assist the instructors and help me with building and property maintenance. For the last 2 decades he has taught Making Shaker Oval Boxes and Chip Carving at MASW. He has always been my strongest asset.

A month ago, he developed a pain in his side. Although he was assisting a workshop here at the time, he was typical Herman—as healthy as can be. By the following Monday he went to the Doctor who ordered a scan. The scan revealed more than a minor case of diverticulosis, it revealed metastatic cancer, prostate cancer that is in the lymph nodes and has spread to his bones. In an instant his life changed.

Fortunately, he is getting very good care and direction. Paula is doing a great job helping him at home and seeing that he does what the doctors order (which will be a challenge for her). He is taking the first semester off from his teaching job and is working with his doctors to find ways to manage the pain. Although with this type of cancer there currently is no cure, there is still a lot of hope for his future. Herman is, and always has been, a fighter. In his youth he was an outstanding runner and was just a few ticks off being an Olympic qualifier. That mental toughness will work to his benefit as he moves forward.

Obviously, this has shaken the Bueno family as well as the MASW family. Over the years there have been thousands and thousands of people who have come to know Herman. I ask that you keep him and Paula in your prayers. Over the next several months, we will keep everyone informed on how he is progressing.