Author: Wendel Miser

I grew up in the same home in New England with my brother Jim. I was, however, preoccupied with my twin brother, Andy, in our formative years and through high school. It was in high school that I met my wife, Mary, marrying her in September 1972, after finishing at Cornell College in Mt. Vernon, Iowa in June. I received a Master of Science degree from the University of Illinois in 1975, after studying Zoology and Limnology. After graduate school, I worked with Mary”s father in his painting business before accepting a position in the Office of Solid Waste at the United States Environmental Protection Agency in Washington, D.C. in 1977. I began with their program of pesticide disposal for a short time and then became a project officer, managing the program side for the Agency”s contract office. Working with the contract officer, I helped the staff with contract pre-award and post-award requirements for their work. In that capacity, I was involved for 23 years in the development of a nationwide hazardous waste management program. Subsequently, I moved to the Office”s municipal waste program that was promoting recycling and sustainability programs at the time. While not at work during the latter half of my career, I became interested in singing. For the better part of 20 years, I was involved with the New Dominion Chorale and the National Men”s Chorus in the Washington, D.C. area. The New Dominion Chorale featured works by the Great Masters, while the National Men”s Chorus showcased works specially arranged by the music director for the Chorus. Memorable concerts were given at the National Cathedral and the Kennedy Center as well as the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C. For six years, I served on the Board of Directors of the National Men”s Chorus, assisting with grant activities.I live with my wife in Arlington, Virginia with our two cats, Linus and Madeleine. We attend church regularly in Falls Church, Virginia. I have kept a faith-based journal for 38 years. In overcoming schizophrenia and finding joy, I have entered into full participation in life.