************************************************************ MIDNIGHT SUN ONLINE The Online Newsletter for Robert E. Peary High School Alumni Volume 10, Number 8 March 2006 MSO WEBSITE - http://www.pearyhs.org ************************************************************ INTRODUCTION Greetings Huskies, Happy spring! In this issue... Intro (general news items and reunion info), Classmate Updates, Quick Takes Updates, Condolence Notices. NATIONAL MARROW DONOR PROGRAM (NMDP): NMDP, at www.marrow.org, is a government-funded not-for profit organization -- primarily funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Craig Conway (1978) is its Office of Patient Advocacy's (OPA) manager of payor policy. NMDP assists patients and patients' families who need a bone marrow transplant find a stem cell donor (anywhere in the world). Craig writes: "I've seen with sadness, many of our classmates or their families suffering from various cancers and leukemias and I want them to be aware of this resource." There is a direct e-mail set up to contact Craig and his staff - payorpolicy@nmdp.org - to ensure prompt response to patient/family member questions. The NMDP site is linked on the "Peary Alumni Links" page for future reference. PEARY GLBTA: For those who were subscribed to the Yahoo Group for Peary GLBTA, please note that Michael Deborah Gray (1973) had to set-up a new group - which you will need to rejoin: Peary-GLBTA (addition of a dash). AVON WALK FOR BREAST CANCER: Please see the notice in this newsletter from Barb (Dentz) and Tim Riley's (1971) daughter, Jenny... and how you can sponsor her participation in this fund-raising event in Washington DC April 29-30th. Your consideration is appreciated! REUNIONS IN 2006..... All currently-known details of class reunions this year (1966, 1970-1971, 1976, and 1981) are posted in your Class Info sections on MSO - www.pearyhs.org, then click on "Class Sections" from the menu and then of course, the grad year. General and some updated info: CLASS OF 1966: 40-year reunion - October 13-15, 2006 - Gaithersburg, MD Contact Gale Senseman Privette at gale78@verizon.net Invitations are being mailed this month. If you've moved in the past 5 years, you need to do an update on MSO so you'll get it - use the "Sign-up/Update" form on MSO and your new info will be delivered to Gale immediately. CLASS OF 1970: With the Class of '71. Initial notices were mailed to 1970 classmates in February. Your Class of 1970 reunion contacts are Grant Gursky at grantr@athletichouse.com and Dorann Zlotnick Penney at Dorannp@comcast.net. Official invitations are being mailed this month. Main Event Cost: $65 - Hotel discount deadline is June 2nd CLASS OF 1971: June 23-25, 2006 - Holiday Inn FSK Convention Center, Frederick MD - with Class of 1970. Main committee contact is Roz Rubin - rubinroz@aol.com. The shotgun start for Golf is now 10:00am. Practice at 9am. Cost: $65, includes green fees, cart, & bucket of range balls. Main Event Cost: $65 - Hotel discount deadline is June 2nd The due date for the 1971 Questionnaire and Address/Update Booklet to be distributed at the reunion has been extended to April 8th. There is a copy of the Word .doc in the 1971 Info area on MSO for downloading. Instructions are included. Official invites to be mailed this month. ALL Peary classes are invited to the 1970-1971 happy hour at the Holiday Inn in Frederick on June 23rd. No cover charge for those registered at the hotel.... or just get there early (well before 7pm). CLASS OF 1976: August 25-26, 2006 - Friday Happy Hour - O'Malley's Sports bar, Holiday Inn Gaithersburg - Saturday Main Event - St. Jude's Ballroom, 7pm-Midnight - Buffet: RW Catering, Rod Williams (thanks to Cedric, '77 for contact!) - Cost: Suggested "donation" of $40 per person. The 1976 reunion is being sponsored by Robert Cefail's company, In Touch Marketing Group of Florida - www.intouchmarketing.us - more than $40, and the balance will go into the established account for our class to seed 1976's future activites. Any amount will get you in, but please keep in mind what Mr. Cefail is doing for us - thanks, Bob! Again, $40 suggested. - Teacher/Staff alumni invited and welcomed - any donation appreciated Payment/donations are being accepted now. Payment info is posted in the Class of 1976 Info section on MSO. There will be a form available shortly to complete if you wish to provide folks with an update to be distributed Saturday evening... and/or to return with the payment. RSVP a must, by Friday August 11th. Thanks to Ruth Bowser for securing St. Jude's for us. And many thanks to Maureen Difulgo Bladen who tirelessly researched a reunion plan for 1976 previously! More details on MSO. Contact: Kevin Brooks at kevin.brooks@xerox.com CLASS OF 1981: July 28-30, 2006 - 25-Year Reunion! Mark the date and stay-tuned for details. Your reunion organizer is Kathy Goldborough at k_goldsborough@yahoo.com. Thanks to Amy Hirsch Edberg for getting the ball rolling and doing what she could from Colorado!! REUNIONS IN 2007: Class of 1977 - Contact Sandy Van Dusen at sandy_vandusen@yahoo.com and stay tuned for details as this year progresses. And Class of 1967 - Contact Audrey Gunnel Lohr at afgl@pobox.com to assist with planning - a date is being worked-on and a reunion company/service being secured. Any news for Classes of 1972 and 1982, we'll let you know! MSO has recently coordinated with Karen Kushner Creel (1982) with some classmate data, so you KNOW she's begun planning/thinking already! FOR ALL ALUMS.... make sure your mailing addresses are up-to-date, else you may not receive your reunion invitations! Use the "Sign-up/Update" link on the MSO main menu to ensure your mailing address is correct in respective-class records. The class update forms online are submitted directly to your class organizers and also allows you to set your e-mail preferences and provide an update of what's up with you as well, so old freidns know you're stil "out there!" THANK YOU to our recent MSO Supporters: Diane Betz Griffin (1973), Tim Noble (1983), Paul Coder (1968), Eric Mehl (1970), Michael Sweeney (1969), Patti Shannon Wilder (1978), Shellmay Lee Goto (1979), Ed Fusco (1976), Dan Reese (1980), Bob Foss (1976), Stephen O'Brien (1967), Ann (Luksic) & Andy Barlow (1980), and to all of our pledge/recurring supporters.. including Tina Koepke Edwards (1975) who just joined those ranks. Thanks! To see how to initiate a one-time donation or a pledge, click on "Donations" at MSO. Or directly (on a secure server), see the options at https://id267.securedata.net/pearyhs/donation.htm - this link does not "commit" you... it's where all the donation info and options are! Also visit PEARYGEAR.com, operated by Stuart Goldman (1981), to order all kinds of items like shirts, hats, mugs with the Peary Huskies logo. Visit PearyGear.com for all your Pearyphernalia needs and check it often for new items and occasional coupon codes for discounts. Proceeds also help benefit MSO. Thanks to all who have purchased Peary Husky items. Contact Stuart at pearygear@comcast.net for bulk sales.. e.g. reunions! We also urge you to visit the site often - www.pearyhs.org - in-between newsletters... although we try the best we can to distribute specific timely announcements (i.e. unfortunately, funeral arrangements info), it is not always possible to do this in-time. I am only one person! We'll have a photo or two of David Spurlock's (1966) visit to Las Vegas recently, and of Lisa Talmud (1981, aka Allie Raye) and Melynda Talmud Schudrich's (1985) visit to Massachusetts to meet-up with Joe Battaglia (1980) and family! Thanks for your patience, guys. BTW, I'd like to get in touch again with those couple of alums who either have the old LP recording of choir/madrigals with Mr. Hubbard and the band and "Peary sounds" digitized already, or were about to do so - or for me to send the cassette I have from Patsy Zukav 1984 - please get in touch with me so we can coordinate this (pickup) again - thanks! Happy & Safe Passover and Easter holidays, and enjoy the warmer temps, Bob Lau, Editor/Webmaster, blau@viawest.net (Class of '76, Las Vegas NV) The Midnight Sun Online - Robert E. Peary High School P.S. If you wish to directly reply or comment, please don't quote the newsletter back. Create a new e-mail to blau@viawest.net, and always include your grad year and name in the correspondence. Please USE THE FORMS online for e-mail, mailing address changes and updates so they're directed to the proper graduating class for records... else I have to "manually" forward them - thank you. ********************************************************************* From: Ed Mandich (1981) Date: Fri, 3 Mar 2006 Subject: Update I found out about the website from my brother. Occupation: Security Associate Memorable Incidents: The times the football field was tore up by rockville high students Since High School: I have worked in DOD, Security, and Retail industries Future Plans: I would like to work for a Navy contractor Memorable Teacher: Mr Clarke- His bonus question diatribe Siblings: Rhonda-1983, Tom-1985 Go Huskies! ********** From: Grant Wagner (1980) Date: Fri, 3 Mar 2006 Subject: Update How I found out about the website? Came to me in a vision. Memorable Incidents: Riding with Jay Laurienzo in his mother's station wagon while he was doing donuts on the football field in broad daylight. Since High School: Getting rapidly older. Future Plans: Camp out in the Tibetan Himilayas anxiously awaiting the return of the Dalai Lama. FYI: There is golf outing in memory of Jon Fleming's father 'Mac" coming up late this spring at the Shenvalee Golf Course in New Market, VA. I believe it is in late May or early June. It would be great if we could get some guys together to play and toast Mac with a few beers and catch up. I was with Jon last year when he and his brother Darryl (1981) spread Mac's ashes on one of the par threes. Very cool. Mac was a big part of the crowd we hung out with and continued to be a positive influence to many people in his life well after the Peary era. Please contact Jon at flemjon@hotmail.com for more. ********** From: Michele "Micki" Soule' Ruhl (1974) Date: Fri, 3 Mar 2006 Subject: Update I found out about the website through a web search. Occupation: Special Education Teaching Assistant (Middle School), Spouse: Allen (Contractor), Children: Tristan age 16 , Patrick age 13 Siblings: Peter Soule' 1976 originally (graduated in 1975), Professor of Geography Appalachain State University ********** From: Robin Rose Fine (1982) Date: Fri, 3 Mar 2006 Subject: Vicki Oscar in ANNIE! My daughter Rachel (9 y.o.) and I were fortunate enough to catch Victoria Oscar (sister of Brad Oscar-1982) in the national tour of ANNIE when it was in town here in Charlotte [NC]. After settling here with my family last summer, it was nice to see a familiar face in town! She did a marvelous job as Miss Hannigan! One more thing -- I found pictures of the 1982 senior trip to Paris and London with Mr. Clarke (those of you who went with me know who you are). I will be scanning them soon to post online, as long as it's okay with Bob! Be well all, Robin Rose Fine ********** From: Sue Symington Goby (1969) Date: Fri, 3 Mar 2006 Subject: Vincent Gibbs letter I just read the letter to Vincent Gibbs posted by Will McNaughten Loving, Class of 1974. Thank you, Will, for putting these thoughts on the MSO site for all of us to read and add a hearty round of applause for an inspirational teacher. The recordings of Vincent Gibb's reading of "Of Mice & Men" are an added treat. I strongly urge any of Mr. Gibb's prior students to listen to them - http://dedicationtechnologies.com/oman/ ********** From: Terry Turner Strock (1974) Date: Fri, 3 Mar 2006 Subject: Update Occupation: Retired, Spouse: Roger (Real Estate/Director of Education Florida Fire Chiefs), Children: Justin 23 - US Coast Guard, Attending VA Tech for his Masters in August '06; Kyle 21 - Graduating from Towson, Major Criminal Justice moving to Florida to become a police officer Anyone looking for real Estate in the Daytona Beach, New Symrna, Ormond beach, Port Orange area of Florida, please email us. ********** From: Diane McCann McConeghy (1964) Date: Mon, 6 Mar 2006 Subject: Update How I found out about the website? Searched for it. Occupation: RN case manager, Spouse: mike (AM ex maintenance supervisor), Children: Michael 39, Timothy 37, cari 35, susan 32; Grandchildren: nicole-16, danielle-15, crystal-13, alana-11, zachary-11, jacob-7, baylie-7, amanda-5, tyler-2 Memorable Incidents: the first incident was the spring we tried to have senior week and everyone wore sweatshirts--the foreign exchange student came in late while the dean was lecturing us. he had his sweat shirt on also. our "sit-in" in the senior garden area. ask elaine kaplan what we did to one of the adults in the office! sitting in physics class when we heard about President Kennedy. riding in Buddy Saunders new corvair convertible. Since High School: getting married to a submarine sailor; having 4 children, going to school-i started my nursing education in sept of 1964 and finally received my bachelor's degree in 1994. i've been a RN since 1977, we have lived in texas, colorado, california, mississippi, and arizona. We have always lived in small towns and when our yougest child, susan, went off to UofAZ, mike and i moved to the big city, Phoenix. I've been married 40 years. My parents live nearby and my brother, tom who went to Peary as a freshman lives with us as he had a stroke at age 51 years. Future Plans: Looking forward to spending lots of time with my family and i would love to get in touch with old friends again. Memorable Teacher: My favorite was the physics and chemistry teacher and i think he coached football. i can't remember his name but i do remember he had the bluest eyes!! ********** From: John "Roger" Parry (1981) Date: Mon, 6 Mar 2006 Subject: Update Occupation: Commercial Lender, Spouse: Valerie (Realtor), Children: Drew - 26, Micah (daughter in law) 21, Tyler - 18, Ryan - 16, Katie -12; Grandchildren: Laurel - 3 Since High School: Went to University of South Carolina and graduated with a BS-Electrical Engineering which I have never used. After graduating, I went into the Navy and flew jets. In 1992, I earned an MBA at the University of West Florida and got married during the last semester. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone. In 1993, I got off active duty and joined the reserves. Katie was born and I started my career in Banking. In 1995, I moved to Panama City and was introduced to Hurricanes with Hurricane Opal. It destroyed a good part of the Florida panhandle and I still remember a house that was half gone after the storm passed. We have had several more since then and are ready to evacuate at any time. Luckily, we have not had any serious damage. Now I am starting to look forward to retirement. I have reached the twenty year mark in the military, IRAs are always on my mind, and I look forward to the Social Security form every year, that teases me with how much I will receive when I truly do retire (assuming it will still be there). Future Plans: Enjoy life and grandchildren. ********** From: Steve Steinberg (1983) Date: Mon, 6 Mar 2006 Subject: Update Website - http://www.shopazalea.com (Great gift shop in the Kentlands - Peary Alumni Owned & Operated), Spouse: Emily (Store Owner) My wife Emily and I have changed careers - a new store and new life - and recently opened a gift shop (jewelry, accessories, home accent items, kids stuff and general gift merchandise) at 364 Main Street in the Kentlands. We are directly across the street from Vasilis Mediterranean Grill. You may have seen us recently in the Washington Post Sunday Source and style section, The Gazette or The Bethesda Magazine and a few others. We will be in the "I Do" bridal magazine in April. Mention Peary HS and receive a 10% discount. We are pet friendly so feel free to bring your dog in! Hope to see you all there soon! ********** From: Cathy Wybierala Silk (1981) Date: Wed, 8 Mar 2006 Subject: Oldest daughter off to the USNA! The (Wybierala-1981) Silk clan has moved back stateside and is residing in Fanwood, NJ. Our kids are "growing like weeds" and preparing for college as we currently have a Senior girl, Junior boy, and a Freshman girl. The little guy is still in Middle School (7th grade). Besides the kids' sports, school clubs, community service activities, and jobs at the local YMCA; preparing for college has overwhelmed our home. CONGRATULATIONS goes out to our daughter, Megan, who just received an appointment to the United States Naval Academy (Class 2010). GO NAVY!! Her dad and I are so very proud of her and all of her accomplishments. Robert E. Peary must have instilled some fundamental life strategies for my passing to this beautiful young woman which has grown and matured to be such a dedicated responsible leader. ********** From: Kathryn "Kathy" Gidusko Decker (1970) Date: Wed, 8 Mar 2006 Subject: Update How I found out about the website? My father "googling" his name found it. Occupation: Accounting - AP and GL, Spouse: Divorced, no kids Memorable Incidents: Working behind the scenes on the play Oliver. I still have a tape of it....not in the best condition but still recognizable. Since my only year at the school was my Senior year, graduation also stands out as a big moment. Since High School: Moved to Surrattsville the year after, then family moved to Florida. Got a job with Montgomery Wards and spent 10 yrs there, then worked for a Kroger subsidiary for 7 and currently have worked 16 yrs for Scholastic Book Fairs. In between all that, I got married, then 5 yrs later divorced. Bought a house in Winter Springs almost 6 yrs ago and am updating and renovating it little by little. Hurricanes don't help!! Had to get a new roof after the 2004 storms, all 3 of which came thru central Fla. Future Plans: Nothing definite.....just make it to retirement and see where to go from there! Continue renovating the house and enjoy! Memorable Teachers: Remember faces but not names....lost my yearbook a couple years after graduation so no help there. Would be interested in purchasing a 1970 yearbook if any are still around. ********** From: Patricia Veals Shell (1969) Date: Thu, 9 Mar 2006 Subject: Update I found out about the website from my friend, Suzanne Mazzelli Weinberg (1969). Occupation: paraeducator, Children: Nichalas is 27, Justin and Samuel are 25 Memorable Incidents: One of the things I remember most is skipping school. Not that I'm so proud of that now, but we sure did have fun. Sometimes Suzanne and I talk about the old days and laugh out loud remembering some of the dumb things we did. Since High School: Working and raising my children has taken most of my time. I have worked for Mont. Co. Public Schools forever, it seems. Future Plans: Looking forward to retiring and spending time with friends and family. ********** From: Terri van Houten (1981) Date: Sat, 11 Mar 2006 Subject: Classmates I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHERE I CAN FIND JEFF HUFF (80) AND BONITA JUDE (81). DOES ANY ONE KNOW WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO THEM.. ********** From: Carol Stewart (Buck) Della Ratta (1971) Date: Sun, 12 Mar 2006 Subject: Update How I found out about the website? I have known it since its inception. Occupation: Manager of UPPERCUT Hair Salon, Spouse: James (Builder/Developer/Land Acquistion), Children: Lauren Buck/Brown 26yrs old, got married Oct 2005, Stephanie Buck is 24yrs, Victoria Buck is 23yrs, Julie Buck is 20yrs. Grandchildren: No people grandchildren, just grandcats and turtles, and hamsters. Memorable Incident: Going to the office to try to talk Dr. Dunn into letting us wear jeans to school. Since High School: Worked in cosmetics at Giant from 69-75, then worked at Miss Harper's clothing stores, was invited to work for Max Factor cosmetics, got married, had 4 daughters, posed in an ad in Washingtonian magazine, and found myself working for a new homes builder for 11 years, took a few years off after my move to FL and fell into a job managing a hair salon. Future Plans: Stay healthy, plan weddings for three more daughters, then be the best grandmother ever! Memorable Teachers: Mrs.Gale, Mr.Gibbs, they were always my favorite teachers, both had a way to make me want to do their assignments. Siblings: Jeff and Doug Stewart class of 69. ********** From: Francis "Pancho" Hobbes (1975) Date: Thu, 16 Mar 2006 Subject: Update I found out about the website through a P.H.S. Class of '75 friend. Spouse: Lera Since High School: Living in Guatemala, Central America for 12 years. Living in Sacramento, CA for the last 9 years. Memorable Teachers: The HISTORY TEACHERS -- Messrs. Boyd & Clarke - They were fun & they taught us how to outline. Miss Dawson, she expanded our outlook in "World Literature." ********** From: Anita Greene Bush (1975) Date: Tue, 21 Mar 2006 Subject: Updates and Hurricanes Does anybody out there have a 1975 yearbook they'd be willing to part with? Has there been any talk about archiving the yearbooks? The whole Gulf Coast is about fed up with Hurricanes. We didn't lose our boat during Ivan which barely missed Mobile but she got totaled by Katrina which hit the LA & MS state line. It didn't sink; the water rose so high she pulled the moorings up and floated onto land getting wedged between two oak trees. What's even better; we didn't learn from this - went out and bought another one. It rode out the storm in Gautier Mississippi and only had minor damage - go figure. Life goes in cycles: preparing for Hurricanes to repairing from hurricanes right back to preparing all over again. Wouldn't have it any other way, when you cross that bridge on a Friday night so burned out by the job and see that Gulf of Mexico and know you don't have to go back to civilization until Sunday night. Roll-Tide Yall! ********** From: Teresa "Terri" Pugh Scott (1976) Date: Tue, 21 Mar 2006 Subject: Update How I found out about the website? Typed in search. Occupation: Real Estate Agent, Spouse: Charles (Construction), Children: Rebecca Scott Roberts - 24, Katelyn Scott - 21 Since High School: I got married the following January after graduation. My first daughter came along 5 years later and from then on I was a stay at home mom. We moved to Tennessee 19 yrs ago and love small town living. I have only started working the past 6 years and really am enjoying it. Future Plans: We are empty nesters! Have all kinds of ideas but have not decided yet. ********** From: Peggy Saunders Wahlstrom (1978) Date: Wed, 22 Mar 2006 Subject: Update I found out about the website? I just decided to browse the website about my high school. Found out here that I can contact someone to let them know where they can find me. Since it's been so many years, everyone may not remember me - I was one of the hearing impaired classmates. Occupation: Technical Assistance at Navy Base (Civilian), Spouse: Kevin (Engineering Contractor at Air Force Base) Memorable Incidents: There are probably several of them. One I can say is the Variety Show we had singing a song in sign language. Since High School: Working for the government (24 1/2 years of service to this date). I got married in May 2000 and residing in Panama City, FL. Since then my husband and I have been taking several trips. Take cruise and trip to the Outer Banks, N.C. every year, spend weekend in Cabin in Northern Georgia, trip to Orlando. Every other year we spend Thanksgiving and Christmas with my families (Parents/sisters in Virginia and brother/sister in Maryland) and every other year we spend Thanksgiving and Christmas with Kevin (my husband) family. We rotate Thanksgiving and Christmas every year. Future Plans: Nothing special. Just do the usual traveling. Siblings: Billy Saunders (Brother) -1975 (Peary), Kathy and Kim Saunders (Sisters) -1982 (attended Peary during Junior and Sophmore years but moved and graduated in Virginia senior year. ********** From: Rose Filloramo (1976) Date: Fri, 24 Mar 2006 Subject: Update I found out about the website through a computer search for Peary HS. Occupation: Meditation/yoga instructor, Hypnotherapist; Significant Other: John Williams (Past Life Regression Therapist), Children: Christina age 25 Memorable Incidents: The school plays and variety shows Memorable Teachers: Mr. Schere and Mr. Hassler ********** From: Greg Perkins (1976) Date: Mon, 27 Mar 2006 Subject: Update Occupation: Program Director, Children: Stepson - Chris Sagaert - 17 Since High School: Working and Traveling to Europe Future Plans: Retirement to the Gulf of Mexico Siblings: Sharon Perkins D'Amato - 1980 ********** From: jay herron (1970) Date: Mon, 27 Mar 2006 Subject: up coming art show I'm very proud to have one of my paintings and six of my drawings on display with several other local artists in Gainesville Florida area. The show will be from May 5 thru 12 at the J.Wayne Rietz Union building in the center of the University of Florida campus in the gallery on the second floor. I'd be proud if any alumni are happening through the Gainesville area and decided to stop-it is only a short detour off of I-75 and the plus is-theres much to do on the Uof F campus such as the Butterfly Garden which is next to the Harn Museum of Art...so theres plenty to enjoy besides my art! Hope you all can visit. ********** From: Vickie Adams (1976) Date: Mon, 27 Mar 2006 Subject: Update I found out about the website from my sister, Dee Dee Adams. Occupation: billing specialist / cashier, Significant Other. Children: 4 dogs, 3 cats lol Memorable Incidents: too long ago, refresh my memory lol Since High School: working for Giant food Future Plans: retirement lol Memorable Teacher: Mr hassler, he liked to hassle ppl, esp me ********** From: Alec M Lewis (1976) Date: Tue, 28 Mar 2006 Subject: Update Website - http://lawyers.com/aleclewislaw (law practice, Rockville), Occupation: Family Law Attorney, Spouse: Beth (Personal trainer), Children: Michael 18, Molly 13 Since High School: College, Law School, Marriage, 2 kids, Estalish Law practice, Divorce, Marriage..... Memorable Teachers: Ms. Rosen, friend, great teacher and great person; Mr. Steele, great attitude; Mr. Roberts, dry wit, sarcastic but really funny Siblings: Gary Lewis '87, Mark Lewis '83 ********** From: Michael~Deborah Gray (1973) Date: Tue, 28 Mar 2006 Subject: Update I found out about the MSO website while cruising the web years ago. Website - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Peary-GLBTA (site for Peary's 1960-1984 GLBTA Alumni), Occupation: Sexologist, Gender Specialist, and Video-ethnographer, and an advocate for people with disabilities. Children: Zachry 31, Shea 26, Sam 25 Memorable Incidents: The Cannons and Peary football games; getting suspended for wearing red, white, and blue stockings under my pom-pom girl uniform; being mercilessly flirted with by the boys; flunking Senor Detoro's spanish class because I refused to pose for photographs he wanted to take of me; getting sun poisoning on our San Juan graduating class trip while playing beach football. Our drum and bagpipe corps. I have amazing video of them from the Peary anchor dedication ceremony. The drum major, most especially, is beyond elegant. Singing our motto "I will find a way or fake one . . ." instead of "make one." And sadly, Connie Andrews' deadly car accident. I still miss her. Since High School: Raising three children; getting a BA, 2 Masters, and a PhD. Doing nonviolent Gandhi & King style civil disobedience and willingly being arrested for it 6 times. I have systemic lupus and am dealing with a heap of disabilities right now (3/28/06). Future Plans: Coping with being this being severely disabled now, including taking medication for lupus that has drastically changed my appearance, hence the name change. Getting a ramp so that I can get in and outside of this town house; and getting fitted for an electric wheelchair. Memorable Teacher: Mr. Hubbard, the choir director, most of the time. He was such an inspiring musical mentor. Being one of Peary's Madrigal singers was due to his inspiration. I have a service dog Named "Myrtle" after Vicky Jones grandmother, and my great aunt Myrtle, the funniest of The Ladies of her generation I ever knew. She and my grandmother Gray were best friends for life. Getting back in touch with Job's Daughter Bethel 56 Peary Alumni would be extra special. ********** From: Robin Rosenberg Aiscowitz (1979) Date: Thu, 30 Mar 2006 Subject: "Laurienzo's" Open for Business Hello everyone. Happy Spring. I have been designated by Jay Laurienzo (1980) as the PR conduit to let you all know that Laurienzo's has officially opened for business in Mount Airy, MD. The restaurant is owned by Jay and Bruce Laurienzo (1982) and they wanted me to let you all know that at this time Peary folks can bring their own beer/wine spirits to the restaurant. They will be receiving their liquor license in mid-May. The restaurant is located at 200 S. Main Street in Mount Airy. The phone number is (301) 829-6900. So, go ahead and enjoy yourselves... ********** From: Sheila Blanchard Llewellyn (1966) Date: Sat, 1 Apr 2006 Subject: Update I found out about the website from Gale. Website - www.yellowstonegroup.com (Real estate Firm), Occupation: Owner/Real Estate Agent, Spouse: H. Thomas Llewellyn (Owner/Real Estate Broker), Children: Glenda Brauneis Age 34, Lisa Bickley Age 41; Grandchildren: Kain Brauneis Age 8, Skyler Brauneis Age 6 Memorable Incident: Class trip to the Worlds Fair. Since High School: Having a great time!! Future Plans: Having a great time of course. Memorable Teachers: Mrs. Luck for managing to haul me kicking and screaming through algebra with a decent grade. Mr. Hill for trying to teach me Geometry. ********** From: Paul Smoluk (1985/Wheaton) Date: Sun, 2 Apr 2006 Subject: Update Finally graduated with a BA in English from College Park December '04. Yes I know it took a long time. Moved to Charlotte, NC in January and I am now working (mortgage loan officer) for a small mortgage brokerage company. I have a spousal equivalent named Megan (new home sales) and we have adopted not one but two Jack Russells, Max 8 and Xena 4. They keep me running day and night. ********** From: Victoria A. Jones (1973) Date: Sun, 2 Apr 2006 Subject: Father Made Washington Post front page for role in WWII I have attached the article that made the front page of The Washington Post on April 1, 2006. Many other articles pertaining to this subject appeared on the same date in USA Today on-line, The Cleveland Plain Dealer, and The Morning Call. There will also be an article in the print USA Today on April 3, 2006. There was a family photo that appeared in The Washington Post [print] article. Vicky is class of '73, Greg is class of '75, Mike is class of '76, Sharon and Christal are class of '78, and Holly is class of '82. USA Today: http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2006-03-13-pancake-messenger_x.htm Washington Post (with "historical" photo of Mr. Jones: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/03/31/AR2006033102058.html ********** From: Robin Schwartz Thomas (1978) Date: Mon, 3 Apr 2006 Subject: Update I found out about the website awhile ago, I think from Sally (Carlson) Zimmermann. Occupation: Nutritionist, Spouse: Richard (Meteorologist), Children: Hilary 20, David 18 Since High School: College, married, grad school, had 2 children, worked part-time. Have worked full-time at USDA since 2000. Siblings: Jeffrey P. Schwartz 1974, Matthew I. Schwartz 1971 ********** From: Mark & Mary Fegan Heckhaus (1979) Date: Tue, 04 Apr 2006 Subject: Beach Home - Outer Banks Hey Peary Families - looking for a great summer vacation? Well, we have a beach home in Kitty Hawk, NC (OBX) that we are renting on our own and would love to rent to Peary Alum - especially if you have never been to the Outer Banks - you'll fall in love with it like we did. Please visit our website: www.sandycheeksobx.com to check out pictures, rental prices, availability and things to do in the Outer Banks. Hope to hear from you - Mary & Mark Heckhaus Class of '79 ********** From: Robin Rose Fine (1982) Date: Wed, 5 Apr 2006 Subject: Update Website - www.family-greetings.com (Personalized stationery and invitations), Occupation: Entrepreneur, Spouse: David (Telephony Consultant), Children: Rachel (9 y.o.) and Mitchell (6 y.o.) Daughter Rachel won 6 awards, including the coveted blue ribbon, in an equestrian competition here in the Carolinas. And my son, Mitchell, just 6 y.o. you know, is now a purple belt in Tae Kwon Do! No more babies in my house, which I have to say feels a little strange! I've exchanged diapers and formula for driving to one activity after another! I was hoping I could depend on my old and dear high school friends to support me in my new endeavor. I have started my own business, Family Greetings, an invitation and stationery business specializing in personalized family-oriented items, including notecards, gift stickers, notepads, thank-you notes, teacher gifts, address labels, special event invitations, party favors, and so much more! Please visit my new website, www.family-greetings.com, and check it out. Feel free to tell me what you think, or to even place an order! Thanks for your support, and I hope to hear from many of you. A shout out to Brad Oscar, Sharon Leach, Denise Frank, Eli Blumenthal, Vicki Oscar, and Kim Adams, whom I've kept in touch with (some for decades) and have made these years since high school so special. And a special shout out to Jerry Leach (not a fellow graduate, but Sharon's big brother) for helping us make our adjustment to Charlotte such a nice and easy one! Thanks to you and your family, Jerry! Regards to all, Robin (Rose) Fine ********** From: Thomas Chang (1977) Date: Wed, 5 Apr 2006 Subject: Update How I found out about the MSO website? Entered my name in the Yahoo search engine. Website - weinsteinimaging.com (business - radiology, Western PA), Occupation: Radiologist, Spouse: Joan Vondra (Professor), Children: Miranda 13, Erica 10 Since High School: medical school, residency, radiology practice; soccer coach for my younger daughter's teams Memorable Teachers: Vadala - helped me become a better writer, and Clark - always entertaining, especially with his yardstick Siblings: Lucy 1979, David 1980 ********** From: Sally Lichtenstein Berk (1963) Date: Thu, 6 Apr 2006 Subject: Update Occupation: Historic Preservationist, Spouse: Sanders H. Berk, MD (physician), Children: David 40, Lisa 37; Grandchildren: Jessica 3 Memorable Incidents: playing hookey Since High School: Having children, graduating from architecture school, getting a graduate degree in historic preservation, traveling, enjoying a grandchild Future Plans: more of the same Memorable Teacher: Dr Dunn because he was rather absurd. Who needs Dress-Up Day? ********** From: Jennifer Riley c/o Barb Dentz & Tim Riley (1971) Subject: AVON WALK FOR BREAST CANCER APRIL 29-30 Did you know that three million women are living with breast cancer--and one third don't even know it? Even more startling, breast cancer kills approximately one woman every 14 minutes, robbing us of our mothers and grandmothers, our sisters and aunts, cousins and best friends. My name is Jennifer Riley and I am the daughter of Barbara Dentz Riley and Timothy Riley (Class of 1971). This year I will be doing the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer along with seven of my friends. Four of these friends are cousins who will be participating in the walk to honor their Grandmother who just last month dealt with her second bout of breast cancer. I will be walking 39.3 miles over 2 days in Washington, D.C. I have also committed to raise $1800 in order to walk. The race is April 29th so I don't have a lot of time to waste. You can simply make a donation online by going to avonwalk.com. From there: 1. Click Donate, 2. Click Support a Participant, 3. Enter my name: Jennifer Riley, 4. You'll be directed to My Page where you can "Click here to support me" Even a $5 donation would be so helpful. Maybe you've never personally known anyone touched by breast cancer. If that's the case, you also know that you are very fortunate, and that it's likely that one day that will change. A staggering 1 in 9 women in the U.S. will develop breast cancer. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death for women right now, and the leading cause of death in women between the ages of 40 and 55. Every woman is at risk, because we don't know to prevent it. Thank you, Jennifer Riley *********************************** *********** QUICK TAKES *********** *********************************** Ann Buckley Allen - Class of 1981 I found out about the website from classmates. Occupation: Legal Secretary, Spouse: Anthony (Retired Navy Chief), Children: Tony - 18, Ricky - 17 Shuman Randall Moore - Class of 1972 I found out about the website through Google. Occupation: Energy Consultant, Memorable Incidents: Ski Club Trips, Since High School: Working, Future Plans: Yes, Memorable Teacher: Clyde Hunt, Band Teacher - played a mean trumpet David Graham Spurlock - Class of 1966 Website - http://TheBrassDragon.Homestead.com (dragon sculptures, suncatchers, and unique jewelry), Occupation: Metal Sculpturist and Master Piper, Spouse: Carol (Metal Sculpturist and Photographer) Sam S. Mahatan - Class of 1967 I found out about the website through Google. Occupation: Retired, Children: Channing (32) and Percy (25) Mark McClure - Class of 1984 Occupation: Retired Ken Kovack - Class of 1970 Occupation: sales, Spouse: divorced VICKI FERA - Class of 1972 How I found out about the website? I did a search for my name and it brought up Missing Persons. Joyce L. Richardson - Class of 1972 Occupation: nursing tech Joe Tralongo - Class of 1981 Occupation: Automotive Writer, Significant Other: Mark (Microbial Solutions Distributor), Children: Rugby, border collie, age 2 KIRK JOHNSON - Class of 1971 Occupation: HYDRO MAN, Spouse: MARRY ANN ( ESTON ) johnson, Children: DANIL KIRK 10-11-87 KELLY ANN 1-14-89, Siblings: MARK 1969, MIKE 1970 Bart Fox - Class of 1983 I found out about the website through a Search Engine. Occupation: Head Golf Professional david schmidt - Class of 1983 Occupation: carpenter, Spouse: selina, Children: katrina 12 Deborah Worton Dempsey - Class of 1977 Occupation: RN, Children: Alexander 20, Abigail 18; Memorable Incidents: playing field hockey and managing the girls basketball and softball team Kathleen Niepsey - Class of 1968 Some things never change - still here in OC, MD. Hi to everyone. Missed a lot of classmates last Sept. Hope everyone is doing well and healthy. Robin Pratt - Class of 1979 I found out about the website from my sister. Occupation: Health Information Systems Analyst Kathleen Harper - Class of 1971 Occupation: Student/Beach Bum, Significant Other: Larry Sprowles (Professional Chef), Children: Joseph W. Chancey (Jody) age 35; Grandchildren: None yet - still hoping! Larry, my s/o, has five that I adore and love. Wendy Rosenthal Nash - Class of 1977 Occupation: Retired Correctional Officer, Spouse: John (Retired Correctional Officer), Children: Mara Danielle 15, Haley Jay 12 Peppy Perry - Class of 1971 I found out about the website from a friend. Occupation: Mechanic and Volunteer Firefighter, Spouse: Jacqueline (Emergency Management), Children: Ezekiel 25, Nykea 23; Grandchildren: Dakota 5, Raini 4, Sage 2 Kim Conda Prince - Class of 1981 I found out about the website from Noreen Nelligan Hathaway. Occupation: stay at home mom, Spouse: Kevin (government), Children: Michael 15, Cori 13, Nicole 11 Stacy Gray Pritchett - Class of 1985/Seneca Valley Occupation: Education Faculty, UMD College Park; Spouse: Donnie (Biologist), Children: Rachel 9, Elizabeth 6, Matthew 4 Denise Jones Holibaugh (1982) Occupation: Operations admin. assistant, Spouse: Alan Holibaugh (Peary '78), Children: Daniel 2 and Rachel 5 months *********** CONDOLENCES *********** Please remember these alums and families in your thoughts and prayers. Mr. Morris Danley, the father of Wayne Danley (1966) and Bruce Danley (1969) passed away the morning of March 9, 2006. Neither Wayne or Bruce is aboard MSO at this time. Friends called on family Monday March 13th at Hines Rinaldi Funeral Home in Silver Spring, where services were held on Tuesday March 14th. Interment Parklawn Memorial Gardens, followed by visiting/lunch with family members at Veirs Mill Baptist church. There is an online notice and guest book available to leave messages to the family until April 11th: http://www.legacy.com/washingtonpost/DeathNotices.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonID=17022041 [Thank you to Debbie Keady Hiltz (1969) for passing this along to us.] ----- John D. Coursey, Jr (1975) died suddenly on Monday, March 13th at his residence. He was the husband of Kathy DeVries Coursey (1980 - katjdev@aol.com), and the brother of David, Paul, Betsy, Edward, and Billie Coursey Griffith (siblings are not Peary grads). He is survived by 4 children. The family received friends on March 17th at Stauffer Funeral Home in Mt. Airy, MD, where services were held on the morning of March 18th. Interment Pipe Creek Cemetery, Union Bridge MD. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to a fund for his children - a trust fund has been established for the Coursey children in remembrance of their father, John. Contributions can be made payable to "Coursey Children's Memorial Trust" c/o Mrs. Diane Salen, 205 Walnut Creek Rd, Huntingtown, MD 20639. There is a Post/Legacy online notice and guest book available to leave messages for the family until April 15th: http://www.legacy.com/washingtonpost/DeathNotices.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonID=17092897 [Thank you to Marta Westerfield Coursey (1975), John's sister-in-law, for letting us know of this sad news.] ----- John Shannon, the father of Daniel (1969), Leilani Shannon Vail (1971 - Vailetc@aol.com), John (1974), Billy (1976), and Patti Shannon Wilder (1978 - swilder271@yahoo.com), passed away on Sunday March 19th. Visitation was held on March 23rd. Graveside service and interment Arlington National Cemetery was on March 29th. There is a Post/Legacy online notice and guest book available to leave messages for the family until April 21st: http://legacy.com/WashingtonPost/DeathNotices.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonID=17176677 [Thank you to Lynne Keady Galletti (1978) for informing us.] ----- Marilyn Carr, the mother of Jack (1970 - jnwcarr@aol.com), Mike (1972), Tom (1972 - ashleyern1017@aol.com), Cathy Carr Conner (19??), Maureen Carr (1975), Mark (1978), Patty Carr Horton (1979), and Chrissy Carr Buffano (1983) passed away on Saturday March 25th. Relatives and friends visited with family on March 28th at Collin Funeral Home in Silver Spring. Mass of Christian Burial and interment in Niagara Falls, NY. There is an online Post /Legacy notice and guest book to leave messages for the family until April 26th: http://www.legacy.com/washingtonpost/DeathNotices.asp?Page=Lifestory&PersonId=17254094 [Thank you to Rob Wolf, Class of 1978, for letting MSO know.] ----- Mr. Hiroshi Harold Nishi passed away on Sunday, March 26, 2006. He is survived by his wife, Fumiko, daughters, Linda (1972 - lkn@nobledogsoftware.com) and Karen (1975), and his son, Alan (1976 - aanishi@aol.com). A memorial service will be held at Cedar Lane Unitarian Church, 9601 Cedar Lane, Bethesda, MD 20814 on April 18, 2006 at 11am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests "take your family and friends to dinner and spend time with those you love." There is a notice and guest book to leave messages for the family until May 2nd: http://www.legacy.com/washingtonpost/DeathNotices.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonID=17286662 ----- Betty Atwell, the mother of Susan Atwell Wells (1977) and Sandra Atwell Crye (1984 - sam1137@msn.com), passed away on April 1, 2006 at age 78. A memorial service was held on Thursday April 6 at Guardian West Chapel in Oklahoma City OK. There is an online Oklahoman/Legacy notice and guest book to leave messages for the family until May 4th: http://www.legacy.com/Oklahoman/Obituaries.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonID=17296759 -- Our condolences to the families of alumni and friends - MSO ********************************************************************** END OF TEXT - MIDNIGHT SUN ONLINE - VOLUME 10, NUMBER 8 Articles for the next issue are due April 22, 2006 ********************************************************************** Copyright 2006 The Midnight Sun Online - http://www.pearyhs.org **********************************************************************