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Volume 2, Number 12,
June & July 1998
MIDNIGHT
SUN ONLINE
-The Online Newsletter for
Robert E. Peary High School Alumni-
MSO WEB SITE - http://www.pearyhs.org
Page 4
From: Leonard Chornock chorlop@erols.com (1975) Date: Fri, 19 Jun 1998 Subject: locating lost friends
Anyone that can assist me in finding either Edie or Elie Sneidar please e-mail me with any information about them. Even married names would help. Thank You
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From: John Supinski JXSINS@aol.com (1979) Date: Fri, 19 Jun 1998 Subject: Update
Occupation: Insurance Broker, Spouse: Bonnie, Children: Robert Age 9, Brooke Age 7
Memorable Incident: Unfortunately, there is none. I was not a very outgoing person in high school, though I did play baseball in 10th grade. I do regret that I was not more sociable, I believe I missed out on a lot of fun. But that was then and this is now; life couldn't be better.
Missing People? Robin Blanchard (now Robin Wingo) is in Germantown, Maryland
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From: Lowell Rankin RANKINATOR@JUNO.COM (1978) Date: Fri, 19 Jun 1998 Subject: Update
I found out about this from Sharon Barrett (Hebrew Academy) - toured school 6/17. Occupation: Automotive/Self-Employed
Memorable Incident: Phantom pie thrower 1977; Missing People? Gary Cleaver lives in Glenmont. Robert Leidig is an officer with the Howard County Police Department.
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From: Barbara Spahn Apostle no e-mail address submitted (1980) Date: Fri, 19 Jun 1998 Subject: Update
I found out about the website from my brother. Occupation: Paralegal, Spouse: John, Children: George John (GJ) 2 and TBA (due soon)
Since High School: Graduated from college with a BA in Paralegal Studies. Worked in a few law firms in DC. Got married to a wonderful man in 1993.
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From: Glenn Cilimberg rglenn@mailhost.chi.ameritech.net (1974) Date: Sat, 20 Jun 1998 Subject: Update
Occupation: Director of Sales and Marketing, Spouse: Isabel, Children: Richard Glenn II 15 years, Christin Lee 13 years, Michelle Amanda 5 years
Memorable Incident: The day I saw a classmate (can't remember her name) streaking from a restroom near the front entrance of the school, out to car waiting for the get-a-way.
Since High School: Immediately following graduation I began a four year enlistment in the Navy. After serving in the Navy I moved to Ventura, California where I spent one year working as a welder with an aircraft manufacturer, and three and a half years attending The University of LaVerne. After earning a BS Degree in Economics/Businness Administration I moved to Boston, MA where I landed an outside sales job with The Fort Howard Corp., got married, had two children, was promoted to District Manager in New York City (had to relocate my family there), and was promoted to Director of National Account Sales moving my family again to Green Bay, Wisconsin. In 1991 I left my position with Fort Howard to join GAMBRO Healthcare. This sales management position took me to South Florida where my territory took me to the Carribean Island. I married for the second time, had another child, and after five years accepted a new position as Director of Sales and Marketing with a company located in Chicago. My family and I reside in a Chicago suburb, and are enjoying the area (accept for the winters) very much.
Future Plans: Hope to start my own business within a year, get the children through college, live half the year in the City of Chicago, and half the year in Florida.
Memorable Teachers: Many, but I will have to check an old year book for the correct spelling of there names (will update later).
Missing People? Sorry, can't help out here. I have been out of the Rockville area, and out-of-touch with classmates for sometime.
It is great finding this connection with my past! I look forward to having a chance to catch up with old friends, hearing new news, and learning about future events. I would be interested in knowing what has become of the High School? I know it closed, but have not heard what has been the fate of the structure.
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From: Gary Blum gblum@io-online.com (1974) Date: Sat, 20 Jun 1998 Subject: Update
How found? My bro's let me know. Occupation: investor, Spouse: Michelle, Children: My son Joey is 10. He just completed his first season at the minor little league level, sorry no stats. My daughter Stephanie is 4 and just graduated from her first year of preschool.
Memorable Incident: I remember ditching school on the first nice spring day. Half the school would cut, pile into cars, and drive up to Cumberland Falls. I still remember the feel of the crisp fresh air and watching ice along the mountain stream melt. I also remember when someone near the "cubby hole" threw a large wheel of cheese through the girls bathroom window. Who was that?
Since High School: I actually went to and graduated from college. Many thought it impossible. I received an A.A. from MC Germantown and a Bachelors in Finance from San Diego State University. I started and operated a convention services company in San Diego for 12 years. I sold it in 1995 and have been investing and raising my family for the last few years.
Future Plans: start working again soon, perhaps on the space station or maybe lease a warehouse from Craig Davis.
Missing People? Alan Slawter is in Florida, Joe Latore still lives on Narada.
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From: Pete Reinhardt peter.j.reinhardt@cpmx.saic.com (1969) Date: Sat, 20 June 1998 Subject: Update
How found? My brother Class of 1963. Occupation: Program Manager, Children: Valerie 23, Pamela 21
Memorable Incident: Friends and Fun; Since High School: Retired from the Navy in 1973 where I was a Naval Aviator. Working as a "Beltway Bandit" since.
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From: Ken Roseman kenroseman@dclink.com (1969) Date: Sat, 20 Jun 1998 Subject: MSO Update - June 1998
Class of '69 Gala 30th Reunion"- Preliminary "Missing Persons List" — See the listing online at the website. I've created an initial "Missing Persons" list by going over our 25th reunion booklet and the e-mail list. Anyone who does not appear in either list is "missing." Of course, anyone reading this whose name is in the "missing persons" list should immediately e-mail myself, Mike O'Neil ( oneil@speedchoice.com ) and Neal Pizzano ( npizzano@erols.com ). Neal is the overall e-mail "postmaster" for RPHS alumni. Let's try to find these folks so we can have a really good turnout at the reunion!!
Personal/Career update: Any of you into folk and related music? Be sure to check out "MUSICHound Folk" (Visible Ink, Detroit, MI), a reference book consisting of performer biographies, discographies, and other features. I wrote ten of the bios and did a short article on "klezmer." The "MUSICHound" series consists of similarly structured books on many genres of music; already out are volumes devoted to country, rock, blues, jazz, and "movie soundtracks." "MUSICHound World" (focusing on "world" music) is being worked on now, and I'll be contributing to that also.
My first piece for "Big World," an alternative travel magazine that includes music coverage, appeared in issue #13 and spotlighted Scottish folk music.
I write occasional event preview blurbs for the "City Lights" page of "Washington City Paper."
Green Man Press, which publishes "The Book of Ballads and Sagas" (comic book styled interpretations of traditional folk ballads) has a new web site: http://www. greenmanpress.com Check it out! (I write the "Discography Notes" section for "The Book of Ballads and Sagas" which lists in print recordings of the ballads and includes short bios of the performers who recorded them.) If you are interested in illustration, folk music (particularly British Isles), and /or sophisticated comics, take a look at "Ballads and Sagas"— you'll be glad you did.
About a month ago I attended my Boston University 25th reunion! Any other RPHS alums who are also B.U. alums? Been to any reunions? I didn't run into too many people that I actually remembered. but did meet interesting new folks, including another music journalist!
I am pleased to announce that I am now a "voting member" of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (Washington, D.C. branch). N.A.R.A.S. members are the folks who vote on the "GRAMMIES, " so this is a great professional credential.
I continue to be amazed by the percentage of RPHS alums involved in some aspect(s) of the arts. Anybody out there got any explanations for this?
Have a great summer!!
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From: Randy Hagen rlhagen@ober.com (1981) Date: Thu, 25 Jun 1998 Subject: Update
How found? Surfing the web Occupation: Attorney, Spouse: Gina, Children: Ty — 7yrs, Luke — 4yrs, Reed — 2 yrs
Memorable Incident: It's all a blur; Since High School: School, job, and starting a family; Future Plans: Survival.
Memorable Teachers: Mr. Hill — simply the best. Mr. Black — Hang loose, Mother Goose! Mr. DeCamp — couldn't do a chemical reaction to save himself.
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From: Carolyn Foote Johnson cpjohnso@dobson.net (1978) Date: Thu, 25 Jun 1998 Subject: Update
How found? I've been reading MSO sent to me from my brother and Bob Lau. Occupation: Supervisor in cellular phone industry, Spouse: Michael, Children: Alexander Michael born 3/2/97
Memorable Incident: The death of Kevin Lynch
Since High School: Getting two college degrees, working in the insurance industry for over 8 1/2 years until office relocated this past April and got into cellular industry. Married and one amazing son—so far! (We'd like another one w/in the next two years)
Memorable Teachers: Mr. Hill—he was the BEST teacher I've ever had in my life and, from the looks of past MSO issues, that opinion is shared by many!
Missing People: A lot of people listed as "missing" aren't and quite a few of them are already MSO 'subscribers'—Joyce (Mathias) Lee is living in Anchorage and on your mailing list, Tina (Levy) Bridge is living in Gaithersburg, Steve Reddy is in Dallas, Tx, Gretchen Gayowski is married and living in TX, Beth Thompson is living in New York.
Comments: Hi, Phil—whatever happened to our cookout we were supposed to have?!?!
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From: Pete Buckley pjbuck@boo.net (1973) Date: Thu, 25 Jun 1998 Subject: Update
I read an article in the Journal 6/22 about H.S. web sites and it prompted me to find this one.
Occupation: Bus Operator (Ride-On), Spouse: Joyce, Children: On 2nd marriage 10+yrs, 3 kids Melisa 17, from 1st marriage with classmate Dee Dee Kefauver Brian 9 & Megan 8
Memorable Incident: Senior year, I received the most improved student award. And Miss Thomas had to call my house to get me to come to the assembly to accept it. I was home skipping school (which was what I did often) and she told me to see her afterwards. When I went to her office, she congratulated me and told me I could go home now. (what a great lady)
Since High School: 1st 5yrs I was a Maytag repairman (no I was not lonely), then was a service technician for a major printing and graphics manufacturer. (high stress had to leave). The next 5yrs or so I was a self-employed paper-hanger mostly with Doug Miller (class of 71). For the last 9+yrs I've been with Montgomery County Transit (Ride-On) as a bus operator. It's a job I like and works well with my family life. Between my wife's schedule and mine we been able to raise our two kids without child care. We live in Olney (great place and people).
Future Plans: Hope to be someday promoted and move up in my county job. Get my kids educated and out of the house so we can start having a life again.J ust kidding I have a great life now.
Memorable Teachers: Mr. Benson the auto repair instructor, not just because my love of cars. He was more like a friend than a teacher. If I saw him today I would apologize to him for any problems myself and others caused him (you know who you are!!!!). Also there was my 11th grade math teacher whose name I can't remember. He rode motorcycles, and a unicycle. I recall one day he was trying to teach us how to ride his unicycle in class, I think Jay V. was the only one able to succeed at it.
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From: Liz Latham LizardProductions@msn.com (1979) Date: Fri, 26 Jun 1998 Subject: Update
Occupation: Film Producer/Director, Spouse/Significant: Dodi Favors
Memorable Incident: Fun with friends on the Black Path!!!
Since High School: Working in Seattle Politics, Made my first documentary, "We're Here To Stay" about the history of Hands Off Washington and the politics of hate in Washington State
Future Plans: Continued work in television and film
Memorable Teachers: Vickie Scheidman - great dance teacher/tennis coach. Ms. Dawson - fun english teacher. Ms. Vadala - Sr. English - need I say more. Mr. Clarke - Bag Pipe Band - he let me play the big drum.
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From: Stephen T. Spahn sspahn@ecsu.campus.mci.net (1978) Date: Sat, 27 Jun 1998 Subject: Update
How found? From my big brother Jim. Occupation: USN/ Hovercraft operator/instructor, Children: Amanda Diane Age 9
Memorable Incident: I just don't remember too much about high school, unfortunately. Was I really there?
Does anybody remember seeing me?!!?!
Since High School: I have 19 years in the Navy and am contemplating retirement from my first job. It's just too political for me anymore. I really enjoy my present job which is "flying" the Navy's hovercraft (LCAC).
Future Plans: Finish college on the Navy's dime (I have an AS is engineering so far) and start my own business when I retire in a few years.
Memorable Teachers: Mr. Clarke——Pipe band and making geography interesting and challenging. Mr. Hill——He tried to help me, but I just didn't cooperate!
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From: Ann Russell Grossman richg@bellsouth.net (1976) Date: Sun, 28 Jun 1998 Subject: This is Amazing!
I just got off the phone with Neal Pizzano, and can't believe what I've been missing. I have often thought about high school and old friends but never made any real attempt to find anyone. After calling Neal and reading this webpage I feel like I've come home. I haven't seen anyone since the 10 year reunion in 86 so here is what I've been up to...
I'm still married to Richard (it will be 17 years this september) and have two children. Steve age 15 and Melissa age 9. I teach pre-kindergarten at Tutor Time Learning Center in West Boca Raton Florida where I am also Curriculum Director. During the summer I substitute for the Senior camp counselor and drive the school bus. (Sanity check) I really love my job. Working with small children is both agravating and exhausting and emotionally fulfilling. Their enthusiasm at learning new things never ceases to amaze me and their sincerety and affection always touches me. My bonuses come in the form of wilted flowers, crayon drawings and lots of hugs.
My husband Rich is a Detective with the City of Coral Springs where we live here in Florida. Steve is in high school now and on the yearbook commitee. He is interested in special affects and computer animation. Melissa will be entering 4th grade this fall and enjoys soccer and cheerleading. She also swims like a fish.
I'm looking forward to reading next months newsletter and possibly hearing from some of you. This website is a great idea. Neal and Bob, you boys did good!
Bye for now Ann Russell Grossman
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From: Steve Baker shake-n-bake@erols.com (1973) Date: Mon, 29 Jun 1998 Subject: Post Reunion Inspiration
Having just attended the picnic portion of the Class of '73 with my long-time friend Chuck Visconage, I felt inspired to submit a brief bio, and become a part of the Peary family. My thanks to everyone who has worked so hard on developing and maintaining this website.
Memorable Incident: The day an airplane made a forced landing next to the school.
After graduating from Peary, I attended the U of M and earned a degree in Business Management (we won't discuss WHEN I graduated). After a job with a small defense contractor, and later working as a contractor at JHU, I have been employed in DC at the Dept of Commerce for the last 15 years as a Trade & Industry Analyst. My wife (Kathy) and I have a 13 year old son (Jon) and live in Silver Spring. Kathy works for USDA in Riverdale; Jonathan attends F.S. Key Middle School (8th grade this fall) and enjoys all sports, especially soccer.
For those of you who knew me and my interests, I am still involved with designing (and now competing with) R/C airplanes - if only there was money in it.... my mother still lives on Arctic Ave., next door to Coach Cino.
Most memorable teachers? Meda M. Mitchell, because she was so full of energy, and was too embarrassed of her middle name to tell anyone. I figured it was something like Millhouse, so that's what I called her. Also, Ken Brace, who one day in History class, began a "lecture of lies" on a person in last night's homework assignment, to see if anyone would notice. 10 minutes later, (when it was obvious no one had done their reading) he unveiled his 'gotcha'. I never saw a teacher look so pissed in my life! He was a teacher that clearly enjoyed energizing people, and detested lethargy. I am happy to learn he is still out there raising hell in the Montgomery County Public School System. Most memorable substitute teacher: Mrs. Holcum, because we almost drove her over the edge....... (remember, "OK?........). Sorry, Mrs H. I was only in High School.
Future Plans: Hope to be moving into a larger house one day, but nothing definite yet. Am considering attending the 25 HS Reunion of the school I would have attended in Florida if I hadn't moved to Maryland in 1970. I was recently contacted by a person from my Jr. High in Orlando, and had a long conversation about my 'almost' past of 28 years ago, so it's tempting. On the other hand, they say you can never go back.....
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From: Rachel Heller Zelson Rachheller@aol.com (1979) Date: Mon, 29 Jun 1998 Subject: Update
How found? Article in paper my dad sent me around march or so, 1998. Occupation: Registered nurse, Spouse: Michael, Children: Eva Caroline age 8 1/2 (dob 10/29/89), Leah Elana almost 4 (dob 7/16/94)
Memorable Incident: Trip to London with Mr. Clarke's A.P. History class - I went with the Class or '78 group. We need to find Mr. Clarke. Also, AP English with Mr. Travers; The Varsity Croquet Team.
Since High School: Graduated from University of Pennsylvania and worked in public administration in Philadelphia 1984-92; married 1985; moved to North Carolina 1992; back to school at UNC-Chapel for BSN in nursing; now a nurse at Duke Univ. Hospital; had 2 daughters.
Future Plans: Having completed a degree one year ago, I plan to stay put in my new career as a nurse and gain experience. Otherwise, raise 2 kids and try to maintain some order in our hectic lives.
Memorable Teachers: Mr. Robert Clarke was extraordinary. I'm still a regular blood donor because of the Blood donor club he sponsored. He took his History class on annual Europe trips - a great memory. He made History come alive, headed the Bagpipe band, was devoted to students. Also: Mr Boyd; Mr. Travers.
So glad to have found you! Please send me any info on Class of '79 reunions.
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From: Debbie Merchant McKerrow DebbieMcKerrow@hotmail.com (1970) Date: Thu, 2 Jul 1998 Subject: Huskypups
My husband Dan McKerrow (class of '70 also) and I want to announce that our daughter Jenna (age 16 and an Honor student at Quince Orchard High School) won a full merit scholarship to study at the Houston Ballet Academy this summer. Jenna is also the recipient of the Shirley and David Sykes Merit Scholarship for continued study at the Washington Ballet this fall.
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From: David Pratt dpratt@firstmd.com (1978) Date: Thu, 2 Jul 1998 Subject: Update
I found out about this from my sister. Occupation: Design Networks, Spouse: Lisa, Children: Jennifer Marie - 1/7/93 (Today she's 5 :-) - Melissa Mary - 4/2/96 2 years old
Memorable Incident: High school was a little fuzzy. It was the 70's you know :-o
Since High School: Hmmmm... Spent a lot of years playing music. Spent a lot of years attempting to complete a 4 year degree from Towson State (finally successful in '87 with a degree in Music performance) ok, so I'm a little slow. Studied martial arts. Managed some Kung Fu schools. Sold computer networks. Got married. Designed and implemented computer networks. Managed a small IT shop. Had a couple kids. Manage a large computer network. This sounds boring doesn't it? In reality life has been a lot of fun :-) No one reads this anyways right...
Future Plans: Family... CIO of a large enterprise. Continue to play music. Continue to practice martial arts. Continue to have a good time!
Memorable Teachers: Clyde Hunt - Even though I was a burnout he believed in me and inspired me to play music. Mr. Hill - Expected quality
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From: Ann Warman Prothero Annmom5@aol.com (1984) Date: Sat, 4 Jul 1998 Subject: Update
I found out about this from my brother-in-law. Occupation: Full-time mom, Spouse: Bruce Prothero (Class of '82), Bruce's Occupation: Baltimore County Police Officer, Children: Holly - 4yrs. Parker - 2yrs. Drew - 2 yrs. Kimberly - 2yrs. Hannah - 4 months
Since High School: I have been living in Carroll County. We keep busy raising our 5 children, which includes a set of triplets!
Future Plans: Surviving the terrible 2's!
Memorable Teacher: Mr. Hill because of his quote of the day.
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From: Steve Knight SEKGatsby@aol.com (1975) Date: Sun, 5 Jul 1998 Subject: Update
Occupation: Police Officer Prince George's County, Spouse: Kathy, Children: Stephen Elliott Jr. 9 yrs., Christian Allen 7 yrs.
Memorable Incident: The streaking incident and the attempt at a march to Rockville to protest the females suspension and not the males. Sorry I can't remember the names of the individuals involved. But it was a pitiful march, I think we made it to Arctic Ave. 150 feet, but it got us out of school for a while.
Since High School: Various jobs, nothing to exciting. But I've been a police officer for the last 11 years. Very different, nothing is the same day after day and it is amazing what people do to each other.
Memorable Teachers: Mr. Thomas treated us like adults. Ms. Steinkraus, looked like she should have been sitting with us. Ms. Alta Campbell 10th Gr. English was one of us, I think she was 23 at that time.
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From: Carol Smith Krauss ckrauss@erols.com (1979) Date: Sun, 5 Jul 1998 Subject: Update
I found out about the website from my sister, Sally Smith Shea (1978). Occupation: Teacher-VA Bch Public Schools, Children: Emma - age 10, Kimberly - age 6
Memorable Incident: I enjoyed football games, swim team practice (30 degree weather), Mr. Clarke's History class, Mr. Steel's Chem class, and hanging out with my good friends.
Since High School: After graduating from Peary, I went to Slippery Rock State College. After graduating, I taught in Suffolk, VA for two years. Then I became employed by Virginia Beach Schools and had two wonderful kids (oh yeah, got married and divorced). Currently, I am teaching the fourth grade, hanging out at the beach, and enjoying life.
Future Plans: Continue to teach, raise my girls, and have fun
Memorable Teacher: Mr Clarke-his love of History.. He made History (which could be a dull subject) interesting. He treated each student as an individual and injected great humor into his lessons.
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From: Elaine Kalman Coburn Coburn4va@aol.com (1976) Date: Tue, 7 Jul 1998 Subject: Update
How found? Exploring. Occupation: Teacher for Fairfax County, Spouse: Jeff, Children: Nathan Lee - 5 years Tyler Harrison - 3 years
Since High School: I taught 6 years for Howard County Schools prior to moving to Virginia. I have been teaching for Fairfax County Schools for the past 10 years. I've been very busy raising two young sons.
Future Plans: To enjoy and see my retirement.
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From: Tamara Wessel Arsenault arsen@erols.com (1983) Date: Wed, 8 Jul 1998 Subject; Update
Occupation: Senior Program Officer - International Development, Spouse: Michael, Children: Stephanie 2
Since High School: I completed a Masters in Public Administration/International Relations at the University of Pennsylvania and started work with the Office of Housing and Urban Programs of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). My work took me to Latin America and to Thailand. After getting married in 1991, my husband and I decided to join the Peace Corps and served as volunteers in Poland working to promote economic development. I subsequently worked in Warsaw for USAID for two years helping newly elected local governments to better serve the needs of their citizens. I moved back to the DC area in 1997 and am now working with the Cooperative Housing Foundation, a nonprofit international development organization helping familes around the world to build better homes and stronger communities.
Memorable Teachers: Mr. Clarke — he taught me how to take notes in outline form and helped me survive college, his bonus questions always made you laugh.
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From: Gale Senseman Privette gale7@juno.com (1966) Date: Sun, 12 Jul 1998 Subject: '66 Birthday Party
I as usual have been really busy and trying to play catch still from the 50th party and things I put on the back burner. A great time was had by all... Elvis even showed up.... a '66 gil whitehurst had the entire outfit and did a great job. One song...it was cool. The 50th candle as we finished singing happy birthday to us was blown out by Miss Thomas (since Dr. Dunn couldn't make this one).... Mr. W. Hill and his wife also attended. I'll fill you in more later!