MSO - March page 5 1998

Volume 2, Number 8, March 1998
MIDNIGHT SUN ONLINE
-The Online Newsletter for Robert E. Peary High School Alumni-

MSO WEB SITE - http://www.pearyhs.org

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From: Marcia Kioski Finnerty marcia.finnerty@juno.com (1970) Date: Wed, 11 Mar 1998 Subject: Peary Alumni Connection Welcome

Marcia Koski Finnerty here, Class of 1970. I had 3 younger brothers and sisters they all attended Rockville High School. I was one of those people bussed all the way from Rockville to Peary. I lived near the Rockville metro station.

I played in the infamous Bag Pipe Band and was Pipe Sergeant in my senior year. I came to Peary during Bob Clarke's first year as a teacher and sponsor for the Pipe Band after Mr. Zampognia (excuse the misspelling) moved on. I was able to go on a couple of those exciting trips to Scotland. What a Hoot! or should I say a Toot! I was fortunate to be invited to attend Bob's wedding several years ago. He married the older sister of Peary Alumna, Ruth Schmitz (71).

Names I am looking for are Richard Foote, Steve Porter, Ed Krintz, Nancy Hinkeldey, & Jeannie Schacter. Beth Ziedman (70) forwarded my name to you. We run into each other occasionally in the Giant Food. I am currently living in Arlington VA with my one and only husband of 16 years, Michael and our two sons 12 & 15. I graduated from University of Maryland CP in 1976 with a B.S. in Biology and in 1996 I finally got my Masters in Environmental Science from Johns Hopkins University. I am mostly a full-time domestic goddess and a part-time adjunct professor at Marymount University here in Arlington where I teach Environmental Science. Barry Erdeljon 1970 PHS also teaches at Marymount University as Assistant Professor of Fine & Applied Arts.

Before Kids (BK) I worked in Sewage Treatment Plants. I worked at Lower Potomac Sewage Treatment Plant in Lorton VA and later at Blue Plains Sewage Treatment Plant in the Experimental Estuary Treatment Plan, as a Chemist & Microbiologist and back up operations person. (Good Preparation for changing diapers!) We were trying to turn partially treated sewage into drinking water! Yes we did succeed. While working there who happened to walk in but the younger brother of Randy Lake, I thought it was his twin.

I do a lot of volunteer work with the League of Women Voters on their, guess what, Environmental Committee, I make myself a pain in the neck at Arlington County board meetings and travel around the world with my family. We've visited: Hong Kong, Japan, Thailand, Turkey, India, London, France, Italy, Denmark, and soon Norway. Haven't done Africa or South America yet. You might be interest in the issues too. Right now I am working on a project to determine if there will be sufficient drinking water for the Washington Area for the next 20-50 years. Another project is to make sure that there is public input into the future operations of the Dalecarlia Water Treatment Plant, and another little project is trying to increase the natural habitat in school yards and watershed protection projects. I only play a small role in these projects but I am having fun! I am not a big shot, & hope to remain a small player in the background. I don't have access to the internet at home because my kids would never leave the house and am restricted to E-mail.

Now that I'm over 40 I feel the urge to pontificate in public: (I didn't take my Ginkoba today.) Over the last 2 decades of my life I realize that the world is an increasingly small place. I try to practice by my actions what I profess with my words. I try not to alienate persons because you will see them again when you least expect it and in the most unusual places. And most important spend time with your children and family. O.K. Done.

This is a neat idea! How do you find the time and energy?

Thanks a Bunch, Marcia Koski Finnerty (70) E-gads that's old!!!

From: Scott Cross Dax7@aol.com (1976) Date: Thu, 12 Mar 1998 Subject: Congratulations to John and Mark Cross

Congratulations to John Cross (9) who took 1st place in the midget 75 lb. weight class and Mark Cross (6) took 4th place in the bantam 60 lb. weight class at the Mason Dixon League Championship Tournament.

From: Robin Sinkoff Barth Pretzel923@worldnet.att.net (1981) Date: Fri, 13 Mar 1998 Subject: Update

Occupation: Assistant Vice President/District Manager, Spouse: Craig

Since High School: Attended University of Maryland, College Park. Have been in banking profession since 1986 started out as an Assistant Branch Manager, Trainer, Branch Manager and AVP/District Manager. Recently got married in 4/97. Have done some traveling abroad.

Future Plans: Have a family. Pursue my career.

From: Sandra Kowalski no e-mail address submitted (1986) Date: Sat, 14 Mar 1998 Subject: Update

I graduated from Mosley HS, Panama City, FL and found out about the Peary website from Mark Furda (1983). Occupation: Administrative Assistant, RE Agent; Spouse: Greg, Children: (Son) P. Clayton Whitsell, Born 6/20/96

Memorable Incident: The last year at Peary was without a doubt the Best! There are so many wonderful memories, it is hard to pinpoint just one. 1984 was the only year of High School that I truly enjoyed. It felt like a big family, everyone knew everyone and Seniors weren't "Too Cool" to hang out with us "sophmores." To sum it up, my best memory of Peary is that it gave me a year of High school that I enjoyed.

Since High School: So much has happened in the last-has it been fourteen years already-that I can't believe I will be Thirty this year. After Peary closed, I went to Wheaton for one year. Then I moved to Florida and graduated there. I attended Florida State University (GO SEMINOLES!) for two and a half years before my desire to travel overcame me. I quit school, packed my new backpack with some clothes and the latest edition of LETS GO EUROPE and left for the first of many of the Great experiences to come. My six month plan turned into sixteen months. I lived in Austria for 10 months, learned German and made some wonderful friends. We still keep in touch and some of them have visited. I moved back to this area for a year, had a great time with an American friend I made in East Berlin. Marco Ortega contacted me and I spent the winter of 91/92 having fun with Marco Ortega and his now wife Gail, Greg Whitsell and a group of other people. A phone call from my brother Paul Kowalski (Class of '80) in California asking me to be a nanny for six months for his newborn daughter and 3 yr. old that I hadn't seen since she was 3 months old. I saw it as a great opportunity to live in my dream place of California and a chance to get to know my brother and his family. I fell in love with California immediately. After six months I got a job in the local Hilton Hotel, rode my bike to work every day and made some lifelong friends. I met an English man, fell in love, and after 3 years we were married. It did not last long and I moved back to Maryland. I missed the changing of the seasons and also my family here. So, I hooked up with Greg Whisell again and ended up pregnant. We have a beautiful son whom is incredibly intelligent, cute, sweet and happy. I just bought a new townhouse in Germantown. Kevin Grolig lives in a new house in the same neighborhood. By day I plug away at a couple of office jobs and by night I spend time with Greg and our son when I am not working.

My sister Sharon (Kowalski) Bobrow (1981), is recently divorced and living in Damascus with her two daughters: Jessica 16 and Megan 10. She works for our mother (as do I) as a the Sales director for American Sign Language Interpreters.

Future Plans: Ultimately, my future plans include owning a Bed and Breakfast. I would like more children, but that looks grim. Right now, my plans are to raise a happy, healthy and secure son. So far so good.

Memorable Teacher: I remember Mr. Gibbs the most. He had a reputation that preceeded him and when I had him for English in Wheaton, I learned why. He really was a wonderful teacher, who challenged you to learn. Unfortunately, the Wheaton students could not appreciate him.

Missing People? Michele (Jones) Hodges (86) lives in Germantown, MD and works for the Humane Society. She is married and has one daughter Zoe, now 4.

From: John Murdock Murdock@IBM.net (1981) Date: Sun, 15 Mar 1998 Subject: Update

Occupation: Director of Operations, Children: John B. Murdock III Born 01/23/88, Evan Michael Murdock Born 09/09/97

Memorable Incident: The cuttting down of the press box in the year 1981.

Since High School: Graduating Computer school, Starting a business, Working Electronic surveillance at the 1996 Olympiad in Atlanta.

Future Plans: Hope to hand the reigns over to the troops and retire at an early age. I would like to move to a warmer climate.

Memorable Teacher: Mr.Clarke, because he always made class fun. Plus he was great person to laugh with.

From: Stan Parojinog boopers@mail.telis.org (1970) Date: Sun, 15 Mar 1998 Subject: Update

Occupation: Bodyworker (massage and shiatsu), Spouse: Cathy Emerson (Peary class of 70), Cathy's Occupation: Management

Memorable Incident: Mr Gibbs plays. I was in Oliver in 1970. Since High School: Having fun. Future Plans: Having more fun.

Memorable Teachers: Mr Gibbs really changed my life. Dr Dunn radicalized me. Miss Manspeaker was very sweet.

From: Cathy Emerson Parojinog boopers@mail.telis.org (1970) Date: Mon, 16 Mar 1998 Subject: Update

My sister told me about the website. Occupation: Management/fundraising, Spouse: Stan Parojinog (1970), Stan's Occupation: Massage therapist

Memorable Incident: Theater productions--especially "Romeo and Juliet," and "J.B."

Since High School: Attended Wittenberg University, Springfield OH for 1-1/2 years Transferred to Gettysburg College, Gettysburg PA. Graduated 1974. Employed as Parole and Probation Officer for State of Maryland in Montgomery County, 1974-1976. In 1976, joined Federal Management Internship program at National Institutes of Health. After year's training, worked as Budget Analyst until May 1981. June 1981 moved to Ananda World Brotherhood Village, Nevada City, CA--a spiritual community based on the yoga teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda. Have lived and worked at Ananda since in financial management, administration, and now in fundraising.

Future Plans: Continue to live and grow at Ananda.

Memorable Teachers: Vincent Gibbs--English and Drama classes, and dramatic productions; he taught with passion, and inspired that passion in us. Mr. Hill--excellent teacher who drew the best out of students with patience and kindness; Mrs. Richardson--she taught me precision and thoroughness.

Missing People? Carla Stalters Sokol is in Weatherford, TX.

Thanks for the energy and effort put into this website, etc. It's very impressive and a terrific service.

From: Michael Gealt gealt@drexel.edu (1966) Date: Mon, 16 Mar 1998 Subject: Update

I found out about the MSO website from Christine Braun (1966). Occupation: University Administrator & Professor, Spouse: Maryjanet; Children: Lillian Assunta Gealt Angus (30), Marina Rodriguez (29), Benjamin Jonah Gealt (25); Grandchildren: Ramona Angus (5)

Memorable Incident: Graduation

Since High School: College, grad. school, professor and now administrator. Also, marriages (2) and kids (3).

Future Plans: Keep on doing what I'm doing until it's no longer fun.

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