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Volume 3, Number 1,
August 1998
MIDNIGHT
SUN ONLINE
-The Online Newsletter for
Robert E. Peary High School Alumni-
MSO WEB SITE - http://www.pearyhs.org
Page
3
From: Thom & Karen (Fuss) Baker CBBaker@aol.com (1975) Date: Mon, 27 July 1998 Subject: Joint Update
How found? Erik Fuss (1983) We've been entertained by the site and the newsletter for the past year. Now, since our brother Steve Baker (1973) has graced the issue we thought it's our turn. Occupations: Thom's: U.S. Coast Guard 19 Yr, 7 Mos., 19 Days, (but whose counting); now attached to the USCG Marine Safety Office; Cleveland, Ohio. Karen's: Social Services/Public and Refugee Assistance["pre-kid"];currently on leave 'til Catherine is older! Children: Catherine Bridget(9):great artist/writer; cool kid.
Thom's Memorable Incidents: Finding out of the death of Debbie Insley. Our innocence was left in Junior High. Saturday Pep Band jaunts, away games in "The Tank". Buddy Yost and his maniacal "Hail Peary" Getting a whiff of what Mr. Brown (Peary Custodian) was sipping on, in the stands at all home games. Hurling under the bleachers after drinking the same. Whew! Nasty! The numerous streaking incidents. Whenever a "sucker" would substitute for Mr. Hunt's Band Class. The infamous "Black Path" and the day MCPD sent a motorcycle up it. Our class meeting fiasco in the gym with "Sunshine Inspired Speakers", what a riot! Joining DECA and dropping out of sight in my senior year. Absent 96+ days while working at JCC. Attending summer school '75 with Mr. Thomas to graduate in August, three months after Karen and the rest of the class. Very bummed out not to be with the rest of the class at Cole Field House, by the way, "Congratulations Everyone!".
Karen's Memorable Incident: Our various walkouts and sit-ins; jumping out of Mr. Kilpatrick's window...the substitute was driving us nuts. Since High School: We married in August, 1979 after Karen graduated from U.of MD with a BS in Special Ed. Since then, the Coast Guard has bounced us from Virginia, Florida, Michigan, and now Ohio. Seven transfers total, fortunately always together; never overseas; and always within a days drive of home. The best part of the Coast Guard was living in vacation resorts 30 years before retirement. Key West was great.
Future Plans: Thom's: Retire July 1999, move back to Maryland and take up either environmental work in the Baltimore Harbor area or whatever lands in my lap. Raise the little one; start her in Go-carts. Officiate at races now and after Catherine leaves the nest; build and race my Volvo's at Summit Point, Lime Rock, Watkins Glenn, and Mid-Ohio. Anyone with the Washington DC Region of the SCCA? MARRS? CART?
Karen's: Celebrate Thom's retirement from the USCG; back to work; continue enjoying being a mom...it took long enough!;learn to swim [?!?]; manage a pit crew.
Memorable Teachers: [Thom]- Mrs. Luck "John Brown It!", Mr. Clarke "Are You Really in the Mood for a Bonus Question"- the second request usually got us going. [Karen]- Tris Berry; Mr. Clarke
Hello's go out too: The old Parkland gang.
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From: Annamarie "Rie" Leimbach Crowley riemikec@flash.net (1976) Date: Mon, 27 Jul 1998 Subject: Update
I found out about this from classmates and my sister. Occupation: Office Manager, Spouse: Mike Crowley (1975), Mike's Occupation: 757 Fleet Manager, Children: Mike 8 1/2, Brad 7 1/2
Since High School: having fun, working hard and raising children (finally!)
Memorable Teacher: Donna Dawson - she was an awesome teacher and made everyone feel like they had something to contribute!
Glad to finally be on line and in touch with everyone! I was so sorry to miss the 20th reunion - am looking forward to the next one!
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From: Donna Finch Armstrong no e-mail (1978) Date: Mon, 27 Jul 1998 Subject: Update
How found? Just browsing the net. Occupation: Secretary/Receptionist, Spouse: Charles, Children: Mandy E. Testa (19), Heather R. Testa (deceased), Suzanna L. Testa (15), Joseph J. Testa (11), Donovan C. Armstrong (1)
Since High School: graduated from James Rumsey Tech. Inst. Office/Computer Tech. program after divorce in 1990; worked at school since graduation; remarried Sept. 1995; had five children - most recent born April 1997
Future Plans: Full time RV upon retirement!
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From: Cyndi Gill White cynthwhite@yahoo.com (1984) Date: Mon, 27 Jul 1998 Subject: Update
I found out about the website from Byron Patterson. Occupation: student, Spouse: Dale
Since High School: I have been living in different places in the country, following my husband and trying to finish my undergraduate degree in molecular and environmental biology. I will finally graduate in December 1998.
Future Plans: I will attend graduate school as soon as Dale and I get settled from our next move at the beginning of the year to Arizona.
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From: Ruth-Ann "Missie" Ridgway Rubin LARMIS@worldnet.att.net (1968) Date: Mon, 27 Jul 1998 Subject: Update
How found? From Gale Sensman Privette (class of '66). Occupation: Retired/Disabled, Spouse: Larry Rubin (Peary class of '66), Larry's Occupation: V.P. Manufacturing
Children: Art Rubin, age 27, married to Karen; Patti Rubin Appell, age 24, married to Mathew; Grandchildren: Mathew Appell age 6, Christopher Appell age 5, Another Appell baby on the way... due in Feb. '99
Memorable Incident: Mr. Hill and his wonderful handling of when the teachers went on strike. Dr. Dunn and his statement "this is a place of business and you will accordingly." Pipe Band. Meeting my husband (Peary class of '66) while working on the school play, My Fair Lady
Since High School: My father was transferred to upstate New York right after graduation. So, I attended the local community college in Binghamton, NY. On July 12, 1969, Larry and I were married. He was in the Navy at the time so we moved to Charleston, S.C. In 1970, he had finished his "tour of duty" and we moved back to Silver Spring, Md. I worked for various jobs being an interior decorator then went to work for a large home builder. In 1980, my husband accepted a wonderful job offer in south Florida. It was here that I became a license mortgage broker and worked as the branch manager for a bank processing and closing mortgages. In 1983 I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. I continued working until 1985 when I was forced to retire as the fatigue, vision, mobility factors caused me to miss more time at the office. In addition to working as I did, I also have enjoyed the role of mom raising Larry's and my two children. Being involved with girl scouts, children's ! theater, and all of the other "normal" activites in which the kids were involved. My "spare time" now consists of enjoying my role as "Granny" to my two beautiful grandsons and anticipating the arrival of our next grandchild (possibly twins). Larry and I own a 35 foot cabin cruiser and live on deep water, downtown Ft. Lauderdale so as many weekends possible, we "take off" on the boat. I became a certified scuba diver in 1995 so we enjoy that realm as well as frequent trips, on our boat to the Bahamas. Larry and I belong to a boat club that does a lot of traveling. I was the editor for the club newsletter for 5 1/2 years and just recently resigned from that position. My days are busy with caring for my mother who has Alzheimers. I am her legal guardian. In between the normal daily demands, I am keeping busy with writing about my various adventures on the boat as well as my experience in caring for my mother. Writing provides a great realm of solace. It also gives me t! he opportunity to "use" my mind as my mobility due to the MS has been limited. Unfortunately, my health has not been my best forte, I survived two bouts with cancer and now have MS in addition to Lupus. So, there are many "down" times but I just keep going and going like the energizer battery. Basically, I follow the adage, "if you don't have a choice, you don't have a problem."
Future Plans: Larry hopes to retire in about 5 years. At that time, we hope to be able to do more travel on our boat, L'Ambiance. There are many islands in the Bahamas we have yet to explore. I also will continue to enjoy watching our children develop into beautiful adults and parents. I also plan to continue life to the fullest, enjoying each and every moment and taking in each and every breath of air.
Memorable Teachers: Mr. Hill because he gave so much respect to his students and taught us from the heart. Because of Mr. Hill's patience and dedication to teaching I was able to pass Algebra 1 and 2. Mr. Moran for 9th grade English. I will never forget his bringing his spider monkey to school because of a story we had to read that included a monkey in the story. Also, how he jumped up on the heaters and acted out another story we had to read. Mr. Moran made reading an enjoyable experience if not amusing!
Missing People? Cindy Compton is a 1st grade teacher at an elementary school in Westminster.
I would love to attend the reunion however, it is rather costly for my husband and I to fly in for a weekend and there only be one night of activities. If more is planned such as the way the class of '66 planned theirs, i.e. Friday night cocktail/warm up party, Sunday morning breakfast and/or picnic, it would be wonderful.
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From: Crystal James Guertin cguertin@diablopubs.com (1985) Date: Mon, 27 Jul 1998 Subject: Update
I found out about the MSO from Tina Vandevender (Raptakes). Occupation: Art Director, Spouse: Stephen, Children: Heather Lynn Guertin, 10 months
Since High School: I graduated from Wheaton; received two college degrees; am now working as an art director in the San Francisco area doing Giants and Warriors sports magazines, health care brochures, etc.
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From: Mike Crowley riemikec@flash.net (1975) Date: Mon, 27 Jul 1998 Subject: Update
How found? From my friends & family. Occupation: Fleet Manager Boeing 757 - American Airlines, Spouse: Rie (1976), Rie's Occupation=Office Manager, Children: Mike - 8 1/2, Brad - 7 1/2
Memorable Incident: Cruising Burger Chef
Since High School: 4 yrs in the Marine Corps. 7 yrs in general aviation - helicopter. Traveling the western United States. 12 years building a career with American Airlines. Staying young and active with my 2 little boys.
Memorable Teacher: Harrison Benson - developed my mechanical abilities
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From: Richard "Tom" Brimmer brimmer@aisg.com (1968) Date: Tue, 28 Jul 1998 Subject: Update
How found? Asked friend in Brunswick, MD to locate any reunion info he could. Occupation: Operations Manager, AISG Government Systems Div. (DoD Support Contracting), Divorced
Memorable Incidents: Having to report to the storage room in Mr. Bragonier's/ Mr. Agnello's Social Studies class, bend over a desk chair, and get whacked with a yardstick. All as a result of being part of the rowdy group responsible for riding the wheeled chair-storage rack into the auditorium (gym) stage stairwell and breaking the block wall during 1st period gym. Also, the enmasse vist to Mr. Lugar's office by all individuals involved to uncover the identity of the guilty culprit(s). Dr. Dunn's reluctance to become a participating member of the "real world".
Graduation was also a kick!!!
Since High School: Served twelve years in the service, both Navy and Army, as aircraft mechanic/aircrewman/flight engineer/pilot; Dabbled in criminal law/criminal investigation studies at Montgomery Jr. College; Pursued twenty-three year career as Program Manager/ Logistics Manager at Tracor, Inc., Rockville, MD/Crystal City, VA/Orlando, FL supporting DoD weapons acquisition programs; Sailed the Chesapeake Bay and points south via the Intracoastal Waterway; Married and divorced twice, no children; Spent five days in critical condition in Hagerstown Trauma Center ICU, and five months in hospital bed recovering from severe motorcycle accident (presently back in the saddle); Currently working for Advanced Information Systems Group, Inc. in Orlando, FL as Operations Manager of the Government Systems Division supporting Modeling and Simulation, and Training acquisition programs for Navy, Army, NSA, and Defense Special Weapons Agency projects.
Future Plans: Retiring within the next ten years (semi-retirement in five) onboard a 40' Ketch (a nice Sloop with a cutter rig will do), and following the sun between the Chesapeake and the Carribean with a willing soul-mate into the twilight years.
Memorable Teachers: Mr. Kovak (who was also my 6th Grade teacher) for his teachings in perseverance when pursuing personal goals, and for the credo "when the going gets tough, the tough get going".
Mr. Williams for providing me the ability to develop both mental and physical strength, and stamina, in the face of adversity. Mr. Hallock for the pure joy of music.
Ms. Percival(sp) for finding it in her good graces to pass me in senior year english, thus allowing me to graduate with the rest of the class (I think she was just tired of seeing me).
Looking forward to seeing everyone in September!
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From: Cathy Wybierala Silk Silkie143@aol.com (1981) Date: Wed, 29 Jul 1998 Subject: Update
I found out about this from Jenny Swift-Joyner. Occupation: Registered Nurse, Spouse: Jeffrey, Children: Megan-10, Zachary-9, Sarah-8, & David-5
Memorable Incidents: Football Parties, cheerleading, & fun times with friends!
Since High School: Having kids, going to school, & working. Normal ole' family stuff.
Future Plans: Going back to school, continue working, but NO MORE kids!!
This is GREAT!!
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From: William "Chip" King Boatxpert@aol.com (1969) Date: Wed, 29 Jul 1998 Subject: Update
I found out about this from a former teacher. Occupation: National Sales Manager, Spouse: Julie, Children: Meridith Rae 16, Rachael Christine 11, Grandchildren: not yet thank god
Memorable Incident: the year we went 10-0 football season
Since High School: oh man do i have enough room, summer of baseball, usn 69-71, u of md 72-75, california 75-78, several businesses... boat business since 80
Future Plans: to open an executive resort in guatamala with diving and sportfishing charters
Memorable Teacher: Ed Burlas, for he was the teacher that eventually got me pointed in the right direction and instilled the desire to succeed in me.
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From: Barbara Gold BryanRodneyD@msn.com (1981) Date: Wed, 29 Jul 1998 Subject: Update
I found out about the MSO from My brother who is also an alumni. Occupation: Retail Loss Prevention, Spouse/Significant: Rodney Children: only 3 dogs - Max and Sasha (Rottie and Keeshond) 8 years old, and Zack (Rottie) 2 years old
Memorable Incident: When the tower was cut down and found upside down on the bleachers, and when the jiffy john was put inside the court and greased up.
Since High School: WORK, WORK, WORK
Future Plans: MORE WORK! Maybe kids?
Memorable Teachers: Mr. Lucas - always so helpful and friendly, and the female science teacher no one liked (can't recall her name) Comments: Send info - would like to get caught up with our old friends!!
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From: Victoria Oscar VOscar5035@aol.com (1985) Date: Thu, 30 Jul 1998 Subject: update
Hello all!! I just thought I'd send an update from the Big Apple. It sure gets crazy here, and sometimes I feel the need to just jump on the train and run home, so I do!! I just spent a few wonderful days in Maryland. I couldn't stay long, but just long enough to shake off the big city. I still bartend at the Hard Rock, but not for long. I've finally gotten up the nerve to do Stand-Up Comedy. I've been at it for a little over two months (those of you who know me, know that I've always been a cut up) and it's going extreamly well. I go up at the Gothem City Comedy Club on Friday nights, and was booked at Catch a Rising Star last week. I feel extremly comfortable on stage, and don't know what I was so scared of for all those years. I guess everything happens in it's own good time. I have a great Manager who believes in my talent and is getting me intouch with the "Right" people. I can only thank god or who ever it is that's running this big show here on earth ! that I've gotten my shit together. It's taken a while, but it was all worth it. Look for me on Letterman or Conan because it won't be long now. I would also like to comment on an open letter written to Dr. Dunn by Eugene L. Mackay last issue. I read your letter, and it touched me deeply. I get so cought up in the day to day life here in the city, and it made me realize that it's the little things in life that are so rewarding. It doesn't matter who you are or what you have, if you can have patients and realize that nothing is more important than the people you love, than you are truly at piece. So I thank you for reminding me that we all learn in our own time, and in our own capacity, and that patients it the best virtue. I didn't mean to write so much, but I'm cafelling. My brother, Brad Oscar, is still in Jekyll and Hyde, which is in it's second faboulous year on Brodway. Anyone who comes to NYC must see it!! It's an excellent production, and a must see. (definantly better that CATS!) ( put a dozen cats in a room, put on the CD, and you've got CATS!!) I miss the old days, but, am much more enlightend in the new!
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Date: Thu, 30 Jul 1998 From: Cedric Williams cedric.a.williams@bellatlantic.com (1977) Subject: Alumni - Business Grand Opening & Picnic
My name is Cedric Williams and I am an alumni of the class of 1977. My wife, Ulyssia and I are starting a new business named Foot Soothers. It will offer non-medical routine foot care, including pedicures, foot cleansing, foot massage and reflexology. We are having a grand opening at Foot Soothers in Baltimore. The open house will take place on Saturday August 1, 1998 from 1 - 4 p.m. at 5550 (#6) Baltimore National Pike, next to Mr. G's Hamburgers. We will be having a cookout (that's right free food!), tours of the business, service discounts and some free giveaways. For directions: please take I95 north, then take 695 North towards Towson, take exit 15A (route 40 East Baltimore, as you come off the exit ramp go through the 1st light by Westview Mall entrance, proceed on Rte 40 through the 2nd light (Ingleside), then go through 3rd light (Johnnycake), please make a U-turn at the 4th light which is St. Agnes. Get in the right lane and turn right on a small street directly before Mr. G's, then make 1st right into driveway of the red brick office building (5550 Baltimore National Pike) , and come around to the back to Foot Soothers (410-455-9703). There should some banners and signs in view. Please come and enjoy yourselves. Feel free to pass this on to some future Foot Soothers customers.
Cedric & Ulyssia Williams
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From: Charline Chapman Carter ccarter@atcc.org (1986) Date: Thu, 30 Jul 1998 Subject: Update
I graduated from Wheaton. How found? Just looked up info on Peary HS. Occupation: Accounting Supervisor, Spouse: Wade, Children: Justin 3, 1 on the way in 8 months
Since High School: working hard and raising my family.
Memorable Teachers: Ms Rosen. Very nice English teacher. Fun lady. Mr Hill. Very nice and cool teachers.
Please keep me informed!!! I organized the sophomore class reunion back in 1994, at Studebakers. I'd love to help organize the next reunion. Please keep in touch.
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From: Shawn Fletcher Fletch@Interpid.net (1981) Date: Sat, 1 Aug 1998 Subject: Update
How found? From the online Newsletter. Occupation: Program Director - MasterCard Int'l, Spouse: Lisa, Children: Logan Jacob - 4 Yrs. Keira Jordan - 1 Yr.
Memorable Incident: Singing "Me and My Shadow" with Johnny Walker in Mrs. Rosen's class and tormenting her substitute teachers with Johnny, Andy T. and Carlos. Actually, it is all kind of a blur(just kidding)....probably from all all those outrageous parties....we may not have won many football games but no one in the county threw a party like the Huskies.
Since High School: Living in Shepherdstown WV and enjoying life. Our family is in the process of relocating to Danbury, CT. My career has taken me to MasterCard Int'l in White Plains, NY. I have a terrific wife (Lisa) and two beautiful children (Logan & Keira) that continuously provide me with the joy and love this life is all about!! This year we celebrate 10 yrs. of marriage. I look forward to our 20th reunion in 2001.
Memorable Teacher: Mr. Hill - He taught more than school, he taught life. Thanks
Comments: Where is "Chiam" and "Walker Red"