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Volume 4, Number 3,
October 1999
MIDNIGHT
SUN ONLINE
-The Online Newsletter for
Robert E. Peary High School Alumni-
MSO WEB SITE - http://www.pearyhs.org
Page 2
From: Joe Gracia jrgracia@ix.netcom.com (1972) Date: Thu, 27 Aug 1998 Subject: Update
Thanks Bob and Neal and your support staff for doing such a fine job!!
Lots of good memorable events. VW on roof (1969?),Some kind of explosion in Electricity Class. Lighting off some model rocket engines in the basement hallway. Getting my nose busted at the RM/RP championship football game in fall of 71'. Came back to school Monday some kind of wacked out hero. I think it was Mike Judge that saved me from taking on 5 or 6 seniors when I was a junior in the senior court.
Proms were fun. Mr Clarkes class of "Bob Wire" who inveted barbed wire and Dalmations were spotted people in Eastern Europe. Yes, people actually fell for that on the famous 5 point quizzes. No, not me!! Got caught skipping school while walking on Viers Mill Rd. My mom pulled up in the famous Yellow Country Squire Wagon and yelled at me, Lou Thomas and Chip. Remember the Kingdom who used to hang around Twinbrook ?? Some of them must be out of jail by now.{GG} Mr Hills Algebra II class. Got knocked out wrestling JV by the #1 wrestler at 128 lbs in Maryland. Coach Burlas just kept saying over and over... "I told you to stay away from him"
The cartoon Gary Cangemini did of me in polka dotted underwear, playboy jacket and Mickey Mouse ears. Thanks Gary, I was deadmeat for the senior prom date!{GG} Got named one of the classes cutest couples with Holly Link. I saw Holly at the 10 year reunion, she did marry smart and well. Had 1 little girl last I heard. Trying out for the cross country team. Finished last most times but always finished. Anyone remember when Colonel Heard the Spanish Teacher blacked out driving and drove into someones swimming pool? When I came back from Spain he made me spend two classes to tell the class the whole trip in Spanish. AARGH!{G} 20+ years later I forgot many of the teachers I had. Most were forgetable. (G) Always seem to see Baron Von Waaz....wasnt that Bill Hinkelday? Wasnt it Mr Bragonier that called everyone several years after high school with some stupid $1,000 pyramid scheme? Someone should punch his lights out.(G) I cant remember that one lady teacher who always wore that yellow dress? That pee-wee sized typing teacher??
Since 72' went to MC and then Maryland. Got a BA in Social Sciences in 77. Went to Grand Cayman and Honduras for the National Weather Service, part of NOAA for the summers of 73' and 75' taught construction. Scarey part, they had a miltary junta in 75' and everyone seemed to have guns except us! Actually talked to Barry Goldwater on HAM Radio [big deal ...right] Rescued two ladies with the Rockville Volunteer Fd during Agnes in October 72. Worked many places. Ginos at University Blvd and Conn AVE (now a Roy Rogers) Dan Fritz and others used to beg me for free food[g]. Family Fish House, my first waiter gig. Remember the Magic Pan in Montgomery Mall?? I met my wife Andrea (Class of 71 - Churchill HS) at Montgomery Mall. Married in 1978 (Jimmy Carter was president!!) We have a 14 year old daughter, Katherine and a 3 year old boy Samuel. aka "BEEF". Worked at GE info services as a computer operator till 1983, Vitro as a programmer, tech writer and computer jock till 1997. Rental Consultant for a year and now I am the local Knights of Columbus insurance agent! Lots of Church, Charity and Service Work. Great familes though.
I live just 3 miles from PEP hs! Oh, ! To the wrestling guys who egged my house after I won my first match..... you can drive down Flintrock road again. It is safe! My Dad now lives in California. Mom lives in Leisure World. My brother Nick Class of 75' is a senior mechanic at the Nissan Dealer in the Sales Park on RT 29. Sister Laura (class??) lives in Pasadena Md with a little boy and girl. And my youngest sister Mary (never went to PHS)also has 2 boys. I have 2 terrific Brothers in law. Ran the Marine Corps Marathon in 83'. Went to the 76'olympics and saw Bruce Jenner win the Decathlon. Yes, all the French Canadians were rude. We stayed 53 miles NW of Montreal and trashed some anti Semitic Frenchmans convenience store after calling us all "Rotten Jews" and charging us $2 for a pack of cigarettes. Remember it was 1976! No, I dont smoke now and yes I am Catholic! The guy earned it!....period.
I now see graffiti at Aspen Hill and we do have more crime around here than we did in the 70's. Those of you who moved out of the area would see a lot more car traffic too!
Best Wishes to Everyone.
Joseph R. Gracia class of 72 jrgracia@ix.netcom.com
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From: Madeline Sciamanna Ellis EdithAnnie@aol.com (1963) Date: Fri, 28 Aug 1998 Subject: Update
How found? Browsing and family. Occupation: Administrative Assistant, Spouse: David, Children: Mari Angela - 35, Anita Marie - 33, Toni Pauline - 32, David Anthony - 29; Grandchildren: Stephen Carlos - 17, Tara Shanna - 9; Stacy Marie - 15, Taylor Elizabeth - 2; Justin Alexander - 9, Christopher Adam - 9 months
Memorable Incident: I was one of the ones who researched the name and did alot of putting together of info. Memories go back really far.
Since High School: As you can see, having children, grandchildren and working at a really wonderful job...I even like my boss
Future Plans: Hopefully more of the same (except, of course the more children part) Life could be worse.
Memorable Teachers: Ernest Mate (deceased) became a friend as well as a teacher
Looking forward to working toward a big get together.
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From: Sandra Belland Hammond Afmcop@Aol.com (1978) Date: Fri, 28 Aug 1998 Subject: Update
I found out about this from a friend, class of 1980. Occupation: US Park Police Sergeant (NPS), Spouse: Donald, Children: Amy Age 3
Since High School: I graduated from Univ of MD in 1982. I worked from 1980 to 1984 for Montgomery Co. Schools. I have worked for the Federal Government since 1984. I married Don Hammond in 1991 and my daughter was born in 1995. We live in southern Anne Arundel Co. In 9/98, I will be transferred to NYC. I will commute home to MD on the weekends, so I can still be reached at home.
Future Plans: We plan to have one more child and to build a new house in 1999. I plan to retire in 12 years and move to Florida. Don will continue to work for the National Park Service.
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From: Bill Koenig funbunch@bellatlantic.net (1982) Date: Sun, 30 Aug 1998 Subject: Update
I found out about this through word of mouth. Occupation: USAF, Spouse: Ruth, Children: Matthew 13, Jacob 10, Mari 8
Memorable Incident: Too many to list
Since High School: joined the USAF, went to Miss., Cal., Alaska, & Saudi all while raising a familly.
Future Plans: Travel, help my wife get her degree.
Memorable Teachers: Ms.Hale she was nuts. Mr.Kipatric, easy class.
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From: Shari Brassard Piczak sjp2a@virginia.edu (1980) Date: Mon, 31 Aug 1998 Subject: Update
I live in central Virginia and work at the UVA Hospital as an ultrasound and x-ray technologist. I graduated in 1985 from Montgomery College in Takoma Park with a degree in Radiology. I have been married for 11 years to Mike and we have two children, Emma 3 1/2 and Michael 14 months. I am enjoying my life with my family and the beautiful area we live in.
Thanks to all who run this web site, great job. I found out about it from my brother, Jeff 1978. I would love to hear from Nanci Fasiska Weakley and Laura Daugherty.
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From: Carol Ragland Williams cwilliams47@aol.com (1965) Date: Mon, 31 Aug 1998 Subject: Update
I found out about this from a letter from Eileen Brown Carter sent to my brothers address. Occupation: Branch Manager/Marriott Employees' Federal Credit Union, Spouse: Divorced, Children: Laura Marie Williams - Would be 29 but killed in car accident 7/13/94, Otho Holland Williams III - 24, Michelle Elizabeth Williams - 23; Grandchildren: Not Yet - But Can't Wait
Memorable Incidents: Senior trip to NY City. Great fun!! / Music to dance to in the cafeteria at lunch!! Marching with the majorettes at Homecoming.
Since High School: Went to Montgomery Junior College and majored in Art. Dropped out after 6 months to get married. Raised 3 children than in 1990 I finally started college. Got an AA in Accounting at Prince Georges Commminity college in 1995. I am now working toward a Bachlors in Management at the University of Maryland University College. I will graduate in May 1999, YEAH!!!! My secondary will be in ART which is what I have always loved but just put on the back burner. It's great to get back into it. I especially love Watercolors.
Future Plans: Get my bachlors degree!! Do more with watercolors after I graduate. Hopefully I will have more time then. Continue in the banking field.
Memorable Teacher: My physics teacher (can't remember names) but if he hadn't walk me through physics, I know I would have never made it.
I missed all the reunions because I didn't know about them or how to get infor. When my brother told be about the letter Ms. Carter sent, I was ecstatic. I am new to the internet and had not thought to look up information about Peary's alumni. He told be yesterday about the letter but I have not read it yet. He mentioned that you were online, so here I am. It's terrific.
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From: Melony Tarpley Belfiore mbelfior@manu.com (1979) Date: Tue, 1 Sep 1998 Subject: Buddy Clay
I am a 1979 Peary High grad and was informed about the Midnight Sun newsletter from a graduate as well. I have some news regarding a 1978 Peary High Grad that I hope you can post in the next newsletter.
Sidney "Buddy" Clay is in the Washington Adventist Hospital after diagnosed with Leukemia. His spirits remain high and his wife and three children are doing well, but your prayers and cards are welcomed (Washington Adventist Hospital, Rm 3222, 7600 Carroll Ave., Takoma Park, MD 20912) . You may remember "Buddy" as one of Peary Huskey's Varsity Basketball stars!! Let's keep him and his family in our prayers.
They will probably keep him in for at least 6 weeks. This is his 4th week. So he will probably be in another 2-3 weeks.
If you have the e-mail address Sidney.L.Clay@LMCO.net, it is his work e-mail address.
Thanks, Melony Tarpley-Belfiore
[We hope Buddy is home by now and recuperating!]
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From: Robert Jones bobbythebuns@hotmail.com (1964) Date: Tue, 1 Sep 1998 Subject: Update
I Heard about this from several Alumni. Occupation: Fire Fighter Lieutenant, Spouse: Kay, Children: Wendy 16
Memorable Incident: I PLEAD THE 5TH, MY MOMMY MIGHT SEE THIS!
Since High School: Worked for telephone co. for 14 years. Got drafted in 67, went to Nam in 68, came home in 69, been celebrating ever since! Changed career to Fire Fighter & married in 78. Waiting to grow up.
Future Plans: Grow up and settle down (maybe)
Memorable Teachers: Coaches Burlas, Williams & Laneve- really enjoyed playing sports. Mr.s Judd & Proett - They were cool. Ms. Groner - She was built. Mrs. Richardson - She was a sweetie. Mr. Gibbs - He was cute.