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Volume 3, Number 7,
February 1999
MIDNIGHT
SUN ONLINE
-The Online Newsletter for
Robert E. Peary High School Alumni-
MSO WEB SITE - http://www.pearyhs.org
Page 4
From: Beth Leimbach Swanson hbwws@aol.com (1966) Date: Mon, 15 Feb 1999 Subject: 1999 National Race for the Cure
Please note that the 10th Anniversary National Race for the Cure will be Saturday, June 5. There are several special events connected to the Race this year - you could even win a new car - or a trip!!
I am co-captaining a team again this year (Bosom Buddies) and would love to have you join us. Check out the Race's web site at www.natl-race-for-the-cure.org for information and/or registration. You can also contact me with any questions.
Thanks to all who joined and/or supported us last year. If you do participate in this year's Race/Walk on another team, or just by yourself, I'd be interested in knowing about it. I'd like to see how many Pearyites "Race for the Cure".
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From: Bob Lau — and announced by Montgomery County Public Schools Date: Mon, 15 Feb 1999 Subject: News Item
Karla Berg Walker (Class of 1972), a reading specialist at Georgian Forest ES in Montgomery County Public Schools, shares that her school was recently named as the Exemplary Reading Program for the entire State of Maryland. This prestigious award comes from the State of Maryland International Reading Association Council (SoMIRAC). This is the fifth consecutive year that an MCPS (Montgomery County Public Schools) has earned the prestigious award.
Karla's school was was selected for the honor after a rigorous screening and a site visit in which members of the SoMIRAC evaluation committee examined evidence of the success of the reading/language arts program in enhancing student learning, encouraging an enthusiasm for reading both in school and at home, involving administrators, teachers, parents and community leaders; and incorporating current theory and research on the effective teaching of reading/language arts.
Georgian Forest and the other top winners from across the nation, selected by their state associations, will be honored at an awards banquet at the International Reading Association (IRA) annual conference in San Diego, California from May 2 to 7. The school will receive an honorary plaque from SoMIRAC at its annual Bosses Breakfast in Towson, MD on March 18.
Chrisandra Richardson, Georgian Forest principal, credits changes the school has made in the teaching of reading over the past few years and the dedication of the staff to ongoing training and development as major elements in the school's success.
Georgian Forest began revising its program as one of several schools to pilot the Early Literacy Project in the 1997-98 school year. As a Book Club and training site during the summer, the school hosted training sessions for staff from various schools that would launch the Reading Initiative in the fall of 1998.
As one of the 54 schools selected to implement the initiative last fall, Georgian Forest added 12 staff members to bring the student-teacher ratio to the initiative's goal of 15 to one for reading instruction in grades one through three.
In a step that Richardson calls crucial to the school's success, staff continued to participate in ongoing training sessions throughout the year to target particular needs among students and to focus on specific facets of a balanced literacy program for students of all grade levels. Reading specialist, Karla Berg Walker, is instrumental in developing and implementing the staff development sessions.
In its balanced literacy program, the school has established daily blocks of time for reading instruction at every grade level, in addition to integrating reading in other disciplines. In the lower grades, for example, students have 90 minutes of reading instruction each day, as provided in the Reading Initiative, in addition to another hour of having reading incorporated into social studies and science studies.
In the upper grades, students have reading blocks of at least an hour each day, and have reading and writing infused in other disciplines through such activities as keeping math and science journals.
In addition to the emphasis on reading throughout the curriculum, the school encourages students to practice and improve their skills through reading incentive programs, such as a partnership with Pizza Hut, the creation of a "reading tree" documenting the minutes student spend reading and a monthly Principal's Writing Award program.
Staff members also use running records to closely track the reading progress of each individual student and to intervene at the early signs of reading difficulties.
In an effort to provide maximum support for student improvement, the school also has offered workshops for parents.
For more information about the reading program at Georgian Forest ES, contact Karla Berg Walker, Reading Specialist. Karla_Walker@fc.mcps.k12.md.us
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From: Stephen Pouleris spouleri@ix.netcom.com (1964) Date: Mon, 15 Feb 1999 Subject: Update
How I found out about the website? A letter from Carol Cotton Hendrix magically appeared in my mail. Occupation: General Manager OMNI HEALTHCARE, Spouse: Phyllis, Children: Stephen L. Pouleris II 26, Estee N. Pouleris 25
Memorable Incidents: When I greased the flag pole at Richard Montgomery for their homecoming game in 1963 after tying a Peary flag to the top with coat hangers and cuting the lanyard so that they couldn't hoist the colours.
Since High School: Enlisted in the Navy in Feb 1965, served on nuclear submarines out of Pearl Harbor from 1966-1969. Worked as a bartender in Waikiki while attending the University of Hawaii. Married one of my cocktail waitresses in Feb 1970 and we're still cohabitating all these years later. Graduated from UofH with a degree in Education taught at a public high school in Kaneohe, Hawaii. Left education for business. Went to work for 3M in Hawaii and covered the Pacific basin for Medical Sales. Transfered to the mainland in 1980 (Columbia,SC) 4 years later to Atlanta. Left the big 3M 20 years later and went into business with a couple of Pharmacists in Knoxville, Tn. This just happened in December 98. I'm living large in the volunteer state; way over my head in business but lovin' it. My bride and i will celebrate our 29th wedding aniversary on the 28th of this month (Feb.) and looking for at least 29 more. We've two children. Both graduated from the university of Georgia. Stephen is in the restruant business in Atlanta and our daughter Estee in in the commercial graphics business and living in the village in New York.
Future Plans: My wife and I began traveling for a month each year in 1996 and my plans would be to continue working and traveling until I just can't do it anymore. Hopefully our children will bless us with many grandchildren; of course getting married first would be nice!
Memorable Teachers: Mr. Hill. I was his student teacher in my senior year. Mr. Lavine. He really wanted to bust my chops over the flag thing but covered for us and got the fire dept. to take down the Peary flag; which he kept.
I'm glad to get re-connected after so long.
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From: Jean Lejnar jmlej@yahoo.com (1979) Date: Thu, 18 Feb 1999 Subject: Update
I found out about the website from cruising the Internet. Occupation: Program Manager, Children: Bryan age 12
Memorable Incidents: Saturday night jam sessions, The FORT, the creek with the gang and cloud watching (Look it's Fred Flintstone), parties at Donald's, Ken G's and Philip's house and last minute trips to Ocean City with ten of us in one tiny motel room. (John could sleep like a bat and Donald always wound up in the chair). Ah, and those camping trips. Working at Ray's Deli with Mary and Tim's mom. On the not-so-light side - the death of Kevin Lynch. Gee, that doesn't cover much of the school day. I only really remember Boetler's class because it was The ONLY class that my twin and I ever had together in all our years in school.
Since High School: Working on my Career, my golf game and various other goals. Also, bringing up my wonderful and gifted son, Bryan. I was engaged for a while but decided not to take the plunge. Spending time with my family and friends. Enjoying all of the interesting things about each new phase of my life.
Future Plans: The LPGA (for seniors, I suppose). Continuing to expand my skills and further my career. Watch my son grow up to be a part of the solution. Continue mentoring young woman on being independent and strong. Maybe taking the plunge... someday, perhaps. Continue enjoying my time with my lifelong friends. Retire and move someplace where I can golf 12 months a year.
Other alums I know about: Liz Latham - Washington State. Michele Horwitz (Michele Cornwell) - Rockville. John Lejnar - Spencerville, Md. Mary Shea (Mary Puckett).
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From: Dean Peters beanerspace@yahoo.com (1977) Date: Thu, 18 Feb 1999 Subject: Rockville Chancel Choir
I'd like to invite all the 'local' alumni to a FREE concert of Mozarts' Missa Brevis et Solemnis (Spatzen Messe in C). It's all of 20 minutes long along with another 15 minutes of various short choral pieces (with the emphasis on short). The performance will include both a professional chamber orchestra, soloists, and a choir comprised of 45 musicians from 10 different churches in the Rockville/Derwood/Gaithersburg area.
The concert is scheduled for 6 p.m. Feb. 28 at Redland Baptist Church; 6922 Muncaster Mill Rd; Rockville, MD 20855; (301) 977-1000. Admission is free.
For more information and online directions to Redland Baptist, you can check it all out at http://www.redlandbaptist.org.
For more information on the Rockville Chancel Choir, you can check out the recent article in the Gazette at: http://www.gazette.net/news/counties/story011.html
If you go, let me know so I can give ya a hearty howdy-do afterwards.
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From: Susan Leathery Mazzuca SLLeathery@Prodigy.net (1985) Date: Fri, 19 Feb 1999 Subject: New E-mail Address!
Hi All!! Just wanted to submit my new E-mail address. I quit my job at the end of 1998 to become a stay-at-home mom to my now 3 year old daughter, Emma. Things at home have been great so far, I now have time do things for me! My husband Bob Mazzuca (class of 1983) is doing well and really enjoys his job at Opus in Bethesda, although it's a long drive from our home in New Market, and he's hardly ever home during the week. He's just waiting for the weather to warm up, and for golf and softball season to begin. Emma and I are anxious for the community pool to open too! In the meantime we've been spending lots of time at the library & her music and tumbling classes.
I graduated from Wheaton and found out about the website from Tina Raptakes VanDevander. Occupation: Stay At Home Mom, Spouse: Bob, Children: Emma C. L. Mazzuca age 3
Since High School: I graduated from the University of Maryland in 1989, and worked from then until the end of 1998 at a small CPA firm in Silver Spring, MD. I married Bob Mazzuca in 1993 after dating him for almost 10 years (!) and our daughter Emma Catherine Leathery Mazzuca was born on January 19, 1996. She is the joy of our lives. I quit my job in December of 1998 to stay home with her, and love every minute of it.
Future Plans: I plan to have as much fun playing with my daughter Emma as possible, and plan on staying home with her at least until she is in school full time.
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From: DEBORAH DUNN COUGHLIN DEBANDMIKE@AOL.COM (1983) Date: Fri, 19 Feb 1999 Subject: ATTENTION CLASS OF 1977, 78 AND 79
I AM LOOKING FOR MEMBERS OF THE MARINERS GIRL SCOUT TROOP #1976 HEADED BY BELDEN DUNN. WE ARE ORGANIZING A SUPRISE 70TH BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR HIM AND ARE TRYING TO LOCATE THE FORMER MEMBERS OF HIS TROOP. PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT IT IS A SURPRISE PARTY AND NO ONE SHOULD NOTIFIY HIM DIRECTLY. ANY ONE WHO WAS A MEMBER OF THIS TROOP, PLEASE CONTACT DEBORAH DUNN COUGHLIN AT DEBANDMIKE@AOL.COM
THANK YOU
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From: Debra Mayben Miller DagDebUSMC@aol.com (1977) Date: Fri, 19 Feb 1999 Subject: Update
I found out about the website from my sister, Rhonda Mayben Pignataro (1980). Occupation: Accounting, Children: Timothy James-18, Nicole Marie-15
Since High School: Married in 1978; had my two children; PTA, etc.; back to work in bookkeeping field; separation in 1995; divorced in 1997. Currently working full-time for the local school district in the accounting office.
Future Plans: Would like to be involved in full-time ministry at my church in the not too distant future.
Memorable Teacher: Mr. Travers, English - I remember enjoying his class very much.
Thanks for this site. Best of luck for its continued success in the future.
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From: Chris ('75) and Kathy (Norton '76) Perlick cperlick@hotmail.com Date: Sat, 20 Feb 1999 Subject: Welcome
Just a quick hello to all Peary alumni. Anyone in the Southern Maryland area - feel free to look us up for some fine Southern Maryland hospitality (i.e., crabs, oysters etc...)
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From: Patricia Alejo Beall Al_Beall@msn.com (1964) Date: Sun, 21 Feb 1999 Subject: Update
I found out about the website in a February 18 letter from Carol Cotton Hendrix. Occupation: Clerical - Bell Atlantic, Spouse: Al, Children: Dawn Marie - 31, Marlena Louise - 26, Shannon Renee - 22, Grandchildren: Shelby-Lynn Wade - 6, Mary Leann Wade - 5, Spencer Thomas Wade - 2, Carter Vann Wade - 9 mos, Morgan Victoria Clementson - 9 mos
Since High School: Raising a family; working and enjoying this fragile thread we call life to its maximum!!
Future Plans: Retirement; traveling with my husband; enjoying our grandchildren; and once again just simply enjoying our lives together and to the fullest.
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From: Patricia Alejo Beall via Al al_beall@email.msn.com (1964) Date: Sun, 21 Feb 1999 Subject: Class of '64
Patty is doing just fine and we will be celebrating our 36th wedding anniversary on the 23rd of February. Over the years we were blessed with three daughters - Dawn Marie in 1967, Marlena Louise in 1972, and Shannon Renee on Christmas day 1976. Our oldest two girls are married and together have given us five grandchildren (3 girls and 2 boys). The last two (a boy by Dawn and a girl by Marlena) were born approximately one hour and forty minutes apart on the same day (May 21, 1998), in the same hospital, by the same doctor - the girls, babies and doc made the front page of the Annapolis newspaper - The Evening Capital - (their 15 minutes of fame!!) The youngest daughter has been dating the same young man for three years now and talks of future plans of marriage - while waiting she still lives at home (so we don't quite have an empty nest!)
Patty's mom (Alice) has been living with us for the past four years. I (Al) will be retiring from the Federal Government on April 2nd after a 34 year career. We hope that Patty will be retiring from Bell Atlantic either in March of '99 or at worst March of 2000. We then plan to split our time between our home here (near Annapolis), our townhouse in Ocean City (MD), and southwestern Florida (for January through March).
Well, that's about it in a nutshell for us. You can reach Patty through my e-mail address (she doesn't have one here at home) which you should have as a result of this message.
Take care, thanks for doing what you're doing, and please keep us on your list - we would be very interested in attending functions from time to time.
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From: Bill Seested OVRBD@AOL.COM (1965) Date: Tue, 23 Feb 1999 Subject: Update
I heard about the web site from a schoolmate from another class. Occupation: Police officer (31 years), Spouse': Joan, Children: Lisa Seested—28, Christine—24, Billy—12 Grandchildren: None yet thank god!
Since High School: After graduation I worked for the post office for awhile, college was'nt for me at that point. Entered the army reserve for 6 years, discharged E-5. 1968 joined the Montgomery County Police Dept. Have been with them for almost 32 years now. Presently assigned to the Office of Internal Affairs where I am the senior Investigator. I also am a certified Polygraph Examiner. During my time so far with the dept I have been assigned to the Bethesda and Rockville districts as a uniformed patroll officer. I rode Motorcycle duty in Rockville for 3 years and these were probably the most enjoyable years. In 1977 I was asked to come in to the Office of Internal Affairs on a 90 day Temp. assignment and have been there ever since. I sent to polygraph school where I received my certification. I have also been certified by the Maryland police Training Commission as an instructor. On an ongoing basis I instruct at the police accademy to both entry level (recruits) and supervisory personnel. Just 4 more years and you can color me gone from the dept.
Future Plans: After retirement I plan to move from the county as it's just getting too congested, but plan to stay in Maryland. My wife and I are considering areas of western Maryland where we hope to buy 50+ acres of land. On this land we want to put a log home of about 3000sf.
Memorable Teachers/Staff: Dr Dunn- Spent alot of time talking to him, not not always by choice though. Mr Roberts, my civics teacher for being a straight shooter and no B.S. he'd tell it like it was. Mrs. Luck for riding my butt all the time in math she actually thought I could learn turns out she was right, to a degree anyway.
Other alums I know about? Don Bifareti-lived in Damascus area and may still. Alan Fagles- retired from the Montgomery County Pd and lives locally I will pass along to him info about the web site. Patrick Conroy works for the county in the Office of Human Resources I have passed the site info to him as well.
The web site is a fantastic idea and to those of you who have brought it to be i thank you, you have done a wonderful job. I just recently heard about it and brought it up on the computer at home. I was amazed. I read most of the past issues of the Midnight Sun and it brought back many memories mostly good, but some bad. I remembered many who are not with us any longer but live on in our hearts and minds. As I was reading I came across on letter from a Pearyite and she too seemed to have just discovered the web site. She wrote how she had explored the site and read the old issues of the mIdnight Sun without realizing it was 1am. Well it was the same for me last night and infact it was about 1:45 Am before I had to push myself away from the screen and go to bed since I had to get up at 500am for work. It really was great, I hadn't heard anything about any reunion activity even though I still live in the immediate area. It really was great to find the web site and my thanks to those who have made it possible.