MSO - March 1999 page 4

Volume 3, Number 8, March 1999
MIDNIGHT SUN ONLINE
-The Online Newsletter for Robert E. Peary High School Alumni-

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

Page 4

From: Karla Walker Karla_Walker@fc.mcps.k12.md.us (1972) Date: Thu, 1 Apr 1999 Subject: Wood MS Announcement

(Posted by the school's principal, David Brubaker.)

May 2 - Earle B. Wood Middle School Community Open House

The school is hosting a community open house on Sunday, May 2, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. in celebration of the school's first 34 years. Wood's first principal, Mr. Otis White, will be present, and both current and former staff and students, as well as community members, are invited to celebrate the school's first decades of educating Montgomery County's youth. In June 1999, the school will relocate to the Tilden Center during modernization of its building. Contact Principal David Brubaker at 301-460-2150.

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From: Andrew J. Rigterink jamarketing@hawaii.rr.com (1980) Date: Thu, 1 Apr 1999 Subject: Update

I found out about the website from MOM. Occupation: U S Navy Deep Sea Diver/ Home Buisiness, Children: Joshua -11, Ian -9, Lora 7,

Memorable Incidents: boy all the partys at my house when MOM and DAD were gone, the cops and barry rich getting arrested at one of them almost cause he brok the light on the cop car and so many others!

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From: RON MCGEE PEANUTS@KERRLAKE.COM (1976) Date: Fri, 2 Apr 1999 Subject: Update

I found out about the website at the reunion but was not on line. Occupation: machine operator, Spouse: Deana, Children: RAY GOODMAN (STEP) 29, GENE GOODMAN (STEP) 27, KRISTIN MCGEE 22, BRIAN GOODMAN (STEP) 20, ERIN MCGEE 17

Since High School: MILITARY (USAF), DIVORCED, REMARRIED, CLOWNING AROUND

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From: Jackie Saylor jackies@SRGPE.com (1980) Date: Fri, 2 Apr 1999 Subject: Update

I found out about the website from Terry Tanner Holdridge. Occupation: Legal Secretary, Children: Melanie Nicole Saylor age 27 months, Marissa Natalia Saylor age 7 months

Memorable Incidents: When I was walking down the hall wearing a skirt (with Lori Botti) and Tim Wheeles and Someone Else on the football team slid down the wall and acted like they were going to look up our skirts. And I remember how I just wanted to go right back there and kick their teeth out. (Not that these guys will ever remember it or care, but it scared the sh-t out of me).

Since High School: Having fun (drinking-partying, hanging out), got married - got divorced, then I met another assh-le had 2 beautiful daughters with him, caught him in bed with someone else and I've just been raising my 2 daughters since and shooting pool on Wednesday nights at Super Bowl Pub on a league.

Future Plans: I'm moving, May 1 to Olney, plan to save every extra cent I make to buy a house in 3 years back in the Aspen Hill area.

Memorable Teachers: Mrs. Hale. ENGLISH- Because she told us to make up a short story and not to copy one because she's read every one there is. And I copied one one (only because I remembered to do it at 10pm sunday night) and and a few errors of course, Got an A on it by the way, and She asked me if I really wrote it or if I copied it and I of course said I wrote it, that I had all kinds of stories running around in my head, and she said it was really good.

Also, Mr. Clark, History - Because whenever he sneezed and you said God Bells You, he'd say "Thank you, I need all the help that I can get". And Now I find myself saying it every once in a while.

Mr. Meyer - Drivers Ed and Algebra One part One - I had his Algebra Class 2nd period and I would fall asleep in his class every day because he talked and talked and talked, and my breakfast was kicking in and made me sleepy at the same time every day, then when I had him next semester for Drivers ed He said I Hope you're not going to fall asleep during this class, which of course made us all laugh (but I never fell asleep).

Other alums I know about? Who's missing?

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From: Rich Lieberman jakrwl@umich.edu (1975) Date: Sat, 3 Apr 1999 Subject: Allyson to participate in National Spelling Bee Again!

Our daughter, Allyson, (age 10) recently won the Detroit News Spelling Bee (http://www.detroitnews.com/1999/classrooms/9904/03/03290069.htm) for the 2nd year in a row! We will be travelling to D.C. for the National Spelling Bee to be held on the 2nd & 3rd of June downtown at the Grand Hyatt.

Last year she tied for 18th in the country at age 9; she's studying hard to repeat her wonderful performance of last year. We are proud of her regardless of the outcome!

ESPN2 will cover the competition from the 5th round until a winner remains standing (12 noon - 2pm) on the 3rd of June.

Thanks for letting us share our joy! Keep your fingers crossed.

Rich Lieberman '75 and Julie Kovach

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From: JOHN P. MAKTOS SR. ATLDIST@EROLS.COM (1965) Date: Sat, 3 Apr 1999 Subject: Update

I found out about the website? LETTER SENT TO MY SON ABOUT REUNION. Occupation: EXECUTIVE, Spouse: PATRICIA, Children: JOHN MAKTOS JR. 29, MEGAN MAKTOS 24, GINA (SALERNO) BURLEW 27, MARC SALERNO 25, Grandchildren: JOHN MAKTOS III 27 MO., JACK MAKTOS 6 WEEKS

Memories: A LOVE I NEVER FORGOT, JUDY ROBINSON '63. HATING EVERYONE THAT LIVED IN MANOR CLUB (ONLY KIDDING KRIS). FRIENDS, THE FLYS AND THE CLIQUES, THE HOT SHOPPES, THE RABBITT'S FOOT, CREEK BANKINGS,ETC...

Since High School=PURDUE UNIVERSITY '69. MARRIED '67: LINDA LANE (CLASS OF '65) 2 CHILDREN DIVORCED '88. REMARRIED '94: PATRICIA SALERNO (GOT 2 MORE CHILDREN). OPEN MY FIRST ELECTRONICS BUSINESS '72, STILL TRYING TO RETIRE. WE HAVE TWO FAMILY BUSINESSES IN COLUMBIA,MD: ATLANTIC DISTRIBUTION GROUP, LLC., AN ELECTRONICS COMPANY AND DAKOTA SALON, LLC., A FULL SERVICE SALON. I HAVE A BEAUTIFUL WIFE, GREAT KIDS, AND HEALTHY GRANSON'S. WHAT ELSE IS THERE? (I DO MISS NOT BEING IN TOUCH WITH A FEW OLD FRIENDS)

Future Plans: BUILD A NEW HOUSE AND ENJOY THE FAMILY. (THROW IN A LITTLE GOLF FOR MYSELF)

Memorable Teachers: WILLIAMS AND BURLUS: THEY LOVED THIER KIDS AND LOVED WHAT THEY DID. PHYLISS MAGRAB: WOW! A REAL TRIP.

Other alums I know about? GEORGE MIDDLETON '64, JOHN HUTCHISON '65, AND MORE. NEED TO REVISIT SOME ARCHIVES.

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ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PROGRESS

From: Terry Brooks terry-b@worldnet.att.net Subject: REP High School Alumni Association Progress

I have had extensive meetings with the Hebrew Academy leaders that will result into some very exciting opportunities for all Peary Alumni (stay tune for all the details next month). I also have had several lengthy conversations with Senator Paul Sarbane's office to find and retrieve the original Bell Tower bell from the Navy and to appropriate the funds to refurbish the Tower. Things look good towards this goal. My next move is to contact Good Morning America, Charles Osgood and Oprah and others to tell our story and how we are raising Peary HS and our "Find a way" spirit out of the ashes. I have had a meeting with several county leaders to finda way to raise funds for the Alumni as seed money to get things moving toward a Millenium Alumni convention/reunion at the school. Again, things look promising. There is much more to share and I will very soon... There is going to be a lot of stuff to do in the very near future we are going to need a lot of help from a lot of people. I hope we can count or our friends to get involved with their old school spirit to make things happen... Meanwhile stay tuned...

Terry Brooks "69" The Robert E. Peary High School Alumni Association David Alde and Terry Brooks Phone 301-912-1288, Fax 410-923-1045 Terry-b@worldnet.att.net

Copy of the letter to The Hebrew Academy:

Mr. Stanley Siegel Director of Development The Hebrew Academy 2010 Linden Lane Silver Spring, MD 20910

March 9, 1999

Dear Stan,

The following is the "concept" statement we agreed to send you, describing the feelings many of us have about the Academy's revitalization and upcoming occupancy of the old Peary High School building, and recounting some of the things we have talked about.

As former occupants of the Robert E Peary High School building, The Robert E. Peary Alumni Association welcomes the Hebrew Academy of Greater Washington as the new occupants of the building. We believe that the Academy will be a tremendous asset to our local community. Those of us who do not live in the immediate area, are also pleased that the building will be used once again as a facility dedicated to Education and positive life values. We are thrilled to endorse your occupancy, and uphold and support the integrity of the Hebrew Academy as an autonomous entity.

We thank Stanley Siegel, Executive Director, and other representatives of the Academy, for his very kind gesture of inviting Peary High School alumni to the re-dedication of the building as the Melvin J. Berman Building in September 1998.

We appreciate the other warm gestures offered by representatives of the Academy, one of which was offering a wall in the building dedicated to the old school where Peary memorabilia can be displayed. Another was a comment stating the likelihood of encouraging Peary Alumni to use the building for events and gatherings.

The potential for positive publicity leading toward optimum community support is immense. In that spirit, Stan Siegel and Peary High School alumni representatives discussed possible events with the purpose of celebrating the revitalization of the facility.

Allow us a moment to express our most sincere appreciation and thanks for inviting the Robert E. Peary High School Alumni Committee to visit the school and to see the wonderful work you are doing. As you can imagine, for many of us our high school years were pivotal points in our young development. Many of the generations of Peary graduates lived through the most turbulent times in America's history next to the Civil War and some of the best times, the ending of the cold war. We all have lasting memories of that time and place.

Stan, I (Terry) must personally say that our walk through the building the other day was a very emotional one. I had not been in the building in thirty years. Yet, the moment I walked through the front doors a flood of feelings, thoughts, and memories rolled over me in waves. Each hallway, staircase and room brought back fond pictures to my mind's eyes. I would have never believed these feelings were so close to the surface.

This place was where my life's dreams were formulated. Words seem to fail my wish to express my thoughts. I must admit, I wrestled for several days with my emotions. I felt, I had somehow betrayed these hallowed halls by not staying involved with the protection of the property. Yet, I realized the facts of life are that we must go on. It is with these sentiments that we ask you and the Hebrew Academy to understand why 10,000 Robert E. Peary High School graduates are so very grateful for your involvement in taking over and revitalizing the life of that dying building by restoring it to what it was always intended to be. A place for young people to grow and learn those values we all hold so dear.

The Robert E. Peary High School Alumni Association would like to be a part of the Hebrew Academy's future in a positive way, to foster and continue the development of young people's values and appreciation for education. We would like to have a place in your project. We would also like to keep the old spirit alive while respecting the new growing spirit.

To that end, we would like to develop an Alumni/Academy planning committee for the purpose of joint collaboration on special projects. We see an opportunity to help build a greater level of respect for these two institutions of education, as well as, a greater sense of community for our joint goals in raising our children right!

We have several ideas that we would like to discuss further. We would like to be part of the opening celebrations in some way. It could be as simple as a "Welcome" table on opening day for your new students. We could hand out flyers highlighting the history of Robert E. Peary and the high school for whom it was originally named. This could be a symbolic "passing of the torch" and symbolic of our support for the continuation of the use of the building as an educational facility.

We would like to have a 2000-Millenium Celebration grand reunion or convention of all Peary graduates, to welcome the old and the new. The use of a part of the building for yearly Peary Alumni class reunions. Special joint charity functions in the gym, cafeteria or stage. Annual joint community, alumni, and student theater productions. Charity sporting events like marathons, basketball, and soccer games, etc.

There are other ideas we look forward to discussing. On a business level, we respect the importance of covering costs and sharing revenues. We want to contribute financially to these projects and activities. In other words, we do not see these events and functions having to cost the Academy.

After our recent meeting and previous discussions, we feel, we are in agreement and that we can both celebrate this new relationship and friendship between the Alumni, Academy, and the Community. Our high school motto is "Find a way or make one." This we believe can serve us both. We can only create good for the future. We offer this initial "Vision" statement for your consideration. We are very excited by the possibilities!

With Warmest Regards,

David Alde and Terry Brooks

Representatives of the Robert E. Peary High School Alumni Association

****** QUICK TAKES ******

Frank Barnhart - Class of 1971 eyedaho@concentric.net How I found out about the website? Internet search. Occupation: optometrist

Al Desmarais - Class of 1983 adesmara@cnap.navy.mil How I found out about the website? Web surfing. Occupation: Navy Lieutenant Commander, Spouse: Sarah

Coletta Kemper - Class of 1965 isabel2@mindspring.com Other alums I know about? Kristy Vander Weyden died over 10 years ago.

Dawn Wortz Monn - Class of 1980 dmonn@cvn.net I found out about the website from Robert Kramer ('79 Graduate). Occupation: Managing Partner, Buchanan Settlement Services, Ltd. Spouse: Douglas

Jodie Earp West - Class of 1970 donjowst@aol.com I found out about the website from my sister who found it. Occupation: New homes sales manager, Spouse: Don, Children: Jaime (daughter) 24, Tony (son) 20, Jordon (son) 8

Cleo K . Lagos - Class of 1967 cksun@delmarva.net I found out about the website from my brother George lagos. Occupation: Hairdresser, Children: Billey Mathews 32, Mike mathews 30, Jenniffer McDivitt 24, Grandchildren: Miss Charlie Mathews 6, Miss Cassidy Mathews 2

Cathy Quinter Schmidlin Cracker932@aol.com (1982) Spouse: Kenny, Children: Mandy 6, Paige 5, Joey 2

Lawrence Ashoff - Class of 1964 bookworm_traveler@hotmail.com How I found out about the website? surfing. Spouse: Sharon, Children: Christopher age 17, Katherine age 21

Lisa Wilson Meleo - Class of 1984 Lisa.Meleo@Marriott.com I found out about the website from my brother-in-law and sister that are Peary Alumni. Occupation: Staff Accountant, Spouse: Jeff, Since High School: Working at Marriott for 13 years.

Robert Jones - 1964 firebob@bellatlantic.net Occupation: fire fighter (lieutenant), Spouse: catherine (kay), Children: wendy 16, Since High School: only major change since initial update is that i am in process of retiring on disablilty from Mont. Co. fire & rescue services after 21 yrs. Future Plans: live to party, party to live, keep on getting on.

Janice Holliday McCort - Class of 1977 Janmc4@aol.com Occupation: Housewife/Mom, Spouse: Robert, Children: Erin (stepdaughter) 18, Molly 7, Kate 2

Keith Ricker - Class of 1982 mricker@erols.com I found out about the website from other Peary Alumni. Occupation: Carpenter, Spouse: Mary Beth, Children: Sara Elizabeth age 7, Jack Thomas age 2

Debbie Darr Wilson - Class of 1972 Sexymom521@aol.com I found out about the website from my sister Shari Darr Benson. Children: Sandy Wilson-24 Steve-21 Erin-16

Claudia Cissel Hepburn - Class of 1979 claudiach@yahoo.com Occupation: oncology nurse, Spouse: Richard Hepburn (1979)

Rick Davis - Class of 1972 tdson1@aol.com Occupation: Computer Sales, Children: Angie - 20, Gina - 17, Tony D. Tiger - 11

Suzy Schrider-Garcia - Class of 1981 tom.suzy@erols.com Occupation: Client Relations Manager, Spouse: Tom

Debbie Dempsey deSibour - Class of 1976 Divamom1@aol.com Occupation: Accountant, Spouse: Gregg deSibour, Gregg's Occupation: Heating & Air Conditioning, Children: Amanda 17, Alexandra 9

James R. Walling - Class of 1964 jwallrt@aol.com How I found out about the website? I received a letter from Carol Hendrix that had been forwarded from my sister in KY. Occupation: Respiratory Therapist, Spouse: Melanie, Children: James R. Walling, III—age 30, Susan Perkins—age 28, Mary-Michael Bertalan—age 15

Marie Thompson Vanderhoof - Class of 1974 amiz1@msn.com Occupation: Human Resource Officer, Spouse: Andrew, Children: Ian 12, Zack 10

Sandra Beal Fitzgerald - Class of 1979 Bealfitz@aol.com I found out about the website from a friend. Occupation: Registered Nurse and Mom, Spouse: Matt, Children: Jack 3 years old, Jessica 2 years old

Brenda Oscar Price - Class of 1979 bprice8719@aol.com I found out about the website through the internet. Occupation: MCPS, Spouse: Dennis, Children: Ashleigh age 7

Cathy Pryor Maloney - Class of 1969 tandcmalon@aol.com I found out about the website from my husband. Occupation: Director of Management Services, Spouse: Tom, Children: Matthew - age 17

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