Volume 5, Number 12, July 2001
MIDNIGHT SUN ONLINE
-The Online Newsletter for Robert E. Peary High School Alumni-

MSO WEB SITE - http://www.pearyhs.org/
Page 2

From:      Paul Hassler <Bigdeckguy@aol.com> (Faculty, 1970-79)  
Date:       Sun, 24 Jun 2001  
Subject:                Retirement

Glad that you’re keeping the lantern glowing with the Midnight Sun.

I’ve retired from MCPS after 30.5 years of teaching.  The following attended a retirement party held for me at my own house.  How they kept that a secret, I’ll never know:  Ed Burlas, Bob Gardner, Hilda Gardner, Gary Myers, Tom Nawrocki all attended and many others called and wished me well.

As all of you I miss the good the bad and the ugly of Peary H.S.  It was a short 8 years of my life, but was extremely enlightening.  I’ll always remember the wrestlers, the baseball and volleyball players I coached, the variety shows, the photography club and all of the other things I did with Peary students.  Traveling to western Maryland on hunting trips, to Atlantic City to work on Mrs. Lucks apartment with Pearyites and a multitude of other things we did in the community called Aspen Hill.

Peary had rich tradition of which I was given a chance to be a part of the splendor of what was once Husky Land.

Paul W. Hassler, retired, 06/20/2001

From:      Sherrie Duffy Clark <clark.clan@juno.com> (1976)  
Date:       Sun, 24 Jun 2001  
Subject:  Kids News

Our 22 year old daughter Carly, was married last September on the Island of Oahu, Hawaii.  It was a bit difficult planning the wedding from Maryland, but it turned out lovely anyway, thanks to a great wedding company over there.  She had a beautiful wedding, on the beach at sunrise.  The reception was at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, on Waikiki.  It was so beautiful and such fun, and I now have another great son-in-law, Jason!  She and her new husband now reside on the Island.

Sherrie Clark (76)

From:      Leona Ann Price Firtag <pearygirl69@yahoo.com> (1969)  
Date:       Tue, 26 Jun 2001  
Subject:  Sharon K. Fellows

I noticed that Sharon Fellows is listed on the 1969 “missing” list.  Does anyone know where she is or how I can contact her?  She and I hitchhiked to California in the summer of 1969 and had some unreal adventures.  I would really like to talk to her.

From:      Rita Boyd Kooiman <dkooiman@msn.com> (1981)  
Date:       Tue, 26 Jun 2001  
Subject:  Update

I found out about the website from Trina Blanford. 

Occupation: School Secretary, Spouse: Dirk, Children: Lindsay 12 and Katie 11

Since High School: I married Dirk in 1985 and stayed at home with my two daughters.  Now I am a secretary in an elementary school.  I am very fortunate to have my summers off and spend my time with my daughters!

From:      Class of 85 Reunion Committee <peary85@hotmail.com>  
Date:       Thu, 28 Jun 2001  
Subject:                Attention Peary ‘85 almost graduates

It has been 16 years, so we decided to have a reunion. We know that 16 years is not a normal reunion year but we were not a normal class.

So on September 22^nd, 2001 you are invited to our little shindig at the Bauer Recreation Center. Start time will be 8:00pm. Details and other stuff is available at www.PearyHS.org, or via e-mail at Peary85@hotmail.com.

Cost is $30.00/person payable by check or money order and cash is always welcome.

If you plan to attend or not or even if you know where some of the missing people are let us know at Peary85@hotmail.com.

Also, we put together a questionnaire so we can get a book together to find out what you have been doing in life. Please fill it out and return it even if you do not plan to attend.

The Reunion Committee,

Jeannie Brown Rhodes, Susan Cheezum Schuster, Stacy Gray Pritchett, Courtney Hamilton Della, Teresa Petruzzelli Babbis, Bobbi Purdum McKenna, Paul Smoluk, Dora Stracencer Cooper, Kathy Weixel FitzGerald, Chip Longcor, Samir Saah, Denise Rosenfeld Humpries, Donny Carter, Sandy Bell Richards

PS: The missing persons list and reunion questionnaire are available online.

From:      Dale Mitchell <mitch5252@msn.com> (1982)  
Date:       Thu, 28 Jun 2001  
Subject:  Update

I found out about the website from a friend. 

Occupation: Asst.Manager counter sales, Spouse: Loretta, Children: Byran Waugh

Memorable Incident: The VW on the roof of the school

Since High School: I’ve been alot of places and seen a lot of things, now having a family, house, and cars to take of just doing the family thing.

Future Plans: Move to a bigger house

Memorable Teacher: Mr.Vince Bateman in WOC he was very cool, and was very active then after Peary closed he lost a leg I never seen him after that

I have heard from some on your missing list I will get back to you on them

From:      Robin Rosenberg Aiscowitz <RLRA4803@aol.com> (1979)  
Date:       Thu, 28 Jun 2001  
Subject:                Remembering Special People

Since my folks still live in the same house for almost 36 years, they stay in touch with longtime friends.  My mom is still in touch with Jean Salzano (now Scafidi) who babysat for my sister and our brother as well as I when he was born in December 1968.  I believe Jeannie graduated in 1968, but I could be wrong.  Other Peary alums who were our “caretakers” were Patty Brown and Gale Bullington.  Jeannie has 2 kids with hubby Tom and lives in Brookeville, MD.  Patty is divorced from Gary and she has a son, Patrick and lives in Erie, PA.  I believe Gale still lives in MD.  Her folks still are my parents’ neighbors also after 36 yrs.

From:      Charles Balent <einar_b@msn.com> (1965)  
Date:       Fri, 29 Jun 2001  
Subject:  Update

I found out about the website from Classmates.com & reunion coordinator.

Occupation: retired, Spouse: Dianne

Since High School: 6 years in the Army with service in Vietnam

MSW working with children with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Future Plans: Travel

Memorable Teacher: Mr. Gibbs - He gave me a ‘D’ in English my first marking period after coming to Peary.  I had never received less than and A’ before that.  He told me I wasn’t working hard enough!

From:      Diane Baker-Kiester <yare@citizen.infi.net> (1981)  
Date:       Fri, 29 Jun 2001  
Subject:  Update

I found out about the website from Noreen Nelligan-Hathaway.

Occupation: Professional Show Dog Handler

Since High School: After spending many years in horse related business I decided to turn my hobby of breeding dogs into a business. I now professionally present show dogs. I also manage a large kennel of show dogs (mainly Bernese Mt. Dogs, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, and Border Collies. In addition to training and showing we do a limited amount of breeding.  Several of the dogs we have breed and shown have met with much success. I am currently in the midst of ending an 17 year marriage.

Future Plans: Keep on keep’n on!!

Memorable Teacher: Mr. Boyd—for his twisted sense of humor.

From:      John Farrell <JAloysius@aol.com> (1970)  
Date:       Fri, 29 Jun 2001  
Subject:  First Book

Hi.

Wanted to let you all know that my first book, “Tip O’Neill and the Democratic Century,” was published in the spring, got good reviews and spent a month on the bestseller lists. For more information check the website:  www.jafarrell.com

-- John Farrell (Class of 1970)

From:      MSO  
Date:       Fri, 29 Jun 2001  
Subject:  MSO Kids News

Kaitlyn Westcott-Tau, 8 year old daughter of Lori Westcott (1983, LWbdolls@aol.com), captured a gold medal in ladies freestyle, a silver medal in solo dance, a bronze medal in ladies figures, and a bronze medal in pairs at the Southeastern Regional Roller Skating Championship held in North Carolina in June.  She’ll be competing at the National competition in Pensacola, Florida next month.

From:      Mary Breedlove <MmmaryO@aol.com> (wife of Mark Breedlove, 1979)  
Date:       Fri, 29 Jun 2001

Subject:  John Lejnar Update

Thanks to all of you who participated in our fund raising event for the benefit of John Lejnar. To date, we have raised aprox. $9,000.00 toward his medicals and to benefit the family. We had a great turn out, and lots of fun.  John was actually well enough to attend, and his health and spirits are improving.  The fight is not over, and the medical expenses just keep coming.  His band, Redline, is planning a second fund raising event on September 29. I hope that everyone will continue to show their emotional and financial support.  I am planning to hold another fundraiser in December. It will be a Spaghetti dinner and musical concert featuring the Jukebox band, Trial by Fire, and Daryl Davis and Friends.  Admission will be $5.00 per person, and if you want to have dinner, an additional $5.00.  The location will be at the VFW in Wheaton, exact date to be announced as soon as we firm up everyone’s schedules.  If you are able to spare a few dollars, please continue to send donations directly to John, or you may send them to my home address: Mark & Mary Breedlove, 12733 Robindale Drive, Rockville, MD 20853. Cancer is a VERY EXPENSIVE disease, and John still has two very young children to provide for. Linda continues to work full time, and take care of the kids and John.  I know that they would never ask for your help, BUT I WILL!!! Please keep them in your prayers.  Thanks again for your continued support.  Mary (O) Breedlove.

From:      Ricky vandusen <capncouz@aol.com> (1981)  
Date:       Fri, 29 Jun 2001  
Subject:  Update

I found out about the website from my cousin. 

Occupation: carpenter, Children: heather 17 dana 13

Memorable Incident: deca trip to mass 10^th grade

Since High School: working, having fun enjoying life traveling

Future Plans: more fun see more places, just enjoy the new times!!

Memorable Teacher: mrs amder, because she put up with our bull!!!

From:      David Heil <dmkheil@earthlink.net> (1976)  
Date:       Sun, 1 Jul 2001  
Subject:  Update

I recently returned to visit Rockville and show my kids where “Dad” grew up.  I hadn’t been back to “really” visit since leaving for New Hampshire back in 1976.  I recalled some really warm memories, and unfortunately - as can happen in high school - some I’d rather forget.  As kids, we were so invincible.  We could make every stupid mistake and somehow everything would fix itself, right?  Not.  I found myself laughing at some really silly stuff I did as a kid.  Too often, I found myself wanting to go back and “do over.”

After high school, you could say I ran away from Maryland to start a new life in New England.  College and beyond has been very good to my family and me.  Unfortunately, I didn’t stay in touch with old friends, many I’d love to reconnect with today.  To laugh at crazy times, yes, and to say I’m sorry for some stupid decisions back in high school.

Hello to Mark Wright, who I shared my first of too many drunks with.  Remember Schlitz by the creek?  To Brian Greisler who was one of my drinking buddies before Earle B Wood “teen dances.”  Hello to Thad Nowak, my weight lifting partner - I still remember Robin Trower, Bridge of Sighs and Foghat.  Bill King - remember the Graffiti days with you as Rib Man while Thad and I slaved away on dishes?  BB:  a huge sorry for friendships left behind.  You were one of my dearest friends.  Hello to Sue Seager, Karen Lattea, Kyra Samuelson, Mike Shannon, Steve Glaudemans, Art Posey, et al - I wish I’d learned ten years earlier how to be a true friend.  Jeff Kushner - I’d love to say hello.  Drop a line if you get a chance.  Carole Stein:  I miss your contagious smile.  Lenore Pienta:  if I hadn’t been so corrupt in those days, I would have given you my heart.

Mike Bonavia came to my wedding in 1987 in Seattle, WA.  At that time, he hadn’t changed a bit - in every way you can imagine.  I remember stealing our mother’s cars and racing up Norbeck Road at 120 mph.  Who doesn’t remember the little red Triumph Spitfire - and the crazy sob driving it?  Well, Mike - like many of us - finally grew up and I hear he’s happy, married and coaching football at Richard Montgomery.

My two kids, Michael (12) and Kacie (10) and I are living in Dallas, Texas. I hope I can make the next reunion.  I hope to hear from many of you.

From:      Homer A. Dennewitz, III <Homer@xtremebusinessnetwork.com> 
                “Denny” (1966)  
Date:       Mon, 2 Jul 2001  
Subject:  Update

I found out about the website from Other Classmates. 

Occupation: Business Owner, Spouse: Donna

Memorable Incidents: Senior skipday when a lot of us went to a lake in Virginia and we all came back with sunburns and trying to explain how we got the sunburn, at a day at school, Dah.

Having some extra fun in Lab Squad with Dennis Sponholtz, coming up with new and approved chemical combinations.

The school plays where all had lots of fun planning, building the sets and of course acting.

Most of all the closeness of the class during our high school years and how most of us have tried to stay in touch an get together every five years.

Since High School: Like most everyone trying to make all ends to meet.  Have enjoyed experiencing many things both in work and personal.  Went into the Air Force after high school and spent 3 years in Germany.  Have worked for large corporations.  Worked for American Paint Product, in Washington D.C. and sold paint to the White House.  Worked for Teledyne Water Pik for 10 years in the retail arena, have worked in the aviation field running FBO’s at a number of airports.  Starting at the Cheyene, WY airport, to the John Wayne Orange County, CA airport, to the Van Nuys, CA airport and then the Orlando International Airport.  All of these airports I was the General Manager for either a FBO or ground handling company.

Went into business for myself with an accessible-van rental business and travel company.

Future Plans: You would think that at our age we start to look to the day of retiring and slowing down.  I have just opened a new company, here in Orlando, that brings businesses together in a networking environment.  It is a membership driven company that supports its members with educational venues, workshops and forums.  Check it out on the web site..... www.xtremebusinessnetwork.com

From:      Karen Byrnes Ferrier <KarenFerrier@hotmail.com> (1979)  
Date:       Mon, 2 Jul 2001  
Subject:  Update

I found out about the website from fellow Pearyites.

Occupation: Bookkeeper, Spouse: Richard

Memorable Incidents: Dating a guy that actually went to Wheaton High School.  Sitting with Beth Melanson in Biology Class Senior Year.  I think she slept through the class but still managed to have better grades.  Working with all those fellow Pearyites at Roy Rogers in Aspen Hill.  But most off all seeing and graduating with people that I had known since preschool or kindergarten.

Since High School: Working hard, got married, no kids yet, buying our first house and enjoying life!

Future Plans: Hope to get my husband to slow down enough to go away on a long deserved cruise.

From:      Penny Van Meir <vanmepa@shands.ufl.edu> (1964)  
Date:       Mon, 2 Jul 2001  
Subject:  Sister Nancy

This is to let classmates and friends know that my sister Nancy Van Meir Rose (1966) died June 7 2001 in Tucson Arizona. She had been recovering and doing well from an emergency heart surgery to replace a valve. When I got to Arizona her doctors were talking about her leaving the hospital that weekend, then two days later she was gone.

Nancy had been waiting for another kidney transplant and back on dialysis since ‘98. I believe that the dialysis had taken quite a toll on her both physically and mentally. Having been diabetic from childhood I feel privileged that she graced our family’s life for 53 years. And I’m thankful for the couple of days we had together before she died.

From:      Keith Lai <kei_lai@hotmail.com> (1984)  
Date:       Tue, 3 Jul 2001  
Subject:  Update

How I found out about the website? Sandy Bell Richards (1985) called me looking for my sister Kit Tanya Lai for 85 reunion. 

Occupation: System Consultant, Spouse: Tammy, Children: Courtney 4 months

Memorable Incident: Road trip

Since High School: Graduated UMCP, BS Physics, worked at NASA, Watson Wyatt Worldwide, Bell Atlantic Video (TeleTV), MCI, FBI, MIT Research and Engineering (Mitre), i1.inc (a dotcom that is dying) and now at EMC.  Learned to fly and sail in 92, got married in 93. Had baby Courtney in 2001. Trying to fit the whole family in my Miata.

Future Plans: Retire at 45 and travel

Memorable Teacher: Mr. Hill - Board of Education, This eraser has your  
name on it, Thought for the day  

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