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 3

From:      Chris Braun <braun_chris@mindspring.com> (1966)  
Date:       Wed, 4 Jul 2001  
Subject:  Update

How I found out about the website? Don’t recall—have known about it for a couple of years.

Occupation: computer systems engineer, Spouse: Bob Munck

Memorable Incidents: There’s really no one big incident.  I remember the people most—friends and teachers.  And I recall most fondly just the everyday things that gave shape to our lives in those days—classes, sports, clubs, and parties, talking about the future, being with friends.

Since High School: Went to college at Brown, majoring in math, then grad school in computer science at University of Toronto.  Have been working in the computer field ever since.  Met my husband at Brown, but didn’t marry him until 1989.  (Hey, I liked being single!)  We have seven cats but no kids.  My main hobbies are needlework and weightlifting.

Future Plans: More of the same for a while—looking to retire in around 5 years.  When I do that I envision devoting more time to my hobbies—would also like to do adult literacy tutoring.

Memorable Teachers: Mr. Proett—because he taught me math and it was my favorite subject; Mrs. Magrab—because she was bright and articulate, and a role model for me in many ways; Miss Vadala—because she was funny and brave; Mr. Hill—though I never had a class with him -- because he was a good man; Mr. Moran—because of his playful spirit; Mrs. Sykes—because she was a pussycat in lion’s clothing; Mr. Mackay—because of his enthusiasm for chemistry, and because he was a romantic at heart; and on and on ....

From:      Shelley “Beani” Hanagan Harris <sharris559@aol.com> (1977)  
Date:       Wed, 4 Jul 2001  
Subject:  Update

How I found out about the website? I really don’t recall. I have been receiving the newsletter for a few years now, but never took the time to go into the website! 

Occupation: School Secretary and Independent Sales Consultant for Longaberger, Spouse: Wayne, Children: Cody - Age 10, Emma - Age 3 ½

Memorable Incidents: Mrs. Thomas and Ms. Tigani always catching us smoking in the bathroom and then Mrs. Tigani making us sweep up the floor in the bathrooms! Wrestling matches! Football games against Wheaton.

Since High School: I married Wayne in the 1982. We adopted our son, Cody in 1993. He was born in Colombia South America. Then in 1997, we had a big surprise - I was pregnant and Emma was born in November 1997. I have worked for Montgomery County Public Schools for almost 23 years now! - Geez, am I really that old!? I am presently working at Clarksburg Elementary School as a ten-month secretary. Amy Otto (Huff) is one of my co-workers. I plan to retire in about 2 years and spend more time with my kids.

My future plans are to retire, spend more time with my kids, and spend more time with my Longaberger business . . .

Memorable Teachers: I have fond memories of Mrs. Zimmerman. She was a tough cookie, but I learned a lot from her. I think she even had a “soft spot” for me (?). I also have fond memories of Ms. Mitchell. I was an aide for her. Mrs. Glass was also one of my favorites.

From:      George M. Stang, Jr. <george_m_stang@notes.tcs.treas.gov> (1966)  
Date:       Fri, 6 Jul 2001  
Subject:  Vietnam

My name is George M. Stang, Jr., class of 1966. I am interested in hearing from some former Peary folks who spent sometime in Vietnam.  I served with 1/5 USMC for 2 tours 1967-68 and 1969-70. I also was part of the 75 Marine evac detachment.

From:      ANDY HARPER <no e-mail address submitted> (1967)  
Date:       Sat, 7 Jul 2001  
Subject:  Update

I found out about the website from LARRY FISHMAN - ‘70. 

Occupation: CIVIL SERVANT, Spouse: ANNE (BOWEN, 1971), Anne’s Occupation: CIVIL SERVANT, Children: JOHN A. IV - 24, FRANCIS (BO) - 22, PATRICK - 17

Memorable Incidents: BEING IN THE BAGPIPE BAND/RUNNING CROSS COUNTRY WITH COL. HEARD AS OUR COACH/MR. BURLAS’ WRESTLING PRACTICES PUSHING THE WALL! LIBRARY AIDE & MRS GALLOGLY-SKIPPING TO DICKERSON QUARRY W/LERNER & DOEHNER-BONFIRES INFALL BEFORE THEY CLAMPED THE LID DOWN ON “OPEN FIRES” IN MONT CNTY/PUTTING A 283 ENGINE IN MY ‘57 CHEVY SPRING OF OUR SENIOR YR AND DRIVING IT TO SCHOOL & HOT SHOPPES/MANY PARTIES W/STEVE KAESER/CHESS GAMES AT LUNCH W/THE WELKERS, DAVE CHENG, GENE JEFFERS & STEVE KAESER/....THE LONGER I THINK ABOUT IT, THE MORE INCIDENTS POP INTO MY MIND...THIS COULD GO ON FOREVER. HEY, IT WAS FUN....EVEN WHEN DR. DUNN TOLD ME IN FEB 67 THAT THERE WAS DOUBT I WOULD GRADUATE UNLESS I GOT MY ACT TOGETHER. (I DID!)

Since High School: ARMY SPECIAL FORCES 67-70, MONT COLLEGE 72-74, UNIV OF MD/TOWSON & SHEPHERD COLLEGE AT NIGHT FOR 6 YRS-BA FROM SHEPHERD 84, TOOK SOME MASTERS COURSES THRU FROSTBURG BUT FINALLY DECIDED ENOUGH WAS ENOUGH. MARRIED ANNE BOWEN ‘71 IN 1973, 3 SONS BORN 77,79,83.

BOUGHT HOME NEAR URBANA MD IN 75. STILL THERE. MANY JOBS DURING 1970’S, INCLUDING A SMALL COMIC BOOK SHOP FOR 3 YRS, DOING COMIC BOOK SHOWS FROM NEW YORK CITY TO NEW ORLEANS. NOW THAT WAS A JOB WHERE I HAD A LOT OF FUN!

WENT TO WORK FOR SOCIAL SECURITY IN 1980. I AM STILL WITH THEM. MY BOSS IS LARRY FISHMAN ‘70. LARRY & I GREW UP ACROSS THE STREET FROM EACH OTHER. SMALL WORLD.

Future Plans: WORK ANOTHER 10 YRS & RETIRE. THEN I AM GOING TO WALK THE APPALACHIN TRAIL END TO END. THEN WHO KNOWS? SCUBA DIVING MAYBE? MY 24 YR OLD TOOK IT UP...SEEMS LIKE FUN. OPEN A SCI-FI BOOK SHOP? W/COMICS?  AND BASEBALL CARDS? START SKY-DIVING AGAIN? I WANT TO SEE THE REST OF THE USA...I’VE NEVER BEEN WEST OF THE MISSISSIPPI. I’LL HAVE TIME TO DO ALL THESE THINGS AND MORE.

Memorable Teachers: COL. HEARD 3YRS OF SPANISH AND 3 YRS WITH HIM AS MY CROSS COUNTRY COACH. MR. JUDD - HISTORY ALWAYS FASCINATED ME, BUT HE BROUGHT IT ALIVE! HE ACTED IT OUT, BREATHED LIFE INTO WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN DRY GOING. IT WAS FUN. MRS. VADALA - 5 YRS HOMEROOM AND OF COURSE ENGLISH IN THERE SOMEWHERE. SHE WAS PATIENT. JEFFERS, KAESER & I WOULD PLAY CHESS WITH THOSE LITTLE PORTABLE POCKET CHESS SETS EVERY MORNING & SHE NEVER SAID A WORD THAT I CAN REMEMBER. MRS GALLOGLY - I LOVED BEING LIBRARY AIDE YR AFTER YR. ALL THE BOOKS I COULD READ. IF I HAVE ANY REGRETS FROM HIGH SCHOOL, IT IS THAT I NEVER FOLLOWED THROUGH ON HER ADVICE. SHE CONSTANTLY TALKED TO ME ABOUT GOING TO COLLEGE TO GET A DEGREE IN LIBRARY SCIENCE. BUT NO, ALL I WANTED TO DO WAS GO IN THE ARMY. DUMB! SHE TOOK ME TO VARIOUS LIBRARY MEETINGS, ALONG WITH KATHY GEARY, AND DID HER BEST TO GET ME INTERESTED; SHE DID EVERYTHING A TEACHER IS SUPPOSED TO DO. IT WAS MY LOSS FOR BEING SO BLIND.

CAN’T FORGET MR. BURLAS AND MRS. WARD. BOTH OF THEM IMPACTED ON ME. MR.  BURLAS TAUGHT ME TO LOVE WRESTLING. ALL 3 OF MY SONS WRESTLE BECAUSE OF MY GETTING THEM INVOLVED. DID WELL TOO. MRS. WARD GOT ME THROUGH SENIOR ENGLISH WHEN MY MIND WAS EVERYWHERE BUT ON SCHOOL.

Other alums I know about? BOB MEADE-CALL DAVE RICKLIS. HE HAS BOB’S NMBR. THEY ARE BOTH STILL ACTIVE IN BAGPIPE BANDS. DAVE CHENG WAS WITH THE FBI LAST I SAW HIM. CALL LES EIGHMY OR JOHN BURNS, THEY PROBABLY KNOW HOW TO CONTACT HIM. THEY ALSO MAY KNOW HOW TO FIND MARTY KUPPER.  DAVE ALTHEIDE - I BELEIVE JOHN REINHARD CAN HELP YOU THERE.

35 YEARS?  SURE DOESN’T SEEM LIKE IT.

From:      Reva Scolnik Dunning <BeckyRSD@aol.com> (1975)  
Date:       Sat, 7 Jul 2001  
Subject:  Aaron David Goodrich - His Memory Lives

I would like to update you on some things that have happened since the tragic death of Aaron, July 6, 1997. July 6, 2001 was the fourth anniversary since his passing. It has been a difficult time since we lost him. At times it seems like it just happened. At other times it feels like he’ll walk in the door at any moment, with that wonderful grin of his. Through it all, the family survives no matter how tough it is. Francie and Larry have received wonderful support from both family and friends, and appreciate all of it so much. You never believe a death so heinous can happen in your family, and when it does all the love and care are priceless.

Since his death, Francie has been involved with issues of gun control, and was present in Annapolis for the signing of the Maryland Law on Hand Gun Control. While living in Baltimore, she was also involved in the planning of the Million Mom March. It was an amazing experience to attend the march. There was such a feeling of solidarity. She was followed along that day by WRC (channel 4) and gave and incredible, heartfelt interview. Francie has also given interviews for WJLA (channel 7) regarding Aaron’s life and death, to remember the lives of the other victims; and the need for gun control, to protect our children. On July 6 2001, the fourth anniversary, Francie gave another interview to WJLA on the subject of children’s’ safety in the workplace. In addition, Francie has been trained in aiding people involved in traumas. She has given speeches to various groups on the issue. She makes herself available as needed. Despite her grief, she feels she can contribute to others through her experiences.

Larry, while keeping a low profile, has also been working through these difficult times. Larry was a volunteer at the National Zoo, working in the elephant and giraffe houses. Upon the birth of a baby giraffe not long after Aaron’s death, the keepers at the zoo asked if they might name the baby, Aaron, in his son’s honor. We made a special trip to see that adorable baby. It was a fitting tribute. Those long legs certainly reminded us of that long, lanky body of Aaron’s. We understand that Aaron the giraffe has moved on to a new life in another zoo.

As far as the disposition of the Starbucks’ killer, in 2000 Carl Cooper was sentenced to life in prison, without the possibility of parole. He plea-bargained with the U.S. State’s Attorney to avoid the death penalty. At the time of his hearing he admitted to all of his crimes besides the Starbucks murders. There were many, including the death of a security guard that went unsolved for seven years.

In spite of the grief over Aaron’s death, and the death of Emory Evans and Katie Mahoney, the entire family works diligently to support each other, and make Aaron proud of the way his parents and the entire family moves along in life. During one of Francie’s interviews, after the sentencing of Carl Cooper, a reporter asked her if this gave her “closure.” I think what she said is true for her and any parent of a child lost so violently. She told them that the word “closure” seems empty. There is no closure. That is a term for others to make them feel better. You just learn to live around the pain and do the best you can to live as good and as whole a life as possible.

Please keep Aaron in your prayers, and keep his memory alive as we all do.

From:      Donna Finch Armstrong <rottwoolier@hotmail.com> (1978)  
Date:       Mon, 9 Jul 2001  
Subject:  Update

I found out about the website through a search. 

Occupation: presently stay home mom, Spouse: Charles, Children: Mandy Elisa (22), Heather Renae (deceased), Suzanna Louise (18), Joseph John (13), Donovan Charles (4). Grandchildren: none yet

Since High School: raising children, working as a teacher’s aide/secretary, missionary trips

Future Plans: full-time missions

Other alums I know about? I think Deby Duny was married and her last name was Gooderick???  Will look for last known address and get back to you.

From:      Renee Predmore Wynn <wynnpack@starpower.net> (1981)  
Date:       Mon, 9 Jul 2001  
Subject:  Update

I found out about the website from the Class Reunion Mailer.

Occupation: Director, Spouse: Steven, Children: Brett Age 9

Memorable Incidents: Close Friends, Field Parties, Football Games, Few Responsibilities

Since High School: Same thing all working parents do - enjoy the kids and their activities, nap often

Future Plans: Attend 25^th High School Reunion

Memorable Teacher: Mr. Hill - he showed the students tremendous respect.

He inspired me to learn and do my best.

Thanks for doing this.

From:      sandy trattner keefer <sandrakeefer@firstusa.com> (1975)  
Date:       Mon, 9 Jul 2001  
Subject:  death of mom

Our mother, dorothy trattner, died on July 4, 2001, from cancer.  She was the mother of sandy keefer (trattner) class of 1975 and suzanne wood (trattner), class of 1977.  She had a length illness associated with lung and kidney cancer and died at the casey home in Gaithersburg, MD, contributions can be made to the casey house, or kidney cancer association or American cancer society.  A memorial was held at our house on Sunday July 8, 2001.

From:      Richard F. Kuntz <incomplete e-mail address submitted> (1970)  
Date:       Tue, 10 Jul 2001  
Subject:  Update

I found out about the website at the class reunion.

Occupation: self employed a/c contractor, Children: matthew 25, carlson 21, Grandchildren: austin 7 months

Memorable Incident: skipping the last 30 days of twelfth grade

Since High School: living in fl. in business since 85, 5 min. from beach have boat in water 300 ft. from my front door spend a lot of time on the water 1 mile from jupiter inlet. heaven is right here.

Future Plans: enjoy my grandchild find a soulmate should keep me busy for a while

Memorable Teachers: mr. clark because he was strict mr. hoover because he was not mr.king because he was a joke. dr.dunn couldn’t run fast enough

From:      Steven Pugh <steven.b.pugh@usace.army.mil> (1981)  
Date:       Thu, 12 Jul 2001  
Subject:  Update

I found out about the website through surfing the web. 

Occupation: Biologist, Spouse: Martha, Children: Carter Brook 3, Hunter Bingham 1

Memorable Incidents: Wrestling on an undefeated team, Gymnastics class, Many fun hiking and canoeing trips.

Since High School: Working as a biologist conducting research and environmental restoration. Volunteering in a variety of capacities with my church. Enjoying the outdoors. Enjoying my family.

Future Plans: Heading back to grad school in the fall of 2001

Memorable Teacher: Coach Black. He was our wrestling coach. He inspired us to be committed and work hard as a wrestling team and as individuals.

From:      Laura Shipp Lewis <laura@kidsfelt.com> (1970)  
Date:       Fri, 13 Jul 2001  
Subject:  Update

How I found out about the website? Husband is in class of ‘63.

Occupation: Educational Consultant, Spouse: John R. Lewis, John’s

Occupation: Builder Children: Kari Lewis Thurber 26, Kenton Lewis 24, Amy Joy Lewis 21, Amber Lewis 18, Makenna Lewis, 9, Morgan Earl Lewis 7, Hunter Lewis 5 (yes there are seven!) Grandchildren: Sydney Nicole Thurber 1 ½, Savannah Michelle Thurber 1 month

Memorable Incidents: Graduation!  I attended the 10^th year reunion.

Since High School: Have a degree in Physical Education, then had 4 children, returned to school and received a BS in nursing then had 3 more children, moved to North Carolina where people retire to since we’ll never retire!

Future Plans: Finish raising my last 3 children and enjoy my grandchildren!

Memorable Teacher: Mr Jacobs, always helpful.

Great website.

From:      Scott Crain <MillenCon1@aol.com> (1974)  
Date:       Fri, 13 Jul 2001  
Subject:  The Robert E. Peary Website

“Two enthusiastic thumbs up, !”... “one of a kind”.... “groundbreaking,” ..... “this is a must see site for all WebSurfers,”..... “setting the standard for future generations of high school graduates”.... “way ahead of it’s time”... “genious.”

Bob, I guess what I’m saying is, you have done a fabulous job with this thing. I think all Peary alumni owe you a great deal of gratitude.

Regards: Scott Crain class of ‘74

[Thank you, Scott.  We’ll keep plugging-away at the MSO, which is approaching its 5-year anniversary next month!  I hope the project can continue beyond the fall through donations from classmates!]

From:      Janet Darr Puyot <puyot@cber.fda.gov> (1969)  
Date:       Thu, 19 Jul 2001  
Subject:  new addition

On June 5, 2001, my daughter gave birth to another boy.  Jacob (Jake) was 6 lbs. 5 ozs.  Mommy and baby are doing wonderful.  Tyler who is 16 months has been taking swimming lessons and passed his final exam for survival.  He is like a little fish going under water, back strokes and swimming all over the pool.  My daughter lives in Florida and has a pool in her yard and felt it was important for her oldest son not to be afraid of water.  As soon as Jake is old enough to take swimming lessons, my daughter will have him out in the water.

This makes my third grandchild.  One girl and two boys.  I have my granddaughter who is 3 ½ every other Monday.  What a joy to take care of her.  Grandchildren have been a wonderful addition to our family.  She talks more like a five year old instead of 3.  Very smart child.  

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