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Volume 5 Number 8,
March 2001
MIDNIGHT SUN ONLINE
-The Online Newsletter
for Robert E. Peary High School Alumni-
MSO WEB SITE - http://www.pearyhs.org/
Page 2
From:
Adam Clearfield <aclearfield@aol.com>
(1985)
Date:
Mon, 26 Feb 2001
Subject:
Udpate
I
found out about the website from classmates.com & my sister.
Occupation:
CPA, Spouse: Lisa Goldman, Children: Samantha age 10 months as of 2/25/01
Since
High School: Since Peary I went on to graduate from Towson State
University and stayed in the Baltimore area until 1996 when I moved back
in town to work at Polan, White & Associates from I just recently
moved to Watkins, Meegan, Drury & Co.
I have traveled to Aruba, Bermuda & London.
Love playing with my daughter.
Future
Plans: Continue to play with my daughter.
Hopefully continue traveling.
Other
alums I know about? Paul Leckner is living in Baltimore.
From:
Colleen Jacques Callis <colleen_callis@yahoo.com>
Date:
Mon, 26 Feb 2001
Subject:
More kids!
Another
addition to the Peary Pups. Mary
(McCarty) Adams gave birth to a son, Randall Kyle Adams, Jr. on Feb. 20,
2001. He was 8 lbs. 9 oz.
Kyle joins his two sisters Ashley and Brooke, who are both very
excited!
Mary
was class of 1984.
From:
Maureen Dumais <modumais@hotmail.com>
(Dr. Dumais’ daughter)
Date:
Mon, 26 Feb 2001
Subject:
Dr. Richard A. Dumais Memorial
My
name is Maureen M. Dumais. I
am the youngest daughter of the late, Dr. Richard A. Dumais, who was
principal at Peary H.S. from 1980-1984.
Our father passed away on December 5, 1997 after a lengthy battle
with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. My
older brother Tim and I (two of eight of us) will be participating as
members of the Leukemia Society of America’s “Team in Training”
program in a marathon in San Diego on June 3, 2001.
As part of participating in the marathon, we have each pledged to
raise $3,700 for the Leukemia Society.
Our father was a loving and generous man.
It is my father who instilled in me a great love of education and
who inspired me to become a teacher myself (in MCPS).
My brother and I feel this endeavor will allow us to mirror some of
the giving we witnessed growing up.
To
participate, each marathoner must raise $3,700 for the Leukemia Society.
All funds raised will go directly to research and treatment for
leukemia and its related cancers. Interested
sponsors may contact me for additional details and make arrangements to
send their 100% tax-deductible donations payable to the Leukemia Society.
Thank
you for your support!
Sincerely,
The
Dumais Children
From:
Michelle Tully Harrington <michelleharrington@home.com>
(1986/Rockville)
Date:
Mon, 26 Feb 2001
Subject:
Update
Occupation:
Coordinator, Technology & Events
I
just wanted to send a quick update. I
have recently begun working in the Office of Alumni Relations at
University of Maryland University College (UMUC) as the Coordinator,
Technology & Events. UMUC
offers great programs for working adults who wish to continue their
educations. Check out their
web site at http://www.umuc.edu and
especially their alumni pages at http://www.umuc.edu/alum/.
From:
Suzanne Dobbs Settle <suzyladywolf@aol.com>
(1982)
Date:
Mon, 26 Feb 2001
Subject:
Update
I
found out about the website from my sister.
Occupation:
Business Owner/Chief Web Scout for an On-Line news agency, Spouse: John
Settle (1980), John’s Occupation: Works for MCPS, Children: We have one
daughter, Nicole Alicia who will be 11 years old in June.
Since
High School: I married John Settle in 1982 and we’re still married. We moved around a bit but always end up close to home since
he’s been working for MCPS since the summer he graduated. I home school our daughter - she’s in the 5th
grade this year and I work online from home.
Future
Plans: John’s got 9 more years and then he can retire.
Then we’ll see what happens and where we’ll move.
Memorable
Teacher: Ms. Cavanaugh. She
was the most compassionate teacher. I
never even had her but she was John’s teacher and MOST awesome.
From:
Christine R. Gedney <waverun44@aol.com>
(1977)
Date:
Tue, 27 Feb 2001
Subject:
Update
How I
found out about the website? Got an email from another alumni.
Occupation:
Lt Colonel United States Air Force
Memorable
Incidents: The friendships developed on the field and on the court with my
teammates...Skipping school to head to Lake Needwood...
Since
High School: Graduated from Univ. of Connecticut in 1981, earned two
Master’s Degrees...one of which is an MBA, joined the Air Force and have
“seen the world” and am now a Lt Colonel, Intelligence Officer.
Having fun...:)
Future
Plans: Not sure what I want to do “when I grow up”...guess I’ll have
to decide soon...as retirement from the Air Force is sooner than I would
like:)
From:
Roger Welker <RWWLWS@aol.com>
(1967)
Date:
Tue, 27 Feb 2001
Subject:
The Pink Anchor
The
last issue of the MS on-line contained a repeat of a misconception that I
have seen several times, that some opposing team pulled a prank and
painted the anchor in the senior court pink. I painted the anchor pink.
School
spirit was at a fever pitch after our undefeated football season. But it waned during the winter and, by springtime, was really
low. I announced to a group of my friends in the senior court that I was
going to paint the anchor pink. Only a few people heard me. Hence the
subsequent events were made all the more interesting, if for no other
reason than the intrigue created.
I
scaled the walls of the building that night and, armed with a mix of 4
parts apple-blossom and 1 part flamingo, proceeded to paint. My brother
David (‘67), stood watch. Unfortunately, he could not keep an eye on all
doors. A custodian saw me and came through a crash bar with, “What are
you doing?”
Being
caught red (or perhaps pink) handed, I calmly replied that I was painting
the anchor. He asked me what color I was painting it and I replied,
“Pink”.
He
asked how I got into the senior court and I told him how. He then told me
to be careful when I leave so I didn’t hurt myself.
A few
minutes later a light went on in a second floor classroom over my head.
The window opened and he and a second custodian called out, “Are
you still out there?”
I
answered and they asked again what color was I painting the anchor. After telling them pink they asked, “ Why can’t you pick
a good color, like red or orange?”
I
told them that I chose pink because it would be more controversial.
The
next day I arrived at Peary at my usual hour, about 15 minutes before
homeroom class. Usually when I got to school at this hour, the halls would
be empty. To my great surprise, the halls were full and there was a huge
buzz. When I walked past the windows between the girls bathroom (i.e.,
smoking room) and the door to the senior court on the hall bordered by the
gymnasium I could not see through the window.
Bodies were crowded there to get a glimpse of the anchor, clearly
visible from this first floor window.
I
went through the door. Clad in my white pants, penny loafers with no socks
(remember the fashion at the time) and a loud, Hawaiian print shirt, I
approached the bench next to the anchor. Parker, who had been next to me
when I stated my intent, jumped up on the cement bench and said,
“Behold, you Michelangelo sallyeth forth”.
This
incident rekindled the spirit of the school. I went on to pull many more
pranks to keep the fires burning.
I can
share many other incidents, including the time I was called to Mr.
Luger’s office where Dr. Dunn greeted me with class officers Rick Kapka
and Holly Hafer in attendance. They wanted to know if I knew anything
about senior skip day that year. I shamelessly fibbed that I knew nothing.
I think Rick and Holly knew I had a list in my pocket of more than 100
seniors, where they were going and whom they were traveling with. It was
my attempt at safety. I wanted the police to know where to look for our
classmates if they didn’t return in a timely fashion.
There
are many other things I did. Few people were directly involved. However, my brother can corroborate the “pink anchor”
incident. Mike Blemly drove the night we put the anchor in the library.
Chris Buppert helped put the school on sale.
I am
ever gratified at the spirit I read from the alums from the school.
It
was a unique environment, with unique faculty and unique classmates.
I
will never forget it.
Regards,
Roger
Welker (‘67)
‘Toad’
From:
“Skip” FitzGerald <bradley.fitzgerald@gsa.gov>
(1976)
Date:
Wed, 28 Feb 2001
Subject:
FYI
Will
Saylor, son of Hal Saylor-Peary 1975, captured the 103 lb. Delaware State
Wrestling Championship as a 9th grader.
Hal was a Maryland State Champion as well as a State runner-up 2
times. It appears that some
old Peary wrestlers are producing some excellent wrestling kids.
Previously, John Fitts son was a 3 time Maryland State Champion at
Magruder as well as Stacy & Kathy Cummings son a National Prep
Champion from DeMatha and holder of the most wins in the state of
Maryland. From what I’ve
heard, there will be several other Peary kids coming through the wrestling
pipeline.
Skip
FitzGerald
From:
Nancy Smith DeVanney <devanney@nb.net>
(1973)
Date:
Thu, 1 Mar 2001
Subject:
Update
I
found out about the website while searching for an old friend.
Occupation:
Lab supervisor, Spouse: Kevin, Children: Michael Paul 21, Allair Renee 19
Memorable
Incidents: High school was not always the most pleasant of experiences but
I did meet people who have left a lasting impression on my life. Also I fell in gymnastics when I was 17 & finally after 6
surgeries my kneecap was finally removed.
Since
High School: After graduation I went to school in Radford VA where I got a
degree in Biology & Chemistry. Met
my husband, got married, raised 2 wonderful children one who is graduating
this spring from Penn State with a degree in political science & who
is deeply involved with politics in the Pittsburgh area.
My daughter who graduated with a 4.2 average, has modeled, loves
camping and anything to do with the outdoors, works well with children
(she takes care of an autistic child when she’s home from college, and
is a very gifted artist. I
worked in advertising for many years and was fortunate to travel around
the world compliments of my old company.
I quit my job and went to work with my husband and help run his
coal & coke business. Finally got to use my degree.
Future
Plans: Hopefully, within the next 12 years we will retire to Aruba, &
come to the states just to see the kids.
Memorable
Teacher: Mr. Clarke- I loved his bag pipes & his 5 point quizzes (only
when Penn State won).
From:
Andrea Rosenberg Martinez <KeeweeNcompany@gateway.net>
(1978)
Date:
Fri, 2 Mar 2001
Subject:
Update
I
found out about the website from Neil Pizzano.
Occupation:
Surgical Physician’s Assistant/Mom, Spouse: Salvador, Children: daughter
aged 8, son aged 6
Memorable
Incidents: Monthly BYOF (food) parties during senior year; weekend group
trips to the pool, and DC via the bus
Since
High School: Undergrad 4 years at Ursinus College; Postgrad Physicians
Assistant program at Hahnemann University; Surgical Residency in NY at St.
Vincent’s Hospital; Worked in Surgery full time, then part-time, then
“prn” until becoming a full time mom 2yrs ago. I now volunteer 2 days
a week teaching handwriting to 1st graders.
Enjoying
my children, helping out a LOT at school (I’m “Room Captain” this
year), and having time to learn golf and do my art.
Future
Plans: Attending the wedding of Sue Alexander (‘78) in Florida;
Taking
the kids to see my husband’s childhood stomping grounds (Nicaragua) over
the summer.
As I
was reading through the newsletters for the first time last night, I came
across a note about the tragic loss of Sue Stottmeister on the jogging
path behind the school. She was one of the teachers at my kid’s
preschool. Remember the song
phrase “only the good die young”? Well, she was one. She will be
greatly missed. We missed the funeral because we were out of town, but I
heard >800 people attended.
From:
Billie Jo Joseph Phucas <MrsSGC@AOL.com>
(1982)
Date:
Sun, 4 Mar 2001
Subject:
Update
I
found out about the website through Class Reunions.
Occupation:
Housewife, Mom, Lead Singer/Keyboardist, Spouse: Scott. Children:
Samantha
Marie Age 10, Amy Michelle Age 6, April Margaret Age 5
Memorable
Incidents: The Variety Shows
I’m
in a local band called “The Distractions”.
We play classic rock & blues & play in local night clubs,
private parties, etc. in the metropolitan area.
I sing & play keyboards. Check
out our web site at www.distractionscentral.com.
Come out & party with us one evening!
From:
Dody Seleski <seleski@attglobal.net>
(1980)
Date:
Mon, 5 Mar 2001
Subject:
John Seleski
John
Seleski, father of Polly Seleski (1971), Peggy Seleski (1973), Patty
Seleski (1973), John Seleski (1978) and Dody Seleski (1980), passed away
peacefully but unexpectedly on March 2, 2001, at his home in Brookeville,
MD. We want to thank all of
our friends and fellow Peary alums who have helped us through this trying
time.
From:
Jennifer Pratt <jenniferpratt@alum.mit.edu>
(1981)
Date:
Mon, 5 Mar 2001
Subject:
Update
I
found out about the website from Melissa Bilstad.
Occupation:
Management
Consultant, Spouse: Michael Wetter, Children: Stepson - Jeremy Wetter, 17
years old
Memorable
Incident: Getting arrested.
Since
High School: Went to Ecuador for a year as an exchange student.
Did my graduate work in development planning in Boston. Spent a
year in India working and conducting research. Entered the federal
government as a Presidential Management Fellow.
Moved to Oregon. Married a wonderful man and gained an equally
wonderful stepson in the deal. Started
a joint management consultancy with my husband.
Future
Plans: Have fun!
Memorable
Teachers: Mr. Gibbs. He
taught me all the big words I know. Mrs.
Lynch. She taught me all the
grammar I know. Mr. Clark and
who was his co-? They taught
me how to take notes, which got me through college—and besides, they
were a blast!
Other
alums I know about? Janet
Neumann - her parents are in the Rockville phonebook and she’s somewhere
in Florida, married to a military guy.
Thanks
for doing this!! I wish I could make it, but I don’t think I’ll be
able to. See you at the 25th?!
It was fun just to read down the list of names.
It brought back a lot of memories.
From:
Kelly Cangemi Davis <kellydavis34@hotmail.com>
(1985)
Date:
Mon, 5 Mar 2001
Subject:
I would love to hear from anyone!
Hello
Peary High School:
I
would love to hear from anyone who knew me in school and see what you are
up to. I am very busy raising three children 11, 9, and 5. I hope to go to
the reunion in September. I now live in Tennessee it is very different
than Maryland, and I miss Maryland a lot. Also, wanted to let those of you
who knew her know that my mom passed away in September of 2000 from a long
battle with Cancer, I know many of you knew her and she loved alot of you.
I hope to here from someone soon. Kelly Cangemi Davis
From:
Crystal Ashworth Morrill <cmorrill@law-burton.com>
(1981)
Date:
Tue, 6 Mar 2001
Subject:
Death in the family
It is
with great sadness that I tell you my father-in-law passed away on
2/26/01. He was David William
Morrill, Sr. My husband, David, Jr. (Rocky)
and I will miss him dearly. We
were fortunate enough to bring our son (Trevor - 1 year old) to Maryland
on two occasions prior to his passing.
From:
John Trumbo <e-mail address submitted: user unknown> (1967)
Date:
Tue, 6 Mar 2001
Subject:
Update
I
have been reading the website for many years. But never thought I would
write. I had many great moments at Peary with good friends. I remember a
lot of dances at the Youth Center Gary Ford and went to. The teacher who
made the most impression on me was Mrs. Richardson. She would be very
shocked to hear that Im sure. This January I went to Calif. and Richard
Schlesinger (1968) and I went to see an old freind Sandy Haines, who I
haven’t seen in twenty odd years. We only spent a day with her but
it’s a day I will never forget. From there we went to Maui and met Bob
Niniger (1969) and had a great 9 days together Along with their wives just
doing nothing but relaxing. The biggest decision we had to make was what
flavor drink to put the rum in. I have worked for Montgomery County as a
transit coordinator for 27 years and look forward to retiring.
From:
Marty Costello <gr8golfing@aol.com>
(1976)
Date:
Tue, 6 Mar 2001
Subject:
Update
Occupation:
Senior Account Executive, Spouse: Linda, Children: Jordan-6 years old
(Boy), Casey-3.5 years old (Girl)
Memorable
Incidents....
Riding
in the passenger seat of Greg Perkins’ Pontiac Grand Prix doing 135 mph
on Old Georgetown Road.
Thanksgiving
night in 1977 at Gentleman Jim’s with Thad Nowak and Willie Monohan-
‘He blew his mind out in a car...He didn’t notice that the light had
changed’
Driving
back from Georgetown in my brown Nova with Thad Nowak, Willie Monohan,
Mike Bonavia, Wes Cradduck, Stacy Cummings, and two unknown drunks all
crammed in my car and fighting each other.
Being pulled over by the cops and getting away Scot-free, because
they got called into a live robbery.
Riding
back from a University of Maryland Frat party on Billy Fields’
motorcycle with both of us asleep...Billy, we’re lucky we’re still in
one piece!
Lifting
weights and doing the Georgetown Bar scene with Dave Boyland.
Constantly
kicking Mike Bonavia’s ass in B-Ball.
Hey Mike, thanks for buying me all those victory Strawberry
milkshakes from Dairy Queen! They
were scrumdilliious!
The
MP Buddy System with Jim Todd and Thad Nowak.
What can I say? I
didn’t go, but you guys are still my buddies.
Saving
Tim Anderson’s life (literally) with the infamous right hook in the
College Plaza parking lot after leaving Billy Fields’ house.
Hey Timmy, ‘What’l it be, huh?’ To the man who always knew
what my favorite drink was...The next one!!!
Passing
out drunk with Jim ‘The Koz’ Kosloski on Peary’s football field on a
Friday night, only to be awakened the next morning by the sound of rowdy
JV Football fans driving into the Peary parking lot to see the game.
Eating
raw eggs, doing one-arm pushups, and sparring with Billy Fields in my
backyard during the ‘Rocky’ era.
‘Gonna fly now...Billy’s high now!!
Hey Billy, remember all the times I beat you in arm wrestling...you
ain’t so BAD! Billy don’t be a hero....
Memorable
Teacher: Coach Cino.....what a knucklehead!!!!
From:
Shawn Fletcher <fletcherooni@aol.com>
(1981)
Date:
Tue, 6 Mar 2001
Subject:
Gone to Carolina
The
family (Lisa-spouse (29 still), Logan-son (6), and Keira-daughter (3)),
recently moved to the Raleigh area. We
bought a house in Garner. I
am in the process of finding a new job.
If anyone knows any contacts in the Raleigh Triangle area let me
know. All is well; I am
looking forward to the reunion. I
live in the same development as Jim Cyr.
I know, don’t apologize it really has been great.
Jim don’t take it so serious (he is very traditional).
Would love to hear from any of the old buds or bud-eets. Take care and we will see you all soon.
Fletch
From:
David Spurlock <immalee@juno.com>
(1966)
Date:
Thu, 8 Mar 2001
Subject:
Looking for a classmate
Does
anyone know where Jimmy Forker is?
From:
Judy Miller Ridgway <jamjar_jude@juno.com>
(1968)
Date:
Thu, 8 Mar 2001
Subject: Announcing an Alumni Website
I’m
proud to announce the creation of The Brass Dragon website.
Carol and David Spurlock (1966) are world renowned for their
creations of Dragon sculptures, sun catchers and jewelry. You can see and purchase all their merchandise at the
Maryland Renaissance Festival from late August through October at The
Brass Dragon booth. This site
was created after numerous requests from customers.
Take a look.... there are photos of David’s sculptures, the booth
and many of those that have the fever of The Brass Dragon.
http://TheBrassDragon.Homestead.com.
This is my first attempt at creating a website (proud to do it for
Dave and Carol), so I’m open to suggestions and praise too!
From:
Alicia Ball Mays <DonaldMays@msn.com>
(1968)
Date:
Fri, 9 Mar 2001
Subject:
Update
I
found out about the website from Mike Holder.
Occupation:
home school teacher/day care provider, Spouse: Donald, Children: Jennifer
(26),
Rachel
(23), Nathan (17), Matthew (17), and Grandchildren: Abbigail Catherine
Higdon 1month
Memorable
Incident: The one thing about school that remains with me is having Mr.
Campitell for Biology and Earth science. My father had left my mother and
he helped me to cope with that situation.
Since
High School: I married Don in 1970 and after college we started a family
in 1975. Since then I have concentrated on raising four children and
taking care of my mother who died in 1997 of lung cancer.
Future
Plans: I look forward to caring for my grandchild and helping Don with his
responsibilities as a Deacon in the Arch. of Washington.
Memorable
Teachers: Mr. Campitell for reasons already stated. Mrs Luck for her way
of teaching algebra and Mrs. Hall for her encouragement in Art class.
From:
Robin Rosenberg Aiscowitz <RLRA4803@aol.com>
(1979)
Date:
Fri, 9 Mar 2001
Subject:
Storybook Lady
Well
folks. Thanks to the MSO, I
had my 1st “customer” for a story from the “Easter
Bunny”. Thanks go out to Patty McConnell (1975) for reading the MSO
to get my services. I also do
other stories. I am working
on one story now for my brother’s girlfriend’s 8 yr. old son.
For some reason, I have a knack and a love of writing (thank you,
Patricia Hale for instilling this love in me during 10th grade
English Class in 1976-77!!) So,
to anyone who has a child or who loves children—I am here to entice
their imaginations!! Happy
Spring from the Jersey Shore!!
From:
Susan Hunter Jones <SueGregJones@cs.com>
(1978)
Date:
Fri, 9 Mar 2001
Subject:
Update
I
found out about the website from my sister, Brenda (Hunter) Gruber.
Occupation:
Safeway Food Clerk, Spouse: Greg, Children: Kelly 7, Kristy 5, Erik 4
Memorable
Incidents: I’ll have to think about that one.
Since
High School: At first, I was having fun.
Now I’m all settled down getting kids up for school, making sure
homework is done, packing lunches and getting backpacks ready.
It sure is nice to get out from time to time.
Still working for Safeway. It
will be 23 years this July! Makes
me feel old to think it was that long since we graduated!
Future
Plans: Let’s see. Can’t
wait until my kids are able to do more for themselves.
Then I’ll be complaining because they’re teenagers!
Memorable
Teacher: I really liked Ms. Whitaker.
She taught me the most about History.
She was also a good gym/gymnastics coach.
From:
Carolyn Zierdt Taylor <carolyn.taylor1@juno.com>
(1963)
Date:
Sun, 11 Mar 2001
Subject:
Update
I
found out about the website at the Fall 2000 Reunion.
Occupation:
Retired teacher
Memorable
Incidents: I was a wide-eyed observer. But I did dance the polka with
Ricky Morgan for a talent show. The 1960s: those were the days of skirts,
stockings, garter belts and shyness.
So when my garter belt broke on Arctic Avenue while walking home I
was mortified. I finally got my head to turn left and right to study the
windows and doors of the houses to see if anyone was looking. I saw no
one, and no kind woman ran out to help me so I let the whole contraption
slide down between locked knees, unclasped one stocking and stuffed the
material into my boots. If not for the boots I’d still be standing
there.
Since
High School: I’ve taught for 32 years in the county - grades 1 and 3. I had a lot of fun. I
retired in 1999. Now working
part time in local library (too quiet); might go back to the schools as an
aide. I run a multi-pet household comprised of hard luck cases. Now all of
a sudden I find myself the proud parent of a 25 year old “son”. He calls me “Mom”. I’m sponsoring him while he works on
his US residency. It’s a pleasure to help him along.
How many sons actually listen to advice?
Future
Plans: When my furry friends go to their nice heavens I’ll be free to
travel far and wide. First destination is a friend’s deck in SF to have
a Margarita and view the Bay.
Memorable
Teachers: Mr. Moran read poetry and stories aloud in class and it is this
that I loved the most about my classes.
I remember how Mr. McKay started some classes with his quote of the
day. The discussions were just WONDERFUL because they put off the dreaded
study of chemistry! And in
the No Pain No Gain category: I almost had a breakdown in Miss Staney’s
class after we debated the European Economic Union, which try as I might,
I didn’t understand- even after interviewing an economist neighbor.
But I got up there and spoke in favor of the thing. Miss Staney was
very comforting - after the fact! I loved Miss Bauer’s music classes and
the amazing energy she put out to get productions ready. Mr.
Gibbs and Miss Vadala also very memorable. The teachers at Peary
were terrific! What I
remember most from Dr. Dunn’s speech at the 2000 Reunion was that he
would tell his teachers at staff meetings about the importance of drinking
plenty of water. Now we know
some of what went on in faculty meetings.
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