September 2001

Volume 6, Number 2, September 2001
MIDNIGHT SUN ONLINE
-The Online Newsletter for Robert E. Peary High School Alumni-

MSO WEB SITE - http://www.pearyhs.org/
Page 3

From: Peary Class of ‘85 <peary85@hotmail.com>
Date: Fri, 14 Sep 2001
Subject: A request to all Americans

On the radio yesterday there was a request that we add “GOD BLESS AMERICA” at the end of any and all e-mails that we send and that we spread the word to anyone and everyone that we know. Therefore I thought that I’d spread the word to all of you.

GOD BLESS AMERICA

From: Charles Blaha <coblinda@hotmail.com> (1973)
Date: Sat, 15 Sep 2001
Subject: Update

How I found out about the website? Surfing the web.

Occupation: U.S. Diplomat, Spouse: Linda Robinson, Children: Alexandra (8), Camila (5), Grandchildren: None yet!

Memorable Incidents: Playing soccer. Scoring two goals against Magruder senior year. Being in the play Long Day’s journey Into Night.

Since High School: I was a criminal defense attorney from 1981 until 1991. I joined the Foreign Service in 1991 and since then I have served in Panama, Havana (Cuba), and just finished three years in Turkey. I am currently serving in Washington, advancing travel for Secretary Powell.

Memorable Teachers: Mr Gibbs, Mr Pine

From: John Philbin <JCPhilbin@aol.com> (1975)
Date: Mon, 17 Sep 2001
Subject: Philbin & Vargas Boxing Update

I hope and pray that everyone is safe! I thought twice about sending this e-mail because of the most recent events but then I figured I needed to keep my friends and family updated on the upcoming fight.

This e-mail is a quick reminder that Fernando Vargas is one week away (Sept 22) from his World Championship (WBA) fight against Shabata Flores on HBO. The HBO has assured us that the fight will not be canceled. Of course, many of my friends and family will not be coming out to the fight do to the recent events. I myself am not looking forward to flying home on the day after the fight.

Vargas / Del la Hoya fight was officially canceled last month do to pressures from WBC. The WBC insist that Oscar take the mandatory fight in his division or forfeit the WBC belt. There are preliminary talks about a possible fight date on May 5^th, 2002 (Sinco Dimiyo). It will happen eventually and it will be incredible.

I would like to send out my deepest condolences to those who lost love ones and friends in last weeks attack. Our Hearts and prayers are with them.

The “Doc” from Big Bear Lake

From: Jan Schwartz <Ladycat2402@aol.com> (1974)
Date: Mon, 17 Sep 2001
Subject: Asking a personal favor

Dearest friends,

As many of you know, Jack Marble’s (1970) mother, June Marble, is fighting lung cancer again. Jack & his mother are very close, & I am privileged to be close to her again. When I was a teen, her home was my haven & I was always welcome. Now that she’s back in my life, I sure want to keep her here!

First June had 6 weeks of chemo, now another 6 weeks of chemo with daily radiation treatments that end on Tuesday. After Tuesday she’ll have chemo for another 4 weeks, then they’ll do a cat scan & see how well all this has worked. I’ll let you all know as soon as I know how she is.

Meanwhile, the favor I want to ask is for June. The radiation treatments have been rough & Jack & I are doing all we can to help keep her spirits up, give her the best chance of making it, etc. Would you please pray for her & ask others (like in your churches if applicable) to also pray for her? And, would you also send her a card or note, & again ask the others to do the same? A group card or note signed by those praying for her would be fine. We just want as many people as possible praying for her, & would like her to be flooded with mail from those praying for her, a visible sign for her. Her address is:

June Marble
3000 Port Republic Rd.
Harrisonburg, VA 22801

Thank you all so much for all you’ve done for me in the past, & for your consideration in this.

Love,
Jenny Connolly (Jan Schwartz to some of you)

From: Collin Batchlor <batch@starpower.net> (1981)
Date: Wed, 19 Sep 2001
Subject: Update

I found out about the website from a friend who graduated in 81’.

Occupation: Network Engineer

Memorable Incident: In light of recent events, I remember some Middle Easterner student being beaten up by some jock during the Iran hostage crisis.

Since High School: work, education, mountain biking, and still a little guitar I moved to Aurora Colorado for a couple of years from 88’ to 90, then I moved back to Columbia, MD.

Future Plans: I guess I would like to get married, but not have any kids. I also plan to die at some point, but I haven’t decided when. A tiny relief on the world’s resources.

Memorable Teacher: I saw the tribute to Mr. Hill, who I had as a math teacher. I remember him saying “Never switch horses in the course of a river.” Something I often think about, and remember him. I also remember a brunette female English teacher, but I don’t remember her name. I just remember being intimidated by her chest.

Other alums I know about? I noticed Kevin Dillard on your list. I think I raced against him in a mountain bike race in Frederick MD Greenbrier. He was the only other black rider in the race. I didn’t have a clue that it was him though, he didn’t look anything like the dorky dude I remembered. I was right behind him for the first lap or two, and then he gave up at the top of a hill. If you go to www.bikeracing.com you’ll see his name on the 9/9/01 results page. He had to have filled out an entry form. I’m sure the race organizers don’t give out information, but they could probably e-mail or contact him on your behalf. Maybe I’ll see him at the 9/23 race this weekend now that I know who he is. Apparently he is in D.C.

I visited your memorial page. My friend Kurt Turner died when he was 24. I don’t think he graduated though (GED). He used to play in a band with John Laynard who I noticed passed recently. Tuttles!

From: Toni Ellis Oland <tayloro@aol.com> (1983)
Date: Sat, 22 Sep 2001
Subject: Update

I found out about the website from my mother and aunt - also alumni.

Occupation: Director of Administration, Spouse: Fred, Children: Taylor Elizabeth (5) and Emily Paige (5 months)

Since High School: Graduated from business school in 1985. Married my high school sweetheart in 1986. Lived in Florida for 5 years. Currently raising two wonderful kids and working as Director of Administration for a local company that provides services to people who have sustained traumatic head injuries.

Future Plans: More of the same!

Memorable Teacher: My all time favorite teacher was Mintie Glass. So incredibly smart and what a great sense of humor!

Other alums I know about? My sister, Anita Ellis Crawley (82) still lives and works in the area.

From: Tiffany Goodwin <tswann0370@aol.com> (1985/Wheaton)
Date: Sat, 22 Sep 2001
Subject: airlines

I am traveling to Atlanta on Sept. 26^th. I called the airline (Northwest)....it was extremely hard to get through...for everyone else wants to know if their flight may be canceled. When I finally was able to “get on hold”...what I heard was not elevator music...the automated service offered me this.....”if you purchase a ticket to ASIA from September 1^st to December 31^st...you will get a free ticket anywhere within the US....FREE...it did say “anywhere within the US”..Oh..I really think that ...with the chaos. Someone forgot to change the message!!!!

Tiffany Goodwin Swann

PS...When things are so messed up...you gotta laugh!!!!

From: Amy Hirsch Edberg <edberg@colorado.net>
Date: Sun, 23 Sep 2001
Subject: 1981 Reunion Books

Hello Everyone!

It was great to see and talk with all who attended the reunion weekend! It was a huge success! We greatly missed those of you who could not attend and hope that you can join us at the next reunion.

If you have not already done so, you can still order a photo memory book. Simply call the number below and ask for the Robert E. Peary 20^th High School Reunion, held on July 28^th, 2001.

As of September 23, 2001 the books have not been released. Kathy has recently edited the full color program stylebook containing pictures from the 20^th Reunion. We would expect that it will be processed and mailed soon.

Reunion Services 334-653-7486

Cost: $25 They take VISA, MC, Discover, Amex

There is no deadline date to order one!

Keep in touch!

Amy Hirsch Edberg,

Kathy Goldsborough & PHS 1981 Reunion Committee Members

From: REGINA WERTZ CUSTER <AL8189@AOL.COM> (1979)
Date: Mon, 24 Sep 2001
Subject: Update

I found out about the website from ALUMNI.

Occupation: OCEAN CITY POLICE OFFICER, Spouse: AL, Children: ALYSSA MICHELLE 14 YEARS, KAITLYN ELIZABETH ANNE 23 MONTHS, BABY CUSTER DUE 11/01/01

Since High School: RAISING A FAMILY, WORKING FOR THE OCEAN CITY POLICE (18 YEARS), TRAVELING (AROUND THE US AND RECENTLY IRELAND)

Future Plans: ENJOY MY LIFE WITH MY HUSBAND AND CHILDREN, EVENTUALLY RETIRE AND POSSIBLY GO INTO TEACHING

Memorable Teacher: MR. THOMAS (POM POM COACH)

Other alums I know about? ANITA SCUDERI FERGUSON, STAFF WRITER FOR “THE DISPATCH” NEWSPAPER IN OCEAN CITY, MD

From: Valerie Fitzpatrick Echard <valechard@hotmail.com> (1982)
Date: Mon, 24 Sep 2001
Subject: Update

I found out about the website from friends.

Occupation: Stay home mom/wife, Spouse: Eddie, Children: Eddie JR - 7, Blair - 6, Dean - 3 (all boys)

Memorable Incidents: Fitz-Mont-Shea, Marsh, Erika’s MG, Debbie’s Camero and our boyfriends

Since High School: recently resigned from my position with Equity Residential Properties to be at home with my three boys

Future Plans: start up my own business

Memorable Teacher: Tom Nawrocki - He was a cool pom pom sponsor

From: Lisa & Tim Coleman <tlcbunch6@juno.com>
Date: Thu, 27 Sep 2001
Subject: Happy anniversary

Tim Coleman (1976) & Lisa (Des Roches) Coleman (1982) will be celebrating their 17^th wedding anniversary September 29^th. 2 true soul mates that still hold hands and kiss in public, much to their 4 kids embarrassment! ;)

QUICK TAKES

Suzanne Benoit Malone - Class of 1976 <flyfishgrl@aol.com>
I found out about the website while surfing. Occupation: park naturalist, Children: daniel 21, megan 18

Neil M. Peters - Class of 1968 <gymbonashville@home.com> I found out about the website from my brother Gary, Class of ‘66. Occupation: Self-Employed

Connie Hope Pierce - Class of 1984 <Daisy7676@aol.com> I found out about the website from the 1985 Reunion committee. Occupation: Day Care Provider, Spouse: Doug, Children: Travis 6, Clay 3, Since High School: Working and starting a family

Mary Callen Baker - Class of 1974 <queenb427@earthlink.net> I found out about the website from BJ Blackwell Thomas. Occupation: Pediatric Nurse, Spouse: Phil (Marianne Baker Ball’s Bro), Children: Jason 21, Hannah 19, David 17, John 11

Laura Bowen Wise - Class of 1979 <lmbwise@bellsouth.net> I found out about the website? My brother Bill, class of 1978, told me about it. Occupation: English teacher, Children: Mary Kate 15 and Bridgette 12

Renee Alexander Broche - Class of 1982 <reneebroche@hotmail.com> I found out about the website from Karen Kushner.

Mark Hadeed - Class of 1976 <no e-mail address submitted> I found out about the website through a former teacher. Occupation: Developer and Builder

Richard Baker - Class of 1968 <printwiz@hotmail.com> I found out about the website through Gradfinder. Occupation: printer/manager, Spouse: Patricia

John Marvin - Class of 1973 <nhoj509@hotmail.com> Occupation: Software Guy, Spouse: Alison Wells, Children: Connor 13, Memorable Incident: The student workshop walkout to the board of education. Memorable Teacher: Mr. Hill

Eileen Secker Gaffigan - Class of 1975 <neenemg@earthlink.net> I found out about the website through e-mail. Occupation: executive, Spouse: Joe, Children: Robert age 16, Since High School: business owner

wendy chabot miller - Class of 1985/Rockville <wajm@yellowsub.net > I found out about the website from the reunion newsletter. Occupation: convention/catering manager, Spouse: john, Children: mike 1/12/98, ryan 11/10/99, Grandchildren: you’ve got to be kidding!!!

Leilani Cook Hannie - Class of 1972 <Leilani.B.Hannie@usdoj.gov> How I found out about the website? My brother found it. Occupation: Management Analyst, Children” Bryant - 25, Ryan - 23, Justin -21, Grandchildren: Brandon - 1, Memorable Incident: The senior class trip to the Bahamas, Since High School: Lived in Spain, and working for the government, Future Plans: To retire when I’m 55.

Vincent Naples - Class of 1977 <sirnaples@aol.com> I found out about the website from my sister MaryAnn (1978). Occupation: Printer, Spouse: Lisa, Children: Brian Wylie 18, Ashley Naples 11, Caitlyn Naples 10, Deborah Naples 7

Eldridge V. Parks Jr. - Class of 1982 <zultac@hotmail.com> I found out about the website from younger brother of Alumni. Occupation: Entrepeneur, Since High School: Not much, Memorable Teachers: Dr. Fleeger—He tried to talk hip, Mr. Baker, Mr Cino, Mr Pine—Nice Guys, Mrs Tigani—Seemed real professional, not a pushover

Peter Watkins - Class of 1971 <pwatkins@hbwgroup.com> I found out about the website from a friend. Occupation: Commercial Real Estate and Construction Spouse: Anne, Children: Amanda 11,

Memorable Incident: Fred Dunn shaking hands with students, cold wet hands went to the office for throwing snow balls

END OF TEXT - MIDNIGHT SUN ONLINE - VOLUME 6, NUMBER 2

Articles for the next issue are due October 27, 2001

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