Volume 6, Number 3, October 2001
MIDNIGHT SUN ONLINE
-The Online Newsletter for Robert E. Peary High School Alumni-

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

From:      Gary Rebsch <grebsch@yahoo.com> (1979)
Date:       Fri, 28 Sep 2001
Subject:  Sept. 11

Just a note of thanks from those of us working the disasters. The support of friends, neighbors, and people we never met was terrific. The Huskies were represented by Gary Rebsch (‘79) and Stu Hanson (‘80) who work for the Mont. County Fire and Rescue, but were federalized as part of a disaster team. I am sure there were others there from Peary.  Every time I drove into the site, I was inspired by those flying flags and lighted candles. When I came home from my first 53 hour shift, I was shocked by all the flags on homes, cars, bridges, etc...  I had not seen any media coverage while I was there, so it was a total surprise to me. Remember over three hundred of our brother firefighters who were safe in their firehouses, rushed to the twin towers as they had rushed to so many other emergencies over their careers, and never came back.  That is what hurts me the most. Thanks to all of you who showed your support. It did help inspire us on.

From:      Robin Rosenberg Aiscowitz <RLRA4803@aol.com> (1979)
Date:       Fri, 28 Sep 2001
Subject:   September 11^th and Other Stuff

Last night, as I completed my stay at my local synagogue in observance of Yom Kippur, I noticed how many of my fellow congregants were just nameless faces before.  Now, as our country rallies together, I realize we are all just one big family.  Although no one I knew personally was affected by this tragedy, my family knew friends of friends and that is very sad.  On a separate note, my 40^th birthday is just two weeks away and I told my husband in light of the events of September 11^th, I want to have my closest friends with me to celebrate.  So, I’m doing a pizza party on the 13^th of October (the actual day is the 16^th).  To my fellow classmates of 1979, I wish you a very happy 40^th birthday whenever your special day is (if you have already had it, please accept my belated wishes).

From:      Randall Robinson <errr1991@Yahoo.com> (1984)
Date:       Sun, 30 Sep 2001
Subject:  Update

I found out about the website from a relative. 

Occupation: telephone service installer, Spouse: Ellen, Children: Amanda leigh 14 years, Christina Marie 8, Andrew Lee 6

Since High School: Working for Verizon/Bell Atlantic/C&P Telephone 15 years and raising a wonderful family and taking them camping or to amusement parks and enjoying life.

From:      Bruce R. Waldron <bwaldron@ccg.carr.org> (1969)
Date:       Mon, 1 Oct 2001
Subject:  Book Release

Hey everyone,

I just had a book released.  The title, A Year in the Belly of the Tiger.  It is a work of fiction recounting one man’s tour of duty in Vietnam.  It is a work of fiction although I use my own tour in 1971 as a base for the tone and feeling.  It is available on-line through Publishamerica.com or though most large book stores.  I am planning to try and do some signings around Frederick, Gaithersburg and Rockville.  So if you see my notice, please stop by.

From:      Karen Coulborn Varela <karenvarela@msn.com> (1972)
Date:       Tue, 2 Oct 2001
Subject:  Update

I found out about the website via a search engine - peary entered - pearyhs.org hit. 

Occupation: school secretary, Spouse: Don, Children: Aimee - 7/25/86 - daughter

Memorable Incident: high school graduation banquet

Since High School: working and retiring from the Entertainment Insurance Industry; starting a new career in the Education Field; mothering a very active & bright daughter.

Future Plans: come to my 30-year reunion!

Other alums I know about? Deb Shaeffer - moved to Johanasberg, S. Africa in 1999 - no new info on her.  Her married name is Grant - daughter - Emily, born in 1987.  Family still in Rockville, Md. to my knowledge.

From:      John Ponton <JPonton914@aol.com> (1972)
Date:       Thu, 4 Oct 2001
Subject:  Update

My name is John Ponton (Class of 1972) and I am currently employed as an assistant principal at J.E.B. Stuart High School in the Fairfax County Public Schools system. Since graduating from Mount Saint Mary’s College in May 1976, I have spent the last twenty-four years in education teaching social studies. In January of this year I will complete my

Masters of Education in Education Leadership. My ultimate goal is to become a high school principal.  To all of you who remember me from my high school days, you can now get up off of the floor. My wife and I live in Springfield, Virginia and have two very handsome boys. My most memorable teacher will always be Mr. Clarke. He was my inspiration to enter the teaching profession. He and Mr. Boyd always seemed to really enjoy what they were doing. Without a doubt, my most memorable experience in high school was our class trip to the Bahamas! I’ll never forget that within 24 hours of arriving in the Bahamas, our class sponsor and chaperones were threatening to fly us back home because of our inappropriate (Animal House like) behavior. Finally, my good friend from high school, Jeff “Most Likely to Succeed” Ramras visited my home two summers ago along with his lovely wife and two daughters. If you would like to e-mail me, my e-mail address is John.Ponton@fcps.edu

From:      Michelle LaBrec <mlabrec@aol.com> (1983)
Date:       Tue, 9 Oct 2001
Subject:  Update

How I found out about the website? Tim Lawrence told me about it years ago. 

Occupation: State Farm Insurance Agent, Significant Other: Ron

Graham, Children: Randy Graham, 10 yrs old

Memorable Incident: When someone (the wrecking crew?) put an M-80 in Darcy Infante’s mailbox while a bunch of us were inside watching Firday the 13^th.  Scared us all half to death!

Since High School: Wow, where do I start.... I moved to Maine for a year in 1990 then to Colorado in 1991.  I’ve worked with State Farm insurance for the last 8 years and just recently opened a new agency for them in Berthoud, Colorado.  I’ve been doing a lot of traveling, hiking, skiing, and snowshoeing.

We recently bred our 2 Golden Retrievers and had 8 beautiful healthy pups, all of which are at their new homes now!

I spend all my spare time watching my boyfriend’s 10 yr old son play ice hockey.  He is the goalie for a local competitive team.

Future Plans: Our future plans are to settle into the Berthoud community, get established, make new friends and enjoy our life and beautiful view of the Rocky Mountains from our deck.

Of, course we’ll continue traveling and watching Randy grow and mature into a fine young man.

Memorable Teachers: That’s a toss up!  Mr. Burluss, because he challanged me to be my best.  Mr. Myers, because he recognized my need for additional responsibilities and guided me in a positive direction.

From:      Joe Wyatt <PEARYBOY75@aol.com> (1975)
Date:       Thu, 11 Oct 2001
Subject:  STATE FAST PITCH CHAMPS

MY DAUGHTER TAYLOR AGE 10 WAS A STARTING INFIELDER FOR THE 2001 MARYLAND NSA STATE FASTPITCH SOFTBALL CHAMPS. THE TEAM ALSO FINISHED SECOND IN THE MID ATLANTIC CHAMPIONSHIP. SHE ALSO COMPETED IN THE NSA WORLD SERIES IN JUPITER FLA. WITH A TOP 25 FINISH. MY OLDEST DAUGHTER ALSO PLAYED IN THE 12 AND UNDER DIVISION HER TEAM EARNED A BERTH TO THE NSA B WORLD SERIES IN CHARLOTTE N.C. BOTH GIRLS ARE PRACTICING FOR THE SPRING SEASON.

From:      Rob Wolf <rob.wolf@smtpgw.msc.navy.mil> (1978)
Date:       Thu, 11 Oct 2001
Subject:                “Turnabout Is Fun Play”

There is an article from today’s Washington Post about the recent success of Richard Montgomery’s Varsity Football team and their coach, Peary grad Mike Bonavia (1976).  There is a photo of Mike in action in today’s print edition.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A37813-2001Oct10.html

MSO Note: Coach Cino is Mike’s Assistant Coach at RM.  Also, Bryant Brooks’ (1974) son (also Bryant), at 6’2”, is a defensive end/tight end on the team.

From:      Lisa Salsitz (Allie Raye) <windydreams@earthlink.net> (1981)
Date:       Sun, 14 Oct 2001
Subject:  Reunion Web Site

Hi there! I finally got my scanner working properly and made a web site for our 20^th reunion! It needs A LOT of work and A LOT more pictures, so feel free to check it out! I really had a blast at the reunion. I was glad I came back for it. It was fun seeing old friends, and even more fun making new friends!! Thanks for the nice comments on the interview with the Washington Jewish Week. It was cool that people saw it in the paper. As for the Washington Post, there is nothing to report right now.  As far as I know, the reporter is still making me his cover story for the Washington Post Magazine, however since the Sept. 11 crisis, it’s obviously been put on the back burner. I’ll keep you posted! Anyway, thanks for the wonderful weekend back in July and here is the web site.

The guest book does NOT work but you can email me with photos or comments!  http://home.earthlink.net/~windydreams

Also, a lot of people wanted to know about my upcoming film “Minority Report.” If you put the title in a search engine in quotes, you’ll find a bunch of stuff on the movie! It looks like it’s going to be awesome!!  Release date is still June 28, 2002.

Take care and see you at the 30^th!!

From:      Sam Davidson <tinasam68@hotmail.com> (1973)
Date:       Fri, 19 Oct 2001
Subject:  Update

I found out about the website from yahoo search engine. 

Occupation: financial advisor, Spouse: Tina, Children: Brett 5years and Blake 5years {twins}, Madison 1year

Memorable Incidents: Beating Richard Montgomery in football in 1971.

Senior skip day in 1973. Graduation, Cole Field House.

Since High School: Received M.B.A. University of Md. 1981. Moved to California in 1982 where I have been happily living ever since. Have been a financial advisor, money manager since 1983. Currently with UBS PaineWebber in Newport Beach, Ca. Married with 2 children.

Future Plans: Get some rest!! Travel and have fun!

Memorable Teachers: Mr. Hill, for his great teaching skills, and Mr.

Hassler for his sense of humer!

From:      Michael Deborah Gray <soulforcee@earthlink.net> (1973)
Date:       Tue, 23 Oct 2001
Subject:  Happy One Year Anniversary to Peary’s GLBTA

Dear MSO,

Believe it or not, it is the Peary GLBTA group’s first anniversary (October 19^th), and the 18 of us (and counting) are so proud of it.  Right now, we’re kindling ideas about our first (re)union in DC, and that’s an exciting prospect. Thank you for being such a swell Husky ally and friend to us by including our link from your homepage. Without it, we couldn’t find each other. And finding alumni family that we relate to is what we’re all about!

I understand that there are a handful of alumnus who have regrettably raised in Peary, the ugly head of bigotry. ::peering over my glasses at you in a gentle manner:: Bigotry is not a proud Peary tradition. It serves no one well; least of all our alumni. Bigotry is always violent to the bigot, their target, and everyone else in their path, as well.  Since bigotry of every kind is based in fear of and hate-acts towards a targeted group, I thought in response to it I’d write a love-letter of sorts, which tries to soothe all involved by telling what this group means to me: it serves to build community, fosters friendships, heals old wounds of social isolation and alienation, and helps folks feel pride in and connect to our whole Peary family and history.

Our group makes no exclusionary distinctions between members of the Peary community. Everyone is warmly and hospitably welcomed. It’s a constant online (re)union, of sorts. We share the value of longing for one peaceful global community, a worldwide culture of diversity. We are Americans and share in American traditions and values of democracy. We converse about Peary days and our lives now, too. We write of texts that are of common interest to us, on topics such as politics, religion, health, human rights, social activism, cartoons; we write poetry, about our pets, kids, families, travels, partners, about the new businesses we are opening, the new book we’re writing, the research we’ve conducted, and our personal concerns. Lately that has been primarily about the war and the tragic losses of life. We lost a good many GLBTA heroes on September 11^th, who willingly gave their lives to save so many others, at the WTC, at the Pentagon, and on airplanes. We mourn and pray together!

We’re grateful that the MSO has an equally strong inclusive conscience for the diversity of the alumni it serves so proudly. We commend you for standing strong when bigotry demanded special privileges to exclude a Peary group from participation. Lovingly opposing bigotry is a proud Peary tradition. Now, you have set a democratic precedent of loving your neighbors by showing to us your hospitality. Congratulations! For it is also your one-year anniversary of being inclusive for gender and sexual minority statused Peary alumni.

There were no GLBTA groups that met in Peary’s history. Perhaps if there had been Peary’s GLBTA would not have been so invisible, and those Peary alumni who fear and hate us now might have learned how to play nice together at school. That meant we couldn’t identify each other or find crucial support in our school. It left some of us with deep senses of alienation and isolation, especially GLBTA alumnus from Peary’s earliest graduating classes. Being able to communicate with each other now helps to heal those wounds.

Peary’s GLBTA would not be so invisible today, however, were Peary still up and running as a high school. Doubtless, there would be a GSA (Gay-Straight Alliance group) and there would also be a Safe Zones project among the faculty and administrators who are willing to support GLBTA students. All people need to find their peer groups and be socially supported. It’s a human thing, this need to be neighbors and behave lovingly towards one another.

Thank you MSO, and most especially Bob Lau, for being the kind of neighbor that helped Peary’s GLBTA “find a way or make one,” to come together as friends.

Comments/correspondence? Send my way. I welcome the chance to meet and make new Peary alumni friends.

With love, always, Michael Deborah Gray (1973)

From:      Chip Redden <chip@juniper.net> (1976)
Date:       Fri, 26 Oct 2001
Subject:  Update

I found out about the website while surfing the net.  Spouse: Carol, Children: Courtney 16, Caitlin 14, Chase 10

I left 3Com after 11 years and have been at Juniper Networks for about 2. I live near Raleigh but spend about a week a month in California and have to travel to Europe and Asia about once a quarter. I run technical marketing, which basically means we spend our time trying to explain what our equipment does and why it does it better than anyone else.

I’ve been married just over 18 years and have 3 kids - Courtney is 16 and is in 11^th grade with plans to be a doctor. Caitlin is 14 and is in her last year of middle school. Chase is 10 and is a sports monster, having won 3 league championships in 3 separate sports within the past 6 weeks. So, Carol and I spend a lot of time traveling around to various events and tournaments.

I rarely run into anyone from Peary - I keep in touch with Dave Wathen who is still living in Florida and still coaching swimming. There don’t seem to be many alumni in the Raleigh area.

I spend most of my free time playing golf and hiking with the kids. We try to take a couple of interesting vacations a year - went to San Francisco and on a cruise through the Caribbean this year, the Grand Canyon last year, etc... My kids have been more places already than I ever went to.

From:      Kathleen Hughes <khu4681806@aol.com> (1966)
Date:       Fri, 26 Oct 2001
Subject:  You’re Needed

Hi,

As many of you know, my sister is the director of Christian Child Care a very worthy organization that locally is trying to establish “Bernie House” a home for abused parents and their children.  They have also raised funds for third whole countries and most recently helped with ground zero in NYC, which unfortunately I was unable to attend because of school and work. I wanted to share with you the letter she sent me after her return to Maryland from NYC, and to ask for your help with her efforts.  She with the help of so many wonderful volunteers and donations has really done great things for those less fortunate.  Please take some time to visit the Children Child Care website christianchildcare.com and help where and when you can.  Sometimes your help may mean passing this information on to others, or attending a fundraiser which CCC organizes which is a fun way to contribute.  Thank you and Bless you for anything that you may be able to do.

Kathleen Hughes

Her letter:

We were up at the office by 3:45 am.  Connie, Lisa, Gary, Sheila, Jeff, Dean and I started loading up all the goods that were donated or purchased with the funds raised from our auction on 09/27 and other generous donations made towards the efforts.

20 pairs of steel tips boots
93 hooded sweatshirts
paper products - plates bowls napkins paper towels
socks
lip balm
pepto bismal
hand sanitizer
goggles & protective eye wear
hand warmers
canvas/leather gloves
hard hats
ventilators
long under wear
30 winter hats
There may be a few other items I’ve left out.....forgive me.
We’re all loaded into two pick up trucks,
We arrived at Spring Street by 9:45 am!  Good travel time.

Before we reached the tunnel - we were stopped and asked what was in truck we told the police officer - he smiled an enormous NY smile and said God Bless you!!!

When we arrived and unloaded Rhonda, happy to see us - stated with excitement “go Maryland!” as she was excited to see all the boots and of course all the other items we unloaded.

The ladies sorted socks and gloves and food.  While the men lifted heavy cases of bottled water to make room for a shipment they were expecting on Sunday. We moved boxes organized and re-organized.

We were then taken to Nino’s a local restaurant that has now become the kitchen for all the hungry men and women volunteering.  ALL the meals were being donated!  It was crowded and none of us really wanted to go in to accept free food when others needed it more.  Because it was crowded we went elsewhere.  Then walked around the city to see what we could see.

Police on every street corner.  Ground zero still smoking.  We were able to see destroyed buildings leaning in - flowers placed at the street barriers - cards - photos - written prayers for those lost.  The area is extremely dangerous therefore; we were unable to go directly to the site.  Dust still filled the air and the smell of melting steel was prominent.  The fronts of fire stations were covered in black and purple banners.  Memorials set up outside with candle vigils.

As we sorted the clothing and socks and boots - we read the touching notes that were placed in most of the items donated from school children.

My mother and Carolyn H. Clarke wrapped little soaps with a lovely note of support, love and prayers - these were taken up with us and were given to the men and women - surely a note needed after working a 12 hour shift at ground zero or at the fresh kill site (where remains are taken and studied and DNA testing being done).

We could not have done this trip without the help and support from YOU!!  Please know that if you weren’t there in body you were there in spirit and your gifts were appreciated more than you realize.

We will go again - and welcome any volunteers who wish to go with - shooting for early spring.  We will take more items with us - so more donations are necessary.

I’ll be sharing photos on our web site, christianchildcare.com.  If you have email addresses of friends who helped us (address’ that I don’t have) please forward this message and update the list of items needed as it changes daily.

A big thank you to the volunteers who drove up - who gave up their time and talents - who might be a little sore this morning - you know you helped.  GOD BLESS YOU AND THANK YOU ALL!!!

Patti

From:      Tracy Boehler Hayden <thayden00@hotmail.com> (1984)
Date:       Sat, 27 Oct 2001
Subject:  Update

I found out about the website from a former classmate. 

Occupation: Stay at Home Mom-Finally!! Spouse: Gary (Jr), Children: Samantha Kay 6 years old, Britney Kay 3 years old

Memorable Incidents: There were so many...decorating the halls during spirit week, ALL the football games, parties, prom...

Since High School: I didn’t attend college. Shortly after graduation, I was hired as a receptionist for B.F. Saul Mortgage Company in Bethesda.  For 15 years, I worked my way up the corporate ladder. When I left in 2000 I was the manager of the Document Control Division and an Assistant Secretary for the Mortgage Company and Chevy Chase Bank, FSB. I left to take care of my two girls, Samantha and Britney (ages 5 and 2 at the time). I can’t say I miss the rat race. I do, however, miss the friends I made over those 15 years. Being a stay at home mom has been so rewarding for me. I know I made the right decision!!

Future Plans: None at the moment. Just enjoying one day at a time!

Memorable Teacher: Mrs. Rosen-12^th grade English...I just remember her being a great teacher. She made a class you had to pass enjoyable to be in. She was also so active with all the students!

Lori Whitmer Lawson - Class of 1979 <ohmickey@aol.com> I found out about the website years ago, it just took awhile to find the time to write an update. Occupation: Paralegal; Children: Erin Michelle, 17 and Marshall William, 15.

Nicole Veraa Minnick - Class of 1966 <nminnick@umd.edu> How I found out about the website? Jim Thompson’s mother told my mother about it.  Occupation: French professor Univ. of Maryland, Spouse: Stephen (Steve), Children: Michelle Annette Minnick Fox (31), Grandchildren: Andrea Christine Fox - almost 2 years (born November 6, 1999)

Thomas Jerman - Class of 1986/Wheaton <clockwatcher68@home.com> I found out about the website from a friend.  Occupation: sales management, Since High School: MAKING LOTS OF MONEY. Future Plans: MAKE MORE MONEY

Mark O’Brien - Class of 1977 <mtobsr@radicus.net> Occupation: Systems Engineer

Donna Lee McDonald - Class of 1972 <freebirddonna@hotmail.com> I found out about the website through mont. county school - phone help. Children: Stacy - 29, Douglas - 18

Isabel Marks Freedman - Class of 1970 <4isabel@home.com> How I found out about the website? My husband found it while he was working on his reunion for Blair ‘71.  Occupation: Medical Billing  Administrator, Spouse: Maury, Children: Rachael Aron 20, Shayna Ilene 18

Stephen Silver - Class of 1975 <hssilver@bellatlantic.net> I found out about the website from Lenny Chornock.  Spouse: Helene

Pamela Sue Byrnes Rebosky - Class of 1977 <rebo4@frontiernet.net> I found out about the website from my sister.  Occupation: Elem. School Cafeteria Cashier, Spouse: William Jr., Children: Danielle Marie 20, William Joseph 9, Since High School: Raising my kids.

Kathy Kilgore Schmiech - Class of 1968 <KKS714@aol.com> How I found out about the website? Receiving e-mail from former classmates.  Occupation: Teacher, Musician, Children: Katelin 16, Bobby 11, Since High School: College, Teaching in MCPS, Musician

Dawn Henderson - Class of 1984 <steelersbabe@netzero.net> Occupation: Diversity Program Assistant, Children: Ryan Adrianne Mitchell--20 months

Pat Ketchum Bahr - Class of 1983 <ketchum_n_cheatum@msn.com> I resigned from CBS News after the birth of my son, Brennan. My husband and I are moving from Los Angeles to the central coast at the end of October to enjoy a slower paced life!

Denice Leonhardt Wepasnick - Class of 1977 <wepaz@erols.com>  Occupation: Mom, Spouse: Bob, Children: Ashley 7/8/90, Zack 9/10/91, Since High School: Just doing the mom thing, Memorable Teacher: Mr. Gardner, because God knows why he continued to pass me

Maria Liwanag - Class of 1986/Wheaton <<maria20910@yahoo.com> I found out about the website from Merry St. Laurant & Amy Lott. Occupation: Employment Manager, Significant Other: Mario Palacios

Matthew Gray - Class of 1977 <MattG430@aol.com> Spouse: Diane, Children: Jaclyn age 23, Ashlee (stepdaughyer) 20, Grandchildren: Kyle - 3

glenn merchant - Class of 1976 <gpmerchant@cs.com> How I found out about the website? Was told by a friend

Tom Dougherty - Class of 1973 <tmdougherty@prodigy.net> Occupation: Manager, Spouse: Roberta, Children: Christine 25, Carol 19, Nichole 16, Memorable Incidents: Saturday football and the subsequent parties. Since High School: Working and raising a family. Future Plans: Cease working. Memorable Teacher: Mr. Clarke. He kept things lively in History and Homeroom.

Vern Caswell - Class of 1979 <vec4him@stargate.net> We are now living in Ambridge, PA. I am attending the Trinity Episcopal School for Ministry with the goal of becoming an Episcopal priest in 3 years. We are excited about our time here and thank God for His many blessing to us.

Bob Finkelstein - Class of 1980 <pr033190@aol.com> I found out about the website from Skip FitzGerald

Laurie Miller - Class of 1978 <lemiller60@altavista.com> Just bought a townhouse in the Ballston area of Arlington and love it.  Did the Washington DC AIDSRide earlier this year and am still on a high. Life is great!

Catherine Lawrence Womack - Class of 1973 <mrblsgone@earthlink.net> Occupation: Office Manager Spouse: Dana, Children: Deborah Lauren 11 (born 01/18/90), Other alums I know about? Sheila Staggers Hopkins is here in Olney, MD.

Lisa Redden Downs - Class of 1975 <lisa@six-weeks.com> I found out about the website from my brother.   Occupation: special education teacher. Spouse: Christopher Gleeson, Children: Kevin 22, Krista 18 and Holly 15

Melanie Kurtz Lindewurth - Class of 1982 <nugenco@earthlink.net>  Occupation: Graphic Designer, Spouse: Chris, Children: Kristy 16, Dustin 13, Brittany 10.  Since High School: Working hard to raise my family, continuing my education and starting a Graphic Design Business.  Interested in contacting old friends.

       END OF TEXT - MIDNIGHT SUN ONLINE - VOLUME 6, NUMBER 3

        Articles for the next issue are due November 24, 2001

  Copyright 2001 The Midnight Sun Online - http://www.pearyhs.org

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