Volume 6, Number 5, December 2001
MIDNIGHT SUN ONLINE
-The Online Newsletter for Robert E. Peary High School Alumni-

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

INTRODUCTION

Happy Holidays Huskies:

IMMINENT KID NEWS: See Rich Lieberman’s (1975) submission in this newsletter and catch his daughter, Allyson, on Kids Jeopardy on Christmas Eve (that’s “right now”) on whichever affiliate in your area carries Jeopardy!

REUNIONS: We’ve already heard from the Classes of 1977 (1976 classmates invited) and 1982 who have gotten the ball rolling with their plans for 2002.  If you wish to assist these classes, contact Sandy Van Dusen (1977) at sjvandusen@yahoo.com and Karen Kushner (1982) at kushnerk@arentfox.com.  Class of 1977 (and 1976 classmates) will receive information by postal mail early next year - be sure your mailing addresses are up-to-date by completing a class update form for your grad year!  We look forward to posting information on other “due-for” (1967, 1972) class reunions next year when we receive the information from the respective committees.  Of course, there’s the Class of 1975 annual get-together—stay tuned for that information, too, in the coming months!

LAS VEGAS:  A Peary multi-class get-together in Las Vegas is still in-the-works.  (Great for those CA alums who wish to fly out at, currently, less-than $50 round trip!)  Although there are about 6 alumni living out here in Vegas, I’m planning this tentative bash “solo,” and have not had time to pre-plan anything.  Thank you for your patience and understanding.

PRAYERS: For Meridyth Cissel, the 21-year-old daughter of Kathleen Hughes (1966), who was in a serious auto accident and is in critical condition (as of 12/21) at MD Shock Trauma.

CONDOLENCES: Alice Huff Fones (1980) passed away November 28, 2001 after a long struggle with cancer.  A memorial service was held at Visitation Church in Darnestown, MD on Wednesday, December 5^th.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her name to the Shady Grove Foundation Department, Oncology Nurses, 4901 Medical Center Dr., Rockville, MD 20850; or to Mary of Nazareth School, Attn: Sister Frances, 14131 Seneca Rd., Darnestown, MD 20874.

Bob Crowley, father of Mike Crowley (1975), passed away on November 21, 2001.  He died of complications from pneumonia after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s.  Mr. Crowley will be buried at his birthplace, Louisville, KY on Nov. 30^th.  Mike’s parents resided in Southern Calif.  Mike is married to Annamarie “Rie” Leimbach Crowley (1976).  Mr. Crowley is survived by his wife, Mike, and daughter Chris.

On December 8, 2001 Henry Posthumus, the father of 5 children, 4 of whom attended Peary: Eugene Louis (1975), Debra Carol (1976), Daniel Peter (1977), and William (Billy) Kyle (1978) (the last daughter, Susan Kay, attended Magruder HS in the late 80’s) passed away.  Mr. Posthumus had celebrated his 46^th wedding anniversary 5 days earlier.  There is an online obituary and registry linked from MSO to the Wells Funeral Home for anyone who wishes to register an acknowledgement.

Mr. Gayle Shaffer, father of Chris Shaffer (1970) and Cheryl Shaffer (1971) passed away on or about December 11. Mr. Shaffer and his wife Blanche have been neighbors and close friends of Doug Adams’ (1970, who let us know) parents for 35 years.  Our condolences to the Shaffer family.

GET WELL SOON:  Ruth Kaneshiro Fujita (1970) and Dena Besoner Saunders (1972) who are recovering from recent surgeries.

ALUMNI KIDS NEWS: Congratulations to Noelle Keselica, Watkins Mill HS, daughter of Diana Taylor Keselica (1977) who made the Washington Post All-Met Team, Fall 2001, for women’s soccer!  She had 14 goals and six assists for Maryland 4A semifinalist.  Four-time All-Met scored 85 career goals.  Member of the under-19 U.S. national team.  Will attend Virginia.  All-Met Team photos is viewable on the MSO website.

MORE “KIDS”: Matt Cannon (1977) and Fran are expecting #13!  The “Cannon Clan” lives on.  Wendy Tucker Godwin (1980) just adopted another child!  Chris Sterling (1980) is a grandfather!  Details below, in this issue.

OLYMPIC TORCH: Karla Muirhead Walsh (1980) is scheduled to be one of the torch runners in San Diego on January 14^th.  Details below.

REMINDER: Greg Kershner’s (1970) 50^th Birthday Party on February 2, 2002 in Amelia Island, FL.  RSVPs must be made by December 31, 2001 - ALL ARE INVITED!  Daytime: 904-261-3625, Evening: 904-225-8821 - The details are posted on the website.

THANK YOU: Thanks to all of you who have posted remembrances online at the Washington Post memorial guest book for William H. Thomas, Jr. (staff) who passed away November 8, 2001.  The link is posted on the MSO website.

OUR MILITARY:  Mike Quigley (1973) reminds us in this issue to remember and honor those Peary alums that serve in our armed forces.

DONATIONS: Thanks to a handful (2-3 alums is a “handful”) of classmates who have recently donated to the MSO to keep this project alive.  We have, unfortunately, not heard from more than 3,100 classmates in the past 5+ years that signed aboard (we hope to one of these days).  All donations are voluntary; nevertheless are crucial to the survival of this project.  There is no subscription fee to join and access all the information on old friends.  We are currently “good” into 2002, but any donations received at this time will also enable the MSO to pre-pay services for longer terms, allowing MSO to qualify for cheaper rates for the services we now pay on a month-to-month-basis to bring you “cyber presence.”  Your consideration of financial support is appreciated.  Additionally, as a result of lack-of-use, we will soon be eliminating the option of making donations with a Visa or MasterCard, since usage (or lack-of) and minimum fees are charged each month to offer this alternative method of donating, and Peary classmates are not using it.

I’m also reminded by some classmates that all do not have web access (but do receive the newsletter sent by e-mail) for donation information.  Donations may be made payable to “Netvision” (an account we use to bank MSO donations to avoid the fees associated with opening another organizational account), and mailed to: 3404 Winterhaven Street, Suite 204, Las Vegas, NV 89108-5058.  Donations are NOT deductible as a charitable contribution; however, note, if you have a link to your business website on the “Alumni Links,” it may qualify as a business expense (ask your accountant) for 2001.

2001-2002: We, as Americans, have had a tremendous year.... 2001 is a year each of us will not forget for the rest of our lives.  We wish our Peary classmate/staff alumni the very best in 2002, and hope you had a Happy Hanukkah and have a joyous Christmas Holiday or whichever holiday you may celebrate at this time of year.  Check the e-mail listings online... say “hello” to an old friend!

Happy Holidays to all members of the Peary H.S. Family,  
Bob Lau, Editor/Webmaster  
The Midnight Sun Online

P.S. Again, if you wish to reply or comment, please don’t quote this entire newsletter... send a new e-mail.  If you wish to modify your existing e-mail address (es), please visit www.pearyhs.org and use the “Update E-Mail” link and form.

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