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Volume 6, Number 8,
March 2002
MIDNIGHT SUN ONLINE
-The Online Newsletter
for Robert E. Peary High School Alumni-
MSO WEB SITE - http://www.pearyhs.org/
Page 2
From:
Ruth Petzold Koester <koester@netpath.net>
(1983)
Date: Thu,
28 Feb 2002
Subject: Update
I
found out about the website from friends.
Occupation: lab director, Spouse: Dave, Children: Jenna age 9, emily age 5
Memorable
Incidents: Endless Pom practices....
Since
High School: I moved to North Carolina for graduate school.
I met my husband here and we simply have not left.
We love it here and it has become home.
I now work for LabCorp in the Identity Testing division as a
laboratory director. We do tons of DNA tests for paternity and HLA typing.
My other job is pretty demanding too.
I transport kids to soccer and dance and everywhere else.
We even broke down and purchased a minivan. We enjoy travelling when we can and make it back to Rockville
several times each year. I’m hoping we will have a reunion next year so
I can catch up on everyone.
From:
Bill Rowe <ragtops@sysmatrix.net>
(1982)
Date: Thu,
28 Feb 2002
Subject: Update
I
found out about the website from a fellow alumni.
Occupation: computer 3D animation specialist, Spouse: Tracey, Children:
Craig-12, Victoria-10
Since
High School: Got married had 2 kids and have been working at the CIA. But
just enjoying life...
Future
Plans: keep investing time with my kids and keeping in touch with
friends......
Other
alums I know about? Mike
Puliatti.
From:
Dean Botsford <Bonaire98@hotmail.com>
(1970)
Date: Thu,
28 Feb 2002
Subject: Dad’s death
Just
wanted to let all who knew Kevin (class of 1968) and me that our Dad died
on February 11. Some may also know him as the former athletic director at
BCC. He was 78 and lived a long and full life.
From:
Susan Pieranunzi Eastwood <eastwoos@finnegan.com>
(1982)
Date: Thu,
28 Feb 2002
Subject: Update
I
found out about the website Through My Younger Sister.
Occupation: Maintenance Fee Coordinator, Spouse: Paul, Children: Coy
Michael - 6, Jack Daniel - 4, Erik Funk - 2
Memorable
Incidents: Decorating our Halls for Homecoming, Variety Shows,
Football
Games and After Parties, Senior Banquet
Since
High School: Working Hard - now established in a Patent and Trademark Law
Firm. Having Children - Three adorable boys and thank god they don’t
look like me. Having a house by the Chesapeake Bay and enjoying all that
brings, fun times on the water and at the beach. Still am extremely close
to my huge family.
Future
Plans: Happy with the Status quo - do not foresee many changes.
Memorable
Teachers: Ms. Leeds - Had the whole classes attention, made speech and
drama fun. Ms. Rosen, Mr
Gibbs, and Mr. Travers were wonderful powerful English teachers. Mr. B.
taught me how to drive.
Other
alums I know about? Mark Rigopoulos - If I am not mistaken this is the
same individual who married Sherri Davis (1981). If this is the same
person they are living in Prince Frederick, Md.
From:
Valerie Wood Gillen <valerie_gillen@harvard.edu>
(1972)
Date: Thu,
28 Feb 2002
Subject: MSO Article
Since
High School I’ve gone through several lifetimes.
Got married, divorced. Spent 14 years with the US Government in DC.
Got married, divorced. Moved
to Europe where I worked for the United Nations in Vienna, Austria for 9
years. I traveled to some 35
countries, either for work or vacation during that time.
Then went to work for our US Ambassador in Vienna running her
private foundation, operating programs in Bosnia and Kosovo for refugee
women, and managing her international philanthropy while she was
Ambassador. Co-founded the global movement “Vital Voices: Women in
Democracy” that has since been expanded to include global conferences in
Iceland, Montivideo, Northern Ireland, the Caribbean, and is now a
non-profit organization headed by Hillary Clinton.
Raised 7 million dollars for women in Bosnia, conducted conflict
resolution seminars and workshops bringing together Serb, Muslim and Croat
women. Worked with the Women of Srebrenica who lost 6,000 of their men and
boys all in a one-day massacre. VERY
heavy work!
Left
Vienna after 12 years to come to Cambridge MA, still working with the
Ambassador. We founded a new
program at Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government on Women and
Public Policy. I also continued to serve as the Executive Director of her
private foundations, giving away from 3-8 million dollars a year.
Building on our work in Bosnia and Kosovo, we founded a global
initiative called Women Waging Peace, a network of women leaders in war
zones and conflict areas, connected through the Internet.
Women from some 30-conflict areas are involved.
Check out the web site at: www.womenwagingpeace.net.
After eight years of 100-hour weeks, I was diagnosed with breast
cancer and quit my jobs. Spent
a while recuperating from surgeries and went back to work as the Director
of University Development Programs for Harvard.
Nice 60-hour weeks, instead of 100-hour weeks. Great fun working
with generous donors that contribute to an $18 billion endowment.
Getting
ready to celebrate my two-year survivor anniversary by walking in the
Boston Avon Breast Cancer 3-Day 60-mile walk.
I need to raise $1900 for the event and need all the help I can
get. You can make a donation
on line at www.bethepeople.com.
My walker number is 1843. If
you are not comfortable making a donation on line, you can print out the
form, add my walker number, and send a check by mail.
THANK FOR ANY HELP YOU CAN GIVE.
Glad to hear that other Peary Huskies are walking in the DC Avon
walk. THANK YOU Janet Brooks
Dixon (1981) and Karen Curtis Knoch (1981).
Those of us that are survivors appreciate your interest, and sweat,
in helping to cure this deadly disease.
As long as I am still kicking, I will continue to walk with you.
From:
Skip FitzGerald <fitzskjr@msn.com>
(1976)
Date: Fri,
1 Mar 2002
Subject: Camp Peary
While
in route to a week’s worth of training in Cheaspeake, VA., which is near
Norfolk, VA, I noticed a sign on Route 64 East at the first Williamsburg,
VA exit that said Camp Peary. Well
I took the exit, like any good Peary person would do just to check it out. I ran into the main gate, which was barricaded and manned by
police. I asked some
questions, with even the locals in the security field not knowing. They assumed it was some type of CIA facility.
A sign on the fence said it was some type of experimental unit
facility. Anybody?
Beam me up Scotty!
From:
Leslie Taylor Dean <informedwoman@dmv.com>
(1973)
Date: Sat,
2 Mar 2002
Subject: Update
I
found out about the website thru Karen Schwartz (1973).
Occupation: RN-counselor, Spouse: Paul, Children: Mike 16, Taylor 12,
Matthew 10, Rachel 5
Memorable
Incidents: getting suspended every other day.
Ms. Thomas telling me I would never amount to anything (WRONG!).
The blue VW bus that was always full of smoke.
The Road Rally and Buddy and Tim serving beer at the half-way
point.
Since
High School: having kids, nursing, founded a pregnancy care center, found
Jesus
Memorable
Teachers: Ms. Thompson, biology, and Ms. Campbell and Ms. Brewer
From:
Cheri Lazo Vislay <donandcheri@earthlink.net>
(1982)
Date: Sun,
3 Mar 2002
Subject: Update
I
found out about the website from my sister, Dede Lazo Corkran.
Occupation:
preschool teacher/mom, Spouse: Don, Children: Callie-6, Jessie Kate-5
Memorable
Incidents: Football and basketball games. School spirit. The rally to save
Peary. Drivers Ed.
Since
High School: College, teaching, raising 2 kids. Very active in singing at
church.
Future
Plans: More of the same.
From:
Dawn Mellinger Guappone <dawng@smart.net>
(1982)
Date: Sun,
3 Mar 2002
Subject: Update
I
found out about the website from Friends and Family.
Occupation:
Management w/ United Healthcare, Children: Christina age 15, Jaclyn age 12
Memorable
Incidents: Being able to walk out one by one, along with the rest of my
table, of Mrs. Ancell’s art class without her knowledge.
Day after day! Of
course hanging out with Anna and Jeannie Rodbell!
Deborah Whalen, Debbie Audifferen, Colleen Simpson and Kary Brna.
Memi Pluznik - Bill Hill - Mr. Hill’s math class!
I hate to say it.... but, Mrs. Gordy was right!!
Since
High School: Loving my kids. Taking
life one day at a time. Taking
time to think about and pray for ‘passed’ 1982 alumni and their
families... especially Bruce Prothero.
Future
Plans: Currently training to run the Marine Corps Marathon in October
2002. Going back to school...
Nutrition.
Memorable
Teachers: Mrs. Ancell... I think she really knew we were sneaking out of
her class. She was actually
an excellent teacher! Mr.
Hill.... Need I say more? Mrs.
Gordy... Like I said - she was right!
Other
alums I know about? Meir
(Memi) Pluznik.
From:
Kathy Norris <SPLT@webtv.net>
(1974)
Date: Sun,
3 Mar 2002
Subject: Update
Im
living in Germantown. With a new Dog named Lakota, Im still single after a
marriage that left me single. HE walked out. But Im fine! Im living alone
-working in Rockville as a hair stylist. My mom lives near by so I keep an
eye on her. She has an aide who lives with her, Thank God for that. So I
can keep working to make my mortgage. I keep up with work and see about my
mom.
Photos
of Lakota at http://community-2.webtv.net/SPLT/JUSTSOMEPICS/
From:
Larry Rosen <trichoral@aol.com>
(1970)
Date: Sun,
3 Mar 2002
Subject: Update
I
found out about the website from Bob Lau.
Occupation: Retired on Disability
Memorable
Incidents: Explaining to Dr. Dunn that I called the police to break up a
Key Club-sponsored party at the Kiwanis Club recreation site after a
broken-beer-bottle fight began. Dr.
Dunn was a member of our sponsoring Kiwanis Club, and not at all pleased.
Since
High School: I tried college off and on for ten years before giving up; I
could NOT find a way or make one to graduate!
I worked for Giant Food as a computer specialist until arthritis
and chronic fatigue syndrome forced me to retire on disability in 1996. I’ve had the pleasure of performing lots of volunteer work
for DC’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community during the
last 20 years, serving as master of ceremonies for DC Gay Pride Day for
nine years. Standing on stage
in front of 15,000 enthusiastic homosexuals on a sunny June afternoon is a
lot of fun! The last eleven
years I’ve been a volunteer concert producer for the Lesbian & Gay
Chorus of Washington, the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, Bread &
Roses Feminist Singers, and the Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses
(almost 200 men’s, women’s and mixed choruses from North America,
Australia and Europe with 10,000 member-singers and supporters).
Future
Plans: Continue volunteering and try to get by on less than 18 hours of
sleep (average) a night; chronic fatigue is the pits!
Memorable
Teachers: Mr. Hill remains the best teacher I ever had; not just for math,
but also for how to live ethically and with integrity.
Mrs. Richardson conveyed the joy of science by making biology fun.
Collecting ticket money at football games with Mr. Pine was always
enjoyable. We don’t expect
to have stories read to us after elementary school, but Mr. Gibbs’
rendition of Steinbeck’s “Of Mice and Men,” portraying each
character’s voice as he read, is still unforgettable more than 30 years
later. Miss Vadala did fine
with her English classes, but she didn’t seem able to cope with the
bureaucratic necessities of our 11th grade homeroom; by October
she let me handle the administrative red tape for her, even making a
positive notation about it in my “permanent record.”
My
thanks to Bob Lau, and those who assist him, for their many hours of
volunteer work on our behalf.
From: Nickoletta “Nikki” Stewart <MsScarlettOHara@msn.com>
(1974)
Date: Sun,
3 Mar 2002
Subject: Update
I
found out about the website while surfing.
Occupation: Retired Police Officer, George n. Loukadakis 24, Victoria
Kimberly Huskamp 11, Grandchildren: not
yet
Memorable
Incidents: arguing with my counselor for saying I carried to many major
subjects. So i quit and went to wheaton and graduated with honors
Since
High School: Moved to fla, started in radio at the Tampa Police Dept, then
went on the street as an Officer for 7yrs.
Future Plans: raise my daughter, and hope my son finds a nice girl to settle down with.
From:
Meir “Memi” Pluznik <pluznik@juno.com>
(1982)
Date: Mon,
4 Mar 2002
Subject: Update
I
found out about the website from another peary graduate.
Occupation:
Photographer, Spouse: Jodi, Children: Ari 7.5 years old, Ilan 3 years old.
Dog- Shemesh 9 years old (half huskey! half german shep), Grandchildren:
Oh man not yet!
Memorable
Incident: FOOD FIGHT! in the cafeteria
Since
High School: Went to Rochester Institute of Technology and got BFA in
photography. Been working as photographer and just open a photographic
studio. Also part time teacher for High school kid-teaching photography
just like Ms. Ansel! (photo teacher).
Future
Plans: my future plans are- watch my kids grow...my business grow (I
hope!) and travel a lot.
Memorable
Teachers: Of course Ms. Ansel and Auditory class teachers...they all moved
to Rockville high school...
From:
Carol Saile Jeffers <gjeffers3@aol.com>
(Staff/Faculty, 1972-77)
Date: Tue,
5 Mar 2002
Subject: Update
Occupation:
Professor, Art Education, Cal State LA; Spouse: Gene Jeffers, Children:
Jessica Ann 24, Jane Elizabeth 20
Since
Peary: Taught for a few years at Rockville HS, returned to school,
obtained PhD in Art Education, taught for a year at Wichita State
University, moved to Los Angeles to teach at California state University,
Los Angeles; achieved full professor in 1999
From:
Aribowo “Ari” Prayitnoadi <aribowo_ps@hotmail.com>
(1982)
Date: Wed,
6 Mar 2002
Subject: Update
I
found out about the website from Karen Kushner Creel email.
Occupation:
Wine distributor, Spouse: Santi, Children: Nadia Karisa 10 years, Saskia
Kusumawardani 4 years
Memorable
Incident: Fall Variety Show
Since
High School: I am living and working in INDONESIA my home country
Future
Plans: Best selling book author and public speaker
Memorable
Teacher: I lost my yearbook. But
I remember best my advance biology teacher and the classmates.
The class was fun
From:
Celie Roh Windham <cwindham@lcc.net>
(1974)
Date: Wed,
6 Mar 2002
Subject: Update
I
found out about the website from my husband!!!
Occupation:
homemaker, Spouse: Tom, Children: Lindsey 19, Kelley 16
Since
High School: received my BS in Marketing from West Va Univ.
Worked for NCR. Got
married. Had 2 girls. Lived
overseas in Spain, Scotland and Australia.
Raised kids!
Future
Plans: travel when the kids are gone - one down one to go
Memorable
Teacher: Mrs Heidelberg because she was easy and we could always skip her
class.
From:
Michael Prusinowski <mjpruz929@cs.com>
(1982)
Date: Wed,
6 Mar 2002
Subject: Update
I
found out about the website from mail to my parents house.
Occupation:
teacher, Spouse: Michele, Children: Paige - 12, Joseph - 11, Judy - 9
Memorable
Incident: Senior trip to Europe
Since
High School: Teacher middle school and high school math, computers and
Bible.
Future
Plans: continue teaching
Memorable
Teachers: Mr. Clarke - for our senior trip, bonus questions, and made up
tales about classmates. Miss Tigani - her genuine concern about fun
experiments and us. Mr. Hill - the “Skipper” can, “this chalk has
your name on it”, and his love for us.
From:
David Lee Horwitz <dlhorwitz@hotmail.com>
(1974)
Date: Fri,
8 Mar 2002
Subject: Update
Occupation:
Supply Chain Planner, Spouse: Susan, Children: Adam age 17
Since
High School: Moved to San Diego for 5 years. Then Houston for 10 years and
now in Dallastown Pa. I worked for Honeywell for 18 years, Sweetheart Cup
for 4 years and now I work at Hershey Foods in the sweetest place on
earth. I have also been doing the teaching Hatha Yoga for 25 years.
Future
Plans: Putting son through college and expanding my yoga practice.
From:
Judy Ibach Brookins <beachbound47@hotmail.com>
(1970)
Date: Fri,
8 Mar 2002
Subject: Update
I
found out about the MSO website from the Class of 70 website.
Occupation:
Management Consultant/Coach, Spouse: Michael. Children: John 31, Christie
28, Heather 18 (stepdaughter), Sandy 16 (stepdaughter), Grandchildren:
Jacob 6, Connor 4, Parker 18 months
Memorable
Incidents: Dancing in the cafeteria during lunch, leaving campus to go to
McDonald’s for lunch, stealing smokes in the girls’ room.
War moratorium demo on the lawn.
Not having a senior class trip.
Since
High School: Worked my way up to VP in the financial services industry;
left to become consultant and career coach; vacationing on every beach
imaginable in FL and CA; loving my husband, kids and grandkids every
chance I get
Future
Plans: Enjoy and appreciate my many blessings every day.
Travel everywhere!!! Work
with local Hospice foundation. Stay forever young!!!
Memorable
Teachers: Mr. Thomas—one of a kind teacher with a heart for kids. Mrs. Zimmerman—she helped me through a tough time with
cancer in my senior year, calling me at home to give me dictation and help
me keep my grades up after my surgery.
Mrs. Troutman—her passion for literature was contagious! Mabel Thomas—she suspended me for smoking in the girls room
and ruined my “perfect” record!
Glad
that we have these websites to stay connected—thanks!
From:
Linda Ford Bozzonetti <lbozz@horningbrothers.com>
(1980)
Date:
Sun, 10 Mar 2002
Subject: Update
Just
a quick note to let you know I’ve been promoted to Vice President,
Retail Operations, for Horning Brothers, a DC area property management
firm. My email address
changes as well, so watch the jokes and pictures!
I’ve
spent the last four years near Peary, managing the Forest apartments. One day in January they called me and offered me this
promotion. I’ve gone from a
one mile, five minute drive to an hour fighting traffic on Connecticut
Avenue, but I’ve got to have my car to visit the shopping centers I run.
My
husband and kids are doing great, although adjusting to my new schedule
has been difficult for everyone. Fortunately,
Dominoes and Papa John’s are favorites at our house.
Twinbrook
is a great place to run into Peary Alumni.
The Safeway and the Library are just two places I seem to find
them.
So,
if your life changes and you find yourself in need of a new home in the
old neighborhood, call the Forest 301-340-1990, and say you saw it on the
Midnight Sun Online!
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