Volume 7, Number 10, May 2003
MIDNIGHT SUN ONLINE
-The Online Newsletter for Robert E. Peary High School Alumni-

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

From:      Deborah de Kievit Metrey <ricndebbie@aol.com> (1981)
Date:       Sat, 10 May 2003
Subject:  Update

How I found out about the website? I knew that it was around for a few years, but never bothered to enter my personal info.  Occupation: private tutor, Spouse: Richard, Children: Drew 6.5 years, Gwen 2.0 years, Alex 2.0 years

Since High School: I taught for 10 years in the Montgomery County Public Schools system before having my 3 children.  Now, I’m home with my 3 kids, and I tutor students in the Olney area.  In June, my husband and I will celebrate our 15-year wedding anniversary.

From:      Donna Glover Evans <donna_evans16@hotmail.com> (1970)
Date:       Sun, 11 May 2003
Subject:  Update

I found out about the website through the internet.  Occupation: Manufacturing clerk, Children: Charles Andrew Evans 25, Keith Allen Evans 19, Paul Brian Evans 18; Grandchildren: Andrew Kyle Evans 4

Memorable Incidents: The many friends I made during high school along with the ones I knew even longer.

Since High School: I had moved from one city to another while I had my 3 boys. I went back to college after having gone to Bluefield College for 2 years. I settled in Richmond, Ky and graduated from Eastern Ky University with a BBS in Business Administration in 1988. I have worked at Plexus Electronic Assembly since 1989. Plexus will be closing by Sept. 1, 2003.

Future Plans: My future plans right now are to collect unemployment for a little while and go back to college.

Memorable Teachers: Mrs. Marion Gail and how nice of a person she was during English. Miss Gunner and how she got along with all students. Mr. Michael Tile and how much I learned in Speech class. Most of all, Robert Clarke and his history class and how much I learned as well as his personality.

From:      Eliane (Ellie) MacConnell <erunion@aol.com> (1968)
Date:       Sun, 11 May 2003
Subject:  Update

Occupation: Retired, Spouse: Frederick William Burrows, Jr, Children: Tina Marie Henry 35, Tracy Lorraine Cavalier 33. Grandchildren: Kelsey Marie Runion 15, Gabrielle Lorraine Cavalier 7, Mason Andrew Cavalier 5, Keller Henry 3 weeks

Memorable Incidents: When we all walked out in support of the teachers...the haunted house visits...our first Viet Nam death

Since High School: Got married the first time while still a Senior, had two kids, moved to Frederick MD in 1976, decided to go to college when I was 31, graduated from UMBC, went to work for Children’s Hospital in Washington DC, stayed there for 16 years (commuted back and forth 5 hours a day...ugh), retired two years ago and now I’m bumming around getting to know my grandkids, obsessed with skiing and traveling as much as possible.

Future Plans: Waiting for my hubby to retire so we can move to Santa Fe and travel more and ski more!

Memorable Teachers: Mr Gibbs...Mrs Vandella (sp?)  A couple of unforgettable characters!

Other alums I know about? Terry (Runion) Rankin...lives in Ijamsville

Maryland.  Mike Runion ‘67 (I think) and Janice (Runion) Stahlbaum ’69 also live in Ijamsville, MD

All the hard work ya’ll do on this stuff is very much appreciated..

Grandbaby: Grandbaby #4 arrived on April 16^th. Keller Henry.  Everyone in great shape.  He’s a cutie and his sister Kelsey, and his cousins Gabrielle and Mason think he’s a hoot!  I’m still wondering how I got to be old enough to be a Grammie 4 times over..weren’t we just dancing away in the cafeteria recently???!

From:      Connie Wortz Capacchione <ccapacchione@frostburg.edu> (1979)
Date:       Tue, 13 May 2003
Subject:  Glenn’s Graduation

Rev. Glenn Capacchione (1978) will be graduating from Frostburg State University with a Bachelor of Science in History on Saturday, May 24, 2003.  He will then go on to earn his Master of Divinity at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC this coming August.  He will continue as Pastor of the two churches he now has in Cumberland, MD while traveling back and forth to DC.  His whole family is very proud of his perseverance toward attaining his ultimate goal of becoming an Ordained Minister.  We all know that he has found his God given talent!

Also, our daughter Samantha, is graduating from high school on June 5, 2003 and will continue her education at Frostburg State University majoring in Psychology!  We are very proud of her also.

Just wanted to share our news with everyone!  Have a great summer.

From:      Amy Hirsch Edberg <edberg@colorado.net> (1981)
Date:       Wed, 14 May 2003
Subject:  40^th Birthday Celebration

Happy 40^th Birthday to the Class of 1981! I am in the process of planning an informal celebration at Seacrets in Ocean City on Saturday August 16, 2003. It will most likely begin at Happy Hour and proceed until ...? I will update you with details as they are available. Mark your calendars for a terrific afternoon/evening! All Peary Alumni are invited, so if you are in town, please join us!

From:      Marla Freitag McMannis <mmcmannis@iamaw.org> (1974)
Date:       Wed, 14 May 2003
Subject:  Oh Brother where art thou!

I am writing this e-mail on be-half of my brother Don Freitag and Sandy Sullivan (both class of “69”)

These guys retired from the Mont. Co. Police Dept as of Jan. 2003 and have decided to kick off their retirement with a 6-month hike of the Appalachian Trail. They started their trip on March 8, 2003, and they have hiked over 600 miles. They started in Georgia and are working their way to Maine, they are in Virginia right now.

They have a web site with updates on their progress and pictures. For those who are interested, the website is www.trailjournals.com, then look for Detective Friday (trail name) click their, it will bring you to their site.

I’m sure they would love to hear from their Peary buddys!
Thank you,
Marla (Freitag) McMannis

From:      carol clark embrey <ccembrey@adelphia.net> (1972)
Date:       Thu, 15 May 2003
Subject:  Update

I found out about the website from a peary alumni from the class of 1968.  Occupation: customer service manger, Spouse: sumpter, Children: matthew 15, bryan 11

Since High School: graduated from union college, barbourville ky, married with two boys, purchased home in frederick county, md worked for bank of america for 25 years

Future Plans: continue working for bank of america another 10 years or so pay for college for children, retire and sleep late for a change

Other alums I know about? ken koenig, tom armentrout both live a few houses away

From:      Ron Bostwick <ronsroom@flash.net> (1977)
Date:       Thu, 15 May 2003
Subject:  Next Colorado Gathering

Dear Colorado/Western States Peary alum,

After a 2-year hiatus (a word I learned from Mr. Gibbs), the Peary High West group is planning another Denver area Crab Feast!  If you’d like to come, we want to hear from you.

Our plan is to have the event at North Boulder Park in Boulder, Colorado on Saturday, Sept 13 starting at 5pm.

Alumni, friends and family members (kids too) are invited.  The park has a covered shelter, seating, restrooms, a playground, ballfields, plenty of parking and I think the 2^nd best view of the Flatirons in Boulder (after Andy Torri’s backyard).

If you’d like to come, we’d love to start an early “I wanna be there, give me info” list.  Let us know!  Send us an email!

Look for more details in upcoming MSOs.  If you email us, we’ll give you info directly.

And if you live in nearby states (or ANY state for that matter), you’re invited too!

Write to us and we hope to see you in September!
Nikki Wantling ‘85 (nwantling@mindspring.com)
Ron Bostwick ‘77 (ronsroom@flash.net)

From:      Kimberly Bussie Levin <kimbussie@yahoo.com> (1985/Sherwood)
Date:       Mon, 19 May 2003
Subject:  Update

I found out about the website from a classmate - Wendy Walker.

Occupation: Applications Developer, Spouse: Keith, Children: Kenneth Levin - stepson - 06/09/94

Memorable Incidents: Performing on Peary Poms - especially my first performance in my sophomore year at a pep rally - The song was “Let it Whip” by the Dazz Band(I believe)

Since High School: I attended college at University of Maryland.  I got married...I got divorced...I got married again (to a wonderful man).  Currently, I am a computer programmer for an HMO.  I am actively involved with my church.  Since my mom’s death about 2 years ago, I have learned to strive for a healthy balance in my life... not centered on my occupation.  In fact, I have started doing things I love...  like taking piano lessons.  I try (and sometimes fail!) to workout regularly.  I try to set aside time to spend with God, my husband, my dad, and my friends..... I’m blessed!!

Future Plans: Enjoy every day!!

Memorable Teacher: The faculty member I remember most is Mr. Hill.  He had a way of building you up.  He would constantly let me know that he believed in me.  He also, did not let me get away with doing mediocre work.  He had that perfect combination...to challenge and encourage.  I especially loved the fact that he had a quote for the day that he wrote on the black board.

I loved Robert E. Peary H.S.!

From:      Stephen Wayne Hull <Olneypoet@aol.com> (1971)
Date:       Thu, 22 May 2003
Subject:  Update

How I found out about the website? Emailed by Bob Lau.  Occupation: Risk Management Officer, Spouse: Mary Anne Fitzgerald Hull, Children: Stephen F. age 24, Christine E. age 19

Memorable Incidents: Interactions with friends, Advanced Biology with Ms. Richardson and dissecting the cat, playing sports, singing in A capella Choir and Madrigals, Debbie Wenner as Aldonza and HOT PANTS.

Since High School: I am Risk Management Officer for the Maryland Association of Boards of Education. Becoming certified as a Risk Manager Public Entity (RMPE), raising two wonderful children, publishing poetry & short stories, working on my first novel. Being involved with Church Youth Ministries.

Future Plans: Becoming a Certified Safety Specialist (I’m almost there), publishing my novel, continue to publish poetry and short stories, Travel to exotic places like Chicago (never been there), swim in the pacific ocean.

Memorable Teachers: Ms. Richardson for teaching me about the wonders of comparative anatomy and that cat there is more than one way to skin a cat. Ms. Kay Vice that I can be myself and not care what anyone else thinks. Mr. Hubbard for all the wonderful songs we sang and for pushing me to be a better singer that I thought I could be.

I can’t believe some of the stupid things I did in High School and lived to tell about it. I guess we can all say that.

From:      Larry Fisher <fisherld@awesomenet.net> (1973)
Date:       Fri, 23 May 2003 (initial notice May 8)
Subject:  Mother / Margaret Fisher - Update

Margaret Fisher, mother of Betty Barber; William Fisher (Peary grad. 1967); Peggy Ferrell; Lynn Fisher; Larry Fisher (Peary grad. 1973); had a stroke on May 6, 2003.  Margaret Fisher is recovering from her illness at Mount Vernon Hospital and is expected to go home on June 4. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. Larry Fisher

From:      Mary Ellen Perry Maher <memaher@cablespeed.com> (1973)
Date:       Fri, 23 May 2003
Subject:  Update

I found out about the website from the Reunion Magnet.  Occupation: Production Specialist, Spouse: Robert, Children: Robert Perry Maher - age 17 - Senior in High School, Timothy Andrew Maher - age 14 – Freshman in High School

Since High School: Going to college, getting married, raising two healthy and very athletic boy which means going to soccer, baseball, basketball, lacrosse games and swimming matches for the last 11 years and it is still going.

Future Plans: After Bob and I retire we are moving near the water, buying a boat and relaxing.

Memorable Staff: Do not remember her name but she was the Vice Principle at Peary at the time.  It was my first week of school and when I met her, the first thing she said was, ‘You are Richard and Paul’s sister’.  I knew from that minute I was in trouble.

From:      Skip FitzGerald <fitzskjr@msn.com> (1976)
                and Karen Wilson FitzGerald <kffitz@msn.com> (1981)
Date:       Sat, 24 May 2003
Subject:  Military Care Packages

Just a quick update on the military care packages.  We have distributed half dozen packages to military personnel overseas.  I’d like to thank Mike D. for his contribution to this cause.  We also wrote on the sides of some of the packages that alumni of Robert E. Peary High School donate this package.

P.S. Denise (FitzGerald) Edwards, Class of 1979, whose daughter just completed her freshman year at High Point College in High Point, NC, is on a full track scholarship and made the honor roll.  I guess brains really do skip generations!

Some of the FitzGerald’s kids are fast approaching high school, so things are going to get interesting.  This growing up, becoming adult like and middle aged, fat and bald is for the birds!

My transfer to the Department of Homeland Security has been opportunistic on one hand and very hectic on the other.  Why do I enjoy Elvis more as I get older?

[Thank you, Skip and Karen, for your generous actions/project!]

From:      Bob Lau <blau@viawest.net> (1976)
Date:       Sat, 24 May 2003
Subject:  Update

All is well in “Sin City” (Las Vegas).  I continue plugging-away with my company out here (a talent agency for actors, models, dancers, etc.) and various projects that keep me busy daily (like now, compiling this newsletter).

The “good” news I wanted to mention, is that my mom (lots of you know her from those middle-of-the-night meals, the parties, the chaperoning or driving us all over in early years)... who was diagnosed with lung cancer last year and subsequently underwent 5-6 months of chemotherapy - the cancer is in remission.  The spot on her lung has “vanished.”  Mom is regaining her strength, driving again, and able to see her friends again (she was isolated - like “house arrest” - due to chemo and resulting non-existent immune system).  She’s just glad that there are no more chemo treatments and that her hair is beginning to growing back.  So if you see a short Chinese woman in the Aspen Hill/Bel Pre Woods/ Bauer area or shopping at an area Giant or Safeway wearing a hat or bandana/scarf, it might be her - say hi!  Thank you for all of your support and prayers - I think it worked.... mighty powerful stuff (and I have a difficult time believing in “miracles”).

I know some of you will be out here to Vegas for a visit/vacation soon - remember to give me a heads-up/reminder and we’ll see about getting-together if schedules allow.  There are several other Peary alums living out here too, including Mr. Duane “Coach” Black - shoot us an e-mail if you’re going to be in town.  And, no, we do not live at the Bellagio and see shows every weekend - it’s the same as anywhere else... Wal-marts, schools, gas stations, 7-11s, and Office Depots.  It’s like living in MD/DC, and everyone thinks you’re at the Smithsonian everyday or supposed to know every room name at the White House.  Not!

All... stay safe, stay healthy - enjoy life.  Danged heat wave here, lately - 98-100 degrees - you know it’s hot here when it’s still 80s and 90s at 11pm.  And it’s true - it’s a “dry” heat... I recently got off a plane in DC - although it was about 60 degrees at the time, I began perspiring.  I don’t miss the humidity or the snow!  -- Bob

Amy Warner Wasel - Class of 1978 <johnwasel@aol.com> I found out about the website from alumni.  Occupation: Domestic Engineer, Spouse: John, Children: Paul 8, Alexandra 6, Mary Kate & Christine 5, Timothy 3

Michael Honeycutt - Class of 1972 <thewolverine@adelphia.net> Occupation: Military officer (retired), Children: Cody 24, Jenna 7, Isabelle 3

Shelley Brenner Christiani - Class of 1978 <shellc123@aol.com> How I found out about the website? Been reading it for years. Occupation: Program Mgmt. Spouse: Tony, Children: Lindsay - 19, Daniel - 16, Kathleen - 7

Paul Kammann - Class of 1976 <pkammann@san.rr.com> How I found out about the website? My wife found the link. Occupation: CFO, Spouse: Kim, Children: Sean - 14, Danielle - 12

Bruce Wayne Ballantine - Class of 1978 <rballantine@juno.com> I found out about the website on the net.  Occupation: Postman, Spouse: Rossana, Children: Jessica age 18, Christopher age 13

Beth E. Owens - Class of 1978 <bethelise60@hotmail.com> Occupation: Patent Examiner, Children: James Patrick 5 years

Kim Butt Sweeney - Class of 1978 <kasweeneyusa@yahoo.com> Occupation: Secretary, Spouse: Dave, Children: Jamie Lynn Croker 21, Kirk Sweeney 25

Carole Kehring Palmer - Class of 1975 <carolepalmer@hotmail.com> I found out about the website when I saw you a couple of years ago. Occupation: coordinator at high school, Spouse: Sid, Children: Jason - 26 yrs, James - 19 yrs, Memorable Incidents: crusin in Sara’s Camaro, Since High School: too much to tell in one sitting

Jeanine Chase Matthias <jmatthias@spmresorts.com> (1980) I found out about the website from my brother Craig, 1977.  Occupation: Administrative Assistant, Spouse: Mickey, Children: Jonathan - 9 years, James - 5 years. Grandchildren: NOT!!!!!

barbara wenger sirk - Class of 1973 <dalonewenger@hotmail.com> How I found out about the website? jay told me.  Occupation: senior supervisor mva, Spouse: roger, Children: randy koontz 24, diane koontz 22, katie sirk 17;  Grandchildren: alan wood 3.  Memorable Incident: the march to the board of education, Since High School: working, starting a family, working...

Elliot Chabot - Class of 1973 <ElliotChabot@abanet.org> Occupation: attorney, Spouse: Chris Swan, Since High School: Was recently elected for my third term as Secretary of the Montgomery County Democratic Party.

Sharyn Moran Krauch - Class of 1965 <sakrauch@msn.com> I found out about the website while searching.  Occupation: RN

Laurie Shanholtz Shelton - Class of 1976 <lkay58@hotmail.com> Living and loving it in Winchester, VA with my teenaged daughter who is constantly PMSing.

        END OF TEXT - MIDNIGHT SUN ONLINE - VOLUME 7, NUMBER 10

           Articles for the next issue are due June 28, 2003

  Copyright 2003 The Midnight Sun Online - http://www.pearyhs.org

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