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Volume 7, Number 2,
September 2002
MIDNIGHT SUN ONLINE
-The Online Newsletter
for Robert E. Peary High School Alumni-
MSO WEB SITE - http://www.pearyhs.org/
Page 2
From:
Patricia Ferguson <shrinkwriter@hotmail.com>
(1971)
Date: Mon,
26 Aug 2002
Subject: Update
I’ve
really enjoyed getting these newsletters even though I was one of the many
who were transferred to Rockville, and graduated from there. I went to
Wood Jr. High and made many friends and considered Peary to be as much as
one of my schools as the other one I went to and the other one I should
have gone to since we moved when I was in 11th grade. Our
daughter, Nicole, 20, now lives in San Diego, where we plan to
“retire” when our other child, Elliot, 14, graduates from high school
in northern California (Redding, if you’ve ever heard of it—about 3
hours from San Francisco and 4 from Lake Tahoe, where I lived for 8 years
and met my husband). We are enjoying the peace and quiet of one teenager
gone and one not yet in the rebellion stage. It’s almost eerily quiet
after those years, if you know what I mean!
I
became permanently disabled after two falls in 1997 and 1998 skating with
my son on both occasions, and after much difficulty and depression about
it all, finally have a good team of doctors and a good life again.
I don’t work as a psychologist anymore, but being a doctor has
gotten me all the writing jobs I could ever want. One reason I am writing
the update is because I found out that I could turn a crisis into an
opportunity, and am now freelance writing as well as painting, selling
both and even winning awards. I also am learning to play guitar and am
taking voice lessons and guitar lessons. I can’t believe that my
“creative” side was hidden all those years I was going to school
(including grad school, etc.) and I feel lucky that I now enjoy what I am
doing and also have the support of my wonderful family (especially my
husband and children) and friends, including my Maryland friends. The
point is that all of us have that in us, and I say “Go for it”
whenever life gives you the “opportunity.”
If
anyone who remembers me would like to email me please feel free, I visit
MD quite often and we travel as much as we can, too. Even just emails
would be fun for those who are up to it. I know it was only 7th,
8th and 9th grades that I went to school with Peary
alums, but I dated some of the older guys and remained friends with some
of the people for many years. Those are such formative years, I think it
is the reason this newsletter is so popular. Life has been good to me, and
I wish the best for everyone else as well.
Patty
Ferguson
From:
Judith Ferro Rosaasen <bella_rose10788@hotmail.com>
(1969)
Date: Mon,
26 Aug 2002
Subject: Update
I
found out about the website from my brother David Ferro.
Occupation:
Residency Coordinator, Spouse: Ken, Children: Ken, Jr. 25, Mark 23,
Katelyn 20, Grandchildren: Lauren Rosaasen 6
Memorable
Incidents: The football games and homecoming.
All of my friends and the fun times we had.
Since
High School: I’ve been living in southern California for the past 19
years. I currently work at
Loma Linda University as a Residency Coordinator for the division of
plastic surgery. I have three
wonderful children and one granddaughter.
We enjoy the beautiful weather and the access to so many fun and
beautiful places.
Future
Plans: We will be staying in southern California.
I hope to be in Maryland sometime near the end of September 2002
and I am looking forward to possibly attending the event in Ocean City on
September 28, 2002.
Memorable
Teachers: To tell you the truth, I don’t remember too many.
Mrs.
Thomas and Mr. Gibbs. It’s
been a long time.
From:
Jay Hepner <Jay_Hepner@fc.mcps.k12.md.us>
(1975)
Date: Mon,
26 Aug 2002
Subject: News..
I
would just like all my friends from the Class of ‘77 to know that I WILL
be crashing their little soiree. Oh,
and BTW, check me out in the latest issue of SportsFan Magazine, available
at fine watering holes in the DC metro area, as well as Giant Food, and
online at sportsfanmagazine.com.
Jay
“catch an hour” Hepner
From:
Joe Wyatt <pearyboy75@aol.com>
(1975)
Date: Mon,
26 Aug 2002
Subject: MSO Kids News
BOTH
OF MY DAUGHTERS COMPETED IN NATIONAL FAST PITCH SOFTBALL FINALS. BRITTANY AGE 14 WHO PLAYS FOR THE DAMASCUS HURRICANES PLAYED
IN CHATTANOOGA TENN IN THE NSA A WORLD SERIES ALTHOUGH THEY WERE
ELIMINATED THEY PLAYED EXTREMLY WELL. TAYLOR AGE 11 WHO PLAYS FOR THE
FREDRICK HEARTBREAKERS PLAYED IN THE PONY NATIONALS AND FINISHED 3RD
OUT OF 25 TEAMS.
From:
Lenny Chornock <chorlop@erols.com>
(1975)
Date: Mon,
26 Aug 2002
Subject: Life runs full circle
Dear
Peary forumites, I had the strangest experience this week that I must tell
you all about. My wife and I have decided to send our two youngest
daughters (8 and 4) to private school. The main reason was for the special
needs of our 8 year old Lauren..she is just more like her dad and has a
hard time staying on task! The 4 year old is going because they have ALL
DAY PRESCHOOL and my wife and I need one on one time with our 2 year old
son. We have a 12 year old daughter who was just Bas Mitzvah’d, but she
is more like her mother and does very well in school without much
kvetching from her parents. So, why did I decide to tell you about our
decision? The school we chose is the Berman Hebrew Academy. That’s
right, my kids are going to old Peary High School! What a trip it was to
walk the halls, go into the gym and still see the husky painted on the
wall! You cannot imagine how much has changed, yet has also remained the
same! The gym even smells the same! The Berman Academy has done our school
proud. I am sure my children will accomplish much more than I did in the
building! LOL They better or “I’ll box their ears” Lenny Chornock
From:
Mike Auger <F14AUGER@aol.com>
(1975)
Date: Mon,
26 Aug 2002
Subject: CLASS RING
Seeking
a Class of 1975 replacement ring - Balfour no longer has the mold. Does someone in my class want to get rid of their ring or are
there jewelers out there who went to Peary who can help me with a mold?
My ring was of the original design/style and had the faceted blue
stone and was around a 10.5 to 11.0 in size.
I guess the ring still has a lot of sentimental value even after
all these years.
From:
Alan Bandler <abandler@his.com>
(1973)
Date: Tue,
27 Aug 2002
Subject: Update
I
found out about the website while surfin’ the web.
Occupation: Owner, Hire A Hubby Handyman Service, Spouse: Fran Verter, PhD (Astrophysicist, Webmistress, programer)
Memorable
Incident: Cutting the VW beetle into really small pieces in power
mechanics.
Since
High School: Military, working in many different careers and finally
getting tired of answering to someone else and finally starting my own
business.
Future
Plans: Work ten more years then sell my business, buy stock in Sam Adams
and drink until my stock goes up!
Memorable
Teachers: Mr. Benson for putting up with me and of course Mr. Hill for his
patience, mentoring and good humor.
Other
alums I know about? Paul Murrin is a professor at a college in La.
From:
Christine R. Gedney <crgedney@cox.net>
(1977)
Date: Wed,
28 Aug 2002
Subject: Update
Occupation:
National Space Systems Officer, Lt. Col. United States Air Force
Since
High School: Went to the University of Connecticut on a full Basketball
scholarship. Had a
blast...and graduated in 1981. Worked
for a few years in retail sporting goods and at an athletic club. Got
bored and was appointed a commissioned intelligence officer in the Air
Force. Was fortunate enough
to have traveled extensively all over the world working in the electronic
combat and systems integration arenas.
Completed my MBA as well as another Masters program courtesy of the
Air Force. Just completed a
tour at Joint Forces Command as an intelligence officer in the Joint Force
HQ for Homeland Security Operations Division, Norfolk, Va.
Recently appointed as the Chief of Staff, Air Force Command and
Control, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Center’s
Operating Location (OL-I) at the National Reconnaissance Office,
Chantilly, Va.
Future
Plans: Closing in on retirement and will contemplate those plans at the
conclusion of my current assignment in 2005.
Humm...then I will have to figure out what to wear each day and
will sorely miss my polyester uniform pants...:)
How
do we provide pictures to be included in the 1977 reunion booklet?
From:
Dena Rosenthal Anderson <DDANDERSON47@msn.com>
(1965)
Date: Thu,
29 Aug 2002
Subject: update
This
has been a very special year. My
first grandchild was born 6/2/02, 6 weeks early. Colin Patrick Middelthon. My son Stephen, his wife Mary and Colin are all doing well.
And I am finding that I wish I had never left the area, as I am 70 miles
away and I don’t get to see him enough.
My son and daughter-in law probably don’t think that.
In
the next couple of months Doug and I will be opening up a shop in
Centreville, Maryland -selling collectable, antiques and stuff! It will be
called “Old Mother’s Cupboard” and we will be very glad to have any
Peary alum’s stop by and have a cup of coffee and visit!
114 South Commerce Street. We
will let you know when we finally open.
I must have been out of my mind when I thought of doing this and if
there was any mind left after that, I am losing the rest quickly.
Anyone
who has their own business please let me know how to get this started, I
am having a hard time trying to stop making things “perfect”.
Stop on by.
From:
Avis Pettis Thomas <pettis_ajp@yahoo.com>
(1986/Wheaton)
Date: Sat,
31 Aug 2002
Subject: Update
I
would like to introduce a new “Huskies” to the fold. My Husband, Mark
Thomas (Springbrook 1986) and I recently had a baby Girl, Michelle Avery
Thomas born June 19 2002 @ 12.48pm
From:
Daniel Charles Negola <drdan1@AOL.com>
(1965)
Date: Tue,
3 Sep 2002
Subject: Update
I
found out about the website from my spouse.
Occupation:
veterinarian, Spouse: JoAnne (Klug, 1964), Joanne’s Occupation: helps
me. Children: Todd Daniel 31
(married to Kristi St. Pierre Negola), Sean Michael 30, Grandchildren:
Ryan Daniel 10 months
Since
High School: Spent 3 years at Maryland doing undergrad (BS) before going
to Alabama for 4 years where I got my DVM. Returned to Rockville and
worked for family veterinarian, Dr. Steve Sragner for 2 years and then
opened North Rockville Veterinary Hospital in 1974 where I practiced
medicine until 1996 when I sold to Veterinary Centers of America. I worked
for them 2 years (and didn’t like not being my own boss) and then opened
Negola’s Ark Veterinary Hospital in rental space in Gaithersburg in
1998. After running out of space in this shopping center, I built a new
facility at 9401 Fields Road (near Rio), Gaithersburg. We just moved into
this nice, new building in March.
Future
Plans: I hope to continue practicing medicine as long as I can or as long
as it continues to excite me.
From:
JoAnne Klug Negola <gogojojoto@AOL.com>
(1964)
Date: Tue,
3 Sep 2002
Subject: Update
I
found out about the website from previous reunion mailing.
Occupation:
jack of all trades (yes, master of none), Spouse: Daniel (1965),
Daniel’s Occupation: veterinarian, Children: Todd Daniel 31 (married to
Kristi St. Pierre Negola), Sean Michael 30, Grandchildren: Ryan Daniel, 10
months
Memorable
Incident: donkey basketball game
Since
High School: working in my husband’s veterinary practice
Future
Plans: keep working, keep happy, and travel
From:
Gerry Adcock <Cutlass70@starpower.net>
(1976)
Date: Thu,
5 Sep 2002
Subject: Birth Announcement
Alexander
(Alex) Nelson Adcock was born August 28 and was 8 lbs, 8 ozs and 21
inches. Mom (Nancy) and baby are doing well.
Michael (5 yrs old) is proud to be a new big brother.
Gerry
& Nancy Adcock
Cutlass70@Starpower.net
From:
ALAN E. SLAWTER <aslawter@triad.rr.com>
(1974)
Date: Sat,
7 Sep 2002
Subject: Update
I
found out about the website from my sister Diana, CO ‘70.
Occupation:
Electronic Engineer, Significant Other: Sharon Nance, Children: Jasper 10
(Sharon’s)
Memorable
Incidents: Musical endeavors with bands I played in.
Since
High School: Was a manager of a drywall company, finished engineering
degree in ‘97. Have been
designing, programming, and installing audio-video and video
teleconference systems in government installations and national parks.
Future
Plans: Expand Sharon’s Internet business so that we can semi-retire in
St. Martin, FWI. Develop
renewable energy and water systems. Publish
written music.
Memorable
Teachers: Mr. Clark - Tremendous person and molder of minds.
Ms. Borlan [Chem] Beauty and Brains.
Mr. Courtney - Guided me into the field I’m now in.
Ms. Sheehy - I would have taken Spanish 4 if I could.
Williams/Cicato [PE] helped us to become men.
Ms ? [Geometry ‘72] she noticed something special in me that I
carried with me forever. Mr.
Thomas [English] - Way ahead of his time: his vision of the media and the
future were incredibly accurate. Great
staff all around, considering what teenage monsters most of us were.
The
only thing that lasts are the relationships we build and maintain with
people in our lives. The rest
is swept away by a thousand tides of time.
From:
David T. Cannon <DnLCannon@aol.com>
(1973)
Date: Mon,
9 Sep 2002
Subject: Update
I
found out about the website from a friend.
Occupation: Pastor, Spouse: Laura Baker Cannon (1974), Laura’s
Occupation: Property Manager. Children: Kari - 25, Brian - 23, Jesse - 20,
Caitlin - 15 Grandchildren: Hannah - 2, Caleb - 8 months
Since
High School: Being married for 26 years; raising a beautiful family;
owning my own landscape business for 20 years in the D.C. area; moving to
California and entering full-time ministry.
From:
Laura Baker Cannon <DnLCannon@aol.com>
(1974)
Date: Mon,
9 Sep 2002
Subject: Update
I
found out about the website from a friend.
Occupation:
Property Manager, Spouse: David Cannon (1973), David’s Occupation:
Pastor, Children: Kari 25, Brian 23, Jesse 20, Caitlin 15, Grandchildren:
Hannah 2, Caleb 8 months
Since
High School: Raising four awesome kids; 26 years of marriage; owning our
own landscape company for 20 years in D.C.; moving to California to enter
full-time ministry
Future
Plans: Enjoying grandparenthood!
Memorable
Teachers: Mr. Boteler and Mr. Peerless
From:
Carol Cotton Hendrix <carolphs64@comcast.net>
(1964)
Date: Tue,
10 Sep 2002
Subject: Class of 64 40th
Reunion - 2004
We
really need some of you to step forward and volunteer to be on a reunion
committee. The hardest part
of the 2000 reunion was finding addresses for people and writing the
booklet. But we already have a volunteer to do a booklet and we now
have the addresses so the hard parts are already done. We need a committee to select a location, decide on a menu,
date, entertainment, etc. and that part can be lots of fun if you have a
group of people working on it. The
committee meetings are even fun since they turn out to be little
mini-reunion parties. George
Middleton moved back to the area the first of September and he has
volunteered to work on a committee but he cannot do this alone.
Surely there are some of you who live in the area and would be
willing to help out. I did it
from Northern NJ and it would be much easier for those of you who are
still living in the area. The
committee doesn’t have to be limited to class of 64.
If some of you from 63 and 65 want to do another combined class
event, please step up to the plate and let us know you can help out.
We can give you sample letters from the last one so all you’ll
have to do is change the date and location and run them off on a copier. You can have a committee meeting to stuff envelopes and turn
it into a party. We’ve even
located a few more people who were not “found” by the time of the last
reunion and they are anxious to come to the next one.
No
one has to do this alone, and Candy, Eileen and I are more than willing to
share with you all the knowledge and expertise we gained in doing the 2000
event, so please speak up and let us know you are willing to help.
If we can’t form a committee this is not going to happen.
Just think of the great time we had in August 2000 and please offer
to help plan another terrific reunion for 2004.
From:
Panote Kanchanadul <panote_k@hotmail.com>
(1974)
Date: Tue,
10 Sep 2002
Subject: Update
I
found out about the website via the Internet.
Occupation:
Computer and Audio Visual Dept. Supervisor, Spouse: Ichaya
Memorable
Incidents: Having fun with my friends. We used to stand around under the
stairway between classes and talking about everything we can think of.
Since
High School: I have been working since I left Peary (I didn’t graduate
here). At the moment I am studying for my BA in Management at an
International College in Thailand.
Future
Plans: Work and maybe start a small business. Maybe I’ll even start a
big company with my brothers.
Memorable
Teachers: I could only remember one person and that is Mr. Hassler. Even
though there had been many good teachers there, but I forgot their names.
Sorry about that.
From:
Panote Kanchanadul <panote_k@hotmail.com>
Date: Tue,
10 Sep 2002
Subject: Remembering Chuck Bowser
Dear
friends from Class of 1974,
My
name is Panote Kanchanadul, I attended Peary HS for one year in 1972 and
then I moved away to Potomac, MD where I graduated from Winston Churchill
HS in 1973 (a year early).
The
reason that I am writing this is because I just learned that Chuck Bowser
had passed away on July 27, 1999 of lung cancer. Chuck and I knew each
other briefly while we attended Parkland Jr. High together. But when I
entered Peary, I rarely saw Chuck and Bryant Brooks at school. As a matter
of fact I have always known that Chuck Bowser and Bryant Brooks were close
pals for years, and I knew Bryant briefly as I knew Chuck. It saddens me
to know that a boy whom I have always considered to be the “real” fun
guy is no longer here. Chuck was that kind of person, fun.
You can label him as anything but never label him as a hoodlum or a
bad boy. Yes, he did have that “bad boy” image also because he was a
rowdy. But being a rowdy does
not necessary mean that he is a bad, bad person by certain context.
Chuck
knew of only enjoyment, and entertainment and he was always laughing.
Everyday I go to school and there Chuck would do something really wild. A
wild boy may be close in description of Chuck but I remembered him as
someone who’s always looking for kicks whenever he has a chance. He can
make friends laugh and he can make them forget their worries and problems
from his antics at school. Chuck wasn’t a troublemaker and he always
knew where the line was drawn and crossed.
Unfortunately
I did not stay at Peary long enough to know more of Chuck and Bryant. In
some way I was a lot like them and as years passed many of that old “bad
boy” image suddenly disappeared as it came. I wanted to see both Chuck
and Bryant for years but since I no longer live in the U.S., therefore I
could not just drive my car and search for them. And I am glad for this
website because it help me to find out about the people that I once knew
in the past.
I
wish Chuck is still here because I would have enjoyed having a great
conversation with him. Bryant Brooks is fortunate to have been close to
Chuck all these years. I envy him. So, this is my chance to say goodbye to
a friend that I had not seen since 1972-73.
Apparently,
I can related to this because two years ago I had an open heart surgery to
replace a defective aorta valve. I now have an artificial valve and a new
life but I am not as strong and healthy as before. I was just thinking
that had I not made it at the operating table, what life would I have
missed ahead of me because I was only 46 years old. That is how I think of
Chuck because he was still young when he left the world. He would have
seen more in the years to come. If Chuck is still alive today he would
make it fun for everyone to live.
I can
still hear Chuck’s laugh from afar in distant memory, and I can almost
see him with his baby face, standing there smiling that Chuck Bowser
smile, not smirking but with zest for life. So, here the last word. Bye
Chuck, see you around.
From
your friend ... Panote Kanchanadul
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