************************************************************ MIDNIGHT SUN ONLINE The Online Newsletter for Robert E. Peary High School Alumni Volume 8, Number 5 December 2003 MSO WEBSITE - http://www.pearyhs.org ************************************************************ INTRODUCTION Greetings Huskies, Happy 2004 - The compilation and distribution of this newsletter is a bit late. Our apologies. All updated news is posted on the MSO website between newsletter distributions, and all 7+ years of monthly newsletters are archived on the site as well, if you've missed any or recently "found" us again or updated with us. In general, this issue is relatively short, due to the hustle-bustle of holiday activities. However, as our goal of keeping old classmates and friends in touch, including all of the "ups & downs" through the years, we have a number of timely and sad items to report, unfortunately: Romaine Garrision, the loving Mother of Tom Wampler (1969), Jim Wampler (197?), Mary Wampler Hawbecker (1977), and Millie Garrison Greene (1983) lost her battle with lung cancer December 28, 2003. Friends may call at 10:00 on Saturday, January 3rd at Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Home. Service is at 11:00, 11800 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, MD. Interment at Parklawn Cemetery. Contributions can be made to Holy Cross Hospice In Memory of Romaine Garrison 9805 Dameron Dr., Silver Spring, MD 20902 We're sad to inform you that Will Seng (1977) passed away the morning after Christmas. Our deepest condolences to the Seng family. Will was 44 years old. Kathy, Joe and Tommy were with him as he peacefully departed this world for heaven. Fighter that he was, Will survived cancer long enough to celebrate his son Joe's 15th birthday on the 23rd, as well as Christmas at home. Services will be on Tuesday January 6, 2003 - Detailed service, travel, and hotel information, including transportation for those arriving from out-of-town, are posted/linked on the main page at www.pearyhs.org. From Jenifer Cooper Brown (1982): "William D. Cooper passed away suddenly on December 10, 2003. He is survived by our mother, Nora L. Cooper, 3 daughters: Nancy Cooper Schroeder (1967), Joyce Cooper Price (1970) and Jenifer Cooper Brown (1982), 5 grandchildren and 1 great- grandchild. Our parents were married for 55 years." Mr. Lazo, the father of Dede Lazo Corkran (1980), Cheri Lazo Vislay (1982), and Phil Lazo (1984), passed away on November 30th due to complications from aspiration pneumonia. From Menena Biancaniello (1965): Sandy Tonali Sperry (1964) died of Pneumonia in Martinsburg (WV) at City Hospital Oct. 31st. She had been conquering Cancer & taking Chemo for a year. But her immune system was very low, and she couldn't fight the Pneumonia. She was looking forward to our next reunion in 2004. It's not often after 35 years, you find an old friend living 2 miles from you in another state. I will miss her dearly. Sincerely, Menena Biancaniello From Eileen Brown Carter (1965), received from Jared's widow: "I am Jared Hechtkopf's widow. He actually graduated from Port Chester H.S. in New York. He had a stellar career and died prematurely in May of 2000. If you would like additional info, I would be pleased to supply it. Thanks for your interest in locating Jared. Bonnie Hechtkopf" On behalf of the "Peary" family, we extend our condolences to all of the families/survivors. MR. HILL: Many of you would probably love to have a copy of Mr. Warrick Hill's recently-released book "Before Us Lies the Timber: The Segregated High School of Montgomery County, Maryland, 1927-1960." See Gale Senseman Privette's (1966) submission in this newsletter. Many references to Mrs. Thomas, too, who graduated one year earlier from the same high school as Mr. Hill.... first known as "Rockville Colored High School" and eventually became Lincoln High School. Did you know that Mable D. Thomas and her friends were "forces to be dealt with" on the track/relay team in 1944? Many photos, too. Montgomery County and Maryland history buffs, and all Peary-ites who know Mr. Hill will enjoy this book! Order directly from Mr. Hill: War08chris@aol.com HAPPY 82nd BIRTHDAY to Dr. Fred Dunn (December 30th)! CLASS OF 1966: Luncheon for the gals and guys on Saturday Jan. 17th, 11:30 a.m. at O'Donnell's restaurant, Kentlands in Gaithersburg. Please RSVP to Gale Senseman-Privette at Gale7@juno.com by Wed. Jan 14th! Reservations will be under "Peary." Details linked on the MSO site. FOURTH "MSO" WEDDING: We've learned about another wedding of Peary alums due to the MSO's Peary Connection.... Ann Luksic and Andy Barlow (both Class of 1980) were married on October 18, 2003 in Rockville. They re-met after nearly 20 years on different paths. Special attendants in the wedding were Ann's children, Madeleine Boudreau (13) and Andrew Boudreau (9). Ann mentions "Andy and I met in 2000 at a mutual (non-Husky) friend's birthday party. I got him turned on to the web, and most certainly our Peary connection solidified our ties and romance. I'd been "bitten hard" and it was great to have a common ground with someone from back in the day!" [A photo is posted on the MSO website - visit the "Events" area for a list of some Peary/MSO weddings and photos. Congratulations you guys!] 2004 REUNIONS: Visit the website to view current reunion plans/updates. Known plans/intentions as of this writing, Classes of 1963-1965 (joint), 1974, and 1984. 1975 ANNUAL GATHERING: Shooting for "round two," possibly early February. Stay-tuned! -- Betty Lopez (boopenhaven@aol.com) THANK YOU THIS PAST MONTH: Christine Sterling Hill-Byrne (1975), Louis Zeidman (1976), Paula FitzPatrick Galliani (1978), Amy Hirsch Edberg (1981), Mark Poulsen (1981), Andy Harper (1967), Cynde Robinson Burgess (1977), and to our committed recurring supporters! If you wish to support the MSO, please visit the donations page... https://id267.securedata.net/pearyhs/donation.htm for secure info and submissions with a credit card or by postal mail. THANK YOU: To all of our online class coordinators, who coordinate the specific class information - your reunions, events, and news items. Also to Neal Pizzano, who collects and distributes the Alumni Music/Bands updates, and Jim Hardman who maintains and provides the MSO website's search function! PHOTOS: Still behind, due to the recent passing of my mom - but some to-dos/pending are the Colorado Crab Feast, Suds & Sun, Pommies (1975-1979) group reunion, and the 1971 protest march to the Board of Education from Daniel Blum (1972) photos. In the Teachers/Staff info area, are photos of Mr. MacKay on vacation in the Virgin Islands, and 1981 classmate, Lisa Talmud/Salsitz (1981) with Ms. Tamm. CLASS OF 1978 - As you may be aware, your 2003 reunion photos are posted at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/pearyhs and now, at http://f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/bloewy ...are some photos from 1976-1978 of the Polaris yearbook archives... these are photos taken that never made it into the yearbooks. Check it out! THANK YOU to Bill Loewy for taking the time to scan all of these, individually, to share with you! Please remember our alumni service men and women, and the children of alums, many of whom are still overseas defending our freedom. Special thank-yous to Pat Lynch (1975), Mr. Boteler (Staff), Diane Arena Wilson (1976), Joe Chornock (1972), Doug Berg (1977), Robin Rosenberg Aiscowitz (1979), Alan Nishi (1976), Darrell Moy (1976), Greg Zehnacker (1976), Lisa Huntington (1975), Cindy Ganis Hoppe (1976), Elaine Kalman Coburn (1976), David Eckstein (1976), Barb Dentz Riley & Tim Riley (1971), and the Class of 1976 "D" girls for some overdue kudos/thanks. Again here is to a wonderful 2004 for all, Bob Lau, Editor/Webmaster - blau@viawest.net The Midnight Sun Online - Robert E. Peary High School P.S. If you wish to reply or comment, please don't quote the entire newsletter back. Send a new e-mail to blau@viawest.net, and always include your grad year in the correspondence. If you have changes to your e-mail address or other contact information, please use the menu links at www.pearyhs.org - it'll go a lot faster by using the forms online and make it easier on us. Thanks! ********************************************************************* From: Debbie Brite Dowty (1969) Date: Sun, 30 Nov 2003 Subject: Update Occupation: Nursing student, Spouse: Don, Children: Brien 33, Derek (would be 28), Timothy (would be 26), and Emily 25; Grandchildren: Bryson 7 years, Brady 23 months Memorable Incident: The trip to New York. Patricia Krum and I stayed out all night and slept during the Radio City Music Hall performance. The main in school remembrance would be "The Ledge." Patricia will know what I mean. Since High School: I stayed home with my children for the important years. I was a courier with Fed Ex for 11 years and am now in Nursing School. I work with my husband in the animal clinic in my spare time. Future Plans: We are having a home built on the Albemarle sound. My son Brien is building it for us. After school is finished, we plan to do a lot of traveling. Memorable Teachers: Clesta Dixon. By the end of class, she would have all of us out in the hall. Pearl Richardson. I can still see Ronnie Moreland rolling that huge trashcan down the center of the aisle. James Begonier (sp)....just because ********** From: ed weltz (1969) Date: Sun, 30 Nov 2003 Subject: Update I found out about the website while surfing the net. Website - http://www.angelfire.com/tn3/karentn0 (band web site), Occupation: business owner, Spouse: kimberly, Children: megan 19, timmy 11, mitch 10 Memories: band with mr.hunt Since High School: building my business and playing music with my band Future Plans: keep working and playing music Memorable Teacher: mr.hunt was the biggest inspiration to me because of my love for music ********** From: Michael Ondrasik (1973) Date: Sun, 30 Nov 2003 Subject: Update I've recently sold my delivery service business and now work full time as a film critic (under the name Michael Elliott). My reviews are geared towards finding biblical or spiritual meaning in the films of today. They can be read by going to http://www.christiancritic.com and subscribing (sorry, got to make a living) to the site. I'm also seen every Wednesday in Orlando FL on TV-52 & TV-45, providing on air movie reviews for Today's Family. ********** From: John Hauprich (1977) Date: Mon, 1 Dec 2003 Subject: Update Occupation: IT Manager, Spouse: Suzanne, Children: Toby - 33 married to Gina Since High School: 1 Year at U of Md. 5+ years in the Coast Guard. Computers after Future Plans: Grow old quietly and go out with a bang Memorable Teachers: Mr. Hill - Encouraged respect for ourselves and others. He was always gonna box my ears. Mrs. Luck - instilling a love of math. "Mr. Hawpridge you're a lost ball in high weeds." Mrs. Dawson "Who threw that? Nice shot!" and Miss Hale - for being stern but kind in some very confusing years. Other alums I know about? Mindy Kurtz class of '78. Married to Bob Hoffman. Father Mel still lives Rockville. Bob, we missed you at last years 1977 class reunion. Have been thinking about you during your Mom's sickness and your subsequent loss. Hope this finds you well! ********** From: Donnie Simmons (1984) Date: Tue, 2 Dec 2003 Subject: Update Occupation: Master Fire Fighter - Montgomery County Fire & Rescue, Spouse: Jennifer, Children: Step Children - Erika 12, Joey 8 Since High School: Hired by the Cabin John Fire Department in September of 1984 where I still work. I work at the fire station on Falls Road in Potomac. I got married in June of 2002 to Jennifer Urbany a '84 graduate of Magruder HS. We now live in Mt. Airy. ********** From: Alice Goldberg FitzHugh (1984) Date: Wed, 3 Dec 2003 Subject: Update I found out about the website from my sister. Occupation: graphic designer, Spouse: Will, Children: Reid-5 years, Emma-20 months Since High School: Got as BS in Journalism-PR; got a BA in graphic design; got married; had 2 kids; lived in Boston for 7 years, now living back in Maryland. ********** From: Stephen P. O'Brien (1967) Date: Wed, 3 Dec 2003 Subject: Update I found out about the website from an Email message on classmates.com. Occupation: Program Director, Project Management; Spouse: Kate, Children: Yusha Joy O'Brien, July 2, 1990 Memorable Incidents: The undefeated football season; having Chris Tackett play tricks on me for typing class by removing the keypads and hiding them; Listening to the tiles crack in Chemistry in the Spring of '67 when it was so hot; Watching water balloons go out the window and hit Mr. Luger - while Mr. Z. was out of the room. Being in Mrs. Gleason's English class when JFK was shot. The Senior High trip to Blue Knob! Since High School: Visited Germany with the US Army for three years. Worked 30 yrs in manufacturing; obtained an AAS, BS and MBA; professional certification: CPIM. Worked in Beijing for awhile. Working with homeless and disadvantaged youth for 10+ years as a volunteer. Spreading the Word of God through distributions of Scriptures and working in missions. Happily married for 28+ years. Just started (5/03) a new career as a Program Director of Project Management for City University in Bellevue, WA. I'm in charge of domestic and international Project Management classes and faculty. So far - Tis a blast! Future Plans: Learn more about what the Lord would have me do with the disadvantaged youth in our area. Expand my program to India, Central and South America; get our daughter through middle school and college. Celebrate our 30th by going back to China as a family. Retiring and continue to have fun growing more in love with the Lord and my wife and child! Memorable Teachers: Mr. Stewart - World History: Water fights in class on hot days; made history come alive through vivid stories and care for students; he was able to tie rat lines on model ships using his remaining hand (he had lost one arm at Anzio). Mr. Burlis - PE: Lots of good information and always encouraged students, Mr. Gibbs - Drama: Allowed non-drama people in to watch classic films. Mrs. Hennesey - 8th grade history: A great caring teacher Mrs. Percival - Senior English: Let us read Lord of the Rings. (I got hooked and have stayed hooked.)She couldn't believe that Jay [class of '69] and I were brothers. Mr. Blair - Bagpipes: Taught me lots of good lessons about music, dancing and people. Mr. Thomas - I never had him in a class, yet he was willing to tell me about how to defend myself with some simple hand moves. He was always willing to listen and help me understand life in HS. ********** From: Robert K. Perry (1970) Date: Mon, 15 Dec 2003 Subject: Update I found out about the website from another Peary student told me at our daughters horseback riding lessons. Occupation: Systems Analyst, Spouse: Cathleen, Children: Brian - 17, Caroline - 12 Memorable Incidents: Because of my name I was sent to the "office" numerous times for being a trouble maker. After a while the admin's would just call the sub and say "He really is Robert Perry!" Since High School: Recieved a BS in Business from the Univ of MD and a MS from the Univ of Southern Calif. I have worked in the field of large computer applications for many years. I have been married for 25 years and have 2 children. I have been able to travel extensively in both North America and Europe. Future Plans: We need to work for about another 10 years and get our kids through college. We will continue to travel in Europe as we are able. Memorable Teacher: Mr. Hill - Like every one else I was impressed with his knowledge and kindness. During the 60's when race relations were at the forefront of discussion he carried on in his work with quiet dignity. ********** From: Neal Pizzano (1976) Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 Subject: CD Releases For all bands and anyone associated with one, I am providing an additional list on the entertainment mailing and MSO Page of the CD's that have been made by your group. I will list your group, the name of the CD, and a link that you must provide me with to post for anyone wishing to purchase one of your CD's. Hopefully this will enitce a few more sales and provide another venue for you to get your name out there. This is for any group whether you are currently playing or currently dormant. This is valid for anyone, anywhere since you don't have to be seen to be heard like the "BERND BROTHERS BAND" in Texas. So if you have CD's (or even DVD's) you would like to have me promote for you, email me at npizzano@erols.com and give me the details. I'll promote them in the next entertainment mailing. Thanks and have a GREAT 2004! ********** From: Gale Senseman Privette (1966) Date: Sat, 27 Dec 2003 Subject: Mr. Hill's Book In a Christmas letter I received from the Hills: Mr. Hill is promoting his book "Before Us Lies the Timber." This commemorative book chronicles a historical, biographical, and pictorial account of black high-school students who strove to earn a high-school diploma in the then-dual public school system in Montgomery County, Maryland, prior to September 1960. With the many requests for the book, the voluntary and much appreciative assistance of some relatives and friends helps him considerably in selling it. Warrick also factors tutoring algebra in his busy schedule. He and his wife Christine and their 3 married sons and grandchildren are all doing well. [The book is available from amazon.com - Bartleby Press - Hardcover, ISBN: 0910155402 (November 2003)] ********** From: Laurie Shanholtz Shelton (1976) Date: Sat, 27 Dec 2003 Subject: Udpate Still loving life in Winchester. Going through typical trials of having a teenage daughter. I just lost the tatoo argument, and now we're having the nose-piercing argument. Did we do anything that wierd? ********** From: Linda Ford Bozzonetti (1980) Date: Fri, 2 Jan 2004 Subject: Update How I found out about the website? Someone told me a long time ago.... Occupation: Vice President, Retail Management, Horning Brothers; Spouse: Tony, Children: Alison 9 years old, Joe 7 years old Memorable Incidents: I just had a "funny" to share with other 1980 graduates who attended Rock Creek Valley ES. On December 19, 2003, I went on a day trip to Jamestown and Williamsburg with my 4th grade daughter, Alison. Do you remember our trip? I shared a room with Kathy Dragos, Stephanie Davis and Jackie Coufal. It was so cool that we got to spend the night in a hotel. I got out my pictures, and there were Doug Halpin, Gerald Kennedy and a bunch of you that I didn't recognize anymore. (I think I'm getting "sometimers".) Since High School: Working at a lot of different jobs. I got into Property Management in 1992, and have stuck with it ever since. I've only worked for two firms in 12 years. My current position in retail management gives me the flexibility to sneak out for things for my kids... Future Plans: Continue working at my pay job and my "fun" job: VP of the Twinbrook PTA. We're currently trying to raise money for a new piece of playground equipment. If you've got a few extra bucks and want to make a donation, we'd appreciate it. We've got about $14,000 and need $6,000 more. Start on your 2004 tax deductions now! Just email me at lbozz@earthlink.net and I'll let you know where to send the check. Memorable Teacher: Mrs. Hale, and she knows why! We still exchange Christmas Cards and photos. Best places in Rockville to run into Peary Grads: The Safeway at Twinbrook or Rock Creek. Rock Creek is good at Holiday time; I run into a lot of people running up for last minute items! *********************************** *********** QUICK TAKES *********** *********************************** Anne Krieg Inman - Class of 1985/Wheaton Occupation: CPA, Children: Joe 16 and Luke 4, Grandchildren: not yet! Barry Levin - Class of 1968 I found out about the website from Carol Jeffers. Occupation: Physician, Spouse: Evelyn, Children: Anna - 21, Kristen - 22, Since High School: So, so much! Memorable Teachers: Mrs. Blazek/Claggett, Mr. Hill; Other alums I know about? Mark Thurston Anne Schwab Johnson - Class of 1963 Occupation: retired, Spouse: Walter, Children: Les 36, Jen 32, Jeff 28 Ruthann Varron Patsy - Class of 1978 Occupation: CPA, Spouse: Raymond Kevin Schuler - Class of 1984 Occupation: Vice President of Operations, Spouse: Jean (Pieranunzi) Schuler (1984), Jean's Occupation: Stay at home Mom, Children: Ryan - 7, Kelly - 4, Casey - 2 Jessie Jacobson - Class of 1968 I found out about the website from my brother. Occupation: state investigator, Children: No kids, but I love them as long as they are properly cooked! ********** MSO Administrative Items: Please note that a portion of MSO's posted statement about information retreived from the website, reads that "the user agrees not to use the listings to contact persons in ways they find objectionable" - this includes harrassing notes, instant messages, and other forms of online "attacks" to any old classmates aboard MSO, including "grudges" held from high school (i.e. some of you have not grown up yet). Please be sure to regularly check your computers for viruses ("virii?"). Occasionally, MSO has received virus-laced e-mails with other alums receiving the e-mail as well. Many of you keep an address book of friends - your address book is the prime target of most virus programs, especially if you're using Microsoft Outlook (or Express). Please scan your computers regularly. Such have been received from N. Rockville Comcast/cable access and charter.net servers. Might they be coming from you without your knowledge? Please, responsibly scan your computer regularly. NEVER open any attachments that you were not expecting, even if it looks like it is coming from someone you know. By now, in the information-age 21st century, most of you are aware of what to open and what to suspect (or simply delete - if it's important and legit, the person will get a hold of you). All known measures have been in place for a couple of years now to thwart SpamBot access to any information posted on MSO. That is, it is NOT likley that any unsolicited e-mail you might receive is a result of your listing on the Peary web site. The e-mail listings are updated (or file names changed) several times DAILY (and manually), and unconventional html encoding methods/programming are used - so that you can still view the information, but thwarts the automated Spam robots. ********************************************************************** END OF TEXT - MIDNIGHT SUN ONLINE - VOLUME 8, NUMBER 5 Articles for the next issue are due January 24, 2004 ********************************************************************** Copyright 2004 The Midnight Sun Online - http://www.pearyhs.org **********************************************************************