************************************************************ MIDNIGHT SUN ONLINE The Online Newsletter for Robert E. Peary High School Alumni Volume 9, Number 8 March 2005 MSO WEBSITE - http://www.pearyhs.org ************************************************************ INTRODUCTION Greetings Huskies, In this issue... Intro with general news and reunion info, Classmate Updates, and Condolence Notices (two timely notices). THE NAUTILOIDS: From the Peary HS Chat Group on Yahoo.... Around 1963-1964, Rick Fulton (Richard Montgomery, then 15 years old) formed one of the few "surf rock" groups in the area at the time. Members included Rick (lead guitarist), Glenn Schaeffer (rhythm guitarist), Greg "Mac" Bell (drummer), Bill Olmstead (rhythm guitarist), and Bob McDermott. 40 years later they're attempting to locate Greg "Mac" Bell, and Rick believes Mac may have been a Peary student. If anyone has info, please post at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/pearyhs - thanks! GRANDPARENTING: Three alums have become grandparents recently.... Carol Cotton Hendrix Class of 1964 (her second round), Rick Cauble Class of 1974 (first-time granddad), and Linda Fisher Johnson and Dave Johnson (both 1972 and their first). Two of the notices/stories are included this newsletter. Congratulations! THE CANNONS: From Paul Hassler (Staff - bigdeckguy@aolcom) and Skip FitzGerald (1976 - fitzskjr@msn.com): Michael Cannon, the oldest son of Matt Cannon (1977) and a senior at at Chopticon HS in St. Mary's County (Matt has 14 children - wanted to "outdo dad!") won the 145-lb class final, 5-0, at the Maryland State Wrestling Championship on March 5th at Cole Field House. He beat Erol Civan from Walt Whitman High in the finals. From Skip: "The Peary wrestling blood sure runs through the veins of its sons. To date, Matt Cannon, John Fitts, Hal Saylor, and Wes Cummings all have had sons winning State and/or National Prep championships. There are probably a few others whom I don't know about who have done well too..." Obviously, the Husky grappler tradition lives-on through our offspring! CLASS OF 1984 GET-TOGETHER: It's only been 6 months since the 1984 20-year reunion, but the party animals can't help themselves! Join them on Saturday April 2 at the Stained Glass Pub, Too in Olney at 8pm for a get-together - all are invited. From Colleen Jacques Callis: "Ready for a casual evening out? Missed the reunion? Ready to get away from the kids?" - well then, all you locals... be there this Saturday! REUNIONS IN 2005.... CLASS OF 1970: "Pending" - no known 35-Year plans CLASS OF 1975: It's all set! Thanks to John Seng for taking the main reins and for all of those 1975 classmates on the reunion committee! Mark your calendars... Fri September 16 (informal) at the Holiday Inn G'burg lounge and Sat September 17th (main event) at the Golden Bull. ALL the 1975 reunion information is now available on the Class of 1975 reunion site where you can get all of the details, see your committee members, make your RSVP/payments online, send your "then" and "now" photos, secured hotel discount (Holiday Inn in G'burg) info, etc. - it's all there.... visit http://peary75.myevent.com for the details! Main Event Cost: $75 ($140 for two) - includes a cool memory gift! CLASS OF 1980: Mark your calendars - the dates are set... your main event is Sat June 25 at the B-CC Rescue Squad's Rose Room on Battery Lane in Bethesda. Surrounding dates plans are in-the-works, so stay tuned (i.e. happy hour Thur/Fri and possibly picnic on Sunday on "Peary's" lower field). Future/subsequent information will be available on the Class of 1980's new website maintained by Jeff Torri, at http://www.pearyhs1980.org - for now, the latest/current info and details with committee contact information are also posted online at MSO in the Class of 1980 Information Section with the links to visit the new 1980 website. Secured hotel discounts are available at the Four Points Sheraton in Bethesda. Also collecting photographs now. Main Event Cost: $35 (see details on how you can waive your reunion cost, too) CLASS OF 1985/WHEATON: Fall 2005 - In-progress. Chris von Stein (cvsisinthehouse@yahoo.com) will keep everyone posted - just watch for the information at the MSO website (and in newsletters) from Chris! CLASSES OF 1985 AND 1986 (those who graduated from Wheaton): Wheaton High School's website now has an alumni section where you can update your e-mail info... http://www.mcps.k12.md.us/schools/wheatonhs and then click on the "Alumni" link. REUNIONS IN 2006.... 1966: The dates are set... mark your calendars - August 18-20, 2006 at the Marriott at the Rio in Gaithersburg. Contact Gale Senseman Privette at Gale7@juno.com 1971: June 23-25, 2006 - Frederick MD Contact Roz Rubin at rubinroz@aol.com 1976: Planning now - Maureen Difulgo Bladen - Moeatthebeach@aol.com. Thank you to those who have taken the time to complete the 1976 reunion two-question initial survey online. If you haven't yet... please take a moment to do so to tell us what YOU want next year! The survey is at http://www.pearyhs.org/1976/1976-30th-survey.htm REUNIONS IN 2007.... 1967: 40-Year celebration planning has begun. Contact Audrey Gunnel Lohr at afgl@pobox.com if you're interested in assisting! ALL CLASSES AND STAFF/TEACHERS: Each class (most) have an active "missing person" listing that is updated as classmates are found. Take a look at them and help the classes track 'em down! There are many last names on the listings for the classes where we know some siblings are aboard MSO - if you have a sibling who isn't aboard MSO yet or needs to update his/her info with their class, please let them know to submit online to update their info for class records. And in all cases, if YOU have moved since your last reunion or wonder why you didn't get an invitation in the mail to your ast reunion - ditto. Click on "Sign-up/Update" at the MSO site to update your class records. If you have a change of e-mail, try to remember to update us using the "E-mail Address Update" (duh) form. UDPATES: Please do NOT submit direct sign-ups for others you may know about. If anything, you may contact us and we will invite the classmate to come aboard MSO. That is, please do not falsely pose as a classmate to try and submit info for them. There are some alums who do NOT wish to sign-on and are actually scared-away from signing-up now because their privacy was compromised under false pretense. All submissions are followed-up on and verified. Let US know if you know of someone and MSO or a class rep will see about having them come aboard... otherwise it's a waste of time submitting incorrect and incomplete info posing as someone else. There is no need to "hide" - just send the info directly to us to look into, though your intentions are well-meant and appreciated. Thanks! ---------- THANK YOU to our recent supporters.... Diane Betz Griffin (1973), Duane (Staff) and Jacque Black, and Andy Harper (1967), plus our monthly and quarterly pledges. For info on how you can support the MSO, simply click on "Donations" on the MSO website. Or directly (secure server), the instructions may be viewed at https://id3416.securedata.net/pearyhs/donation.htm Bob Lau, Editor/Webmaster - blau@viawest.net The Midnight Sun Online - Robert E. Peary High School P.S. If you wish to directly reply or comment, please don't quote the entire newsletter back. Create a new e-mail to blau@viawest.net, and include your grad year and name in the correspondence. Please use the forms online at the site for changes so that the updates go to the correct class for your class records. Thanks! ********************************************************************* From: Charles "Ben" Cranston (1970) Date: Tue, 1 Mar 2005 Subject: Retirement Yesterday I retired after 30 years working for the (Maryland) state government. On to bigger and better things. Website - http://zben.home.comcast.net (Personal), Occupation: Retired Memorable Incidents: Pipe band stuff Since High School: Working for the man every night and day. Future Plans: Finish PhD. Start consulting business. Move to France. Memorable Teachers: Bob Clarke. Jim Courtney. ********** From: Elizabeth Loftus Singer (1974) Date: Tue, 1 Mar 2005 Subject: Update Occupation: Psychoanalyst in private practice, Spouse: Michael (Antique jewelry wholesaler), Children: Isabel, born 4/20/96 Memorable Incidents: Always a fan of Mr. Gibbs' productions... Long Day's Journey, Little Foxes, The Man Who Came to Dinner, Oliver, Billy Budd, Man of La Mancha Since High School: Went to U of Md. Got Journalism and Theatre Degrees. Got an Masters in Acting from Southern Methodist University. Acted in Dallas, Denver, Boulder, Williamsburg (VA), Casper (WY), and New York. Recently passed my oral exam for certification as a psychoanalyst in the state of New York. Future Plans: Plan to research and publish on the intersection of autism and autistic features in the general population and how psychoanalysis can help. Memorable Teacher: Mr. Gibbs, a true educator. Peary Siblings: Maryrose (Loftus) Spriggs (1971), John Loftus (1972), Thomas Loftus (1976) ********** From: Martine Paran Palmiter (1976) Date: Tue, 1 Mar 2005 Subject: Update Occupation: Human Resource Specialist, Spouse: Al (LAN Administrator), Children: Dean age 17, Olivia age 14 Since High School: Raising kids, marriage, massage therapist, business owner, homeschool organizer, Federal employee Future Plans: Getting my kids through college Memorable Teachers: Mr. Gibbs - eccentric and demanding; Mr. Black - great teacher; Ms. Rosenberg - taught me the most valuable skill I use today, typing. ********** From: Andrea Perkins Sword (1969) Date: Wed, 2 Mar 2005 Subject: Update I found out about the website from Audrey Gunnell Lohr of the Class of '67. Occupation: Legal Assistant, Spouse: Divorced, Children: James Michael, Jr. - Age 34, Grandchildren: Monique Alegra - Age 11, Since High School: Got married, had a son, got divorced and moved to South Florida. Memorable Teachers: Col. Heard - Spanish, Mr. Thomas - POD, Mrs. Carrie Luck - Algebra Other alums I know about? Linda Pershau Irwin lives in Hawaii. Wendy Kaplan passed away from cancer in February 2005. ********** From: Adam Wingo (1985/Richard Montgomery) Date: Wed, 2 Mar 2005 Subject: Update How I found out about the website? Searched for information on the web. Occupation: Tree Care Professional, Spouse: Oriana (Homemaker) Since High School: I joined the us Army in 1986, Went overseas for 2 years, then was relocated to washington state for another 4 years. I got out of the military at the end of 1992. I went in business shortly thereafter. I have been a logger, a student, a ranch owner and finally a Tree care professional. ********** From: Linda Fisher Johnson and Dave Johnson (1972) Date: Wed, 2 Mar 2005 Subject: Peary update As Linda Fisher Johnson (1972) and I, Dave Johnson (1972), have now been married almost 32 years... we have been blessed with our first grandchild - Mia Marie born on Feb 7 to our oldest daughter Liza - She has been married for two years now. We have a younger daughter also, who is attending Frostburg U and got engaged on Christmas eve! I'm still playing with The Sandra Dean Band [sandradean.com] and several other musical projects as well. Linda is communications director at The Maret School downtown (that's where the rich kids go!). ********** From: Karla Williamson Dodd (1974) Date: Wed, 2 Mar 2005 Subject: Update Occupation: admin asst, Spouse: Rusty (Warehouse Manager), Children: Connie-23, Amanda-21, Laura-19, Kaitlyn-16; Grandchildren: Michael-2, Joshua-1, Benjamin-2 weeks Since High School: working hard, raising a family, just celebrated our 25th anniversary (2004) Future Plans: enjoy my grandchildren, retire, travel Memorable Teacher: Mr. Clarke-that pointer and raising the map for those short skirts we all wore Siblings: Don Williamson (1976), Karen Williamson Keller (1982?) ********** From: Linda Cornett (1966) Date: Thu, 3 Mar 2005 Subject: Update I found out about the website from a 1965 Peary alumni. Occupation: retired Memorable Incident: The day Peary opened. We were the first class. Since High School: Working for Federal Government at various agencies. Future Plans: Travel to historic sites around the country and volunteer work. Memorable Teachers: They are too numerous to mention after 6 years at Peary. ********** From: Sue Seager (1976) Date: Sat, 5 Mar 2005 Subject: Update The MSO website? Been on it for years. Occupation: State Inspector, Children: Jenna 14, Jason 11 Memories: Having a LOT of fun and building lasting relationships with some wonderful people. Since High School: Graduated Lock Haven State College in 1980, employed briefly by US Gov't., moved to NJ, began career as State Inspector in 1981 for Casino Control Commission in Atlantic City, married in 1985, had 2 children, came to my senses and divorced in 1999, loving life and enjoying raising my kids. Future Plans: Retire after my children are through college (10+ years!!), traveling and enjoying life. Looking forward to seeing everyone and their families at our 30th reunion. Memorable Teachers: Mr. Brace for being brave enough to take on an all GIRLS phys. ed. class, Mr. Boteler for always being so kind, and of course Mr. Clarke for making learning fun AND for getting me to wear a dress for the first time in my High School Career to graduation!!! My Siblings: Laura Seager 1974, David Seager 1978 Bob, thanks again for all you do and for doing it so well. [Editor's note: Thank you, Sue.... but it's our Peary alums like you who make MSO what it is!] ********** From: Bruce Kibler (1974) Date: Mon, 14 Mar 2005 Subject: Update Spouse: Angela Beaumont (worker bee/DHL), Children: Niklas Anton 7 years, Christopher Alan 4 years Since High School: Working, studying, living, running - working through the trials and tribulations of modern day life....and for the last 14 years in germany (with the exception of two years in Croatia, a visit to which I can highly recommend). After a first marriage ending in divorce I have now been happily married for 13 years with two great little boys as an added reward to life. Have worked predominantly in telecommunications - I was the driving force behind what you all probably now know as T-Mobile USA, one of the largest acquisitions in telecommunications history. Future Plans: Well, I have finally done it - left the corporate world - for the time being, anyway. I am now writing my dissertation on international business, strategic management, corporate social responsibility and sustainable growth with a view towards becoming a professor in the next two years. If anyone out there has any good connections to a university or college looking for or planning a business program with international aspects.....drop me a line! After six years off, my wife is returning to the corporate workforce to support my dream of leaving it. There is nothing better out there than a functioning relationship. I can now spend some more time with the boys, further my diving certifications - I was in Egypt for a week last month for my advanced open water course - phenomenal! The red sea is a gorgeous place to dive. If I could only become a international business professor at a college where I could open up a diving base!!! Wow!!! ********** From: Mary Ellen Jordan (1967) Date: Mon, 14 Mar 2005 Subject: Update I found out about the website from Mike Holder. Occupation: Principal of St. Jude School, Memorable Incidents: Although very dull by today's standards, our classtrips to Niagra Falls and Blue Knob, PA were memorable. The football games on Saturday afternoons were very exciting. The friendships made with lifelong friends. Since High School: After graduating from the University of Maryland, I started teaching third grade at St. Jude School in Rockville. Although I loved the little ones, I switched to teaching Literature and American History to Eighth Graders. Eventually, I went into administration, becoming assistant principal and then principal. Being a principal is like riding a roller coaster. it is never dull. Future Plans: Someday I would like to retire to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The beach is like heaven to me. Memorable Teacher: Mr. Gibbs had a profound influence on my life. He introduced me to literature and drama. I will never forget him reading aloud Steinbeck's 'Of Mice and Men' and Faulkner's 'A Rose for Emily'. His introduction to literature and drama had a profound influence on me. I realized what a good teacher was capable of doing. His plays made theater a life long passion for me. I can't watch an old movie with Garbo or the Barrymores without thinking of Mr. Gibbs and his classroom with all the old black and white pictures of the movie stars. *********************************** *********** QUICK TAKES *********** *********************************** Linda Prusinowski Trotta - Class of '85/Wheaton I found out about the website from a classmate. Spouse: Matt (Business Owner - printing), Children: Taylor 6 Carol Fryer Brown - Class of 1967 Occupation: Ex. Assistant/Make Up Artist/Decorative Painter, Children: Cory-30, Keith-25, Kevin-23 jennifer finotti guthrie - Class of 1980 Occupation: retail, Spouse: bob (mechanical designer), Children: Megan 18, Tyler 14, Shannon 9, Twins Mark and John 6, Luke 4 Gail E Roth - Class of 1975 I found out about the website through google. Occupation: Chef, Memorable Teacher: Mr Hill... He was the best teacher Peary had Andreas Leontsinis - Class of 1981 I found out about the website from a friend. Occupation: Sherwin Williams Marine Coatings Representative, Spouse: Patti (Dental Hygienist), Children: Athena 10 years old, Cassie 3 years old. Since High School: Moved to Florida in 1991. Future Plans: Real Estate Investments Kim Hutson Martin - Class of 1986/Rockville Occupation: Medical Billing, Spouse: Steve (Carpenter), Children: Sidney 13 Years old Donnie Simmons - Class of 1984 Occupation: Master Fire Fighter Tom Simonds - Class of 1972 Spouse: Teri, Memorable Incident: Walkout and protest march to Board of Education building. Memorable Teachers: Mr Clark because he failed me in History (and I'm proud to say I still haven't memorized the British Royal family tree). Santa Vidala because she was a good lady and endured a lot of abuse. Joyce Perry Kirshenbaum - Class of 1974 I found out about the website from friends. Occupation: Admissions Director-Nursing Home, Children: Rebekah-24, Rachel-23, Shira-19; Grandchildren: Shayna-20 months, Yosef- 6 weeks Susie Lamoureux Dryden - Class of 1980 Occupation: RN, Spouse: Jeff (US Army) Memorable Incidents: Getting in trouble with Angie Vassilas donna lawrence potcner - Class of 1973 Occupation: mcps paraeducator Autism MIGUEL LOPEZ - Class of 1975 Occupation: CIVIL ENGINEER, Spouse: CAROLINA (HOMEMAKER), Children: ARMANDO, ALEJANDRO BOTH 7. Since High School: WORKING FOR THE NAVY AS A CIVILIAN *********** CONDOLENCES *********** Please remember these alums and families in your thoughts and prayers: Mr. Robert R. Winning, the father of Craig ('74 - craigwinning@aol.com), Dean ('77), and Kimberly Winning King ('85 - kking@titlepros.com), passed away just before midnight Wednesday March 23, 2005. All were at his side. From Craig: "He went peacefully with his children holding his hands. Just before that, we had a celebration of his life all afternoon and evening in his palliative care room, complete with food and music provided by the hospital. My father loved a great family party. Many of his family and friends that could arrive on short notice were able to say goodbye and reminisce about the good times with him. Even though he was not responsive, I know he heard every word. He was a great supporter of Dean's and my sports at Peary, attending most of our wrestling and running events." Friends will be received at Pumphrey's Colonial Funeral Home, 300 West Montgomery Avenue (Rte 28 just off I-270, exit 6-A) Rockville, MD on Tuesday, March 29, 2005 from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 PM. Funeral service will be held at Millian Memorial United Methodist Church, 13016 Parkland Dr., Rockville, MD 20853 on Wednesday, March 30, 2005 at 11 AM. Interment Parklawn Memorial Park. There is an online notice with add'l information and a guest book available to leave messages for the family at: http://obit.pumphreyfuneralhome.com/obit_display.cgi?id=201731 ----- Mr. Arturo Ynocencio Casanova III, the father of Lynda Casanova Lumpkin (1971 - lclumpkin@aol.com), died Friday, March 25 in Louisburg NC (his 80th birthday was on the 22nd), due to compications from the flu, subsequent pneumonia, and mystenia gravis. There is a notice and guest book available, with a photo and information, and to leave messages for the family at the Washington Post/Legacy site: http://www.legacy.com/washingtonpost/LegacySubPage2.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonID=3338720 A celebration of Art's life will be held Tuesday, March 29, 2 p.m. at the Louisburg Baptist Church, service conducted by Rev. Reggie Rushing. The family will receive friends following the service in the Aubrey Tomlinson Room, and all other times at the home of Lynda and Parker Lumpkin, 665 Phelps Road in Louisburg. ----- Our condolences to the families of these alums and friends. ********************************************************************** END OF TEXT - MIDNIGHT SUN ONLINE - VOLUME 9, NUMBER 8 Articles for the next issue are due April 23, 2005 ********************************************************************** Copyright 2005 The Midnight Sun Online - http://www.pearyhs.org **********************************************************************