************************************************************ MIDNIGHT SUN ONLINE The Online Newsletter for Robert E. Peary High School Alumni Volume 9, Number 9 April 2005 MSO WEBSITE - http://www.pearyhs.org ************************************************************ INTRODUCTION Greetings Huskies, In this issue... Intro with general news and reunion info, Classmate Updates, and Memory/Condolence Notices. BARCLAYS CAPITAL ULTIMATE NORTH EXPEDITION: They did it! The team set out to recreate Peary's disputed expedition of April 1909, when he claimed to have discovered the North Pole in a record 37 days. Project, story and updates at http://www.barcapultimatenorth.com MORE GRANDPARENTS: "Nicholas Randolph Duvall" Gail Miller Streiter's (1972) first grandchild born January 2, 2005. And "Ritter O'Day Woods," grandson of Van Jacobs (1968) and Pat Newman Jacobs (1969). Details and photos (where available) are posted in the "Alumni Births" notices online at the MSO website. Congrats! MELVIN J. BERMAN HEBREW ACADEMY CONSIDERING PURCHASE OF BUILDING: Gazette - http://www.gazette.net/200513/aspenhill/news/267361-1.html ALL GRAD YEARS: Friday June 24 - Informal Peary HS alumni get-together - ALL are invited for happy hour on Friday, June 24th at the Outta the Way Cafe, 17503 Redland Road in Derwood (301-963-6895), from 5pm-?. Interested folks, so far, include Classes of 1975, 1976 and 1977. ALL ST. JUDE'S ALUMS: Saturday June 25 - Happy hour & first St. Jude's Alumni get-together! Bennigan's in Rockville, beginning around 5 p.m. We are hoping that this notice will give folks plenty of time for planning, as well as completing their weekend chores in time to attend. Please pass this message along to others, and feel free to bring your family and friends. The more, the merrier! Bennigan's is located at 12276 Rockville Pike, 301/770-2594. Hope to see you there! REUNIONS IN 2005.... CLASS OF 1975: Friday September 16 (informal) at the Holiday Inn Gaithersburg lounge and Saturday September 17th (main event) at the Golden Bull. All details, RSVP and payment info is available on the Class of 1975 reunion site at http://peary75.myevent.com CLASS OF 1980: Main Event Saturday June 25 at the B-CC Rescue Squad's Rose Room on Battery Lane in Bethesda. All information/details are available on the Class of 1980's website at http://www.pearyhs1980.org. CLASS OF 1985/WHEATON: Saturday, October 15th (Rockville area). If you're interested and didn't get a notice in the mail about it, e-mail Chris von Stein at cvsisinthehouse@yahoo.com and he'll put it on the master list for the formal invite to go out this summer! REUNIONS IN 2006.... 1966: Mark your calendars - August 18-20, 2006 - Marriott at the Rio in Gaithersburg. 1971: June 23-25, 2006 - FSK Convention Center, Frederick MD 1976: Planning now.... Contact: Maureen Difulgo Bladen - Moeatthebeach@aol.com - The survey is still available at http://www.pearyhs.org/1976/1976-30th-survey.htm REUNIONS IN 2007.... 1967: 40-Year reunion planning has begun. Contact Audrey Gunnel Lohr at afgl@pobox.com if you're interested in assisting! MISSING PERSONS: The majority of grad classes have a "missing persons" listing linked from the respective-year info areas on MSO. In the course of updating these lists for each class, there are MANY familiar last names. i.e. if you have a sibling who's not aboard MSO, s/he may be on the class missing lists. Don't let 'em miss their reunion! THANK YOU to our recent supporters.... Dennis Selepak (1970), Gerry Adcock (1976), Paul Coder (1968), and Patricia Hale (Faculty)... and to our monthly and quarterly pledges, including our newest pledge from Bob Winegard (1975)! For info on how you can support the MSO, simply click on "Donations" on the MSO website. Or directly (secure server), the options may be viewed at https://id267.securedata.net/pearyhs/donation.htm To all moms everywhere.... Happy Mothers Day, 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 e-mail and mailing address ("update") modification requests so that the updates automatically go to the correct class for your class records (i.e. don't send them directly to me). The links for these functions are on the main page menu. Thanks! ********************************************************************* From: Christina Swift Dodd (1979) Date: Tue, 29 Mar 2005 Subject: Home school to public school Hi! I would like to hear from anyone who has home educated their children and then enrolled them in public high school. Were you pleased with the transition, with the level of education, with the school's culture, with the extracurricular programs? How did your child adjust to public school? Would you do it again or would you do things a little differently? Thanks in advance for any stories and/or tips! ********** From: Greg Staten (1977) Date: Tue, 29 Mar 2005 Subject: Update I found out about the website while surfing for info about where Dan Harwood was coaching Basketball. Occupation: customer service, finance related Memorable Incidents: General chaos, raising hell, basketball, rock and roll and altered states of conciousness. Since High School: Coping somehow with a disability..essentially a partially ambulatory paraplegic. Spent 10 years in California graduated from U.C Berkeley in Sociology. Drifted from job to job and dealt with it all with immense curiousity with what the next day will bring, and a sense of humour Future Plans: Keep making the best of it, always meet new people, hopefully travel the country or world and meet someone with money Memorable Teacher: Mr. Hill. If all the teachers were like him, I may not of been so mathmatically disabled. ********** From: Gregory Smith (1976) Date: Tue, 29 Mar 2005 Subject: Update Website - http://www.bbservices.net (Business: Facilities Maint. Services), Occupation: Regional Vice President, Spouse: Anne (Estimator Residential Construction), Children: Ericka Nadine - 26, Stephanie Nicole - 22 Memorable Incidents: Almost not Graduating on time due to a schedule foul up with History and then blowin the class off Senior year. Being on Student Council and quite legitimately not doing ANYTHING IMPORTANT. Since High School: Personal - Married in 78 to a Holy Cross Alum. Helped raise two beautiful, inteligent women. Relocated to Southern PA and recently had a home built. Celebrated 25 wonderful years of marriage to Anne. Professional - 25 + years in the service industry. Currently working for a mid sized facilities maintenance company. Future Plans: Ignore the voices in my head (just kidding). Save my butt off for retirement, stay married, pray for Grandchildren that we can spoil and travel outside the continent. Memorable Teachers: Clyde Hunt - The man was before his time as an educator. Music was only a small part of what I finally realized I learned from him. Coach Cino - Even as a non jock he pulled the most I had from me in gym class. He too respected the individual spirit and determination of each student. ********** From: Rusty Chester (1970) Date: Tue, 29 Mar 2005 Subject: Retirement I retired from government service on the 31st of January after 33+ years. My wife Terry (Einstein - 1970) is going to retire on 1 August of this year and we're selling our Rockville home and moving to our place in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. The government has made us offers we couldn't refuse - stay home and we'll pay you big bucks! Can't ask for more than that! Take care, Russ ********** From: Robin Rose Fine (1982) Date: Tue, 29 Mar 2005 Subject: Moving to Charlotte Big News -- Finally moving from the old stomping ground. Husband David and I are moving kids Rachel (8 y.o.) and Mitch (5 1/2 y.o.) to Charlotte, North Carolina, for a more laid-back lifestyle. Who would have ever thought that I could sell my 20-year-old home in Gaithersburg and get a brand-new home on a golf course and have money left over?! Will the market ever stop astonishing us around here? Anyway, wish us luck! And if anyone from Peary lives in the Charlotte area, please feel free to drop me a line! Robin (nee Rose) Fine ********** From: David Cargill (1971) Date: Thu, 31 Mar 2005 Subject: Update I found the website while surfing the web. Occupation: Recruiter, Spouse: Cynthia (Accountant), Children: Kate (Junior at Texas Womens University, Denton, Texas), E-Leigh (sophmore at Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas), Grandchildren: None yet thank god! Memorable Incidents: Many, some I can't mention for it might incriminate Deacon, Russell and myself. These were when we shared my apartment in Gaithersburg after school. Since High School: Traveling to Jackson, Wyoming three to four times a yr. to ski and get away from the masses. Future Plans: Looking at properties to purchase and move to Jackson Hole. Memorable Teachers: Ernie Ceccata and Jim Bragonier and Coach Dick Williams Other alums I know about? Ray Friese ********** From: ANDREW MCINTYRE (1980) Date: Sun, 3 Apr 2005 Subject: Update I found out about the website many a year ago from my older brother class of '75. Occupation: Aviation Electronics Technician, Spouse: Debra (Office Manager EmploymentGuide.com), Children: Jacob Thomas 4yrs, Lydia Elizabeth 2yrs Grandchildren: What... are you trying to make feel old?? Hopefully not for another 20 yrs. Memorable Incidents: The last 15 minutes of class on the last day of English in 12 grade. The black path. Lower field parties. Since High School: Trying to keep my sanity mostly. For the last 18 years been waving the flag for all back in the states. Currently USS Bataan LHD-5 Future Plans: Retirement. And then working another 20 years somewhere else. Memorable Teacher: Mr. Clarke For the way he enlightened us while keeping us entertained. Loved those daily quizes. No touch and goes in this class. Siblings: Cindy (McIntyre) Griffin (72), Jenny (McIntyre) Onofrio (74), Larry McIntyre (75) What a long strange trip it's been... and I still have all my hair, except what uncle Sam doesn't want me to have. ********** From: Sharon Marcus (1970) Date: Thu, 7 Apr 2005 Subject: Update How I found out about the website? Surfing on the internet years ago. Occupation: Reference Librarian, Spouse: Stan Elswick (Database Manager), Children: Chloe 22 and David 21 Since High School: Earned a B.A. in English from U. of MD. Working, going to school, and working some more. Lived in WV from 1977-1984. Met my husband there, had 2 children, and moved back to Maryland in 1984. Earned a masters in Library Science [took 5 years going part-time]. Moved to Olney in 1990... then to Olney Mill neighborhod in 1998. Have been a federal worker since June 2004. Future Plans: Keep working and try to enjoy life (!) Memorable Teacher: Mr. Gibbs, because he was a true character, he made us pay attention, and we actually learned something in his class. Siblings: Carol Marcus Asher, class of 1975 ********** From: (James) Kevin Poitras (1972) Date: Tue, 12 Apr 2005 Subject: Update I found out about the website druing a google search for other alums. Occupation: Physician, Children: Eric 14, Alexis 13 Memorable Incidents: Nearly blowing up the lab or poisoning the air on several occasions while serving as Ms Boorman's lab assistant. Since High School: traveling, studying, fathering, learning, and making people laugh Future Plans: traveling, studying, not fathering, learning, and making people laugh Memorable Teachers: Ms Boorman-legs and brains; Mr Hill brains; Ms Klausmeyer-who made me fall in love with California, Germany, and develop wanderlust. ********** From: Elizabeth Stough Siskey (1969) Date: Wed, 13 Apr 2005 Subject: Update Occupation: RN, Spouse: Gordon, Children: Two Boys ages 23 Ryan and age 19 Kyle Both in college. Ryan will graduate from Drexel University this June with Degree in Biomedical Eng. Kyle is a liberal arts major at Un. of Delaware. Since High School: Graduated from Nursing School in 1974. Have been employed by the State Department of Vocational Rehab. 28 years Traveling, raising my family Future Plans: Retirement very soon and more travel ********** From: Patty Wolz Wilson (1975) Date: Wed, 13 Apr 2005 Subject: MSO Kids News Our oldest daughter, Nicole, graduated last May from UMASS (she received a softball scholarship!!!) and our youngest, Ashley, will graduate from Damascus High School this June. Patty Wilson ********** From: Gene MacKay (Faculty) Date: Thu, 14 Apr 2005 Subject: Website I invite you to visit and view some of my photos. http://www.yessy.com/GeneMacKay Gene MacKay ********** From: Alicia Ball Mays (1968) Date: Sat, 16 Apr 2005 Subject: Update It has been a long time since I updated our info. Since I last wrote we have had four births and four deaths in the family. This past year my husband Don (Northwood'68) lost his mother in May, his father in September and his brother Dan (Northwood'66) in November 2004. On April 2, 2005, my father died. With his passing all in my original family are gone. On a happier note, we have 5 grandchildren now. Jennifer and her husband Jon have three children: Abby(Feb.'01), Keith(May'03) and Maia(July'04). Rachel and her husband Brian have James(Aug.'02) and Jason(Dec.'04). Our twin sons, Nathan and Matthew turned 21 this year. They have completed their second year of electrical school at MC and work for Phoenix Electrics. What are the odds of your sons working for the company owned by a former classmate? Phoenix is owned by Donald Veals. His son Eric has worked with them in the past. Small world huh?! Time passes so quickly - when we were younger we couldn't wait to get on with it. Now I wish it would slow down a little. Take care to everyone who reads this and may God hold you in His hand. ********** From: Nancy Pinkerton (1969) Date: Sun, 17 Apr 2005 Subject: Update I found out about the website from Andy Perkins. Occupation: Prenatal Health Educator, Children: Austin-26, Amy-24, Cameron-22, Chase-20 Since High School: Moved back to Calif. back in the mid 70's I been married and now enjoying life and my home in Calif. Future Plans: I have many years before I retire, but when I do I want to work my way around the National Parks- I love the out-of-doors and the Parks. What a way to retire. Memorable Teacher: Mr Cino- nextdoor neighbor He was a fair teacher ********** From: Lisa Talmud (Allie Raye) (1981) Date: Mon, 18 Apr 2005 Subject: ER/NYC Visit Hey all. I can't believe how many people watched "ER" and Arch Campbell. Thank you soooo much for all the emails!! I saved all of them! I didn't even know half of you. :0) I will be going back on "ER," we just don't know when yet. So, I'll make sure you know when I get back on. Might not be until next season, tho. I'm going to be in NYC at the end of May. (first time, can you believe it?) If anyone lives in the city and wants to meet up, please send me an email. I don't know if any of my own classmates live in NY, but hopefully, I'll get to see someone. Please drop me a line. I'll be there for 7 days. Have a great Spring :) Allie www.allieraye.com ********** From: Eileen Brown Carter (1965) Date: Wed, 20 Apr 2005 Subject: Hello Class Just in case some of you dont go over the MSO page-by-page here is a copy of something that is posted on the MSO in the Class of '64 Info Area: [may be viewed at http://www.pearyhs.org/1964/1964info.htm] Let me tell you Gale Senseman Privette (1966) was so nice to assist last time and I appreciate her more for it. And Candy and Carol jumping in there and doing what was needed to be done to get everything organized for the joint 1963-1965 reunion in 2000. Well class of 65, I think we heard that after the last reunion we would probably have no other. It was kinda of fun everytime I found someone who was missing and it was fun talking with everyone on the fone. I personally did not do much for the reunion but helped the others where I could. Planning something so big is kinda beyond my cabilities and expertise as I have never tried to set something like that up. Now like it says above I have found or they have found me bringing my class roster up to approximately 300 people. Now of all the 300 people surely several someone could figure out how to do a reunion. There must be people in our class who have set up big events for their company and stuff but I have never done so. Donna class of 66 doing well after second hip surgery. Jimmy class of 63 had stroke in Atlanta and he is doing well has not returned to work under doctors care. Niece Patty class of 83 doing as well as can be expected. Everybody have a good summer and keep well Ramble time over - Keep well Eileen [Webmaster Note: Check back around the 2008 timeframe for any possible 1963-1965 reunion plans, should anyone wish to step-up to the plate to organize a joint reunion/event again, like done August 2000] ********** From: Bob King (1980) Date: Mon, 25 Apr 2005 Subject: Update I found out about the website though a web search. Occupation: Owner of Plumbing Company. Spouse: Sandy (Worton, 1980) King (Teacher), Children: Daughter Kristina - age 21 - engaged to be wed July 2006, Daughter Kimberly - age 19 - Sophmore @ Cedar Crest College, PA, Son Billy - age 17 - Junior @ Frederick High, Son Jimmy - age 14 - Freshman @ Frederick High Memorable Incidents: The great comradery that everone shared. Senior prank - car in senior court. Mrs. Whittaker - gymnastics instructor. Since High School: Went to Univ. of Md for 1 year. Went through plumbing apprenticeship. Graduated plumbing apprenticeship in 1985 with honors. Started A & K Plumbing Inc. in 1999. Married fellow classmate - Sandy Worton in 1983. Future Plans: Continue with A & K Plumbing & enjoy my future grandchildren. Memorable Teachers: Mrs. Whittaker. I had her for gymnastics for 3 years. We put on gymnastics shows for elementary schools and for Peary. Other alums I know about? Susan Cradlin Klosky ********** From: Sandy Worton King (1980) Date: Mon, 25 Apr 2005 Subject: Update Occupation: Teacher, Spouse: Bob (1980, Owner of Plumbing company), Children: 2 girls... 21 Kristina - 19 Kimberly 2 boys... 17 Billy - 14 Jimmy Memorable Incident: Meeting my husband in Mr Black's Math Class Since High School: children, school, teaching Future Plans: more of the same ********** From: Gale Senseman Privette (1975) Date: Wed, 27 Apr 2005 Subject: Birth Announcement It is with great joy that I announce the birth of our 5th child. Aiden Michael Chornock was born on 4/7/05 @4:00pm weighing in at 7lb 2oz. Mother and baby are doing well and both survived the Bris which was held at Chabad of Gaithersburg on 4/14/05 in front of 100 or so people! I know, you all can't believe my wife and I are still producing children. (she is 42!) Never to be rich in cash but filthy rich in love and family! *********************************** *********** QUICK TAKES *********** *********************************** Frederick Sparks - Class of 1971 Occupation: Computer Specialist, Spouse: Terry (Music Teacher), Children: Ariana Marie - 15 years, Alden Robert - 12 years Mark Sherman - Class of 1980 living in Maine, making art Susan Stone Jenkins - Class of 1965 <1suejenkins@earthlink.net> Occupation: RN, Spouse: Dennis, Children: Karen 39, Christine 37, Jim (step) 34, Bob 33; Grandchildren: Trent 15, Makayla 12, Devon Elizabeth 8, Isabella 8, Nate 6, Hannah 4, and Abby 2 Cynthia McIntyre Griffin - Class of 1972 Occupation: Staff Accountant, Children: Cara 26 and Christopher 24, Grandchildren: Alyssa 5 Marie Draize Franklin - Class of 1977 Spouse: Mitch, Children: Andrew - 17, Katie - 15, Christopher - 13 Virginia Lynagh Bullington - 1976 Spouse: Barry Bullington (1971, retired), Children: Virginia Ryan 26yrs, Ashley Meredith 21yrs; Grandchildren: Ashley Vanessa Anna Bullington 3yrs Shirley Santilhano - Class of 1981 Occupation: restaurant manager, Children: Lauren 16 and Eric 11 KAREN ROBINETTE FINK - Class of 1969 I found out about the website from an ARTICLE BY ALUMNUS JEFF H. ('73). Occupation: HOUSEWIFE, Spouse: JOHN (ELECTRICAL TECH), Children: COURTNEY (27 YEARS), TAYLOR (23 YEARS), Since High School: HOME AND GARDEN, Future Plans: HOME AND GARDEN, Other alums I know about: BRUCE DUBE ('69) AND MY SISTERS ARE IN WALKERSVILLE AND MT. AIRY Peter McLaren - Class of 1975 I found out about the website from a google search. Occupation: mechanical engineer, Spouse: Karen (college teacher), Children: Stephanie (20), Andrew (18), Pamela (17) Andrea Galef - Class of 1976 I found out about the website from Tessie Kotsiras. Occupation: Mortgage Banking/Sales Director Wayne C. Wiley - Class of 1975 Occupation: Supervisor of Instructional Technology, Spouse: Michelle R. (Teacher - Grade 5), Children: Stephen - 15, William - 11, Helen - 7. Memorable Incidents: The Band trips, Since High School: College/Work/Family Barb Brock - Class of 1981 I found out about the website from Laura Ganey Ashley. Occupation: Office Manager. Since High School: Enjoying living in Florida in the sun. Future Plans: Win the lotto and retire to Tennessee. Memorable Teachers: Mr. Clarke & Mr. Hill - instilling the quest for knowledge. julie ellen beirow - Class of 1982 Occupation: homemaker, Spouse: jim (area director), Children: justin 18, jared 15, jeff 12, callie 6. Since High School: raising children, Future Plans: traveling the globe Tracy Treadway - Class of 1978 Occupation: Web Developer Karen Welt Lerch - Class of 1975 Occupation: mother/volunteer at "KIDS HOUSE" childrens advocacy center, Spouse: (deceased), Children: christopher 21, nicole 18, jackie 16; Memorable Teacher: Ms. tigani. She was always kind and I always had fun and enjoyed her class. *********** CONDOLENCES *********** Please remember these alums and families in your thoughts and prayers: THE FAMILY OF MADELINE SCIAMANNA ELLIS WOULD LIKE YOU TO INVITE YOU TO SIGN THE GUEST BOOK AS LISTED IN THE WASHINGTON POST NEWSPAPER, CELEBRATING WHAT WOULD HAVE BEEN HER 60TH BIRTHDAY: You will remember Madeline from the class of 1963. Her beautiful picture is also posted at this website to refresh your memory! Please visit! Madeline passed away unexpectantly on March 4th, 2002 several days after having "successful" Open Heart Surgery. The guest book will be available until May 18th at http://www.legacy.com/washingtonpost/LegacySubPage2.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonId=3428339 ----- Harriet Whitehurst, the mother of Gil Whitehurst (1966 - whitehurstg@aol.com), passed away June 10 (2004). ----- Mrs. Barbara Heifetz, beloved mother of Renee (1970 - renee29412@aol.com), Jeannette (1975 - swelp@comcast.net), and David (1982), passed away on February 14, 2005 in Crystal River, Florida. ----- Anna Tackett, beloved mother of Andy, John ('64) and Chris ('67 - ctackett@bpa.gov) passed away on March 11th. Anna was a single mother who worked tirelessly to raise her three sons. She graduated from the U. of Maryland with a degree on foreign languages. After marrying John Tackett, she taught school for a few years before starting to raise a family. When she lost her husband to polio in 1954, she dedicated her life to her family. She worked at the old Drug Town on Viers Mill Road, the Montgomery County Board of Education and finally finishing her career at the University of Maryland as Asst. Director of Placement Services. She was an active member of the Millian Memorial Methodist Church. Her love and compassion were shared by all her knew her. Services were held at Pumphrey's Funeral home. Interment Rock Creek Cemetery. ----- Mr. David Notestine passed away on on Easter Sunday (March 27). Mr. Notestine is the father of Connie Willis Hudson (1977 - some may remember her as Connie Notestine) and Beverly Ward (19??) and Linda Meade (19??). Visitations were held at Millian Memorial UMC on March 30 and 31 (with service on the 31st). Interment Parklawn Memorial Park. ----- Mr. "Tom" Shirata, the father of Robin Shirata Kenney (1977 - robin.kenney@marriott.com), passed-away on Monday March 28th. Service was held at Millian Memorial UMC on April 2. Inurnment Arlington National Cemetery Columbarium at a later date. There is a Pumphreys notice and guest book available to leave messages for the family at http://obit.pumphreyfuneralhome.com/obit_display.cgi?id=202833 ----- The father of Alicia Ball Mays (1968 - donaldpmays@hotmail.com) passed away on April 2nd. (Mrs. Ball passed away in 1997.) ----- Mr. Robert T. Colihan, the father of Kathleen (1970) and Patricia (1976), passed away on April 19, 2005. Friends & family were received at Collins Funeral Home on Sun. 4/24 and Mass of Christian Burial was held at the Shrine of St. Jude in Rockville on Monday 4/25. Interment Arlington National Cemetery with Military Honors on Tuesday May 31, 2005 at 2pm. There is a Post/Legacy Notice and Guest Book available until May 21st to leave messages for the family at http://www.legacy.com/WashingtonPost/LegacySubPage2.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonID=3440252 ----- Our condolences to the families of these alums and friends. ********************************************************************** END OF TEXT - MIDNIGHT SUN ONLINE - VOLUME 9, NUMBER 9 Articles for the next issue are due May 28, 2005 ********************************************************************** Copyright 2005 The Midnight Sun Online - http://www.pearyhs.org **********************************************************************