Thank you for the support of this effort to design, build, maintain and manage the new Midnight Sun Online website.
Volume 1, Number 11, June 1997
MIDNIGHT SUN ONLINE
-The Online Newsletter for Robert E. Peary High School Alumni-
MSO WEB SITE – http://www.pearyhs.org
INTRODUCTION
Huskies:
PEARY HIGH SCHOOL NIGHT AT THE RACES: A summer multi-class event at Rosecroft Raceway to watch the horses run! A private area has been reserved for Robert E. Peary Alumni on Saturday July 19th (evening). Reservations are DUE JULY 11th. Mark your calendars! This party is limited to 1,000 people—get your reservations in as soon as possible so you won’t miss out on this one. Details on the home page, or send an e-mail message to races[AT]iicsdc.clark.net to automatically receive the details and sign-up form via e-mail.
REUNIONS: The reunion season begins soon with 1971’s “25+1” and 1972’s 25th. The reunion questionnaires online will remain active so classmates may update their info at any time for their respective graduating class. Once we discover the coordinators of other classes, the same will be set up for those years as well.
HAPPY HOURS: The event at the Silo Inn on June 13th was packed with Peary alums, including Mr. Burlas! Not sure how the group picture(s) have turned out yet, but whatever can be gotten from them will be posted on the website soon. Thank you to Ken Roseman (1969) for becoming our “unofficial” photographer at many of these events. As you would expect Peary alums to act, we partied and danced the evening away to the music of Redline, featuring Peary alums Todd (1975) and Pete Muranaka (1973), Dave Johnson (1972), Joel Hoskins (1978), and Joe Ricker (1979). Thanks to Dave Alde (1969) for giving roses to the “Huskiettes” in attendance!
We will be returning to the Silo Inn on June 27th by invitation of Jacquie Padgett and the Class of ’72 to help celebrate their weekend reunion activities. Tommy Tavenner, owner/manager of the Silo Inn, is aware of our “frequenting” of his establishment, and goes out of his way to make the evenings that much more special for Peary alumni gatherings. Check out “Events” on the website for the Happy Hour schedule.
MSO WEBSITE: As some of you may have noticed, a “Weddings” link has been added to the Events page. If you have news and pictures of your wedding (upcoming, not past – due to space limitations for now), we will be happy to create a page to announce and archive the day.
NEW WEBSITE ITEMS – People: A Memorial to Jim Gazenski (1976), Brig. General Rick Capka (1967), Neil Simons (1976); Staff Alumni Newsletter; Happy Hour Photos; Aerial Photos of RPHS; Reunion Updates
COMING SOON: Article in The Baltimore Sun by Dianna Sugg (1983) passed along by Lauren Steinberg Levy (1983), “Tunes-While-You-Browse” (Music Online), Birthday Listings (maintained by Laura Vandevender Collins, Class of 1973, who codes our monthly MSO newsletter), and a listing of our Business Sponsors. Still working on Staff Photos.
The submission deadline for the July issue of the MSO is Saturday July 19. Your classmates hope you’ll share your news with them next month, as we approach our one-year anniversary of the MSO!
Bob Lau – The Midnight Sun Online
[Our apologies to Carolyn Foote Johnson (1978) and Lynne Moore Bent (1965) for inadvertently excluding their submissions last month]
From: Carolyn Foote Johnson (1978) uscw6ert[AT]ibmmail.com Date: Tue, 6 May 1997 Subject: MSO
Hi! I was just added onto the Peary Alumni Connection and would love to read the back issues of the Midnight Sun (Hey—I worked on the paper while in school!) but my situation is probably vastly different than most of your subscribers. I have access to e-mail (obviously) but don’t have access to the web pages so I’m at the mercy of my brother sending info to me which he will only do begrudgingly as he has to download from one computer to another and it is rather time consuming. In fact, he has yet to send me any back copies as he has not even had the time to read them himself).
As far as any updates go from my end, I am married to a wonderful man named Mike Johnson, we have two dogs and also just had our first “two-legged” child on March 2 of this past year—a gorgeous baby boy named Alexander Michael Johnson, aka Alex. I bought a townhouse in Frederick about 4.5 years ago after living in Montgomery County my whole life and met Mike 1.5 yrs after moving up here. He also grew up close to me and, in fact, went to Parkland, as did I! Small world! However, I am several years older so we were never there at the same time. We met shooting darts and still do so competitively. Let me know if you need any add’l info!
Also—my sister, Pam (Foote) Ham is a Peary alumni, class of 1971. She and her husband Steve live in Lilburn, GA. If you need/want info on her, I’ll be glad to accommodate you there, too.
I did the 4 yr college thing, have two degrees—one in law enf, the other in psychology and never pursued a career in either—I’ve been working in the insurance field for the past 7.5 yrs. I’m a big Orioles fan—went to “THE” game on 9/5/95 when Cal broke Lou Gehrig’s record— managed to plead for tickets from the Orioles as that was part of my honeymoon; in between the Bavarian Inn and the Poconos and they accommodated me. My hubby works at UPS and is the most wonderful, loving and gorgeous man in the world. I went through a spell of traveling—to Chicago 3x, San Francisco, Boston, New Orleans, Jamaica, Atlanta ~10X, Hilton Head—but now pretty much stay local (except for an annual Atlanta trip to visit my sister). That’s probably more info than you ever cared to know!
~~CJ
From: Joy Lynne Moore Bent (1965) tlbent[AT]doitnow.com Date: Fri, 16 May 1997 Subject: Newsletter submission
Just caught the Peary Website thanks to Kerry Daniel (65). Having resided in Arizona since 70, I’d sadly lost touch with everyone. Thanks to Kerry’s detective work, I’ve now heard from Kerry, Sue Stone Jenkins, and Jay Mitchell. So much has happened: marriages, children, remarriages, grandchildren, relocations, career changes, etc. After long distance phone calls, letters, and photos, we’re now connected by Email on a regular basis. It’s great to be able to go back in time to those “Happy Days!”
My brief autobiography: Married at 21, moved to Tempe, Arizona, and have 3 children, Michelle 24, Matt 18, and Melissa 15. Divorced after 23 yrs and currently remarried 4 yrs with 2 step-children, Jennifer 15 & Jason 13. None of the children live with us and we enjoy the “Empty Nest.” Enjoy traveling around the state, camping, fishing, and just getting out of the heat! We love the winters but need a cabin in the mountains from May to Sept. If you plan to travel out West, we suggest Oct-April.
After being away so long, visiting the Peary website was great! Lost my yearbooks, so this is the best way to relive those almost forgotten memories. Last visited the old alma mater, old neighborhoods, and schools in Wheaton and Rockville with my sister, Suzanne (70), 5 yrs ago. I was sorry to see the once new school now closed, in disrepair, and missing all the landmarks. Happy to see them preserved in the Peary Website. It was even more heartbreaking to have lost touch with so many dear friends. Couldn’t even find one person to drop in on and share a cup of coffee and talk over old times. So, I’m all for keeping Peary’s newsletter alive and hope more names can be added. I would like to hear from Sharon Meadows Hopgood, Sharon Moran, and Nancy Wolfe (all class of ’65). Enjoyed reading the newsletter.
Haven’t made it back to any of Peary’s Reunions, but did enjoy the Class of 65 10th Reunion Book in which the alumni wrote a paragraph about their lives since graduation. It would be nice if this could be done for our 35 yr in 2000. I have since become a born-again Christian and look forward to the second coming of Christ. John 3:16 “For God So Loved the World, that He Gave His Only Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have Everlasting Life.”
The best thing that’s happened to me after graduation has been trusting Jesus as my Lord and Savior, Dec. ’68. No, Jesus, is not a curse word! I knew that from Sunday School. “Jesus Loves Me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so” remember? At age 21, God revealed Himself to me. I knew I was a sinner and Jesus was my only hope! Jesus said “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life, no man comes to God, the Father, but by Me.” John 14:6. I’ve looked at life from both sides now, and know without a doubt this life is not all there is. We have hope when we know the God of creation.
“What does it profit, if a man shall gain the whole world but lose his own soul.” Time is running out my dear friends, where have you put your hope?
No, I’m not a fanatic, just a sinner saved by God’s grace (God’s riches at Christ’s Expense). This is not a cult or religion, it is the Word of God.
I challenge you to read for yourself. Start with the Book of John. “I write these things unto you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” I John 5:13.
From: Gale Senseman Privette (1966) gale7[AT]juno.com Date: Wed, 21 May 1997 Subject: Ray Highsmith class of “66
Our friend and fellow classmate Ray Highsmith had a tumor on his right lung and they ended up taking out the entire lung this past Monday May 19th. He’s doing very well and in good spirits. He will probably be in Shady Grove Hospital in Rockville for a week. He needs to get some rest so please NO calls to the hospital but he would probly really enjoy hearing from friends and some caring surport. Just wanted you all to know so you could send prayers, cards, well wishes etc. to Ray.
Thanks and may you all stay healthy and Blessed Gale Senseman Privette
[If you would like to contact Ray, please send a note to Gale at her e-mail address above for Ray’s address]
From: Gale Senseman Privette (1966) gale7[AT]juno.com Date: Thu, 22 May 1997 Subject: Peary ’66 Girls Weekend
On a fun note just wanted you to know that 7 ladies from the class of 66 just got back the other day from a really fun weekend at Coolfont, in Berkely Springs, West VA.
Using maiden names only – so you’ll recognize them – it was Pat Gray, Betty Rhodes, Barbara McCary, Patty McNeal, Beth Leimback, Nancy Wells, and myself (Gale). We rented a house that was supposed to be 4 bedrooms and 2 baths with a screened in porch which slept 8 but turned out to be 5 bedrooms and could have slept 10. We had all kinds of stuff planned from fishing, indoor swimming, hot tubing, massages, etc, but ended up hanging around at the house in the woods gabbing away, couple of meals out, honking and causing commotion with the locals, our two cars loaded with the seven of us pulled into a gas station (where they actually pump your gas without an extra charge), Barbara’s car on one side of the pump, mine on the other with my tape player blaring out “16 Candles” with the windows down and all of us in both cars started singing. Beth and I decided it would be fun to have a slow dance together in front of our cars (Hey, what did we care what people think)—the locals at the station seemed to enjoy watching and heck, I told her if I had known she was such a good dancer we could have gone to the prom together. (Just kidding, Just kidding)!!
We then drove up to a beautiful scenic overlook where you can see MD PA and WV come together. We were taking pictures of the scenery and each other but when one person would take a picture of the group that would leave them out so I walked over to a parked jeep being the trusting soul that I am (stupid) and not knowing who was in it knocked on the window to ask if they would take a picture of my friends and I (NOT A REAL SMART IDEA, GALE) when a guy gets out, said that the other really rough looking guy was his brother visiting from Washington state and I noticed they had a rifle between them leaning on the seat. He gets out and asks us where we we’re from as I’m handing him my camera and tells me he’s a truck driver for Giant food and if any of us shopped at Giant during the strike he was going to throw my camera over the cliff. (Not quite the “hello, my name is” that I expected) This was NOT addressed in a friendly way. We assured him we had switched to Safeway since Nancy worked there. He took the picture and I quickly got my camera back. He walked back to his jeep, they took off and then I told the other girls about the gun. They said—hey, we’re in West Va…It’s Probably O.K.. Made my little heart skip a beat…
Went antiqueing, visiting camp sites in our p.j.’s, but didn’t get out of the car, practiced my reflexology on their feet, started making plans for the class of ’66’s 50th birthday party which will be in June 1998 and lots of open honest conversations which were wonderful. We went from mooning each other to praying together. We shared tons of laughs along with some emotional tears. No one wanted the weekend to end.
It’s been truly wonderful sharing in the new friendships.
We’ll keep you informed of upcoming plans. Sorry I’ve been so busy I haven’t planned a class of ’66 Saturday night get together yet like I was hoping to do every 6 months. Please pass on to me any other 66′ e-mail addresses you might have for our reunion files.
Love to all… stay Healthly and Blessed,
Gale
From: Beverly Virginia Hill Theil (1965) beverlyVT[AT]aol.com Date: Fri, 23 May 1995 Subject: Update
I have been married to Dr. Kenneth W. Theil (Wheaton HS 1961) since June 3, 1967, we have two sons, Kenneth III, 28 and Karl, 23. I own Beverly V. Theil Consulting Services. I help education and non-profit groups obtain alternative funding. I served two terms on the local city school board and two terms on the county vocational school board. I have been active in local and state Democratic politics and currently am the treasurer (6th year) of the county party. Kiwanis membership takes up some of my time. I was one of the first women taken into the local group when women were allowed to join and last year, with my election as treasurer, became the first woman to hold office in the 73 year history of the local club.
A portion of my time has been spent working with children and the handicapped. In 1977 two friends and I formed a non-profit corporation to provide housing and support services to people who were mentally retarded, developmentally disabled or socially impaired. It will celebrate its 20th anniversary this July 3. I have been active the last 6 years in the CASA/GAL (Court Appointed Special Advocate/Guardian Ad Litem) movement. I have served as a volunteer guardian ad litem in the local juvenile court and am currently in my second term on the governing board of the Ohio CASA/GAL Association. In addition to GAL work I do home studies for stepparent adoptions in our local Probate Court.
My husband and I enjoy traveling in the United States, Canada and Europe. I have made it to South East Asia and hope to take him there for a visit when we retire.
Our two sons have made us very proud. Kenneth is a professional musician. If you listen to country and western, he’s the bass guitarist for Route 62. Their debut album, Juniper Hill, has been very well received regionally. I still can’t get over it when I hear them on my car radio. I don’t know what he’ll do if he hits really big, a country & western musician with an honors degree in business marketing just doesn’t seem the male equivalent of a coal miner’s daughter! Our second son, Karl, is with AMC theatre management currently, but plans to go to law school in the fall of 1998 and eventually plans to go into some area of international law. Hopefully this will give him a chance to use his language skills. He has what is considered native fluency in Spanish and French as well as American English. My husband, Ken, is a research virologist with the OARDC in Wooster. We have lived in College Park, Maryland and Lincoln, Nebraska before settling here in Wooster. Fortunately, my career was portable, so I’ve set up wherever we’ve been living.
I am thrilled to have found the Peary website. Class of ’65 send me a line.
From Jill Leigh Sinkoff (1984) JSinkoff[AT]aol.com Date: Wed, 28 May 1997 Subject: Alumni Class of 1984
I have been trying to locate a few friends from the class of ’84 who moved away. Their names are Monique Pelletier and Kerry Knight. The last I heard, Monique moved to Texas prior to graduation, and then was living in California. Kerry had moved to New Jersey. I graduated from the University of Maryland in 1988. I have been working as a social worker for various organizations. Currently, I am the Director of Social Services at a nursing home. I moved away from the area after I graduated from the U of M. I sometimes drive by Peary when I am back in Maryland. It is very heartbreaking to see! I wonder about my old classmates at times and wonder what people are doing… I know I missed my 10 year reunion. Someone told me that I was on a “lost” list. Anyway, you must get a lot of letters similar to this!
Take Care!
Jill
From: Art Posey (1976) DVLA36A[AT]prodigy.com Date: Wed, 28 May 1997 Subject: Update on Neil Simons
The following article appeared in the May 20, 1997 issue of The Orange & White (Magazine of Clemson University sports):
’97 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees Selected
The Tiger Letterman Board of Directors have selected the following athletes to be inducted into the Clemson Athletic Hall of Fame…. Neil Simons – baseball (1977-1980)….
These outstanding athletes will be inducted during ceremonies Friday, Nov. 13th and introduced at the annual Hall of Fame game on Saturday Nov. 14th against North Carolina.
[This article and photos are on the website under “People” News]
From: Jay Hepner (1975) Jay_Hepner[AT]fc.mcps.k12.md.us Date: Thu, 29 May 1997 Subject: Jay Hepner News
Am greatly enjoying the whole MSO Online phenomenon. First heard about it from Kevin Brooks at Kristy’s Giant; Jay Weissler, one of my best Peary friends ever, and Pete Cottrell, ditto. Also Mike LaRue and a host of others. My to be short-lived address via Net: Jay_Hepner[AT]fc.mcps.k12.md.us. This will be short-lived because I’m teaching special education (severely emotionally disturbed students) at Churchill High School, where only two years ago, Lynn Boyd, former history teacher extraordinaire plyed his trade. Now he’s a golf pro at Manor Country Club, and he’s in touch with Eileen Steinkrauss, head of the math and science magnet program at Blair HS.
Eva and I had our first child, Shayna Mechaya Hepner at 7:34pm EDT on May 1, 1997. She weighed 7′ 9 3/4″ and was 19′ long. She has a fair tousle’s worth of strawberry blond hair, somewhat belying her parentage (hmmm!); Eva and I both have dark hair, but early pictures of me at one year show a somewhat tow-headed kid, soooooo….. She also has baby blue eyes, cornflower blue in your Binney and Smith 64-pack.
Eva and Shayna and I are planning on attending the Class of ’77 picnic on 8/10/97, where it will be nice to see some whose papers I graded while an aide for Mr. Pine in ’74-75 and all others who were part of my King of the World year. I remember being taken aback when I visited PHS in the fall of ’75 and discovered that a whole ‘nother class was scheduled for matriculation in 3 years. Somehow I thought the Class of ’77 would graduate and then that would be it. Too bad that actually happened to the Class of [’84]….
To tell my life story in a few short paragraphs: Had a Lawrence Wiser State Senatorial Scholarship to the Uof Md, for $100 per semester, not bad when tuition was $350 per, but not enough, especially when saddled with three lame-o roommates at MD’s Easton 6 quad, to keep me in school. Fall of ’76 I read On the Road in the only class I’ve ever failed in my life: American Literature Since 1855, taught by Matt Whalen, who smoked like a chimney, hadn’t chosen Huckleberry Finn as required reading for the course which I’ve never forgiven him for, given as it’s my favorite work of literature and even at that time had read it at least seven of the thirteen or so times I’ve read it now, but who did change my life by choosing On the Road. Nineteen years ago today, 5/29/78, I was indeed on the road, in Chicago, where Jay Weissler, Class of ’76, was a student at the U of C, Tufts dorm, 3rd floor as I recall, I know I was sleeping on it, and it was Memorial Day (so-called for convenient holiday purposes) and Weiss, I and several others including the notorious Linda Wollschlager played in the J. Allen Clatworthy (not the real name) annual Chicago-style softball (the size of one of those red rubber elementary school kickballs with the little fans embossed on) game and beer blowout. Contact Weissler at jayw[AT]il.us.swissbank.com for further and correct details. But I was there and hard on the heels of my stint at the Playboy Club in Uptown Chicago, where I was introduced to the catchphrase “a lick and a promise”….
Anyway, these days I am a teacher or substitute teacher in Montgomery County Public Schools, depending on the day/assignment and run into ex-Peary personnel semi-regularly. Used to see Lynn Boyd a lot, see Stan Boteler at QOHS, Clarke and Edwards (Dawson) at RM, Hassler at Magruder, not to mention kids of former Pearyites, Dave Schrider’s nephew, Nick, for example.
More chapters of my life story to come…. This MSO Online is grrrreeeaaattt!
HEP
From: John Strong (1977) strongj[AT]usa.net Date: Fri, 30 May 1997 Subject: Reunion 77
Hi, Haven’t had much time to write lately. It’s been busy here in the MED with everything going on in Albania and Bosnia.
I wish I could make the August reunion, but unfortunetly I have commitment in Turkey with family..Maybe the 25th, I hope.
I see more and more people are finding this web site. I couldn’t believe the pictures of the school…really has gone downhill. It’s been so long since I actually been up there….ahhhh those partying days..
If anyone remembers some of the parties at my house, this is kinda of an ironic twist. The state bought the house from my family and run a halfway house out of it…..Hope they didn’t look behind any walls……
Oh well…..I am off for three day’s and I am off to a little town in northern Italy 10 km from Monte Carlo. My Italian landlord lets me use his villa up there. I just love the European hospitality…..
Ciao, John S.
From: Carole Stein Dibo (1976) CDibo[AT]aol.com Date: Sun, 1 Jun 1997 Subject: Mr. “Law” Thomas
The other night I was telling my 12 year old daughter a story about Mr. Thomas and how he had staged a fight between himself and a student during class to make a point about something. I can’t remember the details, but I know it caused a huge impact on class at the time. Does someone from the class of 1976 have a better memory of this (during the 1975-76 year)?
Keep up the great work,
Carole Stein Dibo
From: Dave Warner (1975) dwarner75[AT]aol.com Date: Mon, 2 Jun 1997 Subject: Update
I’m a senior editor with Nation’s Business, the monthly magazine of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. I’ve been married nearly 15 years and have four children. Thanks to Bob and Neal for all the work on the Peary web site! I hope to attend a Friday night Peary reunion soon.
Other Warners graduting from PHS: Amy Warner Wasel (’78); Mike (’80); Sally Warner Amatucci (’82)—married to Eddie Amatucci (’82); and Judy Warner Weixel (’84)—married to Pat Weixel (’84).
From: Eric Jensen (1972) ejensen[AT]tyler.net Date: Mon, 2 Jun 1997 Subject: Update
I am married to a lady whose family home was named a national monument in Palestine Texas. I am an attorney, with 2 smart teenagers. I have my own TV show. Check out my web page at http://www.advanced-av.com. I like salt water boating and fishing. I don’t hunt anymore, neither do I play golf, football or basketball.
From: Jeanne Leatherwood Coote (1978) KRAINIAT[AT]beachlink.com Date: Wed, 4 Jun 1997 Subject: I finally found you!!
Gosh! What an exciting web page to come across. Even though I have stayed in touch with many of my classmates I would like to fill the other ones in. After graduation I played. In 1982 I got married and in 1984 we moved to the great Outer Banks. In 1988 on Valentines Day I had my first child, a son, Wade. In 12/26/90 I had my daughter Jenaleigh. In 1995 I got my divorce. Isn’t that they way it should go?? I have been working in Kill Devil Hills (exactly .3 miles from my home) with Beach Mortgage Co., for the past 5 years. I am the Treasurer and Sr. Loan Processor. My family also lives here. John Leatherwood (1976) has a son Kyly 11 and daughter Morgan 1-1/2. My parents are doing great being able to see their grandchildren anytime they want. Look me up if you’re ever in town. Last month (May) I finally took a trip back to Rockville. I haven’t seen the sites since our 15th reunion. I had a blast seeing as many friends as possible. I stayed with Sandy VanDusen (’77). The biggest thrill was seeing the Quinter girls (women now) all at one time. (classes of 80, 81, 82 and 2 others.) It’s been over 10 years.
Well Neal and Bob thanks for all the great work in keeping us in touch with one another. I look forward to seeing the class of 78 next year at our 20th.
See ya for now!
From: Mike Holder (1968) holder[AT]vitro.com Date: Tue, 10 Jun 1997 Subject: June MSO
At 3AM Monday [6/9] the father of Walter Greenspon class of 67 and Sue Greenspon class of ? passed on to the next world. Rueben Greenspon had been failing progressively since the passing of his wife a few years ago. Graveside ceremony at Parklawn Cemetery on Wednesday June 11 at 1030 AM. He will be missed for his humor and his joy, but we know that he will not be lonely anymore.
From: Edward Amatucci (1982) edward.amatucci[AT]nist.gov Date: Tue, 10 Jun 1997 Subject: June MSO
Hello Huskies! Class of ’82
Sally Warner Amatucci and Edward (Eddie) Amatucci have just moved to Mt. Airy, Maryland. We have two kids, Claire (age 6) and Luke (age 11 months). All is going well.
I was wondering about a few friends I never heard from. So, If you recognize my name or Sally’s send me an e-mail at amatucci[AT]cme.nist.gov. Also, we never got any news on the ’82 reunion. Would someone send me the details?
Thanks, Eddie
From: Kerry Daniel (Mary Hight) (1965) KERYDANIEL[AT]aol.com Date: Thu, 12 Jun 1997 Subject: Submission for MSO
Wow, what a month this has been! Peary’s WEB page is right at the top of my list of favorite Internet sites. I’ve found so many friends I haven’t seen or heard from in nearly 30 years, and each day brings new surprises to my e-mail box.
Jay Mitchell had a very poignant reason for wanting to find his old high school girlfriend, who also happened to be my best friend. It was sort of urgent that I find her, so you might say I was “on a mission.” We’d both lost track of Lynne [Moore] more than 27 years ago, but I did remember the name of the man she married back then, and also remembered they had moved to Tempe, Arizona. Using the Switchboard area of the Internet People Locator service, I found about 10 people living in AZ with the same last name, and two of them had the exact first and last names as Lynne’s husband. The first number I dialed had been disconnected. The second one took me right into an insurance office; the owner of the agency was Lynne’s former husband, who had her telephone number right at his fingertips. Within 5 minutes I was talking to my old friend—and we talked for nearly 2 hours. It was awesome that we were immediately able to pick up the threads of our childhood friendship, as though time had stood still.
From there Jay was able to reach Lynne. And Lynne and I were both able to connect with Sue Stone Jenkins, another mutual friend we hadn’t seen or talked to in over 27 years. Now that Lynne’s been bitten by the sleuthing bug, she’s started finding other Peary people herself using the Internet locator sources.
And the other day I had another wonderful surprise: I sent a short e-mail message to Eugene MacKay, a chemistry teacher at Peary back in the mid-60s, who is now living in upstate NY. I wrote to ask him if he knew how I might reach other classmates of mine, thinking some of them may have stayed in touch with him through the years. What started as a single e-mail note has blossomed into a warm friendship with Gene as we’ve discovered how many interests we share today. Just to let everyone know, I was probably the worst chemistry student that ever passed through the halls of Peary.
If any of you have even the spark of an interest in communicating with someone from your past, do it now before it’s too late. You can’t imagine the joy of reconnecting with an old friend, sharing memories, and weaving fresh new threads into the tapestry of a relationship that once warmed your heart.
I’m someone who often grumbles at all the negative things technology has brought us: people and life moving too fast, obsolescence everywhere, and the general feeling that people are becoming more insignificant with each passing day. So it truly thrills me to find something wonderful in all the chaos.
So if you have ever cared about ANYONE and have lost that person over the years, find them now and tell them how much they meant to you. If it’s quicker, send an e-mail. Just do it. You’ll be surprised how good it will make them—and you—feel.
From: Kerry Daniel (Mary Hight) (1965) KERYDANIEL[AT]aol.com Date: Thu, 12 Jun 1997 Subject: Help Find Missing Persons, Class of ’65
It occurs to me there aren’t too many people from the early Peary classes who have posted e-mail addresses. There are less than a dozen, I think, for my class of ’65. And I have a feeling it may be a number of years before we can stimulate enough interest for an in-person alumni among members of that class. I have undertaken the huge task of trying to find people anyway. The reason? I want to send out questionnaires so we can have a “newsletter reunion.”
Also, when I send out the questionnaires I will ask for current photos of 1965 alumni and their families. Once the responses and photos come back, I will put together a scrapbook—a traveling scrapbook, if you will. That means that any of our classmates who want to borrow the scrapbook will be able to do so. All they’ll need to do is remit enough money to cover the cost of mailing it out— and back (to assure its return). And sign a statement promising to send it back as soon as they finish looking at it, so I can mail it to the next person on the list.
So far, using Internet People Locator services I’ve been able to locate many of the alumni (mostly the fellows), and also have solid leads on some family members who still live in the area, who may be able to provide information on a number of missing alumni. Still, there’s a lot of work left to do to find everyone—or to learn of their demise. So I’m hoping readers of MSO may be able to help me.
As you read the names below, really think about them. Many of these people may have been neighbors of yours. Perhaps their parents worked with your parents. Maybe they have a sibling who dated a sibling of yours. Any scrap of information you know may be useful in this search.
Here’s the list of missing:
Rebecca Lee Anderson, Diane E. Baker, Susan L. Baker, Charles T. Balent, Linda Sue Bass, Donald S. Battersby, Robert Bell, Everly Blacketor, Patricia Ann Blankenship, Debera Ellen Breach, Cheryle Lynette Brown, Elizabeth Eileen Brown, Grace I Burns, Carole A. Catlin, Edith A. Chaiken, Kimberly Chancey (Ricketts), Marcia G. Cohen, Steve Conner, Sara Cosman, Rosary Cram, Edwin H. Davidson, Jr., Guy G. Dechene, Joan DeLozier, Margaret A. Evans, Malinda C. Fadley, Alan E. Fagles, Robert E. Farrell, Betty A. Farrow, Marie Theresa Faulkner, Donald E. Ford, Sandra A. Geiger, Roy A. Gilfix, Kim D. Gingerich, Karen R. Gobielle, Jill Gonski, Alan R. Gordon, Tom Gallanos, Carol J. Hall (Curry), Madalyn A. Hardy, Carol E. Harris, Cheryl J. Harris, Elizabeth A. Hockaday, Ann E. Hoffman, Vivian Hollins, Carol A. Hoover, Clifton Hosford, Susan M. Jackson, Linda F. Jenkins, Diane E. Kerkering, Cathie A. Koses, Linda L. Lane, Gail Elizabeth Lee (Tackett), Julia Helene Leins, Pamela S. Littlewood, Kathleen McCraw, Don Mackay, Martha Newman, Cecelia Pernia, John E. Nelson, Patricia A. Peterson, Diana L. Phillips (Wheeler), Karen Rafte, Pamela Rafte, Michael W. Rasch, Barbara J. Rhodes, Thomas F. Riley, Sharon Moran.
Also: I need mailing addresses for the following faculty members: Santa Vadala, Frank Sink, Vincent Gibbs, J. Staney, Phyllis Magrab, Joan Percival, David Moran, Nancy Bratton, Evalyn Longley, Sara Dunlap, Pearl Richardson, Jean Maykuth, Ralph Zampgana, Walter Mehlferber, James Hinds, Ilona Marton, William Heard, Earnest Mate, Alice Syeles, Gerald Wick, Mrs. Zimmerman, Avonell Greene Melvin Winstein, Milton Proett, John Lewis, Katherine Sykes, John Pryzbocki, Marlene Sutton, Warrick Hill, Carrie Luck, Richard Sprowls, James Courtney, Joseph Lynam, William James, Frank Moor, Evelyn Mohn, Martha Huntington, Bernice Ryder, June Bladen, William Williams, Ronald Laneve, Walter Thompson, William Thomas, Charles Richardson, John Stewart, Robert Pine, Harriet Lourie, Andrew Roberts, James Judd, Carol Bauer, Howard Hallock, Mintie Glass, Moreland Stevens, Lula Gallogly, Mary McCullough, John Prescott, Mary Martin, Jewel Dotson.
Maybe the only information you have is the knowledge the family moved away 10 or more years ago, and you remember “kind of” where they moved. Maybe just the name of the state. That’s okay. ANY information is better than none. It’s a clue, a piece of the puzzle, something with which to start down the trail to find them.
Thanks to anyone and everyone who can help me in my quest. If you have any information on these—or OTHER class of ’65 people not listed—please write to me. My e-mail address is: KERYDANIEL[AT]aol.com, or snail mail:
Kerry L. Daniel, P.O. Box 908, St. Petersburg, FL 33731
Kerry Daniel (a.k.a. Mary Hight, Class of ’65)
From: Jacquie Padgett (1972) KHDCom[AT]aol.com Date: Thu, 12 Jun 1997 Subject: Peary 72 Reunion
Please send me your updated information. Several of you have moved and I need current addresses and phone numbers. If you have not done so, please send it soon. If you have not received a postcard through snail mail concerning our 25th, contact me.
Check out the Peary web page next week. I hope to have posted a missing persons list and updated information on our reunion picnic on the 29th.
[The Missing Persons List for the Class of ’72 is now available at the website under 1972 Reunion Info, along with an interactive Class of ’72 update form – BL]
From: Jim Carr (1984) carrtrek[AT]aol.com Date: Fri, 13 Jun 1997 Subject: Peary Sweethearts to Cruise the Country!!
Hi, we’re Jim and Marci Carr. Jim is from the Class of 1984, the final class to graduate from Peary. Marci (formerly Anderson) is from the Class of 1986. Since Peary closed after her sophomore year, she had to finish high school at nearby Peary-rival, expletive deleted Rockville.
We both come from Peary families. Jim is the last of four Carr Peary graduates: Cynthia (’75), Mitchell (’76), and Chris (’79). Both Mitch and Chris were presidents of the SGA, a stunning achievement considering both were illiterate. Marci’s older sister Teoti Pullie (Anderson) graduated in ’83.
Marci and Jim met at Peary and started dating in April of his senior year, several months after he dumped his last girlfriend (an older woman) for marrying another man! Jim, being a “big, bad senior,” did his best to coax young Marci out of her cradle and into his ’66 Thunderbird (another Peary graduate). His antics included dancing outside the windows where Marci was taking Child Development. Fortunately Marci knew his feet well enough to recognize him since that was all she could see from her basement classroom.
Jim finally wooed her when he gave her an autographed picture of himself that was published in the Midnight Sun. This picture of Jim “Jimbo” Carr holding a fish he caught stayed in her locker until the last day of school at Peary. After this Marci was “hooked” (nyuk). Not too many months later he finally got her into the back seat of his Thunderbird (which wasn’t that big a deal since the passenger seat had fallen out months before) and onto the lower field at Peary. Unfortunately, a Park Policeman with a flashlight and no sense of romance enforced the “you gotta wear more than just a smile” law, thus ruining an otherwise fine evening and undoing months of preparation. Jim and Marci dated for over six years before getting married in 1990, right after Marci graduated from the University of Maryland with a degree in Psychic Reading (something she always knew would happen). Marci has been teaching for the last seven years. Jim is a freelance programmer ( http://www.herbedroom.com/ipbbs.htm), specializing in software that doesn’t require any hardware to run.
However, we’re giving up all our fame and fortune to cruise the country for a year. We are selling off and storing all we own to explore the USA and her neighbors (the Mertons). We will be towing a Coleman Taos folding trailer (nicknamed The Den) behind our Tomato Wagon (an orange 1982 Mercedes diesel station wagon). We’re used to primitive camping, so a folding trailer with electric and gas for cooking is quite a luxury. We just wish there was more room for our bisexual maid/love slave, Inga the Magnificent.
What are we taking? Not much! In addition to basic camping gear, we’ll be bringing our seven year old black Labrador Retriever (Buck), Jim’s guitar, a laptop, and maybe some extra underwear (mesh, of course)!
We are looking forward to exploring the natural beauty this country has to offer, including the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, and those nude beaches in California. If possible we will be traveling a course that will keep us warm the whole time! We plan to try to stay out for a year, but it really depends on how long our money – and patience – hold out. In fact, we decided not to pack any sharp or pointy objects.
We have not set a schedule, just a list of places we definitely want to visit. If any of our fellow Peary graduates have suggestions for “must-see” places around the country, please send us e-mail at carrtrek[AT]aol.com, which is the address we will be using during the trip. We also have a web page at http://users.aol.com/carrtrek/index.htm if you’d like to stop by to see pictures from our adventure (we’ll announce here when the nude beach pictures are online). For those of you who remember shy, little Marci as a stick, be sure to stop by http://www.herbedroom.com for a special treat (kids not allowed)!
We will be having a going away party on Saturday, July 12. If you’re a long lost girlfriend, boyfriend, or friend and would like to stop by, just drop us an e-mail for directions. If you never liked us, so what? We’re going on a year long trip and you’re not!
This message has been sponsored by “Repeats,” the only adult magazine for married men – and the only magazine with the same centerfold every month.
James Carr http://www.herbedroom.com/ipbbs.htm
From: Scott Simpson (1981) simpsors[AT]wwps.dnet.dupont.com Date: Fri, 13 Jun 1997 Subject: Newsletter Article
Hi Peary Alumni. What I’ve been up to since graduating? Terie Nielsen (1983 Peary grad) and I married after completing college and Montgomery and the University of Deleware. She degreed in English and Psychology. My degrees are in Engineering. I joined Dupont and moved to the Atlanta area for a couple of years. Was transferred to Columbus, Ohio (Go Buckeyes! – that’s mandatory around these parts) and have been there ever since. It’s a good city to live in (except no ocean). Terie had several jobs but has been a stay at home mom since our first son, Trevor, four years ago. We have another boy, Blair, who is just two months old. Terie loves being “Mom” and is great at it – it is her #1 focus. I started in engineering with Dupont. Moved to manufacturing supervision, then to the marketing and sales side of things. Was a market development manager for a couple of years – a great job. Did a bunch of overseas travel (Asia Pacific, India, Europe) which was exciting and interesting. A lot of good/unique stuff out there. Am now the U.S. Manager for one of Dupont’s product lines. Travel almost every week, but I mostly work from my home office (the way of the 90’s) when in town. That works out great to spend good time with the family and get the job done! Terie and I were avid waterskiers. The boat has been mostly on hold since the kids. I played football in Columbus with the National Rough Touch League for the last five years or so. It’s a blast – just like regular football minus the tackling and with no equipment (makes for alot of contact and injuries). My biggest hobby is golf. I’m pretty poor at it, but have fun. My motto is “to play really bad golf on really nice courses”. Haven’t been back to Rockville since high school except to visit family. Would be happy to hear from any classmates. Good wishes to all. Scott Simpson.
From: David Warner (1975) DWarner75[AT]aol.com Date: Fri, 13 Jun 1997 Subject: What I did on my summer vacation.
Dear Fellow Peary Alumni:
I found this wonderful web site last week and, since all have been invited to tell what they’ve been doing since graduation from PHS, I thought someone (anyone?) would like to know what I’ve been doing for the past 22 years—so would I!
Seriously, though, like many (most?) of you, life was a blur for the first few years after stepping off that stage at Cole Field House. Me and my Class of ’75 buddies—Jim Makinen, Dave Kovack, Rick Dionisio, Bob Shuman, Brian Boyd, Mike Nowak, John Bitango, Jon Lamb, Tom Gazenski, Mark Peters—did a lot of partying, as I recall, until we all went off to college or “real” jobs. I went to West Virginia University from the fall of ’75 through the spring of ’77, where I received a $4,000-year party. I did join a fraternity—Theta Chi. (Any brothers out there?) I continued my tour of East Coast colleges in the fall of ’77 at Montgomery College-Rockville, or “Peary-on-the-Pike” as we all knew it. Sometime in the late ’70s, I went to U. of Md. for a semester. I finally got serious about my post-secondary education in 1981 when I enrolled at Towson State University. I received my bachelor’s in mass communication —journalism and public relations—in the fall of 1982. Along the way, I worked as a cook, a surveyor, a bookkeeper, and an accountant. I’m sure there were a few other odd, short-lived jobs during that time, I just can’t remember them. I also played a lot of softball on teams made up mostly of Peary alums—Jim Makinen, Dave Kovack, Tom Gazenski, Jon Lamb, Donny Pooton (’75), Jim Lamb (’73), Pat (’73) and Joe (’74) Messett, Tom Kovack (’72), John (’74) and Billy Shannon (’76), John Cannon (’75), Bob Long (’74), and many others. Of course, the softball playing was just a pretext for going out after a game and drinking beer.
I met my future wife, Susan—sorry, a High Point H.S. grad—at a New Year’s eve party (Jan. 1, 1981) at Tom Gazenski’s (’75). We were married in August 1982. That’s about the time I finally settled down. I completed the seven-year plan for my college degree, landed a job with a D.C. public relations firm, then moved over to the National Rifle Association in 1984 to write for its legislative newspaper and to handle press calls. My 15 seconds of fame came when I was quoted on the NBC Today Show about a Maryland court’s ruling on a handgun product-liability suit. In 1988, I took a job writing for the legislative newspaper of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, where I’ve been for nearly 10 years. I now also write for Nation’s Business, the monthly magazine of the Chamber. I’ve done some free-lance writing, too, over the past 15 years. In the early ’80s, I was a sports writer for the Montgomery Sentinel. I did a story on Peary’s soccer coach, Bob Pine, just before the school closed. I then moved up to big-time sports writing, covering the Redskins, Orioles, and Capitals, as well as local college basketball, for the Associated Press and United Press International. But my biggest accomplishment—and biggest pleasure—has been in helping to raise my four children. As all of you with kids know, it’s a demanding, sometimes frustrating, but always rewarding endeavor. My oldest starts high school (Paint Branch) in the fall; the youngest will be in first grade.
So, things have been pretty good since I left the hallowed halls of Peary. I still have fond memories of the place—sneaking into football games, fishing from the bleachers, and the “black path.” And I’m grateful to all the teachers who put up with us—Mr. Clarke, Mr. Boyd, Mr. Williams, Mr. Cino, Ms. Vadala, and “Hola! Colonel” Heard (spelling?). Some of you younger graduates may remember my brother and sisters who went to Peary: Amy (’78), Mike (’80), Sally (’82), and Judy (’84). All but Mike still live in the area. (Mike just recently moved to Boulder, Colo.) I still see many of the guys I hung around with in high school—Makinen, Kovack, Dionisio, Gazenski, Lamb, Peters, and Pooton. On Thursday nights in the winter, when I play basketball it’s a regular Peary reunion: Bruce Heller (’74), Rob Shrieder (’73), Brian Cannon (’76), and the ’75 crew of Kovack, Gazenski, Peters, Keith Heinrich, John Kotsiras, and Doug Lanciano. Others who show up now and then include Pat Messett (’73), Keith Nisson (’75), Steve Kitsoulis (’75), and Marty Costello (’76). Just like softball, the basketball is just an excuse for spending a night out with the boys and drinking a few cold ones after we’ve huffed and puffed up and down the court a few times. Invariably, while we’re sitting around the bar, the conversation turns to the mostly good times we had at Peary.
Well, I’ve rambled on for too long. Finally, I just want to thank Bob and Neal for giving all those who were fortunate enough to attend Peary a place to brag about what we’ve made of ourselves and a place to reminisce about our time at PHS.
See you at Silo Inn.
From: Neal Pizzano (1976) pizzano[AT]erols.com Date: Sat, 14 Jun 1997 Subject: Friday Night Gatherings
If anyone knows of a band that contains a Peary grad, send the name of the group (and the name of the alum) to me. I will try to pursue the band and bring them online with us.
The “results” of the FNG contest….. looks like BADGES won! Where possible, we’ll try to do some blue and white balloons. We’re already utilizing some customized badges, along with color “Husky” printouts to wear from Dave Alde (’69), and it is quick, cheap, and easy.
[At the suggestion of Brenda Hunter Gruber (’76) an online utility/form will be created in the near future so you can “fill in the blanks” and print your own badge directly from the website, including the Husky photo, and then get yourself a clear plastic namebadge—like you get at meetings and conferences—and slip the printout right into the holder]
From: Bob Lau (1976) blau[AT]clark.net Date: Sat, 14 Jun 1997 Subject: Thanks
A quick public thank-you from Kristy and me to many of you who offered their support and prayers for my favorite aunt who passed away recently.
QUICK-TAKES FROM THOSE WHO’VE JUST JOINED US ONLINE
Robert J. Williams – Class of 1974 williamb[AT]up.lib.mi.us Married to Isabelle, 4 children: Karl 17 yrs/Kevin 10 yrs/Kristina & Kayla 5 yrs
Nadera Lucy Salah – Class of 1976 nsalah[AT]csc.com Siblings – Mary Salah Calis 1974, Henry Salah, John Salah.
Denise Holliday Wade – Class of 1982 dwade[AT]pmmi.orgI am married, now 13 years with two wonderful children ages 12 and 9.
David A. Johncox – Class of 1971 daj[AT]sprintmail.com Currently a hydrologist with the USGS, play sax, guitar, and sing part-time in R&B band, homebrew, play several organized sports, have 3 young sons, married Karon Christenson in 1984.
Jill Leigh Sinkoff – Class of 1984 JSinkoff[AT]aol.com Social Worker. Looking For Monique Pelletier & Kerry Knight
Bill Barish – Class of 1973 wbarish[AT]dswebnet.com Wife – Carol, Children – Peter and Michael
Kathy Everett Johnston – Class of 1969 zbjohnston[AT]aol.com Spouse: Andy Johnston (President Peary Class of 1969) Children: Matthew Everett Johnston, married, 1 daughter Russel Alan Johnston, 3rd year Salisbury Univ.
Lisa Stein Aron – Class of 1979 LSAron[AT]aol.com Siblings: Debby Stein, Andi Stein, Carole Stein Children: Hannah – 5-1/2, Audrey – 1-1/2
Nancy Wrenn Ruffner – Class of 1971 NGDR[AT]aol.com Registered Nurse. PTA President. Son Daniel age 9 and daughter Laura age 6. Happily married to Peary alum Guy Ruffner Class of ’70.
Guy Ruffner – Class of 1970 NGDR[AT]aol.com Captain at the Montgomery County Detention Center. Son Daniel, daughter Laura. Happily married to Peary alumni Nancy Wrenn (Class of ’71)
Barbara Rhodes Moore – Class of 1965 bandsm[AT]aol.com My sister, Betty Rhodes Ricci, went to Peary thru 1965. She graduated from Gaithersburg High School in 1966.
James Michael Perry – Class of 1978 JMgolfP[AT]aol.com I have three children, Michael, Kaitlyn and Brian. I am a Manufacturing Engineer at Solarex, Worlds leading Photovoltaic manufacturer. I was a chef for 12 years. Live in the Historic section of Hagerstown. Love to play Golf.
Bill Johncox – Class of 1969 billjohn[AT]juno.com Network Engineer – First Bank Systems (Colorado National Bank)
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The Midnight Sun Online – http://www.pearyhs.org
Midnight Sun On-Line
Volume 1, Number 11, June 1997
Volume 1, Number 10, May 1997
MIDNIGHT SUN ONLINE
-The Online Newsletter for Robert E. Peary High School Alumni-
MSO WEB SITE – http://www.pearyhs.org
INTRODUCTION
Hello Huskies:
REUNIONS: Summer is approaching and so are several class reunions. If you’re in the class of 1967, 1971, 1972, 1977, or 1982—it’s time to get on the ball and contact your reunion coordinator if you plan on attending the events and haven’t made your reservations yet. Updated information is available on the website.
HAPPY HOURS: Attendance of alumni at the weekly Friday Night Gatherings has been growing. As many of you know, these happy hours are scheduled in advance and all alumni are invited to join in. The May 23 gathering will be held at The Gulf Coast Kitchen in Bethesda, and May 30 will be at The Magic Cue in Germantown. See the “Events” section on the website or write to Neal Pizzano at npizzano[AT]erols.com to be placed on the happy hour updates list.
PEARY HIGH SCHOOL NIGHT AT THE RACES: In the past, I’ve thrown a relatively large gathering that seems to have become an annual event—only now, looks like it’s going to be a “Peary Reunion.” If you like horses and betting on ’em, we hope you’ll be able to join us for this multi-class party. All Peary alumni, staff, and friends are invited. We’ll have a private “party” area, our own terminal and teller for placing bets, door prizes, dinner, cash bar, our alma mater in the program, pace car rides, etc. Even if you don’t like the ponies, you’ll enjoy the food and the company! This event will be held at Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, MD, right off the Beltway. Tentative date is July 12. The date, dinner choices, price, and other details to be confirmed—check the “Events” section occasionally for detailed information on this soon.
PAST MSO NEWSLETTERS: Though we’re all “online,” not everyone has the capability to browse the Web. Past issues of the MSO are available at the website, but for anyone who wishes to receive a back issue via e-mail, all you have to do is send an e-mail message to
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DR. DUMAIS: There is a short blurb in this issue regarding Peary’s last principal, Dr. Richard A. Dumais. Dr. Dumais is not online, but after you read the information, you might want to send some get-well wishes to him for a speedy recovery. Please contact Neal Pizzano or myself if you wish to contact Dr. Dumais. TO DR. DUMAIS, who is a mail subscriber of this newsletter: All of your students, during your term and prior to, wish you well!
Fellow alums, we’d all like to know what you’ve been up to, so send us your news items for the next issue of the MSO. The deadline is Saturday June 14.
Enjoy the May 1997 MSO,
Bob Lau
Editor/Webmaster, The Midnight Sun Online
From: Jackie Rupel (1980) jrupel[AT]theriver.com Date: Tue, 22 Apr 1997 Subject: From Lisa Rupel
I certainly appreciate being able to correspond this way. It’s nice to know my Peary classmates are still alive and kicking. I only attended Peary in 12th grade, but I have many fond memories. I’m wondering if you could help me. I am trying to find my best friend, Anita Scodari. Class of 77 to 79. If anyone has knowledge of her whereabouts, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you so much!
From: Ruth Kaneshiro Fujita (1970) ruthf[AT]htdc.org Date: Wed, 23 Apr 1997 Subject: Ruth (Kaneshiro) Fujita (1970)
Mary (Pratt) Rhiel sent me snail mail copies of a couple newsletters and I was delighted to visit the website today. I was just in the White Flint area visiting my sister-in-law in March and thought about cruising by dear ole PHS to show the kids where “mommy went to high school”. At 10 and 6 six years old, they weren’t terrible enthused so I had to forego that indulgence in nostalgia. Every time I rode the Metro I scanned the crowd hoping to see a familiar face. By the last day of our trip I finally resigned myself to the fact that 27 years is a long time and I probably wouldn’t recognize a classmate if he/she was sitting next to me. It was nice to hear about a few ’70 grads on the webpage.
Of the Peary HS grads in my family, Cheryl (Kaneshiro) To (1968) lives in New York City with her artist husband Maciej Toporowiez (some of his work is also viewable on the web). She just resigned as the long time General Manager of Keens restaurant and will be spending time here in Honolulu and Southeast Asia to develop the cuisine for her own restaurant.
I returned to Honolulu in 1970, graduated with a degree in Biology from UH and have been here ever since. Currently working with a biotech start-up in operations. Married, two sons, three cats, one dog, one lovebird and a Jackson Chameleon. Keep up with Mary Pratt, Cathy Wilson, Stephanie Goldstein and Beth Ciperson whenever she visits here. Got a call from Art Chapman while he was stopped here on a merchant marine trip.
Stan (1972) lives in Kodiak, AK, owns own home, boat, all-terrain vehicles, hunts bear, moose and anything else that moves, keeps the Honolulu family supplied with salmon, crab, clam, halibut, scallops and occasional moose steaks. Spends his bachelor days traveling and enjoying life.
The younger sibs returned to Honolulu before HS but Brookhavenites might remember them. Stuart is a chemist and Lynne is an entymologist, both single surfers (waves as well as web).
Well, gotta go pick up the kids.
Ruth
From: Bryant Brooks (1974) HAN2BRY[AT]aol.com Date: Thu, 24 Apr 1997 Subject: Event Idea
Hey guys, let’s try to find a place to have a big crab feast. This year I will help out. Sorry I missed the bonfire.
talk to u later—Bryant Brooks
From: Michael Glick (1984) sally.glick[AT]cdsi.com Date: Mon, 28 Apr 97 Subject: MSO Update
I wanted to let everyone know what I am up to these days. After graduating from Peary in 1984, I attended St. Mary’s College of Maryland. I lettered in basketball for four seasons and in baseball for two seasons. More importantly, I graduated with a BA degree in History in 1988. While I was there, I met my lovely wife Sally (whose mother, Sari Hines, was in the first graduating class of Peary 1963 and wrote the Peary school song) and we were married in August of 1991. We now have a ten month old son (Robert Stanley Stoddard) and our family resides in Germantown, Maryland.
After graduation from college, I spent five years as a college basketball coach at both Montgomery College Germantown and Columbia Union College. At both schools, our teams were fortunate to capture district championships and win a place in their respective national tournaments. This success enabled me to land the head boy’s basketball coaching position at St. Vincent Pallotti High School. Ironically enough, I was hired for the position by Dr. Dick Dumais – our principal at Peary. I have just completed my fourth season at Pallotti as a Social Studies teacher and basketball coach. This past season, we finished with a 26-5 overall record and tied for first place with DeMatha in the WCAC North division at 10-3. We were ranked as high as 2nd in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, 3rd in the state of Maryland, and 8th in the Mid-Atlantic region. Amazingly, all of our success occurred while starting four juniors and with the first two players off the bench being sophomores. Next season should be very exciting – look for us in the newspapers!
I would love to hear from all my old classmates at Peary. You can reach me at sally.glick[AT]cdsihq.com.
Michael Glick
From: Kerry Daniel (aka Mary Hight) (1965) KERYDANIEL[AT]aol.com Date: Mon, 28 Apr 1997 Subject: Address for Lynne Moore (’65)
It has come to my attention that a number of alumni from the ’65 and ’66 classes have been trying to locate Lynne Moore. I should get the Sherlock Holmes Award for this one: I found her! I had a wonderful conversation with Lynne this evening and she would love to hear from former classmates.
[Note: Lynne has joined us online since Kerry’s news—you can contact Joy Lynne Moore Bent directly at tlbent[AT]doitnow.com or e-mail Kerry Daniel too! Thanks, Kerry.]
From: Kristin Lucas (1966) lucask[AT]mscd.edu Date: Mon, 28 Apr 1997 Subject: Classmate update
Do you remember Sandra Searles? She is now Sandra Dickinson and lives in England where she has made a career for herself in television. She was married to Peter Davison for 10 years (he was one of the Dr. Whos and has also been on more BBC and PBS productions than Carters has pills). Sandra was on The Benny Hill Show, had a part in The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, was in Superman III, and most recently, did an episode of Tales From the Crypt. Sandra did not graduate from Peary either as her family moved to Bethesda in 1963. Her brother, David, did, however. He lives with his wife Sandy McNinch (also a Peary alum, class of 1963) in Laguna Beach, CA.
From: Bob Lau (1976) blau[AT]clark.net Date: Mon, 5 May 1997 Subject: Dr. Dumais
Recently, Dr. Richard Dumais, the last Principal of Peary High School who now lives on the Eastern Shore, was seen wrapped in bandages. We understand that he has had some surgery. He’ll appreciate “Husky prayers” I’m sure.
If you would like to contact Dr. Dumais and send him some get-well wishes via postal mail, please contact Neal Pizzano at npizzano[AT]erols.com or me, Bob Lau, at blau[AT]clark.net and we’ll be sure to forward to him for you.
From: Pat Mattingly Estes (1972) Danrust132[AT]aol.com Date: Tue, 6 May 1997 Subject: Being introduced to a previous teacher by your daughter
Hi to all! I thought I would share a story with everyone and see if you can relate to it, as I did.
How would you feel if your child received their schedule for the following year and noticed that they are going to have a teacher that you had when you went to school? Well, that happened to me last year. My daughter had her schedule mailed to her last summer, for 9th grade this year. When I looked at it and noticed the name of a teacher I had in school, my jaw dropped. My daughter, Jennifer, is attending Magruder High School and is being taught History by, none other than, Mr. Ken Brace. I know he was young when I had him, in fact he was probably barely out of College, but you just don’t think of that as ever happening.
Well, I want to tell you, she’s had a ball with it. She took my “old” yearbooks in to school and was showing all of her friends, and Mr. Brace, his pictures and mine. I shudder at that, as my pictures were hideous looking back then. Mr. Brace, however, was very nice looking and I must say, he still is. Yes, I met up with him again. Jennifer was dying to take me to him and introduce us all over again. I don’t know how, after all the kids he’s taught and all the years that have passed, but he said he remembered me.
In fact, to all the alumni of the Class of 1972, he paid us a very nice compliment, by saying that he remembered our class well and thought we were a great group of kids. For the other alumni, don’t take this too personally. He probably just said that for my daughter’s benefit.
Well, I gotta go! Lots to do. Thanks to Nancy Katen Carlstrom [1972] for giving her mom this web site address to pass on to me.
For anyone in the Class of 1976, yes, I am the sister of Rick Mattingly and am now the sister-in-law of Linda Estes. If you would like to reach either one of them, LMK. FYI, Linda is married and living in Florida, Rick is single, but involved, and living on the Eastern Shore.
Pat Mattingly Estes, Class of 1972
From: Janelle Burke (1974) jbtm[AT]erols.com Date: Tue, 6 May 1997 Subject: PEARYITE WEDDING
Hi—thought someone out there may be interested—
Janelle (Jan) Burke (Class of 1974) and John (Tony) Maris (Class of 1975) are to be wed in Lake Tahoe, Nevada on May 19th, 1997. Best Man: Chuck Bower (Class of 1974); Maids of Honor: Sandy Webb (Class of 1974) and Kathy Norris (Class of 1974)—ENTIRE WEDDING PARTY FROM PEARY! It’s got to be good luck!
Some points of interest—Tony and I did not know each other in High School (although I kinda remember a long-haired “rowdie” in a purple fringed jacket!!) In fact, we had been dating each other for about a year before we realized we were both from Peary. Was it FATE OR WHAT?! Also, the wedding party will be meeting in Tahoe from across the nation—Chuck now lives in California and the rest of us are still here in Maryland.
Thanks for all of your good work – Jan Burke jbtm[AT]erols.com
[Photos of the wedding are on their way and will be mounted on the website soon.]
From: Bob Lau (1976) blau[AT]clark.net Date: Thu, 8 May 1997 Subject: Reunion Reminders
A quick reminder that if you wish to place an advertisement in the 1971 25+1 Reunion booklet, the ordering deadline is May 25 (no exceptions). 1/3-page ad costs $30, 1/2-page $50, and full-page $75. Contact Roz Rubin at 301-762-3669 for further details.
Also, the 1971 reunion committee is still seeking help with any information on sports and old sports films that may be tucked away from the Peary years 1968-71. They wish to set up a “memories corner” at the hotel the night of the reunion. Old “home movies” would be great. Contact Barbara Dentz Riley at 301-607-9430, or e-mail her at timm[AT]erols.com if you can assist. Thanks.
The Class of 1982 regularly updates its “missing person” list. If you might know the whereabouts of 1982 classmates or if any of your siblings are on this list, please contact Karen Kushner at kushiek[AT]aol.com—the 1982 Questionnaire was due May 16; nevertheless, please update your information if you haven’t already done so.
We have not received any recent updates for the Class of 1977 Reunion. Contact Sandy VanDusen Forbes, reunion coordinator, for further details.
All the latest information we have on all reunions is available on the website. A Class of 1972 update is given later in this newsletter and is available online as well—and there is an online form for submitting information via the 1972 Reunion Questionnaire.
From: Gary Costello (1966) irishguy[AT]crosslink.net Date: Wed, 14 May 1997 Subject: May MSO Newsletter
Hello everyone!! I am back for a few weeks from combining busy work related meetings with some international travel. Just returned from a meeting in Thessaloniki, Greece. Thessaloniki, for those who have not been, is a busy seaport community with rush hours as bad as ours. Different exhaust standards though. The folks there begin work about 9 or 9:30 AM, get off at 2 or 3, join friends for a “frapee” (a version of iced coffee) in an outdoor cafe, go home for a nap, and then go out for dinner in a particular part of town with night clubs and restaurants. They again decend for a second sleep at about 3 AM to return to work the next AM. No one is overweight as their diet consists of octopus, shrimp, squid, salads with yogurt. Not a lot of drinking, but a lot of smoking. You can enjoy the neatest ruins near Thessaloniki, including the tomb of Alexander the Great, almost unharmed. The people are friendly and pride themselves in an art of traditional dancing, which even the young carry on.
Prior to Greece, I was in Buenos Aires for a meeting. Buenos Aires is another polluted city with many less privately owned cars like in Greece, but several thousand old taxis. However, there are few overweight people. The women dress in the latest short fashions with high heels, and are very well-groomed. Most of the women, actually, in Buenos Aires are 18 to 25. Others are believed to have gone to Brazil or other countries for work, which can be scarce. In Buenos Aires I received continuous attention from the Ministry of Justice and was treated to a very formal orchestral concert in a beautiful and very old theater. It was difficiult to leave the city because of business. But I am told Northern Argentina is beautiful.
Several business trips in the US planned: New Orleans, Rochester, Savannah and Nebraska….etc. Hope everyone is ATTEMPTING to enjoy life to its fullest. Hope to see some of you at one of these Friday nights.
From: Dean Peters (1977) petersd1[AT]westat.com Date: Wed, 14 May 1997 Subject: submission of article
Warmest regards from chilly Rockville from those of us from the ‘other’ Peters family; my brothers George (’74), Glenn (’79) and myself, Dean (’77).
This year seems to be the year for post-graduate graduations, with George receiving his CS degree in Environmental Engineering from the Colorado School of the Mines this past December, and myself, a CS degree in Computer Science and Software Engineering from Hood College this May 17. Hopefully, this will be the last time both of us have to don the cap and gown, although I think I’ve figured out that the extra stuff on the sleeves of a masters cap-n-gown can be fitted to contain an 8-inch sub sandwich on the left, and a 16 oz soft drink on the right. Still no place for the M&Ms.
For more boring and/or self-serving information about me, my family and my friends, please feel free to visit my website at:
BeanerSpace – http://members.tripod.com/~ctpeters
For those church-goers who would like to see some of my other WWW handi-work, please check out:
Redland Baptist Church http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/redlandbaptist/
Romanian Chapel Construction Project http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/meandean/
Looking forward to seeing many of my friends at the reunion this year… Constantine “Dean” Peters, class of ’77
From: Jeff Torri (1980) torrij[AT]giccs.georgetown.edu Date: Wed, 14 May 1997 Subject: Kyle Dean Rouse
I’d like to announce the birth of Kyle Dean Rouse, to Greg (’80) and Diana Rouse on Thursday evening, May the 8th. All are doing well. Greg and Diana were married the summer of 1995 and live in Deep Creek Lake Maryland where Greg teaches (high school and skiing) and Diana is a social worker for the county. Greg hopes to have Kyle barefooting by the Memorial Day weekend. Congratulations!
From: Jacquie Padgett (1972) KHDCom[AT]aol.com Date: Fri, 16 May 1997 Subject: Peary Reunion Update 1972
The Peary High School Class of 1972 will be holding an informal reunion the weekend of June 27th through the 29th, 1997. The events are as follows:
Friday June 27th Daytime. Golf with Peary 1971 Alumni at Little Bennett Golf Course. Limited openings to this event are still available. Cost $65.00. Details to be sent by mail. Response and money due no later than June 7th. First come basis.
Friday June 27th Evening: 8:00 pm. Reunion night at Tavenner’s Silo Inn, Georgia Avenue, Olney, MD. Cover $6.00 per person. Jr. Cline and the Recliners will provide music. Pay at the door. Food and beverages additional.
Saturday June 28th Evening. Reunion night at the Magic Cue, Germantown Commons, Germantown, MD. Cover $5.00 per person.* Providing music: Red Line, featuring alumni Dave Johnson and Rob Kilgore. Pay at the door. Food and beverages additional.
Sunday, June 29th Daytime. Family picnic. Location to be announced. * Bring your own lunch.
The class of 1971 has invited ’72 alumni to join them at their 25 + 1 reunion. $65.00 per person covers Friday night social, Saturday night dinner and dance and Sunday family picnic. Response and money due no later than June 7th. Complete information will be mailed to alumni with exact dates, times and details.
If you have relocated in the last 5 years, please contact Jacquie Padgett:
e-mail: KHDCom[AT]aol.com Fax/daytime M-F: 301-933-1947 Voice mail: 301-933-2176
Please leave name (including maiden name), current address, phone number, e-mail and fax number. Hope to see you there!
[* Note: The location for the picnic and the cover charge at Magic Cue are being confirmed—update/changes to follow. Please DOWNLOAD the 1972 reunion questionnaire from the website or fill-in the blanks using the ONLINE FORM (better). The information submitted online will be sent directly to Jacquie.]
From: Randy Crittenden (1969) Critten[AT]erols.com Date: Fri, 16 May 1997 Subject: Randy Crittenden (1969)
It was great to find a “Husky Homepage” and to see so many names from the past. Thanks to everyone responsible!!
I graduated in ’69 and have stayed in the Montgomery-Frederick area ever since. I am married with four children ranging in age from 26 to 7. My wife, Eileen, is a paramedic with the Damascus Fire Department.
Like many of my fellow ’69 graduates (John Flickinger, Don Freitag, Mike Mancuso, Steve Howells, Sandy Sullivan), I joined the Montgomery County Police Dept. in the early ’70s. I have worked at all five stations and I am now the district commander at Rockville. I plan to retire in October after 27 years of service.
Besides working most of the time, I keep busy playing in a classic rock – oldies band called “CONDUCT UNBECOMING”. We play at several bars and clubs in Frederick and Gaithersburg. I hope you catch us before long. I’ll be the one on the bass guitar.
It’s amazing how many Peary grads I run into all the time. Now I will tell them about this homepage.
See ya.
From: Bob Lau (1976) blau[AT]clark.net Date: Sat, 17 May 1997 Subject: Movies and Wedding Bells
Exciting summer coming up as far as the theatre screen goes. First, I’m grateful that I wasn’t cut from “Private Parts” (they probably didn’t edit out much in the first place). Haven’t seen it, but I’ll wait for the cable version, nonetheless. Same with “Air Force One” in which I had a very minor role that will probably wind up on the cutting room floor anyway. But “Washington Square” and “Contact” are different stories—keep your eyes open in these two… also “Wag the Dog” where both Kristy and I are in scenes with Dustin Hoffman, Robert Dinero, and Ann Heche. Cross your fingers for reruns of my “Homicide” episodes too (so I can get a few more paychecks smile). Production on Homicide begins again in July for the fall season.
Movie Production Update for the area: Universal Pictures is currently shooting “For Richer or Poorer” in Westminster, Havre D’Grace, and Aberdeen, MD. “Virus” will be filming in Norfolk, VA for 3 more weeks. “Species II” starts production here at the end of June for 11-12 weeks. Steven Spielberg’s “Deep Impact” will be here for two weeks in June. “The Day Lincoln Was Shot” begins shooting in Petersburg and Richmond, VA in June for a month. Also in the works “Lucid Days” and “Falling to Pieces.” Now whoever said that there was no such thing as “Hollywood on the Potomac?” In the past year, local actors working freelance pulled-in over $14M for themselves—not too shabby! So when these flicks are released, know that they were shot here and that you’ll be supporting your local starving artists—a few of them from your alma mater. Speaking of Spielberg, a recent “hit” to the website came from a computer at Dreamworks, Spielberg’s production company on the west coast. Do we have an alumnus working for Steven who’s lurking—or could it have been Mr. E.T. himself??
I recently had the opportunity to meet and chat with Cliff Robertson because of my Screen Actors Guild affiliation. A charismatic “legend” in his own right and one of the forefathers of the movie industry—you probably remember him as JFK in “PT 109” and his role in “Charlie” as well as an AT&T spokesperson, plus 46 other movies from way back when. Enough of the acting stuff.
For those of you close to the Class of ’76, Ed Wheeler and his fiance, Elizabeth, will be married on Saturday May 24 in Bristow, VA. Ed served on the Class of ’76 20-year reunion committee. Congratulations!
On a memorial note, ’76 classmate Jim Gazenski’s picture and a tribute are on display above the fireplace at Nickleby’s Restaurant in Germantown where Jim worked before his untimely passing. A photo of this placard will be placed online soon.
From: Nancy Rigterink (1977) Apaschalls[AT]aol.com Date: Sat, 17 May 1997 Subject: HI- HOW ARE YA DOIN’?
Hello classmates, etc.
I’m now in Tacoma, WA and have been here for almost 3 years. Was in Portland, OR for 10 out of the previous 12 years prior to that. Two kids – Sarah is 9 (3rd grade) and Christoper is 7 (1st grade). Married almost 13 years to Alan Paschall. I’m a mom at home – helping at the kids’ school for now. Was (am?) a cardiology nurse, but haven’t worked for the last 4 years. I’d love to make it back to the reunion, but it looks like we’ll be on vacation at that time. If plans change, will try to make it.
See you ?sometime?, Nancy (Rigterink) Paschall
From: Neal Lee Pizzano (1976) npizzano[AT]erols.com Date: Mon, 19 May 1997 Subject: FNG – Contest Entries
Well, here it is. The list of ideas to identify ourselves to one another when attending the Friday Night Gatherings. First, I will list the ideas, then, I will expand on them.
Nametags a. pre-printed (with no name) handed out at the gathering. 1) with a husky on it 2) with a “P” on it b. set up on the web page. can fill in name and then print 1) with a husky on it 2) with a “P” on it
Printed picture of a husky suitable for “pinning or taping” to one’s clothes.
Miniature Ships Bells (pinned on shirt/blouse or other piece of clothing)
Blue and White baloons placed at the location where we all meet in the bar/restaurant.
Hats a. Baseball caps 1) with letter “P” like on Letterman’s jackets. 2) with a husky 3) with “R E P” on it 4) with “Peary” in cursive lettering b. Golf visors. Visor imprinted with: 1) with letter “P” like on Letterman’s jackets. 2) with a husky 3) with “R E P” on it 4) with “Peary” in cursive lettering
T-Shirts a. with letter “P” like on Letterman’s jackets. b. with a husky c. with “R E P” on it d. with “Peary” in cursive lettering e. with the school seal f. a,b,d, or e with a husky on the back (other ideas can still be submitted if this is the winner)
Letterman’s Jackets
Pom-Pon/cheerleading pins
Buttons a. with letter “P” like on Letterman’s jackets. b. with a husky c. with “R E P” on it d. with “Peary” in cursive lettering
Hang Blue and White Crepe Paper (if the bar will let us.)
The ideas, somewhat expounded upon…
Nametags, though it’s difficult to see nametags in a dark and/or crowded room—they’re cheap enough anyway, especially if “online” where you would just type in your name and print the thing out.
Miniature ship’s bells—that work. They might annoy other patrons, but an occasional ringing would attract those looking for us.
Blue and white balloons in the bar/restaurant wherever the “group” is situated. That would attract attention (if the bar let’s us put them up).
Hats would be great, noticeable in a crowd, especially if a group is wearing them. Baseball caps with the original “P” like the letterman’s jacket—or a husky. Or golf visors.
Lots of people have suggested t-shirts.
Letterman jackets would be neat—but those leather things can get expensive.
Another idea—print out the husky picture from the web and stick it up somewhere—cheap and easy.
Well, those are the ideas. Now all you have to do is send in a vote BY NUMBER AND include the breakdown for specific type where appropriate. Next month we will post the winner.
Thanks for ALL the input. Hope to see you one Friday Night!!!
Friday Night Coordinator Neal Pizzano Class of …..Who cares?
The Midnight Sun Online – http://www.pearyhs.org
Midnight Sun On-Line
Volume 1, Number 10, May 1997
Volume 1, Number 9, April 1997
MIDNIGHT SUN ONLINE
-The Online Newsletter for Robert E. Peary High School Alumni-
NEW MSO WEB SITE – http://www.pearyhs.org
INTRODUCTION
Hello Huskies:
As many of you know, the Midnight Sun Online has a new URL (above)—lots of you have already visited the revised site. A special thank-you goes to David Thompson, Class of ’86, who is the web site coordinator at Clark Internet Services, for going out of his way to improve the access to the web page and allowing our files to be placed on a server that is specifically dedicated for this purpose. Many thanks to David and Clark Internet Services! I have been working with Jamie Clark (owner of “ClarkNet”) for all of my personal and business requirements for over three years now—and if you’re looking for a full-service Internet provider, though Clarknet may be slightly more expensive than other services, you can be assured of personal attention and features the other services don’t provide. Visit them at www.clark.net —and if you sign with them and tell them we sent you, you’ll also be helping us out with some bonuses that benefit the Peary MSO Home Page.
Attempting to keep this introduction brief, I did want to mention the above, but also that appreciation goes to many of you who have recently donated financially. This has allowed the securing of the new home page URL. The costs associated with the account and maintenance of the Peary/MSO site is upwards of $125/month—or more than $1500 a year. (Hmmmmm…. 10,000 students… that’s 15-cents a year if we had EVERY student online—but we don’t, unfortunately. Our count as of this newsletter is about 500 online participants—$3 a year.) If you can help out with donations, we can keep the spirit of our Alma Mater alive indefinitely.
ALSO, a special welcome to many of the former Staff, our mentors and role models, who have just joined us recently! New features on, additions to, and statistics for the web site are embedded in the newsletter below. Credit is due on this round to The Washington Post for featuring our web site in the March 27th Style Section.
We’d all like to know what YOU’RE up to, so send us your news items for the next issue of the MSO. The deadline is Saturday May 17.
Bob Lau (1976) – The Midnight Sun Online
On to your news…..
From: Carolyn Barranca (1966) carolyn[AT]barranca.com Date: Thu, 20 Mar 1997 Subject: Midnight Sun Online
Hi this is Carolyn Monto Barranca, Peary High Class of l966. I live in Frederick, Md., just a few miles from Rockville. Am proud to say I graduated in the top 99 percent of the class and have worked hard at living up to this rep. I now own two businesses an ad agency and a new internet electronic village, http://www.frederickbiz.net so please visit soon. We are trying to build the system and things are really going very well. It’s intense. You can also visit Barranca & Associates home site, at http://www.barranca.com and see how well those of us with D averages came out.
I was married for 25 years, have two grown sons. I do stay in touch with some of my classmates but would love to find some old friends. Ellen Barnard, Mary Jane Fearson, Phil Trick, Jeanne, Kathy and Sharon Orban.WHERE ARE YOU?
I’d love to hear from anyone? Also, I always am looking for freelance writers and designers. Life’s a ball, gimme a call. Carolyn
From: H. Laura Vandevender Collins (1973) hattie[AT]oz.net Date: Wed, 2 Apr 1997 Subject: I Will Find a Way or FAKE One
Some of these strange mottos and will never go away. Same with the memories of the staff. Like Mr. Clarke. He’s definitely going to go down in history (no pun intended) as one of the best. I am a small person, and Mr. Clarke looked like a mountain to me. Scared the hee-be- jeebies (sp) out of me for the longest time. His yardstick. I think he used that in every class. There was always some dolt that would fall asleep, and get the crap scared out of all of us. How about the glass of water thing and what sort of use or power could be derived from it? The bagpipes. That man must have adored us all. I think most of us respected the man. One of the few classes I ever learned anything in.
From: Neal Lee Pizzano (1976) npizzano[AT]erols.com Date: Tue, 8 Apr 1997 Subject: Contest..of sorts..
In order to “identify” ourselves to other Peary Alumni at our Friday Night Gatherings, a great suggestion came in to have buttons made. They could say “Peary Alumni”, or “FNG” with Peary High Alumni on it, a white “P” on a Navy Blue background; whatever you can think of. Another idea came in with a “color print” of the husky off the web page and laminate it. Then wear it like an ID badge.
So, let’s make this a contest..of sorts. Make some suggestions as to what you think the ID badges should look like, or what the buttons should say. Keep in mind, we don’t want reference to the graduating year because this is for staff members, too. The whole purpose of this is to break down that barrier of age, because that means nothing in this kind of setting. We are all ONE family, of sorts.
Once we get a list of ideas for badges or buttons, we then will have a majority vote to choose the single favorite. No prize to be won, just something fun for all to be a part of. May’s edition can have all the “slogans” and ideas to vote on, and the results can be announced in the June MSO.
So, between now and May 16, 1997, send me your slogans and ideas, and we’ll put it to a vote!
Your Postmaster and FNG Coordinator Neal Pizzano
From: Kerry Lee Daniel (1965) kerydaniel[AT]aol.com Date: Wed, 9 Apr 1997 Subject: Kerry Lee Daniel (a.k.a. Mary A. Hight) Class of ’65
I was surfing the NET recently—something I rarely have time to do—and was delighted to stumble across the “Midnight Sun Online.” Several years ago I inquired about whether a 30-year reunion was being planned for the Class of ’65, and no one knew of any activity. I worried that even if one was in the planning stages, word would never reach me here in Florida. I’m happy to see that there are Peary folks who enjoy keeping the memories alive, even though I don’t see many names from my class. Maybe word of the WEB site will eventually get around and bring other people out of the closet, so to speak.
Speaking of closets…I cracked up when I read Kristin Lucas’s “coming out as a lesbian” story. Thumb’s up to you, Kristin, for your act of courage. Since you took the lead—and since Ellen Degeneres is soon to come out, too—I may as well throw myself into the fire as well. Actually, I came out back in the early ’70s, a few years before our 10-year high school reunion.
Some of you may remember I wore a black tuxedo to the festivities while all the other gals were wearing standard girlie stuff. What I most remember about the evening was how boys who would never look at me in high school, much less ask me out, hung around me like flies that night. I had a great time!
I remember reading a statement by some fellow in one of the Peary classes…”I still can’t decide what I want to be when I grow up.” Well, he took the words right out of my mouth. I read once where a person should always keep their resume to no more than one page long, so over the years I’ve had to reduce the type size on mine to about a “1” just to squeeze everything in. Each one I mail out now is accompanied by a magnifying glass.
I’ve managed to do some interesting all along, most always involved with some aspect of writing or editing. Right now I’m enjoying the tail end of a 3-month sabbatical from a J-O-B so I could devote my full time and attention to writing a book. It’s titled, “Send A Little Love: The Magic Power of Love Notes to Change the World.” If all goes well, it will sell before the end of the year at which time I’d like to continue work I started over a year ago creating, developing and writing a mystery series.
I’m currently living in St. Petersburg, Florida, affectionately called “God’s Waiting Room” by those who witness the increasing population of old folks flocking to the city. I keep telling everyone I’ve got to get out of here because I don’t ever want to be one of the ones everyone is making fun of, and the years are creeping up much too quickly. I moved down here about 15 years, following on the heels of my parents who retired to the east coast.
My mom passed away shortly after I moved to St. Pete. My brother John (Class of ’68), his wife Henrietta and their two cats also live in St. Petersburg, just 3 blocks from my home.
I tried to move away from here several years ago. Ended up in Durango, Colorado for close to a year. I loved the weather and the scenery there, but the people were much too conservative for my tastes. So I’m back in Florida again, in a holding pattern, until I decide where I’d like to go next.
The years have been kind to me. Other than the loss of my mom and several close friends (from AIDS), most of those close to my heart are still around.
I’ve always been a healthy, happy person with a youthful outlook on life, so I haven’t aged much over the years. I never had any children, but I’ve been fortunate to have shared my life with a number of wonderful people and cats.
Right now I’m single and enjoying life on my own…well, not I’m never really alone with 3 cats. Ben, Tyler and Barney keep me pretty busy.
Barney, a 5-month old Norwegian Forest cat, is the youngest of my brood. He is extremely affectionate, very playful, and an absolute comedian. For those of you who love cats, check out this breed. Once you see and hold them, you’ll probably want to have several of your own.
Peary HS Class of ’65: I am currently gathering names and addresses so I can send out a questionnaire. My goal is to write a class newsletter by the end of the year. I’ll enlist the aid of Neal Pizzano in supplying some of this information, but if anyone out there reads this, please e-mail me with your most current addresses—regular and e-mail. Also, if you know of the whereabouts of any other ’65 classmates, please give me that information too.
It would also be helpful to know if any of my classmates have passed away so that I don’t mistakenly send a questionnaire to their families.
If anyone out there would care to drop me a line, I’d love to hear from you. My e-mail address is KERYDANIEL[AT]aol.com. Or you can send a letter to me at: P.O. Box 908, St. Petersburg, FL 33731.
From: Becky Williams (1970) beckyw[AT]erols.com Date: Fri, 11 Apr 1997 Subject: 1970 yearbook
I am looking to buy a 1970 yearbook as I do not own one. It was brought to my attention that some people have TWO yearbooks and may be willing to part with one. I will try to e-mail those people in my graduating class, but others may also have an extra copy.
I would appreciate any help you can give me!
Thanks, Bec (Becky “Hamrich” Williams)
From: Neal Lee Pizzano (1976) npizzano[AT]erols.com Date: Sun, 13 Apr 1997 Subject: A Night Out with Paula Marshall
Being one of those invited to be Paula’s guest at her movie viewing in Rockville, I was feeling honored and excited. I also found a feeling inside that can only be described as “proud.” I’ll talk more about that later. First, I want to let you know what it was like to be a part of the crowd.
Since Paula graduated in 1982 from Peary, I did not know her. Karen Kushner, who is chairing her reunion (82), was her classmate. It was Karen, whom I am working with on 82’s reunion, and, knowing her from the organization Human Opportunities through Physical Education, that invited me. It also had to do with the web page.
I figured the only person I would actually know would be Karen. I arrived when there was only ten or twelve people there. Those that were there were friendly enough to say hi, but I didn’t know them. Paula was doing an interview on the bench outside the theater. I watched as more people came in to the mall, still looking for Karen. People started looking familiar, but since I graduated six years ahead of them, I must have been seeing their brothers and sisters in their faces. I couldn’t place any names.
Finally, I stepped in front of Paula and introduced myself. She was glad I came and asked if my brother, Bill (80), would be there. I said “no” because he had to stay home with the kids. His wife had class. She told me to tell him “Hi.”
Arch Campbell showed up with his camera man to interview Paula. They were next to where I was standing and remember her pointing out her family, and a couple of friends Veronica, and Karen (Kushner) among others. The cameraman held the camera high and then took a sweep of the crowd.
I then noticed someone else whom I recognized. It was Terry Kernan (80), my brother’s friend. He told me Gerry D’Ascoli AND my brother would be there. I then made my way over to Karen to say hello and thank her for inviting me. When I turned around, my brother had made it into the area and we said hello. Then an old friend (old girlfriend of his) came up to say hello. She recognized me, but I hadn’t seen Lisa Finkle (82) in 15 years.
Once in the theater, I asked Arch Campbell if what he was shooting would be on at eleven, and he acknowledged it would. I then sat down with my brother and friends, where I met two more 82 grads, Sharon Kowalski, and Denise Jones. (Actually, I had met Denise before at a FNG at Silo Inn.) The lights dimmed and the crowd clapped loudly when Paula’s name appeared on screen. The movie was great!
Afterwards, a number of us went over to Dave and Buster’s for a social. When Paula came in, I went down to get her and apologize, as my brother was there. I took her to the bar to see him. That’s when I heard those immortal words, “Bill Pizzano, I had a crush on you in high school!” That’s when I realized, she’s just one of the gang. The Peary Gang. She had made it big, but she “didn’t forget the little people,” as many would believe happens when stardom is achieved. Paula, I learned later, praised her roots and mentioned Peary a number of times during her interview. That made me feel proud to be part of the Peary High Family.
Still meeting up with more people like David Alde (69) and John Gardner (82) and Linda Shea (82), kept the evening lively and upbeat. Drinks, Photos, Signing Autographs..a lot went on that evening. We all gathered around the bar when Arch Campbell came on NEWS 4. We cheered while noticing how many times Peary was mentioned. It made all of us proud for Paula, and proud to be a member of Peary High School.
As the night wound down, I got a chance to talk with Paula. There, I found out she watches herself all the time, to critique how well she does. She mentioned that she was a little afraid about how people would perceive her for holding this gathering, and I told her people didn’t come out to criticize her, or to say she was being snooty. People came out to say how proud (that feeling I felt earlier in the evening) we were that she had made it. We were there to cheer her on to bigger and better things. We shared, in a small way, her success, because we, too, were members of Peary High School. We will find a way or make one.
Here’s to you Paula! And Thanks again for being the genuinely nice person you are. You didn’t forget your roots, and your roots will not forget you!
By the way, Paula spent 3 months shooting for this film with only 5 days off during the entire time. If you haven’t seen the movie, go see it. It’s definitely worth seeing.
From: Brian K. Baker (1971) bkbaker[AT]cpcug.org Date: Mon, 14 Apr 1997 Subject: Snapshot Bio
Just a brief note to let you know that I really appreciate the Peary On-line information that you have made available. Here is some info about me for the newsletter:
Brian K. Baker – Class of 1971 Married: Patty Jack Baker, going on 21 years! (also Class of 1971) Children: Kelly (Class of 2000), Emily (Class of 2003) and Matthew (Class of 2005) Address: [Drop an e-mail to Brian]
Currently working as a Vice President with GAI, a consulting firm in Olney, MD. Worked in film and television industry for over twenty years as writer/producer/director/special effects artist. Really enjoy life, family and friends. Looking forward to Class of 1971, 25 Plus One Year Reunion in June – hope that many will attend. Best wishes to all my friends from R.E.P.
Thanks Neal and Bob Lau for great work on the Site.
Sincerely,
Brian Baker
From: Bob Lau (1976) blau[AT]clark.net Date: Mon, Apr 14 1997 Subject: Never-ending question
My better half, Kristy, asks me each week: “Anybody view my art yet?”
Answer: “I don’t know. I haven’t set up a counter on that page.”
Request: If anyone gets a chance to look at her paintings on our home page, http://www.clark.net/pub/blau (or click on it from the MSO’s “Alumni Websites” link), and send her some feedback, I would appreciate the chance to stop repeating myself. Help! Thanks!
Other than that weekly exchange, acting work has been slow, but freelance and consulting work is almost overwhelming. I haven’t seen it yet, but it’s been confirmed that I made the “edit” in Howard Stern’s “Private Parts” and can be seen in the transvestite (not me) scene in front of the White House. My ’82 Celica is also in every DC-area scene since they were short of 80s automobiles. You might also catch me in “Air Force One” with Harrison Ford, “Washington Square” with Jennifer Jason Leigh, “Contact” with Jodie Foster (due out mid-July), and both of us in “Wag the Dog” with Dustin Hoffman and Robert Dinero—me in a restaurant scene, eating as usual, and me and Kristy in yet another White House shot. I’m hoping for a rerun this summer of my role in that episode of “Homicide”—to get another check ;-). Kristy recently earned her Screen Actors Guild membership and has also begun a new position as a management trainee at her full-time job. The two cats, Puma (Norwegian Forest Cat) and Chloe (plain ole American short-hair, tortoise-colored cat), are doing fine—they get to sleep all day.
Besides the “pick-up” work above, I’ve been serving on the Screen Actors Guild Performers Advisory Council, discussing the feature films that are coming to the DC area and conditions associated with the contracts for these film producers/companies; and I will be tied-up through June as a panelist for the Department of Commerce, evaluating “information highway” proposals in the category of Community Networking. For some reason, I’m unable to stay up for three days in a row like I did in the 70s and 80s—not sure exactly why……zzzzzzzzzz……
From: Bob Lau (1976) blau[AT]clark.net Date: Fri, 18 Apr 1997 Subject: Weekly Happy Hours & Events
Wow. What a wonderful showing at Rock Bottom in Bethesda tonight of Peary alumni! Jim Alvey (1976) the drummer for “Blue Steel” who was the featured band that evening, is looking and sounding good. It was fun just to see those from the happy hour “regulars”…. Doug Hambright and Carol Fisher Hambright ’76, Tessie Kotsiras ’76, Linda Gardner ’76 and Nancy Gardner ’79, Gerry Adcock ’76, Kevin Brooks ’76 and wife Cindi, Connie Scuderi ’75 and friend Diane, Ken Roseman ’69, Diane Arena Wilson ’76, Brenda Hunter ’76, David Alde ’69, Ed Wheeler ’76, Neal Pizzano ’76 (of course), friends of alumni, et al.
At other gatherings, it’s been nice to meet, or run into, Tim Cissel ’81, Cathy Stubbs Willett ’82, Willie Monahan ’76, Paul Turner ’77, Gale Senseman Privette and Jim Privette ’66, Bill Clark ’76, Karen Kushner ’82, Diane Herz ’83, Bill Leffler ’76, Bob Bains ’77, Charles Bruno ’77, Ken Swisher ’75, Mark Klock ’75, Sam Clatterbuck ’81, Sandy Van Dusen Forbes ’77, Anna Nicolaisen ’71, Barbara Dentz Riley ’71, Keith Nisson ’75, Todd Nisson ’77, Joe Wyatt ’75, etc. etc….. too many to name!
It doesn’t matter which class you’re from—we look forward to seeing you each week to talk over the memories and who’s doing what now. So, if you can make it to one of these informal weekly events, you know you’re always welcomed—simply because you’re a Peary alumnus!
E-mail Neal Pizzano (1976) at npizzano[AT]erols.com if you wish to receive the weekly updates, or just visit the web site and click on the “Events” section for the latest scheduled activities.
From: Dave Hunter (1970) dhunter[AT]e2.empirenet.com Date: Sat, 19 Apr 1997 Subject: MSO
Thanks so much for the Midnight Sun Online. I’m guessing that I’m not the only one whose heart has jumped when “Robert E. Peary High School” popped up as a result of an internet search.
I now live in Southern California and only get “back East” every five years or so. The last time back I took my kids to the “neighborhood” and had a look around. I showed them the house where my first love lived (I still remember and love you, Patty!) We walked through Aspen Hill Elementary School. I showed them Mrs. Congdon’s room and the flight of stairs that was my post when I was a member of the Safety Patrol (still looking for that belt thing I lost). We also went into the All-purpose room where I remember seeing John Glenn’s takeoff and where we had Pack 1098 (?) cub scout meetings. Went to the playground and thought about all those baseball card free-for-alls from the big winners at “colors”.
Our walk to Peary was great/not great. The not great part I’ll skip (thanks for the warning on the web page concerning the pictures of the school as it is now…I passed on that link). The great part was seeing the Bell Tower. The great part was sitting in the bleachers and imagining the scoreboard lit up. The great part was driving figure eights around that little lot by the football field like I did in Driver’s Ed. listening to WINX radio. I wish I could have seen the Senior Court. We walked down the cross-country path to the lower field, across it, and then to Rock Creek using the same path I used when we would walk to the G.C. Murphys at Twinbrook.
Two things kept coming to my mind as I looked at the links on the MSO page. The first was the fight song that I remember singing at the top of my lungs at all the football games. “Hoorah for Peary”. The second, and much more significant, was the image of a teacher that touched my life so much that I eventually became a teacher myself. I remember the bagpipe music coming out of Mr. Clarke’s room during passing period. I remember him treating students with dignity and respect. I remember his class as being one I looked forward to every day. I remember these things every day when I walk into my classroom and see my kids come in. Thanks, Mr. Clarke, for being such a wonderful teacher and a role model for me. Thanks, Peary High School, for instilling in me the importance of tradition and excellence.
Dave Hunter, Class of 1970
From: Ron Bostwick (1977) crs[AT]crs-steamboat.com Date: Sat, 19 Apr 1997 Subject: MSO entry
Here’s another one of those “what the hell have I been doing for the past 20 years” notes for the MSO. But don’t worry, it won’t read like one of those corny year-end letters that John Reid always sends. Mine will be funnier.
Like John, I walked off the stage at Cole Field House in 1977 into oblivion. Or maybe it was the champagne taking effect. I headed to Boston and Emerson College to lay the foundation of becoming a radio star. At the time Howard Stern had yet to utter the word “penis” on the air so I still had a chance. A college advisor advised me (that’s what he was paid to do, it was in his title) to go into sales. I’d move around less and make more money. “More money?!?” I said. “I’ll do it.” I mean, c’mon, the 80’s were on their way.
I tried to get into radio sales in Boston but no one wanted a kid who graduated from a high school that was about to shut down from decling enrollment. I ended up taking a job with The Sheraton (hotel) Corporation at their (drum roll, please) world headquarters just to get my foot in the sales door. It was the ultimate corporate life I will never, ever, ever again return to. In ’84 I finally got into radio sales on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, a summer resort area. But was I thinking clearly when I took the job in September? “Hello, Earth to Ron… prepare for emotional and financial letdown” After 6 months (“Waddya mean Mr. Business Owner? Just ‘cuz it’s February and there’s snow on the ground in a beach resort doesn’t mean there’s no one around to listen to my Beautiful Music of the ’50s radio station!”) I headed to Worcester, Massachusetts to do the same thing. Again, 6 months later I realized the error of my ways and got outta da biz.
I ended up working as a floor director for TV news, an Account Exec at Bozell Jacobs ad agency, back to sales for a couple film/video production/post-production houses then heard my calling to “Go west, you jerk!” I always had the desire but the layoff in May ’90 provided the opportunity. I packed a few bags and off I went. (by car, not by horse)
The winter of ’90-’91 was spent as a caretaker for a 1,000 acre ranch south of Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Caring for 6 horses, 2 mules, a llama, 30 goats and 40 chickens put a realistic spin on life. Livin’ the life of a cowboy wasn’t bad. But in the Spring the snow runoff filled the streams and rivers but my bank account was runnin’ dry. So when my former film company in Boston called me to come back I feigned indifference until they offered me mo’ money. Who said the ’80s were over?
So it was 2 more years of making TV commercials and then in Summer ’93 I tossed it all in to move back to the mountains of Colorado. Since returning to Steamboat I’ve moved 4 times, worked as a Sales Rep in the ski area’s reservations office, been promoted to Travel Agent then was offered my dream job: DJ and Promotions Director for a rock radio station. I had done part time air work for KFMU-FM in ’91 and since Fall ’93. I jumped at the chance to finally do what I’ve wanted to since living on Aspen Hill Road. I guess doing those afternoon announcements at PHS finally came to some good use.
So here I am, getting up at 5am to be on the air at 6, living right across the street from the station and a 5 minute walk from the ski area in a town with a year round population of 7,500. I get to “enhance” my CD collection in the name of staying up on music, get into shows free, run fun contests and, once in a while, get to interview singers/bands on the air when they come to town. While I miss the fun my classmates are having (at MY expense I might add, thanks to a certain F. Venuto) planning the 20th, I won’t miss the humidity this summer. It’s so wonderful to have the temp be 85 with humidity of 20.
To those of who who’ve braved reading this to the end and it brings up memories of the length of my Senior Will, I thank you. And to Mr. Pine I leave…..
To those of you that may want to write to me, please do. It gives me more annunition with which to tease John Reid. The address to use is “crs[AT]crs-steamboat.com” But be patient. I’m not on line yet, a friend is letting me use his system. So it may take a bit to reply. And the exclusion of any marriage/children info is because there hasn’t been any. “Not that there’s anything WRONG with it, mind you.”
From: David Podell (1981) 2108262[AT]mcimail.com Date: Sat, 19 Apr 1997 Subject: Real Midnight Sun
Pat Hale, who I believe was the last faculty adviser to the Midnight Sun, just sent me bound copies of the Midnight Sun in 2 volumes: 1961-1971 and 1971-1981. She is retiring to Florida. I was the student editor from 1980-1981.
I wanted to let you know that I am now in possession of this valuable resource. I do not know whether there are any other bound copies of all the Midnight Suns, at least through 1981. During the year that I was editor, we put together the bound volumes.
Please feel free to post this message in your monthly newsletter. I am open to suggestions for making this valuable resource more readily available to more people.
[Editor Note: We will work with David to see if we can create an archive of all the past issues of the original Midnight Sun and make them accesible on the web site]
From: Bob Lau (1976) blau[AT]clark.net Date: Sun, 20 Apr 1997 Subject: Web Site Stats/Updates/Plans
As you’re probably aware, the Peary Midnight Sun Online web site has recently undergone a facelift at its new URL, www.pearyhs.org . Some statistics from the “new” site since it was opened to the public on Sunday April 13, 1997 are as follows.
In one week, the site has had 20,381 calls to text, graphics (photos), the e-mail listings, teacher pictures, newsletters, etc. These “calls” have come as a result of 395 separate visits to the new web site from you! To give a comparison of what that all means, here are the sizes of the largest access logs on the server where www.pearyhs.org resides—again, these are first-week stats:
www.greatesthits.com 177159
www.kurta.com 401629
www.medsource.com 629953
www.pearyhs.org 2175984
www.temagraphics.com 394582
Specs (for you technonerds)…. our home page is directly connected to the Internet via MAE East, the world’s largest Internet exchange point, and running on a SUN UltraSparc server with 256K RAM, and with Solaris 2.5 and Apache 1.1.3 server software.
What’s New: – Paula Marshall (1982) in the news again …. some video promos of her movie and …. NBC4’s story about her premiere – Photos of the building as it stands today – The Flag and Sledge Ceremony from 1964 – A list of individual Sponsors/Contributors – Additional photos in “Traditions and Facts” – Subscription-By-Mail information
What’s Coming: – An article about David H. Miller (1969) – News about Ken Roseman (1969) – Polaris yearbook covers – Business Sponsors listing and company pages …. with hosting services for small businesses – Past (1961-1981) Midnight Sun issues (long-term) – List of our mail subscribers – School Dedication Ceremony photos – “Then and Now” …. past and present photos of our online alumni – Photos from happy hours – More photos from the early years – Photos from Cathy Stubbs Willett (1982) Bonfire Party – Class Pictures
What’s there that you may not know about: – Alma Mater sound files, lyrics, score – Happy Hour (weekly) schedules – Alumni Band/Music schedules …. “RedLine” …. “Blue Steele” …. “Diamond and Steed” (soon) – 1997 Reunions and the latest information – Bob Ibach (1966) news that points to …. Donna D’Errico’s pics and e-mail!
Thanks to ALL of our online alumni and staff for their support. This project, which began as an e-mail distribution listing of about ten people last August, has grown and achieved some measure of success because of each and every one of you. The number of participants online has increased to over 500 at last count. Please remember to update your bookmarks with the new URL, and if you have links to the MSO from any of your home pages, please correct the URL when you have a chance. Thanks!
Neal and I continue to do our best to keep you posted of the latest, and Laura Vandevender Collins (1973) continues to lend her coding expertise so these newsletters display correctly on your web browsers. Hope to hear from some of you for the next newsletter, especially those that we haven’t heard a peep out of yet!
Bob Lau, Editor/Webmaster The Midnight Sun Online
P.S. For those of you who have multiple addresses on the e-mail listings, please let me know if you have a preference as to which address you’d like to receive the MSO and distributions (or all addresses if you wish). If it’s fine as-is, no need to let me know anything. Sorry for the repeat folks—lots of new alumni aboard.
P.P.S. Happy Birthday Patti Colihan (HA!)
From: Neal Lee Pizzano (1976) npizzano[AT]erols.com Date: Mon, 21 Apr 1997 Subject: A Message from your Postmaster
In today’s society, we all find it harder and harder to make our all mighty dollar go farther than it did a few years ago. Financial matters and money, in general, can be difficult to talk about. Interest rates go up, and eventually, so does everything else. Therefore, I need to pass on something to all of you that I find very important, and very hard to talk about. Postal Rates for e-mail will not, repeat, not go up.
I am very pleased about all the kind things you have expressed concerning the time and effort Bob and I have invested in putting the page together for your enjoyment. It is done out of the same spirit that we all learned about while attending Peary. The concept of bringing everyone together was a simple one. We all shared an experience that its symbol, the building itself, stood for. Now that the building lies in ruins from neglect, the only thing left is what is inside of all of us. True, the building will be resurrected for life as a school again, and the community is highly delighted about that. It is just that it will never again be Robert E. Peary High School. Only a few of us had the privilege of learning there, with respect to all the other facilities of learning throughout the county. Most of us learned and went on, some of us learned by teaching and aiding others on a higher level. Still others learned, went on, then came back to teach and aid others.
The real thanks should not go to Bob and I, it should be given to those faculty and staff members who instilled in us a level of respect and pride that we all can carry on inside of us forever. “I” want to say thanks to all the Peary staff who gave of themselves to help me be who I am today. It is because of you, I have achieved what I have today. Bob and I are glad we can provide a place to call “home,” no matter where you live. You taught us an awful lot, and giving of oneself was high on the list.
I ask all fellow alumni who read this to send a litle thank-you note to the faculty we have on-line with us. I appreciate them for what they have done, let them know you feel the same way. Think about it. If they didn’t do a very good job, then we wouldn’t have the same kind of spirit we do, and our home page (if ever done), would be “just another site.”
We will continue our efforts and appreciate all comments and suggestions. This is YOUR page. It will only get better with more involvement. If you ever have some ideas or suggestions, like some of those already conceived (i.e. weekly Friday Night Gatherings and our multi-class bonfire) let us know.
Enjoy this issue, and all others to follow… Your Postmaster Neal Pizzano
P.S. Hope some of the faculty can start attending some of our weekly gatherings when an opportunity arises.
The Midnight Sun Online – http://www.pearyhs.org
Midnight Sun On-Line
Volume 1, Number 9, April 1997
Volume 1, Number 8, March, 1997
MIDNIGHT SUN ONLINE
-The Online Newsletter for Robert E. Peary High School Alumni-
INTRODUCTION
WEB SITE – http://www.clark.net/pub/pearyhs
Hello Huskies:
As spring quickly approaches, with summer not far behind. so are many class reunions. We’re in touch with four of the reunion committees: 1971, 1972, 1977, and 1982 so check into the MSO web site often for updates in addition to your announcements via snail mail. (There has been no word yet about a class of ’67 reunion.) The web site is updated daily, so explore the site for new pictures and the latest information, including weekly happy hour schedules (look under “Events”) for informal multi-class reunion get-togethers and an expansion of memorabilia items like pictures from the early years, plankowners certificates, a sound file and score of the Alma Mater written by Sarah Hines (1963), plus a Washington Times article about Stuart Kushner (1974), plus more coming soon. A nice snapshot of the group who attended the SAG Awards Gala last month is available under the events section, courtesy of Bob Bains (1977), with everyone decked-out in their gowns and tuxedos! Thanks, Bob! Congratulations to Bill Leffler (1976) for winning a NBC “Homicide” cap door prize that evening.
Remember that Neal Pizzano (1976) and I coordinate daily to collect and post the current e-mail addresses of classmates, so please continue to spread the word to classmates you run across. In addition, hardcopy subscriptions of the newsletter are available from Neal. Check the web site for details and/or send a note to him at npizzano[AT]erols.com. In addition, Neal maintains the “happy hour distribution” list as well as the regular e-mail listings. If you want to receive the happy hour notices, drop him a note. The current listing of folks on this list is available on the web site.
Remember that YOUR contributions are the articles for the newsletter! We’d all like to know what you’re up to, so send us your news items. The deadline for the next issue of the MSO newsletter is Saturday April 19.
Bob Lau (1976) – The Midnight Sun Online
From: Gary Costello (1966) irishguy[AT]crosslink.net Date: Mon, 17 Feb 1997 Subject: For Midnight Sun
Hello Peary alumni! Thought since I have built this great get-a-way on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, that I would share the possibility with you in case you and your family feels a need to get away. The house was built as a summer family get-a-way and has something for everyone. Here’s the best part. The best time to visit the Outer Banks is in the Spring or Fall seasons. And I tend to go there a lot in the winter, especially because of the outdoor hot tub. Anyway, If you contact me via Email at irishguy[AT]crosslink.net I will honor a discount for any Peary graduate, or Peary attendee. Here are the particulars: Are you thinking about warm places this year. . . . If not, I hope u have a friend who might be interested in renting my ocean getaway. Forward this to them if you don’t mind . . .a WEB Page is still under construction and I’ll let u know about that later. Here it is, and get warm . . .
About My Home . . . 5 Bedrooms (3 Master Bedrooms), 4-1/2 Baths, Sleeps 14 with – 1 King 3 Queens. 1 Pyramid w/Trundle, 1 Queen Sleep Sofa.
Newly Constructed In 1994 . . . This elegant home located in Southern Shores is encircled by trees with a view of the ocean. I designed this beauty with 3 Master Suites to allow the maximum in privacy and comfort . . . be surrounded by a state-of-the-art CD sound system while either pampering yourself (and up to 4 others) in the luxurious hot tub located on the outside upper deck or unwinding in front of the great room fireplace. Complimentary bicycles are provided to explore the private streets. Nearby tennis courts, marina (fees for docking) and sound-side private beach are only minutes away. Also available is a fishing pier ocean-side. My own private court allows you to watch your family or friends play volleyball or basketball while you sip wine in the overlooking hot tub . . . pay them no mind and read while swinging gently in the comfy hammock. Inside amenities include cable TVs, VCR, breakfast bar, washer/dryer, ceiling fans, central air, covered parking, BBQ, outside shower and much more. For kitchen lovers, spoil yourself with microwave, two coffeemakers (bring your favorite beans!), two icemakers, blender, crab/lobster pot, dishwasher and more.
Preseason May 24 to June 21 In Season June 21 to August 23 Peak Season July 12 to August 9 Post Season August 23 to September 20 Off Season September 21 to May 24
$775 Pre Season/$1375 In Season (1st and Last Week In-Season $1150) $1475 Peak Season, $875 Post Season/$575 Off Season : Saturday to Saturday and Available in the winter; $150 Security Deposit Required. NO PETS.
Make Your Reservation . . . The summer weeks fill up quickly, usually beginning in January. So don’t wait or there will be no weeks left for you 1997 vacation. Some of the best weeks are in the early Spring and Fall, and certainly with the hot tub and fireplace, the house is great in the Winter also . . . So, to get the ball rolling, leave me an EMail or telephone me to lock in your vacation or getaway.
Telephone 703-516-7160 (Daytime EST) or 301-933-5131 (Evenings) in the U.S.A.
Electronic mail – General Information, specific accommodations & prices: irishguy[AT]crosslink.net
Gary Costello “Top Of The Morn’n To Ya!”
From: Ross Crossland (1965) rossgolf[AT]onr.com Date: Tue, 18 Feb 1997 Subject: Roy Gerella
There was a short note in the most recent newsletter asking if Roy Gerella who kicked for the Steelers was a Peary Alum.
Roy was in the class of 1965. He grew up in Canada playing soccer, but soccer had not caught on here in the states as it has in the decades since. Roy played some football (but did not kick) basketball and baseball. I’m not sure if he graduated with the class of ’65. I remember that he went to school later in Hawaii and Arizona, but I’m not sure if that was all college or perhaps he finished High School elsewhere.
Roy played on some of the same teams with Ken Brace, who I think was class of ’64. (Ken played Quarterback, guard, and second base, in the three seasons) If you are in contact with Ken, he may know more about this.
Roy did kick for several years for the Steelers in the early 70’s.
Ross Crossland PHS 1965
From: Michael Solomon (1973) msolomon[AT]humsci.auburn.edu Date: Thu, 19 Feb 1997 Subject: Mike Solomon 1973—Reader’s Digest Version
What a thrill to find this site, which I was turned on to by Rick “The Brick” White (1973)—otherwise known as the next CEO of Intel…I’m on the net everyday, but rarely find something that hits as close to home as this! Much appreciated!
While I’ve seen messages from Peary grads now living in other countries, I live in a REALLY exotic place—Alabama. Not many of us Aspen Hill denizens can say that! I’ve been here for almost two years now, and so far have successfully fought the urge to get a pickup truck. Actually, it’s a lot more civilized than most people would believe (including myself before I moved here). We really love it here, and would love to show off the place to any Peary “Yankees” who want to mosey on through.
My reason for being here: I’m a professor at Auburn University (sorry, not the football coach…). I was living in New Jersey (Chairman of the Marketing Department in the School of Business at Rutgers University), minding my own business, when they offered me an endowed chair and persuaded us to try life below the Mason-Dixon Line. Best decision we ever made!
“We” is my wife, Gail, who I married just after college—we both went to Brandeis Univ. in Boston. From there I went on to get my Ph.D. in Psychology at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (people around here consider that to be in the North…). We moved to Brooklyn (definitely a culture trip!) when I took my first job in the business school at New York University. My specialty is consumer psychology, and I do a lot of work with the advertising and fashion industries to figure out why people buy what they do etc. I’m now enjoying life as a Full Professor, over the hump of tenure and other career hassles. I travel a fair amount giving lectures, etc., and this year has been especially hectic—I’ve lectured in Ireland, Scotland, England, Denmark, Netherlands, Sweden, and Australia, and this Fall I got a Fulbright scholarship and moved to Lisbon, Portugal for several months. I’m glad to be back home in ‘Bama for awhile! Other than research, teaching, and other academic stuff, I spend a lot of time as a textbook author – I have two books (published by Prentice Hall) and I’m now working on a third.
I’m still madly in love with my wife, and I think she still manages to put up with me. She had her own direct advertising business for several years, but sold it when we moved here and is now enrolled as a student at Auburn, where she’s getting a second degree in Interior Design. She’s very talented, but I’m looking forward to the day she graduates so she can spend other people’s money on home furnishings for a change! We have three great kids who keep us real busy: Amanda (13 going on 33), Zachary (11), and Alexandra (8). And, I can’t leave out Chloe (our golden retriever).
I have wonderful memories of the Peary days (most of them, anyway), and I’d love to hear from old running mates. We visit the DC area twice a year and would love to hook up. And, if you’re fixin’ to head out for some fine BBQ and grits (or even foie gras and cappucinno), come on down y’all!!!
Mike Solomon ’73
From: Kevin Smith (1973) kevints[AT]vnet.ibm.com Date: Thu, 20 Feb 1997 Subject: Hello from Kevin Smith, 73 Grad
Heard about your web page from Jacquie Padgett, my cousin in Maryland. I’m living in Charlotte NC. Are there any other 73 graduates in Charlotte?
From: Ron Bostwick (1977) crs[AT]crs-steamboat.com Date: Sat, 22 Feb 1997 Subject: Stuff
I plan on being at the Class of ’77 20th in August. I think the work you’re both doing is SUCH a help to us.
You know, it’s interesting how, when you get to our age, it’s easy to have an attitude about things that are not the same or things that just aren’t there anymore. A long time ago I got used to the fact that Peary was closed and the school would not be there as a central point for information/reunions/reminiscing etc.
But seeing the MSOs, getting notes from classmates and having the opportunity to reach past friends has shown me that I never did let go of my emotions surrounding Peary and my years there. As I’ve read the different submissions to the MSO, I’m touched by what people have written about what you guys are doing. I’m sure it’s tough to find the time to keep up with it all, I’m sure at times it’s overwhelming. But please remember, the work you’re doing means SO much to so many people.
Recently I spoke with a friend in NYC who I hadn’t spoken to or seen since I was living in Boston in 1993. She commented how my annual Oscar contest is what keeps many of our friends together. I believe the Peary Web Page and MSO are what is bringing together again many old friends. I’m waiting for the first marriage of old classmates who get back in touch by this. You just wait, it’ll happen.
Thanks again. And thanks from everyone.
From: Rick Salah (1978) rsalah[AT]hekimian.com Date: Fri, 28 Feb 1997 Subject: class pictures
I emailed Neal to add my name to the online class list and mentioned that the graduating class pictures that lined the front office at Peary are now located at the Aspen Hill Library on Aspen Hill Road. I was looking for some tax forms and was delighted and surprised to see all the class pictures hanging on the wall. If this is new news maybe a March newsletter posting is appropriate. If this is old news, perhaps a web page bullet will do as an FYI for those surfing the home page.
Rick Salah 1978
From: Linda Leiby Danley (1967) ldanley[AT]psc.dhhs.gov Date: Fri, 28 Feb 1997 Subject: Class Reunion
Hi:
I went to Peary and was wondering if you have heard about any class reunions for the class of ’67. Its going to be 30 years in June and it doesn’t look like were going to have a reunion.
Could you E-mail pls. at ldanley[AT]PSC.dhhs.gov
Thanks,
Linda Danley Class of ’67
From: George Depp (1979) depp[AT]dmv.com Date: Sun, 09 March 1997 Subject: Re: Should have been class of 79 but moved
I’m not a true alumnus but I went to Peary in 10th and 11th Grade. My Father got a new job preaching at a church in Edgewood, MD. I missed Peary and hated Edgewood. People were different and a lot more on drugs.
My bother David was class of ’75 and my sister Grace was class of ’74. If you want to you can add my email to your list if I can count as an alumnus.
I’m living on the eastern shore—Crumpton, MD, about 9 miles east of Chestertown. Been working for Kunkel Auto Parts for 17 years. Married to Wendy for 16 years and have three kids Timmy 16, Jason 14, and Becky 9.
George A. Depp (Geo)
P.S. Peary MSO is great keep up the good work—lost touch with a lot of people. Now I can find some again.
From: Jim Hardman (1976) root[AT]earthops.org Date: Wed, 12 Mar 1997 Subject: Jay Wenger
I visited Jay Wenger in Suburban Hospital recently, he should be home now, but he had another dehydration crisis (it’s like his cells forget to absorb water and they have to fill him up with IV electrolytes or something). I have to admit I really admire him for holding together as amazingly well as he has, he’s for sure a real fighter.
He could probably use some commiseration. Heck, if someone gave him a call or stopped by and told him about the happy-hour thing, he might even be persuaded to stop by.
[Jay Wenger, Class of 1976, is a victim of Lupus]
From: Kristin Lucas (1966) lucask[AT]mscd.edu Date: Fri, 14 March 1997 Subject: On-Line With Old Friends
This is Kristin Lucas. I was one of those seventh graders who entered Peary in the fall of 1960. I still have my Plank Owner’s Certificate and I still remember the first and last verse of the school song in soprano, alto, and bass. I can also sing almost all of THE LOWLAND SEA which was the big musical put on in the spring of 1963. I was on the stage crew and still remember all the fun I had. I left Rockville in 1963 because my father, an Air Force officer, was reassigned to Montgomery, Alabama and then, a year later, to Denmark. Even though I didn’t graduate from Peary, Bob Lau and Neal Pizzano have kindly included me in the alum list for 1966.
Until I found this site on the web I was sure everyone with whom I went to junior high (or, as they call it now, middle school) was lost to me. In my memories everyone remained 14 or 15 years old. So it was a real kick to find all the Peary images and information on-line. It was even more exciting to find Nancy Wells and Gayle Senseman. And imagine my surprise when I realized that they are middle-aged just like me! When did this happen? I have regained a sense of continuity that I didn’t realize I was missing.
When we went to Denmark in 1964 we were stationed in such a remote area that I had to go to boarding school in Frankfurt, Germany. I attended Frankfurt American High School and loved every minute of it. It was a very unique experience and I’m glad I had the opportunity to travel as extensively as I did. However, because this was way before the “computer age,” most of us lost touch with one another and suffered from a very real sense of discontinuity. I have never been able to go to a high school reunion. This is all changed, now, due to the miracle of technology. Frankfurt High is now on-line and I’ve been able to reconnect with people I haven’t talked to for 31 years. There are military brat organizations all over the web so we will never be out of touch again.
I went to the University of Missouri in Columbia, MO and graduated with a BA in European History. I married an archeologist and spent 10 years going on digs in places like France and Israel.
I was divorced in 1979 and came out as a lesbian in 1983. Many things became clear to me at last—not the least of which my seemingly inexplicable and intense crush on Julie Andrews during junior/senior high! I have since found out that I was not the only confused young woman with a crush on Julie Andrews during those dark ages before the Stonewall Riots and the Gay Pride Movement.
I now live in Denver, Colorado, which is my original home and my family’s home. I am the administrative assistant (or Office Amazon) at the Institute for Women’s Studies and Services at Metropolitan State College of Denver. I live with my many cats in a cozy brick bungalow and am relatively content with how my life has turned out so far.
I would love to hear from my classmates so please e-mail me at lucask[AT]mscd.edu. Bye for now. KL
From: John Strong (1977) strongj[AT]usa.net Date: Fri, 14 Mar 1997 Subject: class of 1977
Hi, Well I finally have some free time this evening here in Italy. I am at work here at Capodichino airport, Naples Italy. I am the senior meteorologist at this office and we support all the NATO forces in the Southern Command. My wife and I have been here for 9 months now and it’s been fun.. I still think I cook better Italian food than some of the Italians.
I left Rockville 10 days after graduation and went to boot camp in the Navy. From there I went to my San Francisco and the USS Coral Sea (ols aircraft carrier). The shiped moved up to Seattle for 11 months in the shipyards and then we deployed to the Far East for 10 months. That was a blast, Korea, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, Phillipines, Pakistan. We also spent 122 days at sea without ever seeing land. You tend to get a little strange after awhile. That was during the Iranian Crisis in 79. I came back to Rockville in 80 after I got out of the Navy. Hung out for awhile and got bored and went back in 81. From there I went to one of the Greek Islands Crete and lived there for 2 years. Loved Greece. My neighbor tried to marry me off to 14 year old. Nice girl but a little to young for me. That’s just customs over there. From there I went to New Orleans and worked with Customs and trained some of the Hondoran Navy. Next was Guam out in the Pacific and two more years. From there I went to Boston for two years , I really like the North End there. Off to Dallas where I spent 5 years and met my wife Emel who is Turkish. We go to Turkey every couple of months and see the family. I am buying a house there and will retire there in about a year and a half. I have no real desire to work anymore, I will go back to school some more and expand my mind as they say. It’s not that I am lazy, but after 20 some years in the military, I just want to relax. I am now a Chief Petty Officer and just enjoying life with my wife. I don’t think I will be able to make the 20 year reunion, unfortunately.
My e-mail address is strongj[AT]usa.net
Ciao,
John S. (1977)
From: Bob Lau (1976) blau[AT]clark.net Date: Sat, 15 Mar 1997 Subject: Update
Well, things continue with the acting stuff. Since my appearance on Chicago Hope and working with the Screen Actors Guild Feature Film Advisory Council (for the Baltimore/DC local), Kristy and I had the opportunity to work two days in scenes with Robert DeNiro, Dustin Hoffman, and Anne Heche for a Barry Levinson feature called “Wag the Dog” a satire. The scenes were shot at the White House and the Hay- Adams Hotel. Also in the film is Woody Harrellson. During the White House scene, Dustin Hoffman had the brilliant idea that it would be better if they were walking OUT of the White House gates, rather than just “away” from the White House, so he (and only he) was able to convince the White House gate guard to allow them to do this after a few minutes of discussion. As Levinson’s people muttered, “There’s one White House guard that won’t have his job after today.” It was a rather “cute” improv to see this situation develop, and only Dustin Hoffman could pull it off (Robert DeNiro seems to intense for such negotiation).
I also continue with freelance video editing, putting together productions for commercials, PSAs, and various industry groups like the Independent Women’s Council—lots of fun (uh huh) putting together speeches from Newt Gingrich.
But I will be busy in the coming months as I have just been appointed to a panelist position by the Department of Commerce to evaluate proposals for the National Information Infrastructure (Info Highway/Al Gore type stuff), so it’s an honor to be selected as an “expert” (another “uh huh”) in the field of communications to evaluate state-of-the-art technologies and proposals that will determine the direction of the country’s Info Highway efforts.
Socially…well, we did attend one of the happy hour get-togethers recently at The Lone Star in Gaithersburg and met up with Neal Pizzano, Brenda Hunter Gruber, and Bill Clark (straight in from Connecticut for the weekend)…all from the class of ’76. If there were others there from Peary, gee, I wouldn’t recognize them. I think the gatherings surely need some sort of “Peary” identifier so we know who’s who from the crowd! We went to the Chieftains concert last night to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and enjoyed a nice late dinner in Georgetown afterwards. Being at Constitution Hall brought back memories of my first concert there to see Bread in the early 70s. What were those funny little cigarettes people were smoking and passing around?
Oh, an online classmate said he saw Howard Stern’s “Private Parts” (the movie, silly) and that I was seen in one of the DC scenes. One never knows whether he’ll end up on the cutting room floor, which often is the case. Nevertheless, I think I’ll wait for the tape or cable on this one since I can’t say that I am a fan of Howard Stern. Funny, the scenes they shot here in DC were last-minute and over-budget in January when I worked in it. Think they’ve made back their investment? There will be eight feature films being shot here in DC in April and May—don’t know whether I’ll be able to keep up with it all with everything else going on. At least it’ll keep me out of trouble, right?
Bob Lau, Class of ’76
From: Brian Brennan (1981) bbrencol[AT]aol.com Date: Tue, 18 Mar 1997 Subject: Peary
Neal, just wanted to say thanks for creating such a great place for Peary alumni to stay in touch with each other.
My name is Brian Brennan ’81. I’m currently living in Columbia Md. After graduating Montgomery college with an AA in Electro-mechanical technology I signed on with David Glaizer (’78) to build custom homes for a few years. We actually built homes for a few of the alumni: Jon Poulsen and Doug Boyland. In 1989 I got into the automotive field. I joined Tischer Autopark in Silver Spring, Md as a Subaru sales rep. I worked my way up to assistant Subaru sales manager and then to Subaru sales manager. In Dec. ’96 I was promoted to Porsche-Audi sales manger, which the position I currently hold at Tischer. The brands we offer for sale at Tischer are Porsche-Audi-BMW-Subaru.
I am currently unmarried. In my spare time I enjoy mountain biking, motorcycling, and relaxing at Dewey Beach.
Peary trivia: Dr. Brennan is indeed my uncle! It was a great honor to have him as the pricipal in my sophomore year at Peary.
Note: anyone trying to reach Frank Brennan class of ’75 or Tim Brennan class of ’77 can contact them through my E-mail address.
Thanks again for a great job, and I look forward to talking with you soon!
Brian
Articles for the April issue due April 19, 1997. Send your news to the MSO: PearyHS[AT]iicsdc.clark.net
Available on the web site:
http://www.clark.net/pub/pearyhs
All issues of MSO
Articles and pictures about graduates and teachers in the news
The latest alumni e-mail listings
Class reunion information
Midnight Sun On-Line
Volume 1, Number 8, March 1997
Volume 1, Number 7, February 1997
MIDNIGHT SUN ONLINE
-The Online Newsletter for Robert E. Peary High School Alumni-
WEB SITE – http://www.clark.net/pub/pearyhs
INTRODUCTION
Hello Huskies:
Here’s the seventh issue of the Midnight Sun Online (MSO). Welcome to those of you joining us for the first time. . . we’re glad you’re here! Numerous thanks go out to everyone who has helped in spreading the word about all of this. THIS is good gossip. In the past four weeks, or so, only one day has gone by when Neal Pizzano (1976) and I have not added a name to our growing e-mail listings. Keep it up people. Thank you!
A very special thank-you to Laura Vandevender Collins (1973) who volunteered, and has converted the newsletters to HTML-coded files for us at the web site (in other words, she is spending a lot of time and is using her expertise to make it look nice for your web browsers, for you non-computer geeks). Send a quick note of appreciation to Laura at hattie[AT]oz.net when you have a chance!
Neal Pizzano continues as the point-of-contact for collecting and maintaining the e-mail addresses, as well as the “keeper and updater” of the database that stores the names of the 10,000+ students who attended our alma mater. Neal is currently working with the classes of ’71, ’72, ’77, and ’82 reunion committees to assist with finding classmates and passing along his experience as a member of the 1976 class reunion committee. Neal and I coordinate daily to double-check all of the information we receive, so we can pass it along to you. We’re also in touch with the “Peary Staff Alums,” the teacher equivalent of what we’re doing here. Neal and I were invited to, and attended, their reunion luncheon last fall. Drs. Dunn and Brennan, as well as a room full of your favorite teachers, were there (scary, huh?). More on this as we strengthen the ties between the two “alum” groups. Maureen Difulgo Bladen (1976) has been coordinating activities with the Staff Alums.
The web site has seen some improvement in the way of additional links and photographs, including another article with pictures about a Peary alumnus in the news, Paula Marshall (1982), who is a cast member of the NBC series Chicago Sons; a tribute to Dr. Dunn; additional historical items on Admiral Peary, including pictures of the artifacts we had on display at the school— we began construction of a page with teacher and administrator pictures— see if you can remember who they are. A link will soon be added somewhere on the site, either from this issue (once it has been coded) or the “People in the News” link that will point to a Donna D’Errico page. As you will see, Bob Ibach (1966) has been busy with his work, promoting the rising star and the Inside Sports swimsuit issue. For now, the URL is provided after one of Bob’s articles so you can have a sneak preview. Donna’s personal e-mail address is there too for you fans.
The web site is continuously updated. You can visit to get past issues of the MSO, alumni news, the updated e-mail list, alumni web links, and reunion information. There are several links to alumni business sites on our home page that we provide. If your company doesn’t have its own web site, you might consider having one done for you on our web site in a future advertising section where your products and services will be read by all your former classmates! E-mail me for rates, services, and other questions you might have for this soon-to-be feature. Also, we’ll be adding “current” photos of alumni— again, e-mail me if you’d like to have your picture and/or your family’s photographs digitized and placed on the web site for a nominal donation. All proceeds for these services are used to support our online efforts (server space, mostly). Donations for services, or plain old “donations” because you’re a Husky and enjoy the web site and newsletters, can be charged to a Visa or Mastercard!
One last item I wish to mention. Many of you received an e-mail solicitation from an organization called ClassMates, an Internet-based high school alumni contact company. The Midnight Sun Online is not associated with any business endeavor or entity. The fine print on our web site specifically states that information retrieved from the site is not to be used for commercial purposes and further, requests that it not be used for unsolicited e-mail marketing as this company does, and did. You will NEVER be required to pay anything for submitting items and information, or for access to any of the news and information on the MSO web site, a site created out of old ties and in the spirit of tradition that all Robert E. Peary High School students know of. If you receive this sort of unsolicited e-mail in the future, please make us aware of it. (If anyone who received this note still has it, with all the recipients, I’d appreciate it if you would forward it to me. Possibly Debbie Laios Wetzel, Karen Lattea, Bill Leffler, got it. Et al?)
The deadline for the next issue of the MSO newsletter is Saturday March 15, the Ides of March (“I’m your vehicle, baby…” for those OLD enough to know what I’m singing about; the original version circa 1971). Remember that YOUR contributions are the articles for the newsletter!
Bob Lau (1976) – The Midnight Sun Online
P.S. One of our first “organized” multi-class get-togethers will be this coming Saturday at Dave & Busters in Rockville for the Screen Actors Guild Awards Dinner/Gala, a charity “party” and live telecast from Los Angeles with local celebrities on-hand… Baltimore Ravens, Arch Campbell, the Homicide cast and crew, et al. We look forward to seeing you folks who have reserved tickets for this event and hope to see the rest of you at an another event in the future. There is a dinner party at Rosecroft Raceway currently in the works— check the web site often for updates!
Now, on to the news….
From: Greg Luther (1981) gluther[AT]logicals.com Date: Mon, 20 Jan 1997 Subject: Paula Marshal Class of 82′
FYI – Paula Marshal, class of 1982 is a Model/Actress
She has been in numerous Commercials, TV Shows, TV Movies and Motion Pictures. Some specific shows I can remeber A few years ago there was a show about a family who had a daughter and a son named Corky with downs-syndrome. I can’t remeber the name of it. Anyway, the daughter was having a relationship with a guy (Played by Rob Lowes brother) who had aids. There were about 3-4 episodes where Paula played a girl who the guy started seeing.
Seinfeld – She was one Seinfeld’s Girlfreind in an episode a few years back.
She was in a Sofdrink comercial, I beleive it was Coca-Cola.
There is a new show on now called Chicago Sons. I’m not sure if she’s a regular or if she is just in an upcoming episode but I saw her on a commercial for the show recently.
Just thought you might want to know.
Greg Luther (81′) gluther[AT]logicals.com
One other note – Wasn’t Roy Gerela, Kicker for the Pittsburgh Steelers during there glory days, a PHS alum?
[Paula Marshall, Class of ’82, can be seen at the “People News” link on the MSO web site. Roy, I believe, attended Peary only his Sophomore year — which year, maybe someone can tell us. -BL]
From: Barbara Nicolaisen Van Dyke (1974) bvandyke[AT]dc.infi.net Date: Mon, 20 Jan 1997 Subject: Hello PHS Alums!
I was pleasantly surprised to stumble upon this web site today and find that there are lots of us with a common bond out here in cyberspace. My name back in the old days was Barbara Nicolaisen, today I’m Barbara Van Dyke. Hello especially to those of you from the class of 1974 and the other early to mid-seventies folks who may even remember me, my sister Anna Nicolaisen (class of ’71) or my brother John Nicolaisen (class of ’67). I spent a couple years while in school on the Midnight Sun staff, so what a surprise to find it still in publication of sorts.
After graduating from Peary in 1974, I attended the University of Maryland, graduating from the College of Business in 1978. I met my husband Bill Van Dyke at Maryland (at the Vous, for those of you familiar with College Park) and we married in 1983. I went on to a brief career at NCR Corporation followed by my current multi-faceted career as an at-home mom (2 daughters ages 7 and 10), comptroller of our family business (a mortgage brokerage) and Girl Scout leader. We live in Glenn Dale, Maryland.
Many of you who attended Aspen Hill Elementary in the 60’s and 70’s may remember my mother, Jane Nicolaisen. She was a secretary there. She passed away after a long illness this past October.
Some news about former faculty member and Spanish teacher Kathy Sheehy. She is married to University of Maryland assistant basketball coach Billy Hahn (who coincidentally student taught at Peary). I haven’t spoken with her in a several years, but I see her at the Maryland games; you may even be able to see her on tv when the games are on—her seats at Cole Field House are behind and a bit to the right of the Maryland bench. Their son plays on the team this year. She also looks pretty much the same.
I am in touch with a couple of other 1974 alums and I will be sure to pass this URL along to them.
Thanks to Neal and Bob for putting this web site together.
Barbara (Nicolaisen) Van Dyke Class of 1974 bvandyke[AT]dc.infi.net
From: Chip Hines (1967) chines[AT]fema.gov Date: Tue, 21 Jan 1997 Subject: Hello
Glad you are doing this! Any word about a reunion for the class of (gasp) 67?
You should include in your alumni Dr. Kenneth Prestwich (Professor at Holy Cross) he has a home page at Holycross.edu. Also from the class of ’67 is Brigader General Richard Capka who recently was promoted and took command of an office in California… maybe a news item?
Also, since my sister Sarah Mckay, registered me with you, I guess you know about her, but she is the one who wrote the school song…
thanks
chip
From: David Rogerson (1971) rogersod[AT]des13.od.nih.gov Date: Thu, 23 Jan 1997 Subject: David L. Rogerson
Graduated Class of 1971. Married to Linda, two children, son 15 yrs old (Joe), daughter 9 yrs. old (Katlin). Currently live in Boonsboro, Md. on top of South Mountain. Have small horse farm where my family and I raise Appaloosa Horses. Work at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Md. Recently attended a wonderful Holiday party at Carol Stewart Buck’s home in Laytonsville, Md. Numerous Alumni attented , including Roz Rubin, Rick Seiling, Barb Noonan, Nina Lattora, John Snaposki, and I am quite sure I’m forgetting someone. Snap as he is known to the world is still my running partner. He lives in Middletown, Md. which is approximately five miles from me.
We were reflecting back during the Holidays about how nice it is to still have so many friends around from our school days. Roz and the rest of the Reunion Committee deserve a great bit of thanks from all of the Class of 1971 for working so hard to keep everyone informed. This newsletter is a great idea and thank you all for your time and efforts.
From: Cathy L. Stubbs Willett (1982) CWill20913[AT]aol.com Date: Sun, 26 Jan 1997 Subject: Peary Alumni, 1982
Graduated 1982, now residing in Frederick, Maryland and I’m married to Ralph (Eddie) Willett a graduate of Richard Montgomery, 1976. We have 3 children. Eddie has a 15 year old son, Shawn, from his first marriage. We have 2 boys together. Dusty will be 9 in Feb. and Brandon will be 4 in April. I have been in the real estate industry since before graduation. I work for a real estate firm in Fairfax, VA. My husband has his own title company in Rockville, MD doing title searches for various attorneys.
I was really excited to see the Peary web site and have now read it all. I feel like I’ve been reading for hours, it’s almost 1 a.m.. The newsletters were great!!!
I think at last check I was told my class had lost my address. So if you would kindly add me to your database I would appreciate it. If you want to email me feel free!!
Thanks and Keep in touch!
Cathy Stubbs Willett
From: Neil Gimon (1982) gimon[AT]dittberner.com Date: Wed, 29 Jan 1997 Subject: MSO web site
I did not know this site existed! After I checked out the site, I have been speaking with several other Peary Grads, to have them check the site out and register with it. Anything I can do to help this site along, please let me know. It’s very good to know that while Montgomery County may have forgotten PHS, somebody has not!
In your list of traditions and information about PHS, you mention about the Husky, who is buried in the Senior Court.
If I remember, according to Mr. Clark, the Pipe Band sponsor, the other husky’s ashes are in an urn, sealed in the stone bell tower in the front of the school.
Thanks!
Neil Gimon gimon[AT]dittberner.com
From: David Depp (1975) SolaGratia[AT]msn.com Date: Sat, 1 Feb 1997 Subject: Update
If you are the same Bob Lau I remember, we used to sit next to each other in Acapella. We were both baritones (“peerless” in our talent, of course). You used to pretend you were Chinese and say, “How you do!” when you saw me. When people would give you a hard time, you would say, “Leave me alone or I go back to China.” Remember?
I married a Peary girl—Sharon Lohr, class of ’77. I am back in school again getting my PhD in Theology. I’m losing my hair, but am otherwise just as cute as ever (gag me with spoon, man).
From: Rudy Porter-Lauer (1976) rporter[AT]alf.tel.hr Date: Sat, 1 Feb 1997 Subject: Update
We had a small get together at Dave & Busters when I was home from Croatia in December with Darrell Moy, Jim Hage, Neal Pizzano, Kim Faupel Dykstra and her husband Gary, and Sandy Van Dusen. It was fun to see them – mostly for the first time in ten years.
My sister Paula (Peary ’72) won a major bagpiping event last year in London and another in Vancouver. She was even on the cover of Piping Times magazine in Scotland – quite an achievment for an American. This week she is in San Diego competing. If she wins, she usually gets a trophy and another trip, so the whole thing is self-perpetuating.
I spent last week in Moscow. It’s a whole new city in the year since we moved to Zagreb. There are alot of new building projects in preparation for Moscow’s 950th birthday this September. For most of our Russian friends, though, life is worse now than it was a year ago – and that was bad. Schools closed in January because there was no money to pay teachers, and the healthcare system has now completely collapsed.
My wife, Barb, was in the Belgrade demonstrations on Thursday night (1/30). Watch for her on CNN.
We’re going to a friend’s house tonight for a Mexican food party. I don’t know how she got hold of tortillas in Zagreb.
Rudy
From: John Strong (1977) strongj[AT]nemoc.navy.mil Date: Sun, 02 Feb 1997 Subject: class of 1977
Well, I’ll make this short. I was cruising the internet from here at my work in Naples Italy and I ran across this page…Hmmmm well I am still alive and gettin ready to retire and move to Turkey for good.
It’s been along time since I have been back in Rockville. I am a meteorologist for the US Navy and have been for some time. I wish I could be there for the 20th reunion. But I’ll be here in Italy. Next week I am going to Adana Turkey for a little R & R with my wife Emel who is Turkish. I am so curious what happened to everyone…I’ll drop a line later or anyone can write, as any mail is appreciated in this country…Everything runs slow here in Italy…
tks
John S.
From: Bob Ibach (1966) Bobdunk[AT]aol.com Date: Sun, 2 Feb 1997 Subject: Hello from Chicago
It’s been really great getting all the Peary updates over the past couple of months. Being out here in the Midwest, it’s great to keep up with old friends.
I’ve been in Chicago since 1981, when I moved here with my family to become the Chicago Cubs director of public relations and publications. Prior to that, I had been a sportswriter with both the Washington Post and Baltimore Sun newspapers, covering the Orioles, Colts, Redskins and Bullets over the years. Also did several years of radio work for CBS in Baltimore.
In 1979 I began to do more feature writing and eventually got into writing three books, all of which were published from 1979 to 1983. The one I probably enjoyed the most was entitled “Caught In The Net.” It was about how Clemson University basketball coach Tates Locke bent the rules behind the scenes and eventually got caught by the NCAA. The movie “Blue Chips” with Nick Nolte used the book as a basis for that movie a few years ago. Tates and Nolte could be brothers, they look so much alike!
I stayed with the Cubs until 1989 and have been in the sports marketing and PR business ever since. I own a company in the NW suburbs of Chicago and currently have 11 clients, including the PGA Tour, Brunswick, Bayer Aspirin, the Topps trading card company, Inside Sports Magazine and Eco-tech, maker of one of the more interesting products to hit the marketplace in 1996—it’s called Bug Ban, an insect repelling wristband which can also be worn on the ankle. Protects you from mosquitoes, bees—bugs of all kinds… See webpage at www.lasalle.edu/~ibachk1 (kudos of my son, Kevin, now a freshman at LaSalle University in Philadelphia and also a very good second baseman on the baseball team).
Just completed a very interesting PR project for Inside Sports in January, handling the publicity for its annual swimsuit issue. The cover model is Donna D’Errico of Baywatch and we will be going on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno on Feb. 12—hope old Peary grads give it a look—or give Donna a look!
Still keep in touch with a few of the Peary grads and have gotten a few involved with the Bug Ban project—several of our national reps have made some nice money off this product and I’d be interested to share that program with any Peary grads who contact me.
Keep up the good work with the Peary webpage. It really shows just what a great school we attended how everyone keeps in touch, one way or another.
Best to everyone…
Cold in Chicago…(Bob Ibach, Class of 1966)
From: Gary Tuthill (1973) gjt[AT]lsiinc.com Date: Sun, 2 Feb 1997 Subject: a brief history
Hi fellow nostalgicators,
Brief version of my life after high school: two years at Air Force Academy, a year of travel & manual labor to depressurize, then 3 years at U. Maryland, graduated with BS Computer Science 1979. Bummed around again for awhile (recurring theme, you’ll see), went to Athens, GA for a few months to live with a girlfriend. Left there fall of 1980 for Boston.
Some urban adventures in Boston, moved to a co-op house in Medford, MA, got a software job at Atex doing publishing systems. Then a year at Xyvision (same stuff), then 8 months off (traveling & relaxing). A year at Scitex (graphics), then back to Atex. In ’88 I married Carol, also a programmer at Atex. She was older, had a 13-y.o. daughter from a previous marriage. We lived in Bedford, MA. I celebrated by taking a few months off, working as a carpenter.
Back to software at Alden Electronics (weather systems). After 4 years, moved to Logos (language translation). In ’94, Carol & I separated, and divorced a year later. We still get along, no kids. I moved to Watertown, MA. Last May, Logos closed the office in the Boston area. I took advantage of that to leave my job again. Traveled in Europe & Pacific, came back last Dec.
Some Logos software buddies convinced me to interview at LightSpeed Int’l (Sterling, VA), and I bit, so I moved back to the DC area. We’re a startup, doing phone systems. I’m sharing an apt. near Dulles Airport with a guy from Uruguay. It feels odd to be back after 17 years. Things seem crowded & overdeveloped, compared to New England. The zillions of townhouses around here are way too much, somehow.
About ten years ago, I bought land in central Maine. Carol & I built a cabin, and I’ve gone there regularly for R&R. It’ll be less often now, but I’ve worked a deal for unpaid time off from the job. I’m still drawn to New England, and may end up there again. (Maybe I’ll pinch hit for the Unabomber.)
Despite having a few rough edges smoothed by the world, I guess I never managed to improve my image much. I drive an ’89 Toyota pickup. I still have a few T-shirts from the ’70’s. I tend in a vegetarian direction. My politics swung from ignorance to rightish to very left to “who the hell knows?” I never got used to long hair, and now I find piercing of body parts, whether done by Marines or “normal” kids, to be bizarre. However, my wardrobe is no longer based on polyester, I’m glad to say.
Following my HS running habits, I guess I’m addicted to “dumb sports”, as a friend of mine calls them. I still run regularly, though I haven’t raced in quite awhile and my knees are showing their years. When it snows (like last winter), I do some XC skiing, and in warmer weather, cycling.
Like a lot of people, I suppose, I wish I could do high school again with a little of what I think I’ve learned since then. I think I’d have more fun and be less serious and awkward. But that would be asking for having & eating cake, too. In any case, whether I’m wiser or not, I’m happier than I was then. I’d like to hear from any of you who went through that “trial by hormones” around the same time.
Cheers! Gary Tuthill (still don’t know what I want to be when I grow up)
From: Gail Milstead Moore (1973) mc.moore[AT]mci2000.com Date: Tue, 04 Feb 1997 Subject: Looking for a Teacher
I would love to get in touch with Ms. F? (I think – Mrs. Weinstein after graduation?) who taught DECA classes at Peary in 1973 and also doubled as a guidance counselor. She gave me a piece of advice, in the form of a note in my senior yearbook that read “good luck in your future, I hope that you always make sure that your heart agrees with your head and you will go far” or something along that line of thought. My yearbook along with most of my belongings (my life) is in storage until my husband, children and I relocate to Tennessee. Anyway, I have always wanted to thank her for that thought. I followed her advice and I believe I am a much better person for it. If anyone knows who the hell I am talking about (I suffer from mental pause) and how to get in touch with her, I would be most grateful!! Gail Moore (Milstead)
From: Randy McClement (1974) RAMOFMD[AT]aol.com Date: Wed, 5 Feb 1997 Subject: MSO Article
My name is Randy McClement. I am a graduate of the class of ’74. I am currently living in Frederick, Maryland. I am married (Maryjane) and have a daughter (Melissa -11).
I am Director of Community Management for a company in Germantown, Maryland. We manage Homeowners Associations and Condominium Associations.
My Brother-in-Law is Danny Beltowski (also, class of “74”). He and my sister (Judy McClement Beltowski – Class of “75”) live in Gaithersburg, Maryland. They have a 13 year old son – Michael. Danny has his own home improvement company called Carpentry Creations. They are not on-line, so if you want to get them a message, I will be happy to get it to them!
This is a great idea! I applaud everyone who is involved in this and encourge them to continue the effort!
I would love to hear from my fellow class of “74” class mates! E-Mail me & let me know what you have been up to!
From: Bob Ibach (1966) Bobdunk[AT]aol.com Date: Thu, 6 Feb 1997 Subject: Baywatch update
The hits just keep on comin…
In addition to the appearance on Leno’s show on 2/12 in Los Angeles, we have just booked Baywatch star Donna D’Errico on Conan O’Brien, set to run on Thursday, 2/27. I’ll be in New York City that day for the taping.
Update: when D’Errico was in Chicago on Tuesday (2/4), we did radio and TV interviews from sunrise to sunset—over 25 interviews in one day. She is a real pro, not to mention having a great story to tell. In the current issue of Inside Sports magazine, Donna is featured in one shot that was taken in a predator lagoon at Paradise Island in the Bahamas—in 12 feet of water. She is positioned on a chaise lounge, with no mask, wetsuit or regulator, watching an episode of Baywatch on an underwater TV.
Inside Hollywood scoop on Donna: Favorite drink: coffee—takes 4 packs of sugar in each coffee!!! And she drinks about 5 cups or more a day…Honest. And she is 5-4, 107 pounds. How does she do it! Oh well, there must be a secret there somewhere…
Meanwhile, staying cold in Chicago…best to everyone…Bob Ibach (Class of ’66)
[Editor’s Note: If you wish to write directly to Donna D’Errico, her e-mail address is vipergirl6[AT]aol.com—a transcript of her February 12 online chat, with photos, is available here on the MSO web site: http://www.clark.net/pub/pearyhs/text/derrico.htm ]
From: Neil G. Gimon (1982) gimon[AT]dittberner.com Date: Thu, 06 Feb 1997 Subject: Entry for Feb MSO
I graduated with the Class of 82. Since graduation, I have been busy with school and work. After spending time in Arizona, and at Arizona State University (Go Sundevils!), I transfered to Towson State University for the last year. I graduated with a degree in Communications, and a minor in Archeaology/Anthropology. I spent 3 years in radio, working for various stations on the Eastern Shore, primarily with WZBH, Delmarva’s home of Rock and Roll. I use to be the night guy, Neil at Night (Not my idea).
Since moving back to the DC area, I was the Director of Marketing for Takeout Taxi, the restaurant delivery company. I helped them grow to become the biggest restaurant delivery company in the country.
I am currently with Dittberner Associates, a telecommunications consultant group, that works with the biggest international telecom operators and manufacturers in the world. It’s a job I love, being able to speak with others around the world, and to travel. At the end of the month, I am off to Baharain, in the Persian Gulf, for a larger Telecom conference.
I have been married to Anita Ambrogi for eight years. She is a graduate from Einstein High School, in Kensington. She works with Principal Health Care, am HMO, in the Provider Relations Department. We have a son, Gregory, who turned 4 years old today. We have another son on the way, due April 11.
We have a house in Kensington, which had an electrical fire that destroyed half of the house, and a lot of our things. Thanks to 2 insurance companies, and a great crew of contractors, we are back in a new and improved house. Unfortunatly, this fire force us to move back into our house 2 days after the big snow storm of last year.
My sister, Sally, graduated from Peary in 1984. She went on to graduate from Maryland, spend 2 years in Poland, with the Peace Corps, travel across Europe, Asia, and the South Pacific (she took the long way home). She is currently in Graduate school at Thunderbird, in Phoenix, studying International Relations.
I was not able to attend the 10 year reunion, but have heard all about it. The other members of the Cross Country team from Peary that graduated with me have remained in close contact with each other. I think that they will be soon logging on to this site.
This is a great site, and can’t wait to see it grow in the future!
Neil Gimon Class of 82
From: Bob Lau (1976) blau[AT]clark.net Date: Fri, 7 Feb 1997 Subject: Winter
Just wonderful…the groundhog doesn’t see his shadow and Murphy’s Law takes over…it snows again. And I’m still stuck here in Germantown! Well, as far as the acting work, it slowed a little in January, though I worked in Stern’s movie the first of the year, but it picked up again with some industrials (US Postal Service, playing an disgruntled CUSTOMER, not an employee; and World Health Organization), a print job…heck, you stand there and let them take your photograph while being paid g, and I did a reading at Ford’s Theater for a playwright named Anna Deavere Smith for the play that is finishing up there soon, “Twilight: Los Angeles 1992″—good experience and fun, getting to deliver my lines on the stage where John Wilkes Booth landed and twisted his ankle. I’m still waiting for another appearance on Homicide when they turn my character (a Process Server) into a recurring role (subsequently, a recurring paycheck). They air the series in Europe, so I’m hoping to see some residuals arriving in the mailbox soon too!
Oh, I also worked an episode of Chicago Hope as a reporter in a Senate Hearing scene with Senator Kennedy (the real one), Ron Silver, and Christine Lahti. I don’t know when it airs, but you’ll know it when you see Christine Lahti faint in the the hearing room and Silverman giving a very long and drawn-out testimonial. (Maybe the reason Christine’s character faints—tune in and find out
Other than that, I still do some ocassional freelance video editing work, producing commercials for Behnke Nurseries and Mastercraft Interiors. Hey, that’s where it’s at you know…plants and furniture. Uh huh. What else…the water heater busted and flooded the basement! Our two cats are doing well, Kristy’s doing well, I don’t sleep anymore, and I’m catching spring fever. I recently started a home page for “us” and will have Kristy’s art there, along with my acting stuff and our various vacations…California, Florida, NY, Ireland, and later this year, Toronto. It will be Kristy’s first time there.
Kristy and I are looking forward to the gala benefit at Dave & Busters later this month during the Screen Actors Guild Awards—it’ll be good to meet a bunch of Peary folks that I don’t know, or maybe I’ve just gotten a mild case of “CRS” and I’m losing my mind g. It’ll also be a good opportunity to hob-nob with the casting directors and producers to give the acting work a little boost, hopefully! If you’re near the tube that evening (Feb. 22), be sure to watch for alumni on a live feed from NBC during the telecast, or on the news afterwards.
And finally, I was recently appointed to one of the councils for the Screen Actors Guild local to help in negotiations with the numerous feature film producers and companies that come to DC often.
Okay, more blabbing next month…did someone say “spring?”
Bob Lau, Class of ’76
From: Barry Gold (1972) BGold[AT]prodigy.net Date: Fri, 7 Feb 1997 Subject: Class of 1972 Reunion???
Has anyone heard of any info for the class of 72 reunion plans?
Barry Gold
[Information in the last article of this newsletter, or CLICK HERE!]
From: Mike Holder (1968) HOLDER[AT]vitro.com Date: Mon, 10 Feb 1997 Subject: Update
Michael Holder class of 1968, graduated from North Carolina State University in 1972 with a BSEE. Shortly thereafter (two days to be exact) I began work at Vitro (yes the company just down the road from Peary). I have been employed here since. At Vitro I met and in 1975 I married Anne Marie Wolf class of 1972. We have one child, a son, Michael Jr. born in 1990. He is now a first grader at St Judes. My work experience has been somewhat diverse. I worked as a designer and tester of the Cruise Missile Weapon System which gained significant fame during Desert Storm. I have aided the Canadian navy, the US Army, the US Air Force, the US Navy and currently support the FAA and NASA. For the FAA I am working on the Terminal Doppler Weather Radar which is or has been installed at 47 cities/airports in the US. For NASA I am working part time on the Cassini project which is the satellite which will be launched later this year to study Saturn. I have held many positions while here from section lead to group supervisor, however, I think being a plain old engineer is most to my liking. It is what I studied to do.
Outside of work I have found ways to keep busy. I enjoy woodworking (I have made over 40 standing baby cradles which are in use from Rhode Island to South Carolina at last report. Until this year I was an avid softball player (modified fast pitch and slow pitch). After several surgeries I have decided to retire. This is much to the liking of my family.
I have also kept involved with a few things. I served as President of the North Carolina State University Alumni club in the DC area (over 2500 members); President of the Vitro 15 Year club (a company service program which adopted the Make-A-Wish Foundation as their chief fundraising issue); Past Grand Knight for Blessed Manyanet Council of the Knights of Columbus (a Catholic mens service organization, for which I conduct an annual yard sale to raise money for Children’s Hospital held in April each year – just in case someone has something to offer); Scoutmaster, Unit Commissioner, Assistant District Commissioner, Vice Chairperson for Finance and now Pack Committee Chairperson with the Boy Socuts of America (I figure over 15 years of involvement which they honored me with the National Silver Beaver Award).
In case that is not enough boring material, it is worthy to note that my family and I live in the same house that I grew up in while attending Peary. Some folks might consider this to be a rut that I am in, however, I like the old neighborhood. Some nice people live/lived there.
By the way has anyone contacted Robert Clark, history teacher and sponsor for the bagpipe band. He moved on to Rockville HS and then to Richard Montgomery HS and was noted as having finally gotten married, but I have lost track of him.
Have a good day.
From: Kevin Peckham (1971) KPeck30808[AT]aol.com Date: Mon, 10 Feb 1997 Subject: News Item for Midnight Sun
Brian Peckham (class of 1963) and his wife Sylvia had a baby girl on Jan. 31st. Baby’s name is Brianna Colleen Peckham. Brain lives in Platteville, Wisconsin where he is a professor of economics at the University of Wisconsin – Platteville.
From: Bryant Brooks (1974) HAN2BRY[AT]aol.com Date: Tue, 11 Feb 1997 Subject: Just a little news
Hi I just found you all thanks to Kevin my baby brother. Let me tell you how I have doing.
First I have been married for over 20 years. I have three beautiful children. I have already have one in college who is going to St Marys and is studying to be a doctor. Next is my 15 year old who is also very bright and is a world rated Karate champion. So far she has won MD state four years in a row. She has received a national championship 3 out of 4 years, won 3 golds 1 silver in the Pam Am games in 1996, bronze in the US open last year which gives her world rating. 2/11 she goes to Colorado, to compete in the US OPEN again in both jrs and srs div full contact Karate. She trains 7 days a week and is trying to get on the national team for the world championships then hopefully 2000 olympics. I have a son Bryant 11 yrs old and doing real good in school and is playing in most sports. Football is his favorite. I own a home improvement business and my wife Mary (Worden) Brooks is a Credit Mgr at the roof center. We are still active in church which is the center of our marriage.
From: Bob Ibach (1966) Bobdunk[AT]aol.com Date: Sat, 15 Feb 1997 Subject: Conan O’Brien appearance—update
Hope the Peary gang was able to catch Donna D’Errico of Baywatch, my client, on the Leno show this past Wednesday night (2/12)…she did a great job and even got in several “plugs” for my main client, Inside Sports Magazine—which is why they hire me, I guess.
Anyway, the Conan O’Brien show is now set for Feb. 27 in New York. We will tape that early evening and it will be shown nationally later that night. She’ll get into talking about her experience in the shark lagoon, where she was photographed for one of the shots that is running in the current issue of Inside Sports’ swimsuit edition. That shot, by the way, took 6 hours to record and the area was guarded by over a dozen scuba divers with knives in hand—just in case one of the 11 species of sharks got too close and wanted to bite Donna (I’ll be all the guys from Peary wish they could have been a shark for a day, hummmm!) Oh well.
She’s a great gal to work with and the experience at the Leno show was unbelievable—even if I had to put up with Donna’s 4-year-old son for three hours back in her dressing room. The kid had eaten half a box of chocolates sent to Donna and was bouncing off the walls…
Some great backstage stories to tell you in the future about that—got to sit in one of Leno’s 30 cars he owns—a new Vipor. He’s a very down-to-earth person, loves the Chicago area, and loves the Chicago Cubs (my old employer). We talked with him afterwards, got the necessary PR pictures done for the trades and other key publications, and it really turned out to be a nice experience, one that I will remember.
Hope you had a good week and we’ll talk with you soon.
Bob Ibach (Class of ’66!)
From: Carole Stein Dibo (1976) CDibo[AT]aol.com Date: Sat, 15 Feb 1997 Subject: MSO
I loved seeing everyone in July at the 1976 20-year reunion. Although I didn’t get the chance to spend as much time as I wanted with everyone it was wonderful to be with old friends.
My life is quite full these days, with 3 daughters 11 , 7 and 2. Living in Chicago is a blessing during spring, summer and fall, but boy do you pay for it during the winter months.
After Peary I spent 2 years at MC in the theatre department and then went to Actors Stage Studio down on Dupont Circle where I met my husband. (Almost 17 years ago!) During the early days of my career I did alot of extra work on major films, enough industrial training films to fill a small warehouse, commercial work and believe or not I was a petite runway model. I also did a good amount of print work and voice overs. I thought I was prepared for the Chicago market when we moved here in 1989, but this was a whole diffrent ball game. Luckily, I’ve had some success. I did a few industrials for McDonalds, O’hare Airport, and a huge spot for IL. Bell, the kind that people in the drug store recognize you, and a commercial for the Chicago Tribune as well. I was also in a long running production of The Children’s Hour directed by Jeremy Piven’s (TV show Ellen’s brother) sister. After the show closed I had my third daughter and now that she is almost nursery school age I’m putting my headshots back into the ring and will start auditioning again this spring.
I have loved having “Peary On-Line” each month, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with some special people that otherwise would have remained only memories.
Best Wishes to Everyone from The Frozen City of Chicago!
Carole Stein Dibo
From: Constantine “Dean” Peters (1977) PETERSD1[AT]westat.com Date: Sat, 15 Feb 97 Subject: Submission for newsletter
Hello and warm greetings to all the Peary High School alumni from that other Peters family. That’s George (class ’74), Dean (class ’77) and Glenn (class ’79).
George has been living in Colorado ever since hurricane Andrew re-ventilated his home in Miami. He’s still playing with things nuclear, and trying to keep up with his jockette wife Chris. He can be antagonized at glpeters[AT]msn.com. If you do bug him, make sure you tell him how great his younger brother is 🙂 (y’all know I’m just kidding about this sibling rivalry stuff … don’t you ?).
Dean (a.k.a. Constantine, the laugh, hey #%!^@@), got tired of the NYC thing. At the time I was singing for the Center for Contemporary Opera and the American Opera Center, but didn’t like all the mandatory lifestyle choices during the off-hours required to make such a career happen. I just finished getting a masters in computer science, mostly to convince my wife I need a Pentium Pro 200. Actually, I’m a Sr. Systems Engineer (head-geek) at Westat in Rockville, and can be reached at petersd1[AT]westat.com
My next singing gig is February 23, 6:00pm at Redland Baptist Church. I will be singing the Bass soli in the Rockville Chancel Choir’s production of Mozart’s Missa Brevis in B-flat. Personally, I like the piece, though I find it a bit too brief for my tastes (ugh!).
Glenn, now wrestles with pipes and toilets as the last honest plumber. He’s working with Matte plumbing, and believe it or not, has managed a technique to fix toilets and what-not without showing even the slightest of butt-cleavage (appearently, those in the industry refer to it as BCL). He still possesses the most extensive knowledge of all the best fishing holes in Rockville.
Oh yes, and thanks…to Neal P., Bob L., ted, alice, sacco, vanzetti, and all the others who have contributed to make Midnight Sun Online possible. It makes it a lot easier for those of us who have to drive by the old school on the way to work or the store.
Constantine “Dean” Peters…Best Laugh Class of 1977
From: Neal Lee Pizzano (1976) npizzano[AT]erols.com Date: Sat, 15 Feb 1997 Subject: Reunions, Reunions
This is the year MSO will test itself with reunion information. Most of you have already read about the class of 1971 and its 25 + 1 reunion this coming June at the Gaithersburg Hilton. Others have seen the info on the class of 1977 and its 20 year reunion this coming August at the Gaithersburg Holiday Inn. Some of heard about both. Well, now there is MORE reunion information to be spread around. The class of 1982 is starting to put together its 15 year reunion set for this October. Details have not been worked out yet, but classmate Karen Kushner is working hard at getting the details worked out, and will let everyone know as soon as possible. In the meantime, classmate from 1972, Jacquie Padgett, has been working with what little time she has to spare to put something together for 1972’s 25th reunion. She’s actually looking around the same time as the class of 1971, in June, so that many of the 71 and 72 alumni can rekindle some of those multi-year friendships. Details of where and exactly when will be revealed very soon. By the way, Jacquie is looking for assistance on this year’s reunion as she can’t devote the same amount of time she did on the 20th. And those ’72 alumni that attended, know what a great job she did then. Please let her know what you can do to assist with the class of 1972’s 25th reunion. AND you DON’T have to be a member of the class of 1972 to assist!!!!! I’m from the class of ’76, and Jacquie already knows she’s got my help. E-mail me at npizzano[AT]erols.com if you wish to help with ANY of the reunions, but especially 1972 and 1982, or, e-mail Jacquie for the class of 1972 at khdcom[AT]aol.com, or Karen at KushieK[AT]aol.com for the class of 1982.
Thanks, and best of luck at everyone’s reunion this year!!!
From: Bob Lau (1976) blau[AT]clark.net Date: Sun, 16 Feb 1997 Subject: Yikes
Well, amazingly enough, as far as I can tell, I just received a reply from Donna D’Errico of “Baywatch” and Inside Sports swimsuit issue fame who had this to say about Bob Ibach, Class of 1966, who is working with Inside Sports on Marketing/PR for Donna (who’s on the cover of the issue):
From: Donna D’Errico VIPERGIRL6[AT]aol.com
To: blau[AT]clark.net
Date: Sun, 16 Feb 1997
BOB’S A GOOD GUY FOR SURE….
…
…..
THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT….MEANS ALOT…….
…….DONNA
Cool! Well, as she says in her online chat, she reads all her e-mail.
[If any of you are interested in writing to her hubby, rocker Nikki Sixx, his e-mail address is SIXXDOG[AT]aol.com]
From: Bob Ibach (1966) Bobdunk[AT]aol.com Date: Sun, 16 Feb 1997 Subject: Inside Sports
Glad to hear Donna had nice things to say. Thus far, we have gotten her on over 25 TV interviews and 30 radio interviews…next big one is Conan O’Brien Show on Feb. 27…other big hits have included Leno (Tonight Show), E!, Entertainment Tonight, WGN-TV (superstation), CNN, and Conan O’Brien show (upcoming). We also had TV interviews on ABC, NBC and CBS which ran in various markets around the country. We had a half hour show on One-On-One Sports Radio Network which got us into over 320 markets!
—Bob Ibach
P.S. Just started two neat memorabilia sports projects involving famous baseball broadcaster Harry Caray and another with the estate of Jackie Robinson, the famous ballplayer—first black to make it to the major leagues in 1948 for the Brooklyn Dodgers.
Also, Peary grads, I have a client who produced the limited edition Super Bowl footballs (real leather) with final score of the game and with SB XXX! logo in gold. These are identical to ones which were used in the recent Super Bowl game in New Orleans. Real nice piece of history!
Normally sells for $150 or more…I can get for any Peary grads interested for $99 each while supply lasts, since the company behind these balls is my client and I can get a special discount. Only 1,500 of these made…as of today, less than 200 remain.
Each football comes with a letter of authenticity. For another $25, there is an acrylic case to put the football inside—makes for a great presentation. I get the cases at cost.
Peary grads can email me or leave message at my home office.
[E-mail me for Bob’s phone number if you need to call. blau[AT]clark.net]
From: Neal Lee Pizzano (1976) npizzano[AT]erols.com Date: Sun, 16 Feb 1997 Subject: MSO Mail Subscriptions
Yes, the heading is correct. But, most likely, you’re reading this because you have a computer and have received this as part of the Peary Alumni Connection. However, several of you know of someone out there that does not have a computer. They may wish to receive the MSO through the U.S. Mail. Bob and I have discussed the matter and have decided to extend the MSO to ALL of the Peary Alumni we can reach. This means if you know someone that would like to receive the Midnight Sun Online, but doesn’t have computer access, they can now write in and get a subscription mailed to them. Many of you know what the past 6 issues have contained. Great stories about alumni and what they’ve done since graduation. Reunion information, Birth announcements, and yes, information regarding those whom have left us to join God’s Kingdom. All in All, the information has proven to be an invaluable resource to all Peary Alumni, including faculty. We will not let the spirit of Robert E. Peary High School die! Call friends, faculty, and parents of alumni and let them know about the MSO subscription being offered. Subscriptions will be offered in two ways. A 6 month subscription beginning with the current edition at the time of start-up to the service, and a 1 year subscription starting the same way as the 6 month. To start a subscription, please write to:
Midnight Sun Online-Subscription c/o Neal Pizzano 4817 Listra Road Rockville, MD 20853-3124
Include on a 3 x 5 card, or a postcard: Your Name, Status, Address, City, State, Zip and whether you want the 6 month or 1 year subscription.
Note: Status is either Alumni and class of graduating year Friend and class associated with Parent of alumni (list all graduating years) Faculty and former department.
Friends of Alumni are most welcome as some of you may have gone to Peary, or at least, grew up with Peary People, but graduated elswhere. Class of 1985 and class of 1986 People, please incude the “other” school you had to attend as a result of our school’s closure.
A 6 month subscription costs $15.00 to cover printing, postage and handling. A 1 year subscription costs $24.00 to cover printing, postage and handling. Please make checks out to MSO-Subscription.
We will try to mail out all subscriptions within 1 week of publication on line. Cancellations will be accepted by phone at 301-929-6155. Computer access will always remain free. All persons subscribing, will be placed on a new location within the Peary Alumni Connection E-mail list showing Name, Status, and State of Residence. Thank You for your support in keeping the spirit alive. Remember, we were taught to “Find a way, or make one”. And that’s exactly what we intend to do.
Neal Pizzano Class of 1976
Available on the web site
http://www.clark.net/pub/pearyhs
All issues of MSO
Articles and pictures about graduates and teachers in the news
The latest alumni e-mail listings
Class reunion information
Articles for the March issue due by March 15, 1997
Send your news to the MSO: PearyHS[AT]iicsdc.clark.net
Midnight Sun Online
Volume 1, Number 7, February 1997
Volume 1, Number 6, January 1997
MIDNIGHT SUN ONLINE
-The Online Newsletter for Robert E. Peary High School Alumni-
MSO WEB SITE
http://www.clark.net/pub/pearyhs
Hello Huskies:
A Happy New Year to all of you! This is the sixth issue of the Midnight Sun Online (MSO) and our first of 1997. Thanks for everyone’s help in spreading the word about our on-line efforts, and many thanks for those of you who took the time to submit updates and news for this issue.
Remember that our web site is continuously updated. You can visit the site 24 hours a day for past issues of the MSO, articles and news about fellow alumni, an updated e-mail list, and alumni web links. Info for the Class of 1971 “25+1” Reunion and a “missing persons” list, plus info for the Class of 1977 20-year Reunion has been added to the site.
The deadline for submissions for the next issue of the MSO newsletter is Saturday February 15, 1997 – we especially look forward to hearing from those of you who haven’t updated us yet on what you’re up to. In addition, it might be cute to take this opportunity to send Valentines to your “lost loves” (subsequently, “admissions”) to include in the issue
Also, voluntary donations are now being accepted to support our effort.
Enjoy this issue,
Bob Lau (1976) – The Midnight Sun Online
P.S. We’re slowly converting the newsletter from its current “text” form on the web site to HTML pages for your browser for a better look.
From: Barbara Dentz-Riley (1971) timm[AT]erols.com Date: Fri, 20 Dec 1996 Subject: 1971 Class Reunion – old films & video
If anyone could help our class out with any information on old sports films that may be tucked away from the Peary years’ 1968-71, our committee would be appreciative. We had the idea of setting up a “memories corner” at the hotel the night of the reunion, and if we could find anything in the way of old “home movies” it would be great.
Have a great holiday and Happy New Year!
From: Robert Phillips (1968) elvis[AT]intnet.net Date: Mon, 23 Dec 1996 Subject: Update
I’m a ’68 grad of Peary and I’ve done a bit of traveling around the world. One place I lived was Thule, Greenland (the old man’s base camp) in the mid 70’s. If I dig around my archives, I can probably find a few pictures of the area if you’re interested. By the way, quite a few of the natives are decendents of Peary and Henson. The nights in Greenland are long and cold.
I’m looking for a couple of people from the class of 68 and if you can help me out, I’d appreciate it. They are:
Lorraine O’Hara Karen Woodcock
Also, I have three sisters that attended Peary and I’ll check if they want their addresses included in your database. All three sisters married Peary grads. Here is the information on them:
Diana Lynn (Lynn Phillips) Wheeler, class of 65, married Patrick Wheeler, class of 65 and are now living in West River, Md.
Sandra (Phillips) Holland, class of 67, married Charles Holland, class of 65 and are now living in Colorado Springs, Co.
Sharon (Phillips) Bedard, class of 67, married and divorced Charles (Chuck) Trumbo, class of 65 and is now living in Crofton, Md.
None of my sisters are on the net.
Ciao!
From: H. Laura Vandevender-Collins (1973) hattie[AT]oz.net Date: Mon, 23 Dec 1996 Subject: The Peary Connection
Got your fine message this morning. Am tickled as I can be!
This is Harriett Laura Vandevender-Collins, Class of 1973, now living in Bremerton, WA. No Spouse. Son: Matthew A. Collins, born May 31, 1978. Graduated Davis & Elkins College, 1977/Bachelor or Arts-Fine Arts
At present I am working for Vitro Corporation in Silverdale, WA with Computer Graphics. I also have my own business “Hattie’s Web Works” creating web pages.
My two elder sisters also graduated from Peary, 4 and 5 years before me: Helen Maxine Vandevender-Lomp – Class of ’68, living in Elkins, WV; and Donna Lynn Vandevender – Class of ’70, living in Durbin, WV. Neither are on-line, but I will make print outs for them. They will like that.
Also, just got a card from friend Mark Goldstein, also class of ’73. His e-mail address is Damascus5[AT]aol.com – I know he would like to hear from you. I will gladly spread the word to other classmates, as I do keep in touch with a handful of them.
Thanks again.
H. Laura Vandevender – Collins – Class of ’73
Thu Jan 16…I would like to make an addition to the above. A wonderful addition, I might add!
Just this past Friday, the 10th of January, I adopted “Lucy” a buff colored, female cocker spaniel, via the good people at Kindered Spirits. They work hand in hand with the Humane Society. Lucy was found dragging her leash at the end of October, 1996. No tags, no identification, and no one claimed her. Lucy stayed at the Humane Society for 30 days. She was a candidate to be euthanasied. A lady from Kindered Spirits, collected Lucy from the Humane Society and fostered her for 2 months. Lucy was taken to the vet, and it was found that she was in much pain, due to extremely infected ears. Lucy was estimated to be between the age of 3 and 6 years old.
I saw an advertisement about Lucy, and several other rescued pets, in the newspaper, and I called. The Kindered Spirits folks interviewed me at my home, to ensure that I would be a good adoptive owner. Some paperwork later, I became Lucy’s adoptive owner. Lucy now has a tattoo on her right inner thigh proclaiming her identity, should she ever be lost again.
I am so pleased to have Lucy’s company, and pleased that an animal which was put into a “throw away” category was saved. It would have been an awful shame, if so sweet and beautiful an animal had been destroyed. Kindered Spirits is a fine outfit, and I’m pleased to be associated with them. I am now doing volunteer graphics work for them, to help them continue their fine efforts. Lucy and I are the first complete rescue and adoption scenario in Kitsap County, and possibly the State of Washington. It’s pretty neat.
I also volunteer my services to the American Cancer Society, Kitsap Unit. I designed a web page for them, and keep it updated. Am working on getting a donated site for them, from my server here in Washington. It’s all fun, and hopefully helps out.
By the way, I have enjoyed the updates that you are sending out. It’s fun to see the possibilities of people getting together after many years. Thanks.
On the volunteering end, should you need any help at all with your work, let me know. Should you just need help typing up things from hard copies for input (you can fax a copy to me), or anything else, I would be glad to do so. Just let me know.
Take care,
H. Laura Vandevender-Collins ’73
[Thank you for your offer and support, Laura!]
From: Patty Newman-Gilbertz (1977) patty[AT]ballantlantic.net Date: Mon, 23 Dec 1996 Subject: The Peary Connection
My maiden name is Newman and I graduated in the class of 77. I have 3 brothers who also attended Peary: Mark Newman – 78, Paul Newman – 73 (?) and David Newman – 72 (?). (Sorry, I can barely remember when I graduated, much less my brothers! I will check with them and update for you. I will also include their e-mails at that time.) This sounds like an exciting project. Let me know if you need any help. I will do whatever I can. Thanks for initiating this!
[Thank you too, Patty!]
From: Maureen Difulgo-Bladen (1976) TopazII[AT]aol.com Date: Wed, 25 Dec 1996 Subject: Photo Album
I got some pictures the other day from the Halloween party at Kevin Brooks’ house…they came out pretty good…has anyone else got any? I would like to start an album that we can keep and share with other classmates at any function we may embark on. I will be collecting photos for that purpose…kinda like a “Peary Family Album.”
Send photos of the 1976 20th reunion (10th too) and the picnic, and anything else in between you think would be funny or of interest you would like to share…INCLUDING pictures of your families…or just self (no nudies will be put in the album, but I’ll accept some from certain male classmates! HA!!)…suggest you carry a camera with you when you get together with a classmate…even to the “happy hour” get togethers…send the photos and description of photo, i.e. who’s in it and where/what etc…etc…etc…to me at:
Maureen A. (Di Fulgo) Bladen 24416 Cutsail Drive Damascus, Maryland 20872…or call me at (301) 414-0496, plus you can contact me thru Email…
I’ll handle the Class of ’76…other classes (and volunteers) are encouraged to do the same for their respective classes!
Maureen
From: Neal Lee Pizzano (1976) npizzano[AT]erols.com Date: Sat, 28 Dec 1996 Subject: PHS Facts
The following information is a collection of facts regarding Robert E. Peary High School and its memorabilia. What we know about the memorabilia today, follows the information.
[This information is also available on a page at the MSO web site.]
********************************************************
PEARY HIGH: TRADITIONS AND FACTS,
Compiled by Neal Pizzano, Class of 1976
Name: Robert E. Peary, selected by sixth graders at Aspen Hill Elementary School in 1960, because the high school was located on Arctic Avenue.
The Sled: Known as a sledge, located in the display case of the main hall, was one of five from the Roosevelt (the ship that took Peary to the North Pole). The other four sledges had names, this one did not.
Mascot: A Siberian Husky named Nalegaksoah, “King of the Team.” King III is buried in the Senior Court.
Bell Tower: Housed the Bell from the U.S.S. Robert E. Peary 132. The triangular tower points north and is modeled after the original sixty- foot monument in cape York, Greenland.
The “North Pole” Flag: Located in the display case, it was flown from the mizzen gaff of the Roosevelt when Commander Peary sailed into Sydney, Nova Scotia, on September 21, 1909. Matthew Henson sewed NORTH POLE on a white diagonal strip on both sides of the Stars and Stripes.
School Flag: A replica of Admiral Peary’s personal flag. A rectangular flag divided into two triangles. One navy blue with a white star, the other, arctic white with a navy blue “P.”
Marching Band Uniforms: Similar to midshipmen uniforms at the U.S. Naval Academy, except the number of buttons represent the number of Peary’s expeditions, and his rank of Rear Admiral was displayed by the stripes on the sleeves and the stars on the collar.
Pipe Band: To honor Rear Admiral Donald Baxter MacMillan, Peary’s assistant on his North Pole expedition.
School Seal: A globe topped by POLARIS, the North Star; under it, Commander Peary driving a team of huskies transverses the globe. Under the globe, two dates: 1909, recalls the discovery of the North Pole; 1960, the first year Peary High School became a place for students to learn.
Alma Mater: The words were written by Sarah Hines from the Class of 1963. She incorporated the school motto: I Will Find A Way Or Make One, within the lyrics.
School Publications: Polaris, Aurora, and Midnight Sun
School Anchors: Dedicated on April 6, 1963; they symbolize the admiral’s iron will and determination to proceed until his goal was reached.
The Mast: Recovered from the U.S.S. Robert E. Peary 132, became the flag pole.
*************
The Bell Tower: Today the tower stands in front of our alma mater, stripped of the plaques and bell. The plaques were given to the respective families.
The Bell: Returned to the U.S. Navy, the bell, today, is aboard the refurbished U.S.S. Peary.
The Anchors: Given to Springbrook High School for their Navy R.O.T.C. program.
The Sledge: Returned to the Peary family and believed auctioned off.
The “North Pole” Flag: Also returned to the Peary family and believed auctioned off.
The Mast: Located at the Laythrop E. Smith Environmental Education Center in Rockville, it serves as the focus of daily flag raising.
From: John “Frank” Hastings III (1984) fhastings[AT]worldnet.att.net Date: Sat, 28 Dec 1996 Subject: Update
I only attended Peary in ’80 & ’81 (9th and 10th grade). I graduated from a small school in South Texas in ’84. Played on Peary’s ’81-82 JV football team. I currently live in Corpus Christi, Texas. I am a graduate of Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi and am currently working on a MBA. Thanks to the internet, I was able to find an old classmate of mine, Byron Patterson.
Anyways, good luck with the reunion efforts. Later!
jfh3
From: Carol Cotton-Hendrix (1964) crummynk!CHendrix[AT]attmail.com Date: Mon, 30 Dec 1996 Subject: The Peary Connection and Midnight Sun
I graduated from Peary in 1964, the second graduating class and the first to graduate after the school was accredited.
Additional biographical info: Graduated from Drew University, Madison, NJ, class of 1968, major Political Science. While in college, I had the opportunity to spend a semester studying comparative government in London, England. I have been an anglophile ever since and travel to England, Scotland and Wales whenever I have the opportunity. I worked as an Admissions Officer for Drew University for a couple years right after graduation. This involved a lot of travel, as I covered recruiting in 9 states. I also worked for Ciba-Geigy Pharmaceuticals in the area of Drug Regulatory Affairs. Then I took time out to raise a family and did some parttime work as a bookkeeper. When the kids were older, I realized that I better return to full time employment in order to pay for college, so after being out of the working world for 14 years, it was time for me to decide what I wanted to be when I grew up. I had always been interested in the law, so I went back to school and got a certification as a legal assistant (paralegal). For the past 8+ years I have been working as a litigation paralegal for one of the largest law firms in NJ. Much of my work is in the area of environmental litigation. I have two children: Robert (Bob) A. Hendrix, 22 yrs. old, will graduate from Lehigh Univ. this year with a major in Environmental Science with a concentration in Hydrogeology; and Catherine (Katie) A. Hendrix, 19 yrs. old (attended Hood College one year and is in the process of transferring elsewhere), she wants to pursue studies to become a teacher of the deaf. My husband is Richard P. Hendrix, graduated from Lehigh University 1967, spent some time in the Navy as a communications officer on a destroyer and managed to stay out of Viet Nam, and in 1974 went back to Lehigh for his MBA in Finance. Currently he is the Corporate Comptroller for an advertising agency in New York City. We have lived at our current address for 22 years. Our house was built in 1926, but in the last 22 years, I feel like we have rebuilt it with all the repairs and renovations we have done. We collect antique furniture and the house is so full now that my husband will probably divorce me if I try to bring in another piece of furniture. We also have three cats: Bridget, Ginger and Jenny. All three are long-haired domestic cats and all have red fur.
My brother, David L. Cotton, attended Peary but graduated from Indian Hills High School in Oakland, NJ. He was in the class of ’67, but only attended Peary during his freshman year. He has a BS in engineering and an MBA from Lehigh University, as well as post graduate studies at the University of Chicago. He is a CPA and a Certified Fraud Examiner. He started his own business in 1981, Cotton & Company in Alexandria, VA. His company does auditing, fraud examination and litigation support. He has an old restored town house in Old Town (Alexandria) which he now rents out since he bought a big home in Mount Vernon. He also has two boats and belongs to the Old Dominion Yacht Club in Alexandria. He has a beautiful wife, Susan, and a terrific 8-year old son, Joseph (Joey).
I would love to hear from Peary classmates and I think it would be great to have a multi-class reunion – perhaps all the classes from the 60s.
From: Gale Senseman-Privette (1966) gale7[AT]juno.com Date: Mon, 30 Dec 1996 Subject: In the loss of a ’66 classmate – Scott Campbell
It is with great sorrow that I let you know that Scott Campbell one of our ’66 classmates passed away this morning after a very long and hard struggle of battling cancer. I had spoken with Scott a week ago and he had expressed how glad he was to have been able to attend the reunion this pass summer and to see so many of his old friends and what a wonderful time he had. Jim and I feel so fortunate to have known Scott for so many years. We Love you my friend and know where you are and that you are no longer in pain. You really fought hard, and you will truly be missed.
It was Scott’s request that no service be held–to say your good-byes in your own way, Or to send a contribution to the American Cancer society.
So to our friend Scott – until we meet again may God hold you close in his hands.
Be Blessed-Gale Senseman-Privette
From: Melissa Nutter Prince (1979) melissa[AT]disi.com Date: Tue, 31 Dec 1996 Subject: Midnight Sun Online news
Hi, I graduated in 1979 and went on to Grinnell College in Grinnell, Iowa (population 10,000 – boy, was it a change!) and got a BA in English and continued to play field hockey. For the past 11 years I’ve been living in Salt Lake City, working at the U of Utah in Graphic Design and now at Digital Sciences, Inc., as a multimedia designer and authoring type. When I’m not at work I’m probably out playing in the mountains or desert — skiing, mountain biking or hiking. For awhile I was playing city league soccer until my schedule got too crazy. It’s a nice place overall. Any other Peary grads end up out west?
From: Michael Pummer pummer[AT]ix.netcom.com & Reid Chitwood (1980) RChitwood[AT]juno.com(1980) Date: Thu, 2 Jan 1997 Subject: News From The Zone!
IT’S A DRY HEAT!! Hello to all from Arizona. Reid and myself moved here back in September 1984 on our way to California, we ran out of money in Phoenix and have never left. Reid’s now teaching high school and I’m a Surveyor. Reid’s doing great, has a great wife Vicki and two kids, a son Dru and a daughter Chelsea. He’s living in North Phoenix deep in the desert. Two years ago, during his Summer vacation, we built him a house of his own design on a natural desert lot near Carefree. I’m living in Scottsdale about thirty minutes from Reid, we get together often and are still best friends. I’m married to a Zonie, April, and have a son, Samson, a Labrador Retriever.
Reid’s latest hobby is his best, he’s brewing his own beer! We sample his wares often! Summer’s we spend alot of time at my place, pool side (everyone has a pool in the Zone, couldn’t live here without one!). Another friend, John King (Peary HS 1979), just moved here last month. He’s living near me with a college buddy of Reid’s. Rob Crisp (Peary HS 1980) is on his way to as soon as his house in Frederick sells. The Chitwood clan are all doing well, Rick, Diane, Rhonda, Russell, and Ronnie (he lives in the old house in Arctic Court, across the street from the school). With the exception of my Mother passing away this Christmas the Pummer family are also doing fine, Cozette, Greg, Lynn, and my twin sister Margaret. All of us are Peary alumni!
Take care and we’ll be thinking of you while it’s snowing there!
Reid RChitwood[AT]juno.com Mike MJPummer[AT]AOL.com
From: Tobi Hardesty (1973) tobi.hardesty[AT]ketchum.com Date: Fri, 3 Jan 1997 Subject: The Peary Connection
Just recently became aware of this great and exciting link to the past. I’m Tobi Hardesty (Norris) class of ’73.
It was great reading about ex-peary-ites. Wish I was plugged in to have attended the teacher reunion…one of my favorite teachers attended.
Will send a message to include an update on myself for the next Newsletter.
From: Paula Alden-Frey (1975) RPAAFREY[AT]aol.com Date: Sun, 5 Jan 1997 Subject: Update
I just finished reading through all the newsletters. WOW! Let me give you some more information about me.
Paula F. Alden Frey class of 75 Married since 1980 to Randy Frey from Lancaster, PA
We met at Messiah college where I recieved my BS in Home Economics education and Randy recieved a BA in Biology/Chemistry. I am currently teaching in the Hempfield School District in Lancaster. Randy is a veterinarian here in town. We have two children, Amanda-14 and Austin-12. You have our e-mail address already. Hope this information is helpful. What a great trip down memory lane. Keep up the good work.
From: Michael Holder (1968) HOLDER[AT]vitro.com Date: Tue, 7 Jan 1997 Subject: Update
I just reviewed the current listing for www.clark.net/pub/pearyhs and was reminded of another person working here at Vitro. The author of the alma mater, Sarah Hines is now named Sarah McKay. I am forwarding this to Sarah and perhaps she can add to the collection of history information. She can also supply data about her two brothers that are also graduates, Chip and Spence.
I am of the class of 1968 and I seldom see folks from my class, but Richard Koenig also of the class of 1968 works here at Vitro. Walter Greenspon of the class of 1967 works here and lives in Olney with his wife, Pam and their two sons, Jeff and Ben. Walter’s sister Sue is married and lives in Ellicott City with ? children; the oldest of which is a freshman in college. I have been married for 21 years to Anne Wolf, class of 1972 and we have a six year old son, Michael Jr.. My sister Terry Holder Collier is also the class of 1972 and lives in Laytonsville with her husband and 14 year old son, Charlie.
I see the father of Glenn Edelman (class of 1968) periodically. Glenn is married with two children and living in Ashton.
Also working here at Vitro is Debbie Lawson (class of 1970). I forwarded information to her, so you may obtain details soon.
From: Michael Holder (1968) holder[AT]vitro.com Date: Tue, 7 Jan 1997 Subject: Matthew Henson Park
Do any of you still live near by the Aspen Hill area? I mention this because every October there is a Matthew Henson Park cleanup by the community and scouting groups. As you know Henson was the navigator and only black and only Marylander on the expedition. The park is the area which surrounds the Turkey Branch between Viers Mill Road & Connecticut Avenue. it may run on up to Georgia Avenue, but I have never been able to confirm. The event draws 80 or so folks each year and might make for an interesting gathering of old alumni. Could follow up with some festivities, whatever, just a thought.
Mike Holder
[Further information in a future edition of the newsletter as October draws closer. Stay tuned.]
From: Brian K. Alden (1973) RedskinsFan[AT]msn.com Date: Thu, 9 Jan 1997 Subject: Peary HS Class of 73
My sisters told me about this online effort, pretty cool! Please link me into the Class of ’73… it will be real INTERESTING to see what traffic this bears! Thanks for adding me in!
FYI – graduated in ’73, BSChE from Cornell in ’77, MBA from Univ. Houston – Clear Lake in ’84, currently in Cincinnati working for Quantum Chemical Corp. as an Chem Engr. with responsibilites in financial analysis. If the project isn’t over $10M, I don’t see it, too small! Not married, having fun raising my dog and causing hell Peary style!
Thanks again!
Brian
From: Barry Greene (1969) begreene[AT]erols.com Date: Thu, 09 Jan 1997 Subject: The Midnight Sun Online
I graduated in 1969 and currently living in Aston, PA, a Philadelphia suburb. I’m married to Carol and have two children, Rachel and Brandon. I am on a consulting assignment with Bell Atlantic in Silver Spring, MD at the moment.
I have never received any notices of a reunion for my graduating class of ’69. I thought they dropped off the face of the earth. I would love to receive some information.
My brother Stephen Greene, Class of ’65, still lives in the DC area. If details on him are necessary, let me know. He was Senior Class President in ’65.
Barry Greene
From: Shannon Scott-Jensen (1982) telescribe[AT]fishnet.net Date: Sat, 11 Jan 1997 Subject: The Peary Connection and Midnight Sun Online
Amazing that you’d have the Cha-Cha’s to pull *this* together. How much work?!!! I noticed that you’re using Clark Net. Does that have anything to do with our Mr. Clark, the bagpipe minstral who used to make kids put gum on their noses if he caught them chewing it? I found old friends on here that I’m eager to write, but wanted to get back to you first. You’re doing a good thing here.
I’m a ’82-ite and after graduating from Peary, I went on to Brigham Young University and picked up a degree in Recreational Therapy with an emphasis in Youth Leadership.
During this time, I took a break for about 1 1/2 years to serve a volunteer mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (nicknamed “Mormons”) in Argentina. There, I picked up Spanish, made a lot of friends, ate tons of empanadas, saw a lot of mud, wild dogs, beautiful skylines . . . and got have some fantastic experiences helping folks make positive changes in their lives. I came back so skinny, my mom didn’t recognize me. One of the best things I’ve done.
Another one was marrying Kim David Jensen right out of college (I graduated in 1990). I was working with the Disabled Student Support office at the university and became best friends with my boss, who introduced me to her brother . . . A few months later, he proposed to me on top of Mt. Timpanogas and I haven’t come down since. He really “rolls my socks up and down!”
We’ve been blessed to see quite a bit of this old world (it’s our “consolation prize” for not getting to have kids yet). We’ve been to Mexico, Japan, Canada, Thailand, Egypt, Singapore, England, Hawaii, the Bahamas and in a few months, we’re doing a cruise to Alaska. Kim’s got quite a passion for travel and we like to rough-it for the most part (sleeping in $10 hotels and the car) although, I don’t think we’ll see much of that on a cruise ship!
Kim works as a civil servant on a military base near our home and I am a therapist at Camarillo State Hospital and Developmental Center. This hospital is the real “Hotel California” (I’m told you can see our Bell Tower on the Eagle’s record jacket). I’ve worked with senior citizens (one of them told me, “Never drool on the one you love.”), Autistic men, and am currently working with teens – most having been in gangs. The hospital’s slated for closure, so I will be spending more time with the telecommuting network I’ve been developing over the last four years.
We’ve got one other family member – a beautiful 3-legged cat. If you say her name out loud, you’ll understand why we named her, “Eileen.”
All in all, the Jensen clan is having a pretty nifty time of life!
As far as other Peary Alumni, Susan Burrup (I think she was the class of ’81) has married a Spanish teacher – Ted Spicer. No kids yet, though they’ve been married now about 4 years and are still hoping. They’re living out here in the Oxnard CA area and are very happy together. Julia Wright married Randy Boretos (both alumni and I think they were also the class of ’81). I think they’re going on their fourth child right now and still live in the Maryland area. Linda Evans (’82) married Bruce Ward and last I heard they had kids and were living in Utah. Randy Hagen (’81?) went on a mission (he’s also a “Mormon”) to Bolivia. Sadly, Randy lost his mother to cancer a few years back. He’s married beautiful Spanish speaking woman (wish I could remember her name!) and last I heard they were doing GREAT! Eileen McCabe went on a mission (Yep!…she’s one too!) to England and then married afterwards. The last time I saw her (about 8 years ago) she was expecting and “twiterpaited” over her wonderful husband.
It’s been some time since Mr. Deumas said in one of our last assemblies, “Peary is NOT dead!” We weren’t so sure about that when they put the chains on the front door. But, Bob – through the efforts of folks like you and Neal, perhaps he was right after all.
May the Bird of Happiness REALLY lay it on you!
Warmest regards!
Shannon (Scott) Jensen
P.S. I hope there aren’t going to be any old, Peary English/grammar teachers reading this!
[Probably, eventually, Shannon…and thank you for the nice words about our on-line effort! – Neal and Bob]
From: Lynne Keady-Galletti (1978) Galletti[AT]erols.com Date: Sun, 12 Jan 1997 Subject: Peary e-mail listings
Hi! I was really glad to have found your home page (another Peary alumnus called me and gave me the address).
I think you are doing an amazing and wonderful thing for the alumni of Peary. Many of us feel sort of lost every time we drive by Peary and see it sitting empty! It’s great to see your homepage! Thanks for doing it!
Oh yeah, my brother Jim (1977) is NOT online but if anyone wants to write to him, they can send him an e-mail to my address if they want to!
Thanks again.
Lynne Galletti
From: Kurt Kumagai (1977) kumagai[AT]gwjapan.com Date: Sun, 12 Jan 1997 Subject: Peary classmates’ e-mail addresses
I have children Akari and Akira both newborn. I am very busy and sometimes do not even say hello to them in a day. I actually work out of the house! Made me realize that I better take the time to say hello. Quality time is important no matter how small it is.
Neal’s and Bob’s efforts are very good for the soul and spirit of all.
Thanks,
Kurt
From: Bob Lau (1976) Date: Tue, 14 Jan 1997 Subject: Update & MSO “Offer”
Greetings. Well, acting work has been slow since the overwhelming number of gigs in November (“Homicide”/NBC, “Contact”/Warner Brothers, and “Private Parts”/Howard Stern), but I have a Postal Service training video and some print work coming up. I had auditions with Sprint Spectrum and a healthcare firm for commercials, but that’s how the acting biz goes. I also have a few prospects for full-time employment should I decide to get out of the freelance/consulting world and back into the “mainstream” of full-time work.
As some of you may be aware, the public system I operate, IICS-DC, had a crash of one of its major drives recently and a data recovery had to be performed and a new drive purchased. It is this public system’s directory space on the server that sponsors the web site for the Midnight Sun Online (MSO). The equipment mishap resulted in a $5500 total bill to get things back to normal (data recovery, new drive, shipping, and lots of time).
Here’s the offer. To help recover some of this expenditure and, ultimately, help cover some of the costs associated with the Peary MSO site, we’re seeking donations. A suggested amount of $36 would help, but other amounts wouldn’t be refused. In return, besides the gratification of financial support for our effort here, you will receive 1-year access to the IICS-DC system. For three dollars a month, you will have an Internet e-mail account, access to Newsgroups, and access to a vast storage of weekly-maintained and updated shareware applications and graphics – approximately 16,000 programs available for downloading to your computer from a 26-Gigabyte capacity system. Compare this with an average of $240 a year you may be paying for access to the “big” guys like AOL and Compuserve.
A full-time Internet connection is in the research stages that will allow telnet in and out and some web browsing capabilities, but there is no timeline on this yet. Currently, the system is direct dial-up only with a DC Metro exchange, so this may only be practical to those in the MD, DC, Northern VA area.
Thanks for listening and your continued support of the online effort.
Bob Lau, Class of 1976
From: Ron Tepper (1979) rtepper[AT]skyenet.net Date: Thu, 16 Jan 1997 Subject: Birth announcement: It’s a girl!!!
Ron and Jeni Tepper are proud to announce the birth of their daughter, Mariah Leigh, on January 16, 1997 at 11:19 am!
Mariah weighed in at 7 lbs 13 oz and 20 inches long…
Mother and daughter are doing fine at St. Joseph’s Hospital of Marshall County, Plymouth, Indiana and expect to be released within the next 24 hours…
Jen can be reached at jeni[AT]skyenet.net or jenitep[AT]aol.com; Ron can be reached at rtepper[AT]skyenet.net or maxxroamer[AT]aol.com
[Editor’s note: This e-mail announcement was received less than 5 hours after the birth. After joking with Ron about “living online,” it was discovered appropriate…as Ron and Jen MET online!]
From: Neal Lee Pizzano (1976) npizzano[AT]erols.com Date: Sat, 18 Jan 1997 Subject: Divorce Announcement
As of January 9, 1997 (as filed in Montgomery County, Maryland Circuit Court) I have been granted an absolute divorce. I am a free man again.
From: Neal Lee Pizzano (1976) npizzano[AT]erols.com Date: Sat, 18 Jan 1997 Subject: Lost and Found Department
A few days ago, I received a call from the Reunion Company and was told to expect a call from a fellow classmate. Details of the call would be presented by him, but my name was given to him because of the vast database I have.
Later that day I received a call from classmate John Leatherwood (76). He and I reminisced about our reunion, and talked about those who have passed on from our class. He lead the discussion into a promise to look him up if I ever decide to visit the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Then he told me that his Step mother had found a Peary High School class ring a couple of years ago. He told me it was from the class of 1971 and had the initials “MJH” inside. I looked into my database and found the only match.
Those in the class of 1971 will soon realize who this person might be. But until we have a chance to talk to him directly, I do not want to reveal his name. Furthermore, I would like to possibly arrange that he receive his ring back during his 25 + 1 reunion taking place this June. I have John’s phone numbers here. John wants to talk to the owner and make arrangements to get the ring back to him. (71 reunion committee members – call me to arrange the connection. 301-929-6155) Peary High People staying connected through spirit.
From: Neal Lee Pizzano (1976) npizzano[AT]erols.com Date: Sun, 19 Jan 1997 Subject: Class of 77 Reunion
Schedule of Weekend Activities:
Friday, August 8, 1997: Silo Inn, Olney, Maryland Join us for Happy Hour(s) at The Silo Inn in Olney for a Peary High tradition to kick off our reunion weeekend. This is the perfect opportunity to get reacquainted informally and have a great time. Details as to time, etc. to follow at a later date. Let the Reminiscing Begin!!!
Saturday, August 9, 1997: A.M. – Tentative Golf Tournament/Game. Details to follow at a later date when plans are either finalized or forgotten altogether. The Reminiscing Continues!!
P.M. – THE BIG EVENT!! Dinner and Dance at The Holiday Inn in Gaithersburg, Maryland, Montgomery Village Avenue, 7:30 pm to 12:30 am
Dinner, dancing to a DJ, evening program, mingling, the chance to see and be seen, MORE REMINISCING – in general, a really outstanding time. Memory books will be available for purchase at the reunion from The Reunion Company. For those unable to attend, these can be ordered directly from The Reunion Company as per the directions in the first mailing. The date for the initial invitation/mailing from them is mid-March 1997. Photographers will be on-site that evening to record these special memories for us so we don’t have to worry about doing it ourselves. We can concentrate on the important things – REMINISCING (can you ever get enough!). As always, these memories are available for purchase too. A really special evening is being planned as this is such a “Hallmark” occasion (get it!!). Plan now to be a part of this once-in-a-lifetime event.
Sunday, August 10, 1997: Family Picnic For those of us who just cannot get enough (after all, we’ve only been up all nite reminiscing and we still aren’t sick of it yet!), a family picnic is being planned to round out the weekend’s activities. The details will follow at a later date when we have finalized plans. Special activities are being planned for the children so that they too can feel included in this weekend since obviously the rest of the weekend focuses on us.
Feel free to contact one of the Reunion Committee Chairpersons:
Sandy Van Dusen or Janet Heneghan Opar
See you in August!!!
The Class of 1977 Reunion Committee
…and on that note,
From: Carole Stein-Dibo (1976) CDibo[AT]aol.com Date: Sun, 19 Jan 1997 Subject: Humor for 1997
1. If you throw a cat out a car window does it become kitty litter? 2. If corn oil comes from corn, where does baby oil come from? 3. When a cow laughs does milk come up its nose? 4. How did a fool and his money GET together? 5. How do they get a deer to cross at that yellow road sign? 6. If it’s tourist season, why can’t we shoot them? 7. What’s another word for thesaurus? 8. Why do they sterilize the needles for lethal injection? 9. Why is abbreviation such a long word? 10. Why did kamikaze pilots wear helmets? 11. How do you know when its time to tune your bagpipes? 12. Is it true that cannibals don’t eat clowns because they taste funny? 13. When you choke a smurf, what color does it turn? 14. Do blind eskimos have seeing eye sled dogs? 15. Why is there an expiration date on my sour cream container? 16. What do they use to ship styrofoam? 17. Why do they call it a TV set when you only get one? 18. Do radioactive cats have 18 half-lives? 19. If you shoot a mime, should you use a silencer?
Available on the web site:
http://www.clark.net/pub/pearyhs
All issues of MSO
Articles about graduates and teachers in the news
Peary alumni e-mail listings to-date
Class reunion information
Midnight Sun Online
Volume 1, Number 6, January 1997
Volume 1, Number 5, December 1996
MIDNIGHT SUN ONLINE
-The Online Newsletter for Robert E. Peary High School Alumni-
INTRODUCTION
Hello Huskies:
I hope everyone is having a wonderful (and probably hectic) holiday season. Here’s the fifth issue of the Midnight Sun Online (MSO)… our distribution list continues to expand, thanks to your help in spreading the word about our on-line efforts.
Our web site is continuously updated, and there have been additions to it since the last issue of the newsletter, including an article on Jim Douglas (1975). As always, you can visit the site for past issues of the MSO, articles and news about fellow alumni, the updated e-mail list if you want to contact any of your former classmates or teachers, and links to Peary graduates’ home pages.
This issue includes submissions from Ken Thomas (1981) about the Thomas “clan”… updates from Gary Costello (1966), Gale Senseman-Privette (1966), Juliann Goldman (1978), John Douglas (1981) about brother Jim Douglas (1975), and reunion contact info for the Class of 1971 from Tim Riley (1971) and Class of 1977 from Neal Pizzano (1976).
The deadline for submissions for the next issue of the MSO newsletter is Saturday January 18, 1997 – we look forward to hearing from those of you who haven’t updated us yet on what you’re up to! Thank you for your contributions that keep this project alive, and please visit the web site for news items between MSO distributions.
Happy Holidays & Happy New Year to you, Peary High School classmates,
Bob Lau, Class of 1976
P.S. For those of you with multiple e-mail addresses, please let me know if one of them is preferred for this distribution (or all if you wish). If it’s okay the way it is, no need to write. Thanks.
From: Ken Thomas (1981) Drbutts[AT]aol.com Date: Mon, 25 Nov 1996 Subject: Thomas family info for the Midnight Sun Online
Hey! Finally a place to say, “Find a way or make one” and have people understand what you’re talking about!!! Here are some brief updates on where we are now:
Pat Thomas (class of ’65): Pat, who attended several protests in the ’60’s (some of them with Joan Baez), is a poet and teaches workshops on journaling and “finding your voice.” Unfortunately, since that doesn’t pay all the bills (yet), she’s working for Valley Mill camp as the Director of Transportation. Pat’s currently living in McLean, Virginia (near Tysons Mall). Pat often leads our family singing of Peary’s Alma Mater when we all get together.
Bill Thomas (class of ’70): Bill is a minister in the Four Square Church in Westminister, Maryland. He and his wife, Linda, have five really cool children (B.J., their oldest son, graduated from high school last year). They live in a big house in the country on the side of a hill (I’m told it’s “awesome” sledding in the winter). During high school, Bill lettered in football (I think his favorite quote from Coach Cino was “There’s only one excuse for missing practice at Peary – a death in the family… and it better be yours.”). He also lettered in wrestling (for those of you who remember, the Montgomery Journal’s high school sports reporter was a Wheaton graduate – you could always count on a non-biased comment like “Thomas pinned again” with a picture of Bill in a painful position). Bill also played Bill Sykes in the production of Oliver (yes, Vincent Gibbs directing). One more thing for those who remember Bill playing electric guitar in a basement band – his original amp gave out recently while playing for his congregation.
Alice Scott Thomas (class of ’75): Scotty is a single parent with two sons (I encourage any old boyfriends who are single to send a hello her way…). Scotty went to college at Catawba (with some help from her Volley Ball scholarship), and taught P.E. for a couple of years. She returned to school and received a degree in Accounting (and got her CPA). Now, she’s an accountant for an elementary school in North Carolina. During high school, Scotty lettered in Swimming – her paper on “Women in Athletics” was returned by her English teacher (who I won’t name, but who’s initials are V.G.) with the comment, “Women do not belong in sports.”
David Thomas (class of ’77): David is living in a condo on Capital Hill in Washington, D.C. He’s a Physical Therapist working in the Rehabilitation Medicine Department for Washington Adventist Hospital. He still spends just about every weekend of the summer at the beach (and yes, his hair still turns almost white blond from the sun). During high school, David lettered in swimming (and is currently active in the Masters League). And some things never change — he’s still hanging out with Mike Dobbs and Cyndi Robinson (anyone out there remember the large, yellow chickens singing “Way up in the nest” at Peary’s Gong Show?)
Ken Thomas (class of ’81): I’m living out in Centreville, Virginia (where I have a view of the Blue Ridge Mountains from my apartment complex). I work for UP Incorporated, a company specializing in multimedia and training in the telecommunications industry – I’ve been writing multimedia titles for the past couple of years. Back in high school, I also lettered in swimming (anyone who came to the swim meets might remember Bob Slowy and I playing the nose-bag-pipes during half time). I’m probably better remembered as the jerk who directed the Variety Shows in ’80 and ’81 (“Work with me, People!”), or as the guy who interupted your first period class with the morning announcements (I think I still owe Mr. Malley and Ms. Leslie about 6 weeks of detention). By the way, Principal Richard Dumais’ daughter was one of my students at the University of Maryland while I was working on my Masters – she was actually pretty cool… go figure.
That’s the Thomas family in a nut shell (where I’m often told we belong).
Thanks to everyone who’s responsible for getting Peary back together online!!! (And a special note to Bob Lau – I saw the work that Thunderwave did for the US Holocaust Memorial Museum – it’s very impressive. If your contract isn’t renewed, give me a call at UP.)
Buh-bye, Ken.
From: Gary Costello (1966) irishguy[AT]crosslink.net Date: Tue, 26 Nov 1996 Subject: Class of 66 student retiring to other job!
TO ALL OF MY CYBER-FRIENDS:
I have been honored by being chosen for a very important position at the National Center For Missing and Exploited Children in Arlington, Virginia. Some say the “godfather” has drawn me back into the business . . . But seriously, as I told the Vice President of the organization . . . this is not a business, it is a cause!
Between December 1 and December 16th, 1996, I will assume the title and duties of the Director of the Exploited Child Division, a brand new unit in the Center.
This comes suddenly and there has not been much time to plan to share the excitement with you. I was told I was selected from a group of 12 dedicated people from around the country. This is not important…what is though is that this is an organization which was founded on the protection of children…remembering John Walsh of Americas Most Wanted who was the energy behind the birth of the NCMEC.
Since this is a brand new Division, I will spend the end of the year hiring my staff, and building a physical habitat at the Center for us to live in.
It is anticipated I will officially retire from the Department on November 30, 1996…….. Not long after this, I understand there is a retirement party to be held for me, (November 17, 1996 at 7 PM at the Bethesda Chevy Chase Rescue Squad Ballroom) which is now in the pre- planning stages, as this was pretty sudden….I will let u know and hope u can make it.
Never-the-less, it will be an exciting honor to work for such an organization….the NCMEC has acummulated the cream-of-the-crop in the field and support fields, from around the country. . . .I know alot of these folks from my 12 years “in the business”, when I had the good fortune of working in a branch of the Montgomery County Police Department dedicated to protecting children………..Now I can expand this to a national basis and probably international one.
I look forward to this change and would like all of you to join me in this end-of-year and end-of-career joyful time. I am fortunate not to have to relocate, and I would like to invite you to visit and tour the Center once I settle.
I will be posting any changes or additions in EMail addresses, snail- mail addresses or, but I will always be available at my home at:
(001) 301-933-5131 in the U.S.A.
Thanks, and have a Happy Thanksgiving!!! Gary Costello Robert E Peary High School Graduate – Class of ’66 Dedicated to my favorite – Mr. Hill!!!!!
STAY SAFE!!
From: Gale Senseman-Privette (1966) gale7[AT]juno.com Date: Thu, 28 Nov 1996 Subject: Class of 1966
Would like to keep updated on Peary Happenings. I just ran our Peary 30 yr. reunion, Class of ’66, and we had a fantastic time. With many blessings coming out of this reunion…I would very much appreciate any info. i.e. names, addresses, phone numbers, e-mail addresses that you can come up with for the Peary classes of ’63, 64, 65, and 67 alumni. I’ve been asked to run their reunions but no one seems to have any updated addresses or phone numbers since it’s been so long since they have had any reunions. So if any of you could help me out I sure would appreciate it. I haven’t decided for sure if I’m going to take on this job but am giving it some great thought, and if not I’d see to it that the files got passed on to the right people.
One of the greatest things about the computer is the spell checker (I skipped school the day it was taught). It’s funny how things come back to you after so many years. I don’t know if Mrs. Zimmerman was still teaching typing and shorthand when you were at Peary but every time I find myself looking down at my hands I hear her voice in my head saying –Class remember to keep your eyes on what you are typing and not your hands – that is the only way you’ll get to know your keyboard!!
I’m still local – born and raised in Montgomery Co. and living in Gaithersburg. We’ve had reunions every 5 yrs. since graduation and I was handed the baton for the 20th, which Diane Nichols Brace had run for the previous three. During the first reunion that I ran, which was our 20th in 1986, three of the guys Jim Privette, Tom Watson, Mark Gross and myself wrapped Dr. Dunn’s house the night before the reunion in 3 dozen Navy blue and white balloons and navy blue and white crepe paper and left a big love note for him. Two months after the reunion Jim and I started dating – hardly knew each other in high school and one week after our first date on Christmas Eve he asked me to marry him. (I believe you have to go thru at least 4 seasons of dating someone before you really know someone), so we were married a 1-1/2 years later and last May we celebrated our 8th anniversary. All because of our 20th reunion. From this past reunion there was a couple who dated in high school, broke up, married and divorced other people, and now, due to the reunion, are back together with wedding bells in the future. Also a brother and sister were reunited after 10 years and one of our classmates were able to find their real father during our search for people and their relationship has proven to be a real loving and heart warming story. He had been searching for his child for 46 years. Oprah would have loved this reunion besides many other blessing that took place but too long to go into. Maybe at some point in time you can watch our video from the reunion. Or at least some really good skits that were done and check out our reunion book.
I was at Peary from 7th grade on (the first year it opened and the building still under construction), 1960-1966. Tho, we did move to Wheaton from Rockville and I spent the 10th grade at Northwood (didn’t like it) so I commuted back to Peary for 11th and 12th. I was the First DECA president at Peary in ’65-66 and would love to know what happened to my gavel that was in the display case with my name on it when the school closed. Anyone have a clue? Who was the principal when Peary closed? Maybe they’ll know.
We had a graduating class of 309 which nine are deceased and 186 at the reunion and with only about 20 spouses other than those that married other ’66 classmates. There were quite a few but can’t give exact total off the top of my head right now of class marriages.
We were the only class that attended 7th-12th. The first year it was open it was 7th -10th, the next year 8th-11th, and the next 9th-12th until it remained that way. So when we graduated we all received certificates stating we were plank owners. A copy of that was also put in our 25yr. reunion books. Each 5 yrs. I try to come up with something different for the books, new questions, new covers, new memorabilia, new and old pictures, etc. to keep things more interesting. So they’ll never know what to expect!!!!
In our 25 yr. reunion books, besides having everyone’s senior picture with all the updates in the back of the book, was everyone’s 7th grade picture. What a kick!!!
In the 30 yr. book I ask them to send in a current picture (only of themselves – not families) and those that did were printed beside their senior picture. We’ve got lots of surprises happening between now and the 35th reunion in the works.
I’m planning on having a dinner get-together every 6 months (probably most of the locals will be the only ones to show up). In June of ’98, the year most of us hit the big 50 (wow, is it hard to type that one), I’m working on a big weekend birthday bash to celebrate everyone’s birthday at the same time – some great ideas are in store and NO OVER THE HILL JUNK IS ALLOWED!!!!!!!!
For May or June ’99 (in three years, one of our class mates Denny Dennewitz who has a travel business and I are working on putting on a 4 day cruise and then of course in the year 2001 will be our 35th reunion. HEY.. we discovered after the last reunion we’re the Class of ’66 Peary Party Animals (that’s what we named ourselves). We do this stuff right.
I own a business called the Metamorphosis in Gaithersburg which is an electrolysis and Beauty center where we also do facials, massages, and waxings. I just celebrated my 19th Anniversary. I adopted a 14 year old boy as a single parent. He’ll be 30 in March. (Also hard to type that number) which is my (and now our) only child. Jim and I were married on my 40th birthday.
Jim is wonderful and we make a great team. We’re blessed in so many ways, and have a real Love for the Lord!! Jim works in transportation for people with disabilities and loves it. And together we also run a networking marketing business.
Back to Peary stuff-
We have a ’66 girls lunch bunch that meet once a month and trying to expand it each month with more ladies (sorry guys)!! We usually meet on a Friday — i.e. some are retired, others own their own businesses, and the others just take off when they can. HEY, THIS IS IMPORTANT STUFF!! It’s usually from 11:30 to 1:30 or 2. We meet in Frederick or Gaithersburg and if you’re a ’66 Peary female grad and would like to join us let me hear from you. We’re going to try again Friday, December 20th.
I’d like to take this time to thank all you guys and ladies for all your hard work and long hours for keeping us all in touch with each other. You’re doing a really great job. And all your great efforts have not gone unnoticed. Bless all of you from all of us. You all deserve a special gold star. Especially Neal Pizzano and Bob Lau. Many, many thanks guys.
May you all have the most blessed Holiday and greatest New Year ever filled with much love and warm fuzzy feelings,
Love, Gale Senseman-Privette Class of ’66
From: Juliann Goldman (1978) jgoldman[AT]cspinet.org Date: Mon, 02 Dec 1996 Subject: Update
I have been married for two years and have a 13-month son Malek Gidel. Living in the Twinbrook area. Working for Center for Science in the Public Interest, those people who told you that Chinese food and movie theater popcorn is high in fat. I keep in touch with David Cradlin and Tammy Pell (now Zebovitz). Does anyone know where Gerry Goldsmith is?
From: John Douglas (1981) jdouglas[AT]i21.com Date: Thu, 12 Dec 1996 Subject: Re: MSO Submissions
Check Wednesday’s Washington Post (Metro section?) for a story about my brother Jim “J.D.” Douglas ’75 and his 21 years selling Christmas trees for the National Capital Optimist Club. I’m out of the area and haven’t seen it yet. J.D.’s real job is Athletic Director at Walt Whitman HS.
John Douglas ’81 jdouglas[AT]i21.com
From: Timothy Riley & Barbara Dentz Riley (1971) timm[AT]erols.com Date: Sat, 14 Dec 1996 Subject: 1971 Class Reunion
Dear Members of the Robert E. Peary Class of ’71:
Your reunion committee is at it again! Thanks to over 1/3 of our classmates who responded to the survey for our upcoming class reunion! All the votes have been tallied and now we can share with you the vital information you need to start making plans for the best Class of ’71 reunion weekend yet!
DATE: Weekend of JUNE 27-29,1997 EVENTS: June 27 – Tentative Golf Tournament (men & women) morning tee-off; course TBD Welcome Back Happy Couple of Hours at Gaithersburg Hilton June 28 – “25 + 1” Reunion Dinner Dance at Gaithersburg Hilton Hors d’oeuvres, Buffet, Music Dancing, Door Prizes Approximate cost – $55-$65 per person June 29 – Family Picnic – Bring Your Own Food and Beer grills will be available; place to be announced
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: A block of rooms has been reserved for the Class of ’71 at the Gaithersburg Hilton. Rate is $64 per night for single, double, triple or quad. (The Hilton used to be the Marriott and is right off Interstate 270 at Montgomery Village Avenue.) We will be creating a new directory of class members – the questionnaire will be mailed to you early in January 1997. We are planning to ask former teachers to attend the events. We need your help in finding more of our missing class members.
That’s it for now, if you have questions or suggestions or can tell us of the whereabouts of folks on the “Missing Persons List” just call, write, fax, or e-mail to:
Call: Cliff Bannister 301-946-6882 Roz Rubin 301-762-3669 Barbara Riley 301-607-9430 Rick Seiling 301-871-5337 Jackie Hanson 301-840-2915 Anna Nicoliason 202-884-5692
FAX: Roz Rubin 410-740-5438 Rick Seiling 301-871-0892
E-Mail: Polly Seleski pseleski[AT]feddata.com Barbara Riley timm[AT]erols.pop.com
Thanks for your help and support – we’ll be writing again soon!
Class of ’71 Reunion Committee
A missing persons list will be sent in a separate E-mail.
From: Bob Lau (1976) blau[AT]clark.net Date: Sat, Dec 14 1996 Subject: Update
Just a quick update. Still “casually” seeking full-time work. I was pretty busy recently with the acting stuff (“Homicide” which aired December 6th and again in the recap the following week on NBC) delivering a summons to Detective Kellerman (Reed Diamond). I worked in the scene with Richard Belzer and Michelle Forbes (Ensign Ro from STTNG). Also worked six days in “Contact”… a Robert Zemeckis (“Forrest Gump” and “Back to the Future”) film based on Carl Sagan’s book in a senate hearing scene with Jodie Foster, James Woods, Matthew McConaughy, and Angela Bassett which will be released June 1997. You may have already heard of it, but, yes, we were the group who sang to Jodie Foster for her 34th birthday when she came onto the set. I had the honor of being asked back specifically by Mr. Zemeckis for another day of shooting this particular scene, but I had another acting job that conflicted – leave it to Warner Brothers to make it worth it to come back and work in the movie…I did the movie instead ($)
I’ve placed some pictures from “Homicide” that are accessible on the web site if you missed the episode and are curious. Just go to the MSO web page… “People News” and click on my mug.
Have a great holiday and stay in touch with us here at The Midnight Sun Online – send us a blurb for the next issue, okay?
On a sad note, our sympathy to Maureen DiFulgo-Bladen (1976), whose father, Michael R. DiFulgo of Williamsburg, VA, passed away on November 5th. Many of you may know Maureen and/or her siblings Pat (Herman), Cathleen (Swisher), Brian, Regina (Harris), Tracy DiFulgo, and Karen DiFulgo. There are five grandchildren. Mr. DiFulgo was very active with the St. Bede Catholic Church in Williamsburg. He is also survived by wife, Pat DiFulgo of Williamsburg.
Bob Lau, Class of ’76
From: Neal Lee Pizzano (1976) npizzano[AT]erols.com Date: Sat, 14 Dec 1996 Subject: Winning the Lottery
Bob has asked us all to tell everyone else how we are doing. He mentioned a lot of different ideas, and one of them was the lottery. Well, I have never won much, but I have had an occasion to win. Never more than $30.00, but I am definitely not complaining. After all, the money isn’t thrown away on frivolous hopes and dreams, (it’s thrown away on the state’s frivolous hopes and dreams). It goes to the state’s programs. So, with that theme in mind, I subscribed to the lottery here in Maryland. Result so far, I just won $30.00. Yes, I’m still behind, but that’s OK, because now I’m not as far behind as I was. Gotta keep a positive attitude. Hope some of you have had better luck than I have. Go ahead…BRAG about it! We want to cheer you on!
I figure that if you have won millions, you wouldn’t tell us so we’ll look at it this way. Those of you who don’t respond, CONGRATULATIONS on your millions! Those of you who do respond…GREAT GOING on your Winnings!!!
(Everyone, check out the list of those who didn’t respond in the next issue)
From: Neal Lee Pizzano (1976) npizzano[AT]erols.com Date: Sat, 14 Dec 1996 Subject: “Class of 1977”
ATTENTION ’77 ALUMNI !!
Janet Henegan-Opar and Sandy Van Dusen-Forbes are your 20 year reunion Chairpersons. They are forming committees and plan to have their first meeting in January. In the meantime, try to send updates to me at npizzano[AT]erols.com as I am assisting your class in gathering, and updating names and addresses. You can also contact Sandy through my e-mail address, or, contact her directly via phone at 301-942-8908. Sandy, Janet and I are working hard to provide the most up-to-date information to the “Reunion Company”. This will help you by, hopefully, reaching at least 90% of the class so that you can have your greatest reunion, so far. I was able to assist in locating 87% of my class (1976), and we had a fantastic time! I need you to call your friends and verify their addresses (if you can) and then send them to me. Also, send any notes you can regarding how to contact other classmates, including brother/sister phone numbers and/or parents contacts and phone numbers. Whatever we can verify before the 1st of the year will be a tremendous help. Help make your reunion your best.
Neal Pizzano – Class of ’76 “working hard for the class of ’77”
Available on the web site: All issues of MSO
Articles about graduates and teachers in the news
Peary alumni e-mail listings to-date
http://www.clark.net/pub/pearyhs
Midnight Sun Online
Volume 1, Number 5, December 1996
Volume 1, Number 4, November 1996
MIDNIGHT SUN ONLINE
-The Online Newsletter for Robert E. Peary High School Alumni-
Note: All Midnight sun Online Newsletters & other news items are available at: http://www.clark.net/pub/pearyhs
Hello Huskies:
I hope many of you have had the chance to browse the new web site that has been set-up for The Midnight Sun Online (MSO). There, you can retrieve the past issues of the newsletter and see some pictures of teachers and grads from our Alma Mater who are in the news. There is also a “hot” listing of the e-mail addresses and individual’s web sites we’ve collected so far, so if you ever misplace your newsletters or updates, you can always visit the site where everything is archived. Neal Pizzano has been the point-of-contact for these lists and has been continually updating it…because it keeps growing! Subsequently, the web site is often updated. A section may soon be added on the web site that will feature recipes from Jay Wenger (’76), who has lupus and has become quite an expert on holistic remedies. In addition, a tribute to Mr. Hill (Math teacher) by Tom Way (’80) is available at the site.
I’ve received a couple of comments to the effect that the “MSO is often full of ‘bad’ news” which is true. It is sad to hear of the deaths and problems of our fellow classmates. On the other hand, it is just this sort of effort and communication that strengthens our ties with each other because we have something in common and it creates the opportunity for a line of support if needed.
As mentioned in a past issue of MSO, remember that we (Neal Pizzano, Maureen DiFulgo, et al) are maintaining ties with teachers too. Mary Thomson (Biology teacher) organizes the Peary Staff Alums that meets each year, so if you’re looking to get a hold of a “role model” maybe we can help. If you listen to Q107 in the mornings, you’ll often hear mention of Peary High School since the morning show host graduated from our alma mater… in fact, just this morning he mentioned a letter he got from a listener who went to Peary named “Paul” who mentioned that his sister Debbie was in his class… and they lived on the corner of Aspen Hill Road and Arctic Avenue – the house that gave Pepsi Colas out for Halloween each year!
Both Neal and I will continue our efforts to keep everyone updated via e-mail and the newsletter, and we need your help in submitting YOUR news items as well. So if you have anything to report… a new job, an addition to your family, an award you received, articles in the paper about alumni and teachers… e-mail them to: PearyHS[AT]iicsdc.clark.net so the rest of us know you’re around and what you’re up to – your friends want to know and would like to hear from you! What you think might be “trivial” news, the rest of us are in the dark, period, unless we hear from you. So, thank you for your contributions so far, and DO stay in touch!
Bob Lau, Class of 1976
From: Neal Lee Pizzano (1976) npizzano[AT]erols.com Date: Sat, 16 Nov 1996 Subject: Last Minute News Flash
NEWS FLASH: BREAKING INFORMATION. Jay Wenger, Class of 76 alumni stricken with Lupus, has been hospitalized with a high fever at Suburban Hospital in Maryland. Any well wishes for his recovery would be greatly appreciated.
From: Lisa Talmud (1981) funyallie[AT]pacificnet.net Date: Wed, 23 Oct 1996 Subject: A Peary grad from 1981
Well I was known as Lisa Salsitz in high school, and graduated under Lisa Talmud. (a parent marriage thingy!!) And I go by the name of Allie Raye now. Here’s my story. I am living in Sherman Oaks, Ca. and I am an actress. Yes!! I even work too…Yea…You can see me on my home page at: http://www.pacificnet.net/~funyallie
I have so much to say, but the most important thing to say is you all can watch me on the episode of High Incident, channel 7, ABC TV, air date is November 7th at 8pm. I am the heavy red head with my hair up in a ponytail freaking out about her cat. It is the earthquake episode. So, please all watch…I have done alot of work in commercials and movies, and this is my first prime time television show, with hopefully many more to come.
I would love to find some of my classmates from 1981. If you know anyone’s email address, please let me know. I go to switchboard.com every once in a while and you might be able to locate some ppl, but I dont have too much luck. Anyway, I keep in touch with Tim Wheeles and Bob Slowey and some others, and Tim sent me this letter. Please send me the Midnite Sun. I look forward to participating in it. And if you want any info on me, just ask.
By the way, I have lost 99 pounds so far. It has taken a year, but I am on my way and more than half way there. The publicity shot on my web page is old, but under “my personal page” you can see me as I look today. The other one is from a film called King Of Osaka, and I am in character with curlers. Tee hee.
Take care and best of luck with this. I am coming home Nov. 8th, the day after my tv show airs, anyone get together???????
Hope to hear from you soon……..Looking forward to it.
Lisa Talmud (aka Allie Raye), http://www.pacificnet.net/~funyallie If you spread your dreams before you… like a stairway to the sky… no star you ever reach for… will ever be too high!!!
P.S. No kids, thank god and no hubby thank god again…hehehh Married to show biz. (heheheh)
From: Lorrie Corcoran-Kiefer (1976) AXNV20A[AT]prodigy.com Date: Thu, 31 Oct 1996 Subject: Peary High
Hi Bob…I was pouring through the “memory mate” and came across your address. I wasn’t able to make it to the reunion but have had a great time reminising. We’re living here in South Jersey about 45 minutes out of Atlantic City.
Lorrie Kiefer (Corcoran)
From: Neal Lee Pizzano (1976) npizzano[AT]erols.com Date: Sun, 3 Nov 1996 Subject: Updates on previous stories
To all: I must apologize for not following through with information on the class of 76’s latest classmates to pass away.
1. Frank Santilhano – Autopsy confirmed Frank died of a massive heart attack. Even if paramedics were standing next to him at the time it occurred, they wouldn’t have been able to revive him. Rest in Peace now Frank.
2. Jim Gazenski – The information revealed by his brother Tom was that Jim died of a broken neck. It is believed that Jim sustained the injury falling down a flight of stairs. We know nothing more at this time, and earlier reports of a heart attack were based solely on speculation. Rest in Peace with Frank, Jim.
Again, I apologize for not passing this info on to all of you prior to the last publication of MSO.
From: Neal Lee Pizzano (1976) npizzano[AT]erols.com Date: Thu, 14 Nov 1996 Subject: More Sad news about Alumni
The following was sent to me from Stanton Boteler:
From: Stanton Boteler (Teacher) sboteler[AT]umd5.umd.edu Date: Thu, 14 Nov 1996
Recently read in The Montgomery Journal that Jeffrey Varney, a Peary grad [Class of 1980] and until his death a high school counselor not far from here passed away . . . left a wife and 2 kids.
Yesterday one of my sisters telephoned me from her home at the ocean to tell me that the well known and highly regarded Ocean City restauranteur NICK IDONI [Class of 1975] (Nick Idoni’s House of Ribs at Ocean Highway 141st Street or thereabouts) took his own life [Monday November 4, 1996]. His body was found in a soybean field in Lewes, DE; he died of a self-inflicted gun shot wound.
Thought you might like to know this.
Stanton Boteler
From: Stanton Boteler (Teacher) sboteler[AT]umd5.umd.edu Date: Fri, 15 Nov 1996
My sister telephoned again last evening about Nick Idoni. He died in the manner I described, and there [was] a liturgy held this morning [11/15] at St. John’s Catholic Church in Frederick. He is survived by TWELVE siblings, his parents, his two daughters, and their unmentioned mother; he buried one daughter.
This really saddened me! JSB
From: Neal Lee Pizzano (1976) npizzano[AT]erols.com Date: Fri, 15 Nov 1996 Subject: Reunions & Family Peary Connections
Well the Class of 1977 20 year reunion has started. That is, preliminary work on getting everything set up has begun. I’ve provided them with an updated list of classmates (with the help of Sandy Van Dusen), and they have been turned over to The Reunion Company for verification. Their reunion will be on August 9th, 1997 at the Gaithersburg Holiday Inn. If you have been involved with a Peary Reunion, or, are planning one, get in touch with me, PLEASE. I can help you with future reunions AT NO CHARGE TO PEARY ALUMNI. I am trying to update my Peary database. I now have reached over 9730 names, including teachers. I still have alot of gaps, i.e. missing alot of addresses. I have the following classes filled in: 1972; 1975; 1976; 1977; 1980; 1982; 1983. I am looking for all classes 1963-1984 PLUS any grad from 1985 & 1986. The latter having to actually graduate from another high school because of Peary’s closure. My database is designed exclusively to assist you in your reunion. I have an area for e-mail addresses, too. But the major point of my list is to have a cross reference between you and your brothers and sisters. So, if you have any brothers or sisters that have graduated from Peary (or belong to that special group from 1985 & 1986) send me their names, addresses, year graduated, and e-mail address (if they have one). Many of you have already done so in response to my request in an earlier issue of MSO, so “Thanks” for helping to fill in the gaps. This is basically aimed at the several newcommers to MSO and the Peary High Connection E-Mail Listing.
E-Mail me at npizzano[AT]erols.com or call at 301-929-6155 and leave a message.
Neal Pizzano Class of 1976
From: Bob Lau (1976) blau[AT]clark.net Date: Mon, 18 Nov 1996 Subject: Personal Update
My apologies to a few of you that I haven’t had a chance to personally reply to yet, but I’ve been extremely busy with the acting work and the freelance video editing as I continue looking for the “perfect” job to go back to full-time. But if the acting keeps up, I may reconsider my casual search! I’ve recently done some on-camera narrations for industrial programs, and I’m smack in the middle of work on the Jodie Foster movie “Contact” which is filming here in DC for a couple of weeks. I worked with both Jodie Foster and Matthew McConaughy in outdoor scenes last week, today we did scenes with James Woods, and tomorrow will be scenes with Jodie Foster again (indoors). The movie is based on the Carl Sagan book and is being directed by Robert Zemeckis (who directed “Forrest Gump”). I got a lot of close-up shots of me today… but the 3AM call times and going until 9:30 at night has been a killer… it’s now pretty late and I just got home not too long ago, but have to be there again at 5AM (but I’m determined to get this distribution out tonight)! If I make it through this movie shoot, I have another principle role in a Postal Service industrial on Thursday.
Hope you’ll all watch for my role in NBC’s “Homicide” (Friday nights) on December 6th (the date as far as I know) in an episode called “Control.” If you follow the series, I’M the lucky one who’ll be delivering Detective Kellerman’s Grand Jury summons. I worked in the scene with Reed Diamond, Richard Belzer, and Michelle Forbes (known as Ensign Ro on Star Trek: The Next Generation). Michelle Forbes plays Julianna Cox, the new-to-the-show Chief Medical Examiner. I’ll try to put out a notice when I’m positive this is the airdate – so I hope you’ll catch it or tape it! She’s also broken her ankle recently (in real life), so watch to see how this is written in in up-coming episodes. I also know the “romantic interests” that develop through the season, but I’ll never tell!
Other than that, Kristy is still working and taking distance education classes, we both still do horseback riding each week, and things are going relatively well (despite having no full-time work). I’ve also had a few inquiries as to when I’ll be throwing another Rosecroft Raceway bash, but nothing definitely planned yet. But, alas, I need to end this, and get the newsletter distribution out, and try to go and get a couple of hours of sleep. So stay in touch, and until the next issue… Happy Thanksgiving All!
Bob Lau
P.S. PLEASE visit the new web site – especially all of you new folks to the
Peary distribution list – you’ll find everything to-date there.
http://www.clark.net/pub/pearyhs
Available on the web site
All issues of MSO –
Articles about graduates and teachers in the news
Midnight Sun Online
Volume 1, Number 4, November 1996
Volume 1, Number 3, October 1996
MIDNIGHT SUN ONLINE
-The Online Newsletter for Robert E. Peary High School Alumni-
INTRODUCTION
Greetings Huskies:
Some last-minute sad news. Gail Melanson-Carr (’76) just informed me that Gayle Annis’s (’76) father has just passed away. There is a memorial service being held this evening (October 21) at Glenmont United Methodist Church. Details are unknown.
I’m happy to announce a web site that’s been created that centers on this newsletter and e-mail distribution list. It’ll continually be updated. You can get this and past issues of the newsletter and an updated e-mail listing of fellow alumni at the site. So point your browsers to http://www.clark.net/pub/pearyhs and take a look when you get a chance. It needs some work, so bear with it please!
Bob Lau, Class of ’76
From: Neal Lee Pizzano (1976) npizzano[AT]erols.com Date: Sat, 21 Sep 1996 Subject: Jim Gazenski’s Passing
Dear Classmates and other Alumni:
I deeply regret having to inform you that class of 1976 classmate, Jim Gazenski, passed away suddenly, of an apparent heart attack on either Wednesday or Thursday evening September 18th or 19th, 1996. Jim lived alone in Germantown, MD and was present at our 20 year reunion. Details are not known as of this writing, but I will forward them as soon as I learn of them. I received the call from Tracy Havens-Katoski around 10:00 AM today, Saturday, September 21. Jim’s brother, Tom, was good friends with Tracy’s sister Wendy (and her husband John Cannon), and that’s where Tracy received her information. I will send out details about Jim’s funeral when I receive them.
Until Then… Keep the Faith
Neal Pizzano
From: Gerry Adcock (1976) Gerry_Adcock[AT]freddiemac.com Date: Mon, 23 Sep 1996 Subject: Farewell to a Classmate
Dear Classmates,
For those of you that have not heard, I have sad news to pass on of the loss of another of our classmates. Jim Gazenski passed away on Friday September 20 of an apparent heart attack. Jim lived in Germantown, MD.
The arrangements at this time are viewing on Tuesday, Sept. 24 at 3-5pm and at 7-9pm at Collins Funeral Home (500 University Blvd., West, Silver Spring, MD – a few blocks down from the intersection of University and Rt. 29/Columbia Pike a/k/a Four Corners). His service will be on Wednesday Sept. 25 at 11:00 am with interment following at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Aspen Hill, MD. Contributions may be made to:
Children’s Hospital 111 Michigan Ave., NW Washington, DC 20010
Gerry
From: Neal Lee Pizzano (1976) npizzano[AT]erols.com Date: Tue, 24 Sep 1996 Subject: Jim Gazenski’s Passing
Dear Classmates and other Alumni:
With our respect and condolences, Maureen DiFulgo-Bladen has sent flowers on behalf of the class of 1976 for Jim Gazenski’s wake. Anyone wishing to contribute or help pay for the flowers can send checks to:
Maureen Bladen 24416 Cutsail Drive Damascus, MD 20872
Thanks, Neal
From: Rudy & Barb Porter-Lauer (1976) rporter[AT]alf.tel.hr Date: Wed, 25 Sep 1996 Subject: Greetings from Mr. Zero
Dear Neal, Bob, and Art (I’m not sure who gets this):
It was great to hear from you. I received issue 2 of Midnight Sun Online from my sister who you found through a web page about her bagpipe band.
I was sincerely hoping to get to the 20th reunion, but couldn’t make it there. I wanted to be in the running for alumnus who traveled the furthest.
My wife, Barb, and I have lived in Zagreb, Croatia since New Year’s. I’m the director of an American labor union training center, and Barb works for the International Rescue Committee in eastern Croatia, where they are recovering from war. You might say we like something different.
There are benefits though. The Croatian coast is fantastic (the nudist capital of the world), and we can reach Vienna in 4 hours, Venice in 5 hours, Budapest in 6 hours, and Rome, Istanbul, Athens, Prague, Warsaw, or Berlin by short flights. We try to see as much as possible.
For the three years before this, we lived in Moscow, Russia. We lived right across the river from the Russian White House, which I watched being shelled by tanks in October ’93. I was one of those stupid people you saw on CNN watching as if we were at a baseball game. I traveled for work to the Russian Arctic, Siberia, Georgia, Ukraine, Lithuania, Estonia, and also had some great vacations. Somehow I escaped without an addiction to the massive quantities of vodka I was required to drink. If you’re interested, I’ll write about some weird experiences (ice fishing in the Arctic on July 1 at 1:00 a.m. in broad daylight), but I’ll save that for another time.
My brother sent the Post article by Jim Hage. I’d love to send him a note. I’m a runner myself now, but in 2:15:52, I’m just finishing lacing up my shoes – not finishing a marathon.
Keep up the good work. I’d be glad to hear from anybody, and plan to write to a few on the list you sent.
Your pal,
Rudy Porter-Lauer
From: Neal Lee Pizzano (1976) npizzano[AT]erols.com Date: Fri, 18 Oct 1996 Subject: High School + 20 recap
Here is a recap of my last twenty years after high school. I am doing this to encourage all of you to recap your lives after High School. I know some of you have become VERY successful. My hat is off to you! You know how to reach me…and you know how to reach the Midnight Sun Online.
Ciao for now..
Neal Pizzano Class of 1976
High School PLUS 20…
I thought I would let everyone know what my life was like after High School to give you a different perspective and better understanding of just who I am. Try not to get too bored, please.
Upon graduation, I had made up my mind not to pursue architecture and take the challenge of meteorology. (I also decided to go with my best friend, Bill Clark, to a local establishment (Gentleman Jim’s) every night after work and have two beers and a hamburger in hopes of gaining some weight. I was 6 feet tall and weighed 135 lbs. I could turn sideways and all you’d see was my nose). I also didn’t have a lot of money and decided to go to Montgomery College in Rockville. By the end of the first semester, I had joined the “Meteorology Club”, and by the second semester became it’s president. The rest of college remains a blur, with the exception of a couple of things. Art class, where I did OK; taking a 6:30 AM class in basic computer language, (I still don’t know why I did that); soccer in PE (I didn’t join the school team, as a job and making money seemed a little more important); coming out first in our in class fencing tournament. (I felt fencing was good for a goalkeeper to strengthen his legs and sharpen his reflexes); and last, but not least, taking a course called “Acting for TV and Film”. It was the best course I took. During all this time I was also working. In 1978 I worked for Bloomingdales as a receiving clerk. I had a chance to learn fashion and quality. I also had a chance to meet my first wife. She was working the sweater bar on the third floor. And I was the first person to pronounce her name correctly on the first try. (It was Greek to me – and to her). I left Bloomie’s to work in a bank until I could start working for the Federal Government. January, 1979, I became engaged and started working for the USDA as a cartographer’s aide. In January, 1980 I started working for the National Weather Service in Camp Springs, MD. By April, I was married and living in Gaithersburg. I tried out for the “AM WEATHER” television show with the backing of the Man In Charge of the Forecast Office. My audition was great, but I lacked credentials. That made me pursue higher levels of education through the government. In 1981, I met a guy named Keith Allen, who asked for my assistance in providing weather forecasts over the telephone. It was a small unit based in his home. I would call and record the info to be played, while others called the number to listen. I told him then that his idea was so good that if he played his cards right, he could be doing it for C & P Telephone (Now known as Bell Atlantic). I, also in 1981, decided to change positions in the weather service. I went from a position where I was decoding upper air data, plotting high level wind data, and drawing charts for pilots to brief from, to a position where I was now encoding upper air data, taking observations and using the charts to personally brief pilots. I moved to Dulles International Airport in January 1982, just days before the “Air Florida” crash. My wife and I also moved to Herndon, VA then, where we purchased a townhouse with the great rate of 16 1/2 % interest. In 1983, I separated from my wife, moved to Manassas, VA and did my first weather broadcast on the radio as a substitute for the new kid in town over at Channel 9-WUSA-TV, Bill Kamal. I substituted on WINC Radio. During my stint at Dulles, I was privileged enough to brief weather for the Goodyear Blimp, USAF Generals at the Pentagon, The NASA Space Shuttle Program, Resort Owner Pete Bryce (Bryce Mountain Resorts of Bayse, VA) and even AIR FORCE ONE as it was on approach during a rain storm. I also proved weather information for television productions, studios, and movies, like 20/20, Lorimar Productions, and the movies DC CAB (portions filmed at Dulles) and (?)ST. ELMO’S FIRE (the one in Georgetown). I moved to Sterling, VA for five month’s, back to Manassas, and finally back home to Rockville, MD, from September 1983 to February 1984. I started jogging with the teacher who taught me that “Acting” class in college and signed up for a modeling class. (It was worth learning about, but not worth the money). I reduced my weight, which had at one time reached 206 lbs, (I was no longer on that beer and hamburger diet, either) down to 167 lbs when I met my second wife. In 1985, I left home again and moved, this time, to Temple Hills, MD. I also left the Federal Government (tried insurance for a month) and went to the Airline Industry. What a full circle! ( I worked with weather in the aviation branch of the weather service, I briefed pilots on an international basis, and now, I get to work in the airline industry using my weather background.) I actually started as a customer service rep (at Dulles) for Presidential Airways in January 1986. During the year, I ended up moving within the company to a dispatcher position, moving from Temple Hills, MD to an historic home in Fort Washington, MD, and getting a dog (her name is Scuzzie). I also worked on the 1st Class of 76 reunion. In 1987, I traveled with a co-worker to Los Angeles to see the super bowl. It was great being at the Rose Bowl, sitting amongst the Bronco and Giant fans. Unfortunately, it was difficult to see the TV screen the fans had, as we didn’t have tickets to get inside. Yes, I watched it on TV from the Rose Bowl Parking Lot !! 1987 also brought about the marriage of my second wife and I. We traveled to Hawaii for our honeymoon. It was great. In October, our daughter Lauren (named after actress Lauren Bacall) was born. My poor wife went through 36 1/2 total hours of labor before the c-section was done. I guess I felt pretty bad that she had to suffer so much, so I delivered a kidney stone 3 weeks later myself. We had also purchased a townhouse in Temple Hills (at the end of September, AND with a much better rate 10 1/4). Presidential Airways began to suffer drastically in 1989. That was when I decided it was time to try for a new job. I hooked up with World Airways, Inc. of Oakland, CA. They were moving to the Washington area. It was my international weather experience, and the fact I wrote training materials for pilots and airline dispatchers, that weighed heavily in my favor for job consideration. I went to Oakland, CA for six weeks. I learned about dim sum in Chinatown, and that Sonoma was the better wine area for it picnic-like atmosphere when visiting wineries. I learned about DC-10 aircraft, too. After training was over, I found myself working in the old Presidential Airways offices. They now belonged to World. Three weeks later, the Bay area was struck with its’ most recent major earthquake. Later in the fall of 89, I tried out for a position on Channel 7’s weather team. It was a contest in which there were 10,000 applicants. Only 32 were chosen for audition. I was one of those. I didn’t make it past the first audition, but I got to keep the tape. My wife and I tried for a second child in 1990. Unfortunately, we fell victim to miscarriage. On an upbeat note, Sue Palka, weather persona of the local Fox-TV network, encouraged me to try out for a Richmond station that was looking for a weekend weather person. Having no prior experience and only a try-out tape from the year before, I gave it a shot. Everyone told me that I didn’t have a prayer without experience. Actually, I did have a prayer or two up my sleeve, and landed the job. I went on the air in January of 1991. I did eight weeks of weather broadcasts, and then I was let go. To this day, I have no regrets for I accomplished much more than anyone was willing to give me credit for. My wife and I also experienced the birth of our son, Robbie. This time she went through 42 1/2 hours of labor. (Robbie was delivered naturally). And this time, I felt worse, so a few weeks later I thought I’d have another kidney stone. But, to my surprise, I gave birth to Diverticulitis. (I had the kidney stone a few months later). Now faced with this correlation of “Have Kid, Have Kidney Stone” infiltrating my life, I decided to do something about it. I got fixed. (That’s a tough male subject. Unfortunately, it didn’t work the way I had hoped it would. I’ve had more stones, but no more kids. Maybe I should of had a Kidney transplant instead. Hmm.) I also found myself deep into Desert Shield/Desert Storm. I was dispatching civil aircraft into the area to deliver troops and supplies. At the end, I was given a certificate of recognition for my role, by the United States Air Force and by the United States Civil Reserve Air Fleet Command. It may not compare to being there first hand like some of you, but it made me feel extremely proud to be an American. The last thing to note for 1991 was that I was now doing the weather for the Bell Atlantic. In 1994, my wife decide to quit her job and go into business with her brother. She is now the CEO of a great computer company that teaches pre-school and elementary school age children. Something I support her in strongly to this day! (I also did my first WMAL broadcast in which a mild winter was forecasted for 1984-1985, opposite the advice of many other experts.) Then in July of 1995, I decided it was time to move again. This time I was the only one to move. I separated from my wife, but pledged to never divorce myself from my children. I have continued to call my kids every single evening, since the day I left. I tell my daughter I love her, to have sweet dreams and don’t let the bed bugs bite, and make 3-4 kissing sounds with the lips before telling her goodnight. I tell my son “ER-ER-ER”, which is our way of hugging each other over the phone (a romantic thing my wife and I developed for each other in our early years), I love you, I’ll never forget you, and whispering “I LOVE YOU IN MY HEART” (which is something he came up with on his own). We say the same things to each other. I also see them overnight every other Friday, and currently coach my sons soccer team at the school where they attend. That means I see them on Tuesdays and Thursdays for practice, and Saturdays for their games, too. (The divorce is pending, but my wife and I are amicable towards each other for the best interest of the kids. I will state that she is a great mother, and I will always love her, I am just no longer in – love with her. It is agreeably better this way.) In 1996, I was called upon several times during the harsh winter to go on the air with weather forecasts to the WMAL audience. I was then invited down to the studio in the spring, and in the fall, to go on the air, live, with the Trumbull and Core show, featuring the new addition to the team, Brooke Stevens. I also helped chair our 2nd Class of 76 Reunion.
I currently maintain a data base of over 9700 names. It is a listing of all Peary Graduates from 1963-1984 plus Faculty/Staff. If you ever move, please keep me informed. I also request that you send me the names of your brothers and sisters so that I can cross reference them in the data base.
From: Neal Lee Pizzano (1976) npizzano[AT]erols.com Date: Fri, 18 Oct 1996 Subject: Teacher Reunion 1996
Retrospect…
On Saturday, October 12 (the REAL Columbus Day), I attended a reunion of Peary Teachers and Staff. It was held at the Anchor Inn in Wheaton, MD. Bob Lau was the only other student there (along with his girlfriend, Kristy). Together we sat with Ms. Rosen. It was a blast from the past. There was so much reminiscing going on, one could hardly stand it.
Unfortunately, I could only recognize a few of the teachers. Miss Thomson, Ms. Steinkraus, Mr. Clarke, Mr. Kilpatrick, Mr. Luko, Ms. Dee Rosenberg, Ms. Tigani, Mrs. Zimmerman, Ms. Engle, Ms. Avery, Mrs. Drye, Ms. Mintie Glass, Dr. Dunn and Dr. Brennan were only a few of those I met, talked to, or recognized. I began to wonder if I actually ever went to class. I had no idea who the rest of the faculty members were. I don’t think I had many of those there.
Nonetheless, Ms. Rosen was glad to sit and recall old memories with us. To her, it was great because she didn’t get the chance to attend our reunion. She said she’s been to these faculty reunions before, but she rarely gets the chance to find out how her students have been doing since high school. So she preferred chatting with us.
Many of the teachers told us to call them by their first names. School was a long time ago. But, I remarked that old habits are hard to get rid of.
These faculty members are still somewhat close. I think Peary High School produced a very unique group of people. Both Faculty and Students alike. Hopefully, many of you will try to make the next one. We will keep you informed as to time and place.
From: Bob Lau (1976) blau[AT]clark.net Date: Fri, 18 Oct 1996 Subject: Update
Very little to update since the last newsletter. I’m still seeking the “perfect” full-time work since my term ended at UM University College last month. In the meantime, I’ve been doing some more of the acting stuff so I don’t lose the house
As Neal Pizzano mentioned, I also attended the Peary Staff luncheon at Anchor Inn on October 12. I, too, hardly knew any of the teachers except for the two I had in 10th grade, Mrs. Rosen (Miss Burstiner) and Miss Thomson (who organized the event). Dr. Dunn and Dr. Brennan were also there – funny, they STILL scare me. Mable Thomas was ill and didn’t attend, but word is she’s out and about and doing okay. I was quite surprised that Mrs. Rosen remembered so many things and people. She has two children(?) – I believe both out of high school already – lives in Gaithersburg and teaches at Rockville High School. She also has fond memories of Lyle Goldberg – the “chatterbox” of the English class we were in… and the Chatterbox of the Class of ’76. I need to get in touch with Lyle (who is a teacher in Philadelphia) and let him know she wants to hear from him.
Since I’ve had some time on my hands, I created a web site for this Peary on-line effort – a place anyone can go to anytime, and a place to organize materials and call our own. Details are at the beginning of the newsletter.
I got a part in the NBC series “Homicide” and shot the scene recently, having the opportunity to work with Richard Belzer, Reed Diamond, and Michelle Forbes (Ensign Ro on STTNG) which was fun. The episode, called “Control,” will air in December – when I get the exact date, I’ll let you know. I’ll be in a squad room scene in the last part of the episode, delivering “bad news” to Detective Kellerman (Reed Diamond). I’ll also be working in November for 2 to 6 days in a movie with Jodie Foster called “Contact.” This film is being directed by Robert Zemeckis (“Forrest Gump” director) and also stars Matthew McConaughey, and Angela Bassett. Unlike “Homicide” where I had speaking to do and had the script, I have no idea what scenes I’m doing for this movie and who’ll be there yet.
I might also take on some freelance video editing work I just got called for while I have the “spare” time. Other than that, nothing more to report! I hope to attend Kevin Brooks’s Halloween party on the 26th, but still need to call for details.
See you next month……..
Bob Lau
Past Issues of MSO available:
Volume 1, Number 1 – August 1996
Volume 1, Number 2 – September 1996
Also available:
Article about Ken Brace (Teacher) from the Gazette
Article written by Jim Hage (1976) in The Washington Post
SEE THE NEW WEB SITE AT
http://www.clark.net/pub/pearyhs
Midnight Sun Online
Volume 1, Number 3, October 1996