Regular Post
Written by Stu Kushner

Midnight Sun Online v01n05 December 1996

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 also worked one day in Howard Stern’s movie “Private Parts.”

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

Midnight Sun Online
,
0
Regular Post
Written by Stu Kushner

Midnight Sun Online v01n04 November 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

Midnight Sun Online
,
0
Regular Post
Written by Stu Kushner

Midnight Sun Online v01n03 October 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 . Kristy continues working and doing homework for her distance education class. We’re celebrating my 38th this weekend – I’m a little later in the year than most of the rest of the 76r’s. I’ve had a couple good interviews/discussions with potential employers, but nothing solid yet.

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

Midnight Sun Online
,
0
Regular Post
Written by Stu Kushner

Midnight Sun Online v01n02 September 1996

Volume 1, Number 2, September 1996

MIDNIGHT SUN ONLINE
-The Online Newsletter for Robert E. Peary High School Alumni-

INTRODUCTION

Huskies and Huskiettes:

Welcome to the second issue of the Midnight Sun Online (MSO) and welcome to those of you who recently made it onto the Peary distribution list! Neal Pizzano (class of ’76) continues to maintain the database for ALL Peary graduates as well as this e-mail distribution list. Kudos Neal. This newsletter will be compiled each month and distributed to the list. The news items come from YOU and will provide others with whatever it is you’d like everybody to know about your life since Peary. Please spread the word to your alumni friends that this exists and is working, okay?

Research is still continuing for setting up a listserv for our group. In the meantime, if you would like a copy of past issues of this newsletter, just drop me a note and I’ll be happy to forward any issue to you (only one so far). In addition, a website is under construction and you’ll be able to retrieve the current newsletter and archives (plus some other surprises) from there via your WWW browser. Stay tuned for details.

Enjoy – and stay in touch with everyone via the list and newsletter. Thanks for your e-mail contributions and support – it’s alive and growing!

Bob Lau, Class of ’76

Some comments on the first issue and the overall effort:

On Sat, 10 Aug 1996, Jim Hardman wrote: “Outstanding job sir!”

On Mon, 12 Aug 96, Diane Arena Wilson wrote: “Downloaded all your messages, especially the first edition of Peary’s Midnight Sun Online. Great stuff.”

On 12 Aug 1996, Marianne Capacchione wrote: “Thanks so much for the first issue of Midnight Sun Online. I thoroughly enjoyed it! I’m printing off a copy and mailing to Rie Leimbach-Crowley in Texas.”

From: Dale Weisenfeld-Winchell (1976) Weisenfeld[AT]aol.com Date: Sun, 11 Aug 1996 Subject: A note from Dale (Weisenfeld) Winchell

My 2 yr. old son, Zachary and I are now living in Cherry Hill, NJ. Since high school, I performed for about 10 years in Dinner Theater, worked as an Adm. Asst. for a Sr. VP at Ringling Bros. and taught dance classes at my own studio in Lancaster, PA. I just got part-time work teaching childrens dance classes starting in September here in New Jersey. I got an Assoc. Degree in Theater/Dance. I’m going to continue my education in the fall, but this time I’ll be training to be a Legal Assistant – at this stage of the game, I’d like a job that offers more job security and benefits.

Best wishes, Dale

From: Marianne Capacchione (1976) mcapacch[AT]hrsa.ssw.dhhs.gov Date: Thu, 15 Aug 1996 Subject: HHS

I am employed by the Health Resources and Services Administration. We’re a smallish agency in HHS, not as well known as NIH or CDC. I’m the Deputy Chief of the Financial Management Branch, which means I help spend money (billions) for AIDS patients, community health centers, National Health Service Corps doctors, leprosy (Hansen’s Disease) patients in Carville, Louisiana, migrant workers, Black Lung programs, some other small stuff. I love it!

Annamarie Liembach (Crowley) doesn’t have an e-mail address. She’s a stay-at-home mom raising two boys, 5 and 7.

Linda Estes. I last saw her at the 10 year reunion. She was living in Florida. Apparently, she got married somewhere between the 10th and the 20th reunion!

From: Art Posey (1976) ArtPosey[AT]aol.com Date: Sat, 17 Aug 1996 Subject: New E-Mail Address for Art Posey

My new e-mail address is: ArtPosey[AT]aol.com

We have switched to AOL primarily due to peer pressure from the kids. It seems that AOL is considered much cooler than Prodigy, and I don’t mind making the switch if the kids will do something on the computer other than space-pilot-killer-of-the-universe games. AOL also seems to keep better control of the kids chat lines.

We’re still in Birmingham. I’m still working fo the Rust Division of Raytheon Engineers and Constructors, Inc. I’ll be on the road for most of the next few months to the Houston, Texas area. Monsanto has a plant in Chocolate Bayou, Texas that is in need of a conversion project. Construction starts September 3 and the plant should be back on-line by Thanksgiving.

The kids start school next week. Alabama History is a required course. I wonder how they cover George Wallace and the 60’s in general. Should be interesting.

Take Care. Art Posey

From: Diane Arena Wilson (1976) wilson[AT]hq.hhmi.org Date: Tue, 20 Aug 96 Subject: Happy Hour

By the way, still need to fill you in on this past Friday, which was great. Greg Perkins, Jerry Adcock, Sue K, Patti C, myself, and lots of other people we brought all had a wonderful time chugging beers and exchanging memories, and then, dances to Van Morrison and the ever-so- popular DJ at T-Bones. We are planning our next outing, Friday, August 30th. So, for now, that’s all I have to report, talk to you soon!

From: Neal Lee Pizzano (1976) npizzano[AT]erols.com Date: Thu, 29 Aug 1996 Subject: Your Brothers and Sisters

Dear Classmates;

I am writing to everyone through the Midnight Sun Online (MSO), in order to reach out and ask all of you to supply updates on your siblings. You see, besides working on the Class of 1976 20 Year Reunion, I have been keeping an extensive record of all Peary graduates from 1963-1984. That equates to over 9600 names. The reason – to ultimately help and assist all of the classes with their reunions. I like getting people together and re-living the nostalgia.

SO…here is my appeal. I would like all of you to please forward the following information for the master list.

First name, middle init., Maiden Last Name, Married Last Name, Spouse’s Name, Year graduated, Home address, Home Phone Number, Work Phone Number, Type of Business involved in, how many kids (or grandchildren), and finally – their e-mail address (if available).

Now understand that I am not asking you to divulge “ANY” information that you do not wish me to have, but I may come to you in the future for that information again, if their class is looking for your sibling. So, anything you can provide will be of great help. This also leads me to say that if you are looking for another classmate, let me know who it is and I will try to locate them for you.

If you have any questions, contact me at my e-mail address npizzano[AT]erols.com and I’ll get back to you.

(ALSO – New Subject: send me any home pages you may have and I’ll provide a separate listing for them)!

Ciao for Now

Neal Lee Pizzano

From: Gerry Adcock (1976) Gerry_Adcock[AT]freddiemac.com Date: Fri, 06 Sep 1996 Subject: What’s happening

First off let me say that our reunion in July was a blast! It was so good to see everyone (that I had a chance to see). Personally, I really enjoyed the planning and preparation for the events, there was some work and a lot of fun there too.

Right now I am working at Freddie Mac (Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp). We are the guys that buy up groups of home mortgages and resell them to investors. I don’t work directly with the mortgages but instead I provide the communications resources. Basically, I make computers talk to each other.

This involves the usage of T1’s, Fiber Optics and all the related peripherals. It’s challenging and interesting working with the latest technologies. My work has provided the opportunities to do a lot of project management with relation to communication infrastructure installations.

Other things going on…I got married (round two) to a wonderful girl, named Nancy, who is a Savings Administration officer with Chevy Chase Bank in Bethesda. We got married in October of ’92. Since that time we have been fortunate enough to be able to take a couple of cruises to the Bahamas (what a way to go). I highly recommend a cruise to anyone who has never been. Nothing like getting excellent service during your vacation. We also bought a house in the Wheaton Woods area (back in the old neighborhood for me, she’s a Springbrook grad).

I have two children from a previous marriage, they are Jeremy & Ashley (ages 15 & 13 respectively). Jeremy is into playing a trumpet in the marching band at his high school in Frederick while working on getting his black belt in Karate. Ashley is enjoying cheerleading for the basketball team last year and the football team this year (so far) while continuing to impress daddy with her grades last year (one B, the rest A’s). She must be following in her dad’s footsteps – HA!

If you haven’t sent anything into the Midnight Sun – Online yet, I encourage you to do so. It’s great to use the available technology to communicate with old friends and keep in touch with what is going on in our lives. I look forward to future editions of that electronic rag.

T-T-F-N, Gerry w/ 703-450-3699

From: Amy Hinkle Allex (1976) dallex[AT]erols.com Date: Sat, 07 Sep 1996 Subject: Issue 2 Deadline

Now for some updated information:

I graduated from the University of Maryland in June 1980 with a B.S. in Business Administration. Worked for three years at EDS in Contracts Administration and another three at Vitro Corporation. Married Dan Allex in October, 1992 and have three children, Adam (9), Kevin (7), and Amanda (3). Lived in Germantown for nine years until moving to Frederick in 1992. Have put my career on hold since my first child was born in 1987. I really have enjoyed being home with the kids on a full time basis.

From: Bob Lau (1976) blau[AT]clark.net Date: Sat, 14 Sep 1996 Subject: MSO Issue 2 Update

Hello classmates:

We seem to be getting a lot of support for the Peary on-line effort. Let’s keep it going! I think there are about 35 names on this list. Where are the other 480 or so from the class of ’76? Not to mention the thousands from other classes?!

Let’s see… since my life story in the last newsletter I’ve been enjoying a temporary “vacation” as my contractual term ended at the end of August with University of MD University College. I was their Distance Education Telecommunications Planning Coordinator working under a grant from the Department of Commerce. So if your company (or any opportunities you know about) is in need of an administrative computer and online computer and multimedia weenie, please let me know!

Kristy and I continue our English-style riding and jumping each week, we still have two cats… one of them only 4-months old, and I’m staying busy with online communications and maintaining the public BBS I operate for a professional society. Although a lot of this extra-curricular activity is time consuming, I really enjoy it. On the acting front, since “Washington Square,” “Shadow Conspiracy,” and “The People vs. Larry Flynt,” it’s been kind of slow – worked in a Harrison Ford movie called “Air Force One” and auditioned for a part in a Jodie Foster movie called “Contact” (another “Phenom”-type flick I think). I’ll be working for three days later this week in “Day of the Jackal” being shot in Pentagon City (sorry, can’t disclose specifics). It’s strictly part-time and no, I do not plan to move to L.A. Kristy continues her studies at UMUC, now enrolled in a 6-credit online course, so there are no classes to attend. I’ve been throwing around the idea of going for my PhD or EdD, but lemme find work first so I’ll still have a house!

I continue experimenting with a listserv for our growing members of the Peary e-mail distribution list and I’ll be setting up a Web site for this list and the newsletter – figured I better use the time now while I can since I don’t have to go to work everyday for the time being! I’ll be digitizing some photos and making them available on the site as well, including the 20-year 1976 Class Reunion photo.

That’s about all for now. Hope to get some personal mail from you folks and continued contributions to the newsletter and solicitation of e-mail addresses to forward to Neal Pizzano. And I’d be more than happy to send you a resume as well !

Bob Lau, Class of ’76 Germantown, MD

P.S. I have two recent, e-mail-ready, newspaper articles about Ken Brace (Teacher) and Jim Hage (1976) if you want them. Just let me know and I’ll be happy to forward to you. Also e-mail me if you want a copy of previous issues of the MSO/Peary Newsletter.

From: Neal Lee Pizzano (1976) npizzano[AT]erols.com Date: Sat, 14 Sep 1996 Subject: Peary H.S. Teacher Reunion

NewsFlash… Peary High School Faculty will be having their annual get together at the Anchor Inn on October 12, 1996. Complete details are not known, but the cost is said to be $11.00 per person. It would be great to see them again, wouldn’t it? Look for more information to be available in the coming weeks.

From: Neal Lee Pizzano (1976) npizzano[AT]erols.com Date: Sat, 14 Sep 1996 Subject: Maryland Get-Togethers

NewsFlash… For those of you living in the general Peary vicinity, weekends have been the time for alumni get-togethers. It appears that Friday Nights have been the time for many to keep in touch, even after the reunion (’76). The places vary anywhere from Copeland’s in Rockville, to Slade’s of Bethesda, to The Gaithersburg Tavern in Old Town Gaithersburg. To find the latest watering hole for the weekend of your chances, contact Diane Arena-Wilson or Sue Kennison-Wilson at their e-mail address found in the latest published listing I’ve sent out. Afterall, the more the merrier! (Sorry Diane and Sue, but the two of you seem to have been the focal points of contact so far) Hope to see you there sometime in the future. And for those of you living out of town, check it out ahead of time before your next trip back here. I am sure all are welcome, no matter what year you graduated.

Past issues of MSO available: Volume 1, Number 1 – August 1996

Also available:
Article about Ken Brace (Teacher) from the Gazette Article written by Jim Hage (1976) in The Washington Post

Midnight Sun Online
Volume 1, Number 2, September 1996

Midnight Sun Online
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