Guest Book

Frank, I debated whether to save you by deleting your last message before Letterman was over. Not!

For those of you still with us, Netmeeting is free from those nice people at Microsoft, since there are still some companies trying to charge for such software (I guess that means it will have to be bundled with the next version of Windows). It will also run on a DX2-66 machine, although faster is better. A "full duplex" sound card allows you to talk and listen at the same time, so that it's not so "walkie-talkie" like in use. I don't think you can have more than two parties to an audio conversation at the same time, but I'm not positive on that.

Frank is right, though. Using it is not like the warm, fuzzy commercials depict...yet. The audio takes getting used to...like talking to a space ship on the other side of the universe.

John, I've been messing around with Internet phone service for the past several weeks. I've been using Vocaltec's "Internet Phone." It has the same features that you described here about Microsoft's "netmeeting". It also has voicemail and the ability to call "off the net" to a POT (Plain Old Telephone). However, to make the "off the net" phone calls, you have to sign up with an ITSP (Internet Telephone Service Provider). These packages are similar to a freeware/shareware package called "CUCME" (or whatever the spelling is). The Vocaltec package is easy to download and use (http://www.vocaltec.com). You can try it for two weeks for free. It sells for $45 at Best Buy. Here's the catch (probably true for all packages): You need a pretty fast PC or Mac (Pentium 75 or faster), a 28.8KBPS (or faster) modem, a soundcard (full duplex is better - the Soundblaster 32 and 64 are full duplex, I don't know about others), a microphone for your sound card, and you need a "Quickcam" (or similar) if you want to do videoconferencing. Also, (at least for the Vocaltec product) you cannot directly connect to the person that you want to conference with. You have to go through a server (no charge for now, but it is easy to envision a charge for this service in the future). So in the case of the Vocaltec software, you connect to your ISP, start up the Internet Phone software, go to one of their "chat rooms" (lots of strange characters...) and look for the party that you want to talk/videoconference with. From my experience, the phone company does not have to worry about this capability replacing long distance telephone service anytime soon. The voice compression algorithms compress the data down to about 8KBPS (versus about 16KBS for the phone company), so the quality of the voice is still better over the phone, and the network delay associated with the internet results in what sounds like chopped-up speech. (Anyone that is just dying for a brief tutorial on digital voice, pulse code modulation, "mu-law" and "a-law" companding, quantization distortion, etc. should send me an e-mail message).

Gary H: You need to come up with tougher riddles. The answer is obviously "Yes" To those of you still living in Virginia: How do you feel about your new governor? (How many know that you HAVE a new governor?)

Yes, I'm still here, but busy as hell trying to turn my big mouth into a paying career. Just came off a brief stint as a consultant during a special session of our state legislature dealing with school construction $$$. For comic relief, I have been checking the guest book after Letterman goes off the air but have been too tired to add anything interesting. Dave N: I must say that it doesn't help when you write without bothering with punctuation marks -- Mrs Cooley would turn in her grave! Trying to decipher your last message was sort of like trying to puctuate "That that is is that that is not is not is that it it is" so it makes sense.

For those interested .... second round of playoffs will be at Washington-Lee Saturday 11/22 at 7:30 p.m. against West Potomac. Both bands of MV and WestPo to perform together at halftime as they did in the inaugural (sans uniforms) with their very own "Old Dominion Fanfare."

Neato net layout for your 25th reunion. Trying to get it together in a similar fashion for MVHS60 year 2000 40th. Any tips??? Thx

Great game first time I have been to one since about 1985, seen Mr Skinner he looks great they could have used him in the press box, nobody could call a game like Mike. It was cold , last time I went to a game when it was that cold is when I drove down to Norfolk (ODU) to see the Majors beat Kempsville in the 1983 state championship. Nice to see the Major's doing well the last couple of years. The band was great we never looked that good although I do believe that and feel good about the fact I believe the class of 72 band members started the trend that being in the band was cool espically after Mr Burrougs got there. We busted our butt to get those new uniforms and we put more fling into the haftime shows and it all started with the Lee game when we go to wear those new dud's for the first time. Ever since then the band has just been better and better year after year and the 1997 Majors really made me feel proud to have been a band member so many years ago. However I did miss the Drill Team a half time show without a Drill Team we had one heck of a drill team in 72. But I think I see why,they had 2 dozen cheerleaders noboby left to be on the drill team. Could not help to notice that it does not seem quite as spirited as it did years ago except for the Drum section Dewey you would be proud they never stopped. As far as the Pep song goes like the second time through it more than the first got to get that brass section and drum section into the mix the first time through!!!!!My hats off to the team, band, flag team and those hard working band parents. I do plan on going Sat to see them win the region over the old Ft Hunt and GROVETON SCHOOLS THEY CALL WEST POTOMAC

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Majors !!! Yup yup yup ... it's true folks ... the long-awaited football game FINALLY took place tonite -- and ... THEY WON !!!! The bands Senior Night FINALLY happened .... thank gawd ... and FINALLY at the END of the game as I was having to rush outta there to traffic patrol ... a '72'er shows up to say hello !!! It was GREAT to see you Dave -- wish we would have had more time to visit early on -- and you were ABSOLUTELY correct -- sure felt alot warmer Saturday. We had a few mighty frozen instruments tonite :( Nite guys ... TTYS

Hello There !!!! The G-Man is back !! What's up Bo ? Glad to see you "chime in".....Well alot has been happening here since last log on...Tried to get to the game on the 17th. Had a couple of family things to do...Did we win ? I'm in a very big state of Depression....and it's all because of those Damn Cowboys !! Although, I have to say, they did what they had to do when they had to do it !! John H., don't do brunch before games anymore..Since we've moved to "New Jack City", all before game meals are done in parking lot "A" in Landover (Raljon). Give me a call that morning and maybe we can tailgate. I STILL LOVE THOSE 'SKINS !! Dave N., Starbucks ANY Saturday. Come One-Come All !! Bo ? Computer Science ? You Go Dude !!!!! I'm in Springfield (living). You should E-Mail and let's all meet at "Bucks" one day...soon Well have to run, but I'd like to leave ya'all with this... If your mother was a one dollar bill and your father was a two dollar bill ? How many pancakes could you wrap around a basketball on Thursday ? True or False ?

I didn't find out that the game was off until a arrived at the school and to my surprize I said where the heck are the lights, but I was not the only one there, yes there were others. I don`t ever remember a game being called off during all the years I can remember, it wasn`t that bad out there. Dewey nice to see your entry glad things are going well in Boston, you missed all the snow in Colorado, but it looks like you got some up in Boston. Where has the good Dr wood's been lately, come on Don drop us a line. Was very happy to see the entry fron Amanda you were one of the people who I wanted to see and say hello to at the reunion. Gee it's been a long time since Skyview Spanish Village way back in the 60's are we really that young. Gary and John we need to do Starbucks again soon at least before the next reunion to include Steve. Well I'm going to make an effort to get to the game tonight and will look for folks on the right side of the press box I assume thats to the right when facing the field so it would be at the end on the school side. Later folks

Cindee & Dave: I been in Boston. I'm working here for a couple months. Expect to be back to Colorado in March. I don't get onto the web as often these days so I'm missing out on all the action here. I take a peek at the Guest Book from work now and then but don't feel right spending the time to make an entry (hourly contract). And this job has me spending a lot more time commuting than I'm used to so I never feel like I have much time at "home". But it's still a fun change of pace...... Over the last couple months I've found myself remembering MV days as a result of some stimulus. First came watching some "Wonder Years" episodes on TV. How 'bout the rest of you? Does that show do a good job reminding you of those days? I remember watching the first episode several years ago and the narrator talking about going to his first day of Junior High in 1968. I heard that and thought: "I know what I was doing that same day. I was going to my first day at Mount Vernon High School." The show had immediately won at least one loyal viewer. It really hits home for me. Like the main character, I was the youngest of 3 kids, with an older brother and an oldest sister. My sister was quite the rebel. Fortunately my brother was not the jerk portrayed on Wonder Years. Anyway, I can certainly relate to watching Kevin Arnold go through his trials and tribulations of growing up...... The next MV reminder came while I was home in Colorado over the Halloween weekend. I took the opportunity to mow my yard. That should hold it through the winter. But the funny thing is - there's something about mowing a yard that takes me back to high school. Sure, I mowed our yard regularly in Alexandria. That was how I earned money for going to Shakey's on Fridays after football games. And I know that while I mowed back then, my mind was full of thoughts about what was going on at school, running crushes over in my mind, thinking of classes, cadences and halftime shows. But how many times do you think I've mowed a yard SINCE then? (Hint: Many.) Yet mowing a yard 25 years later STILL takes me back to high school. Amazing..... The week after I got back to Boston we had a rainy weekend. And there I was again. There's something about driving around at night in a light rain that takes me back to MV. In particular it takes me back to Junior year, riding in Rich Colella's Corvair, going over to Wesynton to pick up John Atkinson for a football game. Just after listening to "Tommy" on the stereo. OK, how many rainy nights do you think I've seen since then? (Hint: More times than I've mowed my yard.) Yet here I am, 27 years later and it still takes me back. It's night. It's rainy. And suddenly I'm singing "See the faces of the children they get so excited....Waking up on Christmas morning hours before the winter sun's ignited.... And Tommy doesn't know what day it is....He doesn't know who Jesus was or what prayin' is.... How can he be saved.... From the eternal grave........" --------- Tommy can you hear me?

Tonights game postponed due to cold weather? Did I get that right? Geez! What is Fx. Schools gonna do when January comes, - move the whole school system to Fla!

ALERT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Game for tonite 11/15 has been postponed until Monday, November 17 at the same time. It seems (and I'll be darned if I understand this one but I've only gotten 'bit and pieces' through voice mail) that whatever powers that be in FF County have decided to curtail sports activities due to cold weather. (((HMMMMMMMMMMMMMM... you don't play football in the cold ?!?!?!?! Wuzzup with that?!?!?! )))))

Bo: Last name was Fultz ... I was the quiet, naive, innocent one in our class :) ... and nope ... I may feel like I work at the school but actually work with a bunch of lawyers ... I've just been "hanging out" with the band for the last 6 years. OK folks .... as far as the game ... I have to be on the track at 6:50 ... so ... your guess as to when you should be there. And no dammit ... I'm not doing brownies again -- got stuck with 4 dozen last time. They're going to have to roll me onto that track. Thanks alot! :P

Bo: I'm just a Reunion Committee member who tried to get people to come to a reunion using "free" web space and a computer book. Worked for some, not for others. I'm a hacker, not a speaker!

Gary: Going to the Rams game on Nov 30th ... Section 142. Let's do brunch!

Dave N. I see Roy Vaughan only a couple of times each year. He has left AT&T and has gone back into teaching math. He is at the intermidate school that feeds Herndon, I think. He lives out by Fair Oaks Mall. Hi John H. sorry I missed the reunion. What is your occupation now. The reason I ask, is that I teach computer science at West Springfield High School, and guessing it is related to computers, I would be interested in having you speak to my classes. Janine I've seen your messages and can't place you. What was your last name? Do you work with the school at Mt. Vernon? Go Mv football! Ps. I was one of the coaches for Mv football from 1976-1989.

ABSOLUTELY correct guy !! Saturday, November 15 at 7:30 would be the day, date, and time of the playoff game -- against Yorktown. Come one, come all .... as usual ... I'll be there -- me 'n my "crowd" of muchkins decked out in all their maroon and white finery. You in the former band crowd may be interested in how far the uniforms have come since Dewey wore that jacket the first time :) Hope to see a bunch of you there -- same place?? 30-20 yard line to the right of the press box ??? I wanna be able to play tooooooooooooooooooooooo (whine).

Hey "BO" nice to see your entry in the guest book, would have even been better to see you at the reunion where the heck were you???? Sounds like all is well, do you ever see Roy Vaughn " I'm sure I spelled his last name wrong" if so tell him to get on line and that Dave said hello. Hey Janine looks like the game is at Mt Vernon on Sat nite. If the weather is not to bad I plan on being there wife or no wife...Is any other class of 72 grad planning on going sign on and lets get somthing going!!!!!!!!!!!!! Steve thats were I was at the intel center and school in Rowe Hall (USIC) Ft H. Stayed out in Sierra Vista and drove to the Ft. Well gotta go will check back in the AM and see if there is any interest in the game Sat...... BYEEEEEEEEEEEEEE............

Hi Bo! Nice to hear from you ... finally. Keep in touch.
For those of you who have WIN95 or are looking for a reason to switch to it, a free program from MS called "Netmeeting" may be a good reason to switch. Once installed, it allows conference calls between a lot of parties, with audio, video, whiteboarding, chat, and file transfers. It also allows all parties in the conference to share an application on one of the parties' machines. Looks like electronic "reunions" are really here, Ruth!

For more info and downloads, start here:

http://www.microsoft.com/netmeeting/features/

Hmmmmmm.... about the playoff game ... not sure ... was in Disney World with THE band for the last five days. I'll check on it tomorrow and post something tomorrow night. We did notice upon the buses' return last night that the sign by the school said that they would be playing Yorktown on Friday, November 14 -- but you know how those things go -- this is Monday and they may not have had a chance to change the sign (if there were any changes to it this past weekend). Let ya know more tomorrow -- and .... let's hope for good weather!

Welcome back Dave! I'm sure you'll enjoy our rain and cold much more than the 92-88 degree weather at Fort H!. How's the JITC doing these days? Say Hi to Holly for Deb and I.

Hope everyone had a good time at the reunion. I'm married: wife Vickey and son Tyler who is 5yr.

Just got back from AZ and I'll tell you I sure do miss those 88 to 92 degree days already, but it's always nice to get home. I see Mt Vernon lost their last game, are they still in the playoff picture Janine??? If so and the weather is good might be a good time to get some folks together!!!! Gary real sorry to hear about your dad hope your mom is going to be ok after such a loss not to mention your whole family Holly and I will keep your family in our prayers. Dewey are you still in Boston have not seen an entry from you lately. Sorry about U of F this year some schools would kill to be 7 and 2!!!!! Well let me go do some work still have to get all the paperwork done to get some money from TRW to pay for all the charges on my American Express Card to the tune of about 5,600.00 dollars for this last trip. see ya later

Frank, keep checking back for updates...almost like reaching out and touching MVHS from Alaska....temps here in the 30's for a "heat wave", a few days ago they were hovering around zero...enough snow to ski...told you about the trip north to Prudhoe...one of those you write home about and hope you don't get re-runs of....anyhow...how did the final birthday thing go with Melvin...did he get lots of cards and messages or what....I remember you saying that you couldn't imagine Melvin composing a web site...or home page...does he have internet access... anyhow ...Jim, thanks for sharing the great pictures...yes, I think its a great idea to post different pictures each month or so...but then again, i'm not doing the work either...i'm doing good to start this up and get to the pages I need to....too bad I didn't inherit Franks talents for the computer world....guess we all have our little niches...mine definitely is NOT computers...but its fun to try....Frank won't tell you how many grey hairs he got just trying to explain stuff to me over the phone...probably more than even he knows...anyhow, keep up the great work...y'all come up and see us sometime....

Hey guys...!!! Yes, Cindee, I remember it well..I also remember who could have got away if it weren't for Mother Nature calling her...How you doing Mike G. ? Tell Steve to definately give a shout out to me. John H. - I usually was the good guy in the bunch. I was afraid of the consequenses...One night I throw caution to the wind and it was like...BAM !!! BUSTED !!! CRAZY !! Actually it was kind of funny.... Almost as funny as PERT NEAR getting caught swimmmg nekked at The Mansion House... Ahhhhh Youth ....... Ya'All Take care and stay in touch.....Gary

Cindee: Gots to give credit for band music to Janine.
Gary: Did you always get caught???

Hmmmmmmm... MV Alumni = instigators?? THAT's what they trained us in those hallowed halls??? Nevvvvvvvvvvvvva ():-)

Hi Mike G. Last I saw you was when you bailed me out of jail for trespassing at the Lorton cemetary! (Gary remembers that night!) Say hi to Steve for me. Gary, so sorry to hear about your dad. Keep in touch! John, the new music is great. I told my brother about the fight song. He was in the marching band and went on to be drum major at Va. Tech. He'll get a kick out of it. The photos are good too. Everyone looks BETTER than in highschool! Glad to hear about the FB team. I came very close to taking an esaver ticket and flying down for Homecoming. Glad I didn't! Anything happening over Thanksgiving weekend? May be coming down, depending on the son's basketball schedule. Janine, keep on instigating! Hey Gwen, we've been missing each other during the late night cybervisits. Dewey, where are you????

Hi Guys, I'm not a member of the class of '72, but close...(class of '71). I just had to write & tell you what a great web site this is. If any of you know any class of '71 people out there, let them know about the MVHS site...I'd like to get more of us on the list. I'll let my brother Steve (class of '72) know about this one. Thanks, enjoyed it! Mike Gabriel

Gary: Real sorry to hear about your Dad. Regarding your other points, that's what reunions are good for.

Gwen: MVHS won the state championship in 1983, I think it was.

Thanks for the email Frank. Your right, Randy's brothers name is David not Steve (and husband of Sue Foster).

Hey Gang !!!!! How's everyone ? Still working in Olde Towne and things are good. Sorry I missed the HC last week. That was a very rough week for me. My dad passed away on the 16th in Florida and a couple of my brothers and I flew down that night to be with my Mom. We drove back Sunday (Mom and one brother flew back) and buried my dad on Tuesday the 21st. You know it really made me stop & think about things. We're all not getting any younger and there are alot of things out there (in life) that I've yet to experience. One of the things that I've come to realize is that everyone gets so caught up in day to day things that we forget about our pasts and the people that were a part of them. I'm going to make every effort not to do that anymore. So, if you get a strange E-Mail from an old (Although not as old as some of you) cronie just wanting to say, "Hey, how's life" ? That be me..... I have to go now before I start to cry.... LOL Ya'all have a great one and let's keep in touch.... Gary

Going to a playoff game would even be better should be back from Ft Huachuca, AZ by then, would like to bring the weather back with me though. Steve I'll bet you have been here before!!!!!!! lot's of neat things out here. PS Janine I couldn't talk my wife into sitting in the rain for the game last friday but hell I want to see the band do a half-time show and homecomming is not the time to see that. so go Majors let's make it seven in a row.

When was the last time that the MV Majors were in first place for football? Was it back in the late sixties when Randys Knights' brother (Steve)played before later going on the play for the Jets?

It's baaack! Janine has assured me that no copyright issues will fall upon me for posting the MVHS Marching Majors' music on this site (see link, above). And remember, I'm just the messenger! It's a large file, so be patient on the download (a couple of minutes). RAH!

YA BUNCHA WIMPS !!! A few of us braved the weather -- ok ... so we got a little wet ... and we grew webbed feet ..... but was worth seeing each other. BUT ... you may have one chance yet to redeem yourselves. MV Football is in FIRST place (after many, many moons) ... YEAH !!!!!!!! GO MAJORS !!!! .... ANYWAY ... if they hold true to form (and everyone expects them to) the playoffs begin annnnnnnnnnd ..... November 14 a playoff will be in our very own Melvin B. Landes Stadium ... COMPLETE with halftime show (and senior band honors -- we finally gave up close to the end of the 4th quarter -- thought it would be nice to have people in the stands other than parents). I don't know the time yet ... but will keep you posted. NOOOOOOOO John ... I can't put it all together --- will be in Disney World with the band next week -- so... everyone show up this time DAMMIT !!! GRRRRRRRR

Well here I am, ready to leave the house for the MV Homecoming festivities, however, there is one slight problem. It's raining cats and dogs out here in Oakton. For some reason I just can't seem to convince the wife that wet, cold, and Homecoming games should be experienced concurrently. Oh well, some other time I guess....

Sorry gang, I'm not going to make it to the game tonight. I'm still at work, and likely to be here for a few more hours (it's 5:30PM now, and for all of you "out-of-towners", it's raining and in the 50s).

We're planning on being there Dave. As Janine said, look for us around the 20yd. line to the right of the press box - hopefully that will work...

nice to get back to the real world software deployments to Japan,Korea,tampa Fla,San Diego and Hawaii have kept me pretty busy lately about the last 2 month's did I mention Stuggart Germany also. I'm sick and tired of dd tapes,solaris 2.6, 4.2gb disks,motif,CSE and a host of other software packages to include nis+ and slow government comm lines. (no offense Steve) I'm going to start playing the lottery!!!!! I'm interested if there is going to be a get together at the homecoming game. Would like to know if this is going to happen. I will make sure to check the web tommorow. HEY DON you can have Fla to Humid for me.

Now ... the irony of it all is .... they DO allow cars on the track now ... but only to ride the homecoming court around it ... somewhere they started allowing the floats again too .. but stopped in 4 years ago ... ((shrug))

Great Pics!! I'm sorry (AGAIN) that I missed it. Now I'm sorry that I'm going to miss the homecoming fun. How well I remember the "stationary floats" -- that concept was born during our years at Mount Vernon when Mr. Taylor completely devasted the Homecoming Committee Chair (me) with the news that he wouldn't let us drive cars on "his" new pride-and-joy track. As I recall, the result was a "float" made from chicken wire and roller skates. Such a stirring sight!!! Perhaps new technology (roller blades?) has improved the presentation. Can't wait to hear the stories....

...Of course I *could have* gotten the month correct. My fingers meant to type "10/20" not "11/20"...

Hey Gang, in case you didn't see today's (11/20) Washington Post - our own STEVE CURTIS (sick puppy that he is) FINISHED the IRONMAN TRIATHALON in 13:07:14. That's just about the same amount of time that it takes to fly from D.C. to Maui (11 hrs) and find a parking spot in Lahaina (2 hrs, 7 min, 14 sec).

Hey gang, let's do a tailgate, potluck dinner before the game. Maybe the smell of charcoal could help us find each other. I am off work that Friday, so I could help with setup. Janine, is there an "ideal" spot to set up?

We also need to contact area classmates that aren't privy to this site. Maybe some other classes can join in, too! Let's get busy!

Janine, Count us in for next Fri. However, I'm a little shakey on how we are all supposed to find each other when we get there...

Don: That idea isn't really a "plan"--it is more a rationalization.
Janine: Count me in!
Jackie: How about a tailgate party with the family recipe?

I like John's idea of putting a few photos up each month to keep us coming back to check the board. I haven't signed on in over a month. I have been working on a web page for my practice, and it stinks.. what do you charge per hour John. I bought IBM's new Via Voice which translates your speech into text ( I type about 20 words per minute ) ..don't waste your time unless you want a good laugh. Via Voice comes up with the craziest translations. The only thing it typed out correctly was when I said ..this program sucks..it got that right.

Hey Deb!!! Great -- can't wait to see you too again ... without driving to BFE !! I know ... i know ... not THAT far .. lol. Band season keeps me pretty hopping so time's extraordinarily limited right now. The 22nd Annual Mount Vernon Classic (band competition) is this weekend -- specifically -- Saturday at 6:00. I'm up to my ears, eyes and .. hmmmm... ceiling making new flags for our color guard to unveil during their show. They'll be doing an exhibition. If you like this sort of thing, admission is $4.00 (per, I think) and there are about 12 bands competing for ((gleaming with Pride)) is one of the most coveted trophies on the east coast. Usually a fun time .. even for those of us working on it all day long. Soooooooo.. folks... if you're in the area. As to homecoming...see prior post as to when it starts. For meeting beforehand, whatever you all want to do -- certainly open to suggestions as to where and when and coordinate it. However, since the school has insisted on combining all these activities and senior night all in one night, I'm going to be getting our band and color guard together and pulling my hair out (all while dressed in whatever "fine" duds I can find for the night (undoubtedly in heels to boot). THe possibility exists that since it's senior night as well, I'll have "the night off." I would suggest in the stands close to the 20 yard line to the right of the pressbox (as you're looking at the pressbox) - easiest spot to meet folks that night. Besides -- I'll be able to find you all there (as it stands now, I can't come over to the field 'til the band does) -- it's right next to where the band "parks" when they aren't on the field. As stated earlier ... if there's still enough interest .. we can get together at my house afterwards .. actually... even if there isn't enough interst -- whoever in this class wants to can come (but give me about 1/2 hour after the band's show to get stuff put away and back to the house). That night ... it may take that long to get out of the parking lot anyway !! Give me a headcount folks, please and I'll see what I can put together as to where, when, how, etc. Things have been so quiet here lately, I thought everyone had lost interest, frankly.

Janine, Are you the organizer for the Homecoming get together on the 24th? If so, what are the details? Steve and I are interested. Are 72ers going to meet somewhere prior or just show up? Let us know. Also, Steve says congrats on the return of the original MVHS fight song!

RE: Melvin's pictures...not me Joan, John did it. Now, if we could only get an audio clip of him reading the Washington Free Press over the PA system...

Great pics John!! ummmmmm... welll... hmmmm... as to those with me in them ... hey ...Deb of course looks terrific ... and the guys --- you've all barely aged!!.... On Homecoming... reminder -- it's next Friday night !!! Festivities begin around 6:00. Stationary floats (oxymoron there again) there for the viewing. They've also combined senior night.... pre-game will be the usual presentation of flags, anthem, fight song (YES!!! OURS !! IT'S BACK!!) ... I think Alma Mater .. then presentation of football and cheerleader seniors.... game .... halftime will be the homecoming court and that stuff ...remainder of game ... presentation of band and color guard seniors and the band's 1997 Show. Longggggggggg night ... but hope all of you stick around for all of it. If anyone's still interested in getting together over here afterwards -- fine with me -- just let me know in advance so I can bake those brownies!!

Frank, came back to read the news on Melvin's birthday...can't believe that guy....or the picture you found to put on the webpage... you all are doing a great job....havn't seen Tim Sharp to ask how his adventure went....but plan to...amazing, this small of a town, we only live like 3 miles apart and I never see him....our paths don't cross during the week and the weekend, we're all trying to catch up and get the last minute things done for winter...which is here, by the way...its down to the teens and 20's..and snow... again, keep up the great work on this page...it really makes you feel like part of home is still with you...wonder where all the class of 61 went....joanie

nice board. keep up the good work. krd mvhs 72

OK gang: it's getting too quite around here. You've all been patient (except for that sassy Gary), so I decided to trickle some pictures up to the Picture page. Gary, I don't think you'd want to see the pics I have of you--but if anyone else wants to see them, let me know.

Don't know how fast the rest will get up there. I'm contemplating reinstalling my operating system software (uhhhg), trying to get a new front door in before it gets cold, etc., etc.

Anyhow, got to spread it out, time-wise, to keep things interesting until the next reunion. You guys just go mute if I don't.

See y'all at Homecoming!

The last time I checked in was more than a month ago. I have a note from my mom to excuse my absence -- "Ruth has closed on a house and has been playing with packing tape ever since..." I have a new address and phone number so if any of you want to whisper sweet nothings into my ear or snail-mail box, let me know. WHERE IS EVERYBODY ELSE? Don Woods, if you are still listening, I'll be in Ft Lauderdale most of next week for the state PTA convention. If we can find a night that I'm not hob nobbing with the Gov, maybe we can get together?? As an incentive, I'll even bring along that great prom nite picture.

Where the heck is everybody !!! ??? It's been a week and no one is playing anymore !! Are we all still on for the 24th ? Hey Hanley ? Are your fangers broke ?? Janine ? Dewey ? The Carrolls ? Is this thing on ?? Well I'm sure that ya'all have been wondering ? "How the hell is that crazy guy Gary Hudson doing?" Well I must say that he's doing fine and dandy !! Have a new gig....Still with Xerox but now in Olde Towne Alex. It's great !!! The wife is doing good...Life is good... Come On people and get back on this page and keep in touch....

I just wanted to take a sec to thank the '72 members who sent me their letters and words of inspiration to the kids. We've read a good many of them to them over the last few weeks and it really meant alot to them. They found it enlightening how years (ahem, a generation) later that folks who attended MV still hold that "pride" in their hearts and gratifying to learn that it truly never goes away and that folks can gather years later and recall such wonderful memories that bind them together. The quotes from some of the teachers were great - some of these kids actually had some of the same teachers so that added some amusement to them as well. Again ... thanks to '72 ... I'm off to respond to the classes of '81, '82, '76, 74, 91 and even the more recent grads!

What a treat to see the "heart" of MV still thumping away out there. It is really great to have a place to catch up. I think of many of you often and just wonder... - I've just joined the 80's and bought a computer (talk about traditional!) - I'll be back often. Frank: I'm blondE, I can spell it any way I want! Peter, are you married yet? David Nermyr... what a long, long time.

Sorry I missed the 25th Reunion. I heard it was Great !!

We gave our pictures (including one of Janine at her finest) to John on August 2. Still waiting...

OK gang - I've finally finished papering, painting, and re-furnishing the office at home. The computer collection is back together, and I've scanned one-half dozen pictures from the 25th and sent them to John. Where are your pictures??? Send them in.

Hmmmmmmmm... has my puter gone deaf again or are we out of music????

HEY KIDS !!!!! What's been going on. Yes, I too am guilty of not signing in for a while...But I'm back. Been online with a few of the "class" lately just haven;t logged on here...I think it would be a GREAT idea if we just built a float and went to the game unannounced...What do ya'all think ?? I saw Diane Doucette at the Redskins game last Sunday...Been 5 years since I've seen/talked to her. It was good to see her...Now, HOW ABOUT THOSE SKINS...HUH ?? What a game!!! .What a Stadium !!!! I felt as if when I was driving up to it I was going into a space ship. If anyone is in the area...You HAVE to check it out....Just let me know if there's going to be a shindig for HomeComing...Hey John...When are you going to get off your lazy a** and put the pictures on ???? (Kiddin, bud....) Well gotta run...it's Thursday and I'm doin dinner tonight...On the menu for tonight..Fresh Caesar Salad..Lasagna..Chopped Brocolli with melted cheese...and for dessert Baked Alaska.....Am I good or what....???? Well gotta run...reservations are at 7:45.... SEE YA !!!!!!!

Well... Melvin's is still sharp!! He thinks his "b-day" card on the website was WONDERFUL. Has a hard time getting around but didn't totally rule out the possibility of travelling to meet a bunch of alumni. We'll check in with him in a week or so. Homecoming is as Mark said.

Homecoming Game is Friday, October 24 at 7:30 p.m.

Huh?

Janine: Am I clueless, or what? I haven't the foggyest what I did. Other than the general principle of letting the students maintain tradition, I have no idea what you are asking us to write about. Who is this "new" rabble rouser? What's happening? What are these other people writing about? How do they know what's going on? I liked the Venucian (sic?) response better! I'm scared!! Help me!!!

Oh yeah .... another BTW ..... the ClassES of '69, '71, '76, '81, and 84 are ahead of you guys in e-mail responses ................... SHHHHHHHHHHHHEEEEEEEEEEEEEESH

Now... THAT's the response I expected from you people!!! Good job John ... and thanks ....now the rest of you keep them coming!!!

Hmmm ... ummm... John ??? Did you mess up on the Martians and Venutians ?? Or ... ACK ACK ACK ... have I turned into a Martian. Right about now I vote for the Martian response .... but phone calls and e-mail to Area I or to the principal are just fine .... I'm also collecting the responses to wave in the principal's mailbox ... once I get enough. BTW -- there's other parents standing in support to so feel free to not single me out alone :)

Janine: Thank's for translating the issue for us Martians.
Now, do you want:

a) a Martian answer, e.g., "Why don't you stand BESIDE the mule?", or

b) a Venucian answer, e.g, "Gosh Dear, I can understand why you don't like that mule!"

Seriously, it DOES suck that students want to maintain tradition, while faculty wants change. It reminds me of the politicians who "lead" us government workers into new and better ways of wasting money, when they have never done the job that they're trying to change. They just want to show the world that they made things "better", while spending more to do so than they save, just to placate their ego.

I'll attempt a Martian response:

If you could specify individual issues, and which faculty member is the problem, we could individually email or phone our opinions, and tell them that they are jerks for not letting students maintain school traditions ... and alas, get YOU in hot water.

...and a Venucian:

Maybe we can all get together and have a good old fashioned PROTEST at Homecoming and carry billboards and shout--together of course--"Tradition Killers SUCK" and get our pictures in the yearbook and all that stuff and THEN go to Alice's Restaurant after the game and THEN go to Janine's for some brownies!!!.

I think I like the Venucian response better this time!
There. I feel better now.

How many times must a man be kicked by a mule before he figures out he should stop standing behind it??

OK ... now maybe a little more focused than at 3 a.m. --- when it's the kids trying to keep the traditions that we left behind alive ... and some the faculty and administration urging the changes .... then what? And yeah ... sleepless weekend but not because the issue bothered me as much as the phone calls all day and night all weekend from the kids. Was just at a loss and thought I'd enlist help from you all to help them with the answers to those questions (lol ... that stream of consciousness didn't come from me THIS time -- were their questions to y'all through me).

Hey folks! Just thought I'd let you know I survived the drive to Boston. Even stayed at Jody's near Omaha on the way. (Now SHE has a MAJOR deck for stressing. Multi-level and surrounded by woods. Made me feel like I was in some Swiss Family's place.) I'm still a week away from having a home phone here so I can't check my email yet.... JH - loved the picture of Landis. I sent him a card.... Dave - I like the idea of going to a game (not that I could attend). I managed that with many of the '72 drum section back in '79. But for me, the game would need to be against Fort Hunt (RIP), Skinner would have to be the stadium announcer and we'd have to go to Shakey's afterwards for pizza and singing.... Janine - Wo. How metaphysical. Reminds me of how I imagine the class of '74 (I think) must have felt, being the first class to graduate from the NEW Mt. Vernon. Many of them probably viewed themselves as the first who DIDN'T get to graduate from the OLD Mt. Vernon. Time for new traditions.

Janine: Not trying to hang you out to dry...just trying to get a focus. You're obviously troubled by something. It's just that I'm having a difficult time deciding where to jump in.

Hmmmmmmmmm... not sure if ya missed it or just ran right over it. And ... difficult not to lose sleep when ya got a bunch of kids calling continually trying to hold on them. But ... such is my cross alone to bear, I guess. Frank: Homecoming is whatever Friday night the 24th is near. Sorry ... don't have a calendar handy at the moment.

Janine: Could you, uh...simplify the questions? Maybe start off with, "What is the meaning of life?"

Seriously, I think we're all more worried about you losing sleep over this than the loss of traditions. Like you say, some loss is inevitable, especially when literally 28 languages are now spoken there. I think what we cherish most is "people" memories. I think we also figure, "What can we do about it?"

Put yourself in their place. Do you think that you would do anything different in school because some alumni group requested it, especially in that "age of revolution"?

I am I missing your point?

In response to Gary's message: (1) Back To School (required "Continuing Professional Education"), (2) Turning a computer/music/junk room into an office (papering, painting, etc), (3) Off to the beach for a short vacation before school started, (4) Getting two little kids ready for school, (5) Otherwise working my butt off! OK Janine - when is the homecoming game? I can't think of a more appropriate game for us "gray hairs" to attend.

Geeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeez.... how to silence the class of '72 or what?? Guess now I know how to do it?? Where y'all at???? Ask a serious question and watch everyone disappear to ponder the state of the universe.... oy oy oy

By the way ... your answers to the above may be used in promotion to helping those lost souls feel their way or given to the administration to the school in support of traditions like those mentioned in the post. If you desire for me to NOT print your response... give your response but simply state do not use. They've gone through the sudden deaths of two friends, a massive school renovation, retiring teachers (from our era), and departures and transfers of other teachers. They pretty well feel like their world's being torn apart right about now. Talk about a challenge!! Thanks, again.

Dear Class of 1972 members: IS THERE REALLY A SANTA CLAUS??? No .... very seriously ... is there REALLY a "heart" of Mount Vernon High School? If each of us search the world-wide ... where would be find it? Alive and well and living within the hearts of all of us? How did it get there? Where's it been since? And ... HELPPPPP .... how can I explain to a group of seniors and juniors where it really is and how to find where they put it prior to their recently misplacing it? After talks upon talks, it occurs to me that the only people who can explain this to these children are those who have walked in their shoes -- and one or two of us is NOT enough -- and would you believe -- they listen to alums? Those who continue to have the "heart" beating within them years later. What bonds MV Alums even years later? We all have the answer -- but I think I need an entire group of you to explain it to them at this point. You see .... life always brings about changes ... it's inevitable ... we all learned that ... they are learning that. They lost someone very dear to them to another school and that's ok ... he had to move on ... but the base was there - the tradition -- and they feel some of those traditions are being torn apart, set aside, or worse ...ridiculed by a newcomer who shows constant disdain for those values that seem inate and inherited to that particular institution. Is it wrong to "Expect the Best ... Because you are the best?" Is it poor attitude to have as much "pride" as the majority of graduates have always had in that school? Is it base traditions that keep the heart alive? Is it the fight song? The Alma Mater? Those silly former band uniforms, ear muffs, huge pompoms and saddle shoes? Is it pep rallies, choral concerts, band concerts? Is it those "spirit" posters or tags (in our day with the voodoo dolls)? Is it tri-cornered hats? Or does it go deeper to the basic respect for others that those walls instilled into us along with the respect for the history of the school and the area. Or is it a combination of it all? What do you do when you feel it slipping away? What do you do when you feel the "heart" is gone? Better yet -- how do you find it and bring it back? Where'd we get the wisdom ... and how do we pass that on? I seriously need your help explaining this folks. Lemme hear from all of you ... and quickly ... and on here. I think more than ever that a visit to a football game and support from alums to the newer classes is in order. Right now ... they could use some support from us ... if nothing else -- to show them that 30 years after we first thought of entering that institution -- the heart still beats in all of us. Your thoughts? I know this sounds like a take off from "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus ..." I guess we could all add to a composition entitled, "Yes Virginia children ... there is a heart of Mount Vernon. You'll find it ......." (fill in the blank). Thanks guys!Janine

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm Dave .... for both football and the band?? I guess there really IS a game at those things ... here I thought everyone came to see the band .... I'll get ya the info in the next couple of games ... I'd say the first one in October would be good for both. Homecoming's almost always somewhere around the 21st -- and nope ... no Fort Hunt -- but they DO play West Potomac for homecoming. If John's idea flies -- guess we'll just have to do homecoming AND a regular game!! BTW -- anyone find those words to the fight song yet -- I'm getting desperate here ... and they were NOT amuzed at Ruth's lyrics (sorry Ruth :( )

Well... ok John .... I'll get the phone call in to Calanthia tomorrow. Influence ???? not a whole lot ... but MAYBE ... just MAYBE ... someone will think it's a great idea -- been awhile since that "stadium" was named after him anyway .... and ... if we pull this off -- how many guarantees to show up do I have from our illustrious alums ??? Huh ? hUH? huH? .... damn well better be more than 3 or 4 of us !!!

LMAO John -- forgot all about the picture in one of the yearbooks -- what a long-lost treasure !!!

OK Dave, Janine, Gary. I'm game. When?

sounds like three are interested in a game and an invite to janine`s home hey Gary how about you and the carrolls, Steve and Debbie lets see if we can get somthing together too bad we don't play Fort Hunt like the old days. Hey Janine what's a good game for both football and seeing the band?

Janine: I don't know what influence you have over Homecoming, but if you do, do you think maybe that Melvin could be invited back to Melvin B. Landes stadium for a birthday tribute? Can you get the band to play "Birthday" for him, and invite him back to your place for some of your famous brownies?

NOBODY WRITES ANYMORE!! (No offense Gary and Janine) I finally occured to me that many of you might be doing what I've been doing: checking the web page, seeing no new entries and signing off. If that's the case, NOBODY EVER WILL WRITE ANYMORE which would be a tragedy particularly since tomorrow is Melvin's birthday. What do we have planned?

HEY !!!! What's up everybody....??? I've been offline forawhile (2 weeks to be exact) and been hating life. Major Hard Drive Crash and in-home service only took 10 days !!John I do have that seating arrangement for JKC Stadium. It came with my SEASON TICKETS !!! Ok, enough braggin. Just let me know what you want and I will definately accomodate. How's things people? Same Ole here. Wife's been at the beach for the entire week, left last Saturday, and won't be back until Monday Evening 10/1. Been doing all the swingin bachelor things, like......Eating my dinner in front of the TV and drinking milk right out of the carton.....Whew ! Can you stand it !! ?? Well I apologize for not being here and would love to get together for a MVHS game. Janine ? Coffee/Brownies....?? You're just a regular Betty Crocker ain't you girl ?? Well gotta run. Got a BIG Saturday night planned.....Have to get to BlockBusters before all the good movies are gone.Talk to ya'all soon. I "chatted" with Gwen Bard today. That was so cool.....SEE YA !!!!!

And ... hey .. if there's truly any interest in this football game thingy ... I'd even volunteer my house (all of 1/2 mile from the school) for a "reception" following the game. Hey!! I make great coffee and brownies (that would be the extent of my baking repetoire, however).

Ummmmmmm....Dave??? Wasn't the original idea of "Homecoming" for all the alumni who return? By geez ... they may have made an occasion just for that. However, homecoming is usually pretty boring half-time stuff. Floats don't "float" any more -- they are stationary stands (go figure), and the band forms a horseshoe for the "Court" but that's about all of its performance for the night. Senior night is about the same way ... halftime pretty much includes intros of the senior band members and their parent escorts -- that nixes two of the games. I do however just HAPPEN to have a schedule -- and it probably would be quite a kick .... (of course, after all my band talk I'd want you to see it the night the band actually performs -- after all .... isn't that REALLY why folks go to the games - to see the band????) (hehehehehe)

If anyone is interested in seeing the Rolling Stones in concert (Washington, DC, Boston, Philly, Buffalo...), call Sprint at 1-888-FALLTOUR (too many digits, but it works). Sprint is sponsoring the tour, and they have choice seats to current Sprint users and new Sprint sign-ons. You can order up to four tickets. I got Row 1 in DC yesterday!! (Don't yet know where that "first row" is, though--but I'll give a "Hello from the Class" to Bob Uechere while I'm there). The DC concert is in the new Jack Kent Cooke stadium. No seating chart available. Gary, do you have one?)

Just checking in it's been a while work is getting in the way of being able to check out the page every day. Just a crazy idea any local grads interested in getting together for a MVHS home football game this year and then going somewhere after for some coffee or whatever. "just an idea"might be fun!!!!!!!! well gotta go...............

Hmmmmmmm.... while we're at it ... anyone out there remember those REAL words????

I was a 73' grad. and just want to say you guys have a great home page. Wish the class of '73 had something like this. I just moved back to the area after 22 years in the Air Force. If you know anyone of the class of 73' pass my E-Mail address on - would love to hear from some long lost friends. Thanks

Please don't throw anything at me, but I can't even remember what the fight song sounded like. I've been trying to conjure it to mind, but my memory synapses keep steering me to the one that went "Beer, beer for Mount Vernon High. You bring the whisky, I'll bring the rye ..." (Obviously, this song enjoys a perhaps too familiar memory pathway.) Nothing like trying to remember the tune to one song while another one is playing relentlessly in the background. Somebody help me out so I can offer intelligent and passionate commentary on the issue.

First - just wanted to mention that I'll be keeping the same email address while I'm in Boston.....Janine: Normally I would scream bloody murder if they touched any of the precious MV traditions but I find my reaction not that strong here. I think there are two reasons. 1) After seeing our noble halls turned into some Islamic Studies place where we couldn't even peek in the windows, I feel like the BIGGEST sense of tradition was trashed a year after we left. Tradition is walking up the same worn grooves in the stairs as those who went decades before us. Tradition is sweating in quonset huts, poking fun at smokers in the "smoker's cage", and seeing how many students get hit by cars trying to cross Rt. 1 after football games. Tradition is Mr. Skinner's voice saying "Good evening ladies and gentlemen and welcome to beautiful Mt. Vernon High School Stadium." But, alas, those are now just memories. Reason #2: The MV fight song is not ONLY the MV fight song. It's called "The Washington and Lee Swing". My MOM had the same fight song at New York Mills High School in New York. If that song had been written FOR MV (as the Alma Mater was), then I'd feel more protective of it. But I wouldn't argue against anyone who wanted to keep it for tradition. And maybe the fact that I haven't been hearing it in the MV context contributes. I'd probably feel different if I was to go to an MV football game and hear the band play it the old way. Suddenly it would become "MV's Song" and I would see that THOSE students are playing the same thing WE did. And THAT is tradition. (Gee, as I write this, I find myself feeling more that they should NOT touch it.)

OK ... one small question for you folks .... MV tradition is MV tradition, right?? How would you feel if good old MV's fight song was changed to something intended to only enhance it but ultimately rendered it unrecognizable (except for a few repetitive bars) due to over-orchestration?? Just a thought ... but your input would be nice. ((This would be part 1 in on ongoing series of MV traditions/band tradition changes questions ... please stay tuned)) :(

Dammit Ruth ... took the words right outta my head -- AGAIN!! No on the TP huh? Hey now -- he would probably reminisce fondly!! After all.... it's been awhile ... I'm sure he's forgiven those people now. Ya know ... this group would probably party anywhere ... so when IS his birthday???? huh??? and hmmmmmmmmm....wonder if he has a deck that needs stressed. Think he might be just a "tad" surprised if a caravan came up his driveway with huge signs spelling out Happy Birthday to the Plant forman??? hmmmmmm... might need to rethink that ... but bet we could get enuf cars together -- maybe Steve could even get us a few from his collection :)

Excuse, me. Could you hand me that pin. I dropped it. Round, 'round, get around, I get around..... I'm sending this entry from Sally Woods' house in Boulder (visiting with Don & family). I'm looking to win the award for the largest number of not-at-home sign-ons. John H: sorry I haven't sent you the pictures yet. I've been busy. For those of you thinking you'll stop at my house on your ski vacations this year, sorry: I'm going to Boston. (It's only temporary, but I'll miss the Colorado winter.) More later.

I DID hear a pin drop! Ruth: I thought a nice card would do.

Geez ... you can almost hear a pin drop in here. Yohoo! Anybody home? I bet many of you are out scraping up and inhaling the last remnants of summer vacation. My kids went back to school yesterday, so I guess it's officially over for us. So, John, what ya got cooking for Melvin's natal day?

Hey Ruth, that "Techno-babble" is what gives you something to do at 2 in the morning! Re: birthday, I'm way ahead of you there. Also, if anyone has any other pics for Trivia fun and games, let me know, because I've only two more grades to go (fewer MVHS graduates, but tougher to name!).

Hi kids! I just got back from two weeks of well deserved and wonderfully effective R&R. I thought of you all often (well, in truth, I only thought of some of you rarely or not at all) while I was sipping margueritas, fishing for lake trout and water skiing. Still, I'm a little disappointed that you didn't seem to miss me much and that you've managed to have fun (AGAIN) without me. Actually, since I was having such a terrific time in Canada, I guess I can't begrudge your enjoyment of more meager pleasures. It was really kind of nice to come home and find that life on the web page continues apace: some of you engaged in charming, multi-color, Kodak techno-babble; some of you got to debate the identities of fifth graders (does anybody have a Washington Mill and/or Woodlawn yearbook so those of us from the other side of the tracks can play too?); some of you got to wear in and out your welcome on Steve's deck. Sorry I missed (some of) it! BUT, the real jewel of information that was revealed in my absence was Melvin B's address. Don't we need to put our heads together and come up with a really cool birthday greeting for him? (NO Janine! Melvin's 90th birthday is not the proper occasion to use up that TP!)

I forgot to mention in my previous post that because of all the changes made to this site, there is a good possiblity that there may be a "broken" link or two. If you discover a "broken" link, please e-mail the page and link info to me so that I can get it corrected. However, if you can't get a link to work, first try "reloading" or "refreshing" the page you are on to make sure you have the newest version of the page [i.e., to make sure that you are not looking at an older version of the page stored in your computer's "cache" memory]. Thanks

If you've reached this page, you are aware that things have changed on the site. I've done some spring cleaning to make room for new pictures when they are ready, and reorganized the directory structure on the site to be, well...more organized. Just about every file other than the Home Page has changed its location. Therefore, if you have any "Bookmark" or "Favorite Place" setting for any page on this site other than the Home Page, it will need to be changed or checked to see if it needs to be changed. Sorry for any inconvenience, but there was getting to be too many files in one place to keep straight, and now is a good time to get it done.

Boy what a small world!! Cindee, it's true; Your little brother Tim did do some work for me back in 1994. He's a good guy - say hi for me. Marni, I just found out that my brother in-law, Bill Daus, used to live down the street from you on Robertson Blvd. As Cindee said: "could it be true?" Thats not all; Steve Muck, Saw your old Navy buddy John Odegard today - he wants you to give him a call. Whew! After 25 years all these strange connections surface - would have been good subject matter for Rod Serling don't you think? Oh yeah, one last thing Dewey. The deck did in fact get stressed. Maybe not by vast numbers, but certainly by quality people!

Yo, Peter: You put the name of "Janice Pooley" on a girl in Trivia #2. The girl in the pic is NOT the Janice (a year behind us) that dated Terry O. Can't recall her name, but the name "Dianne" is now floating around in the brain cells I have left.

Hi Folks, Had a good time at the reunion, and heard from somebody there that Melvin B. Landes now lives down in Mathews, VA. While visiting friends there, I looked Mr. Landes up.. He is singing in the choir at First Baptist Church in Hudgins, VA. and will be 90 years old on September 3. If you would like to send him a card, his address is: Box 246 Mathews, VA. 23109 He was very happy to talk about "old times" and really hasn't changed all that much. He is still a terrific guy, and would love to hear from people. best to all, Marni

Cindee: Sorry, I don't remember where my study hall WAS, much less ANYONE in it. Don't take it personally, I just have to recycle some synapses now and then.

OK, Band Folks, hold onto your hat: I just got an email from Brian Wooton! (Tuba class of '74) He saw my name & email at the MVHS web site and dropped me a line. Nice to hear from him and hear what he's been up to. I was really surprised to hear that he's a DOCTOR with a family practice near Cedar Rapids. Just goes to show you that you can't trust those impressions you had of someone when they were 15 (and you were 17). I can't think of any specific reason why I would have thought he would NOT be a doctor. Maybe it's just that, well - HE WAS JUST A KID! ;^) ..... Cindee: I go to a computer graphics convention once a year. Sometimes it's in L.A. where they don't have enough hotels. (I had to stay at a sleezy Best Western in Pasadena.) But since the movie biz is so involved with computer graphics now, they do sometimes have some interesting parties when it's there. And you get to say things like "I spent a week in L.A." which sounds much more exciting than "I spent a week in Orlando." even if there's not much difference. (Orlando has better hotel accomodations.) This year I had the joy of returning home and finding that we had a lot of rain in Colorado while I was gone - enough to collect in my window wells, leak into my basement and get a bunch of things wet. How nice. So I spent a while lowering a pitcher by rope and bailing the thing out. Now THAT'S an exciting life! ;^)

Just came from a visit with Deb Watts. Sounds like the reunion was the best yet. Now that I've found my yearbook, memories are slowly starting return! It was fun looking through it with Deb and remembering the good old days at MVHS. John, were you in my study hall senior year? I'm going home on Wednesday, so hope to see a few more old friends before I leave. Gary, where are you? Still under the weather??? For Steve Carroll...I showed the MVHS page to my MUCH younger brother, Tim Silk, and he thinks he used to work for you at Lockheed. Could it be true? Dewey, you certainly lead an exciting life! Take care all.

Pete:

After sifting through all the legalease, it turns out you did very well. So well, in fact, that it could lead to legal troubles for cheating! You got all the required names in the quiz.

However, that being said, we must correct your errors (because some people still believe that lawyers are always truthful)! Mrs. Williams was actually Miss Williams, and later, her never ending dream was realized when she became Mrs. Baker. The young lady next to Jerry Hurwitz (I recall her name being Chrissy) was also in my third grade class, so she may have skipped a grade. As for Janice Pooley, I think she skipped also (thanks: you just gave me a name I didn't have, as well as Rocky's and Tim's last names). The girl next to Jim West is Barbara ?, Susan Snyder is next to John Okstulski, Leonard Reed next to Melanie, and Cathy Refsahl at the bottom right corner. The rest I don't know either.

The most glaring error, however, is the girl you named as Ginna. She is none other than Michelle Skinner, daughter of the "Voice of the Majors", Mike Skinner!! She moved to Florida after fifth grade to live with her mother.(...and they call it, puppy love...:-<]

So overall, Pete, your clerks did pretty good research, especially considering they probably weren't born when the pics were taken. But I would hate have to defend such slanderous assertions about a bogus quiz! Any bonuses for those clerks this year?

PS- Come to think of it, that first guy in the second row MIGHT be Sherman Peabody!

Please allow me an opportunity to respond to the Trivia Quiz #2. I would like to proffer, that's a legal word John Hanley, you know about those... that Quiz #2 is bogus insofar as John Hanley's 5th Grade Class was a combination 4th and 5th class by virtue of the fact that, inter alia,(more legalese) Janice Pooley is pictured there. Enough already!!! I don't know them all, but here is my best guess. 1st Row: Mr. Lacey; Mrs. (there was not Ms. in 1965) Williams; Jerry Hurwitz; NO CLUE, but she was a year behind us; Pete Morton; Carol Turner; Mike Dawson. 2nd Row: NO CLUE; NO CLUE (exept she has a spooky resemble to Mike Bannister in a wig); Jim West; Janet Loekies (sic); John (You're a Dead Man)Hanley; I think Virginia Ghent (she was Virgina then); Harold Martin; Jackie Griffin 3rd Row: NO CLUE; Norman Ducan; NO CLUE; Jack Okstalski (sorry John I murdered your spelling) 4th Row: NO CLUE; Melanie Eisenberg; Cliff Horton; NO CLUE; Tim Ryder; Claire Garret; Rocky Taylor; Remember, but forgot the name 5th Row: Anndretta Rosso; Keith Rice, Gail Ames (I think), NO CLUE; Susan Obarski; Paula Ulm (Steve Gentry's girl-friend); Janice Pooley and NO CLUE. By the way, in Trivia Quiz No.1, who was that glassey-eyed skinhead in the lower left corner. Thankfully, it was in the left hand corner. OK John How did I do? Lastly, I'm sorry that I did not get a chance to get to Steve & Debbie Carroll's. Steve, you have an unlisted phone number and I was at the office, so I did not have your office number. I hope that there will be other get togethers...When I can find Trivia Quiz No. 1, I'll send another message. Take care all and I truly hope that Terry Talley enjoyed the fireworks. PEACE

Back from a week in L.A. WAY too hot. Saw some neat computer graphics and went to a party at the Sony (Columbia Pictures) studio lot. Neatest thing I saw was a true 3D display floating in a glass cube.... Sounds like scanners win the digitization wars. I'll send John my video pics this week so he can get started updating the site.... Sounds like the deck didn't get fully stressed. Maybe have to try again. I'll be seeing Don W. and sister Sally out here in Colorado in the next week or two. We'll raise a toast to MV and absent friends.

Is it just me or is were these last two notes between John and Don reminiscent of sitting in French V with Madame Langrabe and hearing nothing but a foreign language spew outta that woman's mouth and have no idea what she'd said? Seriously guys --- I'm glad you two understand everything you just said .... left to us laypeople, we'd never have this kewl stuff on a webpage. Just a thought ((shrug)).

Don:

I got the "Picture Disc", not the Photo CD. The files are already stored in JPEG format on the disk (two for each picture, one 3k "thumbnail" in addition to each pic, which average only about 28k). They are 400 x 600 pixels.

At first I wondered if you had to use their software to view them well. Since I have plenty of JPEG viewers, I viewed them with my viewers, because I didn't want their software to take over file associations. I thought some conversion MUST be needed. But then, I went to their web site and rooted around, and they said you could use other viewers, with no mention of conversion. It seems to me they made a "business" decision to get 28 pics and 28 thumbnails AND viewing software on ONE disk, come hell or high water, irrespective of how they looked. They looked terrible. I hope I DID do something wrong, so I don't have to continue to believe that THEY actually believed someone would pay for this dreck! I'll email a photo to you. If you can convert it, be my guest.

Dear Webmeister, Kodak PhotoCD's were not developed for the computer market. The gamma of Photo CD's is set for an analog TV receiver. You need to download the file into a program such as Adobe Photoshop, or Corel Photo and transform the photos to be imaged on a computer monitor. I use AdobePhotoshop 3.0 with the precision transformation dialog box and use Adobe Photoshop CIELAB. To properly transform the file from a .pcd file to a .tiff file you really need one of these programs otherwise the pictures look terrible. Don't get discouraged and throw out the Photo CD the information contained in a 35 mm photo on a photoCD is much sharper than any 24 bit scan at 400 dpi of your printed photos. Later when Kodak gets around to it they will offer tiff files as well as .pcd files. Some new CD roms come with a Kodak PhotoCD picture on the cover and these CD's will automatically adjust the picture for viewing on a digital monitor. Find a friend with Adobe 3.0 or higher and it's a cinch.

OK gang .... go to Motor Vehicles (i know... i know -- UGH) ... but seriously -- the new design on Va license place is none other than the MVHS li'l Majorman -- fife and all !! Hey -- they had to replace that new "leaf" design they came up with with something.... and ... I personally (???) am glad they chose us .... LMAO

OK, OK, here's a hint: The first guy in the second row is NOT Sherman(?) in the Rocky and Bullwinkle Show.

John??? :P:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: and ... yes I did ... LOL

Cindee: Claire, John, Jackie, and Peter are correct. The rest: BUZZ!!
Jody: Bob Berg left after 9th grade. Went to Germany, I think.
Robin: Flattery is ALWAYS good for bonus points, but unfortunately, that QUIZ was basically over.
Janine: Got a change in your medicine, eh?

Well, I have to get into the action here on the Trivia Quiz #2. Since I was a Mt. Vernon Woods alum, I'll try my best. Claire Garrett, Ginna Ghent Steve Curtis, John Hanley, Jackie Griffin, Randy Knight, Peter Morton, Janice Carpenter, Liz Reilly, Terry Oxendine, Bill Hobbs, Nick Barnet. I'm doing this after an 8 hour drive to Va. so be kind! Looking forward to seeing a few old friends! John, this one was brutal! Good night!

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.... Isn't it time to change the music?? Let's pick it up here Webmeister!!! Boogie woogie oogie time ... ():-) Sorry -- just feel like dancin' tonite.

Well now ... let's see. (1) VERY glad I did NOT go to Woodley Hills (only because John comes back to haunt all of you that may or may not have taunted him in his early years causing him to display your most precious pics on this page; (2) Quiz 2 -- at a glance -- found John, Jackie and Claire and a bunch of people I can't put names to since being gassed on Saturday; (3) miss me, huh?????? And... speaking of missing people .... where da heck is Ruth these days??? Huh? huh? huh?

OK class: Things are getting too still here with Janine and Gary going silent on us. Time for Quiz #2!!

What a picture! Glad I didn't run for office anytime! The guy next to Mary Sweat is Bob Berg. Don't remember when he left. I think you ID'd the rest I know. All my copies are at my mom's house in Ohio. NExt time I visit I'll be sure to bring back the blackmail!

Well, based on the feedback we think the party was a success. Sorry some of you couldn't make it. We enjoyed all the great company and food - it was fun. We are willing to do it again if theres enough interest....

My sincere apologies to Steve and Debbie. I really wanted to be there on Saturday, but when I woke up I was a little under the weather. I thought as the day went by I would feel a little better but it was not to be. I was ready to come but I know I wouldn't have had fun and I didn't know what was going on with me. Some sort of a bug or something. I really didn't get to feeling any better until later that night. I hope all had fun and I will DEFINATELY try to make the next one. Anyway, Janine I hope you're better. I was online for a while Sat. morning and "ran" into Cindee. She was upset that she wasn't coming until this weekend and she actually called me a woooos and said something to the fact about "age and not as young" something. Again I apologize for the no-show. I was really looking forward to seeing ya'all again. Dave, we will run into each other again....John, any luck on the new pictures being put online? I think I guessed about 10 or 12 of the pics on the Trivia Quiz.....Good job there. Hey ther Gwen. Finally, glad to see you. Well gotta run and prepare dinner for the wife and myself. Let's see ? What can i make tonight ???? I GOT IT " Hello, I'd like to order a large pizza with everything, except anchovies." "Yes for delivery" See Ya'All - The G Man

Steve and Debbie, Holly and I had a great time Sat to those of you who did not make it you missed somthing special. Gary where the heck were you was looking forward to seeing you again. Sounds like Janine had her wisdom's pulled so your forgiven.......Jim Spencer where the heck were you come on guy make that trip to Virginia the next time!!!!!!! Steve and Debbie had a great setup and were super host's for those of us who made it!!!!!!

OK ... I may be a turkey but I'm a turkey with a large incision and lots of stitches inside my mouth. Sorry I missed you guys -- was really lookin' forawrd to it. ((Going back to da percocet and bed)) Niters folks ...

Here I am. You got me interested with this Trivia Quiz!!!. I cannot believe it has been a month simce the reunion. I had such a great time. Claire was in Maine last week at her sister's camp, but it was a two hour drive from my house and schedules wouldn't allow us to get together. Here are my guesses on the Woodley Hills 6th grade picture...Sandy Snyder, Roy Cornwell, Randy Deitzel (sp.), Ginna, John H., Mary Sweatt, Jody D., Caire G., and Peter C.. How did I do John, you cutie!!!!!!

Boy-oh-boy, I leave for a week of beachin' and come back to find that Jackie accuses the Webmeister of being wrong (the Webmeister is NEVa' wrong!), Frank can't count to 14 after counting all the money (although he DID correctly furnish the last two names in the QUIZ, which rates a double ding-ding and a few buzzes), and after driving over 350 MILES to Steve and Debbie's lovely estate for a pieceful BBQ among the tree frogs of Oakton, I discovered that a lot of TURKEYS didn't show up! Hmmmmm. Which picture should go up next?

p.s.- Hi Gwen! Welcome aboard!

Hi Everyone!!! Great job once again reunion committee. Sorry I'm so late replying but have been busy moving. Hope everyones having fun at the party. I'm only 3 hours away now instead of 8 so you never know if I might stop in. I can't believe how many of our classmates still live in the vicinity. Anyone have a total number. Anyway just wanted to check this out to see what's going on. I'll write again soon. Gwen

OK, last call for the Deck Stress Party tomorrow. We have a number of definites. But we still have a little room left so it's not to late for the last minute crowd (see directions in this guest book). For all of you that have told us you're coming - see you soon !

LOL guys ... never said the shoes were provided ... only said someone managed to leave a pair behind (which seems to be a pattern with any teenager involved with any activities around that school) -- By the way Debbie -- Suzanne left a pair behind too -- found those from a couple of years ago -- along with a pair of the MV Guard sweatpants with the name "Watts" in them ... hmmmmmmmmmmmmm..... ((wondering)) .... maybe I need to start carrying a large bag with me when we clean so I can gather up what all of you left behind and your children (wink). ((I shudder to think what mine may leave behind)) Luv ya all!!

Hey Dewey I put a few gum wrappers in that drum too. Have you been affected by the floods out there, your the first person that came to mind when seeing that mess no puns intended. Hope all is well with no water damage....janie your telling me the drill team had their saddle shoes provided heck can we get a refund for the sweaters,shoes and grey pants we had to buy while waiting for the new uniforms to be made back in "71" with interest that might become an interesting total for say 85 to 100 band members. SHOW ME THE MONEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!well guys and girls gotta go for now see some of you at Steve and Debbie's on Sat.......BYE

Just wanted to let you know that I enjoyed your site and realize the work involved in keeping it up. I hope my 20-year reunion this Saturday (the 2nd) is the fun yours seemed to be. I haven't been to any of the past reunions, so this should be a shock-a-moment to the memory bank (what's left of it, anyway). Today I look nothing like my graduation picture (I'm blond w/green eyes, but I was brunette and brown-eyed 20 years ago). Doubt anyone will recognize me so it'll fell kinda like crashing a private party! That was something I did well in high school....hah! Again, enjoyed your site!

RELAX guys -- other than outright trash -- except for those jackets ... the rest are still in preservation and packed away for god only knows what -- this would also include VERY short maroon skirts with white lining (approximate size is 12" in length). Hell... we're even keeping boxes of "who knows whats". And... BTW ... other than Dewey's and the ability to put my hands on a couple of more, there was one saved for the "archives."

Good morning, Richard Robertson. The woman you are looking at is Janine Fultz, an IMV agent working under deep cover as "Mrs. Jeter", a Mount Vernon High School "Band Mom". Intelligence reports from agent Fultz indicate that recent renovations in the vicinity of the Mount Vernon High School Band Room have uncovered a number of Band artifacts dating from the early 1970's and possibly even the 1960's. Reports indicate that many of these valuable artifacts are going to be destroyed by MV officials using a process known as "trashing". Your mission, Dick, should you decide to accept it, is to GO to Mount Vernon, contact agent Fultz, infiltrate the Band Room, and abscond with as many of these artifacts as you can recognize. As always, should you or any of your IMV force be caught or captured, the principal will disavow any knowledge or your actions. This email will self destruct in 10 seconds...... Good luck, Dick........... Ffffffsssssssssssss........

Janine, just knowing that stuff is out there and is going to get tossed is drivin' me NUTS! I'd love to have a chance to go through it before it all bites the dust. Maybe find an overlay, or a matching set of pants to go with this great jacket! Or any obscure little trinket that I remember some history of. And if any of the OLD uniforms were still around... Hats with feather plumes. Silly looking things. I remember the drill team saddle shoes but I always assumed those were owned by the girls themselves. (I remember buying "white bucks" to march in Junior year, along with grey pants and a maroon V-neck sweater. How stylish!) I imagine there were old drums that were junked decades ago that I wouldn't have minded having for old times sake. Rich Colella and I took the old marching bass drums apart and repainted them silver and maroon for senior year. That was to look a little better along with the new chrome snares we got that year. And I remember one day Debbie Engleman took out her makeup kit and painted a little vase of flowers on the concert bass drum - a drum we had been casually filling with gum wrappers all year long. (I'm talkin' '68-'69 here, folks!)..... Gee, it at least seems like 4 of the jackets like you grabbed for me could work for a 60's mo-town singing quartet. Sing along.... Ooooh, wa-ooooh, wa-ooooh...shoop shoop wa-ooooh....

Hey Jackie ... darn it anyway ... teach me to listen to a teenager !!! Son's name is Addam Jeter, Jackie. He was certain that had to be you and as pretty as Meghan ... and ... I'll be .. both of us have a son named Adam, as well? OK .. band update... new director from Indiana University byt he name of Brian Berman -- young enuf to be one of our sons ... but has some fresh ideas ... and a former MV grad as an Assistant Director for the traditional stuff and the spice in life :) Frances ("Lorri") is terrific so should keep your long-loved traditions in tact. Last call for those old band jackets Dewey was modelling at the reunion -- anymore takers before they bite the dust ??? ((Discovered this evening they've gone no where yet)) .... AND ... btw .... discovered some VERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRY old color guard stuff and ... hmmmmmmm..... any of you pre-Guard Drill Team members lose your saddleshoes somewhere ????? ((I think I found them this evening). Take call all ... talk to you soon.

You are ALLLLLLL wrong...including the Webmeister [MOI???-buzz means: WRONNNNG!]. Sorry Janine...you lose the bet. That is NOT me in the 6th grade picture. I was in Mr. Gray's class along with John Rice, Joan Lake, etc. In fact...I'm sitting here looking at the class picture now...let's see...who can I blackmail???? Dear John, I am also looking at my 5th grade class photo with you in it. Janine...my daughter, Meghan, is about to chew my arm off. She wants to know who your sons are..... Weren't we all so pretty when we were young? I'm glad now that wasn't me...but I don't know who it is...do you, John? [Not sure, but the name "Joyce" stirs the cobwebs-W]

I've got it! Row 1 Col 3 - John Boy Walton Row 3 Col 7 - John Chancellor (NBC News guy who died a while back) Row 4 Col 3 - Don Woods wearing a Cunnan disguise. (sorry Don & Ginna, the devil made me do it! Hey John, I've got a Washington Mill yearbook if you're running out of material.

I didn't go to Woodley Hills either. Near as I can tell, that school was one of the first taken over by pod people. I'll need to see a Walt Whitman yearbook if you want to convince me that any of THEM is really YOU and not some photosynthetic imposter. (Are those leaves growing out of the ears of some of those familiar faces or is my monitor acting up?) Anyway, I can't make the deck stress party because I'll be stressing my own. Anyone who can make it to Ottawa Canada between August 1 and 15 can help stress the deck, catch the lake trout, sing with the loons and test the water skis. Any takers?

OK - I didn't go to Woodley Hills, but here's the ones that I recognize: First row - Jerry Myers, Sandy Snyder, William Driscoll...Second row - Peggy B???, Cornwall, Dietzel, Janine???...Third row - sorry...Fourth row - Mike Dawson, Jody DeJonghe, John Hanley, Mary Sweatt, and possibly Tom Marfing. I recognize the face of the girl that is last in this row, but can't remember her name...Fifth row - Peter Cruttenden, Claire Garrett, Norman Duncan (whatever happened to fightin' Norman???), Terry Phelps, Liz Reynolds. Not too bad for someone that got stuck going to Hollin Meadows because Mt. Vernon Woods did not open on Schedule.

Directions to Steve and Debbie's House (2901 Brians Hill Lane, Oakton) for August 2nd - From the Beltway: Rt. 66 West to Rt. 123 North. 123 North to 4th Traffic light and left on Hunter Mill Rd. Hunter Mill to left at the 1st traffic light onto Vale Rd. Vale Rd. (it twists and turns quite a bit) to intersection with Fox Mill Rd at blinking red light. Right onto Fox Mill and proceed about 100 yards to Brians Hill La. on the right. 2901 will be the first right off of Brians Hill. From Fairfax Co. Pkwy: Parkway to Rugby Rd. (first intersection north of Rt. 50 interchange). Rugby Rd. to right on West Ox. West Ox to left on Waples Mill Rd. and then an immediate left on Vale Rd. Vale to Fox Mill Rd.(Blinking red light). Left on Fox Mill and proceed 100 yds. to Brians Hill Lane. Just in case: 758-8781. We'll be home at 4:00 but because a number of people said 4:00 was a bit early, we probably won't start the grill till an hour or two later. BYOB and a dish if you like - We'll supply the rest. Hope you can make it!...

Just went and saw "Romy & Michelle's High School Reunion". A silly bit of fluff that I'm glad I only paid $1.75 for. Seemed like a cliche portrayal of the traumas of high school. Made me wonder if any of the writers or producers had ever actually BEEN to a high school reunion (or high school, for that matter). It made want to see a good SERIOUS movie based on a high school reunion. I think there's enough interesting story material in a typical reunion to make something worth watching. But then, "The Big Chill" has been done. And now with Romy and Michelle, nobody will be able to do a reunion movie for years. In keeping with the theme tonight: After the movie I was at Bennigan's and a stream of well-dressed "young folk" came in sometime after midnight. I asked them what the occaision was. They had just come from their 10-year reunion. It made me smile. They have so many good reunions ahead of them. It seems to be reunion summer. I have some friends who are in Florida now for their 20-year reunion, And my Dad went to Wisconsin for his 65-year reunion this summer. And in a week, you guys are having a 1-month "25 Year Reunion" reunion!

Janine: Ding ding. Terry Phelps is correct. Buzzz on ALL the rest. Two more folks.

Sandy: Buzzz! Not Randy Knight. Buzzz! Not Danny Compton.

OK ... here's another guess for ya .... my son tells me that row 2 #3 is Jackie Griffin ..... WELLLLL JOHN ???? Is he right ??? We've got a major debate going here.... took one look at the pic and swears it's her. Hey ... what do I know ... I wasn't with you guys in 6th grade ((ok ... neither was he ... but he knows Meghan Sable if that means anything and he thought it was her!!!!)) (((So... I cheat ... I got out the hard artillery and the kids are picking out their friends from their parents' 6th grade pictures))) .... Hey ... i'll try anything..... NOW THAT'S SCARY!! Now then ... if these are in alphabetical order like any good yearbook should be ... that'll blow that theory all to hell. Could that possibly be Dinah after Dietzel?? And.. hmmm... last row -- #5 -- Terry Phelps ?? I guessed all the rest Sandy did --- soooooooo ... what's the award for identifying the "missing" .... AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH I'm sooooooooooooooooooo confused. And... hmmmm... a SECOND trivia quiz??? ((And when you get to the eigth grade yearbook ... I'm going into hiding and NEVER coming out))

BTW, Dewey, it *is* a scary thought to hear that I am easily recognized by that 6th grade photo!! :) ss

Ok, here's another guess: row 2, center: Randy Knight? I may have to check out some yearbooks for further guesses. The faces are familiar, but the names just aren't coming. I'll take a wild stab at row 1 #5 = Danny Compton? (or something close). How 'bout a clue before I check my resources. Assuming my Randy Knight guess is right, I'm still out 2; what genders am I looking for?

Sandy: All correct names, but Melanie wasn't in our senior yearbook. Three more to go!

ALL: If you want a copy of the pic, save it on your computer. However, I can e-mail a much clearer version in .gif format. It is much larger, though (almost 300k). If you e-mail your request to me, I will mail it to everyone at the same time when the requests stop coming in and the NEXT Quiz gets posted.

I had fun trying to name the 6th grade folks. I wish I had a copy of that photo, but don't think I do - it doesn't look familiar to me. Anyway, here's my best guess (without any help!), reading rows from left to right: top row: Jerry Myers?, me, DK (don't know), DK,DK, Mrs. Radiof (sp?), principal. row 2: DK, Roy Cornwall, DK, DK, very familiar face, Randy Deitzel?, DK. row 3: Dk, Mark Shannon. row 4: Jody D., DK, Ginna, John H., Mary S., DK, Dk. row 5: Peter C., Claire G., Dk, Melanie Eisenberg?, DK, DK, Dk, Liz Reynolds. How'd I do? ss

Gary: I know what you mean about getting that sense that there was "a lot of love in the room" at the reunion. I wonder if the fact that people where shouting each other's names and hugging each other contributed. ;^) I've been commenting to people that through this web site and the reunion, I feel that my circle of MV friends is GROWING. I never would have thought that would happen. I like it. I also noticed that I felt much more "engaged" with this reunion than the last. I attribute that to the "warm up" this web site provided..... I was seeing John's entry about pics of all you folks from 3rd and 6th grade and the like and I found myself feeling a little left out since I didn't go to elementary school or junior high there. Then I took a look at the pictures in the "Trivia Quiz". Man, do I feel LUCKY I don't have to deal with MY picture being in there! ;^) Say Hallelujah! The only pics I recognized without "help" were Sandy, Jody and Claire. But after looking back at John's note and seeing that Crumpo was in there, I think I managed to pick him out. Be proud, Peter. You definitely improved with age. Who'd have guessed from this pic that you'd be growing a mustache and mutton-chops before some of us grew.... well. Never mind.

OK Gang: While waiting for the new pics, try the new link above to the Trivia Quiz! The Devil made me do it!!

Jack-aaayy lives to write again! Was going through my old pics and found you there, in my fifth-grade class! Hmmm. Time to flip on that scanner. And YES Claire, your're in there, too--braided pony and all, and Mrs. Williams it was. I wonder how much I should charge NOT to post these. OHHH! Here's second grade, third grade (Mia Kelley), and sixth grade (Ginna, Mary, Sandy, Jody, Claire, Randy D, Peter C...) too! (Don't worry Ruth, your're not in them.) Sooo cuuute! Well, I'm off to check my legal liability here.

Yes Gary, the party is still on (Aug. 2 - anytime after 4;00 till whenever). By all means John, bring the muzak. We have CD, Phono, and Cassette all piped out to the deck. Sorry some of you can't make it, but thanks for letting us know that your spirit is with us. Will be posting directions and last minute details this weekend. OK laggards, if you're interested in partying, let us know. The deck still has room but time is running out!

What?.......What is this?.........John Hanley has a life outside .....THE WEB ?????? I never would have thought it so. In any case.....loved the reunion...so many old friends there that hadn't changed a bit. It was great to get a chance to see everyone. Sorry, Cindee, won't get a chance to see you..or do the "deck stress" party. I have caught the inevitable..and eventually...terminal ..disease called SOCCER MOM. Or should I say....traveling tournament soccer mom. My weekends are ruled by the kids..no wonder I dont have a life! l

OK, OK, I've been a slacker lately. Found out there's a world outside of the WEB. Been showin' the yunguns that 43 years isn't the time to curl up and die, with a homerun and a double the other day, not to mention snagging everything coming my way out in left field. Showed them I can still move these skinny legs (until the next day, anyway).

Steve and Debbie: Still have hours and hours of great music on CD's aquired for the reunion (that nobody heard through the yappin'). I can bring them over if you have a player.

Everyone: I still haven't finished my roll of film from the reunion. Will post them when I do. Haven't received pics from anyone else except Dewey, but it will take a while to groom them, since they came from his video.

I will have to remove the present pics from the 20th to make room for new ones. Therefore, if you want to have these available, you should download and save them to your computer before they are gone in a couple of weeks.

Alright, all this talk about the reunion is really making me homesick--in fact, so homesick that I'm planning a trip to Virginia! Unfortunately, I'll miss the "deck stress" party so hope you all have a good time! Anyway, if anyone cares to