Guest Book

Kathie? We stay off the beltway. Most of us have discovered the Fairfax County Parkway as a more palatable means of transportation. Best wishes !!

Season's Greeting to all of you. I hope that all have had a chance to enjoy time with family and friends during this season. I was to travel to Mt Vernon to celebrate New Year's with my family but the anticipation of being stuck in snow keeps me in my little town of Henderson, NC. The year 2000 has flown by with a move to a small NC town, visiting my three kids in Chapel Hill, Raleigh and Wilmington, starting a new non-profit children's services agency, completing my thesis and Master's at NC State. "Go Wolfpack". I have travelled to Mt Vernon a lot this year because of health issues for both of my parents but spent most of my time at Fairfax Hospital or on the beltway which is a nightmare. How do you guys handle all that mess each day?! I live in an old house in the historic district and walk three blocks to work each day. It is wonderful! Wishing everyone a happy, healthy, successful 2001.

Here's hoping all had a Merry Christmas, and wishing you a Happy and Prosperous New Year!

Just came home and thought I would wish you a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!! This year has really flown by and it doesn't seem like the year 2000 is almost over. Hope this holiday season is a great one for you and yours. (And Ruth, I'm glad you are feeling better and you are recovering from the flu, the Plague, etc.!!)

Last night I had the strangest dream about three spirits paying me a visit, so I'm going to hedge my bets and wish y'all a Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year!

Here we are again at yet another years end. Merry Christmas everyone and best wishes for a great New Year!

Hey, if any of you need a foolproof cure for Seasonal Stress, I'd highly recommend that you take your bad self to see The Emperor's New Groove.

It appears that I might survive this new strain of Bubonic Plague/Consumption that's kept me in an annoyingly useless and unpleasant state of coughing, snorking, fevered delirium for the past week. As the Monty Python fellows would say "I'm not dead yet" -- however, I AM significantly behind the curve in the Holiday Prep category. I finally made it over to the mall for the first time today and discovered they are pretty well sold out of sugar plums, good cheer and peace on earth. Did find one slightly used Instant Compassionate Conservative Kit for that special someone on my shopping list. The search goes on for other age appropriate gifts. For those of you who completed your shopping weeks ago, shut up or I'll snork on you ....

Whoa...Whoa...Whoa...Wait a minute. I appreciate all the offers for "decorating" the Hudson Ranch. Janine? Did I do something wrong? Marsha and I talked about doing the house up...BUT we're not going to be around the house much from here on out thru Christmas. So, we decided to forgo the lights and just have a quiet one this year. But I truly appreciate the thought...(except the TP'n) Brad? Will you be here for the holidays? You call me !! I'm absolutely all for the re-union at the MVI, and I know that Eric can cut us a break...That would be so cool...I won't be able to drive until after Christmas, so if there is going to be a possible "get together" with people coming into town..I'd like to know and try to "hook-up"...If I don't hear from y'all....HAVE A GREAT HOLIDAY !!! Gary

Oh now ... I would NEVER!! ():)

Whoops! I was in the wrong year again. Nevermind.

John - We shouldn't be too worried about Murphy. Eric said construction should be done in 2001. That gives Murph a year to screw up and still make the place available to us. Brad - You are a brave (or crazy) soul. Tonight, tomorrow and Thursday are shot for me. Friday PM or Saturday are OK. Obviously any "LH'ing" (light hanging) should be with the approval of the chief ranch hand (Gary's wife...we know who's in charge). This, of course, is opposed to "TP'ing", which Janine will probably do without advanced approval or notification...

A good old TP party at the Hudson Ranch may well be worth the drive up from NC. Janine, does that stock pile you have include the correct holiday colors? Congrats on the up coming arrival of a grand daughter. I still haven't had a chance to get out to San Diego to see mine, I'll have to work that in before she turns one. Frank, give me a day or night, we'll get the Hudson Ranch decorated. Everyone have a safe and happy holiday season.

Sorry Frank, I have to do my own lights first since Gary keeps coming up with excuses

Regarding the MV Inn, that sounds like a good thing to latch onto, especially with the our-man-Eric connection. I didn't know the Inn was being renovated, especially to 250! I agree with Dewey. The Inn would seem more like "home". There are new hotels in the Ft. Belvoir area that would probably be a better bargain than in town. There is plenty of parking. We can break the place in. Eric can get us a GREAT DEAL. Right Eric? The only downside I see is that of Murphy's law biting us in the a__, and construction delays moving back the opening past July 4. Perhaps Eric can hold two dates for us. July 4th weekend and some weekend in, say, October--around Columbus Day.

Cindee also has a good point. Having it in a hotel allows for the party to continue after closing time, and reduces driving for out of towners. I think the driving is not as important, though, since many locals need to drive anywhere it's held, and there should be enough drivers in a hotel to carpool those that don't rent a car.

Season's Greetings to all. Re: reunion at MV Inn: As someone who comes from out of town, I like the MV connection of the MV Inn. Better yet would be the old MV itself. But I understand the logistical issues it raises. Gary: Glad to hear you're up and about and using this latest adventure as a great excuse to skip hanging the Christmas lights this year. But what are you going to do about NEXT year?

I need to check back here more often ... there I was off renting a lift bucket when along comes Frank and has a far more brilliant idea than I could have dreamed of. Since I'm always in for a good old fashioned TP party -- with TP or otherwise, I would love to do it. I think I'm a little tied up Thursday or Friday though assisting in the delivery of my granddaughter, Cayla Marie Cambar, steadfastly scheduled to make her appearance into the world in time for the Holidays. I'm not too sure how her brother is going to take to this but the rest of us have resigned ourselves to NOT spoiling the first female born in this family in 21 years. Hmmmm ... I wonder how that will work out. In case I don't get a chance to check back in again this week .... a very Happy Holiday Season to each and every one of you. Love you guys (and gals)!!! **

Frank, I think it would be great to go back to Mt. Vernon. My only concern would be hotel accommodations for those who no longer have family in the area. Having the reunion at a hotel is also nice so that some folks don't have to drive home! ;-) Did many people stay at the hotel in the past? If not a hotel, does anyone happen to have a county club membership at a club that could accommodate the group? You know the Knights of Columbus has a party house on Rt.1 (the old Rainbow Tree near Safeway). I happen to know the facility manager if anyone wants to check it out. They do a lot of events there, but I'm not sure how many it can accommodate. But the hotel thing is still an issue. Just some thoughts from an event planner! On another note, we're heading down for the holiday, so John, let me know if there's any good music in town. Hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday. So did I hear John and Frank were putting up lights for Gary? Take care all!

RE: The 30 year reunion - I received the following from Eric Swanson regarding the ongoing renovation at the Mt. Vernon Inn: "the renovation is supposed to be completed in april/may, 2001. The capacity will be approx. 250." What do you all think about going back to the site of the first Class of 72 Reunion?

RE: No lights at the Hudson Ranch - Well, it's not too late for all of us to do the equivalent of "TP'ing" the Hudson Ranch with Christmas lights. Anyone game??? I could do Tuesday, Thursday or Friday.

Just taking a moment to wish everyone a very merry christmas and a Happy new year. I do hope that all of the christmas shopping is all done and that all the loved ones get to your home safe and sound.

Gary, Gary, Gary. I have a stepladder!

Gary if Janine and John would go in together and get a lift bucket, they could raise you up high enough so that your elbows can stay below the shoulders.

John...John...John...here i sit wishing I could put up lights!! My doctor says that not only can I not lift anything over 5 lbs. but that I'm not suppose to raise my elbows no higher that my head. I'm pretty restricted as to what I can do(for a couple of weeks). Usually the "Hudson Ranch" is covered with lights by now, inside and out. But...There's always next year. Hopefully when I go to the docs tomorrow he'll lift a restriction or two. Gary :-)

Don't hold your breath, Janine. Something tells me we won't hear from him 'til at least the New Year or beyond.

Great idea, John !! I'm putting my bid in for services as well. Between all of us, we should be able to keep him from getting bored and restless.

Good to hear you're doing well, Gary. You are probably starting to get really bored by now, so I weighed my Christmas tree lights, and they are not over 5lbs. Since you have all that free time now, maybe you can put mine on after you finish yours. I'll even drive you over and back! ;-)

Hello All !!! I just wanted to send out mine and Marsha's thanks for all the thoughts, prayers, emails & phone calls. As you have heard the surgery was a success. I actually didn't get to come home until last Tuesday. I'm home now and will probably stay here, my grandmother wants me to come to her house, for my recovery. I can't drive for a few weeks and no using my upper body muscles for a while either. Can't lift anything over 5 lbs, nothing vigorous. Hell, I haven't had caffeine since the day before my operation. I'm really trying to follow doctors orders, but I do miss my Yuppie Joe from "Bucks"...There have been alot of people in our lives lately that have been there for us and we really appreciate them. Friends & Family...That's what it's all about. I'm not suppose to be alone for the first couple three weeks, so friends and family have been staying with me. Thanks to all again for everything and y'all are in my thoughts and prayers...On a personal note...Janine? Thank You for the bamboo plant it definately brought the good luck that it was suppose to and John H. I really appreciated the visit with you. Take Care Everyone and we wish all of you a very Happy and Safe Holiday Season...Gary ;-)

Jeff, happy to have you in Florida. Be sure to spend lots of money -- we need the tourist tax dollars -- but Palm Beach? Home of the venomous killer butterfly? Watch out for falling chads!

Ruth: A wahoo?? No wonder you can spell...But then why all the Spurrier-bashing? Have the locals gotten to you?...Tell you what, I'll see if I can't get an autographed photo of our beloved coach--personalized, of course, and with the visor pulled down around his neck. That ought to quell those anti-Gator sentiments....I'm actually heading down to your fair state this evening...spending the weekend in Palm Beach...Cheers.

"It was 20 years ago today; Sargeant Pepper taught a band to play..." Anyone want to come down and listen to "1" with me?

For clarification Jeff, while I do happen to reside in Tallahassee (motto: The City Where Sunshine Goes Down For The Count), I am -- and will be whilst I breathe -- a Wahoo. As for the Crimi-Noles, when I last saw 'em, they were munching Gator tails.

Well...that explains everything!....I actually considered enrolling at FSU (or, as Coach Spurrier refers to it, "Free Shoe University") but I was told that no one under 28 was allowed in....Strange rules they got there in Tallahassee...Next thing you know, Dillard's will be charging full price for outerwear!?!?

Jeff: It's worse than that. Ruth lives in TALLAHASSEE. You can imagine all the warped perceptions those people have put into her brain. Watch out for tomahawk cheers and late hits!

There he goes with that "old fart" thing again !!! Glad to see you are all doing well and that you are surviving down there in the Sunshine State, Ruth.

Come now Jeff. You must know that vitriol is not something one can learn at Hokey High (where it is obviously far too challenging a spelling word). In addition, one should not leap to the conclusion that anti-Spurrier sentiment necessarily signifies a bias against large lizards. I'm sure they will make a fine tasting Cajun stew when they get to the Big Easy.

For any of you old farts that aren't too tired from Christmas shopping: Mitch Ryder and Rare Earth are playing at Jaxx in Springfield on Saturday night. Hope to find some other classmates there that chose not to grow up!

Steve H: I resent the notion that I "grew up"...Why don't you 'round up Doug Vigen and we'll renew our tackle football rivalry?! That'll show you who's grown up!...(B/t/w, I think Jimmy still dips his bugles in ketchup.) And yes, I had successfully repressed all memories of "Baldini" ...UNTIL NOW!!! (For those of you wondering, I think I acquired that moniker after a particularly bad haircut.) Hey Dewey: I'm having serious second thoughts about using this site to post my Steve Spurrier-autographed footballs for auction...Can I assume that all this anti-Gator vitriole has its roots in Blacksburg?

I won't go there for fear of self incrimination. But I'll stick to the fact that not all "Steves" are worthy of the name.

I don't think we need to ask many questions Steve. After all, we are dealing with a fellow who likes to take short walks off of tall cliffs. What else do we need to know?

Whew! Ruth, we may have to question more than just Spastic Spurrier here.

Ruth: Yer Darn Tootin! (Bam! Bam Bam!) ...... Reminds me of once when some friends and I decided to recast Star Wars from the Warner Brothers Cartoon characters. Luke Skywalker was Porky Pig ("I've got a b-b-b-b-bad f-f-feelin ab-bout this.") Bugs Bunny played Han Solo ("Eh, hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at yer side, kid. *munch* *munch* *munch*"). C3-PO and R2-D2 were Sylvester and Tweety Bird (cage on wheels, of course). Chewbacca was, of course, the Tazmanian Devil. Darth Vader was played by Daffy Duck (Wunth *I* wath but the thtudent. Now *I* am the mathter!") and Elmer Fudd played Obi-wan ("Onwee a mastow of Eviw, Dawf. Heh-heh-heh-heh-heh.") And what brought this all to mind is that for Princess Leia we cast Yosemite Sam. With his mustache tied up in buns on the side of his face.

Jeez Jeff,
You grew up and became an attorney?
Don't remember the Boston Strangler incident, but do remember that you were convinced that Mickey Mantle was the greatest ball player ever. I of course was right in that Willie Mays was the best to ever play the game.
Everytime I see a box of "Bugles" I think of you brother Jimmy...he used to put ketchup in them and eat 'em, remember?
My oldest sister Sue asked if I ever heard what happened to "Baldini", a nickname she gave you that I'm sure you've forgotten and are glad never stuck.
Wow...I'm flodded with memories

later
Steve

I don't know whether to laugh or cry. Steve Spurrier?? Isn't that sort of like stating that Yosemite Sam is a renaissance man?

Hey Dewey, I'm not sure I'm even willing to concede that Vick is "pretty good"...kinda looks a little fragile to me...But, yes, I remember the Doug Dickey years (and the Charlie Pell years that followed)...Spurrier is the best coach in college football, period! (Not to mention that his sideline antics are often more entertaining than the game.) I play in an annual alumni golf tourney in St. Augustine that Spurrier sponsors (its a fundraising deal) and its great to see him let his hair down a little bit...Two years in a row I was teamed with Steve Spurrier, Jr. (who followed Bobby Stoops out to Oklahoma as an assistant) and heard some great SS Sr. stories. I was a psychology major at UF, lived in various places...Tanglewood apartments one year, the Village the next, and in a couple of loft apartments off of University Blvd. Old Bart Boucher was a character...led me astray a couple of times, though we didn't spend a lot of time together (I guess we all had our share of youthful indiscretions...I have vague recollections of Bart at a couple of parent-less parties where things got a little out of hand). Anyway, I saw him at FHHS's 20th reunion in '92 and he seems to be doing well. Cheers. GO GATORS !!!!!

Jeff: You're a Gator? Great. Maybe you can help me convince some of these Tech Turkeys that while Vick is pretty good, they don't really belong playing up here with "the big boys"! ;^) If you went to UF right after FHHS then you remember the pain of the Doug Dickey years and understand that Steve Spurrier IS God. And you also remember when we used to play Miami every year and it was quite a rivalry (along with UGa and FSU). It'll be good to make up for some of those games in the Sugar Bowl. Going to Nawlins for it would definitely be a gas. I went to the '74 Sugar Bowl with the band. That was back in the days when TV coverage included showing the halftime shows. Naturally I told all family and friends to watch for me. Hard to pick a particular person out of a wide shot of the band but since I was the only guy wearing 3 drums it was easier. ...... There were a number of MVHS grads who went to UF: Bill Pinkepank, Mark Signorelli, Chris Abeline, Dan Adkins, John Wolfe (or his brother). Where did you live? What did you study? ...... Bart Boucher lived across the street from me in kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade and we were best friends. Both parents military so we moved apart. When we moved to the DC area in '68 his dad was building the housing area just up the street from us consisting of the top part of Gateshead Rd. I guess he followed in his dad's footsteps. We got together a time or two but it was clear we had drifted in different directions since '62. Our only shared interest at the time was minibikes. It's interesting to hear what he's up to since I don't know anything about anybody I knew before high school. That's what all the military moving will do for ya. ..... If you go to the Sugar Bowl, shout a "Go Gators!" for me. (Daah de Da de Dant:....)

Hi all...I think you guys have a great thing going here...Wish there was a Fort Hunt alum with the know-how and initiative to do something comparable...kudos to John (it surprises me not at all that you "grew up" to be a computer whiz; you were always the first person I went to for technical advice, like "how do I turn this new 8-track stereo on?")...Steve Hall! Now, there's a guy who has his act together...actually toiling in a job that sounds like FUN! Steve--do you remember the night the Boston Strangler escaped from prison...I was spending the night at your house and there was a news report that the Strangler was seen in the D.C. area...we, of course, were convinced he was heading straight for Wagon Wheel Road! Dewey: I wasn't in the Band and I don't know the Kanes, but yes, Bart Boucher and I crossed paths a few times at FH. He is building homes in No. Virginia last I heard...More importantly, I am a fellow GATOR and a die-hard Gator football fan...I'm toying with the idea of a trip to New Orleans to see our boys beat up on the 'Canes....Ruth: my belated apologies (40 years out of time) for the bathing suit crack...If I recall from my undergrad studies in psychology, I was likely "displacing"...For anyone interested, I'm living in Springfield, VA and spend most of my "free" time coaching bad baseball teams (these kids play nearly year-round these days and, as I found out the hard way, there's a chronic shortage of volunteer coaches), playing lousy golf and betting on slow horses. I have a 12 year old son who's a true "piece of work" and a terrific wife (ok...so it took two tries, but I've got a keeper now!) Am looking forward to retiring in Florida before my hair turns completely blue. Cheers everyone!

Gary: Delighted to hear that you've got a ticker that takes a lickin' and keeps on tickin' (P.S. I've cancelled your backup order with WizardofOz.com); John: Define "good"; Jeff: Hi! I think the last time I saw you was at the North Post pool. As I recall, you gave me a hard time about my bathing suit; Steve: I've emailed you a poem about kids and kites that you might like and/or find to be disgustingly mushy.

I went to see Gary last night. He looked great. Sitting up, walking around, good color, etc. He might go home today if his blood clotting ability is high enough, but will probably be going home on Sunday. So call first if you are thinking of dropping in.

P.S. Santa: I want a kite for Christmas. (I've been a good boy, too!)

Oh yeah.... 5) Cindee: What's RIT? Something local I've forgotten? (My current brain programming has me calling that the Rochester Institute of Technology.) ..... 6) Steve: My only experience with kites are the kind I hang from after running off of hilltops. No spool of line but a heck of a view!

1) While the Florida - Florida State game was unambiguous, I'll bet there are some people at another university in the state who'd like a recount on the BCS standings! Ironic that that's also happening in Florida. ...... 2) Here's hoping that Gary Hudson is on the mend. Makes me feel like getting a physical.... 3) Gary Mann? How about fixin' me a steak like you used to do at The Jolly Ox? Don't be a stranger. 4) Jeff DiSciullo: Did you happen to be in the Fort Hunt band? We were always jealous. I got to experience part of it a couple years later when Frank Wickes (Fort Hunt band director) took over the band program at the University of Florida (where I was in the band). A tough task master but he made huge improvements in the quality of that band. People actually started staying in the stands to watch the halftime show. On another point: Did you happen to know Janice and Barbara Kane? I think they went to Fort Hunt (class of '73). I think the only other Federal I knew was Bart Boucher.

Hi Kids! Somebody say Toys "R" Us? I'll bet you're looking for a PlayStation 2, right? ;o) Life is good here in the central valley of California! Spend whatever free time I can find flying kites. Yes, I said kites. Any other sport kite fanatics here? My humble, non-professional web site can be found at www.cmc.net/~kitekids. A bit about me and my family and our all consuming pastime. With any luck I'll be leaving the friendly confines of old TRU and venturing into the kite business next year. Currently involved on a part time basis with Gone With the Wind Kites International www.gwtw-kites.com, the largest online kite retailer. We are preparing to launch a dynamic new site at the beginning of the year. Best Wishes to all of you and your families this holiday season, hope Santa makes all your dreams come true. TTFN, Steve

Hi All, Glad to hear Gary is doing fine. Thanks for the update. For all you No. Va. residents....Has anyone been on the Odyssey Cruise? I'm planning a meeting for DC in July (don't ask!) and we were thinking of doing the cruise to get the Board members out of the hotel. We'd like to invite local RIT Alumni and I was wondering if you think we'd get a good turnout--if, of course, we can get the price down a bit. Hope all had a great Thanksgiving. I'm looking forward to Christmas in Va. Hope Gary will be up and in the holiday spirit by then! Happy shopping! Any word from our ToysRUs connection?

John: Nice to hear from you....Can't get over all the names from the past that have signed your guest book--some dating back to my/our days at Woodley Hills. Your info on Randy is as current as mine, though I thought I heard a while back that he had either returned to Va or was considering returning. Anyway, your guest book brought back a lot of great memories...and some sad news, too (count me among the legions who had a serious crush on Mary Sweatt)....I'll zap you an e-mail at some point to catch up. Cheers. Jeff DiSciullo

Hey Jeff. How's it going? The Falcon has been long retired. Sometimes I really miss her--especially when I try to reach into new cars to work on them! The best buy in a car we ever had. Sold it to a painter over in Belle View after 4 years of humping junk to college and back ... and the many trips negotiating that moving obstacle course you call Fort Hunt Road!! ;-)

Last I heard, Randy is MARRIED!! and living in Hawaii. David is living in Alexandria, though, so you can find out through him. Randy was at our 20th, but missed our 25th! Keep in touch.

Sorry to crash this site (I'm a Fort Hunt, Class of '72 grad) but had a lot of MVHS friends that I've lost touch with. Nice to see so many familier names from the past....Is Hanley still driving that '62 Ford Wagon? Cheers....Jeff DiSciullo (P.S. Anyone heard from Randy Knight in the last decade?)

Just spoke with Gary's brother. Gary is out of surgery and "doing as well as can be expected." He'll be in ICU at least until tomorrow afternoon/evening or Weds., so visiting is probably out of the question until then.

Hey Gang....I just wanted to log on in here and thank all the people that Emailed me with their thoughts and prayers on my upcoming surgery (tomorrow). All is ok here and we're set for 7:30 in the morning. Marsha and I are going to the game today GO SKINS !!! After today I'll be at Alexandria Hospital for the week and then home after that. (as mentioned earlier by Diane)Again thanks to all and I'll see y'all soon. As always....Keepin' it real....Gary :-)

Ummmmm... Ruthie?

Hi Everyone in the class of '72. This is Diane Doucette-Weiser. I stop in and read how everyone is doing, though I must confess I don't remember some of you....I may be killed for doing this but I know you all keep in touch with Gary Hudson and Gary and I have been friends since about the age of 13. Any way, it has been discovered by the doctor's that Gary has an Aortic Valve Disease and will be having open heart surgery in Alexandria Hospital on Nov. 27. He will be in the hospital for about a week, then at home for a month after that. Though they say the surgery is pretty routine, he's pretty nervous. I thought I would pass it along to you all and please keep him in your prayers. I also knew and thought the world of Mary Sweatt. Though I had not seen her in many years, it shocked me when I read about it and here I live, right in Richmond. If I had known, I would have gone to her service. I think it's great that you all keep in touch the way you do. Keep up the good work and I hope you all have a Wonderful Thanksgiving!!! Most Sincerely, Diane

Alas Janine, I would like to help you out, but even though it has been in the mid 30's the snow couldn't stand up to the bright Carolina Blue skies. It has left and John has missed out on some BBQ. Maybe next time

Brad -- can you blow some of that snow up this way? I would LOVE to have tomorrow off -- 5-day weekend? You betcha !!

Brunch sounds great, but I'll only be there in spirit. Currently snowbound here in western North Carolina. They said a slight chance of flurries, so far 3 inches on the ground and still coming down pretty good. At least it's covering all the leaves up. John can you bring that Binford snow blower down here? I can pay you with the best Western Carolina BBQ around.

Mark me down Ruth.

I'm making a pilgrimage "home" to Northern Virginia for Thanksgiving. Anybody interested in getting together on Saturday for brunch?

Tallahassee has taken it's rightful place in the spotlight, capturing the eyes of American -- and perhaps the world -- with historiic events that may well effect the future of our nation. I am speaking, of course, of the Florida/Florida State football game. We all pray that this contest produces a decisive outcome and no recount will be required.

So Gary .... does this mean you are no longer among our MIA classmates? Glad to see you've surfaced. Please send the reunion committee your vitals? Thanks

Sorry I missed the reunion -- just happened to hit MVHS during a slow moment

Ruth: Did Billy-Joe McAllister vote???

I finally figured out what caused this election mess.

It's the fault of the Washington Redskins!

In every past election year, the incumbant party won the election if the Skins won their last home game before the election. If they lost that game, the other party won the election. Well, they lost the game to the Titans, so Bush should be the next President. HOWEVER....THEY SHOULD HAVE WON THAT DAMN GAME! They blew it to hell!

I guess that now officially makes them "America's Team".

Let's be friends with the Native Americans. Give them back Florida!

Here's some food for thought...."The glory of friendship is not the outstretched hand(or the ballots cast),nor the kindly smile(sincere or not),nor the joy of companionship(we won't go there!);it is the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when one discovers that someone else believes in one...(I would say that both candidate's missed on this one). -Ralph Waldo Emerson (the "inserts' are mine). Maybe Ruth should be president.

32,908 .... 32,909 .... 32,910 .... oh, wait. I think those two were stuck together .... um .... where was I? Uhhhh. AWWW DAG! 1 .... 2 .... 3 .... 4 ....

... or better yet, "The Buchanan State" or "State of Confusion". ;')

Ruth, how about changing the license plates from "Sunshine State" to the "Election State"?

Once again the tourism industry is in a tizzy because the pesky election has thrown out another public relations nightmare on the eve of tourist season. The PR guys are trying to formulate some positive spin control as they have in past crises when riots became "block parties", automobile smash-and-grab thefts became "fender benders", the search for a serial killer became a "treasure hunt" and FBI investigations of corruption became "inter-governmental cooperation". But this one seems tougher and may require some REAL imagination.

Just a comment. Is it not fitting that the military vote from overseas will determine who will send them off to fight and die in countries that the US should not be in.

I have confirmed reports from sources in Florida that there have been multiple sitings of an individual resembling our very own Ruth Hasemann-Melton criss crossing the state claiming faulty ballots, missing lockboxes, and miscounted absentee votes. Heaven help the Florida Attorney General!

Thanks guys. Glad you liked it. Well, I guess if Ruth is still awake, she's trying to get herself into the recount!

John-You did a great job here for Halloween. The effects were spooky!It might be even spookier later tonight after the ballots are counted. Oh, that's right- it really depends how the Electoral College votes. See, I do remember something else from Mr Lyons Government class!!!

Ditto-nice work John. I wish I could say I've been out trick or treating but work and web design (spiders anyone!?!) class has been keeping me in or shall I say out of the book. The kids all had a good time! Got the eldest son all dressed up in drag-complete with fishnets and tie dyed dress. He couldn't quite handle the high heels, but then neither could I! It looks like the other Holidays are barreling down upon us! Keep cool everyone and BE NICE...geeez I can't stand it when people get so rude...this is supposed to be a time of giving and sharing not rudeness and crudness. You can tell I work with the general public, huh. Just point me in the direction of warm sunshine and few people afterwards..mmmm...Ruth, you up for a visitor in Florida after Christmas?

Halloween may be tomorrow, but the truly scary event will occur one week later. If any of you need any advice on how to fill out your ballot, I hope you will contact me.

OK, Halloween is upon us. It has been very quiet around here.I hope that everybody has been busy making costumes and getting ready for all the partys. Then again the trees are turning and dropping their leaves making a mess of the yard. Ahhh.. that's where everybody is, raking leaves and such. Janine, do you still have your TP arsenal? Bare trees make for good palettes, you can get more creative with the artistic use of TP. Just need a target.....btw John, love the animated GIF and color scheme.

Just stopped by. Ya'lls site is great! Makes me proud to be a MV Major from the class of '74. -Bill

Mitch Ryder AND Rare Earth at Jaxx in Springfield, Saturday, December 9, for 20 bucks!

TGIF! Harpers Ferry is beautiful this time of year and so are the trees -leaves off the ground that is! Anyone up for a leaf blowing party? We've got 1/2 acres to clear! Three men in the family and I still have to get out there myself! Just kidding - they're pretty good about getting it done but it seems like we spend every weekend until Christmas picking up leaves. Ruth - you know you need a vacation (at home) when you don't remember what you did with your car! I recall a similar occurrance in a shopping mall parking lot at Christmas after I'd spent the entire day working and shopping. I was so tired I just couldn't remember what I had done with my car.It wasn't where I normally tried to park, so then I thought the worst-someone had taken it, but no someone had just temporarily stolen my memory...that seems to happen more frequently.

Ruth, your tale reminds me of a time I got a ride home from MVHS from Mike Laney. It was only upon getting to my house that I remembered that I had driven to school that day! Oops. Embarassing. I wonder why I drove. That was certainly a rare event. I didn't own a car and the folks only let me drive if there was a real need, e.g. a math meet or something. And that would appear to not have been the case this time. Oh well. Some mysteries will remain forever such. Meanwhile a smaller number of leaves begin to gather in my front yard. But I've convinced myself that that is the natural look of autumn and we should enjoy it and not destroy it. That allows me to stay inside on beautiful days and watch football. Tch tch.

Ruth-the best thing about Friday is that it's only two more working days until Monday...

So it's only Thursday and I don't have to be someplace else til tomorrow? Thank goodness! My other good news recently was that my car wasn't stolen -- which is what I thought the morning after I flew home from the third in a trifecta of overnight business trips and took a cab home. Next morning I noticed that the garage had an unusual echoing emptiness. I momentarily puzzled over the David Copperfield cleverness of theives who can steal a car out of a garage without using the door. I was so stumped by the logistics of how this might be done that I forced myself to consider alternate explanations for a missing car. THEN I called a cab so I could retrieve my car from airport short term parking. Now, does anyone know where I left my kids??

Gettin' near that time, Steve. Been using it regularly for the driveway, but don't want to blow away all those nice little baby grasses yet. With the leaves the color they are, and the mosquitoes finally down for the count (and me probably now immune to the West Nile virus), I think it's time to get back to working on the tree house. Have to get it ready for the Super Bowl!

No it's not Friday and thank God it's not because Friday is that much closer to the weekend and at this time of year the weekend means leaf removal from the lawn, the garden, the gutters, the deck. Ugh! As in the past Ruth, I invite you up to help with this most enlightening of chores - the weather is nice, the colors are great and, and ... John? Have you fired up that Binford 6100 leaf blower yet? Ah the hell with it, I'm calling the landscapers in. Honey, get me another beer would ya?

Is it Friday yet? Oh no, wait .... I don't really want it to be Friday ... please tell me it's not Friday ... because if it IS Friday, I'm supposed to be someplace else. Hmmm. Maybe I AM someplace else. DAG! Where's my date book?

I guess we all understand that Mary's mother is deceased. I thought so, but didn't realize it was in such a manner. Another classmate sent me a personal e-mail confirming such. Her family sure has had some "trying" circumstances. We certainly don't want to send her parent"s" a memory book. Does anyone know if her father is still alive and where he is living, if so? We need to know how many books to put together. Also how can we get in touch with some of her other friends like Claire and Ginna, especially if they aren't regular visitors to this site. I'm more than happy to contribute "gratis" my creative talents and time to such a project but I need the material to work with. BTW, for anyone who is interested- I provide this album or book service on a fee basis to my customers. It's usually not for this kind of "event" though. It's usually for a wedding or baby's birth, etc. and I take some of the photos, etc. I thought it was a good concept to apply to our archives and for re-union purposes.Looks like I'm expanding my product line!In all sincerity, for those of who do have pictures, memorbilia, art work or comments, you can send the items, along with a description and information to:Michelle Pointon,c/o NASCC, 4321 Baltimore Blvd., Bladensburg, MD 20710. Don't forget to give me your name, address, phone numbers and e-mail address and a SASE so I can return your originals to you. Also does anyone know what Mary's birthdate was and the exact date of her death. A copy of the obituary might be helpful. If you'd rather provide digital information it would be better if you sent it on zip disk formatted for MAC although I can read PC formatted disks too. Preferably,your image scans should be a minimum of 300 dpi,4x6 inch, tif files. You can send me textural comment to the e-mail address listed here.

Michelle - I think we ARE thinking along the same lines! Your ideas are excellent for this project, and you are right in saying that others need to participate since many need to send pictures of Mary and/or something written about her. Robin- Thanks for the address; I will send a card to Mary's family.

Mary's mother committed suicide. Kinda like shocked the neighborhood. I never knew why until the 25th, when Ginna told me she (Mary's mother) had cancer. That thankfully closed the book on that chapter for me. I carried around a lot of suspicions for many years. The incident was just not talked about, at least in front of us kids. I never dared "trouble" Mary with questions about it, and she didn't bring it up. It was unbelievable to me how tough she was through that period ... but I was much too young and inexperienced with such matters at that time to know how to gauge or handle the situation. It doesn't get easier, does it?

Michelle: I really didn't know Mary that well. I hadn't seen her since graduation. I just remember her from school and can't offer much other than what's in the yearbooks. I just remember how friendly and kind she always was to everyone. I think I had a few classes with her, but can't even be sure of that these days. I think Robin Yale, Claire Garrett, Cindy Barr, Ginna Ghent, and Mo Jonah were closer to her since they were all on the drill team together. I didn't get to socialize much outside the plant, and the color guard was a different universe. I'm not sure about Mary's mother. I was under the impression she had passed from breast cancer as well, but I could be mistaken. I heard someone mention it at the funeral home, but maybe I misunderstood. There must be someone who knows for sure. John? Gary? Frank? Ruth? Janine? Dewey?

Thanks, Robin for the address. You knew Mary pretty well - do you have any possible material for contribution? Mike & Others - what do you think? I haven't time to do the book alone nor do I have all the material necessary. Many of you knew Mary way back in grade school. Even those kinds of memories, photos etc. would be helpful. If we go ahead with this, I promise you will get your originals back, but I will also need some information on how it relates to Mary (i.e. captions or comments of yours, etc.) so I know how to use them and I.D. them. And BTW, Mike, I believe that Mary's mother is deceased, even possibily by the same disease that took her? But I'm sure that her father, siblings, and of course her husband and son would really appreciate such a gift.

Michelle & Mike: Here's the address for Mary's husband: James Cassidy, 2409 Asker Ct., Richmond, VA 23233; phone: 804-360-9847.

Mike - what an excellent suggestion - you've been reading my mind! I thought that we could dedicate a special page(s) in her memory in our Re-union "Memory Book",(we can do this for others that have gone before us, as well)- if I ever get some people to help me with that! And that's exactly the format I was thinking of: pictures, little snippets and comments about her-like a scrapbook. I can and will help with the artistic layout and editorial production but everyone else is gonna have to pull together the visuals that are specific to her- I don't believe I have any original photos of her. It would be better if they are originals - I can either scan them or make photo copies of them (after all, I am a manager of a photographic lab)- rather than printed pictures from, say, the yearbook. I had wanted to send a copy of the poem I wrote to her husband and son and her parents; along with a card but I didn't know how to reach them. I'm sure they will be grief stricken for a long while, and that this may help them very much to deal with their pain. I've two friends who have lost spouses and the one comment that is consistent with both of them is that even though they go on with their lives (and this can be very difficult) the pain and sense of loss is ever present, but most other people have long forgotten after a few months that they are still grieving. Anyway, I think all those who wish to contribute to this should please speak up and fork-up some of the memories, photos, (anything that is sent to me will be returned if you provide a self addressed and stamped mailer etc). If we don't set a deadline (like the anniversary of her death) or put certain individuals in charge of certain jobs it won't get done. I know she had alot of close friends, as well as acquaintances, so there should be plenty of "material" around.

In case anyone was wondering, the 8th grade English teacher I mentioned was Mrs. Forman. (The blonde teacher was Miss Goldberg). ss

Hello, all! I missed you this week. Thanks Steve for the "Storybook Land" reminder. It has been a long time since that place has come to mind. I have been reading the excellent comments and suggestions about what to do in Mary's memory, and I have an additional idea. It seems to be helping us to talk about her, and I thought it would be great if we shared our poems and thoughts about her with her family, who must be in a great deal of pain right now. No one else knew us like our fellow classmates did during that period of our lives. Her children (like all children) probably have a hard time imaging their Mom being a teenager. Even though her parents were there, they did not know her the same way we did either. I thought we could make a small book of our memories of Mary -compile what has been written and said about her so far and add more from other classmates. Then we could make 2 copies of everything-one to send to Mary's husband and children and the other to send to Mary's parents. Even though her family knows what a special and wonderful person she is, it might help them a great deal right now to know what she did for us and how much we remember it. People who did not know Mary personally still "knew" her and could contribute too!

Brad, I meant to do my homework last night and drag out the Walt Whitman yearbooks, but I forgot about it when I got home. I think Miss Lindsay may have been the poofy blond English teacher with the teased hair-do, but I'm not sure. The name "Bolton" doesn't sound familiar. I'll find the yearbooks and check. Anyone else remember? ss

No, I think it may have been Miss Bolton or something like that. I must be getting senile.

Sandy, I think you are referring to Miss Lindsay, but I'm not positive that was her name. If we are thinking of the same teacher she taught English and she had a kinda Jackie Kennedy hairdo.

Caught your hint too late Janine. It does seem like Thursday is our day doesn't it. Do I deserve a rain check? - Your SUBJECTIVE consideration is highly desired. ;)

Meant to give you the web site address of the online version of the Censorship exhibit: http://www.lib.virginia.edu/exhibits/censored/ However, it doesn't compare with seeing the actual documents. Sandy.

Given all this discussion about our teachers, I thought you folks might be interested in an exhibit from the Special Collections at the University of Virginia Alderman Library. A friend of mine, Melinda Baumann has curated an exhibit on censorship that I finally got around to looking at yesterday. It made me *really* appreciate some of the teachers we had because I remembered reading many, if not most, of the books that were deemed highly controversial at the time. For example, I remember reading in 8th grade "Black like Me" and "The Autobiography of Malcolm X". I also remember reading "Catcher in the Rye", although I don't specifically recall whether it was a school assignment or not. Does anyone remember that 8th grade teacher's name? She was short, with dark brown hair. She also sponsored the guitar club that I belonged to as well. Anyway. . . it you are in C'ville, stop by the exhibit. It is impressive. I think it would be worth a road trip for those of you still in the DC area. Michelle. . . a long overdue answer to your query about the Wedlocks: I'm pretty sure they did move back up to Rhode Island not long after we graduated. I lost contact with them soon after that. Sandy.

Steve? Tomorrow's a Thursday :)

Ruth, I think that your suggestion for the purchase of stamps would be just what Mary would suggest. She would probably also be very pleased if we would all just take the time to take care of ourselves by getting regular check ups and mammagrams. I have two aunts who had breast cancer. Both of them survived to ripe old ages because of early detection. Peter's suggestion was also a good one and he provided the website address for the foundation that Mary's Family requested any bequeths to. I also want to add that I think you under estimate your prose ability. I detect some very prosaic entries on your part. As far as Frank's tooling around, he wasn't that generous in high school but Sue was my roomate in college, so we tooled around Charlottesville in style when Frank came to town! But I suspect that he still garages the maroon machine?! Maybe you can still get a ride when you come to town! 'Fess up Frank!

Sorry I got that started Frank. Why don't you tell the unfortunate young ladies where they can go to experience the yesteryear wonder of that sixty sev..er ah sixty six burgundy beauty? I'm sure Ramsey wouldn't mind letting them slide behind the wheel ;)

Geez, twenty-eight years later and NOW they're telling me that they want a ride in my car...

For those of you who, like me, don't have a talent for writing poetry or similes about beautiful people we have lost, here's something that may be a bit more manageable: The US Postal Service recently released its new "Fund the Cure" stamp to help fund breast cancer research. Instead of the normal 33 cents, this stamp costs 40 cents, with the additional 7 cents going to breast cancer research. If all the stamps are sold, it will raise $16 million for this research. So maybe you might want to go down to your local post office, stand in line for a few extra minutes, and buy some expensive stamps for a really good cause and in the memory of a really good woman.

Don't feel too bad Ruth ... I lived practically next door to him and I had to ride the bus or walk! Hmmmmmmmmmm .... now that I think of it . . . .

Oh yeah, Frank? I was blissfully unaware that you were tooling around in hot wheels back at MV. Of course that's probably because -- even though we've known each other since first grade -- you never offered ME a ride. Stuck up!

Jon, thank you regarding the poem, but I suspect that Mary had alot to do with it, from wherever she's "bobbing". Dewey, your simily was very nice too. I'll put that in my book of keepers. Frank sure "loved" that maroon GTO - how long did you keep that car? I know Sue and I had more than a number of cruises in it!Ruth, while you're out hitting the trail, make sure you lobby for some nice temperate weather - no hail, snow, ice, hurricans (I was flooded out of my house by hurricane Fran) or otherwise severe or violent weather. Crap, I had to scrape off the windshield this morning! At least it wasn't snow, yet! Warm wishes to everyone!

Hi kids. This is just a quick note so you don't relegate me to the "lurker" category. I'm sorry for the long silence, but I've been out of town more than I've been in the last couple weeks and this coming week is no better. I'm getting so that the only way I know where I am is by looking at my datebook -- "If it's Tuesday, it must be Tampa". DAG! Being a Legislative Liaison (aka lobbyist) is usually a laugh riot -- the only professional heavy lifting required is knowing how to spell "liaison" correctly -- but it's an election year (perhaps you've noticed) and that's really gummed up my otherwise uncluttered job description. Anyway, in my ongoing effort to avoid work related addiction to aspirin, pepsid, prozac and/or tequilla, I often find relief and comfort from the commentary here. I never had Mr. Lyons and I suspect that I missed something special. It sounds like his class offered a lot more than the pseudo-hipness of Leadership class (for the record Dewey, although I greatly appreciate the value of viewing things from different perspectives, I always thought that the trash can really was a trash can). Gotta go unpack and repack my suitcase....

Steve-Er,um,it was a 66. But don't let the facts get in the way of an otherwise good story. Actually, Mr. Lyons was one of the best teachers that I ever had. And even though I argued with him on more than one occasion, neither of us took it personally. I remember one topic area where he expressed his opinions pertained to the death penalty. On one hand he argued that he would rather let a guilty man go free than imprison an innocent man. At the same time he argued that it said something about a society that does not have the (courage?) to put its worst criminals to death. The latter of these two certainly stirred some lively discussion.

Dewey,one word "WONDERFUL"

OK Mike and Michelle, I take it back. Kepple only told TRUE stories. Jeez! I see John and Peter finally blessed us with their presence! Good to hear from you guys. Let me add my two cents regarding Mr. Lyons before we close the book. He was certainly my favorite. After careful consideration of my recollections, the thing I liked most about the guy was that he would never allow me to perform poorly on a test. As with others, he would stand over my shoulder and assess my answers or lack there of during the taking of one of his tests. If he saw an answer that he didn't like he would offer hints. These hints were magical. Even though the gears in my head were turning as fast as I could spool them up, somehow a crafty hint or two from Lyons would spin them into hyperdrive and subsequent revelation would make its way from brain to pen on paper. What a great way to learn. There was probably only one instance where I ever really disagreed with the guy. One day he and Frank K. got into one heck of a dissagreement concerning students requiring fast and fancy cars for pleasure. Being the car nut that I was and having the utmost appreiciation for Frank's gourgeous 67 GTO, I had to side with Frank when Lyons insisted there was no reason for a high school kid to have such a wasteful, unecological and dangerous machine in his posession. Remember that Frank? Much to the entertainment of the others of us, that was one intense debate. I suppose Mr. Lyons held the moral high ground however, I was right there with Frank as he championed the cause for red blooded teenage american passion and emotion relative to hot wheels. As I recall, the contest concluded in a draw.

My previous entry was actually written a year or so ago after the passing of a close friend. The postings I've been reading here keep reminding me of the sentiment. It seemed appropriate to adapt it.

Have you ever looked at ripples on water? I love the way they smoothly blend the colors of the sky, the highlights of the clouds and the sparkle of the sun into gently rounded undulations in constant flickering motion. And the patterns on the bottom - the intricate web of sunlight caustics coursing back and forth - both soothe and excite me. ...... Now imagine a perfectly still surface of water. And in that water imagine a host of corks floating, motionless. ..... Now tap one of the corks. It bobs up and down. And that bobbing sends out ripples in all directions. And when those ripples come upon another cork, they set it to bobbing up and down. And soon the second cork is sending out ripples of its own. A third cork is set to bobbing, first by the original ripples and then by the ripples from the second cork. The nature of its motion comes from the combination of the two. And so that cork, too, starts bobbing and sending out ripples. ..... And soon all the corks as far as you can see are bobbing and sending out ripples in a very complicated way, due to the original motions of one cork, and the interactions of all the others with those ripples and each other's. ..... The water blends the colors of the sky, the highlights of the clouds and the sparkle of the sun into gently rounded undulations in constant flickering motion. ..... For a long time we continue to tap the first cork, sending out ripples that set corks to bobbing and sending out more ripples. The patterns of sunlight on the bottom weave and intersect in a luminous dance. ..... Then, we remove the first cork from the water. That, too, sends out ripples that join in the fray and affect the motions of all the corks, and the ripples they send out. ..... But the dance continues, despite the fact that the origin of the motion is now gone. Corks continue to bob. Water continues to ripple. All because that first cork was there, and was in motion. ..... This sea seems almost infinite, and there are billions of corks. At first, only the corks nearest the first are set into motion. It takes time for waves to propagate. But they do propagate. And eventually, even long after the first cork has been removed, a slight ripple encounters the furthest cork and sets it into tiny oscillation. ......... The cork named Mary has been removed from our sea. We will continue to resonate with the rhythm of her motion, and all the motions that has caused. And we know that eventually, that motion will touch even the furthest cork.

Confessed occasional Lurker here! It's great to drop in and hear the reminiscing. What memories some of us have! This is the first time I've checked in for a couple of months and was saddened to hear about Mary. I remember dirt clod battles with her back in 4 or 5th grade. She sure didn't throw like a girl! She obviously touched a lot of lives. What a remarkable person. Michelle's poem is wonderful. Adios! Jon

Gentlepeople: I recieved an e-mail from our office manager yesterday regarding Lee National Denim Day in which the folks at Lee Jeans are encouraging people to wear jeans to work tomorrow in exchange for a $5.00 donation to "The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation". This might be a very positive way to remember Mary; besides I know that she wouldn't want it any other way. If anyone is interested, you should check out the following website: www.breastcancerinfo.com Take care...Peace....and all solidarity with the people of Belgrade....Peter S. Cruttenden

My, we really are having some "To Sir with Love" memories! I do remember Ms Keppel (I'll always remember her by that name too) talking about race car driving. I think she said she took a race car driving CLASS with Paul Newman. That would make more sense timing wise, since Paul Newman didn't start racing until after we had graduated.

As far as the movie "Remembering the Titans" goes, I haven't seen it yet, but it really got a poor review by The Washington Post. Some of the comments made were that it took great license when it came to accuracy of details and that the location was depicted as being too Southern - the movie makers actually depicted Alexandria as a small southern town in Georgia. The review also made comment that the movie was full of racial cliches, but well acted. My recollection was that the "city" schools at that time were having more racial problems than Fairfax County and certainly us at MVHS. There was busing going on in order to achieve desegregation. we didn't have much of that at MVHS because we were already small and overcrowded (remember the classes in quonset huts!).They were having such problems with riots, especially at football games, such that our games with them were held on Saturday during the day.

You fellows really remember that exercise Mr Lyons put us through on whom we were likely to remember years later?! I recall his comments about probably not remembering the name of a love spurned but I don't remember the exercise of voting for a possible sibling or potential spouse. I certainly would have voted for Mr Lyons as a suitable spouse (although, a little too old for me!) but there were some of my fellow students that I would have voted for...I'm not telling...!!! There were certainly others that I would have voted for as a sibling... Mary Sweatt was one of them. The rest of you know who you are! But to get back to Mary...sorry if its painful for some of you...I don't mean to make you hurt...again...but over the past several weeks since I first received this sad news, memories of her and MVHS inspired a poem that I would like to share with everyone. My significant other thought I should share it rather than keep it to myself. Forgive me if it gets too "mushy" or causes too much pain for some of you. Here goes:

Memories of Mary, MVHS, and More
She had a special smile, so uncontrived, but what I remember most were her eyes. The probing, questioning look of the wise, A certain wink, a twinkle, a search for surprise. I ask for some explanation for such an untimely and dreadful demise. She had that joie de vivre, a savoir faire. Life for her was a true love affair. Whether friend, family or stranger, she was everyone's cheerleader. Wedlock and Keppel would have pushed us to dig deeper. Her son, Stuart, plucked from his young life just days before, As if he were meant to accompany her to the Heavenly door. Both so young, it leaves one wondering...what for? Surely, all this means so much more? There can be no reasonable explanation. No pain, no suffering, I would debate. What possible revelation of our destiny awaits? But what of the pain of those left behind? Searching for some truth, some peace of mind, Some explanation for life that has plagued mankind? Surely we deserve to embrace the Divine?
-In Loving Memory of Mary, Michelle

P.S.--The spirital beliefs reflected in the poem are, of course, my own and are not intended to offend anyone else.

Did anyone catch the new episodes of "West Wing" tonight? The opening minutes of the second episode ('twas a double-header) gave a whole 30-odd seconds to a view of the old Dixie Pig in Alexandria (not Groveton). Different topic - Who's going to the game Friday? It's a toss-up for us, as Centreville H.S. homecoming is also Friday.

I saw Remember the Titans this weekend also. My reaction was good movie but I was there then and I don't remember any of that being true. I know I was pretty niave then but could I have been that blind? I remember other schools having a black population besides TC Williams but the movie made it seem the whole district was white but them. I remember lots of racial activity during the Martin Luther King marches and my Dad having to drive through neighborhoods that got rather hostile. But then we all know Hollywood doesn't care too much about history. Anyway it's worth seeing and recognizing all the school names etc. Sure highlights the changes we've seen our lifetimes!!!

Hey Mike. It was called "Storybook Land". I spent a few Sunday afternoons there - especially on the go-cart track. Speaking of tracks, me thinks Mrs. Keppel told "storys". Take it from another individual who likes to bragg about racing with PLN (Newmans racing moniker) - Paul didn't start racing until 1974. His starring role in the movie "Winning" inspired him to take up the sport. Even though Winning was produced and released in 1969, it took Paul several years to "act" on his new found love. And act he did. It was a study in contrast when Newman's glistening 18-wheel transporter would roll into the track. A crew of ten would role out three Datsun factory sponsored (read that as cubic $$) cars with the care of a mother coddling child. From that point on there would be a crowd of race fans standing ten deep throughout the weekend with cameras in hand, watching every move, waiting to catch a glimpse of ole blue eyes. All this against a backdrop composed of the rest of us poor racers slaving over battle worn MGs and Healeys under the watchful eye of nobody. But darn! I never knew Mrs. Keppel raced cars. Opportunity lost!

Janine: Yes, Hollywood changes history all the time. What's a shame is how many people believe the details of the Hollywood version once they hear "the movie is based on a true story". Don't get me started on "Apollo 13". ..... Mr. Carson: I, too, don't recall much racial strife in our neck of the woods back then, but then MVHS had a pretty small black population so it might not have seemed like much of an issue to us. I have heard people referring to the location of that movie as "in the South", and my guess is that we all feel that the DC area has too many people from all over to be overly "Southern" in attitude. My guess is that the culture in Richmond would have seemed noticeably different to us then. But, as you say, things might have been different 10 miles up the road, closer to the city and less in the 'burbs. Oh, and thank you, Michael. Now you've spoiled it for the rest of us as well as your wife. ..... Mr. Davis: I don't remember the voting for brother/sister or husband/wife. Do you remember who "won"? I wonder who I voted for. I'm not surprised Mr. Lyons won for husband. I can't imagine any of us 17 year-old guys striking the women as good potential husbands.

Michelle- I remember Mrs. Keppel too. She always told great stories, mostly about her own life. She knew how to enjoy living. She told us about her different marriages, and about her hobby- racing cars. (She had raced with Paul Newman and other celebrities.) She told us about a great party she and her friends had one night when they rented *****land (the Nursery Land/ Mother Goose place that was around Woodbridge and right now it's late and I can't remember the name!)and transformed it for one Halloween night. I ran into her one night in 1979 at a show at the Kennedy Center. I called her Mrs. Keppel; she laughed and told me that was no longer her name and introduced me to her new husband. However, she will always be Mrs Keppel to me!!

Sorry to be so late jumping in about some of our teachers. Reading about them really brought back memories. As I recall, U.S. Government was taught all through the senior year and we were the first class to be able to only take it 1 quarter and pick electives for the rest of the year. I especially remember the class Dewey was talking about. It was "Family and Social Relationships" or something like that. He made a great point with the story of the woman he wanted to marry, but now could not even remember her name! During the same class, Mr. Lyons also had us vote for 3 males and 3 females in our class that we would choose to be our brother or sister-if we could choose. After he added up the results, he asked us what qualities we saw in those individuals that would make an ideal brother or sister. The next lesson was voting on which classmates we would choose to be our husband or wife and why. The males had no problem picking out potential wives, but NONE of the females wanted to vote for any of us as husbands. Mr. Lyons got the most votes as a potential husband. Mike Carson was right when he said Mr. Lyons did pass on the knowledge of life and he made it fun and relevant!

Well guys and gals I went to see the movie Friday night. I have to say that it is was a very well made movie about the integration of black and white. I have to admit that I either saw Northern Va. through rose colored glasses or all of us white boys were nothing but redneck racists in Alexandria, as we were portrayed. But things may have been completely different 10 miles up the road. It seemed to me that the movie portrayed Alexandria as some Deep South town that had nothing but a bunch of racists in it. But I thought they did a good job on the football uniforms for all the teams. I ruined the movie for my wife as I remembered that one of the stars got paralized and I let it out of the bag before it happened. I also remember the state championships beening played during the day time.

I too would like to see the movie if only to see how the area and the 70's are portrayed. Yes, it apparently does have to do with that first year they were combined but apparently as well -- it's not totally historically accurate within the scope of Va. sports history. The game portrayed as their state championship in the movie is their 14-13 victory (maybe against Fort Hunt? not sure on that part). In any event, their true state championship was played against another school, it took place in Richmond and they won but some HUGE margin of something against 0. Far less dramatic for Hollywood I guess. The 14-13 victory got them there, but it wasn't the state championship game they portray it to be. THe information comes from one of the teachers who teaches at MV who played on the team they won that 14-13 victory against. As he stated to his students recently "BUNK -- I was there and it was no STATE championship." Hollywood and their power to change history to pull in bucks? Never ceases to amaze me. All in all tho -- the game itself isn't the MAJOR premise of the movie and the rest of the story, I'm told, fairs pretty well.

Hey John, appropriate choice of song ("To Sir, With Love") as we all talk about the teachers that made a good impression on us and all we owe them.

My recollection on the TC Williams thing matches Brad's & Don's except that I was under the impression that it happened after we left MV. But maybe they just didn't get their "Gunston District shift" until after we left. I remember we were in a 3-way tie for District champs senior year. TCWHS must not have affected us. But I also have a vague recollection that TCWHS took state the first year they were combined. They had a larger body of older boys to choose from and, as Don said, his little sister could have coached them to victory. Of course, those of you who remember Sally will know that that's not really saying much. She's pretty sharp. After all, she knew enough to settle in Colorado! Now, if you want to say that the 1971 GROVETON coach could have coached TCWHS to victory, THAT'S a STATEMENT! ;^) I look forward to seeing the movie. I'll probably be paying more attention to how that area in the early 70's is portrayed. Will kids be worrying about the draft & protesting the war? I don't recall any of the racial issues the movie is apparently about.

Don, you remember right. TC was all juniors and seniors. Accentually they were "ALL CITY" in sports because of having all juniors and seniors. Here's where my memory fails some but I think there were four high schools in the city of Alexandria, TC Williams, George Washington, I think Hammond and I don't remember the fourth, then again it may have been just the three. Starting in '71 the juniors and seniors all went to TC and the other schools became all freshman and sophomores. They became like farm teams for TC. I'm not sure on this but I seem to recall that in '73 they started to rotate TC from one district to another each year to let the other schools in their original district have a shot at championships.

Help me out with my memories, but wasn't T.C. Williams only juniors and seniors in 1971. I read about the movie, "Remember the Titans", and I swear I remember that there was a big stink because T.C. Williams was much larger than Mount Vernon and with only juniors and seniors would have a huge selection of talent for their football team. I would love to confirm this. My recollection was that we expected T.C. Williams to crush everyone, and my little sister could have coached that team to victory.

Alas, Michelle, she too has now retired. At some point she acquired a home in France and, in fact, invited some of her current students to visit during summer vacation. Her intent was to retire to that area but her husband had not yet retired at that point so she was waiting out his time for retirement. That was about three years ago - by now she may be over there.

Janine - last I heard brain deterioration isn't contagious. I thought it was just me who suffers from lack of name memory! I'm sad to say that I don't know what happened to any of my high school teachers. Mdm. Langrab was the only one I've seen since, and its because my mother was helping her out for awhile as a student tutor.I take it that Mdm. Langrab is still "tooling" around MV (in a vintage Mercedes, no doubt). She was also a favorite and memorable teacher for me too, especially since I was bilingual as a youngster (both of my parents are of French Canadien descent). Alas, I haven't been able to practice French much over the years and have become quite "tongue tied". And, oh, goodness, yes, Ms Lerg-great social studies teacher! We certainly had some great social studies teachers. Sandy, did Mr Wedlock keep teaching at MV or did he go on to counceling run-aways full-time? I wonder if perhaps he ended up back in Rhode Island. I think you might be right about his wife, I seems to me that she was sick even when we were Juniors. There's that insidious disease rearing it's ugly head again! Bye the way, fellow friends and classmates - October is breast cancer awareness month. LADIES - when was the last time you had a mammagram?? Not to leave out the gents, don't forget to get regular exams too! We don't want to lose anymore of us anytime too soon! As far as a Memory book: (it can be done on-line) but it's kinda' hard to read it easily that way. But I wasn't thinking of printing out everything!?!? I do believe that I did mention the word EDITING in this context! We certainly don't need to read my triple entry, etc..probably would need some pretty heavy editing. I'm willing to start this and work on it but I am not going to do this alone - it will probably be a formidable task but should be fun, too! Anyway, we will run out of space (I believe), John? And I did find it entertaining, yet difficult to scroll through the archives, but I think we can probably create a very memorable website and/or book. I don't quite have the computer or technical programming skills to do this all on-line, but I'm sure others of us do (John and David). Also, didn't I read somewhere in the archives that Ruth Melton is in the communications business like myself (writing/editing)? This is "a call to arms" folks! I need help if we're going to do something like this?

OK ... if you read my last message without the appropriate pause, it seems to indicate Mrs. Keppel was suffering from brain deterioration and memory loss. She was fine the last time I saw her -- it me that has the problem.

Michelle - I know I ran into Mrs. Keppel a few times while my daughter was in school. She remarried at some point and her name was changed and having the onset of brain deterioration suffering from memory loss, I can't remember her "new" name. Perhaps she would always be Mrs. Keppel to me? Madame Landgrabe told me at a parent/teacher conference one evening (yes -- my daughter had her too) that she and Mrs. ____ (Keppel) became the best of friends over the years (the parent/teacher conference wasn't much of a parent/teacher conference -- I think it reverted to a teacher/student conference full of memories from years long gone). Mrs. "Keppel" retired about four years ago (or maybe three at this point). My one regret (ok .. more than one but they aren't mine to have) of Jennifer's years at MV was that she was unfortunately never scheduled to have her as one of her teachers -- which left me trying to pass on some of the wisdom that woman imparted on to us. I'll have to try to get my hands on one of Jenn's old yearbooks and find out what her married name was. The school continues to maintain forwarding addresses for former, retired teachers and is more than happy to forward mail on to them (provided they haven't been gone for decades). Garry Jones recently retired -- after my daughter's senior year -- hmmmmmm -- and was Jenn's counselor so we had our fair share of contact over the years. He was also Addam's counselor his freshman year and has since still been involved in the school for some counselling-type of duties and with SOL tests, etc., but severely curtailed his involvement. I remember during Jenn's senior year he joined the kids and had his ear pierced and sported a diamond stud -- the following year he showed up (and still has, I believe) a FULL beard. Quite a change from that picture in our old yearbook. Mr. GIvens, at last count, was still there and still trying to get the kids to disect fetal pigs (which they allow the kids to opt on). I could probably name a couple of more but I think more have retired by now. I do vividly remember one of Mrs. Blalock's essay assignments. "Define love in one page or less." Given that it was the time of "Love Story" she also added -- and do not use "Love means never having to say you're sorry." Re the guest book entries ... John moves the current into archives that you can access by scrolling to the bottom of the guest book. Once those are full? That's anyone's guess what he'll do with them. John? Compiling them would be a great idea for the 50th. Shouldn't someone start printing them out now? I'm sure it would take hours to print already on even the most supersonic of printers.

. . . and what about Mrs. O'Brian and Miss Lerg? I remember them as being among my better - or at least more influential - teachers at MVHS. Does anyone know any current information about them? Mrs. Cooley, the obvious stand-out for me, has passed away. And, as of last Christmas (I think), Miss Hopkins was still well and working at the Woodlawn Plantation gift shop. I was not in the Wedlock "Experiment", but I was one of his "jesus-freaks" who went to Bible studies at his house and even travelled to Rhode Island one summer with his family as a sort of "counselor/companion" for the runaway kids he and his wife took in. So, needless to say, he had a profound influence on my life as well (even though i am no longer Christian). I would love to know how he is doing. I suspect his wife has passed away. I recall hearing that she had (breast?) cancer either when we were still in HS, or soon after. ss

It sounds like many of our teachers and classmates at MV had a very positive affect on many of us. Obviously, there are those that made more of an imapct than others and some of which we are still discovering. I know there were many experiences at MV that were memorable for me (I may not remember all the names and details!)but the memories are certainly there! Speaking of which, does anyone know what has happened to any of these teachers like Wedlock, Lyons and Keppel that had such a profound impact on many of our lives? Personally, I'd like to tell some of them how much of a difference they have made. I, too, would probably have never honned the analytical and communication skills that I currently use in my work and with my family and friends. The leadership class was pivotal for me in this way, as well, as was Mr Lyons class. I don't quite recall his musings of "lost loves" but I do remember his stories and how they made history seem more relevant to life. I've often thought of him as I've driven out to Front Royal. I believe that he owns(ed) a farm out that way? Since we're on the topic of memories, excuse my lack of knowledge regarding this site, but what happens to these entries in the guest book, once there's no room for them? Is someone "archiving" or keeping a record of them? It might make interesting reading (with some editing, of course) for those of us still around at the 50th!?! Major Memories...Reflections from the Class of '72? Perhaps throw in a few photographs and other memorbilia here and there...? Any one else have any thoughts on this?

Michael, you remind me that we enjoyed the benefit of being taught by many of those from what Tom Brokaw calls "The Greatest Generation". I know I didn't appreciate it at the time. I suspect there were many good lessons I left unlearned in those days.

Janine:Thanks for the info!

Dewey, I have to agree with you completely, lord you gave me a flash back I had not thought of Mr. Lyons and his loves since leaving MV. One of my greatest memories of him is his story of when his friend disappeared before his eyes in WWII and how he cried over it. I never understood how a man could become so attached to other men at the time till I was in the army myself. But it is true when you live, eat, and sleep with men in adverse situations you become very attached them. Just another example of his attempts to pass on the knowledge of life. I have great memories of his class, he made it fun and relevant. As for the leadership class I was in the section with Michelle, David Sweede, Stalzer and many others. At the time I just hated it, I hated all the touchy fealy stuff about relativity. Guess it was my youth. Now in retro it was probably the one class that helped the most in all my years of college. Without all the writing skills that I gained in that class and the structure more like college I would never have done as well in college as I did. It was the one class that made college easier.

Michelle, I was in Mr. Lyons' social studies class for the last two quarters of our senior year but I don't remember if that was a class we shared. (The first 2 were with Wedlock, trying unsuccessfully to recapture the air of Leadership.) Recall that we were on the "elective" system for SS and English - change every quarter. I liked it. I think it was that 1st quarter with Lyons (3rd quarter of the year) that I FINALLY learned about the structure of the US government, i.e. the 3 branches, how laws are made, etc. It was something that had fallen through the cracks in my earlier education. (Sure didn't get that standard stuff from Wedlock!) I'm sure glad I got it before leaving! But the next quarter with Lyons was more Wedlock-ish. Had something to do with relationships or social institutions or some such. I honestly couldn't tell you what the topic was supposed to be. But I have a clear memory of him talking to us about the number of times he'd been in love in his life. (I think he was claiming the average was something like 7 times.) As he described one of the earlier ones, he said "Now there was this one girl - I forget her name - and she....." blah blah blah. But then he paused for a second and gave us all "that look" that Lyons could do. And he said (in that great "Southern Gentleman" accent of his) "Now did you hear what I said, class? This was woman I was willing to MARRY... And today I don't even REMEMBER HER NAME!" To me the point was clear. Sometimes adolescents do foolish things in grief over spurned love. He was putting it in a long-term context. It was his example of the old saw, "Time heals all wounds." He was one of those teachers who wasn't just trying to teach us a subject. He was trying to teach us about life, and prepare us for it. Things that weren't in the standard curriculum. He and Wedlock were the only ones I recall doing that. Bless 'em.

Anyone get to the premiere of "Remember the Titans" with Bill, Jesse et al tonight? For anyone not in the know, it's the new Denzel Washington movie about the integration of T.C. Williams High in 1971. I worked with some kids that went to TC at the time when I worked with George at Peterson's Ice Cream Parlor in Old Towne. I remember we thought no one would ever beat them in football again. Well, looking over the scores from last week, they got beat thirty-sumtin to zip! The predictions of youth .... Maybe the movie could be a good reason for a local get together ... yea, like I got time.

Wow Michelle -- Mrs. Keppel taught us editing too? YOu mean there WAS something else besides the true symbolism of "Winnie The Pooh?" I have a vague memory of working in the PX and someone paging Christopher Robin over the PA system. Strange.

Well Robin .. the band is doing the Homecoming program on October 6 and the football game is playing the homecoming game on October 6. If anyone shows up on October 13, they will have to go to another school to celebrate that school's homecoming since we're playing someone else for their homecoming on October 13. Now there is a discrepancy between some schedules within the school as to whether or not the game is on THursday October 5 or Friday October 6. Could be an interesting Homecoming after all if someone doesn't straighten out that part !!

I believe someone noted that Homecoming is Oct. 6 this year...My niece said last night that it is Oct. 13. Does anyone know definitely which date is correct? Thanks!

O.K. Janine - no need to rub it in! I'm just not accustomed to how this guest book sign in works...I like to write and then edit before I send -something Ms Keppel taught me. Dewey- I realize you weren't in my Leadership class but we were in a similar "reality"!? Really - a trash can as a drinking cup!?! Anyway it was Mary who brought alot of it back to mind.I believe you were in Mr Lyon's history class with me, perhaps? Collela - I see you're still in the area - do you check your e-mail? I believe I sent you one and never heard back. Have you been watching the Olympic gymnastics...memories of you at MV.

Time flies, I just spent an hour reading past notes from the last 5 months. I knew that Mary was very ill so I was not surprised to hear about her death. I fell in love with Mary in the eighth grade. I asked her out one time in our sophomore year when she was between boyfriends, but she wasn't that desperate for a date. I entered into school politics primarily because of Mary. At our 20th reunion I got the opportunity to tell Mary about the depths of my crush, but it was weird because her husband did not seem to appreciate my true confessions. I felt stupid afterwards, but now I am glad I talked to her. Mary always had time to smile and say hi.

Thanks for clearing that up, Michelle. I was gettin' the strongest sense of Deja Vu I'd ever felt! BTW, I was not in your Leadership class along with Mary. I never had a class with her. I was in the 1st and 2nd period class along with Colella, Ruth and inumerable others who I assume were as perplexed as I was at the beginning of that junior year. "What's he mean, he's going to get rid of the desks and put in tables and RUGS?" I have this clear memory of him putting a waste basket in the middle of the room and asking us what it was. Clearly a wastebasket. You're sure it's not a drinking cup? Hah! Of course not, it's a waste basket. By the end of the class we were convinced, "Yeah, I could see where there might be somebody who comes from a background where, for them that's a drinking cup." Oh my gosh. Reality can be SUBJECTIVE! Now write a paper on that? This was a new regime. (At least that's how I remember the wastebasket encounter. Probably many forgotten details have been filled in by my imagination.)

YO !!! COLELLA !!! Am I going to see you tomorrow night or has my favorite band dad graduated from that program?

See guys?? I *REALLY* am NOT the only one who talks to themselves and is repetitive !! Thanks Mich! hehehehe

Oh...darn..sorry guys, that you got 3 versions of this. I got called away, then went back to make changes and corrections not realizing they had been "posted" because when I checked the book they weren't there. My apologies...I'm not really going senile.

Thank you, Dewey! So right you are...Mr Wedlock! Geez, it was driving me crazy that I couldn't remember the name of one of my most influencial teachers! I think about that class all the time and apply many of the concepts we learned, discussed, wrote about, etc. I think you're right about the name, it probably should have been called "Life Training Class" but I think "Leadership" probably wasn't too far off the mark. It was that class were I really got to know some of my fellow students, including Mary Sweatt, yourself, David Sweede, George Bernard (?), and WHO else?! It was Mary's death that really got me thinking about it, again, and all those philosophical issues that Ms Keppel and Mr Wedlock pushed us to consider.... I don't think leadership was too far off the mark. I think Mary had "IT" (the meaning of life) figured out already. She really embraced life and was a true leader. I much admired that quality in her. Certainly she wasn't the only one but she did it so well...a great example for us all. I hope everyone has a GREAT DAY and gives their LOVED ones plenty of hugs and kisses and says "Hello" and smiles to everyone who passes their way....

Oh, Dewey...thank you, thank you for remembering...you're so right it was Mr Wedlock. Jeez, I hate that when I can't remember someone's name, especially when it was someone so important as he was in my life. I was in that program and I thought it was great! Some of my fondest memories and "lessons" of MV are from those classes. I'd already lived overseas before coming to Mount Vernon and learned alot about tolerance and differences among cultures and people.. and mostly about love, acceptance, and truth. I can see why they called it "leadership" class for that reason too. That's where I also got to know some of my fellow classmates a little better, too. You and Mary Sweatt were both in that class with me and David Sweede.. and gosh WHO else??? George Bernard,...? In fact, it was Mary's death and thinking that over that really brought alot of this back to me. I think of aspects of what I learned in that class all the time, but I thought Mary was the ultimate leader. I think she had "IT" (meaning the meaning of life) all figured out way back then. They really should have called it "Life training courses" or something like that. I hope everyone has a GREAT DAY and week and year and so on...Don't forget to tell your LOVED ones that they are LOVED EACH and EVERY DAY and a smile and HELLO to everyone that passes your way...!!! A HUG A DAY KEEPS THE DOCTOR AWAY!!! That's what I tell my teenage step-sons when they try to squirm away...they probably think I'm just a silly ol'stepmom!

Actually, it was John Wedlock who taught "Leadership" (the open classroom thing) with Mrs. Keppel. It was supposed to be a 2-year sequence (junior and senior years) but we got ripped. It was an experiment and they cancelled it just before our senior year so we didn't get to experience the full thing. People in the class of '71 (and maybe earlier classes) did get to. It's a shame. The best two classes I had at MV were Wedlock's Leadership and Yearick's Calculus. I would have liked to see what the 2nd half of Leadership was like. (I never much cared for the name of the class: "Leadership". It makes it sound perjorative to those who weren't in the draw. I'm not sure what the curriculum in there had to do with actual leadership anyway. Except that it taught (me, at least) a tolerance for people's differences and I can imagine that can be handy as a leader. But it's mostly just handy in life. Oh well. I imagine the name was chosen to help sell the rather radical teaching experiment to the school board.) Any other Leadership alums want to chime in? What was your take, Ruth?

Mrs. Berry was a great counselor...not too many compare. Mr. Bedlock was the social studies teacher that taught the "open classroom curriculum with Mrs. Keppel.

Oh, God...senility is setting in...already! Janine, you sure it was only Homecoming and "sock-hops" in the gym and cafeteria? I remember Mrs Berry too- she was a very good counselor. Don't know where you can find her - the school might know or how about Mr Landis - talk about birthdays!Is he really still with us?! Anyway, I have a question of my own-what was the name of the social studies teacher that taught the "open classroom" curriculum with Mrs Keppel (English) in Junior and Senior year? If I could put my hands on my yearbook it would probably come to me. I've always been great at remembering faces, but those names do get to be a jumble....uhm,augh..darn it!

Thanks Dewey. Wow, someone remembers me other than doing magic tricks with John Kennedy or skulking around the model 45 teletype hooked up to the state of the art IBM 360 (my first hack). What a long strange trip. After studying liberal arts at Notre Dame, I decided I really like mathematics and pursued a graduate degree in applied math. I started at U of Penn foolishly attempting to commute from DC, and ended up in a great program at U of Maryland. I work for a cool high-tech startup in Maryland trying to make all these stock options worth something. I live in the country on 10 acres and have a horse whom I compete from time to time. I'm hanging by myself. I was married but my spouse began suffering from a terrible mental illness and after being repeatedly hospitalized, split. But I'm happy and enjoying life. It seems to just get better.

Hey Chris! I remember you. I think we were in Mr. Lyons' social studies class together part of senior year. Watcha been up to? I remember that you and Cindy dated for a while at the end of the year. She came to both of the last two reunions. In '92 she brought her husband, Jay, and infant daughter to the picnic. I suppose that kid's almost done with elementary school by now. Jeepers. I visited her at her home in Sterling Va. right after that reunion. She seemed to be doing pretty well. I'll send you the contact info I have from then via email. I don't know if it's out of date. Maybe someone on the reunion commitee knows. Let us know what you've been up to!

I sometimes browse this website and I was very saddened to learn of the passing of Mary S. I knew her only briefly since I was at MVHS but a year for my graduation. Although elegant, she was quite expansive and approachable. So in that spirit of remembrance and embracing our past, I'm wondering if anyone knows how to reach Cindy Robey. She and I were quite close in 1972 and although years have passed I think of her from time to time and wonder what has become of her. Any help is appreciated. CCS

Well something has gone seriously awry down here in relentlessly Pleasantville. Disney must not have paid it's protection money this week. Hurricane's comin'!

Hi everyone - I've been out of touch for a while as we moved yet again. This time to Colorado for hopefully the last time (although we have to move into a house next year). But the goal is for the kids to get to finish out school in one place. I was so sorry to hear about Mary and her son. My prayers are with her husband who must be in shock.

One of my favorite counselors at MV was Margaret Berry I have lost track of her, any one know what happened to her. Last I knew she had retired to the Willamsburg area. I was also saddened to hear of Mary's death. I would like to share my most fond memory of Mary. I believe it was when I was a freshman. Anyway out of no where I get a phone call at home it is Mary and she wanted to know if I would like to go roller skating with her and her friends. I hardly had even talked to her I had always admired her beauty and never considered myself anyone she would want to be around. It made feel a little more self-assured as a geeky freshman if that makes sense. Anyway our class and the world has lost a good person that brought us a unique memory of our high school days. Oh by the way on a less serious subject I would like to wish Janine a very Happy Birthday and for all of you out I spelled it correctly this time. The first birthday card I gave her I spelled her name wrong. What a way to convince a girl to go out with you.

Nope Michelle ... those were Homecoming and Sadie Hawkins dances hun!!

Awwwwwwwwwwwww .. thanks for the good wishes Robin and Michelle (I'll check it out). And ... ummmmmmmm ... Steve? A GREAT BIG HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU TOOO !!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JANINE!!

Yes, Janine HAPPY BIRTHDAY (see your private e-mail)! AND HELLO to Steve (I'm not ignoring you). I figured you'd go digging. I would have but it would have been a special trip to the storage facility in Frederick. Well, I guess I was sort of close - it did have to do with Time and Memories. I sure don't know how you remember the decorations etc. It was a really good band and I don't remember their names either. I know I sold alot of candy bars...No, I didn't eat them all! I don't remember the hotel either. Didn't we have at least one prom in the school gym or cafeteria? Michelle

Happy Birthday Janine!

Well now .... I went all morning humming the tune to "Traces" in my mind thinking that was the junior prom. "Faded photographs ... covered now with lines and creases ....." Didn't that just turn out to be OHHHHH SOOOO TRUE?! Then ... since the question kept bugging me ... I just had to go digging. Junior prom? "A TIME FOR US" ... the theme from Romeo and Juliet. I still like "Traces" better -- if only for it's hindsight value -- but we didn't have a vote in that anyway since back then it was the senior class that picked the theme and paid for it. Nowadays, I understand, at least at MV, that the junior class actually forks over the dough for it. I remember we sold one heck of a lot of candy bars just to be able to afford the band that everyone wanted -- but I couldn't tell you who they were if my life depended on it -- only that we had to beg Mr. Landis and Mrs. Cooley to let us have them and their saying "Fine -- IF you kids can raise the money." I think it boiled down to either (1) mediocre music and a great hotel; or (2) the band everyone wanted and a mediocre hotel. And I have a VERY vague memory of lots of clored tissue paper and crepe paper ... more chicken wire that I ever thought feasible .. and someone trying to get a VERy large rainbow into the back of a pickup truck to get it to the hotel. That and many of us being excused from school that day in order to decorate the hotel room and pick up flowers for the prom court -- including a crown of daisies for ... hmmmmm... anyone remember who the prom queen was?

By the way Michelle ... the Reunion Committee will need your current address. Please e-mail us with it. Thanks :)

A MICHELLE SITING!!! Now THAT's a GREAT birthday present! Senior and Junior Prom? I have many memories of those -- and most of them involve Michelle. It did turn out well didn't it? Alot of the specifics from that night are but a blur, however. Having somehow been stuck planning the senior -- I can tell you that one theme was "Colour My World" (although I remember thinking "Come Saturday Morning" was my favorite of the song themes suggested -- Mrs. Cooley wasn't amused with it though. And the Junior theme? I'd have to think long and hard on that one -- either that or dig out that box from the attic again -- I *know* I saw an old little miniature program from it in that box the last time I visited it. Off to work now for me -- Michelle -- get in touch! We tried to locate you a few years ago to see if you would be the photographer for my sister's wedding but never got through to you -- Carrie thought it would have been a nice touch to have someone who knew her as a baby take the pics. Found your mother and she provided us with a number but the voice mails apparently never reached you. Take care.

Memories...Senior or Junior year Prom theme? Anyway, I'm having memories, mostly of Mary Sweatt, right now. My mother just heard from a fellow MVHS parent and passed the news along to me. It's shocking and quite unbelievable...one of you mentioned how we are too young for this!I did not know her extremely well, and had not kept in touch with her after graduation; but I worked on many school projects with her and had several classes with her. I always knew her to be a fine and special person. I'm so sorry to hear she died of such a disease, and then to learn of her son's sudden death too...I count my blessings. I'm sure her surviving family and all you close and dear friends of hers (of which she had many) must be devasted. I know I am not handling this well. I've had a few close calls or scares of my own...Anyway, on a more upbeat note: I am alive and well and still working in the metro D.C. area in the marketing and visual communications field. The e-mail address listed for me is my work address. I work for my fiance's family's photo lab in Bladensburg Md as an Account and human resources manager (and whatever else needs to be done). I also continue to operate my free-lance photography business and custom picture framing. I currently live in Harpers Ferry WV with my fiance, Mike and his two sons Daniel (17) and Jason (16)-(occurrances like the Sweatt Family's make me very nervous), especially since Mike and I commute such a long distance everyday; although not during rush hour. Fortunately we are able to work a 6-2 shift. I'd love to hear from any of you. For those of you who would prefer to call, my work number is 301-927-7177 and home is 304-876-2695. God bless you all. Hope to see ALL of you at the 30th! Best Wishes to You and Yours. Michelle

Dewey: It's Joni Mitchell's "Circle Game". I don't remember it during high school, but it was on a 1970 album. Here's the lyrics:

Circle Game

You'd probably recognize the song if you heard Joni sing it. This is not a particularly good rendition, but it's the only one available. It just felt appropiate as a transision out of the doldrums of last month.

John: What's the song playing in the Guest Book? I've listened to it twice and don't recognize it. ....... I just spent a little time leafing through our junior year yearbook and I've decided that yearbooks are a nice idea. Not only is it good to have the pictures, but it's also nice to have all your friends jot down nice things about you once a year. It's a warm read. ... Browsing, I also noticed that I have found that some of the people from back then are "mapped" to current celebrities or people I know now. It would be too strong a phrase to say they look like them. Certainly they remind me of them but I could see others not getting the connection. It might be more personal than that. I don't know. But I found Karen Sims ('71) reminding me of Dana Scully from The X-Files. And Sandy Reinsel ('73) brings to mind Sandra Bullock. There are others. (And I had mapped Cathy Sweatt to Ali McGraw the first day I saw her.) Hmmmm....

By the way ... homecoming is October 6th this year. Yeah I know -- early.

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm.... well ... let's see -- 11:56 p.m.

Janine and Steve, I guess it comes down to time of day as to who is next between the two of you. The next question would be, do you know what time of day you were born? I know in my case I don't have a clue.

Another quick hello, dosen't seem to be much going on! Still trying to settle in at this new project, not picking things up as fast as I would like.... After 11 years in a UNIX enviroment working with Sun Workstations this NT world is just a bit different. Hope the Northern Virginia gang has another get together soon.........Bye for now......

Oh Jeez! Thanks for blowing my cover Janine! Ok, we're both next!

I'm next? I thought you were next !!

I caught a couple clips of the MTV awards highlights. Sure enough there was Ms. Spears in all her glory. My hearing was remained though. Somehow girls younger than my daughter, regardless of their attire or lack there of, have little effect. As most are aware, Septemeber is the month of us "winter babies". Today is Gwen's b-day - have a happy one! You're next Janine.

Anybody catch the MTV Music Video Awards the other night? That Britney Spears can sure sing. Of course, some of you guys may have had some trouble hearing her. I've read that as males age, visual stimulation can block auditory input.

I too am very sorry to hear about Mary and her son. I hope that the loving memories Mary's family must have, will give them the strength they need during this time. The thoughts, stories and memories shared here are such a nice tribute to Mary.

Just a quick hello...HELLO.............Dave

It's been a few weeks since I've visited the guestbook, and I'm deeply saddened by the loss of Mary. She was truly one of the shining stars of our class. Not only was she beautiful on the outside, her beauty went much deeper. She always had a smile for everyone. I'm glad that some of you were able to attend