Guest Book

Thanks to all that have help set this reunion up and of course this great website. It is so great that this group of people have made a committment to such a great class and that they take the time to do such a fantastic job. I am looking forward once again to a great party with great friends from a great time in our lives. As always it's wonderful to see all the last minute walk-ins that finally just say the heck with everything and they show-up. Quite a few of them have been missing and we have been missing them. Can't wait, gotta be there and gotta go.

Anne and I will also be at the Radisson July 4 & 5 - I'm going straight there via Metro from the airport. I'll be in town through the weekend (the rest of it in Georgetown) and would love to get together any time. I just got a call from one of the "missing" that I'd called a while back - he wants to come to the dinner, and.... he's spoken with another grad that he's recently run into that also wants to come - any chance the tickets are still available? I'm faxing him all the info. - Travel safely all of you who are - can't wait to see everyone.

Ward and everyone else, don't know about "bar crawling" but yes it would be nice to get a group together in Old Town or wherever for dinner Saturday night. Sharon Wilkins and I will be at the Radisson both nights. Anyone? See you Friday. Thanks again John for this enjoyable website. Pam Mallon

Hello to Donna & Diane Berry, former freshman classmates of mine from TAS, Taipei Taiwan. I graduated from Fort Hunt in '72. Congratulations MVHS on a fine website, and have a great reunion! P.S. haven't found a FHHS reunion site :(

Does anyone out there have a phone number or email address for Lucy Dee Kinsey? I'm trying to connect with her. I know she used to live real near my parents right off the parkway. Jody DeJonghe and I got our families together on Mothers Day and went to a Skysox (the Triple A team for the Rockies) baseball game in Colorado Springs and had a great time. Sure looking forward to seeing everyone. My kids and I fly into National from Denver next Weds. See you soon.

I just wanted to say some things about Cliff Roop. I got to know Cliff some what better in JV football. I was in the back field with him briefly before going over to defence. I can still see him in that box like helmet with his glasses on, all 130 pounds of him! He was one tough cookie, I mean he took some hard hits in the back field and sometimes I though he would't get up but he did! He was the starting QB until John Rice came back down from varsity for more playing time. Cliff was upset and you could tell that he was,but he knew it was for the best of the team. In my book he was a team Leader! Cliff was always there to help in anyway he could with the team.

Gentlepeople: Regarding Sandy Synder's suggestion that Mike or someone else video tape or otherwise memoralize Melvin B.'s recollections, I would love to have him revisit his VERY COLORFUL reading of selected excerpts of The Washington Free Press in the Fall of our freshmen year (1968). I think that the editors of this late and great rag would have been proud of his presentation...In fact, Mike, I think I can find an old copy of The Washington Free Press in some box in my apartment to give to him for the occassion. Maybe, just maybe, he'll give us a sample one more time. In the interim, take care to all...Peace..Peter S. Cruttenden

Mike, do you think there's any chance of capturing some of Mr. Landes' stories on video - or at least cassette tape? Even if it's not possible to get it in time for the reunion, it would be wonderful to have them for posterity. I'd love to see and/or hear them! Within the past few years I have watched my family's stories and memories evaporate as the senior generation pass away. I am hoping to get some stories recorded from the few remaining members of that generation before it's too late. ss

I just popped in to remind anyone that is still looking for a hotel room for the reunion, now is definately the time to do so. You can email me at MVTravel@aol.com or contact me at 1-800-221-9402

Mr. Landis was our principal back in the '40's. It was so neat looking at his picture after all of these years. I was a cheerleader and he was very helpful to us. thanks, Mary Ellen

Well, folks. Sorry to say, the time has come for me to post my regrets. I got caught smokin' outside the fenced area at lunchtime and Mr. Kaz has given me detention that whole week. Plus Yearick's giving us a test on Monday that I really need to study for. And I have that paper due for Wedlock and I haven't done a thing on it all quarter. And the drum section needs to work on some new cadences for the Winchester parade. Not to mention a car wash and going door to door selling tickets for the Lee game to try and raise money for new band uniforms. And spray paintin' those old bass drums so they'll look decent for the fall. Geez, I can't wait until I'm out of high school and have ALL THAT FREE TIME! .... So be sure to give Jody DeJonghe and Kathy Stumm all the good dirt so I can debrief them when they get back. Er, maybe that should be "so they can brief me" when they get back. Uh, "so they can tell me what I missed!"

John- I told Mr. Landes about our Website and how one of the headings says “Happy 94th Birthday to Melvin B. Landes” and that you change his age every year. Ann had printed the birthday message you did for his birthday last year and he really liked it-he enjoyed telling us the story about his costume in that picture. PS-Alas, Mr. Landes won’t be coming to our reunion-I invited him, but he said he has always turned the invitations down. So, for those of you who need even MORE incentive to come to the Reunion Dinner and/or picnic (even though it is pretty late!) here it is-If you want to see a current picture of Melvin B- then show up to either event and you can see what he looks like for yourself. And by the way, John H won’t be putting it on our site no matter how much you beg! You have to come and see it for yourself!

Mike, it's so cool that you met with Melvin B! I'm not surprised, but pleased to hear, about his mental agility. However, I must add that there's no reason to wait 46 years -- this is what it's like talking to Dewey NOW.

For those of you who are not yet really REALLY excited about our upcoming reunion I've got a short story to get your "reunion juices" flowing. I had a 2 hour visit with Melvin B. Landes today and for those of us who thought he was great 30 years ago (and that would pretty much be all of us!)he is even more incrdible at 94 (95 in September!) The man looks great! He uses a walker to get around (but hey, some days I feel like I could use one!) Mr. Landes knows my mother-in-law's family. My mother-in-law graduated 2 years behind Mrs. Landes at Fairfax High School. Her brother, Vernon had Mr. Landes as his 7th grade teacher. Both of them went with me today. Once Mr. Landes got started, he would tell everything he remembered about a subject-and he remembers alot! One time he was talking about the EXACT location of Vernon's desk in the classroom AND the names of the 2 girls who sat next to him. As Mr. Landes said that, I thought to myself "Wow, this is what it is going to be like talking to Dewey Anderson when he is 94 years old!!

from Vickie Donnelly Easley: glad you searched so hard for me. Looking forward to seeing how we're doing after 30 yrs. Both tours should be unique. Saw glimpse of MVHS front hallway 10 yrs ago. Boys & girls learn in separate sections of bldg but refurbishing is fabulous! My husband Brian came to 20 yr reunion(my boyfriend then). He's also looking forward to July 4th weekend w/all of us.

Don't know whether to get a room an Old Town for one night or two. Are we going to have a group of folks staying over Sat. night for dinner and bar crawling? Anyone?

Richard, Read the same book - great minds read alike ;). We'll have to compare notes at the reunion. Here's my post from last year:

The memory of Cliff Roop remains forever in print. I just finished reading Jim Bamford's latest piece of investigative journalism titled "Body of Secrets". I know of Jim through his wife, a co-worker of mine. Some of you may recall that Jim wrote a best selling expose called "The Puzzle Palace" a number of years ago. Jim interviewed Cliff for his new book and sure enough, a tidbit of of that discussion with attribution to Cliff shows up in print. Given the fact that Cliff owned and managed a gas station adjacent to the National Security Agency, Mr. Bamford solicited Cliff's impressions relative to being a nieghbor of the clandestine member of the US intelligence community. What a suprise. As most of us have said many times over - small world.

Steve Carroll - Sunday, July 22, 2001 at 12:50:39 (EDT)

This is a great website and a wonderful way to catch up on former classmates and friends ----- thanks John! ---- Also, thanks to the Reunion Committee for doing such a fantastic job preparing for July 4th and 5th! I will not be attending the dinner because my daughter is getting married that evening, but if people attending the wedding get on their way fast enough on Saturday I would love to see everyone at the picnic and catch up on what's been happening in your lives. It is hard to believe it has been 30 years. Wishing y'all a Happy 4th and Reunion celebration!---Mark

Hello There Fellow Classmates...Sounds like thngs are coming together and the excitement in in the air. 30 YEARS !! I can't beleive it! I'm totally looking forward to it! Looking at the "Who's Coming To Dinner List" is great. I'm so happy to see the amount of people that have already signed up. You know? There's a couple of names that I didn't see on the list. I was wondering if anyone has heard from Joan Withrow-Horton? She and her husband Ron have been to the previous reunions and I also didn't see Linda Canadya-Blankenship's name there either. Just asking...Well gotta run. See y'all in a couple of weeks...Keeping It Real In The Field? Gary

Spandex? :)

John, in (tardy) response to your 6/13 post, George Bernard and I have conferred regarding appropriate dress for dinner Friday night. While we sincerely hope that you have found some suitable garb in the dark recessess of your closet, George and I have concluded that, failing the loss of 20 pounds each within the next 11 days we have "nothing" to wear. So, "naturally", we've agreed to wear the only outfit that has fit us -- more or less -- since birth. Hope that's okay with everyone.

I don't post here very often, but.....when I see a class of 72 grad in a published book, I sit up and take notice. I bought this the other day at Costco the NSA 'Body of Secrets'. Who should appear on page 5 but none other than Clifford Roop -- owner of a nearby gas station. He was describing the types of people who come and go from the agency. When in college I worked at the adjacent hotel, not knowing that Cliff worked at the gas station 100 yards away. Cliff went on to own the station, and be elected to the Anne Arundel county commissioners. Too bad he couldn't be around to see it.

Sandy--oops, you did say you e-mailed the t.a. I'm sure you will hear from her soon. Looking forward to seeing you! Is anyone planning to be at the hotel on the 4th?

Sandy-I e-mailed the travel agency and requested my confirmation number. It seems that Jennifer was waiting to have all of them before she e-mailed anyone. You may wish to contact her! Amanda-glad to hear we will be next door to each other! How did you find out? I am so excited about this reunion. I missed the others, but hope this one will make up for those! Is anyone feeling "younger" and more energetic? If not, you'd best get lots of rest b/w now & the 5th...

Hey! I just emailed the MV travel agent because I never received any confirmation about my hotel reservation! Glad to see from your note, Amanda, that I have a room! Janine, is there any hope for the MV private tour? Joyce will be very disappointed if it falls through. And, last I heard, the tour of "the plant" was still tentative. Is that happening on Saturday morning? Hope so. Also, John, thanks for the nudge to get Lynn Shaughnessy to send me a note. I can't tell you what it means to me to be finally back in touch with her. It's been quite a month of renewed connections. Included in the list of phone calls I made for Frank were several people who have often been in my thoughts over the years - Debbie Bach and Alicia Bibber among them. And, thanks to this website I have heard from others, like Debbie Woodworth. Can't wait to see everyone in a couple of weeks. ss

Hello everyone, I’m home. Nothing like a visit to a third world country to put things in perspective! And speaking of perspective….thank you Janine for your eloquent and very precise rendition of a reunion the way it should be - I liked the parts about being prepared to flirt a little, dance a lot and enjoy the comfort and companionship of old friends - those we knew well, and those we should have. Thank you Steve for the bit of “under your nose” wisdom - sounds like someone else has had some recent reminders of the things that really matter in life - I hope your wife is fully recovered and ready to engage in all of the above! Thank you Peter for submitting to Suzy’s threat -- and thank you Anne for FINALLY getting your stuff together! (Our room is between Sandy Snyder’s and Robin Robertson - anyone looking for peace and quiet, please plan on staying a few blocks away.) I wish the travelers safety and the dieters a few more pounds of luck. It’s going to be a grand time. Take care everyone.

It will be great seeing so many that are going to be at Historic Mt. Vernon and thanks for the web site. Since my 1st entry I realized our 10 yr was the 1st reunion. By also looking at the who's coming list I figured out that Sue Vosburg's husband must be the "Dave" from '70 class. Now that is caught up there is more memory space for the 30th on the 5th. Well, be seeing ya'll soon. The menu sounds delightful and those attending all have safe travel. Suzanne Hajdu

Just met Jeff Cook's son today. Big Boy! He was out paving my road for Jeff's company, making it look all nice and spiffy again. Thanks Jeff! I heard Jeff was out and around my place today. Sorry I missed him. Would have tried to talk him into coming to the Reunion.

Looking forward to seeing everyone on the 5th. John, thanks again for this website and if the dj doesn't work out, can we hire you? I'm ready to dance! Hope all the out-of-towners have a safe trip.

Looking forward to the reunion! I'm down here in Fredericksburg (yes, I am a FREDNECK!) Va. Try not to venture up north too often, except to see my parents who still live in the same house. Karen and I just celebrated our 10th. I still have my t-shirt from the 20th for being the "newly weds." My daughter Alyssa just graduated from HS. Now I have Eric 15, and Troy 7 left. I enjoyed reading the guest book. You all did a great job on the site. Thanks and bye for now! Rick

Hello all! Went to my niece's graduation Thurs night from Madison HS in Vienna, VA and had her graduation party last night. Wow, did it ever bring back memories! I'm really looking forward to seeing all of you that are coming to our 30th in a few short weeks!!

P.S. This will be the first time since the 5 year reunion I will be coming solo. So if ya'll don't mind as a rule us girls can dance with any willing and then just as the mood may strike out on our own. It will be fun. Yeah what are we supposed to wear? Casual would be good. Talked to Michele DePrez this am. she is to Pooped to hoof it all the way from Mass. to good ole Virginny. See all it will be fun! S.H.

What a great way to renew old and new friendships. We'll be seeing ya'll soon! Have safe travel. Suzanne Hajdu

Good Evening, folks. Just a short note to say hello. Looking forward to seeing y'all in a month...Hanley? Archie Bell & The Drells? Tighten Up? I thought you were an "old" Rock & Roller. Good Choice, here.

Sorry to hear that John...I've already done my shopping, but I guess I could always get something else! Suzie

Oh my gosh!! Less than one month to the reunion, and I have NOTHING to wear!!! All my clothes are too big! Oh well, I'll just have to go shopping...

Living in Austin, Texas. Anyone visiting the Lone Star State, give me a holler. Haven't been back to Va. in 25 years but hope to get there this next year. Have a great reunion!!!!!

No need to apologize Mellissa. Personal experience has proven that a nose can hide many things - especially when you keep your chin up.

DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! Not that it is a good excuse for missing what is under my nose, but I work for one of the North Carolina's 39 mental health facilities. Sorry about that.

Its all right under you nose Melissa. Click on "30 year reunion invitation" on this site and you will see registration instructions galore. On another note, I finally connected with Dave Nermyr - he'll be there on the 5th (get your $$ in to Frank, Dave). Steve

Greetings! I have been catching-up with the goings on of my former 1972 classmates. I need someone to send me the information (registration, etc.) for the reunion. I never received anything. Mike Davis did call and leave a message for me in January and I returned his call. I plan on coming (I think!) but I need to know where to send money? HELP.

Re: Mia - Got a number in Austin, called - no good. Called information, got another number, left a message. Let's see what happens.

I found Mia Kelley's name on classmates. I didn't have time to e-mail her or anything but you can find her there.

Another request to find the missing: Anyone want to take a shot at finding Cathy Edwards Mikeska or Mia Kelley Potts? We've hit dead ends so far.

Hi, Lynn! How'd you get to be so lucky as to live in the Monterey Bay area? We were out there for vacation last summer, and it is just one of the nicest spots on earth. Just right for a city slicker. C'mon to the reunion and tell us more!!! pat

OK folks -- follow along with me here for a minute-- picture this: Here’s the scene: you’re in the grocery store, picking out your pumpkin for this year’s Jack o’ Lantern, when you unexpectedly run into an old friend from high school. You haven’t seen each other in years. You fall to chatting and find yourself getting all caught up in your friend’s delicious story-telling about all your chums from school: how many grand(!)children this one has, the sad story about that one’s daughter-in-law, how unbelievably good that other one still looks, after all these years! You stand amazed, a rush of nostalgia dizzying you as the details of your long-lost classmates’ lives flow from the lips of this treasured story-teller. [The person MUST be Dewey Anderson or Mike Davis who retain everything they've ever heard or seen!] You find yourself wishing you could surround yourself with the warm, comforting presence of those old friends, lovers, and playmates, even those with familiar names that maybe you didn't know so well but maybe should have taken the time to -- even if only for a few short hours, stolen, as it were, from the pressing demands of the day-to-day hustle-and-bustle. Then it occurs to you to ask, innocently enough, how in the world your friend ever manages to keep up with the comings and goings of the old gang. How he manages to keep up with even the people he didn't exactly hang out with in school but seems to know intimately now. The answer leaves you utterly flabbergasted. Your forehead suddenly stings, a smudgy, pumpkin-scented palm-print vividly stamped across your overworked worry lines: you not only could have had a V-8; you could have had 30-Year-Reunion Memories of your own!!! DUH! What are you waiting for? The party is only weeks away, and you still haven’t sent in your registration form? Have you been screened for precocious Alzheimer’s? THIS ISN'T TiVo! It’s now or never! (no instant replays!!!) So, get your check or money order in by yesterday, if possible, or by the first available date thereafter. Be prepared to flirt a little, to dance a lot, to bring your love and your memories to share with one and all. Most of all, be sure to be there so that when Jack o’ Lantern time rolls around later this fall, you won’t be the one standing there feeling like a pumpkin head!!!!! ((Get my drift? I'm starting to get feisty here!!))

By the way folks ... for you curious ones out there -- the 72nd registrant was none other than Jim Spencer!! Yeah Jim -- good timing!

It's official: The final result of the name that mug contest is in and your humble Reunion Committee is pleased to the announce that the Earl Rivard is the winner for his entry: A Major Force, Spanning the Millenia. Congrats Earl -- one mug coming right up -- see you in exactly one month from today folks.

I too graduated my son from college. Well really he did it all on his own. my wife and I were there at the end to pin on his 2nd Lt bars when he was commisioned last week at the air force academy. It was a week long experience of dinners and dancing and throw in a speach from Rumsfeld and the thunderbirds. I had to come to work yesterday just to rest from that vacation. My son will now move on to flight school in OK. All you party animals have a great time at the 30th.

I spoke with Diane (Barry) Carr yesterday. We haven't seen Peter Cruttendend's name on the list of attendees as of yet. If he doesn't get on there soon there will be several people at his office on the 5th! No this is not a threat, but a promise! Where are you Peter??? You know how persistant we can be! Kathy I know how you feel about tuiton--Christopher just graduated from Carnegie Mellon and is now an Ensign in the Navy. We even just got rid of the college bomb car and the insurance! Did you know George Wright is in Lexington? Remember Peter is will be painful if you don't sign up soon. Suzie

Hi All, looks like there will be great attendance at the Reunion in July. I will be unable to attend because I am helping my daughter move to Lexington KY that weekend where she will attend Grad School at UK. I have recently experienced the joy of having two of my children graduate from college in the same weekend. My kids think I was excited for them, acutally I was excited not to have to write three college tuition checks anymore. One more child to graduate and then I'll be tuition FREE! I hope that all of you have an incredible weekend together. I look forward to the pictures on the website.

I stumbled onto your web site while searching in vain (as usual) for something about the Class of '68 (that's me). I keep up with a lot of my girlfriends, but our class is the worst--only 2 reunions in (yikes) 34 years. And one of those was impromptu. BUT, you all are going to have a great time and I wish you well! Loved the web site--really well done. Also was especially glad to see that Melvin B. Landes is still hanging in there--it's all that stilt walking and Harley riding that's kept him young. Party on!

...and speaking of pictures: if anyone wants copies of the 25th Reunion pics, they'd better download and save copies on their own soon. Those pics will have to come down to make room for the new ones!

Donna: . . . and they said it wouldn't last!!! :} Happy Anniversary!

Hey gang, been reading all the entries. I am so envious of all of you guys that get to go to the reunion. I hope ya'll have a really great time. Maybe Tom and I will be able to make the next one. Tomorrow we celebrate 30 years of marriage. I am really anxious to see all the pictures from the reunion so take a bunch. Have fun and take care all.

Hi Everyone, I have been living in the Monterey Bay-Central California area for the last bizillion years. I am now in King City, a very small ranching and farm community between Salinas and Paso Robles (50 miles either way) I have been married 20 years to Jerry Olson who owns a two way radio business. We have three children Justin 18, graduating from KCHS in two weeks and getting ready for Game Warden Academy after some community college. Sean is 14 and just raised his first group 1 market hog for the Salinas Valley Fair. Annie is 10, and an avid swimmer, her first meet this season is next week in Santa Cruz. Did my high school career in/near the big city prepare me for cowgirl life--I ask you this? Meanwhile, I substitute in the King City schools, volunteer with Girl Scouts, 4H, etc. I would love to hear from old friends. I may be able to make it out next month--I'm working on it. Lynn

Well, it only took two days for Pam to find Kathy's phone number, and "reverse phone number search" web sites do some pretty neat stuff, so we have an address too. C'mon gang. Let's find those missing persons. The cutoff date for dinner and picnic registrations was supposed to be today...however, we're going to stretch the cutoff a bit...but not much! So find those classmates and tell them to get their registration in pronto.

Speaking of cameras, I hope we get a healthy dose of digital cameras this time, 'cause scanning is a real PITA. Also, I'm thinking of providing passwords so only those present at the reunion can see the posted pictures. How does that sound? On the other hand, maybe I should allow the poopers in, too, to show them what they missed.

Yeah Pam - u go girl! Debbie? YIPPPPPEEEEEEEEEE! I'm right down the street from you - actually, hmmmm, many are. Are you ever out and about so we can find you? I'm glad you still picture us the same as we were in '72 and since I know that same lady in the mirror, maintain that thought once in front of us. Actually -- you'll be surprised to find that even face-to-face we still *think* each other still look the same. We're just basically delusional! The best part is that the years in between fade away and it all becomes just yesterday!! Is it just me or does gravitational pull become stronger as we get older?

Maybe we ought to start with the in-town slackers on MVGRAD site. Man, what a bunch of poopers we're getting in our Class!

OK gang, let's see how the "power of many" does its thing. Pam M. wants to find Kathy Paulger (Fisher). The address and telephone number that I have in my database are stale. Yahoo People Search returns the same info that I have in the database, but it is no good. She's not registered on MVGrads.com. So, all of you guys and gals that knew Kathy, where the heck is she? Try your friends, your family, etc. This is much more fun than "Where's Waldo."

More registration forms received yesterday and today. Pam Mallon will be pleased to know that I *finally* have corrected her married surname in my database. I am pleasantly surprised at the number of "first timers" and "long lost" - those who have not attended prior reunions, or have missed the last few. Take a look at the updated list when John posts it, and see if you can tell who they are.

Better bring your camera, Debbie. You're going to need all new pictures! ;)

So many years have passed, yet I continue to picture each of you the way we were in '72; even though my own hair is silver and the woman in the mirror looks much more like my mother than the real me! Thoughts of many of you come to mind especially since I now work across the highway from the ole MVHS. The area has changed considerably--watch out for the traffic. Although I have lived in Fairfax since graduation, I never run into anyone from high school. Where did you all go? Hope to hear all about your adventures at the reunion. See you there Many thanks to Sher Wilkins who shamed me into agreeing to go.

Alrighty!! Now THIS is more like it -- keep up the good work folks. Ward? You out there, dear? Remember those phone calls you placed a month or so ago? Go rattle those bushes again -- we've not heard officially from some of those folks yet. Am I gonna have to drive to the beach, lasso and leash them and drag them up here? ::::sigh::::

Pam Mallon and I have gotten our acts together and are sending money today. We're looking forward to seeing everyone. Margo, Janet, Leslie - this means you have to commit, too! Debbie, you forgot to call me back! See you soon.

Hi All, Looking forward to the reunion and "the check's in the mail." Ginna, we'll miss you! Ruth the legislature in Fl must be as slow as the one in NY! Steve, glad Deb is doing well. Sue congrats on your son! I share your sentiments since my daughter just graduated from RIT this weekend and will be leaving home to work in Fairfax in July. We're sad to see her go, but at least she'll be near my family who are still in the area. Reunion committee, I'm headed out to Scottsdale, Az and wondered if there are any classmates I can lure out of the desert to come to the reunion. Let me know if anyone is in the vicinity of Scottsdale/Phoenix and I'll give them a call. See you all soon!

Honey, I'm home! Well, at least I've rejoined the living. The Florida Legislature has FINALLY left town -- after one regular legislative session and five separate special sessions. I'm now in the process of traveling the state, visiting hapless education groups in an attempt to explain what the politicos did to/for them. So far, the most commonly asked question from my audiences has been "huh?!?" Anyway, I'm all set now to get psyched about the reunion, but you Guestbook lurkers aren't helping -- where'd everyone go? Steve, you are the only one with a fairly good excuse for your silence. I'm glad to hear Deb's on the road to recovery. Take good care of her! (I must admit that I'm enjoying the mental picture of you in the role of nursemaid to something that doesn't have wheels ;-)

Just want to say how sad I am not to be able to come to the reunion this year. I have a conflict at home that I can't get out of so I can't make it. I hope you all have a wonderful time. Don't talk about me. Ha. I'll look forward to hearing about all the fun on this site and hopefully in the reunion book.

Well boys and girls I think I can now safely say one hell of a bullet has been dodged. My wife Debbie had a stroke in late March and is now recovering from heart surgery which was required to repair the cause of the stroke. It will take a bit longer to get back to normal but we'll be ready to party in July!

I really appreciate all the work the committe has put into this. I've been trying to get ahold of Anne Hartigan and no response lately, but will keep trying, she said she was planning on going. Wish I could be around for the the 4th, but I am helping with the 4th parade in our town. Just had our son graduate from Carnegie Mellon and have his Dad swear hin into the Navy, I boo hooed alot last weekend. He was also a graduate of MVHS. See you all soon Suzie

::::: grumble grumble ..... fuss fuss :::::::: Has everyone look at their calendars? We thankfully have heard from a number of people they "they WILL be there". Well gang -- the proof of intent is in Frank's mailbox. Today's the 26th -- get out those checkbooks, find an envelope ... address it -- and MOST importantly -- put a stamp on the darn thing and stick it in a mailbox!! We don't want to leave anyone out! If you've stuck it in the mail and your name isn't on the "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" list -- please contact Frank ASAP -- mail service isn't the greatest and who knows where it's ended up -- but we don't have it and you may need to resend ASAP.

Looks like you're the only one still here. I hope more show up at the reunion!

And ... nope, John. Looks like I'm here too (for the moment anyway).

OK ... so what I have in RSVPs for the BBQ and Evening Tour of the Estate is 3 for the BBQ and 3 for the estate and one maybe for the estate? Guess I don't need as many hot dogs after all ...hmmmmmmm.

Hey gang, the date for ordering "trinkets" (t-shirts, mugs, pictures, and directories) has passed. But it's still not too late to register for DINNER or for the PICNIC. But it will be soon. So get those registration forms in the mail pronto or I'll sic Janine on you...

OK-Guest Book posting is working again--except, apparently, for Janine's computer?

AMANDA ! I tried to reply to your email but simply hitting

Oh wow -- look how clever I was -- not only can I now post, I figured out how to put in carriage returns, block indent AND links AND correct thing after I post! Teehee -- Thanks, John!!

Hmmmm... let me clarify that (given the responses I've received so far). Please refer to the "summary & schedule" link of Reunion events, and RSVP at this point if you want to attend:

(1) BBQ on the 4th (local hosts bring pot-luck side dishes, etc., which we can coordinate once we know who is coming, please) -- otherwise ($FREE);
(2) Tour of OUR MVHS, a/k/a "the Plant" -- still tentative in the minds of the Islamics but a number would help me out here in telling them just how many we want to trapse through their hollowed ground ($FREE); or
(3) the evening tour of MV Estate -- Saturday evening after the picnic as a "wind down" event to the weekend (cost $30/person).

Ummmm ... if those closely affiliated with the planning of the reunion could reply to me on these activities as well, it would be appreciated. Thanks folks -- wind up already -- it's almost time to PARTY!!!!!

OK ... so I'm gonna give this one more try. To all the rest of you stuck in lurkerland with me -- keep those cards, letters and checks coming. If you're planning on the July 4 BBQ, please send me an e-mail so we can plan seats and food. As to the evening tour of MV -- time to let us know if you wanna do it folks -- we need 25 for the group rate -- so e-mail Frank or I with your "yeah" or "nay". Hope all are doing well -- if this manages to post w/out a problem ... maybe I'll get back in again soon.

Gary, Yessir on Tyler, so you guys have got to stop picking on him. Another "long lost" (but not so far away) registration form came in this week: Bo Jones. Just goes to show that "Bo Knows (we're going to have a good time)"

Hello All!! Just reading and things are looking good. Did I read the list right? Tyler has paid in advance? Isn't that a first? If my memory serves me, he usually pays at the door. :-) I'm glad the response is as good as it is. I'm sure that people will "log in" and see who's coming and THEN SEND THE CHECK! I personally can't wait. See y'all in July! Peace to all....Gary

Thank you, Class of '72 MVHS! I was looking for timepiece music for my reunion. '72 Ewing HS, Trenton, NJ, and found your website. Great site! We went to different schools together! Best wishes and health to all!

Frank, it's great news that we've got a quorum and that the party will go on! You guys are doing a great job of getting things organized, and it sounds like it's going to be a lot of fun. Fence sitters: off that fence right now! It won't be as much fun without you.

Everyone - If you're out there "sitting on the fence," waiting to see if the reunion is going to be canceled, stop sitting and sign up. WE'RE GOING TO PARTY! Also, just a reminder that if you want to order any of the memorabilia (t-shirts, pictures, directories, or mugs), I need your order form by the May 15th cutoff date.

Folks, don't know what happened yet, but the Guest Book got currupted tonight, so I had to upload the most recent backup copy that I had available. The posts between April 29th and tonight might be lost forever. It appears some evil doer has been trying to hack the system. In the meantime, if there were any posts that need reposting, better retype them, because I'm guessing that they won't be recoverable. If anyone else happened to save a more recent copy than me, please mail it to me.

Naw. It must be the punctuation filter kicking in. :)
Nothing's changed on my end, so it must be Janine's setup. (Maybe it happened after she added that mug account.

Frank, I hope you had the good sense to kiss Amanda's booboo!

Pat and John - Janine says her computer locks up everytime she tries to post to the guestbook. John must have the "Janine filter" enabled. Amanda - Hereafter, I promise not to throw anything at you unless we make eye contact and I know you are ready to catch it (I tell this to my little league players all the time; guess I didn't learn that one in my youth).

Frank (and John), I think it's a great idea to post the list of attendees. How appropriate that the next one will be #72! PS. Amanda, hero or no, I really admire what you're going to be doing. PPS. Where is Janine?!?!? We haven't heard from her lately!

Frank, do you remember hitting me in the face with a football? It was on the street in front of Cathy Simpkins house - dusk, and I didn't see it coming. ....Just thought of that while I was taking orders from you. (three "I'll get to it this weeks.") - Pat, I don't feel like anyone's hero, just a bit daunted. I'll keep you guys posted though - we're not leaving for a while yet. Dewey, I've been trying to talk my husband into buying one of those new camper vans - he's the sleep on the ground type. I want to do the "blue highways" thing and just go - you've given me pause though - I guess there are just some things my golden retriever can't protect us from - ie. burning vehicles. - We need to have a place to post some pix - I don't have a website anymore, but I could get one together for the purpose. It would be nice to see everyone in various stages of adventuring. Especially with the reunion coming up, I'm sure there'll be lots of pictures from various sources. Let me know how that sounds and if there already is such a thing. -- Happy anniversary Beth and David!

Frank, That's a great idea! It might work. Happy anniversary Dave and Beth!!

Oops. Happy anniversary Beth and Dave.

Well Pat, the next person to register for dinner will be the 72nd person. We're starting to make follow-up phone calls. Amanda - call those people and tell them to get those checks in the mail. That goes for all of you other lurkers too! It's a little spooky to be just a few months away from the big date and still be questioning whether we will have enough registrations to pull it off. John has suggested that we publish a list of "who's coming to dinner." What do you all think about this? Do you think that it will help motivate those that are sitting on the fence or have not sent in their registration for whatever reason???

Well David and I have made it to 26 years of marriage, today is our anniversary. We usually go out of town for our anniversary, but this year just moving into the new house, we decided to forgo a trip and buy a gazebo instead. We found the one we like - just waiting. So sorry, no exciting trips to report. We are looking forward to the reunion, missed the 25th (bad year). Can't wait to see everyone!

Amanda: I certainly hope your trip is less adventurous (in the negative sense) than ours. But it sounds like it will be more rewarding. And an adventure of its own, in the positive sense. Thanks for working to make this a better world. .... My lurker status is being influenced by time I'm spending helping the Mars Society build yet another "Simulated Habitat Module" - this time to be stationed in Iceland in 2003. I'm too old for this....

Wow, it sure has been quiet lately! Amanda, you are my hero (heroine, actually) - it is so great what you're doing in going to Peru. What all will you be doing? And on a lighter note (as they say on the Today show), are the RSVPs picking up, Frank?

I'll bite....(as in bait...--- potty minds). It has been pretty boring around here lately. A word of encouragement to those of you waiting for responses to the reunion - I've heard from several that have just put it off - it's on the bottom of the desk pile - etc. Never fear, it'll all happen and in a grand way. I have a request... I'm part of a team going to Peru in a few weeks to work with a rehab project for the homeless boys of Lima. There are millions of boys with not even an identity - similar to the "sewer children" of Romania you may have heard of. We'd appreciate your prayers for those of that persuasion - it should be an intense time and we want to accomplish a lot in a small amount of time. -- Not as exciting as Lynn's and Dewey's adventures, but......

OK guys, we can't all be in lurkerland at once, we need to take turns. You see if everybody is in lurkerland there is nobody posting anything to be lurked. Lurked? Is that a real word? hummmmm...So if everybody is lurking, and nobody is posting, then what are we lurking at? Don't end a sentence with a preposition. "then what are we lurking at people?" Reminds me about the redneck that went to Harvard....no we won't go there, you have all heard it anyway. So it seems to be time for another roll call. Mike D, Steve, Dewey, Janine, the Daves, hey Lulu & Bambi. Whos out there?

That's unfortunate. I suspect that although many (most?) folks have email, many (like me) don't use electronic services that much and still need that old fashioned piece of paper to carry around for a month or so as a reminder. Maybe another email nudge to those folks who have forgotten about the first email would be a more efficient first step before trying to telephone all those folks at this late date. But, when you get to the telephoning stage, let me know if you need help. If we divide the list up between the folks who are active here in addition to the committee, it might not be such a daunting task.

Sandy and Ruth - Snail mail invitations were only sent to those for whom we had no email address. And even a few of those "bounced."

(Oops! MDR)

(Disclaimer: My last post was NOT a criticism of the hard working reunion committee and others who have selflessly given WAY more than the MDA for this event. I salute you!)

Good Point Sandy! Come to think of it, I never got anything either. I'm starting to think that fabled "lick & stick" party at Janine's must have started out with a couple giraffs of wine and general hilarity while the designated mail crew stamped and labled ... each other? (Actually that sounds like fun -- wish I'd been there)

Were paper reunion announcements sent out? I never received anything about it through the USPS. Maybe that's why the return is so low. ss

OK all of you lurkers. We have approximately 70 people registered for the dinner (approximately means that some checks are "in the mail"). We need at least thirty more people. Fifty would be better. We're going to start making telephone calls to those of you who have not responded. And if you think telephone solicitors are bad... :)

PSST ! All done with the taxes? Is EVERYONE STILL waiting in line to mail theirs out? We've been done and have already sent the check. That's right..I said sent, not spent. I'd like to thank those that sent their condolences about my brother. Here and in emails..It meant alot to me. Dewey...? Glad you're ok, dude!! See y'all in July.

Hmmmm.... Where'd everybody go? Did Dewey's dramatic rendition of his scorching adventure transfix the Guestbook readership in horror, terror and trepidation? If so, will someone pass the popcorn and jujubees as we await the next installment? (Dewey, I'm glad you're okay, bud!)

Good heavens, Dewey! What a horrifying (and terrifying) experience. Thank goodness all 3 of you were able to escape safely. Are you OK, as in not hurt? What do you suppose started the fire? I'm glad you lived to tell the tale. And speaking of experiences, Lynn, what exciting vacations you take! I'm impressed that your car forded the river safely and got you to Guadalahara in the end - what a journey! Gosh, all we did for our spring break was go to Disney World, where the biggest danger is that you'll be trampled by eager park-goers when they drop the ropes in the morning! I'm very glad everyone is all in one piece and safely back home. Pat PS. What kind of birds did you see in Mexico?

Dewey! I read your post with great interest and trepidation! What excitment! How did you continue on your journey and get home? I felt a somewhat simpatico alliance with you. We just got back from the backroads of Mexico birdwatching experience--dirt roads at best and high volcano eruption alerts. We were on the "highway" from the Jalisco state to Guadalahara. We wound up and down mountain after mountain, passing "tequilla" fields and the road suddenly stopped dead. No detour signs. Nothing. A small boy,wanting a tip ran to the window and excitedly pointed to some cars up on the next mountain range, going to Guadalahara. We agreed yes; that is our destination! We heard from him and two other people as we tried to find the right cobblestone road that led to the rio, that we needed to "cross the rio". They meant it literally. The bridge and road to Guadalahara were out and we needed to go down multiple dirt roads populated by farm animals to the river, where people were swimming, and cross it in our CAR! It was, to say the least, quite an adventure. I look at the asphalt in Northern Virginia in a totally different way now. :) We've been rather quiet on the guest book lately. Any good memories out there lurking? Please send in the checks so that we can have one wonderful reunion! Lynn

hi

There I was, high over the trenches south of Ypres, when that foul Hun managed to work his way behind me. I heard the sharp rat-a-tat of his machine guns and felt my bird shake as the bullets ripped through the fabric of my Spad. My engine chugged and faltered. I turned around and saw a thick cloud of black smoke trailing behind me. I saw the tips of flames licking out the right of the craft. "We're on fire!" I yelled. It was time to bail out. Floating down in the sudden quiet, I watched as my trusted ship fell to the ground and was consumed by flames. What had I failed to rescue from the plane before my hasty departure? What now lay in ashen ruin? ...... Well, OK, I was really riding in a friend's Silverado in the Utah desert. There was no Hun behind us. No machine guns, no ripping fabric. But there was the cloud of black smoke and flames licking out the side. I did yell "We're on fire!", and as soon as the driver pulled to the side of the road, we did indeed bail out (then helped another friend in the back seat get out. He was already in a leg brace and with both arms in casts from his own (actual) airplane crash 2 weeks before.) And standing in the quiet of a clear southwestern afternoon, we watched as it all was consumed by flames. Eventually a passing car, a 2-way radio, and a firetruck, the fire doused before the contents of the fuel tank got involved. Three of the tires were still usable. The interior was ash and melt. There were no seats, no dash. Left behind in my hasty departure were my laptop and my camcorder. And clothes. And tools. A backpack with texts and notes from 2 classes I'm sitting in on at CU. Spare glasses. Still, I'm thankful for the things I decided NOT to take on this trip, which now sit safely in my home and not amongst smoldered ruin in a Utah tow yard. And I'm thankful that the three of us COULD stand and watch the drama unfold, instead of waiting anxiously for an ambulance. Ever watch a truck burn? It's amazing.

YARDWORK!!! .... then taxes.

Checkout the July schedule Don Mclean, Michael McDonald right around reunion time......... http://www.birchmere.com/calendar/calendar_list.cfm

Gary: Sorry to hear about you brother. My sympathy goes out to you & your entire family.

Janine-I have an extra grill for those that don't want to be party poopers. We can still have fun!

Ruthie -- I THOROUGHLY enjoyed your entry. While lengthy, it was WELL worth the read. You never cease to amaze me!! Gary? Condolences to you, Jimmy, Timmy and the rest of the family but you're right - at least he suffers no more for such a battle. Now ... I'm going to be off on a really tough work assignment from Saturday through Thursday so you all behave yourselves. And to those of you who haven't sent in your registrations yet -- remember the deadline for your special pricing is the April 15 -- let get those cards and letters (and checks) comin' in folks. I REALLY don't want to stock up on any more hot dogs than necessary.

Hello Gang !! Just checking in. Haven't been here in a while and was reading ALL the entries. Man O Man, seems like when I get in here my brain freezes when it comes to something to add. All I can say is that I am really looking forward to seeing y'all this summer. On a somber note, my older brother Rhett, MVHS class of 1967, passed away on 3/25/02 after a long battle (15 months) with cancer. He fought to the end but I know he's at peace now and suffering no more...Hope all is well with everyone. PEACE TO YOU ALL ! Gary

Ruth, your mastery of the written word just amazes me to no end. I was just spell bound at your wit. I found myself LMOA ROTF. Dewey, are you sure you REALLY want to know?

Funny stuff, Ruth, but what were you doing in the GUYS locker room?

(p.s. Love the tunes, John. Are we on a top 10 request roll?)

(I wrote a whole page of really clever stuff, but it seems to have gone to some cyber black hole. So, just pretend that you enjoyed what I wrote. I'll check back in another week or so.)

Everybody have a safe and HAPPY EASTER.... I'm off to Sunday Service. Figure I better leave early as all the twice a year people will be there today!

A wish for a wonderful Easter to each and every one of you!

Isn't the opening line to that song "Saturday night I was downtown, working for the Em Vee Hi"? ;^) Dave, I went to MSNBC and with a little searching found the newstory you mention, complete with video. Weird to see our noble edifice involved with such things. Something tells me the course in "Human Religious Differences" they teach there now is not the same as Wedlock's course.

Ward, Try this link: http://www.olga.pl/main/h/hollies/long_cool_woman.crd

Awwww, the background muzac. The Hollies "She was a long cool woman....". Its almost impossible for me not to sing along when it is on the car radio, however there are parts of some verses I have to slur. Have not the faintest idea what words are being sung. After 24 years of flying my ears are shot, going to have to find a site with the written words.

Guess what was on the NBC (channel 4) national news broadcast the other night at 7:00 PM...>>><<< Good old Mt Vernon High School (The original MVHS) down on Richmond Highway. The bad news was that the story was about two young men (one from Springfield & the other from Fairfax) who had gone to the ISA and we denied access to Israel because it was believed they were going there to be suicide bombers.

Dave, After I couldn't pass my physical for football in senior year, I put more money and time into the Dodge. The motor was a 340 that I reworked change the auto to four speed trans. Had 5:38 gears in the rear. Went to buds creek in MD. to race it sometimes but thats it. I painted it high gloss gray before I sold it in 73. went 62 vett, then 69 camaro in 74. thanks for remembering Dave!!

Dave B. do you still have that off-yellow Dodge Challenger with the six-pack. That was one bad auto, ranks right up there with Frank Kistners GTO....

You're OK in my book Dave.

Dave? No troubling of hearts. We're just trying to get input from everyone - that would include you too. I've still been a bad girl and not sent in anything either. Forgive me Steve?

Steve, Janine, sorry it took so long to get backto you guys No.... I did't e-mail Steve about my list. I ASSUMED everybody was on the same page! I also ASSUMED everybody was from 1972 grad. class....not 66- 67-68. but you know what trouble assuming gets you into...HA HA!! sorry if I trouble your hearts about this.

The other day , I had to go to the Mount Vernon Hospital for a medical exam and I was talking to the person next to me while I was waiting to go in for the exam, we were talking about work and he stated he lived up here before moving to Stafford County, and believe it or not, it was David Puckett, one of our missing. He lives in Stafford County off of the Garrisonville exit. I will try to get more information this coming week regarding address, phone number etc. He is in touch with Brad at different times.

Just a hunch ... but I'm thinking ... any shooters or anything are more Lulu and Bambi's preference.

Ahhhh! I see by the time stamp that Lulu and Bambi are true party cells. All who know Ruthie will surely agree that she would not be up at such a late hour on a week night. It seems that unbeknownst to Ruth, Lulu and Bambi were up late last night surfing the web. Ruthie, you better check your history, there’s no telling where the ladys were and what they may have signed you up for. Better crank up the spam filter. Now Lulu and Bambi, you have me intrigued and I am looking forward to meeting the two of you. Perhaps we can have a discussion over a wee dram of some good single malt or would tequila shooters be more your style?

Dear Lulu and Bambi: While we would love to have you, Ruth's full price payment differential wouldn't begin to cover each of you. Full price payments will receive a refund. You are, however, welcome to attend at the reduced $72 per person rate but only if your registrations are received prior to April 15.

We are SOOOO thrilled that you all decided to drop the prices again AFTER Ruth finally sent in her full price check! We figure this means that she can bring us along to the reunion at no extra charge. Prior to this rate re-reduction, Ruth thought that she should come to the reunion without bringing ANY brain cells, so this should work out MUCH better.

Awwwwwwwwwwwww, John ... you're way too kind. Thanks!!!

Uncle Meister, forever the humble servant of the Reunion Committee, has, under intense pressure of publicly proclaimed order, dutifully made the changes in prices for the dinner and picnic available by way of the Registration Form -- at a moment's notice!

Oh yeah .... and .... until the Herr Webmeiser can untangle himself from more important duties in life (like real work?) ... the registration form can be printed out and revised as follows: $60 for the dinner per person -- $12.00 for the picnic per person. I'm hoping for the sake of getting the rate, people can use a real pen and cross out the "current" fee and take it back a few bucks. K? K.

JUST WHEN YOU THOUGHT YOU MISSED THE EARLY-BIRD REGISTRATION DEADLINE ---------- HERE WE ARE ---------- Due to intense dragging of feet and grousing about several of us having dragged our feet to send in our early bird registrations in a timely fashion, YOUR REUNION COMMITTEE has agreed to a ONE TIME EXTENSION of TIME for early bird registration. Here's your chance folks -- Registrations MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN APRIL 15 (this should be an easy date to remember) -- in order to still qualify for your magical $72 rate for the dinner and picnic. READ AGAIN ---- MUST BE RECEIVED (not mailed) -- received. After that, there will be no further extensions and the price goes up. Final registration remains at June 1. By April 15 we will hopefully have enough registrations in hand (or certainly closer to the 125 anticipated than we are now) to continue with the plans as they are -- if not? Y'all are gonna be flyin' into town to simply eat the hot dogs and tater salad in my backyard --- remember -- we have minimums we MUST guarantee. Enuf said? Thanks for your time :)

Yeah Dave -- so did you e-mail Steve with your requests? I personally like some of our choices too but .... alas ... I still haven't sent my requests to him either -- I suppose I should do that soon before all the music slots are taken -- care to join me?

Don't shoot the messenger. And, where were your requests when I solicited them, Dave?? Actually, the TOP 100 requests (I really only received a total of 76 title suggestions) looks really good and does include Santana, Stones, etc. I'll be filling in the blanks with some good dance tunes. Public "Skeleton, or rather, Shoes, in the closet" admission: I still have a pair of Saturday Night Fever platform disco shoes from the mid 70's - polishing them now ;)

what is happening here! What about Three dog night, some more Eagles, Rolling Stones, Creedence Clearwater Revival, and don't forget Santana which has had a big comeback? I'm still in shock over these songs you have here!!

I realize it's officially too long, but I think the engraved slogan on the mug should be my new favorite Melvin B. Landes line, provided by Lynn Leggett: "Wouldn't a happened if you weren't wearing pants!"

someday I MAY learn how to type and spell

Well if you count the Beatles tunes you amy get close to 100 Janine

The top TEN? What's this? I was looking forward to a top 100!!!

John has given me clearance to post the TOP TEN most requested tunes - thanks for everybody's input.

1. Dance to the Music - Sly Stone
2. Long Cool Woman - Hollies
3. Groovin - Rascals
4. Respect -A. Franklin
5. American Pie - D. McLean
6. Do You Believe in Magic - Spoonfull
7. Any/All Beatles songs
8. Nights in White Satin - Moody Blues
9. Take it Easy - Eagles
10.Layla - Derick and the Dominos

I was just checking in and wanted to let Peter know that I remember Radio Mount Vernon. I remember it because Janet Leffler and I had a brief stint on the show. Very brief. One time. Which perhaps explains my love of the radio business. Too bad radio today isn't anything like Radio Mount Vernon. By the way Peter...the box of music will be coming to you this week. Watch for it!

Suzie, I remember the classroom part of driver's ed. I remember the wonders of "Signal 30" and testing depth perception by looking through a view slot and trying to line up 3 little toy cars at the opposite side of the room. Those rooms were also used to show those educational films about the wonders of "growing up" and all the changes our bodies were going through. (I remember how manly I felt the first time I felt sweat on my upper lip.) I had Mr. Jones all 4 quarters senior year. (Upstairs, side hallway, 5th period) I remember not being too pleased the first quarter. I didn't know him at all, but the class was going to be a basic grammar class. Who needed that? Turns out *I* did. First time I ever learned about diagraming sentences. I had heard about it, but no one had ever bothered to actually TEACH it to me. Maybe one of the things left out in Leadership. Now I saw it. I actually thought it was pretty cool. Like pretending you could treat English like a science class! So it was worthwhile. Then he had a "contract class" where you decided what you wanted to do for the quarter, wrote up a "contract" for it, and did it. Very independent study. When he suggested the example of "Read several books by a favorite author and write book reports on them." I joked "How about Dr. Seuss?" and he said "OK". And so I did. 9 weeks of reading Dr. Seuss and writing book reports on them. Turned into an intresting challenge to find aspects of his books to analyze. An evolution of style over the years. (Upon reflecting about that class, I can't IMAGINE what I actually did during the 55 minutes of class time. I'm sure it wasn't reading Dr. Seuss.) Then there was a quarter of "Robert's Rules of Order". Great for the terminally anal-retentive. Not a lot of students in the class but we had fun. I was VP. Last quarter was a shared class with all grades and dealt with poetry writing, I think. A few years later, I visited him at the new MV. He had changed to his counselor role. I was surprised that he remembered me. (I visited Mr. Price on that same trip and he remembered me as someone else!) But this was still in the 70's. I can't imagine what it would be like for you, Suzie, to walk in with your own kid so many years later and be remembered! ..... As for dress codes: I HATED putting on a dress just to go the PX. Seriously, now that you mention it, Jody, I do remember having some problem the first time I went to the PX at Belvoir (summer '68). I don't remember if they didn't like me wearing jeans, or if I just had to tuck my shirt in. I remember being pretty surprised by the rule, having just come from "out west". (My memory wants to say they didn't allow jeans but that just seems TOO extreme.) I don't remember having any troubles with hair length rules at MV, but I didn't really "push the envelope" until senior year. I had gotten in trouble once in 8th grade in Colorado because my bangs covered my eyebrows. Seems pretty ridiculuous now, to think they could have those kinds of restrictions. One of my brains cells (Elvis) thinks my brother got in trouble at MV for having sideburns past the bottom of his ear. That would be 68-69. ..... Lynn: Bare Toes? You harlot! I get a kick out of your story about Landes harumphing about your pants. In this day and age, when one wouldn't even begin to think about skirts being REQUIRED, the line almost sounds like sexual harrassment! "That wouldn't have happened if you weren't wearing pants." Try saying that at the office tomorrow! I remember the senior takeover day concept but I don't remember taking anything over. I seem to remember Tim Henry was principal for a day.

The dress code! I first encountered it when we moved here from Hawaii and showed up to register for classes. Mrs. Lapsley informed me that sandals were NOT permitted, in fact toes should not show at all. A great excuse to go shoe shopping! I remember at the Christmas bizarre, held on a Saturday, that I wore corduroy pants. I caught them on something and the pocket ripped. Mr. Landes walked by and muttered "hmp! Wouldn't a happened if you weren't wearing pants!" What a kick. Does anyone remember senior takeover day? Lynn

The dress code sure changed alot during our years at MV. I mentioned before my sister (class of '69) having to have her skirt below her knees. I remember them allowing us to wear slacks (no jeans) our junior year and at first thinking I'd never do that. Then senior year that was about all I wore. Since so many of you were military brats do you remember having to wear a dress to get into the BX/PX? I also remember easter hats and white gloves. Boy would my kids have a laugh. Did the guys have a hair length rule? Certainly not senior year, but I don't remember when that went away. I still look at some of my Mom's pictures from then and get a good laugh at the '70s fashions.

I remember the dress code change -- it was in the spring of our sophomore year. I remember this because I couldn't believe that the school I went to in S. Burlington, VT had changed the year before and not in VA. We were not allowed to wear jeans though. By the way Janine there is such a thing as a giraffe- except it's for beer. I saw them at a sidewalk tavern in Paris last summer. I'm meeting with Anne Hartigan this Wednesday, she never received an invite to the reunion and is planning on going, I never received anything in the mail either. Do any of you remember the classroom part of driver's ed? the rooms were in the back of the gym, that's also where the Student Government office was. During senior year we got to pick our English and Government courses. I remember actually picking Mrs. Cooley -- she actually was nice because she knew we pick her. Mr. Lyons was the best though, when I would come to visit my Mom during the school year after I was married with kids I would visit him and he was still the same. He passed away some years ago. My son, Chris graduated from MVHS in "98" and there were still some teachers there when we were. Mr. Jones was a guidance counselor, when I brought Chris in to get registered it was Mr.Jones, he couldn't believe a student he remembered ws bringing in their own student. Mr. Givens was still there also, what a bummer for the kids! PS Anne doesn't have email, but I will show her the site when she is here. See you all soon! Suzie

Sue, I don't remember the timing on lifting of dress restrictions. I do remember how ridiculous it seemed that girls couldn't wear slacks in the winter. I have a sense that kulats (sp?) were kind of a compromise between skirts and shorts. Odd to think that they could wear skirts as short as they did but not wear shorts. Things must have eased up by our senior year, what with Landes' laments about all the bare midrifts in September of '71..... Dave, I imagine that feeling like you were a part of the MV culture for so long before actually attending made the start of your freshman year particularly exciting for you. Now it was YOUR turn to go to the "cool school".

Thanks Dave for the behind the scenes flashback, I believe I would have to agree with all of your facts! What a memory you have! Thursday night, huh? I know Janine is a proud mom, and it's nice to see how the MV band is going down in history! Dewey, I don't know if I'd get a more accurate answer from you and the Webmeister, or from all the 72 gals out there on this one! You mentioned a dress code, however, and my MV instincts tell me that the 72 females were not allowed to wear full length jeans or slacks to class until junior year! I can remember having to sew a lot of dresses up until that year! How far off am I?

Janine, was very glad to hear that the band is alive and well. WOW!! for being just 8th grade band students they sounded pretty good I lot better than I remember the way we sounded in Mr Deordio's (spelling ?) band class at Walt Whitman.

Sue, I do remember the brass quartet as I lived just across the street from the baseball field where they had all the bon fires. They always got the crowd going and there was always a large crowd there. If memory serves me well they had that bon fire on the Thursday nite before all the homecoming games. The first one I went to was in 1966. Micky Bowers, Steve Herl, Larry Hartman, David Knight and that whole group that were part of the undefeated team our Freshman year were all just Sophomores at the time. Living right next to Mount Vernon High for all those years I felt like I was a part of the school long before I finally got to go there. Those truly were special years (69-72) people and times I will never forget. I also remember when Howard died in Southeast Asia as he and his brother Don (also a band alumni) lived on the other side of the school. I remember when Don told me his brother had passed it was so hard to believe because at that age you never thought much about death and to have it hit so close to home!!!! Well let me close for now and wish all you 72 MAJORS a happy Saint Pat's Day!! Everyone stay safe and well.

Sorry, Sue. I don't remember the brass quartet. Sounds pretty cool, though. Howard's demise reminds us that it wasn't all fun and games to be in high school in that era. There was a darkness looming on the horizon after graduation. I'm so glad our class was spared the draft. .... Wow, Janine, sounds like the T-shirt thing really took off. I wonder if there's actually a continuous thread. I have no idea if band members in 73 or 74 got T-shirts. So maybe it was something that just started anew, later. I've seen high school students around here with section jackets, too. Pretty snazzy stuff. I would have liked to have been able to wear something like that around MV. My recollection is that I couldn't even wear the T-shirt to school. Probably against a dress code of some kind. (Who'da thunk that in 6 months time, my standard school dress at UF would be T-shirt, cutoff jeans and sandles!) .... Sounds like the MV drumline has gone "corps". I wonder if I'd even be able pass the audition for a group like that. You mention all the xylophones & stuff and I remember us looking at a new piece of music in band and seeing that it called for chimes or celeste or SOMETHING where the notes go "up and down". We'd hand that part to Dan. I think he was the ONLY ONE who could read music like that in there. Maybe Leanne Collins in later years. Times have changed. The drumline competing in its own right reminds me of something else we tried senior year. At the annual "band contest", there was the usual band concert, but I entered the "MV Persussion Ensemble" as a separate entity. There was no official Percussion Ensemble at MV, but the drum section decided to try playing a percussion piece for the contest. Among other things, the piece called for a conga drum and MV didn't own a conga drum so I dug out some old calf-skinned relic tom-tom to substitute. The day of the performance was rainy and the humidity loosened the head up to absurdly "thub-a-dub" levels. But as I recall, we still got a better score than the band. But the judge wanted to encourage such things. I don't think there were any other high school percussion ensembles entered. .... Does MV now get the students who used to go to Fort Hunt? Sounds like the "feeder school" might get some credit for the improved musicianship. On the other hand, I'm sure it's been long enough that there's been teacher turnover there as well. It's just been the rise of a new standard, which I'm glad to hear the students haven't been willing to give up. .... It's weird to think that they needed to renovate what will always be to me, the "new" school. I remember going there in '74 or '75 or so. But now that school's pushing THIRTY. Not so brand spankin' new any more, I guess. Long enough to have its own sense of heritage. .... A strange thought occurred to me the other day: It's coming up on TWENTY years since our TEN year reunion. I remember how much it seemed some people had changed and how, oddly, some people still seemed the same. Now everyone in those memories seems so young! Pretty soon we'll be gettin' together to reminisce about the good ol' days at previous reunions. "I remember remembering...."

Well Dewey ... that's something that still lives on too -- there's an "official" t-shirt ("dayshirt") that the band wears on trips and such and various activities where a "full" dress uniform isn't required. And THEN there are each sections "thing" - the drumline graduated from t-shirts to Jackets some 8 years ago ... and each section orders either jackets, t-shirts, or sweats (like the nylon zip stuff)-- it's up to the section but see what you started? And then the section leaders usually do the long-sleeve t-shirts and seniors order their own shirts to. What you started has long expanded. OH ... and BTW ... MV Percussion = drumline and QUITE a sideline set up of xylophones and timpanis and various other assorted "instruments" (or anything else that makes noise). "Percussion" symphonic/concert wise performs and competes in its own right and does quite well to this day. It's amazing the number of true musicians the program has turned out over 30 years -- many of which play multi instruments. You guys started something good. As to the "hanging" out in the bandroom -- that still continues -- although "class" is required to start on time with instrumnets in hand and rears placed in seats to actually learn all the music. This doens't however keep people from "helping" during freer periods and after or before school. My son's one of the TA's this year for the band director - the one class he THOROOUGHLY enjoys -- I wonder why. I think you all had a better lounge tho -- whatever "lounge" these guys had was lost when the renovated the school a few years back.

Ok, Dewey, maybe you'll have some recollection of a brass quartet at football games in our freshman and sophomore years consisting of Howard Cason on bone, Paul Vollmer on Sousaphone, and Dave White and Dave Vosburg on trumpets playing the Tiger Rag! Since Howard was a 69 grad, I believe it was Jim Swain that replaced him in our sophomore year version of that. The fist time I saw that group play, it was in 67 at a bon fire right before the football game. At that time, Bob Vosburg had the first trumpet part. Don't remember any drummers being involved, but correct me if I'm wrong. Interesting to remember Howard as such a shy, quiet and gentle sort, and realize that he died in Cambodia sometime before we graduated from Mt. Vernon. I seem to remember a rumor regarding Jim Swain as having died young as well. All bittersweet memories now.

Ah, David, you speak of "Ruffner's Room" in the band room. Alan Ruffner ('73) was, ostensibly, the musical instrument "repairman". Not sure how one earns that title. He then was given the "musical instrument repair room" to use. For our first 3 years, that was just a room with a workbench and a stool or something, as I recall. When Ruffner got it our senior year, it soon acquired some more comfortable seating and then a stereo, and then lights and posters. It was quite the hang-out. I can't quite figure out when it was people would hang out there. Maybe after school. Maybe during band before things got started. AFter all, band was not a class that began when the bell rang. That little "upper class lounge", as you call it, soon became the stashing place for the "supplementary beverages" that caused so much trouble on the Hewlett trip in the spring. I actually don't recall having much involvement with that room, though there were certainly times I hung out. Ruffner gets all the credit for turning it into something special. My turf was the "Drum Room", though it was too full of drums to classify as a place to hang out. I do remember taking great pride when, as section leader, I inherited the key to that room from Dan Adkins. How's it feel, Dave, to know they're still playing our little "Eat 'em up" cheer? .... And speaking of long traditions and Hewlett, I remember when the band took the "Exchange Concert" trip to Hewlett, NY, in the spring of '72, we saw that the Hewlett High School percussion section had T-shirts that had a picture of a double bass-drum drum set and said "Hewlett Percussion" on them. We thought that was so cool that we copied it. (Literally borrowing the artwork from Hewlett.) I still have 2 maroon t-shirts that say "Mount Vernon Percussion" on them. No, they don't fit either. But they did fit me when I went off to college. And the drummers in the Gator Band thought that was pretty cool. My second year in band, one of the drummers copied the idea (with new art work) and the drum section found itself outfitted in "Gator Percussion" T-shirts. By my 3rd year, the artwork improved and we found other sections in the band with their own T-shirts. By the time I left the Gator Band, every section had its own shirt. And that tradition continued long after I was gone. I wonder where the seed of the idea came from at Hewlett. It certainly spread. .... Glad to hear the MV band is bringing back awards, Janine. Certainly something unheard of in our time. .... Sue, you really caught me with the mention of "Watermelon Man". I can't get the tune into my head but I do remember liking it. (Right now I still have the tune to "Goody Goody" stuck in my brain.) I don't remember thinking Steinbach wrote "Watermelon Man", though I do believe he wrote the Alma Mater. I remember seeing him play the piano ONCE and I was amazed. Funny how, as a kid, I just thought he was the "band teacher". Sure, I figured he was a musician. He knew a little bit about how to play any of the instruments. It didn't occur to me that he might be GOOD (and, hence, entertaining). But when I saw him rattlin' the keys on that old upright in the bandroom I was blown away. It's a shame we didn't get to hear him more often. He played great fun stuff. But I don't remember nuthin' 'bout no hotdog in no BUN! ;^)

Hi Dave, maybe you and Dewey, and Janine will remember when Steinbach taught us all to play an old 30's blues snip at the games. He called it Watermelon Man. I remember that tune clearly, I suppose because I thought it cool. Did everyone think Steinbach wrote it? He was an old piano man, and loved to improvise, this could easily be true. I'm pretty sure, however, that Louis Armstrong did it and recorded it a long time ago. There used to be a lot of old blues songs recorded in the 30's that time has forgotten, for instance, I've got a Hotdog for your Bun!

Great job Dewey!! Ohhhhhhhhhhh Dave -- you'd missed your chance to actually see the band this year -- there's an explanation for that. THE band was off at a long scheduled competition that weekend this year (all 110 of them in their uniforms I might add.) Usually they do still play the "Eat' em up" cheer, never stop playing during the football games, etc., and very little varies from Dewey's recollections of Friday night band activities -- the band traditions have survived - as have others but I don't thing anyone who isn't around it continually would notice the other things. The group you saw sans uniforms was the group of eighth graders we'll have moving up next year from Whitman Middle School Band filling in for MVBand -- a tad more inexperienced and little shorter (in most cases) but nevertheless did a great job for their age and two weeks notice to learn some of the music. They appear once a year (in most years) since the eras of pre-determined competition schedules paid for with big $$ far in advance compete with an extended football season schedule (if we're lucky enough for THAT to happen!). It also gives them a great taste of what their life in band would be like the next year and how that feels. Incidentally, while the football team didn't fair as well that weekend, the band did bring back awards :)

You missed your calling Dewey you should have been a writer! I just went back 30 years while reading your entry. I went to the state football semi-finals this past year which were held at Landes Field at Mt Vernon and even included Mt Vernon against Phoebus. Not only did the band not do the "Eat'em up Rah! Rah! Rah!" they did't even wear their uniforms at the game. Also the band was very small, I counted less than 60 members total. By the way we lost the game!!!! but just getting that far this year was totally unexpected. I do remember the Jukebox but the music was much better in the upper-class lounge in the band room. If memory serves me right Dewey you had quite a bit to do with that! Plenty of Chicago, Santana & Three Dog Night. Just seen Three Dog Night two summers ago at the Fairfax County Fair. Let me close for now as I want to get an early start to Home Depot before the crowds start to mass as today is going to be sunny & seventy possibly seventy-two.

Jukebox was our junior and senior years as I recall. For me "Joy to the World" and "Our House" by CS&N are the ones I associate with it. Unlike Peter, none of those songs send me running. On the other hand, I have no memory of "Radio Mount Vernon". But if that was over the PA before school started, that would explain it. Senior year my first period was just me in the bandroom straightening chairs. And showing up a few minutes late was not a problem. And so I did. ..... I also have my "Fairfax County Schools Physical Education" shirt. No chance it would fit me now. I probably weighed 100 pounds when I got it. (If that. The year before, in 8th grade, I was on the junior high wrestling team in Colorado wrestling in the 70-75 pound weight class. Doesn't qualify me as a "jock" since mostly I was there to win by default if the other team didn't have anybody that small.) I also have a maroon felt tri-corner hat, complete with some of the little yellow paper dots that people used for confetti. They were from the computer punch tape machine and were a BITCH to clean up from under the stands on Saturday mornings. .... Sorry Janine. I was busy for a while there. So busy I even missed the discount registration deadline. Don't really have a memory locked and loaded right now. Maybe something later. I do find, that the most "visceral" memories I have are from Friday night football games. THE social activity for me that time of year. While I don't really remember that many specific events, with the right music, I find I can recall the "look and feel" of the stadium on a fall night, with the air muggy and putting a bit of a haze around the stadium lights. Being in the band meant being busy during the game. Playing the fight song and the like. And the drums were always playing along with the cheerleader cheers. I remember getting together with Dave Nermyr and working out the Mess Call/Eat 'em Up cheer. He played the military mess call on his trumpet and the cheer was "Eat 'em up! Eat 'em up! Rah! Rah! Rah!" Got the idea off a sample record Mr. Burroughs, the band director (also known as "Stan, the Man") had received. That first time we played it in the stands it was just Nermyr and me and few band members we told to yell. (I don't think Burroughs was even involved.) The next time, more horns. Then later tubas and everybody. It ended up sounding pretty good, with everybody figuring out their own thing to play. By the end of the season, even the cheerleaders would join in. Rich Colella tells me he would still hear that cheer at HS football games when his daughters were in high school. I wonder if it spread from MV. But I digress from the generic description..... Late in the 2nd quarter, we'd work our way down to the field and wait our cue to start the show. So many shows over 4 years (and 4 more in college), very few details of them are remembered. (Good fodder for bad dreams.) I remember junior year the band starting in a single straight (or so we tried!) line coming from the visitor's side. We played the theme from 2001 with bass drums trying to sound like tympani. I think we also played "Goody Goody" at that show. I think the only song the students in the stands ever really liked was when we played "The Horse". Something contemporary. And I remember Landis actually coming down and "guest directing" at one show. Maybe that was the first one with our new uniforms. There's a picture of him doing that in the yearbook. And I remember playing "El Cumbanchero" once. A nice latin song featuring percussion. After the half time show, we'd have 3rd quarter off. That was our only chance to see anybody else in the stands who wasn't in band. We'd usually head down to the concession stand and get a coke or something. I remember that being a hectic crowd and having the smell of cotton candy. Too bad I didn't much like cotton candy. But I'd still drink an ice cold coke, even if it was freezin' out. The background sound was not only the high pitch of a teeming hoard of high school students yelling, but also that distinctive sound of Mr. Skinner's voice over the P.A. doing the play-by-play. "Catch made by Randy Knight." After the game, which we usually won, we'd march back to the band room to put up the instruments. The baseball field was full of cars trying to find their way out. (It's scary to think how little driving experience most of those drivers had!) Sophomores (and the freshman who knew to) were hooking up with juniors and seniors to get a ride down to Shakey's on US 1 for the "after game". I didn't know to do that when I was a freshman. I just went home. It was a "school activity" that was now over. I didn't realize it's social role. But I think sophomore year I began to. That's a pretty cool "growing up" feeling, when you get to go somewhere on a Friday night, with friends who HAVE CARS. A new freedom is beginning to be felt. Since, as we've already discussed, I had a late birthday, I was still bumming rides junior year. Mostly from Rich Colella or Don Woods or Dan Adkins as I recall. Senior year I finally had my own wheels. (Well, OK, it was my Dad's car, but now *I* was providing rides instead of bumming them.) ..... There is something about the sense of "growing up" and freedom that comes when you're driving around with friends in high school. It's a huge leap in your self-determination. You have a sense of control that's so knew, compared to the 16 years that came before. The music on the radio celebrates it. I can't think of a feeling since, that quite compares. Let's go "drive around". ..... How's that Janine?

Wow, I'd forgotten about the juke box! Who persuaded Mr. Landes to let us have that? Peter, that's an interesting piece of MV History. Pretty neat that members of our class started Radio Mount Vernon, and that it's apparently still going stong. Beth, do you remember whether the juke box was actually in the cafeteria? Maybe I DID hear the Supremes after all ... And Steve, thanks for cutting through the red tape and giving us a sneak preview! If Dance to the Music is at the top of the list, we're going to have some good music in July. Of course, we could toss in Joy to the World just to make Peter nostalgic?

No response form the Meister. Here's a teaser Pat: most requested song so far - Dance to the Music.

Ahhhhhhhh ... ok ... so now I feel a little better. Where's the rest of he crew? Amanda? Ruth? Steve? Gary? Mike? Earl? Jackie? Lynn? Debi? Frank? Mike? Steve? (No I'm NOT being repetitive.) and ... DEWEY -- get your butt in here .... on here ... wherever here and give us more to reflect on. I'm in SERIOUS withdrawal!!

Pat - I remember the music too - you sure we didn't have a juke box? Beth

Pat and Gentlepeople: ERRATA..I am sorry for I meant to say that there is NO BALCONY in the successor building for pep rallies so that tradition died its rightful death...That's what happens when one tries to violate the guidelines for self-promotion and pompousness. ME POMPOUS-NEVER!!!!!...I apologize to every English teacher (yes Dewey, you and I were in the same English class as sophomores) that I ever had. As always, Peace...Peter S. Cruttenden

Pat and Gentlepeople: In direct response to your (Pat's) inquiry, we did in fact have music in the cafeteria both before school and during lunch. The music at lunch did in fact come from a jukebox. As I recall, the mere sound of Rare Earth's "Get Ready" or Three Dog Night's "Joy to the World," (STEVE: THESE SONGS ARE SURELY NOT ON MY REQUEST LIST-THEREFORE I HAVEN'T VIOLATED ANY GUIDELINES) set me and scores of others running the the smoking cage...I didn't even smoke..Regarding the music coming over the PA, it was "Radio Mount Vernon," of which I, on one occassion, had the extreme pleasure of being a part of. In fact, I had a posting several years ago regarding the fact that as of 1997, "Radio Mount Vernon" was still going strong. I would like to point out again, especially when people are taking and remembering about "Who knows what," Radio Mount Vernon was created by members of the Class of 1972 and remains (at least until 1997) the ONLY TRUE TRADITION between our graduating class and many others that have followed. As I far I know there is balcony in the successor building for pep rallies, SO THAT TRADITION died its rightful death. But in all candor, I wonder if anyone remembers the contributions of my two close friends (close even to this day) and what they created...So it was not Just Your Imagination (no pun on the Temptations'song-which is also NOT ON MY LIST)-SORRY AMANDA-I'm not trying to go one-up on you-my apologies..So I do hope that we remember that our class has in fact had a lasting effect on the history and tradition of the school with Radio Mount Vernon. I would be curious if anyone has any specific thoughts or memories of George and Perry's brain-child. Take care...Peace...Peter S. Cruttenden

I'm trying to hold up my end, Janine, but Uncle Meister has yet to issue a ruling on whether Steve can tell us what the favorite songs are so far! Here's another question: Was there music in the cafeteria before school and during lunch our senior year, or am I imagining it? It probably was the "radio show" on the PA system - I doubt we would have had a juke box. I seem to remember hearing the Supremes, but I could be wrong.

Present, just been busy trying to get my daughters room ready for her to moved in with dear old dad.

Well now... here we are ... March 14 and still numerous missing registrations and only two handfuls of entries for the mug contest and ... oddly enough ... we've had as many posting since 3/1 as we were having in one day. OK guys and gals ... I HAVE to ask -- did I miss something? What's up with that? What happened to all that enthusiasm? I'm not liking what I'm seeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeing here. Ollie ollie oxen freeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!

Speaking of Dewey .... DEWEY -- WHERE ARE YOU? My morning's just aren't the same since you've been gone. ((BIG GIANT POUT)) Come back, Dewey -- COME BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACK!!!!

Lets see if Uncle Meister will allow it Pat. I promise I won't post anything even half as long as Dewey's average book..er ah..entry. Yea or Ney Uncle M?

Hey, Steve, is it too early to give us the exit polls on what some of the favorite songs are?

Additional requests noted Amanda. Dewey, some would say "Toys" is all inclusive...not me of course.

Steve, I've heard that line before and always thought it lacked a certain "rhythmic completeness". Then I heard a version (from my brother, Grady, I think) that feels more poetic: "The only difference between men and boys.... Is their lust for women and the price of their toys."

Jody and Dewey, I can appreciate the beauty of snow in March, but....I just planted my rose garden (I beg your pardon) - under a 30 ft. magnoilia amid the camilia and azalea blooms. The Summer Breeze was too much and I ended up Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay watchin' my kids on their wave runners roll away!! I just can't help myself guys, so sorry. -- I never rebelled when I was younger.

Ruth, Old American proverb, bumper sticker and restroom wall notation: "The only difference between Men and Boys is the price of their toys".

Hey Steve, do you think the slug in a tux might play "My Bonnie (no longer) Lies Over The Ocean"?? More important, will the pipes be ready to "sing" it by then?? (this Guestbook entry has been brought to you by CrypticMessages.com)

Just a suggestion for those who have time to locate "lost classmates" ... the web site AnyWho www.anywho.com ... has helped me locate lots of friends, business associates, etc. It takes a little time to do the searches but it might be a good resource. The web search engine: www.google.com also seems to be a rapid response vehicle for locating folks. Hope this helps!

Hello, Sue- I didn't get a chance to stay in Lurker Land too long-I remember Gordon Freeman. How could I forget Gordon? Moved into my first apartment and he and his new bride lived in the apartment right above mine. (Hmmm...how do I delicately say this?) I never had to set my alarm because I was awaken like clock-work EVERY morning! They moved out and that was the last time I heard anything from Gordon!!

Hi Janine, Hi Mike! I must confess, Mike, I also found my old MV gym uniform, a size 6, and although I realized immediately that it was at least 4 sizes too small, I attempted to put it on! Lynn! Have you really stayed so small after 30 yrs? Mine had my gold emblazened last name near the collar, proof that it once was mine, but it sure wouldn't fit over my golden blazened rear end! I wonder if anyone out there remembers a 71 grad named Gordon Freeman? He sat in study hall with me and Debbie Deforest when I was a junior, I believe. He was a funny guy. He heckled us unmercifully, and Mrs. Carr never seemed to be aware. This was in the cafeteria, and when Debbie stood up to get a drink bending over the water fountain, Gordon shouted in preAustin Powers style, "Yeah baby, bend over and crack a smile!". I cracked up ( no pun intended), but it just didn't seem to bother Debbie! Got to run now. Take care you all.

******************ATTENTION ************** MARCH 15 IS APPROACHING QUICKLY. The significance of this? So is your deadline for receiving your special discounted rate of $72 per person for the picnic and dinner. We've not heard from many of you enthusiastic people yet so let's keep those cards and letters coming folks!!! (Reminder: You don't have to hold up your registration for decisions on merchandise -- that can follow later -- see deadline on previous post below). Thanks for your attention ... back to your regular scheduled programming. And don't be so silent around here ... maybe instead of Homeward Bound you should have picked Sounds of Silence, John.

Hi all - Kathy Stumm and I had our "mini-west-reunion" on Friday. Met for lunch and had a great time remembering and catching up. Unfortunately, due to the snow storm outside we couldn't have a class of wine in everyone's honor. Will have to save that for the reunion. (Yes for you northern Virginians, life can go on uninterupted in a snow storm) :-) Can't wait to see everyone else.

Brad-I remember that time Ruth was force-fed margaritas for 2 days (and developed muti-personality brain cells!)Unfortunately, we never found out exactly where this occured. If my brain cells are correct, we offered to pay for the directions and even that didn't work!! Lynn- I have to admit that I too still have my "Fairfax County Physical Education" T-Shirt (Red with White writing/Reversible Blue). I went downstairs and pulled it out of the closet. I didn't try it on since it looked kinda small (I think it has really shrunk after all these years!) so I will not be wearing mine to the Reunion Picnic either!

Hmmmmmmm .... very conspicuous silence around here. Cat got all of your tongues and fingers? huh? huh? huh?

Wow great web page hope everyone is doing well

You may want to also review the forest gump sound track for a good list of songs. Watched it sunday and had forgot how good the sound track was. Of course almost famous also covers alot of songs that cover our youth. those 3 sound tracks would about do the entire party. mac

Start with the soundtrack from "Remember the Titans" and go from there! (And if anyone wants to sing the Marvin Gaye part of "Ain't No Mountain High Enough"...I've got the Tammi Terrell part covered...

Janine, I noticed that you have Dave Puckett listed as still missing. I had a couple of cold ones with him in December. I'll get you his phone and address. He also keeps in touch with Tom Lindsey.

It seems to me the Ruth and her brain cells have been to that place she visited in Aug of 2000 where she was forced fed margaritas for two days. Does anyone rememeber how to get there? maybe we should all join her.

John, Honest, I really was going to follow your rules, so please don't blame me for this CHAIN OF FOOLS. You know PEOPLE JUST GOT TO BE FREE, especially when it comes to a wayward guestbook spree. Proclaim what you may, just be mindful of the GAMES PEOPLE PLAY. By the way, was that a request for AMERICAN WOMAN??? LMAO! Thanks everyone for your requests - e-mailed AND publicized by other means. Keep em coming.

Cindee, your memories of English classes led me back to some of my own. Does anyone remember Mrs. Upshaw? We read Giants in the Earth about Per Hansa and the move west. Remember Col Samuelson -- freshman English. Lynn Shaughnessy, Don Woods, Todd Thurman and others were in that class -- 2nd period if I remember correctly. Col S believed that reading was education and we wrote index cards for each book that we read. He also had that exciting exercise that still makes my heart stop with dread--recite a memorized poem and then speak extemporaniously by picking a noun out of one bucket and a verb out of the other. The speach I remember was delivered by Don Woods. He had to give a talk on stone cow statues. Quite inventive! Don, do you remember? We also read the Scarlet Ibis and another story about the end of the US and some people came and found cities quiet and abandoned, devoid of life. Amongst the rubble were some letters cut into stone. Don Wooods figured out it was NYC, and that it was the Treasury Department or something akin to that. Col Samuelson died of a heart attack at the Drug Fair at Landmark Mall one Sunday evening in January. We had the southern accent lady for a substitute until they hired Mrs. Upshaw. Col S used to always let the ladies exit from the class first. The Wed before Thanksgiving 1968, after the bell had rung and our books were on our desks, the ladies were poised to leave. He stopped us and said "gentlemen, I want you to have something to be thankful for. Gentlemen may leave!" We ladies had to wait! :) He was cool. Lynn

Come on, Pat. If you're going to say "Inna-gadda-da-vida" you've got to find some way to sneak it into your sentence as regular English! ;^) Amanda, I'm still trying to figure out how declaring your love for Julio motivated you to picture equines on locomotives in the sky. But, hey, if John Lennon could picture Lucy up there with jewelry, why not? But maybe John H. has the best idea: To heck with the actual records. Let's just get a karaoke machine in there and we can all try to sing them ourselves! That ought to make sure the place is empty by closing time. ..... Well, as Apolo Anton Ohno said after wiping out at the olympics: "We'd better GITARZAN-boni out on the ice so we won't be SLIP-SLIDIN' AWAY anymore!"

American women, get away from me
American women, mammas let me be

Now women, get away
American women, listen when I say

American women
I'm looking at you right in the eyes
Tell you what I'm gonna do
I'm gonna leave you women

And ... let me get this straight?!?! You all are the SAME people that I've received no mug slogans from? No excuses -- if you all can be THIS creative -- you better get something to me -- I dunt wanna hear again how others are more creative -- just do it dammit!

Ruth dear, I believe that LONG COOL LADY was ME AND JULIO DOWN BY THE SCHOOL YARD. (He “TRIED TO KISS ME BUT I’M WAY TOO TALL.”) I knew that ONLY A FOOL BELIEVED his LYIN’ EYES, but he did MAKE LOVIN’ FUN. Well, we had ONLY JUST BEGUN, but it was TOO LATE TO TURN BACK THEN, COULD IT BE I WAS FALLING IN LOVE? I could have SAID IT IN A SONG, but I said “THIS IS IT, IF YOU DON’T KNOW ME BY NOW, I HONESTLY LOVE YOU and I WON’T LAST A DAY WITHOUT YOU - NOBODY DOES IT BETTER and I’LL NEVER LOVE THIS WAY AGAIN.” Well, that gave me a PEACEFUL, EASY FEELING - I could almost picture A HORSE WITH NO NAME on a LOVE TRAIN climbing that STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN, but I figured it was just a RAINY DAYS AND MONDAYS thing. I knew it was time to go or I’d no longer RESPECT MYSELF. He cried DON’T STOP, HOW ‘BOUT US, WHEN WILL I SEE YOU AGAIN, DON’T LEAVE ME THIS WAY! (I really BLEW HIS MIND THAT TIME, DIDN’T I?) As I walked away I promised that ALWAYS AND FOREVER, he’d get THE BEST OF MY LOVE. Still love me John? Do I still need to e-mail you Steve?

... and did anyone else notice that Steve is a poet and did(n't) know it?

John, is is JUST MY IMAGINATION, or was your last post and link a not so subtle way of getting even with me for misbehaving?? If so, YOUR SONG reference worked and I feel throughly remorseful for having crossed you. But, FOR WHAT IT'S WORTH, please understand that you have always known how to LIGHT MY FIRE of mischievousness. Given the nonesense that I'm currently dealing with at work, your rekindling of my sense of humor is a GOOD THING and I THANK YOU FALETINME BE MICE ELF AGIN.

Steve, how about In-a-Gadda-da-Vida?!?!?! Hah - just kidding - if they play that thing all the way through to the end, there won't BE any time for any other selections. I will e-mail you my 5 favorites, or at least 5 I'd vote for.

Steve, I just think it would be a special treat to hear Captain Curtis and Tenille Haseman do a karaoke version of the tune!

Lynn, sent me as many requests as you want since we don't have to worry about space. John, What can I say? I knew you wouldn't let us forget that one. But I'm perplexed with your subtleness. I figured you would have just loaded up a Midi file. Thanks for sparing us...ah, never mind... Me and my big mouth! Ruth (notice I didn't tick you off by calling you Ruthie 0:) Leave it to our resident Lobbyist to find the loophole. However, you know better than to be a "wild grapevine" by not following the Meister's line. I realize that you are concerned that "he was a she" - just don't pay attention to that rumor about ME AND BOBBY MCGEE. Not a concern of mine, so theres really no cause for you to SPILL THE WINE. Just be thankful that we will have HOT FUN IN THE SUMMERTIME. In the interim, my only fret is that I CAN'T GET NEXT TO YOU - such a crime!

Well Steve, although it wouldn't be in MY top five, you simply CAN'T forget this one! ;-}