Guest Book

Just completed National Do Not Call Registry for a couple of phone numbers. Hope it will reduce some of the "sell" calls. Have not flown this month do to a bum shoulder. I think the sins of my youth are starting to catch up with me. Also some degenerate disk disease in the neck going on( MV football players- remember the Green Monster). Those that live in Va., what are the local papers printing about Va Tech joining the ACC? Wishing everyone a happy and safe July 4th. Ward

Lynn, sometimes it is hard for me to believe I have grandchildren. I can't fathom being 49 either. My oldest granddaughter is 8yrs now, just a bit younger than your youngest. Of course, Tom and I have been married for 31yrs now too. Where does the time go?

Congratulations Donna!! Have fun with the new little guy. It is still hard for me to think of you and Sandy and the others with grandchildren when I still have an eleven year old at home. I'm dealing with Middle School stuff! (and high school and college)Well, enjoy every minute! Lynn

Thanks ya'll. I don't know if I would skip it, but being a grandma is definitely more fun than being a mom. Like Pat says you don't have the hard parts. I love to visit with my grandkids then can leave when I am ready. Now if I could only find a loophole in the rules to allow me to tell my kids what they should and shouldn't do when raising my grandbabies. Ha! Take care all

A friend of mine who has several grandchildren once told me she loves being a grandmother so much that she wished she could have skipped the part about being a parent and gone right into grandmotherhood! Congratulations, Donna!

Donna, congratulations! Being a grandparent looks great to me - all of the fun and so little of the responsibility! Have a wonderful time with your new grandson!

Just wanted to share a little of my joy with ya'll. Yesterday my fourth grandchild and first grandson was born. He finally showed up at 7:00pm. Changes the whole stigma of friday the 13th. There was a full moon as well. Oh well, can't be any worse than my other three little monsters. Hope ya'll have as great a weekend as I will. Thanks!!!

Just a reminder about Eric Burdon coming to Jaxx's in West Springfield Friday night.

Thanks Amanda...........

......and Beth, your sweet spirit is what people see and love about you - the rest is superficial. What anyone else thinks doesn't really matter anyway - stay healthy, feel great and do it for you! You're a winner, girl.

John, I bought stock in KK over a year ago ---- sure am enjoying watching you guys eat 'em up! --- This is the fun way to "gain" with the little krispy kritters! -- Keep eatin' guys!!!!!!

Beth, your will power astounds me. I will have to eat an extra one to bring the universe back into balance. And if KK thought Q1 was good, just wait 'til they see what this dang guest book has done to their Q2 sales! Guess I should be considering stock....

Hmmmmmmmmmmm!!!!!!!!:

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Krispy Kreme Beats Expectations in 1Q
Updated: Wednesday, May. 28, 2003 - 5:04 PM EDT.

By PAUL NOWELL
AP Business Writer

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Inc. said Wednesday its first-quarter earnings rose 47 percent, beating Wall Street's expectations as it benefited from sales growth in stores that opened during the past year. Its shares rose nearly 7.3 percent.

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc., based in Winston-Salem, earned $13.1 million, or 22 cents per share, in the three months ended May 4 compared with $8.9 million, or 15 cents per share, a year earlier. The results surpassed the consensus forecast of 20 cents a share by analysts surveyed by Thomson First Call. (AP Graphic)

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Well I just turned down something that was a VERY difficult thing to do. I turned down a CHOCOLATE Frosted KK donut! It was just offered to me and I was so tempted.. but I thought about it, and then said "No thanks" The reason is that I just spent over an hour at the gym last night working out (I just started going, last night was my first night) and I just didn't want to wreck anything that I did last night! So I guess I should be proud of myself! And I am. (Baby steps) Maybe the next time we have a mini reunion I'll look better... we'll see!!

Hi all you rain drop dodgers. It did not rain for most of the day Sun. and Mon. then this am., it was good enough to plant some beans, pepper and tomatoe plants. Snow peas are up been getting spinach and lettuce from some friends. Yes, Pat please stop in the area near Harrisonburg. I would be thrilled to take you on a great hike in Nat. Forest not far from here. They have a jousting tournament in August at the Natural Chimneys near Mt. Solan VA. Sister Lucy lives near there. Then we go to watch them go for the ring with a spear while on horseback. There are many places of interest especially natures beauty. Spinach and poached eggs on thin party toast or just with cheese, interested? Good days ahead for sunny forecast!

Glazed, hell. Go for the chocolate frosted, Mike. Make it a real celebration. And don't forget: You get a price break if you buy a dozen!

Believe it or not- in the past 2 months I have cut down on my KK (and other dessert) intake AND have lost the gut that I've been carrying around the past year! Man, it was the first time I'd gained weight and of course it's always where I least wanted it! So, now that my weight is down- maybe I should go have a glazed donut to celebrate (Pat, hope I won't gain anything just by thinking about it!!) Have a happy and SAFE holiday!

Hope everyone has a great and safe MEMORIAL DAY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I think we all need to go visit Suzanne and eat some healthy produce for a while. I personally have gained 2 lbs just since this conversation began. Have a great trip, Gary -

Man did I open a few flood gates or what? KK-donuts!! I don't remember the coffee on N. Kings Hwy. I do remember as a youngster during the summer months riding with my oldest brother Skip on his routes delivering KK-donuts. And being able to go in the "kitchen of KK" and watching the entire process. On a different note. I'm heading south next week to Boynton Beach Florida, outside West Palm, to "hook up" with Mike DeChants for the annual "ALL GUY FISHING TRIP" to The Bahamas. I'm really psyched about that. But another thing about the trip is that I'm going to see on old MVHS grad and best friend from back then, Greta McGhee. I haven't seen Greta since the summer of '73. She lives about 5 minutes from Mike. This time next week? I'll be pulling into The Port LaCaya Resort & Yacht Club. I fly into West Palm next Wed. morning, where Dechants will pick me up and then we'll get on his 40' boat and take it across the ocean to The Bahamas on Thursday morning....Am I boring anyone yet? OK..I'll stop. Wanna wish health & happiness to all..I'll be posting pictures on my web site when I get back...(kidding) PEACE & LOVE....> Gary

MMMMMMMMMMmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm Dewey, I almost just left work right now to drive down Rt 1 and get a KK!! Beth

Last night, as I was driving home to the north side of Denver from the south side of Denver, I found myself thinking, just as my usual exit came up, "You know, it's only about 5 miles further to the Krispy Kreme from here. And I haven't I been in the mood for a donut lately?" (I wonder why.) So I'm sure it will come as no surprise to you to learn that right now, even as we speak (or at least, as I write) I am eating a chocolate frosted Krispy Kreme donut. Teeth sinking slowly into only slight resistance, the smooth sheet of sugar coating fracturing, falling, sticking to my lips and finger tips. The sweetness fills my mouth joined by the warm richness of the chocolate and the donut. There's a certain "fine coarseness" that I can feel with my tongue as the topping disintegrates and dissolves. Swallowing, it seems like taste receptors on the roof of my mouth are busily latching on to carbohydrates, saying "To heck with the stomach. Let's move this stuff into the bloodstream here! Now!" Like a pressure under my eyes, I can feel the chocolatey sugar rush. It's almost a burn. And a cool swallow of milk soothes..... Yum.... Time for another.

Hi, Could not help but laugh the sweet tooth is out and I agree Pam think those green (k)crispy (k)crunchy salads. Was given my first bag of lettuce and spinach from the garden yesterday. Concerning KK of RT. 1, I remember peddling those great glazed dozen's for the x-nay sorrority on Sat. and Sun. morning. We raised money for the Alpha Omega dance in the winter. Yeah we would watch with our nose's pressed to the glass. Kind of like seeing those Idaho potatoes made into McDonald's FF's being pressed then shoe strung into the hot oil. Keep up the thinking green. Suzanne

Sandy I know that being a grandma will be so much more fun, we can just enjoy the baby/child and not worry about raising him/her. I don't remember the coffee house on N. Kings... I didn't get out much in the wee hours of the morning... my father was sooooo strict!!

Beth, You won't believe how much fun you will have. A friend tried to describe it to me when we were waiting for Clio to be born, but it is truely unimaginable how much you will love your grandchild. I am SO grateful that Amy and her family live here in C'ville and I get to see Clio at least once a week. Oh, and about those donuts, do any of you remember the coffee house on N. Kings Hwy? We used to stop on our way home from there in the wee hours of the morning and watch the KK donuts being made. We got one here in C'ville a couple of years ago and I still enjoy watching them float along their moat of fat and get flipped over and iced automatically. very cool. ss

Thanks... I like both Krispy Creame and Dunk'n so not to have neither feel left out.. I'll have one of each.

Congratulations, Beth and David. Have a donut to celebrate!

Well I am writing with some news! David and I are going to be Grandparents! Remember the newlyweds? The one's that were going to wait about 5 years to have a baby? Well the baby is due the end of Dec!!! I sure can't wait!

Well with all this donut talk.. I was really bad this morning. I hit the Dunkin Donuts drive thru and indulged myself with one of their super sweet French crullers! Now I'm feeling those pangs of guilt so I'm going to have to hit the treadmill! Sharon, yes that lunch is long overdue, but now let's think SALADS! I'll phone you soon.

OK, Sharon, that's a deal! Pam, I also remember selling Krispy Kremes door-to-door to raise money. Isn't it interesting to see how KK has developed the mystique it has now - we just took them for granted when we were selling them for $.50/box or whatever it was. Still...when they're warm and just off the conveyor, they are something special.

Yes, Pam, there is a KK in Newington 50-55 minutes away. A bit of a hike for a donut fix, but I'd love to meet you there for coffee. Or maybe we should get in one last(first?)lunch here before Emily graduates from Hotchkiss. Dunkin Donuts are available all over the place, I'll trade you, Pat! We try to route our flights to NC thru Charlotte to buy Krispy Kremes in the airport!

I remember selling Krispy Kreme Doughnuts for Drill Team fund raisers, boxes and boxes to deliver on weekend mornings. By the way Sharon, a Krispy Kreme opened recently in Newington, Ct. just outside of Hartford. So if you REALLY get the cravings or feel a bit nostalgic it can't be more than a 45 minute drive from Litchfield. Actually, that may be a good spot to meet for coffee?

Whoops, Sharon, you HAVE Ben&Jerry's! Maybe I can borrow one of those Domino's pizza warmer cases and send you a dozen Krispy Kremes!

OK, this is too much - I'm stopping at the Krispy Kreme this afternoon! Last year they opened one very close to our house (and next door to our grocery store) so it is a constant temptation! But we love Dunkin' Donuts, too. Since they have very few down here, that's a regular stop on the first morning of every visit back home. And Sharon, if I could figure out a way to keep it frozen, I would FedEx you some Ben&Jerry's! Mike, how lucky that you didn't have to do the Malvo trial. That certainly would have been the end of your 2003. Will they be sequestered? Right after college my presence was "requested" for jury duty in Fairfax Co. We were on call one day a week for a month, and I sat on 3 juries: breaking&entering, reckless driving, and some landlord/tenant dispute which got settled halfway through. What did you think of your experience? I came away really impressed with the fairness and impartiality shown. Even though we had 2 convictions, the jurors were painstaking in their work.

When Krispy Kreme opened up a store out here in Denver it was a quite a major story on the TV news shows. The first day it opened, the donuts were FREE! (Limit 1 doz to go). Now there are two stores - one on the south side, one on the north. I was at "The Pepsi Center" arena on Sunday - where the Denver basketball, hockey, arena football, etc. teams play - and there was a little Krispy Kreme stand in the collonade. Stadium prices: $4.75 for a box of 4! When I was in college at UF, there was a Krispy Kreme within about a 10-15 minute walk from the dorm. It was one of THE spots to hit at 3AM. That's when they're making the donuts for the morning rush and when you buy one they go into the back and take it hot off the conveyor. YUM! But I confess to being a Dunkin' Donuts man myself. While the classic Krispy Kreme is pretty special - being so light and intensely sugary - I find I have a preference for the formula for the chocolate frosting used by Dunkin' Donuts. And for me, a donut just HAS to have chocolate on it. Don't give me none of that fruit-filling stuff. (Dunkin Donuts also has a "Chocolate Filled" that will knock your glucose levels off the charts.) A few years ago, it seems all the Dunkin' Donuts shops in Denver closed up. A shame. When I was in Boston in 97-99 I was in Dunkin' Donuts heaven. There was one place where there were two Dunkin Donuts stores across the street from each other. I think one got the morning going-to-work traffic and the other got the evening going-home-traffic. And there, the retirement of the Dunkin' Donuts "make the donuts" guy (from the commercials) was a TV news story. Judging by the average weight of Bostonians, I'd guess that Dunkin' Donuts is based there or somethin'. ... Dang. Now I'm in the mood for donuts. Or as Homer Simpson would say "DOOOOONUUUUUUUTSSSSS Hmmmmmmmmmm." That strawberry yogurt in the fridge just ain't gonna cut it.

We have some hungary classmates out there- Ben and Jerry/Krispy Kreme Donuts-you really know how to bring in the lurkers! Ann and I just got back from Newport, Rhode Island this week. Ben and Jerry are really big up there (they even sponser a big jazz festival) and Dunkin' Donuts are #1 there-however, they just aren't the same as KK!! Got back Sunday night and had to call Fairfax Co courthouse to see if I had to report to jury duty as "requested" for the following day. I did. They only picked two juries that day and I was on one of them. The really good news is the other jury that I didn't get picked was the Malvo sniper case, and who knows how long those poor people will be serving. TV crews and reporters were all over the place. Mine was a civil case, so we only had seven people and since I've always said it's a small world, it should have been no surprise that one other of those people also was a graduate of Mount Vernon. He was not around MV when we were, since he was a young kid of 32. Man, I just realized I KNOW I'm getting old when a 32 year old seems really young-it wasn't so long ago that someone that age seemed very OLD!!! Oh well, it must be time for me to eat a pint of B&J, go to bed, and plan to get up early in the morning and make a trip to Krispy Kreme (as opposed to going early Sunday morning while coming home from a big night out!!) YIKES, how time does change things!

Tom and I were just talking about how we missed the Krispy Kreme donuts. It was just on the local news that they are gonna build a Krispy Kreme in our area. We are ready. Tom heard that someplace in Alaska was having trouble with bears tearing up doors to get inside homes. They found the best bait to trap the bears was Krispy Kreme glazed donuts. I guess they are loved by all.

Well the Krispi Kreme has a new building but the smell is still the same. Driving past that area on Rt. 1 is heavenly.

I wish we HAD a Ben & Jerry's. We have to get our Phish Food and Brownie Batter from the grocery store. What I REALLY miss is Krispy Kreme donuts!

Gary, Ben & Jerry's here was doing the same thing today to benefit a local land conservancy, and you couldn't fight your way into the parking lot! So I missed my Half Baked!

CLASS !!! Quick! They're giving away "FREE ICE CREAM!" Today at Ben & Jerry's...In Alexandria....I went by and the line was out the door up Union to King..Up King to Lee....Man O Man...Hope all is going well....I really wanted some "CHUNKY MONKEY!"

Possible mini-reunion opportunities:

I mentioned Eric Burdon at Jaxx in Springfield on June 13th a few posts back. I think he is a no-miss event!

Here are some other "possibilities" at Birchmere:

The Strawbs AND John Renbourn & Jacquie McShee
Date: Monday 5/5/2003
Time: 7:30 PM
Cost: $16.50

An Evening with PROCOL HARUM
Procol Harum is: Gary Brooker, Matthew Fisher, Geoff Whitehorn, Mark Brzezicki, Matt Pegg
Date: Tuesday 5/6/2003
Time: 7:30pm
Cost: $22.50

1964: The Tribute
Date: Wednesday 6/11/2003 or Thursday 6/12/2003
Time: 7:30pm
Cost: $20.00

Click on the link to "1964: The Tribute" to find out more about them. They are a Beatles cover band. They have recordings on their web sight so you can judge how good they are.

Yes, I agree. It has been a long time, and Spring is here, and the snow is gone, well for most of us. David and I just got back from our anniversary trip. We went to the Bavarian Inn in WVA. Been there before had a great time. But I do miss seeing everyone, where is everyone? Let's get together!

I'm with you...isn't it almost time for another mini-reunion?

Greetings classmates! I miss the banter - time to get things rockin' again! Peter, where are you? Anyone else coming out to play? John, buddies?

Happy Easter, everybody - I second Donna's wishes for a good holiday for all.

Just wishing everyone a Happy and Blessed Easter!!!!!!!!!!

Hi all, It seems awhile checking the notebook. Traveled to Salisbury MD today. But much too cold to go to Ocean City, although last week went up one evening it was much warmer and was here for 3 days. Spring is trying to take a hold it won't be much longer. Hope this finds all good. Keep posted. Suzanne

WHAT'S UP CLASSMATES? Just checking in from Lurksville. Hope everyone is doing well in these mind boggling times...I got an Email from David Braswell the other night and he informed me that his son, DEREK, was on Iraqi soil. Take a second and include his safe return in your prayers. John H.? Eric Burdon? Man, I bet that is a good show. Have fun. Everyone out there take care and keep out of trouble. GARY

I remember going to Ford's theater to see a play in English class junior year. It's one of the "name dropping" things I like to do when talking to others about how neat it was to go to high school in the D.C. area.

David and I went to see 1776 at Ford's Theater last night. It was really good, it was a comedy/musical. It was about the weeks prior to the writing and signing of the Declaration of Independence. Even learned some US history. I surely recommend it. It is on until 1 June.

Great News!! (for me, anyway). Eric Burdon is coming back to Jaxx in West Springfield on Fri, June 13th. He gave a great show last time. Don't miss it!

Yeah, boy, howdy. That's some snow. When it rains it pours. And if it's cold enough it blizzards. This is the most snow I've seen in a long time. The amounts really varied around the Denver area. I got about 30" where I am on the north side, but some friends on the south side got 46". A friend up in the mountains got more like five FEET. And the town of Rollinsville got closer to NINETY inches. But Colorado Springs (about 60 miles south) and Lyons (about 30 miles north) only got an inch or two. In Denver it really did bring things to a halt. I felt sorry for all the spring breakers stranded at the airport for days. I spent a lot of time dealing with window well issues. And shoveling. The city did not plow our culdesac so it wasn't until a neighbor got out his 4x4 and drove around, packing things down, that we could even think about getting out. Now begins the big melt. It's done wonders for our snowpack totals, though. The resevoirs still have a ways to go but this helps. Melting sun this weekend but forecasters say two more storms coming this next week. The first will hardly count being only a few inches, but the one at the end of the week might be bigger. I'll bet the spring skiing is great. ...... Gordon Iiams was in my study hall freshman year, and sat pretty close. I remember thinking he seemed like a pretty cool guy. Struck me as a good role model kind of person. I just did a little Googling and see that the Gordon Iiams who spoke at Brown's service was 49 years old. That's the right age, and so makes the liklihood even greater that he's the MV grad. I'm impressed that Gordon couldn't pin you, John. Pretty good for a freshman to hold his own against that kind of talent.

Hi, everyone - I just read in USA Today that Faris Farwell, Laura Farwell's younger brother, is the commander of the USS Bunker Hill in the Persian Gulf. Let's keep him in our thoughts! We are just back from a spring break pilgrimage to Orlando, where it was nearly 90 degrees, so it was rather shocking to hear about the snow totals Dewey is enjoying in CO!

Hey,Dewey-Earlier this winter, you said Denver could use a good blizzard since you have had a drought for such a long time. Have you had enough snow yet or could you use some more? Eight feet of snow is incredible! How are you and our other Rocky Mountain area classmates faring?

I've been keeping tabs on the Astronaut/shuttle situation since my brother knew Brown, and my father was good friends with his father in high school. Well, I was reading about Brown's funeral in the Post today, and Gordon Iiams gave one of the speeches. Now I don't know how many Gordon Iiams there are in the world, but one went to MV a couple of years ahead of us. He used to wup me in wrestling practice when I was a freshman. Couldn't pin me, though! Somehow, I was proud of that, being a rookie against a state caliber wrestler. A few months ago, I was wondering what happened to him. Small world.

Lynn, you are right!! If April Showers bring May flowers, what do May flowers bring? PILGRIMS!! OK, OK.. but we need some fun after this snowy winter, and broken ankles, and floods, and deaths...right?

Speaking of old memories coming back: I was on the CU campus today when there was a "Bombs not Books" demonstration. Some 10's of students marching down the street, carrying signs, banging a drum and chanting things. What with bell bottoms and hip huggers in style, an anti-war rally really had a nostalgic twinge to it. There was even a male student with shoulder-length hair and mutton-chop sideburns. Made me want to go home and watch Laugh-In. ;^)

Beth - sorry to hear about your flood. But to answer your question "What do may flowers bring?", they bring pilgrims! I can hear the groans, but I just couldn't resist! Memories of US Govt classes came flooding back this week as I served on a jury! It was very interesting to be part of the process and see it at work. Interestingly, one of the jurors teaches at MVHS! Think spring!

By the way Bill... good answer anyway.

Sorry Bill, but no... anymore guesses?

June Bugs.

Well David and I are almost finished cleaning up from the storm weekend before last. Yes we were one of the over 4,000 people in Alexandria to have water in our basement. We got about 8 inches. I had just put down a new braided rug, but we did save the cushions on the 3 piece sectional so they only had to come and clean the frames, they took away the rug, should have it back today. The BAD thing is the large screen tv!! It doesn't work, but the place we bought it said it has happened to others and it is fixable. So they have it now, so we are just hoping. It took David MONTHS of looking for just the RIGHT tv. He was driving me crazy about it, and now we have only had it about 8 months and then this! But it will be fixed and all will be ok. We are so paranoid now with the snow melting and we just hope if it rains that it is not a downpour like that Saturday when all the flooding accured. I was concerned about the house smelling and water damage, but that is not the case. Everything is pretty much back in order. Is Spring ever going to get here? If April showers bring May flowers, what do May flowers bring?

i love your site

Hello all! I'm getting caught up reading the Guestbook postings. Went to Sarasota, Florida just before our big snow storm here. Since the airport in DC was closed the day we were to fly back, we had to stay in Florida. Not a bad place to be snowed in!! Sorry Ruth, but it was too far away to swing by and see you (even if you had been there-knowing how much you travel!) Donna- sorry to hear about your loss. What a tragic story. My sympathy and prayers to you and your family.

Once again I want to thank all of you for your prayers and warm thoughts. Our Faith will see us thru this time. We are just coming out of our bout of winter weather. Three days shut in the house with grandkids. I am getting out tomorrow, come hell or high water(or snow). We only had 4-6",with ice on top of that, and we completely shut down around here, so I feel for your guys. I can't imagine any more than that. I hope ya'll are all real careful.Take care all.

To all keep safe on the roads.Have not checked book for a while. Another possible 8" of snow flakes today (presently snowing) into tomorrow til noon. While feeling the effects of cabin fever from the 22" snow, then rain on top 2", this phrase came to mind." Sledding is slushie super sized slop since snow ceased".It was good to catch up. Likewise prayers for your family Donna.You will be a very special support for your sister. Suzanne

Donna, I'm so sorry for your sister's loss of her son. I can't believe what she must be going through. She's in my prayers. Tim

My friends. thank you so much for all your kind words. It means so much at this time of sadness. Donna

Donna....My condolences to you and your family...

Donna, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

For us the snowstorm was an additional tradgedy. If so inclined please offer a prayer for my sister Di,(class of '74). She recently moved to Hagerstown, MD for a new job, leaving her family in Forrest, VA to finish school, sell the house etc. she was planning to go home this past weekend, but the snowstorm kept her from it. On Sunday morning, her 14year old son died from a heart seizure and she was unable to get home until last night. Thankfully an emergency transport was able to get permission to travel into VA if they paid for the trip. I feel that must be one of the hardest things for a parent is to have to bury a child. Thanks for all your good thoughts. Donna

How are you all faring during this snowstorm?

I scanned Ellen's obit and put a link to it in Frank's message. It has a picture of her. I can't believe she was on the missing list all this time. Her parents still live up the street from my parents. I didn't really know her, so I unfortunately never made the connection.

Also, my brother Mark knew the astronaut Dave Brown. He was the same year in high school at Yorktown, and competed in gymnastics against him. Then they went to William and Mary together, and did the gymnastics thing there. Also, it turns out that Brown's father was in my dad's class at W&L high school in Arlington. I guess that rates as getting close to home.

Well, we lost another one. Today's Post contains an obit for Ellen Moore Long. Viewing is the 10th at Demaine's in Springfield.

More graduation speech memories: I seem to remember some wise advice offered by Mr. Lyons in his speech: he said to focus on the important things in life - doing a job that you enjoy, choosing a good spouse, etc. and not to be distracted by the little things. Now that I'm older myself, I understand what he meant in a way that I really didn't at the time. (Of course, when you're 17 or 18, the Big Picture is elusive!)

I remember David and I going to a party at Margo's after graduation and then David and I going to Ocean City the next day. I do remember since us girls wore a white gown, that we had to have a white dress. Well I could not find a white dress so I had to make one. I remember that it had three red buttons below the collar. I don't remember wearing it again...maybe I did. Well I got my cast off on Monday, yeah!! David and I, and our oldest son are leaving for NC tomorrow morning to visit my sister, (it's her husband's 50th and they are having a big bash). My brother-in-law is in two bands and they will all be there, so it should be a good time. I still have a brace on my ankle, but it is removable so it is sooo much better. The car ride won't be so bad now.

I defnitely don't remember the speech. I do remember pulling up with Jeff Cook, Greta McGee, Mari-Anne Roderick in Jeff's father's 1969 Green Bonneville Convertible. Everyone was lined up and we pulled right up along side everyone. Bailed out. Out parents stnding there. Mr. Coo jumpomg behind the wheel and finding a parking space. Sitting there in Cap & Gown sweating out the beverages that were enjoyed on the way. Then afterwards, headed to Shakeys Pizza with my family and then to Jeff Cook's house for the BIG BASH!! I hope everyone is doing well. Gary

Well I guess all of us that had forgot now know the theme of Tim's speech. Most likely we all could have used a little "Sunday Sermon" on graduation day. And LUKE 6 46-49 is certainly thought provoking. Just wish I remembered more about that day... My only memory is of returning to my home from Constitution Hall with my parents to learn from my brother that my dearest childhood friend's mother had passed away in Massachusetts a day earlier.I stayed in that night and skipped the parties.

Don, You're correct that scripture was the basis for the speech. While I don't remember stating the scripture what I was trying to say was that our high school years and those that followed were setting the foundations for our lives. Yes it probably sounded like a sermon but whatever. How could you of remembered it? Did you need a little Sunday Sermon at the time? Tim

For the theme of Tim's speech, look up Luke 6:46-49, Tim can verify this later. Actually, I don't remember who told me that Melvin helped write the speech,but I stand corrected by the true author. But in all fairness Tim it did sound a little like a Sunday sermon, and I knew that Melvin was also a minister, so I passed along the story I had heard, mea culpa.

Well, that's ONE way to get the lurkers to come out! Now, who else can we pick on? HI Tim! ss

Hi all, I remember the baccaluareate and graduation well. My last office was downtown DC with a view of the Cathedral and I often remembered the day we were there. What better place for accustics. Don, Mr. Landes did not help write the speech but had to review and approve it before hand. I was supposed to just introduce the guest speaker (Mr. Landes) and later was told to give a brief speech. I do remember the theme. If you do terrific because I didn't think anyone was listening (why would they). I'm sure we all just wanted to get it over with and otta' there. Best wishes to all, Tim

Haven't been here in ages...just thought I'd pop in and wish you all well.

So Don..since we all can't remember,what exactly was the theme of Tim Henry's commencement speech?

Playing trumpet for the graduation ceremonies at the Washington Cathedral is one of my favorite memories. The acoustics were incredible for a trumpet player and since I never played in the orchestra my senior year, it was a grand last performance.

Tim who? (just kidding, Tim!) Dewey, I'd give anything to sing the "Battle Hymn of the Republic" with the band again. In Concert Choir, I also, like you, participated in Graduation and Baccalaureate Services every year. (except freshman year, I think). I also remember singing "When you walk through a storm", and "Impossible Dream" at graduation (sappy songs that still bring tears to my eyes) and Randall Thompson's "Allelulia" (an incredible, Not sappy, piece, that also brings tears to my eyes!) at the National Cathedral. ss

Wow, Dewey! Thanks for the trip down memory lane! I vaguely remember the Washington Cathedral and graduation night. To be perfectly honest, I can't remember Tim's speech either! I believe I was more interested in getting that piece of paper I worked so hard for and getting the heck out of Dodge! Never imagined seeing or communicating with school pals after that! BUT...I am so glad to have the opportunity to do so just the same! It has been such a pleasure to reconnect with classmates!

Sorry, Don, I have NO IDEA what Tim's speech was about. (Apologies to Tim as well!) Oddly enough, there's not that much I do remember about graduation night. And, NO, it's not because of chemical interference. ;^) I remember playing the opening to "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" - one of my favorite MV graduation traditions. (I'm glad that by being in Band, I got to paticipate in 4 graduations, so I really knew what to expect on our big night.) I remember some hugs good-bye outside afterwards. I remember that the biggest "looming fact" about it all seemed to be that I would never - well, hardly ever - see all these people again. (That would be you folks.) How could that be? After 4 years of the regular "social immersion" of being around SO MANY people my own age on a daily basis. So many people I considered friends. And so many more that were at least "friendly acquaintences". Every June there were always good-byes but that was just for 3 months. We knew we'd be seeing everybody next September. But not this time. This was it. Never again that kind of daily exposure to such an extensive social group. And since my dad was being transferred, I wouldn't even be "hanging out" in the same town. I'd be a thousand miles away. And even though I'd said "Goodbye Forever" a lot of times before, growing up military, the last time I had done it I was 13 years old. A kid. Now I was 17 and the relationships I had meant so much more to me. They were deeper. They had roots. This felt like ripping out trees. And, good God, our whole way of LIFE was over! For all of our lives - at least as much as we could clearly remember - we'd been living at home with Mom and Dad and getting up in the morning and going to school and seeing friends and hanging out with friends and being supervised by adults. And now that was all GONE! How could they possibly call this ceremony "Commencement"? It was the end of life as I had known it! No more Friday night halftime shows, no more gathering at Shakey's singing along with the honky tonk, no more walking through the halls saying "Hi!, Hey!, What's happening?", no more standing at a locker, talking, no more walking to the bus, no more walking up those worn stairsteps, no more hearing Melvin B's morning announcements, no more being in charge of the drum section, no more playing for the Drill Team, no more marching in parades in Alexandria or Winchester, no more dances in the gym, no more hot basketball games on cold nights, no more assemblies, plays or concerts in the auditorium, no more class council meetings and fund raising activities, no more reading the Em Vee Hi or having friends sign my yearbook, no more field trips, no more math meets, no more lunches in the cafeteria. No more Mr. So-and-so and no more Mrs. Such-and-such. And no more seeing THIS person or THAT person or THESE people or THOSE people or anyone. Ever again, it seemed. Familiarity and comfort were gone. In a couple months I'd be living in a new state, then starting a new form of school living in a dormitory on my own, and I'd be in the NAVY (ROTC) with a *shudder* MILITARY HAIRCUT! I was not really looking forward to what lay ahead, and, lordy, did I miss what I was leavin' behind! .... So maybe that's why I don't remember many details about graduation night. I had other things on my mind. (In fact, come to think of it. I'm not really sure I DO remember playing the opening to Battle Hymn of the Republic that night. But I do remember THAT I played it. But I suspect the image in my brain is more conjured than remembered.) You know, I don't even remember what I did after the ceremony at Constitution Hall. I have a memory of being outside there with my Mom, Dad and brother, but I don't remember if I got together with friends or did anything after that. Hm. (If any of you saw me anywhere that night, let me know what I did!) .... It's funny how clearly I remember some mundane things yet completely space out on some of the bigger events. For the Baccalaureate Service at Washington Cathedral I remember standing outside in a line for a long time in bright sun - part of the cathedral was under construction. And I remember inside, sitting next to Cindy Robey and thinking she sure made a white graduation gown look good. But I don't remember much of ANYTHING of the INSIDE OF THE CATHEDRAL! IT WAS FRIGGIN' WASHINGTON CATHEDRAL and my "image memory" has NOTHING. I had to watch "The West Wing" a few seasons ago to be reminded what it looked like! Maybe it's a fluke of chemistry or maybe a statement about what was really important to me.

I appreciate the fact that someone would want to hear my speech, but I threw it away. It was about free speech, free thinking, and exploring alternative lifestyles. I remember that it was advice I would not want my teenagers hearing, especially coming from me. As Dewey remembers, I had no curfew and liberal parents. My kids had curfews and a tight leash. So maybe I understand Melvin a little better after all these years. But who wants to be conservative at 18.

Don, send me the speech and I'll post it for all to finally hear! Maybe someone could read it to Mel. :^]

Well Don (aka my Prom King), I guess this means you won't be taking Melvin any ice cream. Even so, while you may have concluded, upon subsequent review, that your valedictory speech lacked merit, I bet that if it HAD been delivered 30+ years ago to an audience of your peers, we would have considered it a Sermon from the Mount (Vernon). (And, if it's any comfort, such prior review and quashing of student expression would not survive litigation in this day and age -- which may or may not be a good thing). Still, it's sad that we didn't get the opportunity to hear it -- and be able to rib you mercilessly about it afterward. If you still have it, maybe you'd like to share it with us all now and give us another shot?

I am not surprised Melvin is still alive, I see at least one nonagenarian each day and they all have some degree of age related macular degeneration. I was never fond of Melvin and he sealed our mutual animosity by not letting me give a valedictorian speech at our graduation. I had worked on a speech and saved it, ten years ago I found it. It really stunk, Melvin did the class a favor. Tim Henry gave the only speech and Melvin helped Tim write it, besides Tim I am probably the only one who remembers the theme of the speech. That's a trivia challenge Dewey. I can join the ranks of parents announcing marriages, my oldest graduates from law school in May and gets married three days later. One less tuition, car, and apartment payment each month. One down three more to go. Two of my kids visited people in nursing homes as part of a Key Club activity. They both enjoyed it. I am sure Melvin apprecites the attention. I would love to ask him if he remembers lecturing students, myself included, about our hair being too long "like a shaggy dog".

Hey Johnny ? Feeling The Love...My Man? Cindee...After viewing the picture you sent me? The young lady I saw that day definitely wasn't your daughter. The person I saw had bright red hair...But I will keep an eye out for her. I'm in Old Town and on Washington Street alot. I think that it was real nice of Ruthie to make that trip to see Mr. Landes. I'm going to try to do the same. My brothers and sisters ALL 9 of us, graduated from MT. Vee and I know Mr. Landes remembers us. Well...Gotta Go... :-)~

"Who put the bop in the bop-shebop-shebop? Who put the ram in the ramma lamma ding dong?"

"Torn between two lovers
Feeling like a fool
Loving both of you is breaking all the rules..."

"We love you Joooohhhnnn, oh yes we dooooooo, we don't love anyone.... as much as yooooouuuuuu, and when you're mad at us...... we're bluuuuueee, oh - Johnnnnn, we love you!!!!!

Happy New Year to all. Thanks for all the well wishes that you have sent to me. I went to the Doctor yesterday for a new x-ray. He said to come back in two weeks. I am alittle disappointed. I thought it was healing better and he was going to tell me to come back next week and he will take off the cast, but oh no I come back in two weeks and that doesn't guarentee that it will come off then. But my bones are 48 years old and it takes a little longer to heal (a young girl in my office lovenly pointed that out to me this morning as I was moaning my fate.

Happy New Year everyone! Just got back from Jamaica where my son, David, and Emily were married on Jan 6. It was beautiful and very interesting! I will have pictures later this week. If anyone is interested in seeing photos or curious about Jamaica, please email me directly. Don't want to tie up the web space. Beth, sorry to hear 'bout your mishap and hope you are recovering quickly. John, thank you for keeping this website up for our class! We do appreciate it!

Thanks for the info, Ruth. I'm sure Mr. Landes would appreciate this kind gesture, as the rest of us do for getting this update. Good luck with the legislators.

Dewey, I think I've just broken your record for the longest post. What a way to go.....

This will be my last post for the foreseeable future, but before I wander off to deal with legislators and the other frustrations in my life, I figured I should pass along some info that I've already shared with the Reunion Committee (and a few others) and I also want to suggest a class project: While I was in Fairfax over New Years for a Haseman family reunion, I and several of my siblings went to visit Mr. Landes at the Paul Spring Retirement Home (FYI, all seven of us Hasemans graduated from MVHS under Mr. Landes watchful eye). He is still very sharp and he shared some great stories about himself and his days at MVHS. He looks terrific for a fellow who's 95 years young, and it was a real treat to talk to him! He didn't remember any of us Hasemans, but also said that he clearly remembered all the MV trouble-makers so he assumed that NOT remembering us must mean that we must have been good, obedient students (NOT) 0:-) One laugher he entertained us with was the reason why he so often used the term "as per usual": He said that there were members of the staff that would often come up with some hair-brained idea about how to "improve" the way he did things or alter the traditions of the school. He said he used the phrase in his PA addresses as a semi-coded announcement to these folks that he would continue to do things as he saw fit. He wouldn't reveal who this message was primarily directed to, but it was pretty clear that SOMEONE -- more than one SOMEONE? -- in the office and/or faculty was a burr under his saddle. He was grinning ear to ear as he told us how much it annoyed this person to hear that phrase. Also, Steve Carroll and Frank, you might be interested to know that Mr. Landes has a model of a bright yellow Indian motorcycle on display in his room. He told us that had owned one and had laid it down a couple times in his younger days -- even pitched his wife off once or twice -- but it has remained his favorite form of transportation (even more than that dog-powered buggy???) On a more somber note, Mr. Landes told us that he is losing his eye-sight. I've since talked with the nursing supervisor about this and she says he has macular degeneration. This means that the part of the eye that allows him to see details in the center field of vision is deteriorating (his peripheral vision may be okay, but I don't know for sure). This degeneration is typical in old age and is pretty much irreversible. (Maybe Don Woods could offer more details about this?) Anyway, Mr. Landes says he can see forms and shapes, but not details. More important, he says he can't read anymore, which seems to be a huge loss to him. He has some kind of contraption in his room that magnifies reading material and projects it onto his TV screen. He said that he used to use it all the time, but now his vision has gotten so bad that it doesn't magnify enough for him any more. (Note that this also means that he can't really enjoy watching TV either) THIS leads me to my proposed class project: Do you think that we might be able to organize a group of us (and/or members of other alumni classes and/or current MVHS students and/or others?) to visit on a regular basis to read to him? The nursing supervisor said that he doesn't get many visitors -- apparently one of his daughters visits regularly, but that's about it -- so this would be good for him on two fronts: He'd have more visitors AND he'd be able to enjoy "reading" again. As an alternative (or maybe in addition?), how about us investing in a good, easy-to-use audio system that he could use to listen to books on tape? Someone who lives in the area may need to check into this idea further. He may already have something like this, or the home may have this kind of equipment, but I didn't see it in his room. If we opt to make this purchase, we'd need to be sensitive to the fact that, since he can't see well, operating such a device might be troublesome for him. AND, whatever we decide about buying a "boom box", I'd still recommend that people actually visit him -- it broke my heart to think that he doesn't get many visitors when there are literally thousands of "his" kids living nearby. I know it's easy for me to suggest that folks visit while I live 800 miles away, but I hope those who live in the area will consider it. I know that Mike Davis visited him not too long ago, and Steve Muck went to see him today. Others that I've sent this info to have also indicated that they would like to go by to see him. The Paul Spring Retirement Community is located at 7116 Fort Hunt Road (near Bel Haven and down the hill from the Shoney's where we've met for breakfast during previous mini-reunions). Phone number is 703/768-0234. Nursing Supervisor is Molly Balliew. Mr. Landes is in room 159. AND, if you go to visit, I'm told that he loves ice cream.

Gary, the red hair is bought! She wanted to look more Irish--not more like Mom. :-) Anyway...Mike, Aunt Peggy was in a serious car accident on black ice on the day after Christmas. She nearly lost her left arm, but thanks to the miracles of modern medicine and experts at Fairfax Hospital, they were able to reconnect it and hope for recovery of 85% use. She's living in Gainesville now. I'll let her know you asked about her.

PEACE AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!

Donna- You are doing a great job tracking down our long lost classmates! I remember Leanne Collins and her brother Mike. But I really remember their mom - she was always a stitch! Cindee- Not only do you still have your aunts and uncles in this area, your children are now coming back! As we all know,it is a small small world. I'm still waiting to run into your Aunt Peggy again!!

Hello to All!! MVHS Class of '72 is the best. Hey Cindee? When you said your daughter was here and living in Old Town. I think I may have seen her right befire Christmas. I was in the CVS on South Washington and I think she was standing in the next line. It was the Red Hair. She looked like you. I rememeber you telling us that she lived there somewhere. Jefferson Street, maybe? Anyway. I was going to say something, but I was afraid that she may have thought, "I think this old man is hitting on me or something like that." I should have though...Said something...Well, I'm certainly glad we're back...!! I totally agreed with you JH. Let's keep this site going.

Dewey, I just finished talking to Leanne on the phone. I gave her the website address. She said she had a friend who just finished his internship at the hospital at Denver. She is going on a week long cruise so it will be when she gets back before she can write. She wants to call me when she gets back and we will try to get together. She also knows Chip Hagerup. If you want her email it is either scgrad@centurytel.net or calwatcher@yahoo.com. she said either one will do.

Good to hear from you, Carol. Hopefully we can remove another from our missing classmates list. Please go to the "Missing Classmates" page, click on "contact us", and send us your address and phone number so we can get you in our directory, and eliminate you from our missing list. Don't be a stranger!

Leanne Collins! Go Mount Vernon PERCUSSION! Donna: If you or your brother have any contact with Leanne, be sure to tell her about this site so she can join in the fun. And tell her Dewey says "Hi". And "Dunt diddle-unt diddle-iddle-iddle-unt" ..... That balmy south ain't the only place with nice weather. Denver high today was 68 with clear calm skies. But given that 2002 was the driest year in Denver's recorded history, we'd MUCH rather be having blizzards. They're already talking about how it might become illegal to water your lawn at all this coming summer.

John, thanks for setting this up for the class. You are certainly appreciated.

Hey Donna, Is there anyway I can get Leanne's e-mail address? I remember her well from WW and MV. I'm just a few hours away West on I-40 from Little Rock to OKC. Thanks! -Bill

Well, Folks this world is still getting smaller. Just found another Mount Vernon attendee that now resides in Arkansas. Her name is Leanne Collins, class of '74. She was in my sister's class. She also went to Walt Whitman, so some may have known her. She works in Jacksonville, which is 15 minutes from my house. My brother found her accidentally when he went to her office for his business. kinda scary. Our temps here are supposed to be 66-70 degrees. great winter weather. Hope everyone has a great day!

Sharon, thanks for the stroll down memory lane! The sampler of EmVeeHi topics really brought back a lot of memories. I remember Debbie's editorial - in fact, at the reunion I reminded her of how timely it had been, anticipating Title 9. Also, this is proof for my children and their friends that we used to have to wear skirts to school every day! (They were skeptical.)

Well I'm back at work! It is so good to be out again. I have a walking cast with my crutches now so at least I can get around alot better. Thanks for all your good wishes. I'm still on pain medication but just being about to get out is what I was really needing!

I was cleaning out a closet, and found a package of MVHS newspapers from our years.Just to take you back intime, here are some items:1/70--Twirp Week had a roaring 20s theme; the new dress code had not "turned the school 'hippie'", in fact learning might be greater since girls no longer had to worry if the tops of their stockings were showing; basketball preview put us battling Ft.Hunt for 4th place in the Gunston District. 1/71--An article about the probable double shift for the next year due to construction of the new MV; SCA discussionaries to discuss meaningful ideas and help elimiate apathy; article by Renee Frizzell complaining about the babysitter mentality of the librarians; tough start for the wrestlers, coached by Mr. Kendall; and b'ball victory over Ft.Hunt put us in first place for the district, with contributions by John Rice, Randy Hinson, and Randy Knight. 1/72--editorial by Debbie Woodworth on the inequality of scholarship opportunities for women (her solution-keep the athletic scholarships for men, but add "cultural" scholarships for women); half-page ad from Dairy Queen announcing their grand opening specials--cones, soft drinks and Mr. Misty's for$.05, brazier burger/fries/shake for $1.20 (other regular ads--Steven Windsor, Martin's Hardware and Fleisher Jewelers); the upcoming new policy allowing smoking on school grounds; the financial problems of the Major Outlook (Warren Wesley, editor, cost-$.05); and pictures of winter sports captains, Tyler Fadley, Eric Swanson, Ricky Townsend, John Rice and Mike Bannister. Reading these was like a trip back in time.

Happy New Year to All from snowy Rochester, NY. Thanks to John for all you do to keep us connected. Speedy recovery to Beth and your year can only get better from here! Pam, congrats to you daughter. My daughter loves living in No. Va., so maybe our paths will cross during some of the trips. Well, off to do my own homework--Marketing on the Internet! I'm feeling way too old for this! Peace

Yea John!The Guestbook is up and running!This is is such a wonderful forum for our class to have that it would be a shame to lose...Do hope it continues and know that I as well as many others appreciate your efforts in managing it. Sorry to hear about your ankle Beth. Hope it heals soon. Our family received a bit of great news on December 15th. My Daughter Emily was accepted Early Action to Georgetown University!So that means many more trips to DC for us over the next four years.Best wishes to everyone for a Happy and safe 2003 and thanks again John for all of your efforts in keeping our class connected.

Aaaaaaaaaaahhhhhh..... You know how they say you don't really appreciate something until it's gone. Nice to get it back. Sorry to hear about Beth's ankle. Musta been a helluva shopping crowd. So far I've been spending the holidays watching football teams I want to win, lose. Welcome to 2003, the first year of the millenium that doesn't feel "numerically special".

Well folks, we need to send Beth all our best wishes for a speedy recovery. the day after Christmas, while shopping with her mom she fell and broke her ankle. she has been bedridden since. she is finally on crutches and will be back at work on monday. she is so glad. too bad about her new years party. it is good to be able to post again also. wishing everyone a wonderful new year.

You're here! Thanks from a regular reader!

Soooooo glad you are back. I for one really missed this. Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday.

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious

The Guest Book will not be available for signing for an indefinite period of time. I don't have the time or inclination to moderate it right now. It might come back up if and when I can figure out a convenient way to minimize the entries that create work for me to delete. Call me what you want, but if the simple rules of etiquette I've asked for are not followed, I don't want to bother with this anymore. This isn't a "control freek" issue. It's simply a desire to maintain a friendly, polite site that minimizes maintenance for me. Happy New Year, everyone.