Guest Book

I haven't responded to your reassuring and supportive messages because my dad was hit by a car on Dec. 11, and died from the injuries this past Wednesday, Dec. 29. It's been a very long 3 weeks. ss

Merry Christmas, classmates! Hope that everyone is enjoying the holiday.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!

Kudos, Earl. I am embarrassed to admit that my Congressman, Bob Beauprez, was a cosponsor of the bill to ban gay marriage (i.e. ammend the constitution to define marriage to be only between a man and a woman). I wrote him a letter and in it I said "I believe that decades from now, statements by politicians about how homosexuals and their relationships should be treated differently from those of heterosexuals will be viewed as distastefully as we now view racially bigoted statements by politicians in the early and mid 20th century. It will stain otherwise respectable political legacies." I take some solace in a rumor I heard (but have not seen verified with figures) that the demographics of people voting against gay marriage is skewed heavily toward the older generations. Let's hope that this attitude that "Other people's happiness diminishes mine" will "age out" before too long. .... In other news, I just finished my first semester of grad school at the University of Colorado and am finally able to stick my head up, look around, and see what's going on. Oh, look. It's winter. Think I'll take a drive to Florida for some sunshine and relaxation. 'appy 'olidays.

Hello to one and all. I've been lurking for the past couple of months and just wanted to wish EVERYONE A HAPPY AND JOYOUS HOLIDAY!! Happy Be-Lated to you Suzanne...You should be getting your AARP in the mail real soon.. :-)

I shared Don's and Sandy's comments with the kids at our GSA meeting today. I've always been proud of these students for their commitment to their own and to other people's right to safety and for their keen sense of justice and injustice. It was sweet to be able to add to their burgeoning sense of accomplishment the idea that they may have led the way for others to take up the struggle for greater acceptance of all by all. We've got a long way to go, but harnessing the boundless passion and compassion of the young is a great place to start. Don and Sandy, I really appreciate the feedback from both of you. There are many times in this profession where it is hard to know whether or not what we are doing is making much of a difference. Oh, and Sandy, I have some cute pictures of you, too, of about the same vintage as the one you mentioned. Maybe I'll think to bring them along the next time I get out there for a reunion.

Glad to see some activity here after such a long quiet spell! Happy Birthday to you and Godzilla, Suzanne! Hope the Bluestone Inn is as good as ever. Thanks also to you, Earl, from those of us on the receiving end of some pretty hostile attitudes! How refreshing to read about the open minds of my classmates, but I shouldn't be surprised. You all are a truly CLASS act!! (BTW Earl, I have a photo of you with, if I remember correctly, Jodi Dejone - sorry about the spelling, I know it's wrong - and Peter Cruttenden from maybe 8th grade??) ss

You will not believe who is 50 today! I heard this on the famous people, and they are even going to receive a Hollywood Star " GODZILLA"! ALSO, little ole me and going to visit a friends resturant the Blue Stone Inn off of Rt. 11 North of Harrisonburg. Actually had a pre-birthday celebration this weekend with my bi-annual poker game. I was the big winner for once, it was fun among friends. It should be fun on the 50 yard line with others like Dick Clark, Mark Twain and now Godzilla is also 50. Kind of funny on birthday trivia this morning!

It is a small world. Our local high school (a huge school with 4000 kids) recently started a Gay Straight Alliance, to combat harassment of gays and lesbians. In the article they mentioned a similar high school club started in 2001 in San Francisco by students and two teachers. One teacher was Earl Rivard. I doubted it was our classmate. Today I read the post by Earl and realized that it probably was our classmate because it was Dontrell Willis' high school. Good for you Earl, your club is being copied here in Florida and probably many other cities. Were you the first high school club of this type?

Hey, Beautiful People! Been a very long time. Happy to report that all is still well with us here on the glimmering shores of the San Francisco Bay. Wanted to inform you that a nephew of ours will be starting on the offensive line for the Redskins this weekend. Mark Wilson. Played here at Cal. My wife Laurie's oldest sister's oldest child. Sweet kid, very good ballplayer. Hope he helps! (Aside to Ruthie: another connection: Dontrell Willis [Marlins' phenom] is a friend of mine. I taught him English in high school. Another really sweet kid with a bucketload of talent. Such a refreshing combination!) Anyway, my love to one and all, and many blessings on this Day of Gratitude.

Wishing all of you a very Happy Thanksgiving! Having everyone at my house this year. Should be a great time!

Here's hoping everyone has a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!!

Where is everyone??? Happy Thanksgiving! Janine - After having survived our first year as "marching band parents" I now have a new appreciation for your work with the MVHS band. :) FK

Hi again, have to say that the fall color show will be the best this weekend here in the Shenandoah's.since it is raining that will add to tree color, seem to be vivid. As I pasted thru Mathias WVA, where Mr. Landes 1st principaled. Travel careful and visiting Purcellville a 6 room school, not many left of that size. Suzanne

Hi to all the fall color has been heading twords the peak.. As I travel through Mathias WVA, where Mr. Landes early school was and the color will definitely be great this weekend after the rain. Lost River State Park in Mathias WVA is a wonderful park and has a good hiking area. Also wolfe Gap in Shenandoah Co. A nice trail on the top of the ridges with great views to the east to VA or to the West to WVA. Enjoy it all my favorite time to travel about and take these school photos. All is well on the western front. SH

Hi all an extra colorful fall leaf color, I believe this weekend will be one of the best. Lost river State park in WVA has some very nice trails. That is near Mathias where MR. Landes was in his early years. If any one is coming to the area to hike or drive through the colors of fall, it has been great. Today drove down 259 South between WVA & VA boarder the color will be better after this rain. Enjoy the cooler weather. SH

Hi all an extra colorful fall leaf color, I believe this weekend will be one of the best. Lost river State park in WVA has some very nice trails. That is near Mathias where MR. Landes was in his early years. If any one is coming to the area to hike or drive through the colors of fall, it has been great. Today drove down 259 South between WVA & VA boarder the color will be better after this rain. Enjoy the cooler weather. SH

Sorry to hear Melvin had passed away it takes me back to when at a football rally at the new stadium Mr. Landes was seen haulin' a-- across the field with his goggles and silk scarf. What a sight!! The principal on a Cycle! WOW. Cool! I thought he was old then. Of course to 16 year old everyone was old. The other was Mr Landes crusing the halls with Wolfgang. Once, after a attending a wrestling match, I was running down the hall to go to my locker and get something, when I came around a corner at breakneck speed and there was Wolfgang! Alone! I stopped on a dime and stood there frozen (except for my bowels). What seemed eternity, Melvin came up from behind him and Wolfgang gave a snort and moved passed me. Images I can't forget. God Bless you Mr. Landes. Kent Nowak, Olathe, Kansas 66061

Well I am finally in the 50's club. I turned the glorious age of 50 yesterday. We had the family over for cake and ice cream last night. David and I are going up to OC on Thursday with a couple who has a condo up there. We'll probably stay until Sunday. It will be fun! Our grandbaby, Savannah, is doing just great, she's almost nine months old but still no teeth! She has the sweetest and easiest disposition. Her own little personality is starting to come through, we just love her!Our oldest son, DJ, moved to Tennessee about 2 months ago. Sure do miss him, but will go done for a visit in October. Hope everyone survived the hurricanes and tornados. Really bad! Talk to you soon - Beth

Thank you so much, John, for posting the Gazette article. What a wonderful eulogy - capturing the essence of Mr Landes; what a perfect balance of strength, integrity, guts, and humor. ss

John - Thank you for adding the pictures and news articles about Mr. Landes. I was unable to attend the funeral and really wish I could have. May we never forget him and the impressions he imbedded in our souls.

I just updated the Landes page with the article from the Mt. Vernon Gazette. Sorry it looks so grungy, but with mixed colors, text, and photos from a newspaper, it was hard to find a good compromize in the image touch up.

I just found a web site for writing condolences and memories for Mr. Landes. Check it out here.

I found this site by accident some time back, and even though I graduated from MVHS in 1960, every once in a while someone will mention something I remember about the area. I have been in TX for 41 years. I was so sorry to read about Mr. Landes. He attended our 40th Reunion along with his daughter Roberta. She was also in the class of 60. I remember many of the teachers that were mentioned that attended his funeral.

I just got back from my youngest sister's wedding (she didn't go to MVHS) where I heard about Mr. Landes from Marnie Ditmar's parents. They were very sad to have heard the news also. Marnie recently married for the first time, lives in Arizona. Also saw Kathy Paulger's parents. She is out in Washington state doing environmental studies for the power company there. Marnie's parents had great memories of Miss Lapsley. Does anyone know about her these days??? We visited Georgetown and GW where my daughter is thinking about applying for college. I'd love to have an excuse to get back more.

I read Mr. Landes various school locations. I know where Mathias school is, if it is the same, it would be interesting to find out where the 2 room school house was in Rockingham Co. Where I use to live in Criders VA,RockinghamCo, had an operating school house for many years. My friend's mom attended that school, she was the youngest of 6 and was born in 1930. It would be interesting to find out the location. The old school is not far from Mathias WV, they have a heritage turkey festival in Mathias this month. With lots of older photos of the community on display. Enjoy your Labor Day

I moved the information about Mr. Landes to another page at the link above. Posted on that page is his obituary that appeared in the Washington Post. I'll post the article about his funeral that appeared in the MV Gazette when I can get a copy. I was having trouble deciding what song to follow up the current events. I looked for the Robert Hall theme song as a clean break, but couldn't find it. My son is just as annoyed hearing that song as I used to be. (Had to take it out on someone.) School bells ringing, children singing ...

Sorry to hear about Mr. Landes' passing. (I just started grad school so I've been a bit busy and out of touch lately.) But life is finite and his was certainly long and fruitful. Would that we could all live so long and contribute so much. A toast to the good times of Melvin B.! While I certainly share the sentiments expressed by others on this page, I find it curious that I do so despite the fact that I don't think I exchanged two words with the man during my days at MVHS. But it didn't matter. He was a "presence" in the school and I think his values permeated every nook and cranny of the plant. Sandy put it well - we hope that the best in him that has become part of us is part of the best in us that we can instill in others. So it is that the family tree of humanity is more than just genetics.

Today's (Tues) Washington Post had an article about Mr. Landes in the obituary area of the Metro Section.

FWIW, Mount Vernon High has an alumnus in the Olympics. The Washington Post reported today that Austria's Marcus Rogan, who finished 2nd in the 200-meter backstroke to USA's Peirsol, is a MV alumni.

I haven't seen it yet, but the Mt. Vernon Gazette has an article about Landes, with excepts of Mr. Skinner's eulogy, and other stories. Mark Samples quoted the story on the Class of '73 Guest Book for those in a hurry to see it. There's a link to the '73 site on our Home Page.

Just returned from a 3 week road trip out west, and am very sad to read this news. hat a wonderful man he was. I'm sure I'm not alone in wishing I could have copies of the photos you saw at the funeral. (Now I see why I was refused shortly after our graduation, when I asked for the original photo of me and Lynn Shaughnessy clowning around behind Mr. Landes at the Washington Cathedral.) I wonder if a small commemorative book could be put together and sold to alumni, with the proceeds donated to MVHS?? I am envious of all the former faculty you saw at the service. I exchange xmas cards with Miss Hopkins, but would have loved to see her, and others, in person. Anyway, I am grateful for the small part of Melvin B. that I carry within me and know that it is part of the best of me that I can pass on to others. ss.

I thought I'd post a poem from Mr. Landes' funeral that was indicated as one of his favorites. One of his favorite songs was "Battle Hymn of the Republic". (I guess it's why it was played at every graduation.) Also, he was an avid Elvis fan. Fancy that! In one of the pictures in his photo album, he was wearing an Elvis t-shirt. Mike has a story from Ann's uncle that would put Dewey's memory to shame! Hope you can post it, Mike.

Went to Mr. Landes' funeral, and was really glad I did. Mr. Landes' daughter, Mrs. Givens spoke about her father and so did his brother. It was interesting hearing stories from others who had much different perspectives and stories than we did. Mr. Skinner gave the eulogy, and it became very emotional for him. Sat with Ann's uncle, who was a 7th grade student of Mr. Landes in Vienna before he came to MV and John Hanley and Jim Jones (so our class was pretty well represented!) Talked to several other MV students from the 40s and 50s. Chuck Robb showed up too. Many former teachers were there from our time, just wished I could recognize all of them! Ms Allen and Ms Waid had not changed much and you knew exactly who they were. Mrs Keppel was there too (she just hasn't been called Mrs. Keppel in a long time!) Steve Kendell you would recognize if you ran into him anywhere. Talked to Mr. Snell and Mrs. Kilpatrick. Mr Kaz looks exactly the same (kinda eerie, he must be related to Dick Clark or something!) Being there sure brought back many great memories- just wished I studied my yearbook before I went!

John Hanley and I just returned from Demain Funeral Home where we met up with Mr. Mike Skinner aka. "The voice of the Mighty Majors", Mrs. Wade office, Ms. Jean Allen PE, Ms. Hopkins, Choir and a couple others from our years at MVHS. Mr. Landis was dressed in a grey suit with a Maroon Mt. Vernon tie and a Holy Bible in his hands. As he should be. Flower arranements from Dave Grove and Bob Menefee were in the room and stirred conversations of many old memories of the past. Photo Albums with many photos of the "72 campaign were in the room. Pictures of him with his german shepherd and racing cart, him dressed as a hippie, him roaming "the plant", leading the band. etc. As a teacher and coach about to retire from Fairfax County and after spending 15 years at Mount Vernon, coaching I realized how much of an icon he was and how much he effected all of us. He truly was a big part of all of our lives. We didn't have to spend time in his office. All his students knew him. John and I saw students from the class os '46 and talked to others from '55 and '62. The obituary in the Wash Post only mention the services last Sunday and we are concerned that many of our friends and teachers have not got the sad news. Please if you know anyone in the area that have not heard please e-mail them. Melvin B. Landes will forever live in my memory and in my heart as a special person. I hope you have that special memory of him also. (This may be a repeat message. When I got back on the guest book my first message did not show up. I beleive Melvin B. was such an important person in our lives that I retyped and resubmitted.)

John Hanley and I just left the Demain Funeral Home. We met up with Mr. Mike Skinner aka. "The Voice of the Mighty Majors." Mrs. Hopkins, choir, and Miss Jean Allen, pe, Mrs. Wade, office and a couple others were there. Flower arrangements from Dave Grove and Bob Menefee were there around the room bringing a host of memories back to the both of us about the good old days. Mr. Landes was dressed in a Mount Vernon tie and had a Holy Bible in his hands. Just as it should be. There was a couple of photo albums around with alot of pictures of our 4 years there. (the hippie costume, his racing cart and german shepherd, the band picure, the plant, etc) There were students there from the class of '46. Did you know that Mike Skinner graduated in '55. John and I were surprised that there wasn't a line around the block. We attributed that to the fact that the obituaries in the "Post" only had the arrangements in the paper and nothing else. We were surprised that alot more of our parents were not there. Quite a few still live in the Mt. Vernon area. If you know an e-mail address of anybody in the area please shoot them a line so that they may know. Melvin B. was and icon, at least that's the way some of us will remember him. As a student and now as a about to retire teacher that returned to coach at Mt. Vernon I truly love and respect all the things that he did for us and Mt.Vernon. HE WILL BE FOREVER REMEMBERED BY MANY. Good night.

Well, Jim Jones and I were the only ones that showed up from our class for the viewing. We were the youngest there by 10 years! Many students from the 40's and 50's there. Mr. Skinner was there, instantly recognizable. He said he was going to deliver the eulogy tommorow. Can't miss that! Also there were Ms. Hopkins, Ms. Allen, Mr. Givens, and a few I can't remember as I type. Mr. Kaz, Ms. Lunter and Archie Taylor signed the book at the earlier viewing. They had a great photo album there, with many pictures from our yearbooks, like the one with Sandy sticking out her tongue in cap and gown. Hope to see us better represented tomorrow!

I found Greg O'Conner in a Giant Foods Store in Springfield, Virginia. He is married and has at least one child. I told him to check in on the web site. He lives in the area.

Didn't want to include this message with the other, since this one is a very serious one. Melvin B. died last Thurs.- July 29. Don't know if anyone else has mentioned it yet and John hasn't had time to post it for us to read, but just in case... According to The Washington Post, viewing for Mr. Landes will be at Demaine Funeral Home 520 S. Washington St. Alexandria on Wed August 4 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9pm. A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday Aug. 5 at 11 am at Groveton Baptist Church Alex. Interment will follow at National Memorial Park, Falls Church. Donations may be made to a charity of your choice. He was 96 years old. As we all have said many times before, he was truly a great man and one who gave us all many incredible memories. What a man, what a life!

Hello all! Well, I finally did it- joined the 50 Club last Thursday! It wasn't as bad or traumatic as I once thought turning 50 would be. I guess the closer we got to 50, the younger it seemed! IT'S GREAT TO BE 50--so far!

Hi All, Just checkin' in. Glad all are well and congrats for all the grandkids. Happy Birthday Gary! Welcome to the ranks! I just got back from Outer Banks, NC. It's one of our favorite beaches. Pam, I highly recommend it for your family vacation. And Suzanne.....That trip you remember was you, Michelle, Linda and me in Linda's Volkswagon bug. There was a terrible rain storm and we had to stop and stay in a motel on the way down, though we definitely had a tent! :-) I think about that trip every time I go there. Minus the severe sunburn I got from falling asleep on the beach, it was a blast! Well, take care all. p.s. Dewey, I finally talked to Joel Kastner about you. It really is a small world.

So Pam maybe we should have a road trip when you next need to get your daughter back from Georgetown (GT) Recently went to NY and it is not that much farther. You know another place we had thought of going to for Christmas as a family was Jeykel Island off the Georgia coast. It sounded great as it was remote and had some great biking pathes. Have a ton Green Beans and soon many tomatoes.

Frank. Yes,I love Hilton Head too,although haven't been there in 20 years It was certainly lovely then. Have you visited Amelia Island too and how would it compare? Flights in and out of JAX right now are are quite reasonable with many non-stops back to DC, which would help with getting daughter back to GT. I really love most of the Souheast Atlantic beaches, but still may now have to go with my Maine option. Thanks for your input.

Pam - Hilton Head Island is nice. Water is warm, humidity is high, just like the Washington area. Much nicer than Va. Beach or OC because the beaches are not all packed wall to wall with high rise condos, etc. You can fly into Savannah (45 min. drive to HH) for less money than flying into the Hilton Head airport, or take a long drive down I-95.

Howdy, How about one year getting a cottage for those that would like to spend a few days or so and chip in and bring their bed roll or what ever. Judy Vardy (Peacock) daughter is working at duck this summer. She grad. from UVA, so planning to go for a visit the 1st week of August. That is the best beach and I even like camping at Frisco still, as I recall. Michelle DePrez, Cindee, Linda Canaday, Judy Peacock and I all took my parents new 1972 Impala Sedan our summer after graduation. We all just put our sleeping bags on sheets of Plastic. Do not think we even had a tent. It was fabulous. Bye happy wave watching or riding!!

I saw the picture of old MVHS in the Washington Post this week--could hardly recognize the place--and it brought back such fond memories!Sorry I missed the last Reunion, but will plan to make the next. Living in Winchester, VA, married, 3kids--my hair was going south so I now have it shaved (it's a bitch getting confused for Vin Disel all the time, HA!) Good to hear folks are doing well. Ciao! Keep playing that Patsy Cline!

Yes Peter, North Carolina would be great but it'll have to wait now until next summer. My family's logistics have proven to be impossible to work into that specific time slot. The much closer Maine coast will just have to suffice. And as far as the Sox go, I'm about to give up on this season. There are just too many problems with the team and management this year. Although a late summer come back would certainly be a wonderful surprise!

Pam: I agree with John in that you should consider the Outer Banks of North Carolina. It is a little further than you may want to go, but my suggestion would be Avon, which is on Hatteras. In the past I have dealt with a real estate bunch called "Outer Banks Realty" which may still exist. You could "Google" them and see if they are still around. Oh...by the way, I'm always looking for a place at the beach to crash...Good luck, but please keep Hatteras in mind. It's truly worth the extra hour or so to get to it. I'm really sorry about the Yankees sweep of the Sox..I have to root for Boston since the Orioles are pretty much out of it and we are still two weeks away from the All Star break...Have a good vacation and think about extending an invitation to me...Take care...Peace...Peter S. Cruttenden