THIS IS SURRATTS FOUNDATION E-NOTICE 2003-7 OF JULY 1, 2003

Hello Hornets!

Here are some items that might be of interest.

1.  CLASS OF 73 FINALIZES REUNION PLANS.  The great -- and highly organized -- Class of 1973 has finalized its 30^th Reunion plans for the weekend of August 1 ‑ August 3.  Please contact Reunion Committee Vice Chair Neal Dawson (nealofmemphis1@cs.com) or Reunion Committee Chair Donna Mitchell Ashby (Ashby.Donna@dol.gov; (W) 301‑918‑6222;  (H) 301‑390‑7690) immediately if you'd like more information.  The Reunion Committee also has a website at http://surrattsville73.tripod.com.

2.  GET WELL WISHES TO A LOUISIANA HORNET.  Pat Webb McArthur (70), who currently lives in Louisiana, is about to undergo major back surgery.  Here's a collective "get well soon wish" to Pat!  (Pat encourages her old friends to drop her an email at patmcarthur@hotmail.com.)

3.  76 GRAD RETURNS TO MARYLAND.  I got this nice email from Linda Lally Thompson (76):  "Hi Henry:  I'm moving back to Maryland and will be living in Frederick (right down the street from sister Cathy) in July.  My husband is leaving the Navy to enter the civilian world, and I'm leaving my job at Anthem Southeast to put 100% of my work efforts into my candle party business.  I'd love to hear from old friends, or from people interested in my business.  My contact info is 240‑379‑6682 (MD), 757‑619‑0059 (VA) or vbnana1958@aol.com.  Thanks, Linda"

4.  FOUNDATION WEB SITE HELPS SHRINK WORLD.  In addition to serving as a supporting arm for the School, the Foundation also serves as a beacon for folks trying to find members of the greater Surrattsville community.  Just to show you that "if you build it they will come," here's a fascinating email my wife, Donna Rae Sturtevant Smith (the Class of 70 ORC), received through the Class of 70 link on the Foundation web site:

"Dear Mrs. Smith:  I'm trying to reconnect with your '70 classmate Ken Teslik.  During two months in 1969 !!!, I attended at Surrattsville High as a foreign student participant of an exchange program, and it was an unforgettable time.  I lost contact with my "American Family", and, probably, this is my best chance to reconnect with them.  Maybe you are asking how I got your e‑mail.  I found at Surrattsville web site, where, also I saw beautiful pictures and read lovely stories.  Please, give me an answer, also if you doesn't have Ken Teslik's direction.  My name is Jose Mauro Marinho, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil"

Donna Rae put Jose in contact with Ken, and they're already busy catching-up.  I also sent an email to Jose asking if he'd like to be added to the e-Notice email list, and here's the very nice reply I received:  "Hi Henry!!  I would be pleased to take part of Surratts Family, so I would like to receive the monthly e‑mail.  I want to thank you and Donna for help me to became true a dream ‑‑‑ Re‑establish contact with Ken Teslik and Family after long 30  years. Thanks! GO HORNETS!!!!!!!!!!!  Yours,  Jos Mauro"

Here's a big "Welcome Home!" to Jose from all of us!  It's great to have Brazil represented in our little cyber-hometown.  Maybe other former Surratts exchange students will find their way to the web site and use it to re-discover their American families.  I'd love to hear any foreign exchange student re-connections stories any of you might have.

(Speaking of the web site, you might want to take a moment to check out the new photos recently posted by our great, and tireless, web master, Mike Gifford (84).  The site's at www.surrattsville.org.  You might have to reload/refresh your browser to get it to find the new photos.)

5.  VIRGINIA HORNET OWNS INTERESTING BUSINESS.  And, speaking of the work lives of alumni, I received this interesting email from Bonnie (now called "Barney") Higgins Harris (65):  "Hi Henry:  I have a unique business that might interest e-Notice readers who are interested in a fun mini‑vacation.  Here's a description, and I'd love to talk to anyone about it.  Thanks,  Bonnie (Barney)   'Stained Glass Retreat:  I teach stained glass classes in my home-studio, and conduct the classes as part of a package with accommodations at my B&B in Tidewater, VA.  Our guests travel from all over to do the stained glass, and they leave with much more than a completed glass panel.  The secluded waterfront location is  a relaxing antidote to city and crowded suburban life.  Guests experience a rejuvenation of spirit and a new confidence in their abilities as they are guided through the stained glass process.  The freedom from daily responsibilities and distractions allows them to focus solely on their creativity, and the results are always way beyond their expectations.  A Washington Post article is reprinted on the www.zekiahglass.com website.'"

6.  CLASS OF 91 REUNION PLANS.  Allisha Ellis, prosper022002@yahoo.com, reports that the Class of 91 is continuing its reunion planning.  The Class has a revised web site link that Allisha reports may be reached as follows:  "Go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Surrattsville1991/ , then click the button for ICQ Interest groups and it will take you to the Class of 91 reunion page at reunion.http://web.icq.com/groups/group_details?gid=12001090".  Although the Reunion will be limited to Class of 91 members, the Class is inviting alum of all classes to visit its web site.  Please contact Allisha if you have any questions.

7.  SEEKING LOST HORNETS.  Lee Gleisberg (78), merrittislandmay@aol.com, is trying to locate old friends Patti Best (78), Judy Arthur (78) and Teri Silk (79).  If anyone has any ideas about their whereabouts, Lee would love to hear from you.  (Picking up on a story in the last e-Notice, Lee informs me that she was one of the first female volunteers at the Clinton VFD in 1978.  She remembers creating quite a stir when she insisted on sleeping in the bunk house over night.  Apparently, the idea wasn't well received initially, but eventually was accommodated.)

8.  FOUNDATION VOLUNTEER SEEKS NANNY POSITION.  One of our great Foundation volunteers from the Class of 2004, whose family is moving out of the area, is looking for a live-in nanny job in the D.C. area.  Please let me know if you'd like more information on this current Surratts student who is looking for employment.

9.  THANKS TO PARENT VOLUNTEER.  Foundation parent volunteer Fitzgerald Walker has arranged for the University of MD to donate five computers and associated peripherals to the School.  Many thanks to Fitzgerald, and the University, for helping to make Surrattsville even more "21^st century"!

10.  WEB SITE RECOGNIZES SURRATTS BASSIST.  I received this nice review of a recent D.C.-area Santana concert from Leslie St. Clair (70), which includes a nice reference to Surrattstock performer John Previti (72):   "Hi Henry:  FYI for you guitar lovers:  I attended the Santana concert recently at Nissan Pavilion.  It was excellent, as always.  This was the third time I'd seen him -- the first time was the summer of 69 at the Atlantic City Pop Festival, then again in the summer of 2001 at Nissan.   Most of you know that a MD Eastern Shore boy, Paul Reed Smith, makes Carlos' guitars.  Mr. Smith played at the concert with Carlos.  Beth Horton (70) was with me, and we were both blown away at how great he played.  His web site is PaulReedSmith.com.  I bought some CDs recorded by his band, the "Paul Reed Smith Dragons," and I am really enjoying them. On the credits of one CD jacket he gives thanks to various people, including our own John Previti (72).  Just thought I'd pass this info on.  If you pick up his CDs, I know you won't be disappointed.   Leslie"

11.  SURRATTSTOCK PERFORMERS ANNOUNCE REVISED SUMMER SCHEDULE.  Speaking of Surrattstock performers, The Back Pages Band (the quartet version of the C.A.S.O. big band that performed at Surrattstock), www.thebackpagesband.com,  has announced its revised and expanded summer performance schedule, and it's reprinted below.

12.  2003 FOUNDATION RIDE A BIG SUCCESS. The rain has finally stopped here in the East, and this past Sunday we were able to hold a very successful third annual Foundation motorcycle/car/dune buggy ride to Pt. Lookout.  It was a gorgeous day, and all the rain has made Southern MD  look even more beautiful than it usually does in June.  Twelve motorcycles and thirteen riders participated, and a splendid time was had by all.  We were especially honored to have 2001 Foundation Achievement Award winner, and 30-year Building Superintendent, Gerald Pickeral join us again this year for the Ride.

13.  TIP FOR FILM BUFFS.  I received this recommendation from Foundation Board member Dan Bayne (71).  It might be of interest to you film buffs living in the D.C. area.  "Dear Henry:  Here's something that might interest you.  You know that I'm something of a movie buff, and an amateur Academy Awards film historian.  Well, in my humble opinion, the best film of all time is LAWRENCE OF ARABIA (Best Picture of 1962).  And now we have the chance to see this great film in the only format that can do it justice.  The new AFI ‑ Silver Theater on Colesville Road in downtown Silver Spring is playing this cinematic classic from now through July 10th at 7:15 p.m. each night with a 2:00 p.m. matinee on Saturdays, Sundays, and July 4th in a brand new, restored 70mm print and digitally remastered 6‑track stereo sound.  I saw it earlier this week, and aside from DOCTOR ZHIVAGO, it is probably the most beautifully photographed film ever made.  I was once again blown away by its magnitude and splendor.  I will warn you that the running time is 3 hours and 46 minutes, and with the intermission makes this a 4 hour adventure, but its definitely worth it.  By all means catch this one while you can.  If you have not yet visited the AFI ‑ Silver, the restoration of the theater is magnificent.  This is a theater!  The lobby has a normal concession stand, but also a caf with beer, wine, and food.  The 28 seats in the rear of the theater have tables and cup holders in between to aid in enjoying your snacks.  Seeing a film here makes you wonder whose harebrained idea it was to create these cardboard box multiplex bunker theater complexes we are forced to go to.  More info on the theater, as well as a list of upcoming films and showtimes can be found on there website: http://www.afi.com/silver.  Hope you get the chance to see this masterpiece on the big screen.  Dan"

I hope your Summer of 2003 is off to a pleasant, relaxing and dry start!

Best regards,  Henry Smith (71), hsmith@smithdowney.com

 

IN MEMORIAM

TIM GEORGE (76) passed away on May 4, 2003.  He is survived by his parents, his brothers Mike (77) and Kevin (80), and his sisters Melissa (82), Jennifer (87) and Amy (90).  Condolences may be sent to 6700 Killarney St. Clinton, MD 20735.

LUELLA "PEGGY" WINFREE, mother of Elizabeth (Liz) Winfree Scott (68), Nedra Winfree Sparks (70), Mary (Margie) Winfree Mehlfelt, (72), Diane Winfree Gilmartin (73), and Kris Winfree Freshour passed away January 18, 2003 at Pitt County Memorial Hospital in Greenville, NC.  Mrs. Winfree was instrumental in Brownies and 4‑H in the Clinton area from 1960 to 1966.

EMMA O. KING ANDERSON (37), died April 16, 2003.  Cheryl Homer Graham (78) reports:  "I wanted to share this information about the death of my grandmother.  She was an amazing woman, as you will read below.  She loved Maryland and especially Clinton.  She attended any and all reunions.  She and I got a kick out of the fact that both of us were pictured in "Alumni Hall" at the School.  Prior to her death, my grandfather gave me her high school graduation diploma.  It is something I truly treasure.  In honor of her I have had her diploma and mine framed together and displayed in my office at home.  You should see the reactions I get when friends look closely at the framed diplomas and see that they are in fact high school diplomas (not higher degrees)...from the same school...but different years.  Cheryl

Emma was 83. She was born in 1920 in Clinton.  The King family has a long history in the Clinton area ‑ especially on Tippett Road where she grew up at the manor house called The Wyoming. She was the widow of John V. Snellings. At the time of his death she was living in DC and had four young children from the ages of 10 months to 11 years old.  As a single parent ‑ who did not have a driver's license or job ‑ she went out and got both!  She continued to raise her 4 children on her own, in Anacostia, for the next 10 years.  She married off the three girls and met her future husband at a trade show.  She and her young son moved to Pennsylvania with her new husband.  She is survived by her husband of 41 years, Nicholas "Andy" Anderson; three daughters, Sandra  Secrist, of Harrogate, Tenn., Betty Stephens, of Waldorf, and Jane (Homer) Huntzberry, of Clinton; one son, John Snellings, of Needham, Mass.; seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Donations may made to the Alzheimers Assn., 2001 North Front Street, Harrisburg, PA 17102.

JOHN W. CHRISTMAN, died on June 2, 2003.  He was a long time Clinton resident, and the father of four Surratts graduates: John W. Christman, Jr, (67), Jay W. Christman (68)  (jayxman@bellsouth.net), Debbie A. (Christman) Lucas (72), and Denise M. (Christman) Shuhart (84).

 

 

THE BACK PAGES BAND
www.thebackpagesband.com

Classic Songs from the Golden Decade of Rock - 1963 - 1973

7/4  (Fri)         WESTMINSTER JULY 4^TH CELEBRATION, Farm Museum, 2 - 3:45 p.m.

7/10  (Th)      BAY BREEZE CONCERT SERIES, Ches.Beach RR Museum, 7:30 - 9 p.m

7/19 (Sat)      PRIVATE EVENT, 7 - 11 p.m.

7/30 (Wed)     UNIV. OF MD LAW SCHOOL, Bar Exam Party, 5:30 -7:30 p.m. (Private)

8/2 (Sat)        HOWARD COUNTY FAIR, Fairgrounds, 7 - 9 p.m.

8/17 (Sun)      VA WINE FESTIVAL, Great Meadows, The Plains, VA, 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. (800-520-9670; 410-267-6711; www.showsinc.com)

8/24 (Sun)      SUMMER SUNSET CONCERT SERIES, Allen Pond, Bowie, MD, 7 - 8 p.m.

9/6 (Sat)        MD SEAFOOD FESTIVAL, Sandy Point State Park, 12 - 12:45 p.m.

9/13 (Sat)       ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY FAIR, A.A. Co. Fairgrounds, 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.

9/20 (Sat)       NOTRE DAME REUNION, MD Science Center, 7 - 11 p.m. (Private)

9/27 (Sat)       WESTMINSTER FALL FEST, Westminster, MD City Park, 6 - 10 p.m.

10/5 (Sun)       FALL FESTIVAL, Farm Museum, Westminster, MD, 2 - 3:45 p.m.

11/15 (Sat)      UNIV. OF MD LAW SCHOOL REUNION, 9 p.m. - 1 a.m. (Private)