RMHS Class of 1976 - 55 Year Old Birthday / Speed Limit Party
Date: Saturday, May 4th (Coincidently, it’s my 54½ Birthday--unplanned at the time of booking!)
Time: 7:30pm and on
Location: Sheraton Rockville Hotel - King Farm Sheraton (Off of Shady Grove Road)
See Photos Below (After the "Attributions" section).
Time: 7:30pm and on
Location: Sheraton Rockville Hotel - King Farm Sheraton (Off of Shady Grove Road)
See Photos Below (After the "Attributions" section).
Much Cheaper nearby:
Red Roof Inn Washington DC - Rockville
16001 Shady Grove Road
Rockville, MD 20850 US
301-987-0965
1 Adult for two double beds is $79.00. More for a King Size Bed.
800-Red Roof or 800-733-7663
Block Code: B263rmhs76
If you do not book your room by April 15, the rate will go up to market rate. around $99.00. We need a Head Count by April 25, but I can squeak a few more in afterwards. The sooner the better. Please, place this email on your Facebook Account, so we can reach more folks and get new emails addresses, as well.
Help us find folks. Ask if they have changed their email since June 2011 send us the new one. Or, go to the Missing in Action list and see if you know the email address of anyone there. www.rmhs1976.com As for your address, please send us your home address, so if you experience transition in your career, we can still find you.
Some History on the School from John Crump.
(See " Montgomery County Historical Society," for entire 11 Page RMHS History document.)
The Sexist Beginning of the RMHS Rockets
I had always wondered about the origin of the nickname "Rockets" for the RMHS sports teams but never realized it had a sexist beginning...
"With the opening of a new and full-sized gym in 1929 [at Richard Montgomery High School], basketball became the main sport, both for boys and girls....In 1937, the boys used the team name "Yellow Tide" while the more outstanding girls team was nicknamed "Rockettes.” because some fan compared them to the famed Rockettes of the New York stage. It was from this nickname that the name "Rockets," now used by all RMHS teams, was derived."
A few thoughts....
And, to think it all began with the dumbest thing I could ever said in my life.
"Vote for me and I promise you the best reunions you will have ever seen."
I should have just stuck to selling the "Bicentennial Year," the year that we were graduated.
But I thought at that time, The nation was, "Overselling the Bicentennial," and I didn't want to sound like a cliché.
You can well imagine my response to, "Y2K."
SPECIAL THANKS TO....
Cathy Berard Lambert was very generous to bring this class it's very own Birthday Cake and Mardi Gras Birthday Beads.
Cathy I want to sincerely thank you for being so forward thinking and thoughtful. Cathy called me and asked about the Birthday Cake. I asked her who's Birthday it was! Not thinking too clearly. Way too much to handle. I overlooked it. Cathy, you're the best.
My Twinbrook Girls! They always come through for me. No matter what I want or need searching for folks or running errands or just making things work, they make it happen. They include:
Cathy Berard Lambert, Irene Hawkins, (Fondly remembered as, "Reenie"), Heidi Metzger (who had an 11th hour conflict, Debbie Packard, and Julie Goodnight Crites.
Not only do they keep the memory of, "The Brook" alive but they deliver. And, to think, I was terrified of The Brook.
I want to thank the folks who brought us laptops to Skype: They include Mike and Gina Beck, Cathy Berard Lambert and her son, Ryan, Irene Hawkins, and Julie Goodnight Crites.
I want to warmly think Paul Albrecht of Marlowe Sports who also had a conflict, but really came through for us by providing tonight's T-Shirts. Under the Irvington Salon Sign over there on my left, you will see a table with T-shirts. These T-shirts are nicely folded in sizes small, medium, large, extra large, 1XL, 2XL and 3XL. If you are looking for a particular size like 3XL. I only have two or three of them. So, catch them now.
Ryan Lambert, Cathy Berard's son who bailed us out on this Skype effort. The concept was presented to me on Wednesday. James and I had little to no experience with Skype. I have Skype at home and I used it for international clients, but I haven't been on it for a couple of years. We would not have made it without Ryan's help. He was here not only to support us, but to supervise our hosts us and make sure everything ran smoothly.
Ryan also took the large "group shot" that is the first photo posted below. Thanks Ryan!!!!
I want to thank our hosts this evening for pitching in:
Cathy Berard, Linda Brunett, Irene Hawkins and Julie Goodnight. And I should also add James, who not only co-hosted tonight, but took lots of photographs for the evening. We could not have done it without him.
And, thanks to Paul Esche for "Branding" our event. The 55 Year Old Birthday Party was already in the works before we went public. However, Paul had the brilliant idea of calling it a "Speed Limit Party." Very good thinking, Paul. I guess he melted down over the new legislation (that it went from 70 mph to 55 mph).
ATTRIBUTIONS
As per usual, getting to the event is a nightmare and the evening is not much fun, as we're too busy working it, and we have no time to talk with anyone. However, following the gig, the phone calls and emails come through from folks expressing their appreciation and enthusiasm--that's the Pay Off!
James and I warmly value your recognition.
Following are a sampling of emails from classmates in attendance. A good time was had by all.
We even received 7 emails from folks who planned on attending and had 11th hour conflicts. All very nice. (Class Acts!)
Donna Windrow:
I had a grand time at the event and I am so glad I came. Warren also enjoyed himself. Take care, get some well deserved rest.
Irene "Hawkins" Weddle:
Thanks Rich – you’re doing a great job! We were saying that nothing would have ever happened if you hadn’t done it. You’re the BEST! Thanks! I had a wonderful time! "Yes - fun night. Great seeing you Vera. I wish more people had come out - they missed a great time. Lots of laughs - lots of memories."
Neil Peters:
It was good to see you too, and to meet James. Thanks for setting these things up. Did you realize when you ran in high school that you were committed for life? Hopefully it won’t be so long next time.
Maureen "Field" Levy:
Great to reconnect with everyone! All the best to you all!
Pam Carpentier:
You guys are just so wonderful and thorough! Richard, your hard work brings back such wonderful memories. We cannot thank you enough. You are dear!
Kym Wilson:
I really appreciate your efforts to keep me connected. Thanks much for all you do.
Kyle Remissong:
Thank you SOOOOOO Much for putting this together and for loaning your phone out for my text chat. Sorry, to have missed all of you this past weekend. The first weekend in May, I am always in Louisville. Rich did keep me in the loop as much as possible though. Again, Rich THANK YOU AND JAMES for doing a TON of work to get these done. Anyway, I would LOVE to see everyone next time.
Lisa "Beaudoin" Carvallo:
It was great, though, so THANKS!
Kathy Card:
Thanks for thinking of me.
Deborah "Packer" Cavanagh:
Nice seeing everyone at the birthday party!!!! It was great!!!!
Anonymous (We have a "Hunch" who you are and we say, "Thank You.")
Year after year, Rich, you pull the fireworks out and place them on display. Now, with James in the hopper, we have a website and database that closes the loop. Thank you for such a splendid evening and we look forward to the next gathering.
Kerry and Janet Hamilton:
Thanks so much to you and James for putting this all together! I look forward to Oct. 1, 2016 when we do it all again... You've got a good guy there, and I hope these next three years continue to bring you joy and success.
Janie Pisano:
Great night! Thank you so much for making the event so special...cake & t-shirts! I really enjoyed our time after hours. Your memory amazes me, great stories.
Patty Tetlow:
"Had a great time with some old friends. Thanks to all who made it happen"
Linda Brunett:
I just want to thank you for putting together the party last night. I know it was a lot of work and hassle for you, but I think it was a great success! I spoke to people I had never talked to before, and had a wonderful time. You are the glue that holds us all together. I hope you had a chance to relax today.
Vera "Mongelli" Malkowski:
Thank You Richard Bedard and James for all you've done over the years keeping our class together. You guys ROCK!!!! Fun night, wish more classmates would have come out for it.
You guys did a wonderful job pulling everything together, maintaining our web site, tracking people down, reserving hotels, pictures, set up, and all the other many things you two do that none of us ever see or realize you've done. Thank you isn't enough but it's all I've got. Looking forward to the next gathering.
David Burrelli:
Great time, thanks to both of you.
Lee Corydon:
"I enjoyed being able to take participate in the reunion by Skype even though the image was grainy and the 'conversation' was patchy. Thanks to everyone who took part. I enjoyed it and really loved being able to connect even for a few minutes with everyone. Congratulations and keep up the good work. We need someone like you (and James) to get these things off the ground. Not everyone has the talent, the drive, the patience or the will. As my Mom used to say, 'if you got it, Flaunt it'!
Cathy "Berard" Lambert:
Thanks and I had a wonderful time!
Mickey Nolan:
Had a great time hanging in the back like I did.
To all classmates who have not been to a Reunion: Rich and James work their butts off doing the planning and executing all Reunions and get-togethers.
Kyle Remissong really jumps in for Rich and does the Picnics.
I have been to the 20th, 25th, 30th, & 35th. The 40th will be a blast. It's time for you to be there, too.
You will not regret it!
Peggy Kitzinger:
First, let me tell you what a fabulous job you have been doing with the website. I check it to see what's new. I hope there were a lot of pictures taken at the 55 mph party. Looking forward to seeing them. Take care of yourself. Love to all! Thank you and best to you and keep me updated.
PHOTOS
Captions for the below pictures are given back to front and left to right, unless otherwise stated.
In the event we did not get an individual shot for you, we simply had too many moving parts and we missed many of you. Some people were not in the group shot, as they left before 9 p.m.
Sorry if you were omitted.
Click on (small) Photos to Enlarge them
Red Roof Inn Washington DC - Rockville
16001 Shady Grove Road
Rockville, MD 20850 US
301-987-0965
1 Adult for two double beds is $79.00. More for a King Size Bed.
800-Red Roof or 800-733-7663
Block Code: B263rmhs76
If you do not book your room by April 15, the rate will go up to market rate. around $99.00. We need a Head Count by April 25, but I can squeak a few more in afterwards. The sooner the better. Please, place this email on your Facebook Account, so we can reach more folks and get new emails addresses, as well.
Help us find folks. Ask if they have changed their email since June 2011 send us the new one. Or, go to the Missing in Action list and see if you know the email address of anyone there. www.rmhs1976.com As for your address, please send us your home address, so if you experience transition in your career, we can still find you.
Some History on the School from John Crump.
(See " Montgomery County Historical Society," for entire 11 Page RMHS History document.)
The Sexist Beginning of the RMHS Rockets
I had always wondered about the origin of the nickname "Rockets" for the RMHS sports teams but never realized it had a sexist beginning...
"With the opening of a new and full-sized gym in 1929 [at Richard Montgomery High School], basketball became the main sport, both for boys and girls....In 1937, the boys used the team name "Yellow Tide" while the more outstanding girls team was nicknamed "Rockettes.” because some fan compared them to the famed Rockettes of the New York stage. It was from this nickname that the name "Rockets," now used by all RMHS teams, was derived."
A few thoughts....
And, to think it all began with the dumbest thing I could ever said in my life.
"Vote for me and I promise you the best reunions you will have ever seen."
I should have just stuck to selling the "Bicentennial Year," the year that we were graduated.
But I thought at that time, The nation was, "Overselling the Bicentennial," and I didn't want to sound like a cliché.
You can well imagine my response to, "Y2K."
SPECIAL THANKS TO....
Cathy Berard Lambert was very generous to bring this class it's very own Birthday Cake and Mardi Gras Birthday Beads.
Cathy I want to sincerely thank you for being so forward thinking and thoughtful. Cathy called me and asked about the Birthday Cake. I asked her who's Birthday it was! Not thinking too clearly. Way too much to handle. I overlooked it. Cathy, you're the best.
My Twinbrook Girls! They always come through for me. No matter what I want or need searching for folks or running errands or just making things work, they make it happen. They include:
Cathy Berard Lambert, Irene Hawkins, (Fondly remembered as, "Reenie"), Heidi Metzger (who had an 11th hour conflict, Debbie Packard, and Julie Goodnight Crites.
Not only do they keep the memory of, "The Brook" alive but they deliver. And, to think, I was terrified of The Brook.
I want to thank the folks who brought us laptops to Skype: They include Mike and Gina Beck, Cathy Berard Lambert and her son, Ryan, Irene Hawkins, and Julie Goodnight Crites.
I want to warmly think Paul Albrecht of Marlowe Sports who also had a conflict, but really came through for us by providing tonight's T-Shirts. Under the Irvington Salon Sign over there on my left, you will see a table with T-shirts. These T-shirts are nicely folded in sizes small, medium, large, extra large, 1XL, 2XL and 3XL. If you are looking for a particular size like 3XL. I only have two or three of them. So, catch them now.
Ryan Lambert, Cathy Berard's son who bailed us out on this Skype effort. The concept was presented to me on Wednesday. James and I had little to no experience with Skype. I have Skype at home and I used it for international clients, but I haven't been on it for a couple of years. We would not have made it without Ryan's help. He was here not only to support us, but to supervise our hosts us and make sure everything ran smoothly.
Ryan also took the large "group shot" that is the first photo posted below. Thanks Ryan!!!!
I want to thank our hosts this evening for pitching in:
Cathy Berard, Linda Brunett, Irene Hawkins and Julie Goodnight. And I should also add James, who not only co-hosted tonight, but took lots of photographs for the evening. We could not have done it without him.
And, thanks to Paul Esche for "Branding" our event. The 55 Year Old Birthday Party was already in the works before we went public. However, Paul had the brilliant idea of calling it a "Speed Limit Party." Very good thinking, Paul. I guess he melted down over the new legislation (that it went from 70 mph to 55 mph).
ATTRIBUTIONS
As per usual, getting to the event is a nightmare and the evening is not much fun, as we're too busy working it, and we have no time to talk with anyone. However, following the gig, the phone calls and emails come through from folks expressing their appreciation and enthusiasm--that's the Pay Off!
James and I warmly value your recognition.
Following are a sampling of emails from classmates in attendance. A good time was had by all.
We even received 7 emails from folks who planned on attending and had 11th hour conflicts. All very nice. (Class Acts!)
Donna Windrow:
I had a grand time at the event and I am so glad I came. Warren also enjoyed himself. Take care, get some well deserved rest.
Irene "Hawkins" Weddle:
Thanks Rich – you’re doing a great job! We were saying that nothing would have ever happened if you hadn’t done it. You’re the BEST! Thanks! I had a wonderful time! "Yes - fun night. Great seeing you Vera. I wish more people had come out - they missed a great time. Lots of laughs - lots of memories."
Neil Peters:
It was good to see you too, and to meet James. Thanks for setting these things up. Did you realize when you ran in high school that you were committed for life? Hopefully it won’t be so long next time.
Maureen "Field" Levy:
Great to reconnect with everyone! All the best to you all!
Pam Carpentier:
You guys are just so wonderful and thorough! Richard, your hard work brings back such wonderful memories. We cannot thank you enough. You are dear!
Kym Wilson:
I really appreciate your efforts to keep me connected. Thanks much for all you do.
Kyle Remissong:
Thank you SOOOOOO Much for putting this together and for loaning your phone out for my text chat. Sorry, to have missed all of you this past weekend. The first weekend in May, I am always in Louisville. Rich did keep me in the loop as much as possible though. Again, Rich THANK YOU AND JAMES for doing a TON of work to get these done. Anyway, I would LOVE to see everyone next time.
Lisa "Beaudoin" Carvallo:
It was great, though, so THANKS!
Kathy Card:
Thanks for thinking of me.
Deborah "Packer" Cavanagh:
Nice seeing everyone at the birthday party!!!! It was great!!!!
Anonymous (We have a "Hunch" who you are and we say, "Thank You.")
Year after year, Rich, you pull the fireworks out and place them on display. Now, with James in the hopper, we have a website and database that closes the loop. Thank you for such a splendid evening and we look forward to the next gathering.
Kerry and Janet Hamilton:
Thanks so much to you and James for putting this all together! I look forward to Oct. 1, 2016 when we do it all again... You've got a good guy there, and I hope these next three years continue to bring you joy and success.
Janie Pisano:
Great night! Thank you so much for making the event so special...cake & t-shirts! I really enjoyed our time after hours. Your memory amazes me, great stories.
Patty Tetlow:
"Had a great time with some old friends. Thanks to all who made it happen"
Linda Brunett:
I just want to thank you for putting together the party last night. I know it was a lot of work and hassle for you, but I think it was a great success! I spoke to people I had never talked to before, and had a wonderful time. You are the glue that holds us all together. I hope you had a chance to relax today.
Vera "Mongelli" Malkowski:
Thank You Richard Bedard and James for all you've done over the years keeping our class together. You guys ROCK!!!! Fun night, wish more classmates would have come out for it.
You guys did a wonderful job pulling everything together, maintaining our web site, tracking people down, reserving hotels, pictures, set up, and all the other many things you two do that none of us ever see or realize you've done. Thank you isn't enough but it's all I've got. Looking forward to the next gathering.
David Burrelli:
Great time, thanks to both of you.
Lee Corydon:
"I enjoyed being able to take participate in the reunion by Skype even though the image was grainy and the 'conversation' was patchy. Thanks to everyone who took part. I enjoyed it and really loved being able to connect even for a few minutes with everyone. Congratulations and keep up the good work. We need someone like you (and James) to get these things off the ground. Not everyone has the talent, the drive, the patience or the will. As my Mom used to say, 'if you got it, Flaunt it'!
Cathy "Berard" Lambert:
Thanks and I had a wonderful time!
Mickey Nolan:
Had a great time hanging in the back like I did.
To all classmates who have not been to a Reunion: Rich and James work their butts off doing the planning and executing all Reunions and get-togethers.
Kyle Remissong really jumps in for Rich and does the Picnics.
I have been to the 20th, 25th, 30th, & 35th. The 40th will be a blast. It's time for you to be there, too.
You will not regret it!
Peggy Kitzinger:
First, let me tell you what a fabulous job you have been doing with the website. I check it to see what's new. I hope there were a lot of pictures taken at the 55 mph party. Looking forward to seeing them. Take care of yourself. Love to all! Thank you and best to you and keep me updated.
PHOTOS
Captions for the below pictures are given back to front and left to right, unless otherwise stated.
In the event we did not get an individual shot for you, we simply had too many moving parts and we missed many of you. Some people were not in the group shot, as they left before 9 p.m.
Sorry if you were omitted.
Click on (small) Photos to Enlarge them
Back Row (on chairs): Rich Moonblatt, Dawn Lewis, Janet Reed Hamilton (Class of 78), Kerry Hamilton
Fifth Row: Mike Lewis, Mike Paterno, Mickey Nolan (hiding behind Linda Brunett)
Fourth Row: Neil Peters, Linda Brunett, Dan McDonough, Patty Lawson Tetlow (Class of 77), Terri Greene Mort, Charlotte Tetlow (Patty's Daughter, hiding behind Terri Greene Mort), David Burrelli, Barry Falgout (Natalie Keller's boyfriend), Natalie Keller, Dave Malkowski (Vera's hubbie, behind Natalie), Steve Banashek
Third Row: Donna Michelle Windrow, Melba Moore Brown, Debbie Packer Cavanagh, Julie Goodnight Crites, Irene Hawkins, Debby Brigham McMurray (Class of 77), Janie Pisano Camarca, Vera Mongelli Malkowski
Second Row: Cindy Havranek-Walters, Lisa Beaudoin Carvallo, Vicki Summerour Skimmeran, Debbie Prather, Mike Beck, Cathy Berard Lambert
First Row: (seated, in front): Denise Flowers Brooks, James Peterson (Rich Moonblatt's husband)
Fifth Row: Mike Lewis, Mike Paterno, Mickey Nolan (hiding behind Linda Brunett)
Fourth Row: Neil Peters, Linda Brunett, Dan McDonough, Patty Lawson Tetlow (Class of 77), Terri Greene Mort, Charlotte Tetlow (Patty's Daughter, hiding behind Terri Greene Mort), David Burrelli, Barry Falgout (Natalie Keller's boyfriend), Natalie Keller, Dave Malkowski (Vera's hubbie, behind Natalie), Steve Banashek
Third Row: Donna Michelle Windrow, Melba Moore Brown, Debbie Packer Cavanagh, Julie Goodnight Crites, Irene Hawkins, Debby Brigham McMurray (Class of 77), Janie Pisano Camarca, Vera Mongelli Malkowski
Second Row: Cindy Havranek-Walters, Lisa Beaudoin Carvallo, Vicki Summerour Skimmeran, Debbie Prather, Mike Beck, Cathy Berard Lambert
First Row: (seated, in front): Denise Flowers Brooks, James Peterson (Rich Moonblatt's husband)
Left Picture: Cathy Berard Lambert and Rich Moonblatt, blowing out the candles on the Birthday Cake
Middle Picture: Steve Banashek, Cindy Havranek-Walters, Gina and Mike Beck
Right Picture: The Twinbrook Girls (Cathy Berard Lambert, Cindy Havranek-Walters, Julie Goodnight Crites, Irene Hawkins, Vera Mongelli Malkowski, and Debbie Packer Cavanagh)
Middle Picture: Steve Banashek, Cindy Havranek-Walters, Gina and Mike Beck
Right Picture: The Twinbrook Girls (Cathy Berard Lambert, Cindy Havranek-Walters, Julie Goodnight Crites, Irene Hawkins, Vera Mongelli Malkowski, and Debbie Packer Cavanagh)
Left Picture: Julie Goodnight Crites, Steve Banashek, and Linda Brunett
Middle Picture: Kerry Hamilton and Wife, Janet Reed Hamilton (Class of 78)
Right Picture: Larry Levy (Husband of Maureen Field Levy) and Maureen Field Levy
Middle Picture: Kerry Hamilton and Wife, Janet Reed Hamilton (Class of 78)
Right Picture: Larry Levy (Husband of Maureen Field Levy) and Maureen Field Levy
Left Picture: Cindy Havranek-Walters, Irene Hawkins, Debbie Packer Cavanagh
Middle Picture: David Burrelli (that's Dan McDonough behind David to the right)
Right Picture: Cathy Berard Lambert, Warren Wilson (In the background: Mike Lewis, Mike Beck, Neil Peters, Dan McDonough)
Middle Picture: David Burrelli (that's Dan McDonough behind David to the right)
Right Picture: Cathy Berard Lambert, Warren Wilson (In the background: Mike Lewis, Mike Beck, Neil Peters, Dan McDonough)
Left Picture: Group Shot
Back Row: Melba Moore, Vicki Summerour, Denise Flowers, Donna Windrow, & Rich Moonblatt
Middle Row: Debbie Prather and Lisa Beaudoin Carvallo
Front Row: David Burrelli
Middle Picture: Janie Pisano Camarca, Dave Malkowski, and Vera Mongelli Malkowski
Right Picture: Mickey Nolan and Dan McDonough
Back Row: Melba Moore, Vicki Summerour, Denise Flowers, Donna Windrow, & Rich Moonblatt
Middle Row: Debbie Prather and Lisa Beaudoin Carvallo
Front Row: David Burrelli
Middle Picture: Janie Pisano Camarca, Dave Malkowski, and Vera Mongelli Malkowski
Right Picture: Mickey Nolan and Dan McDonough
Left Picture: Neil Peters and Dan McDonough
Middle Picture: Larry Levy, Maureen Field Levy, Vera Mongelli Malkowski, and Janie Pisano Camarca
Right Picture: Natalie Keller and Barry Falgout (Natalie's beau)
Middle Picture: Larry Levy, Maureen Field Levy, Vera Mongelli Malkowski, and Janie Pisano Camarca
Right Picture: Natalie Keller and Barry Falgout (Natalie's beau)
Left Picture: David Burrelli, Janie Pisano Camarca, Dave Malkowski, and Vera Mongelli Malkowski
Middle Picture: Debbie Packer and Husband (Ed) and Steve Banashek
Right Picture: Irene Hawkins and Cindy Havranek-Walters
Middle Picture: Debbie Packer and Husband (Ed) and Steve Banashek
Right Picture: Irene Hawkins and Cindy Havranek-Walters
Left Picture: Linda Brunett and "Donna" Michelle Windrow
Middle Picture: Panorama shot during Rich Moonblatt's Announcements
Right Picture: Patty Lawson Tetlow (Class of 77) and her daughter, Charlotte Tetlow
Middle Picture: Panorama shot during Rich Moonblatt's Announcements
Right Picture: Patty Lawson Tetlow (Class of 77) and her daughter, Charlotte Tetlow
Left Picture: Irene Hawkins, Cindy Havranek-Walters, Vicki Summerour Skimmeran, and Denise Flowers Brooks
Middle Picture: Kerry Hamilton, Mike Lewis, Dawn Lewis, and Janet Reed Hamilton
Right Picture: Ryan Lambert (Cathy Berard Lambert's son) and Steve Banashek, hanging out in the, "Skype Lounge."
Ryan kindly gave up his time to provide tech support for the Skype Lounge. Ryan also took the photo for the big group shot (first photo). Thank you Ryan!
Middle Picture: Kerry Hamilton, Mike Lewis, Dawn Lewis, and Janet Reed Hamilton
Right Picture: Ryan Lambert (Cathy Berard Lambert's son) and Steve Banashek, hanging out in the, "Skype Lounge."
Ryan kindly gave up his time to provide tech support for the Skype Lounge. Ryan also took the photo for the big group shot (first photo). Thank you Ryan!
Left Picture: Rich "Bedard" Moonblatt and Linda Brunett
Middle Picture: Vicki Summerour Skimmeran and Melba Moore Brown
Middle Picture: Vicki Summerour Skimmeran and Melba Moore Brown
Rich's Comments from the Evening
Welcome to the 55 Year Old Speed Limit Party and Thank You for being here tonight. It shows Unity.
You may remember it was in our Drivers Ed classes when we learned they were decreasing the speed limit from 70 mph to 55 mph. At the time, we didn't think we would make it. We not only survived the change in legislation, but we are standing here today, for possibly good reason. So maybe, the legislation made sense.
Let me share some statistics regarding our class with you based on our website research that are very telling.
Our class resides or has lived at one time in 71 different countries and 1204 cities since 2007.
As of May 4, 2013, the site has received 34,644 visits since 2007.
Just in the past year we have had 3,360 visits. That's 280 visits per month.
So as you can see, people really do care and are interested.
There are folks who wanted to be here tonight and wanted me to share their "Excuses." I mean reasons why they could not attend and to share their good wishes to you. Of course, I will miss a few.
Kyle Remissong. My Main Man. For over 37 years, Kyle has consistently come through for me and has helped me in every way possible way. He not only shares my trials and tribulations over this painstaking effort in keeping us together, but he always hosts the picnic for me and does everything without any support from me. He is at the Kentucky Derby today, which he has gone to every year for the past 15 years and had I known today was the Kentucky Derby and he going, I would changed the date.
Kim Wilson: Kim joined us at our 35th having been away for so many years. She wanted to be here tonight, but she's in Graduate School and has finals on Monday morning. Currently, she's the Vice President of Human Resources at Howard University.
Danny Franklin: Danny is a Vice President at Kaspesrky(An antivirus Software company ) and he left hours ago for Moscow. He said, he would rather be here. Be sure to see the photo of Danny and me on the website for the 35th.
Steve Banashek: Steve and his wife are avid birdwatchers and this is a important weekend for bird watching based on the weather. He assured me it was not an old man's hobby.
Linda Conti: Her youngest son is being married tonight.
John Green: His youngest daughter is graduating from college today.
It's stuns me that these people place family over our class.
We need to offer some recognition where it's deserved tonight:
Cathy Berard Lambert was very generous to bring this class it's very own Birthday Cake and Mardi Gras Birthday Beads.
Cathy I want to sincerely thank you for being so forward thinking and thoughtful. Cathy called me and asked about the Birthday Cake. I asked her who's Birthday it was! Not thinking too clearly. Way too much to handle. I overlooked it. Cathy, you're the best.
My Twinbrook Girls! They always come through for me. No matter what I want or need searching for folks or running errands or just making things work, they make it happen. They include:
Cathy Berard, Irene Hawkins, (Fondly remembered as, "Reenie.") Heidi Metzger (who had an 11th hour conflict, Debbie Packard and Julie Goodnight.
Not only, do they keep the memory of, "The Brooke" alive but they deliver. And, to think, I was terrified of The Brooke.
I want to thank the folks who brought us laptops to Skype:
They include Mike and Gina Beck, Cathy Berard and her son, Ryan, Irene Hawkins, and Julie Goodnight.
I want to warmly think Paul Albrecht of Marlowe Sports who also had a conflict, but really came through for us by providing tonight's T-Shirts. Under the Irvington Salon Sign over there on my left, you will see a table with T-shirts. These T-shirts are nicely folded in sizes small, medium, large, extra large, 1XL, 2XL and 3XL. If you are looking for a particular size like 3XL. I only have two or three of them. So, catch them now.
Ryan Lambert, Cathy Berard's son who bailed us out this Skype effort. The concept was presented to me on Wednesday. James and I had little to no experience with Skype. I have Skype at home and I used it for international clients, but I haven't been on it for a couple of years. We would not have made it without Ryan's help. He is here not only to support us, but to supervise our hosts us and make sure everything runs smoothly.
I will be curious to see what our success rate will be with Skype. If it hits, we will do it at all future gigs. My only concern is that we could not get the email out as early as I wanted and I knew if the recipient did not get it by 12 noon Thursday they would be shorted, if we only had a office email and they were off on Friday.
Speaking of folks, if we only have your office email, please go to www.rmhs1976.com and send us your home email. Everyone experiences transition at work at one time or another and this way, we do not lose contact with you. Be sure to do that. And, we will not bother you at work with our Emails.
Shortly, Ryan will step up on the bar and take a group picture of all of us. If any of you want the same photo leave your cameras on the bar with Ryan and he will snap away.
I want to thank our hosts this evening for pitching in:
Cathy Berard, Linda Brunett, Irene Hawkins and Julie Goodnight. And I should also add James, who not only co-hosted tonight, but took all of the photographs for the evening. We could not have done it without him.
And, to Paul Esche for "Branding" our event. The 55 Year Old Birthday Party was already in the works before we went public. However, Paul had the "Brilliant" idea, of calling it a Speed Limit Party. Very Good Thinking, Paul. I guess, he melted down over the new legislation (that it went from 70 mph to 55 mph).
Let's spend a moment and talk about my Domestic Partner, James Peterson, who actually years ago married me, so technically I am supposed to call him my husband. And when the Supreme Court rules in our favor next month , It just might change everything. However, I'm still uncertain as to whether I can call him my husband. I am still, very old school. James breaks his ass for this class. He has not only designed a very sophisticated database that he maintains, but he also designed our website. I handle the maintenance of the website and the contact list, but it could not be done without his support and assistance. He has taught me everything I know. Prior to coming into my life, turning on the computer was a challenge for me. I implore him to go to his own reunions. I have done the research to learn when and where they are being held. He refuses to go. I feel sorry for his organizers because all they do is try and talk people, like him, into attending. I have his class organizers job. I ask you for a round of applause for James.
Please join me in giving him a round of applause for his care, efforts and patience. And, loads of patience with me and our classmates.
If I failed to recognize anyone this evening, you have my humble apologies. Way too many moving parts.
As for the folks coming into town or all of us who have seen the development of Rockville, Just look at some of our old haunts:
WINX Radio is now Sunrise Assisted Living
Hechingers is now Giant Food
Rockville Mall has just disappeared. That White Elephant is now the Rockville Town Center which includes the Courthouse and Judiciary Center along with mixed use of residential, retail and commercial office.
For those of you, like me who got all of their new school clothing at Korvettes, it is now Mid-Pike Plaza full of retail.
The Youth Center where several of us, bought our Junior High school clothes is now in Asian market
Of course, as we all know, our school and the Mae Nicewarner Auditorium that we all participated in its construction has been demolished. The new school looks very high-tech.
We will not even discuss what happened to Shakey's.
However, the McDonald's, where we all skipped class for, is still hanging strong after 50+ years.
When you return for the 40th reunion, plan on seeing a larger and different mix of people.
Often, folks do not attend off milestone year gigs. Especially, folks coming in from out of town. Off the top of my head and looking around, those folks are people like Dan McDonough, Donna Windrow, (Whose 55th Bday is tomorrow), Mickey Nolan, Natalie Keller, and Vania Kattah. I hope I didn't miss anyone. The 40th is already planned for Saturday, October 1 2016. All of the information will be under Upcoming Events on the Website. We will have another informal gig like this one at the top of 2015. Of course, you can plan on me hammering you with Emails.
Go to the website for photos of tonight's event. Give us a few weeks or less to load to everything. We may still be gathering photos from you guys. Get them to us fast. And, folks if you had a good time tonight, please place it in the Commentary Section of the website. It will motivate other folks to make comments as well. That section of the website has been rather quiet lately and it can be rather interactive.
As for the site, be sure to key in rmhs1976 versus RMHS. Otherwise, you will land on Rocky Mountain High School in Colorado. We are best friends with getting other's information.
Okay this is where we could get some help from and for the class. Anyone who is bored and well-versed with LinkedIn and finding people, simply go to the MIA list on the website and start your search. I will give you the language and all you need. You just point and click.
The same goes for Facebook. As I've said in the past, "Most of Our Class Business" is done on Facebook.
Post any class-related information or my past emails and contact information on your Facebook pages. Most importantly, go to the MIA list. I assure you there are people there for whom you have an email. Strongly encourage them to make contact with us at [email protected].
Now, gather up for the group photo. Following we will enjoy our classes Birthday cake.
You may remember it was in our Drivers Ed classes when we learned they were decreasing the speed limit from 70 mph to 55 mph. At the time, we didn't think we would make it. We not only survived the change in legislation, but we are standing here today, for possibly good reason. So maybe, the legislation made sense.
Let me share some statistics regarding our class with you based on our website research that are very telling.
Our class resides or has lived at one time in 71 different countries and 1204 cities since 2007.
As of May 4, 2013, the site has received 34,644 visits since 2007.
Just in the past year we have had 3,360 visits. That's 280 visits per month.
So as you can see, people really do care and are interested.
There are folks who wanted to be here tonight and wanted me to share their "Excuses." I mean reasons why they could not attend and to share their good wishes to you. Of course, I will miss a few.
Kyle Remissong. My Main Man. For over 37 years, Kyle has consistently come through for me and has helped me in every way possible way. He not only shares my trials and tribulations over this painstaking effort in keeping us together, but he always hosts the picnic for me and does everything without any support from me. He is at the Kentucky Derby today, which he has gone to every year for the past 15 years and had I known today was the Kentucky Derby and he going, I would changed the date.
Kim Wilson: Kim joined us at our 35th having been away for so many years. She wanted to be here tonight, but she's in Graduate School and has finals on Monday morning. Currently, she's the Vice President of Human Resources at Howard University.
Danny Franklin: Danny is a Vice President at Kaspesrky(An antivirus Software company ) and he left hours ago for Moscow. He said, he would rather be here. Be sure to see the photo of Danny and me on the website for the 35th.
Steve Banashek: Steve and his wife are avid birdwatchers and this is a important weekend for bird watching based on the weather. He assured me it was not an old man's hobby.
Linda Conti: Her youngest son is being married tonight.
John Green: His youngest daughter is graduating from college today.
It's stuns me that these people place family over our class.
We need to offer some recognition where it's deserved tonight:
Cathy Berard Lambert was very generous to bring this class it's very own Birthday Cake and Mardi Gras Birthday Beads.
Cathy I want to sincerely thank you for being so forward thinking and thoughtful. Cathy called me and asked about the Birthday Cake. I asked her who's Birthday it was! Not thinking too clearly. Way too much to handle. I overlooked it. Cathy, you're the best.
My Twinbrook Girls! They always come through for me. No matter what I want or need searching for folks or running errands or just making things work, they make it happen. They include:
Cathy Berard, Irene Hawkins, (Fondly remembered as, "Reenie.") Heidi Metzger (who had an 11th hour conflict, Debbie Packard and Julie Goodnight.
Not only, do they keep the memory of, "The Brooke" alive but they deliver. And, to think, I was terrified of The Brooke.
I want to thank the folks who brought us laptops to Skype:
They include Mike and Gina Beck, Cathy Berard and her son, Ryan, Irene Hawkins, and Julie Goodnight.
I want to warmly think Paul Albrecht of Marlowe Sports who also had a conflict, but really came through for us by providing tonight's T-Shirts. Under the Irvington Salon Sign over there on my left, you will see a table with T-shirts. These T-shirts are nicely folded in sizes small, medium, large, extra large, 1XL, 2XL and 3XL. If you are looking for a particular size like 3XL. I only have two or three of them. So, catch them now.
Ryan Lambert, Cathy Berard's son who bailed us out this Skype effort. The concept was presented to me on Wednesday. James and I had little to no experience with Skype. I have Skype at home and I used it for international clients, but I haven't been on it for a couple of years. We would not have made it without Ryan's help. He is here not only to support us, but to supervise our hosts us and make sure everything runs smoothly.
I will be curious to see what our success rate will be with Skype. If it hits, we will do it at all future gigs. My only concern is that we could not get the email out as early as I wanted and I knew if the recipient did not get it by 12 noon Thursday they would be shorted, if we only had a office email and they were off on Friday.
Speaking of folks, if we only have your office email, please go to www.rmhs1976.com and send us your home email. Everyone experiences transition at work at one time or another and this way, we do not lose contact with you. Be sure to do that. And, we will not bother you at work with our Emails.
Shortly, Ryan will step up on the bar and take a group picture of all of us. If any of you want the same photo leave your cameras on the bar with Ryan and he will snap away.
I want to thank our hosts this evening for pitching in:
Cathy Berard, Linda Brunett, Irene Hawkins and Julie Goodnight. And I should also add James, who not only co-hosted tonight, but took all of the photographs for the evening. We could not have done it without him.
And, to Paul Esche for "Branding" our event. The 55 Year Old Birthday Party was already in the works before we went public. However, Paul had the "Brilliant" idea, of calling it a Speed Limit Party. Very Good Thinking, Paul. I guess, he melted down over the new legislation (that it went from 70 mph to 55 mph).
Let's spend a moment and talk about my Domestic Partner, James Peterson, who actually years ago married me, so technically I am supposed to call him my husband. And when the Supreme Court rules in our favor next month , It just might change everything. However, I'm still uncertain as to whether I can call him my husband. I am still, very old school. James breaks his ass for this class. He has not only designed a very sophisticated database that he maintains, but he also designed our website. I handle the maintenance of the website and the contact list, but it could not be done without his support and assistance. He has taught me everything I know. Prior to coming into my life, turning on the computer was a challenge for me. I implore him to go to his own reunions. I have done the research to learn when and where they are being held. He refuses to go. I feel sorry for his organizers because all they do is try and talk people, like him, into attending. I have his class organizers job. I ask you for a round of applause for James.
Please join me in giving him a round of applause for his care, efforts and patience. And, loads of patience with me and our classmates.
If I failed to recognize anyone this evening, you have my humble apologies. Way too many moving parts.
As for the folks coming into town or all of us who have seen the development of Rockville, Just look at some of our old haunts:
WINX Radio is now Sunrise Assisted Living
Hechingers is now Giant Food
Rockville Mall has just disappeared. That White Elephant is now the Rockville Town Center which includes the Courthouse and Judiciary Center along with mixed use of residential, retail and commercial office.
For those of you, like me who got all of their new school clothing at Korvettes, it is now Mid-Pike Plaza full of retail.
The Youth Center where several of us, bought our Junior High school clothes is now in Asian market
Of course, as we all know, our school and the Mae Nicewarner Auditorium that we all participated in its construction has been demolished. The new school looks very high-tech.
We will not even discuss what happened to Shakey's.
However, the McDonald's, where we all skipped class for, is still hanging strong after 50+ years.
When you return for the 40th reunion, plan on seeing a larger and different mix of people.
Often, folks do not attend off milestone year gigs. Especially, folks coming in from out of town. Off the top of my head and looking around, those folks are people like Dan McDonough, Donna Windrow, (Whose 55th Bday is tomorrow), Mickey Nolan, Natalie Keller, and Vania Kattah. I hope I didn't miss anyone. The 40th is already planned for Saturday, October 1 2016. All of the information will be under Upcoming Events on the Website. We will have another informal gig like this one at the top of 2015. Of course, you can plan on me hammering you with Emails.
Go to the website for photos of tonight's event. Give us a few weeks or less to load to everything. We may still be gathering photos from you guys. Get them to us fast. And, folks if you had a good time tonight, please place it in the Commentary Section of the website. It will motivate other folks to make comments as well. That section of the website has been rather quiet lately and it can be rather interactive.
As for the site, be sure to key in rmhs1976 versus RMHS. Otherwise, you will land on Rocky Mountain High School in Colorado. We are best friends with getting other's information.
Okay this is where we could get some help from and for the class. Anyone who is bored and well-versed with LinkedIn and finding people, simply go to the MIA list on the website and start your search. I will give you the language and all you need. You just point and click.
The same goes for Facebook. As I've said in the past, "Most of Our Class Business" is done on Facebook.
Post any class-related information or my past emails and contact information on your Facebook pages. Most importantly, go to the MIA list. I assure you there are people there for whom you have an email. Strongly encourage them to make contact with us at [email protected].
Now, gather up for the group photo. Following we will enjoy our classes Birthday cake.
