PIHS Class of 1981 Alumni Site
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Lisa Brigman-Clark Dec 27, 2002 4:26AM
thanks carma. me and neecie are having it rough this year, but we'll get through it together like we always do.

Carma Cote-Ouellette Dec 17, 2002 6:17AM
Thinking of all the good times will help Carol. Your emotions will be over-filled but they will be more joyeus than sad. I still feel that way with the loss of my mom and sister especially over the holidays but thank god we have the memories. (now that we are adults, we can more understand what our parents meant when they said that)Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all!!!

Carol West-Cuff Dec 16, 2002 10:21PM
My thoughts and prayers are with both Lisa and Denise!
With Christmas coming, this being the first since my dad died, I am sure that there will be moments that will be difficult. God Bless you!

Carma Cote-Ouellette Dec 15, 2002 10:18PM
You are right Torry. Marvin did graduate in 1982. Ol' Marv is still silly I see. Marvin lived in Portland for quite a few years before moving back up home a year or so ago. Marvin hung around the class of 81 which is why he must have forgotten....at least I hope that's why. I know he was around on grad night because he was the one everyone volunteered to store the liquor in his trunk. That would be an initiation of some sort in college wouldnt it? LOL

Torry Boyles-Eaton Dec 15, 2002 8:11PM
Was Marvin Cramichael in our class or '82?  He installed a new washer and dryer for me yesterday and said that he graduated with us.  I just couldn't remember.  A lot of people get my sister, Trudy, and I mixed up so he could have been from '82.

Torry Boyles-Eaton Dec 15, 2002 8:07PM
I guess we are all reaching that stage in our lives where our parents are getting older!?!  I heard someone say the other day that once we get done caring for our children we will be caring for our parents (if we haven't lost them already)!  My thoughts and prayers are with both Lisa and Denise!

Carma Cote-Ouellette Dec 15, 2002 10:20AM
Condolences also go out to another classmate Lisa Brigman who also lost her father recently. Keep in touch Lisa, We're thinking of you and your family as well.

Carma Cote-Ouellette Dec 15, 2002 7:22AM
Merry Christmas everyone! Here is hoping you all have a safe and happy holiday! Condolences go out to our classmate Denise Carter who's father recently passed away. May they find peace this holiday season. We are thinking of you Denise.

Todd Wilson Dec 08, 2002 3:52PM
Howdy Folks,

Hope you all had a fabulous Thanksgiving and are preparing for a wonderful Christmas.  Only thirteen days to go!

Yeah we're still here in California.  They recently voted Gov. Gray Davis back into office even after the multi-billion dollar energy deregulation debacle he was in the middle of.  Now the government is chopping 10-billion dollars out of the education budget to help recover from a 20 or so billion dollar deficite.  Its a strange and confusing place to me.  I use a brain to money ratio analogy to help myself understand because at times it seems there's more money than brains around here.

Even now I realize the values of where I grew up and thank God that even though we didn't have much it was enough.  Not too much if you know what I mean.

We finished placement of the Olivenhain Dam three weeks early and now I'm continuing on with the installation of the valves which will control the flow of water into the distrbution system.  You can check it out by looking up "Olivenhain Dam" on Google or check out the company website at www.kiewit.com.  If you find dam's interesting

My wife is leading the Christmas float building effort for the Boy Scouts pack 640 "Pacific Desert Council".  They have a 3-4 hour long chrictmas parade here in Escondido on December 14th.  I have sometimes begruded the cost in time and money for her involvement with the BSA but in the end its all good.  I remember the parade last year.  It was 70-degrees out!  

My wife's parents came down from Oregon to have Thanks Giving with us.  My wifes parents are definitly a product of the 60's.....they plan to sail their 44-foot sailboat down here on their way to 15-years of sailing around the world.  I used to get angry at their supposed selfishness but have learned to accept it and love them just the same.  My Mother-in-law, God bless her, has recently found out she's had MS for a while now is showing some symptoms.  The disease punctuates both her vunerability and her strength as she continues on with life.  I know now where my wife gets her tenacity.

Well, thats all for now.

TTFN

T.Wilson











Leah Lamoreau-Girardin Dec 03, 2002 6:59PM
hi to all. I hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving. May the holidays bring peace and joy to you and yours. Take time for yourself and your family during the season. Isn't that what it's all about. Love,Leah

Visitor Nov 19, 2002 8:40PM
Maybe Martha was preparing herself for what's in store in the future. she has a home in Maine and accoriding to her neighbors, she isnt a very nice lady. But I find her shows very informative and refuse to believe a lady worth a billion dollars would bother to sell stock illegally for the sake of money. Just my opinion........  :-)

Margo Ladner-Bair Nov 19, 2002 7:03PM
Hi,
Just happened to be flipping through channels this morning and saw Martha Stewart on a harvester at the Good farm in Aroostook County....It was a nice piece. Wish I could have taped it.  It talked about how school is let out, hand picking etc.  Ahh, the good old days.

Carma Cote-Ouellette Nov 12, 2002 9:37PM
Hi everyone. Torry, I think I vaguely remember some music coming from somewhere that visitor asked about and I do think it was around the area where you lived. I am not sure if it was on a pole or not tho. I havent thought about that in years.Like you, I will be turning 40 in a few weeks so I could be wrong.  

Torry Boyles-Eaton Nov 10, 2002 7:36PM
My memory is fading!?! I turned 40 yesterday!?! I somehow vaguely remember that same "box"!  I will ask my parents about it!  At least it was warmer today and most of the snow has melted.

Visitor Nov 05, 2002 6:29PM
It's official. Fall time is over and Old Man Winter has arrived. It seems that this year has zoomed right on by and Thanksgiving and Christmas are right around the corner. Torry...did they play music from some sort of box on the phone pole next to your house when we were kids or is that a faulty memory? I think the box was actually hooked up to the post office or something.??

Torry Boyles-Eaton Oct 27, 2002 7:18PM
My boys (including my husband) "love" to go to the fields after the harvester has been through to pick potatoes!  You can tell they never had to do it to earn money!?!  I never go with them!  We actually had snow last night - it was enough so that everything was white this morning.  It was gone by the time we got out of church.

Laurie Perry-Gray Oct 26, 2002 8:34PM
All the talk about harvest certainly takes me back. Remember Potato Picker's Special on WAGM? I worked with Karen Tompkins on that show.....behind the scenes, that is. We were the ones who picked up the Dunkin Donuts at 3:45 a.m. and then made bacon and eggs for John Logan and all the crew. It made actually picking the potatoes look like a dream. We'll never forget those days, will we?

Andy Johnson Oct 23, 2002 3:53PM
And Ted, how about some news from the front line?  Do you stay holed up in your house now or what?

Unfortunately splattering the sniper news all over the TV only gives this guy the charge he's looking for.

Andy Johnson Oct 23, 2002 3:50PM
Thanks for the link to the NPR story Jon.  I too have haunting memories of harvest.  I must admit they are good memories, although I don't remember liking it at the time.  I think about it quite often this time of year when I'm getting so much stuff out of the garden.  I agree with you, Todd - it's the smell of dirt that usually brings it all back.

We got an inch of snow here last night.  All I have left to bring in are the potatoes.  I'd give anything just for a potato digger.  I only have two rows to dig, but doing it with a shovel gets old real fast.  Maybe if I get some sticks and mark off sections I can get the neighbors to help.  I'll pay them a penny a potato.  Yeah, that'll work.

Listen to your radio early tomorrow morning:  "Andy Johnson says he's starting on time..."

Todd Wilson Oct 19, 2002 8:40PM
Howdy Folks,

Here's a few songs I often hear in my mind at this time of year:

"Well we pick-um up pick-um up put them in a barrel put the big ole barrel on a tater truck"

and

"Give me 40 acres and I'll turn this truck around its the easiest way I've found."

and

"I've got a brand new combine harvester and I'll give you the key.  You've got 40 acres and I've got 53."

Something like that.

One more song for all you tater pickers.  I think I was 6 or 7-years old but I used to go pick taters with my mom at Beaulieu's and they always played the song " Haper Valley PTA" which used to get louder as we passed the radio station out by Arnold Brook Lake.

One more thing....when ever I'm around dirt equipment with sqeeky tracks and the smell of the earth I immediately rememeber potatoe diggers and home.

Thanks for sharing Jon.

TTFN

T. Wilson


Kerry Gettig-Pepper Oct 16, 2002 9:36PM
HEllo everyone. ust wanted to thank you all for your prayers. Andrew is doing great and is coming home tomorrow. HE is 100% walking, talking, so thanks again

Jon Wolfe Oct 09, 2002 12:46AM
Hello everyone,

With the beautiful fall colors, crisp cold mornings and clear blue skies the memories of those days out in the potato fields, busting our backs and freezing our feet...KEEP COMING BACK TO HAUNT ME!!!! WHY WON'T THEY LEAVE ME ALONE!!!!! 35 CENTS A BARREL!!!!! IT WAS AROOSTOOK COUNTY'S EQUIVALENT TO A SWEAT SHOP....ONLY IT WAS TOO DAMN COLD TO SWEAT!!!!

But seriously....I was listening to National Public Radio today and low the following segment was aired: "Potato Harvest" in Presque Isle. The following link will take you to the article.

http://search.npr.org/cf/cmn/segment_display.cfm?segID=151308  

I listened with a smile from ear to ear as Brandon Roope, my former neighbor and employer (and nemesis) for several harvests, gave his thoughts about the potato harvest break and what it means to the community.

That segment had more impact and meaning to those of us who experienced it than anyone else could EVER imagine!!

Just wanted to share that with everyone. Warm regards to all!!

Torry Boyles-Eaton Oct 06, 2002 5:46PM
FINALLY!  The leaves are just now changing color.  Usually by now they are all on the ground!?!  It was a beautiful weekend - 70's yesterday!  Global warming must be hitting Aroostook County!?!

Visitor Oct 06, 2002 2:01PM
Has the leaves started to turn color yet in the county?

Carol West-Cuff Sep 24, 2002 12:40PM
Hi Everybody! I now live in Washougal, Washington. We have been here for 3 yrs. Move here as a result of job changes with Pete's Job. Pete and I have been married for 13 yrs and have 2 children, Tim 8 yrs. and Stacey 5 yrs. For now I am a stay at home mom, best job yet!!! My dad past away in March 2002. He battled cancer for 5 years and actually beat the odds. Though I will miss him even more now, I know he is Home with the Lord! Anyway, glad to have found this site. I have wondered often over the years where everyone went. Sure would have loved to have made it to the Class Reuion but one can't be in 2 places at once.
All the best to each of you and God Bless!
Carol

Torry Boyles-Eaton Sep 20, 2002 8:33PM
We are back from another adventure to Europe! Sorry to hear about Karen's Dad and Mr. Kennison.

Todd Wilson Sep 15, 2002 2:20PM
Howdy Folks,

Its another sunny day down here in Southern California.  Sorry to here of the new losses.  Mr. Kenison introduced me to the tromebone when I was in 5th grade.  It didn't take but I'll never forget the introduction.  As for the bandies.....there hasn't been anything any more memorable during the basketball games then the band.  I loved the music and whats more I loved the marching band during the parades I attended throughout my life in Presque Isle.

Andy,  I'm back.  I find it interesting that Switzerland has joined the United Nations.  Its status of the last bastion of nutrality is now history.  

I don't know how everyone else weathered this past week, but for myself it has been particularly draining.  My mother had a successful hip operation at Maine Med. and my father is staying at the same Comfort Inn that the terrorists stayed in. Seems that everywhere you go there they are.  Buffalo included.

Well,  TTFN

T. Wilson


Laurie Perry-Gray Sep 13, 2002 7:32PM
To all of you "Bandies"......I've just returned from Mr. Kenison's funeral. Anybody who experienced his teaching in PI will be glad to know he continued this valuable gift until 1999 in the southern part of the state. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with Karen, also, at this difficult time.

Andy Johnson Sep 13, 2002 3:34PM
I hear Karen Tompkins' dad passed away this week.  Sorry to hear.  Our thoughts go out to Karen and the family...

Visitor Sep 11, 2002 12:06PM
The High School Music Teacher has passed away; Mr. Kennison...Condolence to his friends and family and former students.

Kerry Gettig-Pepper Sep 10, 2002 12:34PM
Thank you all for your prayers. But i think some of my message was lost while being sent, It was not my son who was hit but his best friend . I still want to thank you for your prayers though.

Andy Johnson Sep 04, 2002 5:10PM
Torry - let us know how it goes with the kids.  It sure is nice to travel by ourselves (granted we don't get to do it much), but I can see the day when we'll want to bring the kids out to get some culture.  When they're old enough to appreciate it, that is.

Carma Cote-Ouellette Sep 03, 2002 5:00AM
What an excellent opportunity Torry! I hope you and your family have a wonderful and safe trip and dont forget to let us all know about all the wonderful places that you will be visiting! Hope everyone had a great summer!!

John Winslow Sep 02, 2002 9:24PM
Actually this is John's sister.  I was looking up my class site and I thought I'd take a look at his.  I found your message Laurie and thought I'd let you know that he's in Maryland.  He lives in Waldorf and works in D.C. as a federal agent for ATF (Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms).  I'll tell him about this site so he can talk to you himself.  

Torry Boyles-Eaton Sep 02, 2002 7:10PM
Wish us luck!  We are off to Europe again!?!  Hopefully taveling with a 7 year old is better than when he was 5!  We will be there for 2 weeks so we will not be "in the air" on September 11th but we will be out of this country!?!

Visitor Sep 01, 2002 10:18PM
:)

Visitor Sep 01, 2002 8:07PM
No,I dont have to steal anyone else's lines. Just making a fact of how you must have quite the sad life to be on a class site of people who graduated over 20 years ago and who u most likely dont know. Must suck to be you....come on everyone...poor poor JP....doesnt get enough attention at home so it has to get it from strangers on web sites. When it finds out no one is intrested in what it has to say...it festers and festers like a boil until someone like me gets inside his computer and takes care of the problem. do ya need some help shutting that down Jean-Pierre?  

Visitor Sep 01, 2002 7:35PM
Ah, a steel magnolias fan, I see.


Visitor Sep 01, 2002 1:41PM
More like a boil on the A** that just keeps festering is more like it!

Visitor Aug 31, 2002 11:16PM
Don't mind me, I'm just the figment of everybody's collected imagination :)


Jean-Pierre


Visitor Aug 31, 2002 5:00AM
JP: Just admit you cant figure out passwords if you cant even figure out how to spell your own name. a Fictionous "JP" isnt impressing anyone. Impress this class site more by not coming back.


sign:  ME   (LOL)

Visitor Aug 30, 2002 6:10PM
I mean it Andy,

I got too many of my own fish to fry right now anyways, so coming up with ways to get through passwords is just a waste of my time.

JP

Andy Johnson Aug 30, 2002 7:05AM
Sounds good to me, "JP".  I do have better things to do than try to keep you out of here and set up passwords on this site, ruining it for everyone.  Apology accepted, if you're serious.

Visitor Aug 30, 2002 12:35AM
Okay, Andy, enough is enough I'm calling a truce.   Guess I got a little carried away here, I appologize for be a bit unbearable, so let's things just get back to normal here.

Best Regards,

JP

Andy Johnson Aug 29, 2002 8:22PM
I don't know how many of you garden, but holy cow do I have a lot of veggies to eat.  I didn't think this year would turn out so great, but it sure has come around.  We're in the thick of harvest now, with plenty more to come.  Nothing better than garden vegetables, home-grown chicken, fresh eggs, venison, rabbit, wild turkey, partridge, and pheasant to eat!  Although I may sound like quite the hillbilly, I wouldn't give this life up for anything!

Laurie Perry-Gray Aug 22, 2002 10:46AM
Does anyone know where John Winslow is? Any info would be great?

Todd Wilson Aug 19, 2002 12:32AM
PS getting old sucks no matter what the alternatives are.  "Sex, drugs, and Rocken Roll"....baby.

Todd Wilson Aug 19, 2002 12:29AM
Greg Flewelling,  

If your listening I noticed you live in Chelmsford, Mass.
I worked on the Hiat Regency hotel located in Chelmsford years ago.  It seemed like a nice part of Mass.

T. Wilson

Todd Wilson Aug 19, 2002 12:24AM
Howdy folks,

Andy, my wifes late Grandfather was a civil engineer and her Grandmother has an 8-millimeter film of "galloping girdy" in action prior to its demise.  Believe it or not there's a sister bridge to galloping girdy in Maine on the coast somewhere's around Machias.

Its been around 13-years now, but I once drove over the one in Maine on one of my sojourns around our beautiful coastline and was so taken by it's vertical curvature and construction I stopped to take it all in.  Subsequently I've read an article on how they made the one in Maine resistent to harmonic distortion by shortening its suspender cables (making it arch more) and adding fenders to the open girders that support the deck.  These fenders make air pass both under and above the deck similar to an airplane wing reducing the sway and bounce to acceptable levels.  I'm very proud to say that at least they knew how to fix the bridge in Maine!

Another point on interest for the galloping girdy bridge in Tacoma, Washington is that the remnents of its bridge deck now located on the bottom of the Sound are protected by historical preservation laws.  Go figure?  

Well, don't want to get too excited about the new Tacoma Narrow's bridge....something about counting your chickens before the eggs hatch (which I do believe answers that age old question of which came first).  Life can change on a dime and I may be lucky to make it through the job I'm on the way things go sometimes.

On another note, my family and I went to the San Diego zoo the other nite.  I have to laugh because when I first enter the zoo I wondered just exactly where the animals were as we made our way through a rather large consessions area.  Like any amusement park they draw you in as they relieve you of your dough.  Some of the money goes to helping animal species all over the world so its a good cause.  

In any case, If you ever go to this zoo I suggest you do it in the day time so you don't get turned around like we did.  My wife and kids managed to get into a show they have, which was quite spectacular from what I hear.  My wife and kids ended up seperated from our neighbor friend and I when they took the tram and we took the paths to meet them.  

The San Diego zoo is a great zoo despite all the people.  The tree and plant varieties they have are also amazing.

Ta ta everyone.

T. Wilson

Visitor Aug 14, 2002 6:49PM
"OLD AGE IS NOT SO BAD
IF YOU CONSIDER THE ALTERNATIVES"

                    ****MAURICE CHEVALIER

Andy Johnson Aug 05, 2002 8:08PM
This brings back memories of college - wasn't it the original Tacoma Narrows suspension bridge that tore itself apart years ago in an infamous catastrophe?  I've seen film footage of the bridge oscillating like crazy before it tore itself apart.  It was almost "required watching" for engineers to learn about resonance and its amazing effects.

Of course I assume you guys will do a much better job!!!

Todd Wilson Aug 04, 2002 4:28PM
Howdy Folks,

Andy, Switzerland sounds like a nice place to visit and I hope you enjoyed yourself there.  I love the quality of there construction which includes stainless steel plumbing pipes as a national plumbing standard.  Though I have no desire to venture past our borders at this time it is good to hear others are.

Recently flew up to Tacoma, Washington for a one-day area meeting and future work review.  My big hope is to be assigned to our newest project called the "Tacoma Narrows suspension bridge."  Similar to the cable stay bridge we recently built in Boston, its what they call a signature span and would look very good on a resume.  It took the company I work for eight long years of discussions, planning, and waiting on the good citizens of the state of Washington to finally approve the project and now we're planning it's design and construction.  The competition to be assigned to this project is keene, but the timeing of the end of this dam project and that one's start-up makes it a likely prospect.

I appreciate your discretionary editing.  I believe I did wade in a little, thank God I was wearing my gum rubbers.

To all, Hope this summer has been a good one for you and your families.  Take care for now.

T. Wilson

Kerry Gettig-Pepper Aug 02, 2002 9:54PM
I see someone did some deleting thank you. I'm starting to think that the website my high school class down here has the right idea, you have to pay to write messages on it. But i do like coming here and reading about your lives. Thanks

Beth Fogg-King Jul 31, 2002 7:38PM
Just wanted to drop a little note to say Hi!!  I'm still working at the YWCA in Bangor.  I just spent 2 weeks working with a marine biology teacher from Bangor on a summer camp offered by the Y.  It was Oceanography and it was like a 2 week long biology field trip like alot of you went on in high school.  I missed out because I didn't take college classes, which I regret now.  But twenty years later I learned a lot and had lots of fun with the kids (ages 10-12). Have been having a very busy summer.  Hope you all are happy and well.  Billy B. if you're still reading this drop me a line.

Andy Johnson Jul 30, 2002 7:44PM
Wow. I go on vacation for a couple of weeks and the whole site goes crazy! I've cleaned things up now. For those of you who have been paying attention, you should find it all back in order. Sorry for the delay; and believe me, I'll be paying attention now.

And for what it's worth, I had a great vacation! My wife and I finally got to go away without the kids and have a nice break. We went to Switzerland and travelled around.  It was awesome! As much as I love the kids, I find that getting away on occasion is very enjoyable and important for our "emotional health."  I strongly recommend it for everyone!

Kerry Gettig-Pepper Jul 26, 2002 12:27PM
Hope everyones summer is going well. Our has been very busy with summer softball, my daughter plays,we were in MA last weekend for regionals and it was the trip from hell! We got lost for 2hrs looking for the fields that were 10 minutes from our motel. Not fun. Then everything went down hill from there. No need  for details just imagine what could happen and it did.This weekend were in Bangor,at least we won't get lost there. Other than  that summer has been great. take care

Visitor Jul 08, 2002 6:21AM
Thoughts and Prayers go out to the family of Carroll Dickinson who passed away on Sunday. Carroll and his family have resided on Condon Hill for many many years.

Laurie Perry-Gray Jul 07, 2002 5:03PM
sorry everyone who got an e-mail from me. I meant to post it to this message board. Didn't mean to clutter your mail boxes. I'm just looking for an address for Karen Tompkins-Stuart. Her listed address isn't valid. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Hope everyone is well......thanks for your help.

Torry Boyles-Eaton Jun 30, 2002 6:06PM
The class of '82 are having their reunion next weekend.  There is no way that they will have as much fun as we had at ours!!!  They are having a DJ Saturday night!?!  We are headed to Bar Harbor for the 4th (week of sailing and fun)!  Happy Independence Day to you all!

Leah Lamoreau-Girardin Jun 24, 2002 12:27PM
hi everyone. good to hear from you. it's been a while. things in PI are busy. work is good. we are doing a big vacation this summer. maybe i'll drop a line and let you know how much fun we have. we are doing Boston,New York and DC. Have a nice summer everyone and be safe.

Todd Wilson Jun 22, 2002 8:29PM
Howdy Folks,

My family and I went to Knott's Berry Farm yesterday.  I wanted to go to work today but found a long knap more appropriate.  I've come to the conclusion that twelve hours of amusements is way more than I really need!  My wife and son's enjoyed themselves and we did get many memorable pictures.  I went on the 'supreme scream' machine...you know the one that takes you to the top of a very tall tower and then drops you to within a heart beat of the bottom.  Oh yeah, it definitely was worth a long scream!

I thought being around the crowds would be a challenge for me and for the most part they were, but people were pretty well behaved and the lines we're long at all.  The longest I waited in line was actually at Lucy's Diner.  I waited in line for chicken nuggets, minature corn dogs and a 6$ coke for a little over an hour.  If there ever was a fast food hell Lucy's Diner was closely modeled after it.  

Well, the sun is shining here and its pretty nice.  It's strange to me but deep down inside I do want to make it to Disneyland someday, if not to just say I've been there and that once was enough.

Ruth, there are a lot of Harleys around here.  I think of your commentary when I see them.

Take care.  

Visitor Jun 17, 2002 3:02PM
Holly Churchill is living in Mapleton with Eddie Skidgil they both were married to different people but have been back together for quite a while now.

Todd Wilson Jun 16, 2002 3:01PM
Furthermore, can anyone explain what "Boys State" is?  

Also, recently I've had this song in my head "Do the Hustle", whats that about anyway?

Todd Wilson Jun 16, 2002 2:43PM
Howdy Folks,

Happy Father's Day!  If you've ever asked yourself whether a trait you have is something you want your son to have or not I can definitely relate.

Recently my wife reminded me that when your meeting people for the first few times its better not to discuss your work, in my case construction projects, in terms of shear dollar volumes and your critical role in that projects well being.  My wife also told me that I sweat competition and don't even know I'm promoting it, however friendly I may be while I'm doing it.

So here I am having the realization that she's right and longing for the day when I can finally have the social graces to just relax and not be too overbearing in a social situation.

In light of this realization, and it being Father's Day and all, I'm still learning that I set a huge example in my and my children's life.

So there you have a personal thought of the day from me.  

All due respect, I hope the Visitor(s) inquiring about the all those other classes figure out which class they belong to???






Visitor Jun 11, 2002 5:18PM
How about a website for the class of 83, does anyone know of anything, Thanks

Visitor Jun 11, 2002 10:50AM
Are they going to set up site for Class of 2002

Visitor Jun 11, 2002 9:26AM


         Hey has anyone herd from Holly Churchill

Allison Fowles Jun 07, 2002 5:58PM
website address for the class of 82 is:  http://www.northern-pine.com/1982/

put in presque isle high school in a search engine, when you get to the high school website, you can click on alumni information and it lists a whole lot of years and their websites, if they have one....

Visitor Jun 07, 2002 3:32PM
Does anyone know what the website address is for the class of 82?

Rosemary Cyr Jun 06, 2002 10:44AM
Hello everyone- just got caught up on the recent messages adn thought I'd give my 2 cents: I for one thank the anonymous visitor for the post from Howard Zinn (yep I'm somewhat of a Zinn fan, and as my husband would say "a bleeding heart liberal" and I'm not at all afraid to admit it!) perhaps that visitor would've signed their name if they weren't worried about the backlash (which was mild but still came...). Yes I ma extremely proud to be an American becuase we CAN have diversity of opinion!

Torry Boyles-Eaton Jun 02, 2002 4:09PM
Graduation week always makes me think back to our graduation!  I posted a picture of Cheryl Chow and I as we waited in line to go in to the PIHS gym 21 years ago!  My nephew, Seth, will graduate from Caribou High School next sunday.  He is the Valedictorian of his class and will give the class address - if only I had been as ambitious as he is.  He plans to attend UMO (full scholarship) to study Micro-Biology and then to get has Masters and PhD in Forensic (sp?) Science.  I wonder where he will be in 21 years!?!

Ruth McEachern-Masters Jun 02, 2002 1:27PM
Carma.....yes this new bike is very nice......i still have the sportster (feels like a little scooter now compared to this cruiser)....may keep it for my son whom just graduated Friday night...Im single again so i can ride my daughter on the heritage and Ike can drive the sporty. I have a great bunch of HOG friends here in Alaska. I would like one day to drive my heritage cross country and head to Sturgis. We have to ride them a lot in the summer because the snow seasons comes around mid Sept. BUT...the sun shines all night now and its pretty cool. Im getting my garden in today and i have flowers everywhere in my yard. Soon, we will hit the rivers for some killer fishing. Have a great summer! Peace...Ruth

Denise Bouchard-Adams Jun 02, 2002 12:00AM
Hi everyone it's been a long time since I posted.
So much to tell!  My son Brandon just went to his (prom) 8th grade social dance (as the school calls it now) at Cunningham Middle School.  
His date was Kevin Higgins daughter Chelsey.  They had a great time! The theme was the sensational fifty's!  All the girls wore poodle skirts, and the guys were in leather jackets!  Brandon will be graduating on June 11th.  
My daughter Amanda had her prom last weekend, and she graduates from Presque Isle High on June 8th!  Needless to say I have been very busy!  Amanda has been accepted to the University Of New England in Biddeford Maine majoring in Pre-med.  (There goes my chances of getting my dream car, vacation, summer home.....)
I'll post later when things slow down, if they slow down!

Sherri Neece-Johnston May 26, 2002 1:53AM
hi everyone,

Just wanted to say hi to everyone and tell people to email sometime. My oldest daughter just graduated from college (with honors). She is almost 21 and the ages of the other girls is 17 and 12. What an experience trying to raise 3 girls!!!!! Everyone write and say HI!!! Celebrating my 1st anniv. on June 8 ( although I have been with him for 17 years before I married him) Life is GREAT!!!

Andy Johnson May 21, 2002 8:30AM
Hey Torry - I meant to tell you - nice job with the recent pictures.  When I have nothing better to do I'll finish adding everyone's yearbook picture.  I thought maybe I'd get freed up this summer, but I'm not too sure.  For some reason my wife doesn't think scanning in old yearbook pictures has a really high priority!

Allison Fowles May 20, 2002 7:35PM
long entry it might have been but it was in his own words...

Visitor May 20, 2002 6:27AM
Speaking of long entries..........................

Todd Wilson May 19, 2002 5:00PM
Please excuse the poor english grammar.  I'm having a hard time with the use of their and there amoungst other things!

Todd Wilson May 19, 2002 4:54PM
Howdy Folks,

I briefly reviewed the article on Afganistans woes and have decided to refrain from trying to write something longer......however I do feel obliged to remind the visitor that many Americans understand the true cost of war and its not to be taken lightly.

Visited Oceanside, California with my parents this past week.  Oceanside is a true blue Marine town with lots of history and patriotic display and it reminded me of my cousins service to our country and his experiences shared with me over the last 20 years.  Beruit, Kuwait, Somalia, are a few of the places he's been.

Beruit: they were told if they locked and loaded their weapons they would be court marshalled, it was a peace keeping mission.  The whole time they were they were their they were in extreme danger, taking incoming fire from the people they were trying to protect.  My cousin told me the children there were like animals and would kill for a pack of cigarettes.  I had never heard of such behavior before that but now we witness it daily.

Kuwait:  my cousin had a long look in his eyes when we talked about this mission.  He was part of the LAV maintenance battallion that had to recover the LAV's and their operators that had been blown appart by their own friendly fire.  I remember pictures of the death and destruction and the environmental nightmare set-off by the burning of oil wells.

Somalia:  We went there to try and to help those starving war torn people.  My cousin was there as well and recanted how the media greeted them as they landed and how desperate the people were.  In the end when we went after the warlords who created the mess.  We watched in horror as they drug the bodies of our men through the streets of Solalia in some sort of victory parade.

Thats all I have to say about that.

I gotta go to Wal*Mart now and buy a vacuum cleaner for the wife.

God Bless America.








 

Visitor May 18, 2002 9:03PM
Sorry about the posting of the entire article. I would have used a link but I am kind of new at this. I did indeed post it to add, what I thought might be, some balance. It seems too frequent that conversations about the "war" are without consideration for the other side. That's not to say that they were justified in their actions but I do think that there is more to the story.

Carma Cote-Ouellette May 17, 2002 8:29PM
What a great Mother's Day gift you received Ruth!! I bet they have to "pry" you off of that at the end of your day..lol what an awesome gift! Congrats!
Torry...remember when the snowbanks were as tall as the telephone wires? Or is this a faulty memory?? Thank GOd we dont get winters like that anymore but proves there is "global warming". Tourist season has kicked off already down here...ugh!  

Torry Boyles-Eaton May 17, 2002 5:38PM
Thanks guys (Ted and Andy) that was very appropriate!  I want to respond to the whole SNOW thing!  I had at least 6 inches of snow on Wednesday!!!!!  Karson wore his snowsuit and boots to Daycare!!  I can't belive I live here when that happens in the middle of May!  Today it was in the 60's (what a difference a day makes)!

Andy Johnson May 17, 2002 4:03PM
I must say I agree, Ted.  Although I have always refrained from making any changes to posts on here (free speech is a good thing!), I'm making a minor exception in this case.  I've replaced the visitor's post with a link, to at least keep the long text off the board.

Ted Stone May 17, 2002 12:00PM
Unidentified Visitor, thanks for what I assume was an attempt to provide some sort of "balance" to our message board. Since you did nothing more than anonymously post an article written by someone else, it's not at all clear whether you have any thoughts on the matter yourself.  In any case, if you or anyone else feels the need to post a lengthy copywritten article on this board in the future, would you kindly post only a brief excerpt and/or link to the article.  

Visitor May 17, 2002 8:06AM
Some thoughts about your patriotic banter:
 (long post converted to link)

Ruth McEachern-Masters May 17, 2002 2:40AM
Rosemary....hey it may be winter where your at hun but ive got almost 24 hours of sun and its awesome riding weather. This old interior sun is hot! I am having so much fun. Have a great summer! Peace. Ruth

Rosemary Cyr May 14, 2002 2:37PM
so there's Allison- soaking up the beautiful Florida sunshine,(your right- you deserve it!) we didn't do our annual pilgriimage south this year- old doggie keeping us home (our house has become a great dog nursing home...)but now I want to hit the beach, especially after we got snow last night! ok only 1-2 inches but come on- it is supposed to be over! I wonder- did PI get that storm? we even lost power...and Ruthie- what are you doing out on a motorcycle in ALASKA- isn't it supposed to be still winter there?!

Ruth McEachern-Masters May 13, 2002 1:07AM
Happy Mothers Day......it was a beautiful day here in Alaska cruising around on my new Heritage..(my mother's day gift..i got it yesterday)....hey Rosemary...how are ya girlfriend....I also got that e-mail....not even sure where it came from.....anyway.....happy summer to all..... (woops...this isnt from Sherry....its from ruth....)..PS...how are you sherry?

Sherry Michaud-Beaulieu May 13, 2002 1:05AM
Happy Mothers Day......it was a beautiful day here in Alaska cruising around on my new Heritage..(my mother's day gift..i got it yesterday)....hey Rosemary...how are ya girlfriend....I also got that e-mail....not even sure where it came from.....anyway.....happy summer to all.....

Visitor May 10, 2002 6:27PM
"LIFE IS LIKE A COIN. YOU CAN SPEND IT ANY WAY YOU WANT TO...BUT YOU CAN ONLY SPEND IT ONCE"


HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL YOU MOM'S OUT THERE!!!

Allison Fowles May 09, 2002 6:46PM
hey rose!!  decided that the best mother's day present i could give my mum (and myself) was a visit...so, off to orlando for a long weekend!!  no kids or hubby but a best friend, a book, and margaritas by the pool---now that's nirvana!!  great fares on southwest if you do the friends fly free...we leave out of manchester and it came out to be $120 round trip!  now ya can't beat that!  stay at mum and dad's for free, get spoiled with all my favorite foods and get a tan---life is good!
i haven't spent a mother's day with my mum in about 15 years so this will be a great weekend...
happy mother's day everyone---relax and be pampered--we deserve it!!!

Rosemary Cyr May 09, 2002 9:11AM
hi everyone- I just got an e-mail about the '81 Eastern maine girls team which prompted me to get back on here- nice to know the site is alive and well! sorry to hear about so many recent losses. I was just in PI over the weekend and got caught up on some local news. Once again I was struck by how beautiful it is up there, in a way so different from western Maine. There is something about those hills and fields. One thing I noticed is that people are still tooling around Main st. on Saturday nights- wow that brought back soome memories. Farmington, cute, quaint little college town it is, is pretty quiet on a Sat. night....
anyway. I hope I get to do some fishing with my Dad this summer, around Portage, Deboullie or whatever- seems there is never enough time to do the things we love.

Torry Boyles-Eaton May 08, 2002 3:39PM
WE HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN - It just takes me a long time to get those pictures on this site!  I am not very good at the whole "scanning" process!?!

Visitor May 08, 2002 2:10PM
All the new photo's look great. However, where are the
pictures of the Eastern Maine Champions in Class A Girl's
1981. Have we already forgotten (?)

Torry Boyles-Eaton May 05, 2002 7:15PM
Gerry McGlinn's Dad (Nason) passed away last week.  Our thoughts are with you and you family - Gerry!  A lot of us have fond memories of your parents and their "hill"!!!

Kerry Gettig-Pepper May 03, 2002 2:46PM
Just checking in to see how every one is. My condolences to Dave And John. Well summer is upon us if this rain ever stops.

Ivan Cray Apr 28, 2002 8:42PM
I was just passing by to check out what was up with everyone. I enjoy Todd's writings, but mainly wanted to send belated condolences to my old friends Dave Carlow and also John Robinson and thier families. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time of loss. I enjoy reading all your entries, and send greetings to all.

Visitor Apr 26, 2002 7:48AM
Condolences go out to classmate John Robinson who's father recently passed away. :-(

Todd Wilson Mar 30, 2002 2:09PM
Howdy folks,

Dee Dee how are you?  I've been wondering how things are going for you and hope you get out to see the Puget Sound or Mount Rainer or some other beautiful landmark up in that neck of the woods.

Speaking of nature I was driving on a rather muddy, rutted road last night and I noticed a little itty bitty frog of some sort hopping acrossed the road in my headlights on its way to our water storage pond.  We drive this road with anything from cars, pick-ups, motor graders, 769's (giant off-road dumptrucks), and larger still 777's (gigantic off-road dumptrucks)and here's this 1-inch long frog taking what looked like 3-foot leaps (I'm exagerating) to get outta my headlights and reach the relative safety of the pond.

You'll have to make your own conclusions on this reflection, but my point is, is that I noticed!

Another time, quite a while ago, my father and I went hunting together up in the Northern Maine woods about 80-miles from Ashland.  The terrain was large hills and numerous ridges with varying degrees of slopes connecting them.  Although my instincts were to hunt down and shoot a deer my desire was to hike to the top of the tallest hill (little mountain back east) to see what I could see.

Dad and I split-up and planned to meet back at the truck just after dusk which released me to just hike up that hill.  On the way to the top I had to crawl under blow-downs, pull myself up steep grades, and back track to find a better route all the time dealing with about 2-feet of snow.  

I saw and was visited by numerous critters including one pesky Gorbie bird that helped me eat my lunch almost taking food from my hand.  When I arrived at the top I was rewarded with a beautiful vista (as they'd call it down here) and I jumped two deer who were bedded down at the edge of the uppermost ridge.  Their beds were together and steamed.

I followed the deer's winding tracks down the backside of the mountain I had just climbed and followed the larger ones trail.  The two deer's tracks crisscrossed for a while and then split up.  After a while I realized it starting to get dark and in order to get back to the truck on-time I would have to break with my pursuit and head-back.  To get back I followed my own tracks back to where I could determine a better way to get to the truck, bi-passing my earlier trail for a quicker route.

Just before I got back to the truck I noticed the cold creaping into my arms and I remember thinking how inhospitable the woods were becoming.  That night, I drove the truck out of the woods on the now icy road with the heater on full blast.  Dad and I never talked about  much except to discuss the deer signs we had seen and how cold it had gotten so quickly.

I haven't forgotten that day nor the lessons I learned from it.  I thought then, as I do now, life is a lot like the paths I took that day.  Sometimes up, sometimes down, sometimes you have to crawl, sometimes you have to go back, sometimes you have to pull yourself up, and who knows what you'll find or who you'll meet along the way.

Peace be with you on this Easter Holiday.

Todd Wilson Mar 17, 2002 4:11PM
Howdy Folks,

Thats a lot of love there Gordon I'm glad there's still some of that in this whacked world we live in.

The news media keeps delivering bad news to our homes whith the efficieny of a grist mill.  Its funny, when they aren't trying to tell us how to live our lives they're telling us everything thats bad in the world.  I really don't know how news casters can sleep at nite except that they are totally oblivious to what comes out of their mouths.  I think the news is so ironic/moronic.

Currently I'm studying effective communication skills, which come to find out requires excellent listening skills.  In the course they say that people only attain 25% effeciency in communication because they fail to listen.  In my case, my wife thinks its a lot less.

Its overcast and cool here in North San Diego County.  We're just hanging out on this lovely Saint Patties Day 2002.  I listened to some Celtic music this morning to celebrate my Scotts-Irish heritage and in remeberance to dancing on top of bar tables at this Irish pub in Portland, Oregon on this day a decade or so ago.  I know now where I get that behavior and I come by it quite honestly.

I gotta go shoot some hoops with my seven year old today.  He's started attending a basketball YMCA class on Saturdays and he's demonstating way more ability and coordination then I had already.  I'm not entirely sure I want my boys to play basketball but that will be up to them ultimately.

Well, were wasting daylight.  Gordon, I hope you keep spreading the good will around and write more and often to this site.

Andy, I'm glad you and yours made it back to Maine.  

Alison, hope your family is fine as frog hair.

Dave, this is belated but I'm sorry to hear of your loss.

To all.  You can e-mail me but don't expect a reply, however I will attenpt to write back in due time.

Regards,

T.Wilson






Andy Johnson Mar 09, 2002 1:07PM
Dave - real sorry to hear about your dad.  I have some fond memories of a wide variety of "teen-age" activities we used to do at your house, many of which we were sure he didn't know about.  Of course you realize as you get older that your parents actually did know everything that was going on back then - they're just smart enough to let you think you're getting away with it!

I just got back from Katahdin a couple of days ago (I don't get back to Maine too often now).  We didn't get to go to the top but it was still a great trip.  The weather was beautiful skiing in and going up to Chimney Pond, but it was sleet and freezing rain on the day we would have climbed.  Luckily the weather got nice again for the ski back out.  I was glad to see they even have snow there.  I was getting worried that there wouldn't be enough snow to ski in.  We've hardly gotten any snow this winter, which is very unusual for the Syracuse area.  Apparently there's not much snow anywhere this year.

Allison Fowles Feb 27, 2002 7:49PM
ok...that was in no reference to the bird!! sorry for the misspelling---it's been to long!!

Allison Fowles Feb 27, 2002 7:48PM
mr tweety---that was very eloquently put...and i totally agree...

Gordon Tweedie Feb 27, 2002 1:44PM
Laurie Perry-Gray, you are a Star!  The Land of the 5 F's was indeed Norway, and whether that refers to  Forests, Fish, Fjords, Falls, Factories or Farms (What a minute, wasn't that Aroostook County?) I must confess I'm not exactly sure.  Thank you to Brian, Eric and Todd for playing.

Speaking of farming, my Dad was telling me that Aroostook County now only plants 62,000 acres, down from the 235,000 acres it planted in its heyday.  Its hard to imagine the times when the county supported several semi-professional baseball teams and there were THREE trains a day up and back from Boston.  I understand the high school now has a around 650 students, down from the 1200 when we started.  It must seem a bit strange to those of you who have occasion to go inside there now.

Yes, everything changes, and in reading these messages, we can see our classmates being challenged to make difficult changes also--each in his or her own way.  For those classmates who have lost loved ones recently, or are undergoing some other ordeal, its probably pretty hard to believe the words of Kahlil Gibran, that "Pain is only carving out a place in your heart, that it may hold more joy".  Nonetheless, one thing has been especially clear to me since Sept. 11th, when we saw the end-product of hate and fear realized on a larger scale than we're used to dealing with.  What is clear, is that, as trite as it may sound, Love and Kindness are all that matters.  Compassion and Understanding are the qualities of heroism, and each event of our lives, no matter how painful, gives us the opportunity to expand into more noble, caring, beautiful people.  Painful events ultimately teach us to accept our selves and others, to forget the stupid things that were said and done, and to choose to remember and value what was important about the people in our past, and what is important about the people who are in our lives today.  As the song goes "Love is never gone.  As we travel on, love's what we remember."  When we remember this, we know that life is good.  Its ALL good.  In tough times, its sometimes nice to know that other people are thinking of you.  Whether you are here or very far away, we are thinking of you, and we remember you with love.    

Todd Wilson Feb 25, 2002 3:03AM
Howdy Folks,

Just got back from my districts annual meeting up in Oregon.  Saw some beautiful snow covered mountains on the flight down. Mount Rainer, Saint Helen's, Adams, Jefferson, Hood, and the Three Sisters, all part of the Cascase range.  Saw the Columbia and Willamette Rivers as well as Lake Taho.

Its warm here in San Diego about 65-degrees.  Our plane was an hour late due to a security breech in Phoenix, Arizona where it flew from.

Everytime I go back to Oregon it feels more like home to me.  I hope to spend more time there someday.  While I was driving around I thought about some of the things I felt when I first moved there.  I was home sick and didn't like the urban sprall but the forests are made up of giant Doug Firs, the rivers are wide and have big fish in them, the mountains are like snow covered jewels, and the ocean is breath taking with all public beaches.

Speaking of Merle Smiths teaching habits I remember a habit he had that involved his nose more than I remember the land of the five f's, which was Finland I do believe.

Not to change the subject but my most recent career challenge was a speech I had to prepare and give to 100 or so people at our district meeting.  You know of it weren't for the last minute I'm not sure I would get anything done!  My topic involved the dam we're building down here, specifically the intake structure.  

Their about to extinguish the Olympic flame.  I watched the opening cerimonies with awe and wonder.  I really liked the Native American theme.  My wife and I are glad we aren't living in Salt Lake City at this time, it probably has been a mad house the last two weeks.  One thing that is pretty cool though is when they talk about the place we know what they're talking about.

Well, I've gabbed enough for now.  My family is healthy and happy for now.  We have some challenges ahead but lifes a journey.  Since I don't have a choice, most of the time, I hope for the best and take what comes.  

I'm not sure if this means anything to anyone in here,  but lately there have been times, when life is challenging me and I feel like what else could go wrong.  I find strength in my own determination to make it through.

Take care.



Eric Vreeland Feb 21, 2002 10:34PM
hi all~...saw BC the other day and he said I must quit swearing, if I insulted someone, excuse my candor...ruth...ever drove a
springer softy?.(last bike i drove last year)........hooked for sure......that new shop you have in town sounds cool,but if you know one thing about me,I work on skidoo..Our winters suxz lately.....would be cool to live somewhere where it snows.......later all!

Visitor Feb 21, 2002 4:53PM
DEEPEST SYMPATHY GOES OUT TO THE CARLOW FAMILY.

Torry Boyles-Eaton Feb 19, 2002 5:02PM
Dave Carlow's Dad (Norm) passed away this morning. Our thoughts are with you and your family (especially your Mom)!

Torry Boyles-Eaton Feb 16, 2002 6:29PM
Congratulations Danny and Jennifer on your new little "guy"!  We also have two boys and I know that if I ever have another one it will most certainly be another boy.  But - I think BOYS ARE WONDERFUL!  That way you can send them off with their father and have a day to yourself!  My guys are off at PIHS to watch the WIlDCATS play B-Ball!  I never thought in my wildest dreams that my kids would be in that gym someday!  We are headed to Florida on Friday - I am getting "Cabin Fever"!!!!!

Laurie Perry-Gray Feb 13, 2002 8:23PM
Land of the 5 F's....my vote's Norway.....let's see, Norway, Sweden, Finland or Denmark....yup, Norway because of the FJORDS and FACTORIES...how'd I do, Gordon?  (But my son says Finland because Finland begins with an F.)

Ruth McEachern-Masters Feb 13, 2002 1:51PM
Eric......just last week...the Harley Outpost opened up a large new store and they are now the Polaris Dealer as well. Im sure they can use a tech that can work on both. You should consider it. Talk to Clark (svc mgr.) at the outpost. They have a website. Im  going down today to look at some new bikes. Im actually thinking Fatboy. That Roadking is just so darn big. Ill keep the Sporty for my son who has driven it and is almost 19. Anyway's, if you love the winters, they are a lot calmer here in Alaska, just a bit longer. The summers are killer with sun 24/7. There are a lot of Maine people here too, you'd be surprised who you'll run into. Take care!

Eric Vreeland Feb 13, 2002 1:19AM
hi all.....hey ruth,i can can ride sportys but i look like a monkey f*&%en a football,if i can ever get there ill be sure to look you up..3800 mile road trip would be nice.....do they need any sled technicians up there in the frontier?...as for the 5f's...........findem...feelem....fu*&em....feedem breakfast...forgetem.........freedom.......hows that TW?

DeeDee Footer Feb 12, 2002 11:31PM
It's been quite some time since I've been here.  Thanks to those who have written with regards to my mother and I apologize for the lack of response.  
It's been a strange 6 months since the reunion, which seemed to be the start of everything.  I lost a very close friend who was like a second mother to cancer in late August.  As most of you know, my mom passed away in Nov. And 2 weeks ago tonight I lost a very close friend who had had a heart transplant.  He was only 19 but was an old soul and like family.  We became friends more than 6 years ago, about a year after his transplant.  Can't even begin to tell you how amazing this kid was.  You should visit his web site he created about a week before he died.  www.moun10dewu.com/jakethesnake  
Not all bad has come from losing 3 very special people.  After 9/11 I feel lucky and blessed because I was able to spend a lot of time with each of them unlike so many who also lost friends and family members.
This isn't the most uplifting note but did want to check in again after seeing so many of you this summer.  Hope you are all happy and healthy.
DeeDee

Brian Colton Feb 12, 2002 5:43PM
let's see.......the land of the 3 f's is aroostook county, right? ``fishin, farmin.....and, well anyway.

sorry gordo, i must reluctantly admit to growing a bit older, i simply cannot remember the land of the 5 f's. if i were to attempt a complete shot in the dark i would have to say scotland.

for those of you who don't have the opportunity to enjoy a typical aroostook county winter, i can assure you it is now very typical. spent most of this past weekend snowmobiling with my daughter........15 years old and absolutely no fear. dad could not keep up! oh well. the scenery was nice.

saw dana rattray and his wife becky this weekend. they bought a convenience store in fort fairfield. dana still works for boise cascade and becky is in 7th heaven running the store.

ruth, fyi charlie roberts is stationed at an airbase outside fairbanks.

todd wilson....good to hear about your escapades......must be a bitch, huh?.....all that sunshine all the time.

well......wind appears to have died down.......guess i'll take the afternoon off and contibute to global warming and air pollution. maine's snowmobile trails wait for nothing!

Gordon Tweedie Feb 12, 2002 2:53PM
Thanks everyone for the Merle stories, they really made me laugh!  One of my favorite Merle tactics was how he would throw out a nickname or a landmark, ie. "Land of the 5 F's" (Can you still name them?) or call on you directly and say, for example, "Gordon, the Great White Church!" and just as you were about to give the first consonant or syllable of the wrong answer and say "Rome", he would instinctively speak loudly over you and say "HELSINKI, ri-ight".  I was always so mortified when I couldn't remember.  He sure made you learn.

Cheryl, I will join you in saying hello to Gerald because I also got an email with no text.  I saw your Dad at MidCoast Hospital, Cheryl, and he said you were doing very well.

Brian Colton, you old straphound, I'll bet you know the Land of the 5 F's was ------, and so does Ted probably, and Torry and Laurie and a few of you others, but no  notebooks or conferring with other classmates please as you NAME THE FIVE F's and submit your anwers to this website or to my personal email address: gordontweedie@yahoo.com  You all have been challenged!!!!  

Rosemary Cyr Feb 12, 2002 10:30AM
Hi everyone-
it's been a while since I've visited this site and I am so glad it's still active! I am sorry to hear about everyone's recent losses, and Mr. Smith's/Miss Dingwall's passing. I still thnk of them and their teaching techniques from time to time- when I took edu. classes at UMF they often came to mind. yep they did everything they say not to do now (esp. Merle), but it sure did work! How rich they made geography and history for us. I still have a fear of tipping back in my chair though. Remember the Kattegat and the Skaggerrak??? I can't remember what I had for breakfast but those little gems come floating back.... :)There was another history teacher at Cunningham that I liked alot- she was real mellow- I can't even remember what grade or her name- help!

Ruth McEachern-Masters Feb 12, 2002 2:45AM
Eric......if youd like to come to Alaska...hey we could go the the ralley this summer in anchorage and get some tattoos or something......perahps by that time il have my road king....youll have to drive the sporty......cya here! Ruth

Visitor Feb 06, 2002 11:56AM
Lee Kinney (aka Roger) from class of '79. Just discovered this site and glad to do so. Reading your messages has brought back so many memories, clear back to Cunningham and Merle Smith. Laurie, I too, remember the Istanbul vs Constantinople song. I also remeber getting a nuggie from Merle because Iw as chewing gum in his class! LOL. But, I must admit, I remember him the most. Thanks for the memories, folks.

Eric Vreeland Feb 06, 2002 2:21AM
i work on bikes and sleds(atv and watercraft too)....want a Diablo....Jesse James style....just lackin 60k........thats all......my goal is custom..........

Eric Vreeland Feb 06, 2002 1:38AM
ps......ruth can i please ride your HARLEY?

Eric Vreeland Feb 06, 2002 1:35AM
hi aLL,...hope 02 is workin for all...............ruth,,,,,,try 3 braden st.PI..mite get a reply........you dont know how hard i worked for that........jill mazorelle is there for sure.......i  hope you two connect......anyway.....cold as hell here and lovin it...

Visitor Jan 30, 2002 9:03AM
 Mike Hammond died of natural causes.

Ruth McEachern-Masters Jan 25, 2002 1:45PM
Carma......we've had those cameras for a few years now and so I will try to wave.....this summer when there is more daylight (and warmer, its almost 40 below this am) ill ride the harley down there and sit for a bit and wave...hehe.....Eric....hey thanks for letting me know...perhaps Jill would consider coming here to see me during the summer months...I want to send her a postcard and is her address still on Blake St.? Please let me know. Hope everyone is healthy and happy. Ruth in the Last Frontier

Todd Wilson Jan 21, 2002 11:39PM
Dear Cheryl,

Its been my experience that when people e-mail you they are trying to communicate and say hello or something like that.  Grin.

In any case how are you Cheryl Chow-Kunis?

Ted Stone Jan 21, 2002 11:52AM
Happy New Year  from the Nation's Capital, and my condolences to those who've recently lost a parent.  Thanks to all for sharing your stories about Merle Smith, one of my favorite teachers of all time and certainly one whose course material I remember best. (While cleaning out my attic last month and digging through a box of college research papers, I found my notebook from Mr. Smith's class.  Also discovered my notebook from Miss Dingwall's Ancient History class --  the only two notebooks I saved from PI school years and both teachers pass away in the same year.  Hmmm.

I especially enjoyed Brian's comments about the spelling of Medi-terr-an-ean and the flow of the North Atlantic Drift.  Picturing Mr. Smith sweeping his hands across the map caused me to laugh out loud.  Since I had shared a few anecdotes about Mr. Smith and his teaching methods with my wife, I of course shared the news about his passing.  Her reaction was to put her  finger just to the side of her nose and say, "where's muh learn-ers?"

Thanks in large measure to Mr. Smith's teaching, I had a great desire to see Europe and spent three months doing the post-college urban backpacking/youth hosteling thing in the mid-80's.  At some point during the experience, I sent a postcard  to Mr. Smith and told him how he'd inspired me to make the trip.  When I returned home, I found a long letter that he'd written about his love for teaching, etc.  I mention this as a lead-in to something that he said that you all might find as hard to believe as I did at the time -- the man had never been to Europe himself.  All his knowledge had been gained through books.  

Todd Wilson Jan 21, 2002 2:31AM
Howdy folks,

Long time no converse.

So Merle Smith is no longer with us?  I can't decide who I learned more from....Mr. Smith or Miss Dingwall in any case the world is a much more interesting place to me because of them.

Jill if your listening, I'm sorry to hear about your Mom.  On my recent visit back home I heard about your loss from my family and we all express deepest condolences.

Skeeter my Mom told me see recently talked to you hope all is well.  Do you still collect coins?

Its been over 5 years since I've been back home.  This brief visit turned out to mean more to me than I probably realize.  Nieces and Nephews were all grown up.  Mom and Dad are enjoying the things that they've worked so hard for.  My sisters are still plugging away.  I learned somethings about myself and my roots that I'd either forgotten or never new.

While I was home I read a fortune that I got from a temple in Nagasaki while I was visiting there.  It said "things lost will be found in the northeast".
I've often felt like what the hell am I doing here in the past and it was nice not to feel that way for a while.

San Diego is warm this time of year.  We went to the beach as a family for the first time last weekend and I kept thinking man this is hard to take.  My wife and I think the lack of bad weather here makes you complacent and somewhat oh hum about another sunny day.  In any case its nice not to be freezing.  I went on a walk one morning when I was home and at 4 below all I could think about was finding a shortcut to where I was going!  

Take care and best wishes to all for 2002.

Todd Wilson












Eric Vreeland Jan 19, 2002 4:20AM
hi all,...ill pass the message ruth, im friends with jill and her ex,hope you 2 hook up.... cold as hell here,and lovin it..later

Carma Cote-Ouellette Jan 16, 2002 6:42PM
This addy is better than the other one..:-)
http://chili.rt66.com/ozone/cam.htm  Hope you dont mind me sharing...

Carma Cote-Ouellette Jan 16, 2002 6:35PM
Happy New year to you as well Ruth!! Hope things are going well. Next time you are at cushman Street Bridge...or at the intersection of Geist and University Ave.......WAVE!!! I found 2 cams in that location.!! Anyone intrested in an awesome site to view live cams all over the world......
http://www.gates96.com/livecam/   :-)

Ruth McEachern-Masters Jan 16, 2002 1:52PM
Happy New Year from Alaska Folks! I have been reading the news on some recent deaths and I am sorry to hear about them. I also heard through a friend that Jill Madore's mom passed on also. If anyone sees Jill, please tell her to contact me at penobsct@mosquitonet.com. We were very close friends in 1996 before I came here and I have not talked with her since. Thanks. Peace to All. Ruth

Visitor Jan 14, 2002 10:11PM
Does anyone have any information on the death of Mike Hammond from Easton??? He is our age and had always hung around Presque Isle. Was saddened to read his obit. in the Bangor Daily News web site.

Cheryl Chow-Kunis Jan 11, 2002 10:39PM
Gerald,
I am not sure why you sent me an e-mail, but thanks.  It has been awhile since I was on this site last.

Cheryl Chow-Kunis Jan 11, 2002 10:37PM
Dee Dee, I am so sorry to hear about your mother. She was always like a mom to me.  I remember all the fun times we all had at Portage.

Gordon Tweedie Jan 03, 2002 5:13PM
Lauren and Dee Dee, so sorry to hear of your loss.  I know it must be especially hard for you around the holidays...I remember each of your Mothers were always very kind and had beautiful smiles.  Hang in there.

I'm glad to discover this message board today.  The reunion date caught me off guard, but I'll plan for the next one.  Take care everyone!  

Lisa Brigman-Clark Dec 30, 2001 11:15PM
hope everyone has a very happy new year

Kerry Gettig-Pepper Dec 23, 2001 12:54AM
Andy wasn't sure anyone hunted anymore, but both my sons ages 10 & 12 got their first deer this year, they both love to hunt & Fish it drives me crazy. But they are happy when they can be outside. Sorry to hear about Everyones loss. My prays are with all of you. My parents are only 60 & 62 it doesn't seem possible that some day they might not be here. I have a lot to thankful for. Hope you all have a Very Merry Christmas. The only thing that realy sticks out in my mind about mr.Smith is his eating peanuts during class, Never could figure out why i was always in trouble for cheing gum I had it on my nose a lot,but he was a good teacher wish i would have paid more attention in class.Well we have pently of snow here and more on its way Monday we have about 16 inches here in Belgrade. I love it!

Allison Fowles Dec 20, 2001 7:12PM
santa's almost here and life is crazy!  i doubt i will be online again until after christmas so....merry christmas everyone and have a safe, happy new year!

Eric Vreeland Dec 19, 2001 12:50AM
hard to believe how much impresion he left on us all,living in PI i ran in too him sometimes,he always remembered a face..RIP

Margo Ladner-Bair Dec 18, 2001 11:38PM
Ah yes, Mr. Smith and memories of his clothes pin that he would flick off his half pinky at the "bad boys" or trying to figure out who rigged the map to flip up when he would pull it down.  Just took a trip and saw may thing I learned about in 7th grade. He had always peaked my interest about the Alps too, and now I have seen them. Every thing I had hoped they would be. Thanks Mr. Smith for peaking my interest in history.

Allison Fowles Dec 13, 2001 6:07PM
it's amazing what memories come crashing back...i heard so many stories about mr. smith from my siblings that i was scared to death of him!  but, i must admit, i remember alot from that class...thanks for the info bri...

Laurie Perry-Gray Dec 13, 2001 2:04PM
Poor Merle...so sorry he's gone. I have to agree with Brian, though. His class is probably the one I retained the most. My favorite was when he pulled out the "record player" and played..."Istanbul was Constantinople, now it's Istanbul, not Constantinople." So many memories.

Brian Colton Dec 13, 2001 9:55AM
for those of you who may not know, we lost another teacher recently. Merle Smith passed away at the age of 80.

for all who attended Skyway, Mr. Smith taught 7th grade social studies at Cunningham. Anyone who had Mr. Smith as a teacher will no doubt agree that his methods of teaching allowed for much information to be remembered. Even now, I can still recall how to spell ``MEDI-TERR-AN-EAN''. And who could possible forget the direction of the North Atlantic Drift. Does anyone remember one of Ireland's nicknames?.........``THE LAND OF POTATOES AND PEAT''.

Believe it or not.........i learned alot from many teachers through my 12 years in S.A.D. #1, but i can say that Mr. Smith stands out as one of those teachers who could really make information stay with his students.

my hope for my children is that they may come away from there academic career with memories of at least 1 teacher who really made a difference in their lives. for me it was Merle Smith.




Allison Fowles Dec 11, 2001 7:05PM
ya know, i'm glad someone feels the same way about the supercenters as me...they just built a new one in auburn and i call it the warehouse...i absolutely hate it...to many rude people and it's way too big...i think i'm getting much more claustrophobic as i get older...i can not stand the crowds and you can't just run in for something really quick!

Visitor Dec 10, 2001 12:34PM
I lost both my mom and dad last summer...  

They're making those Walmart Supercenters just too darn big!

Torry Boyles-Eaton Dec 10, 2001 11:51AM
Terri Estey's Mom passed away last week also!  I guess we are at the age where our parents' health is not guaranteed!

Laurie Perry-Gray Dec 10, 2001 9:26AM
Dee Dee and Janet....So very sorry to hear about the loss that you each have suffered. My mom passed away last summer so I can relate. My best to you both...

Eric Vreeland Dec 07, 2001 3:02AM
hey dudes!....just  wanted to wish all a merry christmas.....hope life is good....cant wait for 2002...later shipmates

Andy Johnson Dec 06, 2001 9:42PM
Hello there Kent!  Haven't heard from you in a quite a while.  I can't believe you found this site on a search engine.  And you're quite right - now that I look, Google shows 66 sites for Kent Kofstad and 422,000 for Andy Johnson.  What's even funnier is that if you search for "Kent Kofstad" and "Bill Gates" it finds only one site - and it's about you!  I'll bet that's what you were searching for, trying to find some long-lost connection with a billionaire!

I assume you're still in Nashua and working for Mitre.  Hope everything is going well.  I haven't been in the area in a couple of years now - I'm sure it's even more built-up by now.

Kent Kofstad Dec 04, 2001 6:26PM
At times it can be useful to have a unique name, since any hits on a google.com search on "Kent Kofstad" are going to be about me, while I suppose "Andy Johnson" hits are limited to about 4000 different people.

That's a long way of saying that I got to this message board by searching for info about me on the WWW.  Pretty vain, I suppose.

Any way, hello to all.  Interesting photos from the last twenty years.  Good Job Andy et al.  I, too, have put on 25 pounds since high school, but at 6'4" it pretty much moved me from anorexic to skinny.

Visitor Nov 29, 2001 5:28AM
Shooting deer behind the house? There Doesnt seem to be much challenge in doing that. Hopefully the house isnt located in a residential neighborhood. lol j/k
There isnt any snow up in the county yet, just a dusting. I think we are in for a major snowstorm and will get it all at once.

Allison Fowles Nov 28, 2001 4:59PM
sorry andy...can't share any stories except i'll be glad when the seasons over...i still have to worry about the kids and the dog outside...we only have so much orange clothing!!  besides the fact that i'm one of those people who hates hunting...in this state, i'm well in the minority, i'm sure...i'd much rather shoot them with my zoom lens, thank you very much!

Andy Johnson Nov 27, 2001 8:08PM
I haven't read about any hunting success on here this year - has anyone had any luck?  Deer season opened here last Monday - my buddy and I got three on opening day right behind the house.  He's still got one more tag, so maybe we'll get another.  It's sure a lot different hunting in central NY - a lot of fields, and a ton of deer; nevermind the rabbits, partridge, pheasants, and turkey.  Any stories from the county?

Leah Lamoreau-Girardin Nov 18, 2001 3:15PM
Hi everone.so many things have happened this year that it makes you think. I would like to send my prays to Dee Dee and family. the funeral service was wonderful.makes you stop and appreciate what you have and live for today. Happy holidays to all.

Kerry Gettig-Pepper Nov 16, 2001 10:45PM
Dee-Dee my thoughts and pray are with you and your family your mother was a great influence on my life she was a fantastic teacher.

Allison Fowles Nov 13, 2001 3:03PM
dee-dee...so sorry to hear about your mom...you are in our thoughts and prayers...be strong...

Lisa Brigman-Clark Nov 12, 2001 7:33PM
thanks everyone...... being a grandmother id going to take some getting used to. so far its ok. the best part is not dealing with the 2am feedings.........Dee Dee, our thoughts are with you in your time of need.condolences from my family to yours.

Todd Wilson Nov 10, 2001 6:46PM
I'm extremely sorry to hear about Dee Dee's mom.  Dee Dee's mom was one of the nicest people to me when I first transferred to Pine Street School and I never forgot it.  For what its worth Dee Dee you and your family have my sincere condolences during this time of loss.

Torry Boyles-Eaton Nov 10, 2001 4:15PM
DeeDee's mom (Wilma Footer) passed away Thursday (November 8th).  You are in out thoughts and prayers DeeDee!

Allison Fowles Nov 08, 2001 8:24PM
grandchildren!  wow, that is so out of the realm of possibilities to me!  congrats lisa!  hopefully, that status is way far away in my future!

i can't believe it's november already...christmas is coming right around the corner...work is getting busy and gearing up for the holidays...smart, organized people are calling in their christmas orders while i still ponder whether i'll start shopping the second or third week in december this year!

Torry Boyles-Eaton Nov 06, 2001 10:48AM
CONGRATULATIONS Lisa!  The good thing about grandchildren is you can send them home with their parents when you've had enough!

Lisa Brigman-Clark Nov 05, 2001 8:41PM
thanks carma!!!!!!!!! he's such a cutie!!! his name is brandon. he was 5lbs 9ozs and 18 1\2 inches long. i call him baby joey face.. denise has pics.

Carma Cote-Ouellette Nov 05, 2001 7:50PM
Congratulations to Lisa Brigman! She is now a Grandma!!! Tell me again how old you feel Lisa...I cant remember... I think that's great!! Congratulate Joey for me!  

Visitor Nov 03, 2001 9:25PM
Hey Visitor you still around?

Jon Wolfe Oct 31, 2001 1:50PM
Condolances go out to Janet Lamoreau-Cyr. Her father Ken Clark passed away on Oct. 26th after a valiant fight with cancer. This summer Janet had been spending most of her time with him in PQI. It was important for her to be with him as much as possible and create memories of her twins, (Emily and Jacob - 15 mos.) with their grandfather. Ken was a wonderful man and judging by the number of people who paid their respects he touched many, many lives. Truly a mark of having lived a very successful life.

Kerry Gettig-Pepper Oct 26, 2001 6:55PM
Just dropping into say hi. For visitor maybe you could also find Troy Dow through his sisters email for class of 80 Jody Dow. Troy was in PI a couple years ago but think he moved away. Hope everyone is fine and ready for winter. I have 3 hunters excited about tomorrow. But my daughter also has a field hockey game right in the middle of it all. Hear PI did rather well in soccer. you all have a good team. Well hi Everyone maybe i'll see some of you this winter snowmobiling.

Torry Boyles-Eaton Oct 22, 2001 2:43PM
It's fixed now!  Sorry about that.  The picture was of Mark Lavway!?!

Visitor Oct 22, 2001 5:24AM
Has Paul Thompson gotten a face lift since the class reunion?????? I dont recall him looking like that at all. I dont think that is him in the pic. under his info. I cant remember who that is, but he looks familiar, but it is not Paul Thompson...Thanks   :-)

Visitor Oct 21, 2001 5:08PM
      Tryed to email some of you over the years but I didnt have any luck.Sounds like everyone is doing ok.Drop me a line     Dalelovely@msn.com

Visitor Oct 21, 2001 2:51PM
Dale Lovely next time leave an email address.Someone might just want to talk to you.Cindy Shaw said to tell you hi!

Torry Boyles-Eaton Oct 15, 2001 7:15PM
I think Mark Daigle told me that Jesse is in a nursing home near Augusta.  He never recovered from the "fight" that he was in right after High School.

Visitor Oct 15, 2001 5:54PM
Please...let's not open up more scars and wounds by bringing up Jesse Lebreck and asking for his address. The last person that brought that subject up got blasted from every side. Whether he is alive or not, God Bless him! No new info. has been given on this subject for many months so we are all to assume he is deceased. To all of those who have passed away since 1981...You will always be in our hearts.

Brian Colton Oct 11, 2001 5:42PM
dear visitor,

cindy shaw could be located via her cousin susan shaw-johnston who resides in presque isle.

troy dow could reach via his father jerry dow who resides in perham.

as for jesse lebreck........i too would like to know what ever became of him. he was a riot to party with!

hope some of this helps.

Visitor Oct 10, 2001 8:21PM
   Would anyone have info or email address for some of these folks that we all went to school with at one time or another Cindy Shaw,Troy Dow,Jesse Labrec,I do know jesse was beaten real bad while he was in the service some time ago I hope he ended up ok

Andy Johnson Oct 10, 2001 8:41AM
There was a huge group of contrails high in the sky heading East this morning.  The only time I've seen them has been when we've done bombing overseas in the past.  I assume it's the B2's on their way over for another bomb run.  It's amazing that they fly all the way from the US each time.  It also brings it closer to home when you actually see bombers on their way over to do some serious damage.  I imagine it'll be on the news again later today...

Torry Boyles-Eaton Oct 08, 2001 7:19PM
I'm glad to hear that we are all participating in Cub Scouts as all good parents should!!!!

Andy Johnson Oct 08, 2001 9:03AM
Now that the Afghan Urban Renewal Project has begun things will get much more interesting (although not in a good way).  And of course we've got to really watch out for terrorism in the near future...

It snowed here yesterday.  In fact the ground is all white today and the kids are making a snowman.  I brought in the rest of the tomatoes and picked the potatoes yesterday; nothing like picking potatoes in the snow to bring back memories of Aroostook!  Sure wish I had a digger, though.  After an hour of digging them with a shovel I had about three baskets of potatoes.  What's that - about 25 cents in 1980 potato-picking dollars?

Todd Wilson Oct 08, 2001 12:00AM
Moreover, I think its okay to be scared in this situation and I find myself trying to comfort my wife from the fact that this thing could get much uglier before it gets better.

I just hope we all can be stronger than our fears and show the terrorists what their actions get them.  Nothing.

Todd Wilson Oct 07, 2001 11:51PM
Howdy folks,

So here we go again.  San Diego is one of the places used for planning terrorist attacks in our country and could quite possibly still have a few of those folks running around here.  Pretty scary!

My wife Becky is a new den mom for my son Tim's tiger cub scouts, pack 640.  I participate as much as I can but find myself more as a source of funding and the keeper of Ben our two year old.  It works out.

If you didn't know I too have an opinion about the terrorist acts, bigotry against arabs, and now the war on terrorism.  I am horrified what humans will do to eachother, thankful for the arab friends I have had (without whom I would have never met my wife), and warey about fighting the Taliban

I do however thank God for our men and women defending us in this conflict and hope all goes well.  I also thank God I am not confused or hesitant in my beliefs during this time.  Terrorism cannot stand.

My family & I recently visited Sea World for the killer whale (Shamu) show, which was quite thrilling, and we visited Legoland making Tim's long time hope come true.  The whales were cool but Legoland was a big money pit. I did manage to have a little fun (to keep my wife happy).

My grandfather used to say "all work no play makes Jack a dull boy"  man was he right!

Take care for now.



Torry Boyles-Eaton Oct 01, 2001 3:43PM
Congratulations!  Mike is the Assistant Cub Master for Keenan's Pack!  He went to a full week of Cub Camp in August with Keenan and 12 other boys from their pack.  He came back with a lot of stories and a full beard!  He also has the official "shirt"!  It is October 1st and it is 70 degrees out.  Can this be Aroostook County????

Andy Johnson Oct 01, 2001 9:11AM
Went to a Cub Scout camp this weekend.  It was pretty good, except for the fact that the "hike around the lake" turned into a "several hour hike through the woods in the dark" because the leader got lost!  It was almost a little scary.  There were probably a hundred people with about five flashlights between us.  I was carrying Kelly (about 35 pounds) on my shoulders the whole time.  Talk about sore by the time we were done!  It's a good thing it was a full moon.  And when we looked at the lake the next day that we were supposed to be going around, it was so small you could almost throw a rock across it.  It was probably supposed to be a fifteen minute hike!

Linda's the leader for our den.  She's even talking about getting an official leader shirt.  She thinks they look geeky, but it might command some authority, which is really needed with the kids at this age.  Personally, I've always kind of liked a girl in uniform!  Wait a second; this is a boy scout leader uniform - that's not gonna do much for me, now that I think about it!

Visitor Sep 26, 2001 8:54PM
     Just surfing by nice to read all about you all              Dale LOVELY

Andy Johnson Sep 24, 2001 10:16AM
Big sale on stocks this week!!  Do your part and invest!  It was important to give blood last week; it's important to support the economy this week!

Allison Fowles Sep 18, 2001 2:50PM
well said gentlemen...brian-i don't think you've ever been so verbose on the message board...sad topic but very true sentiments...the future now looks rather terrifying for me...i still feel rather unfocused at work...my thoughts keep going back to new york...worked on some stained glass projects today to keep my thoughts occupied elsewhere but it apparently didn't work well...i'm sporting a couple barbie band-aids from glass cuts...drifting thoughts and not enough attention to the jagged edges...rather fitting metaphor for life right about now...

Andy Johnson Sep 18, 2001 9:44AM
Well said, Brian!  People need to understand why we're getting into this war.  It goes so much deeper than "they don't like free democracy" and "they hate our economic success" and comments like that.  Sadly, it's hard to find anyone who really understands the whole basis for their hatred, how it relates to our Israeli support and our actions in Saudi Arabia during the Gulf War.  I watched a show the other day where Peter Jennings talked with a bunch of young school kids about this topic.  Although some of their comments were a little off-the-wall (the kids were about ten years old), some of their responses explained the cause of all of this better than some of the adults I've heard, who are basically just mad and don't really understand it.

Of course the biggest problem with all of this is the fact that this is going to be probably the most difficult war we've ever fought.  No real "target".  An enemy without geographic borders.  Extremely difficult fighting in Afghanistan.  Future generations of terrorists who are growing up now that will only see this as a confirmation of American aggression.  But of course there is no choice.

Killing Osama bin Laden, if we could even do that, will not solve the problem at all.  It goes WAY beyond that.

And during this war, we will need to be watchful for the next unexpected terrorist attack.  It won't be another hijacking - we would expect that.  They will attempt to totally blind-side us.  Maybe a biologic bomb in a crowded city or some other horrendous attack.

And in case you're confused, my comments in an earlier post mentioning how people around the world tend to dislike Americans has nothing to do with why these terrorists totally hate us and have waged war on us.  That was just an observation that many people really do think Americans are stuck-up arrrogant bullies - a whole different subject.

Brian Colton Sep 18, 2001 8:27AM
hey wolfe-man! i echo your thoughts entirely! we are all americans despite race, religion, nation origin, etc. i too am concerned about the growing "anti-anyone who looks like their muslim or from the middle-east" sentiment growing here in our homeland. it's just plain wrong!

that being said......this anti-American crusade (war) that the Muslim extremist community is fueling has nothing to do with America in and of itself. our support of Israel over the years is at the center of all of this.....whether we like it or not. it has nothing to do with how loud we are, how we look, how much money we make, what we eat, or the material objects we acquire. this whole thing could be over today simply by ceasing our involvment/support of Israel.

however, that WILL NOT and more importantly SHOULD NOT. happen......under any circumstances! and we all know why.

many have said that by waging war on terrorism.....many innocent lives will be lost. yeah, well......``WAR IS HELL!''

it would be one thing if we were going after a sovreign nation......but it isn't like that. terrorists are all around us......and yes......right here in the united states as last week's horrific events have shown.

korea, vietnam, the hostages in iran, the persian gulf.....these are all terrorist-based conflicts that the civilized world never finished. well, it's time to finish it......once and for all! if we don't.....there will be no world left for our children.

to HELL with hurting this country's feelings....or offending that country's policies.......the overwhelming majority of humanity on this planet is sick and tired of radical extremists causing harm/death/destruction to innocent people. we WILL wage WAR on the bastards that did this gruesome deed.......we will find them and there will be HELL TO PAY!

all Americans need to get rid of this anti-government thinking and remember who we are and what this country stands for. teach your children about GOD & COUNTRY, help your neighbor.......your fellow countrymen, pray to your GOD, display your FLAG and STAND WITH AND BY YOUR COUNTRY PROUDLY!

WE ALL SHOULD BE STANDING ON JOHN'S ``SOAP BOX'', AND STAY UP THERE!

remember.......UNITED WE STAND, DIVIDED WE FALL!

GOD BLESS AMERICA.....

GOD BLESS HUMANITY!

Jon Wolfe Sep 15, 2001 9:20PM
Good for you Torry!! Yes I did wear my Cub Scout uniform alot, but it was my Mom that insisted. I remember as I got older I didn't want to but she laid a guilt trip on me and I wore it afterall. I have a lot ot great memories as a cub scout. My Dad was involved as a scout leader and it was a great bonding experience for both of us.
Hey Torry, about those pictures, I especially like the one of our class with Mr. Fitz. My daughter Jennifer went to her eighth grade prom this Spring and I showed her that picture so she could see the babe I went to my 8th grade prom with. We both had quite a laugh!!

Torry Boyles-Eaton Sep 14, 2001 7:35PM
Great pictures Jon!  Did you wear your cub scout uniform on every "Picture Day"???  Didn't you love Cub Scouts?  I think Mike is having more fun than Keenan being in Cub Scouts - they even attended Cub Camp this summer for a whole week!  The boys and I just came inside from having a little candle light vigil at the end of our driveway.  I don't think anyone saw us but we can say we were part of the "bigger" effort!

Todd Wilson Sep 14, 2001 3:25PM
Not sure about the soapbox comments but I believe one thing is for sure....the things that we all believe and love about being American can and will be used against us.

Andy Johnson Sep 14, 2001 9:09AM
I'll join you on the soapbox, Jon.  Islamic Fundamentalists are a totally different breed from the everyday Muslim or Arab that might be your neighbor or friend.  And Americans are Americans, no matter where they came from.  I don't even like to hear terms like "African-American" or "Arab-American" because all that does is put those people into an apparent subcategory of Americans, which I think is unfair.
And for those who didn't realize it before - yes, there are many people in the world who dislike and even hate Americans.  At one level, it's easy to see why people might dislike us (although not hate us).  When you travel around a little outside the US you start to see that Americans really do match the stereotype - loud, obnoxious, rude, overweight, arrogant.  It's so easy to pick out Americans by how they look and act, and it's not impressive.  People who don't travel much probably don't realize how different we are.  Again, that's not what leads to the hatred that these terrorists have (although the arrogance doesn't help).
By the way, these new security procedures seem like a joke.  It always amazed me how easy it appeared to be to get something onto a plane.  Now they won't allow curb-side check-in, they won't allow knives on board, and they will only use plastic silverware in the airport restaurants?  That's not even close to what they need to do.  For those who have travelled to Israel, for example, it's clear what real security is.  It's more of a character assessment than a physical inventory.  Thorough interrogations about who you are and what you're up to are needed.  Much more than the "have your bags been in your possession" questions.
People are also going to have to get over their government paranoia.  We can't have security in general without allowing the government a little leaway with regard to our personal lives.
Back down from the soapbax now...

Jon Wolfe Sep 13, 2001 10:09PM
Hey all, Just sitting around twittling my thumbs till the FAA lets me go fly again. At the present only the Airlines and Charter coompanies are allowed in the air. Since I fly a Corporate Jet we're considered a private aircraft and we're still grounded. I don't particularly see the difference between our operation and that of a charter company, I've worked for both. Anyway, I'm glad to hear Ted's OK.
I was talking with my mechanic today and mentioned to him that everyone will either know someone directly or a close friend who is affected from the past events. 5 minutes later a fellow co-worker I fly with found out one of the pilots on American Airlines Flt 77 that crashed into the Pentagon was a past colleague he used to work with. All of our lives will be touched in one way or another. I sympathize and can relate that it certainly has been difficult watching TV with my kids the last few days. End of the age of innocence.
I'm also becoming disturbed with the hatred and anti-Muslum sentiment that is growing. Here in NH and in the Boston area hatred is eveident with reports that muslim students are urged to remain on campus due to a rising fear for their safety and Muslim owned stores in Boston have been vandalized. I hope everyone remembers that the individuals that carried out these heinous acts do not represent in anyway the majority of Muslims. The Muslim friends that I know are just as appalled and sick by the acts conducted in the name of their religion. Contrary to popular belief, Islam does not condone the savage killing of innocent lives. Let's not get wrapped up in our anger and blindly persecute honest loving people that are as much as American as we are. (I'm stepping down off my soapbox now.)  
On another note, my Mom gave me some old class pictures. I'll scan them and post them. I have 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th grade at Zippel. I'll need some help with all the names.
Andy, great job on the site!! It's obvious you don't have a real job. (heh heh heh) Hope everyone is well. God bless America!!

Carma Cote-Ouellette Sep 13, 2001 5:06PM
I dont think any word can really sermise what we are all feeling in the last few days. please check out this link to a wonderful "new" web site..it says it all...thanks
http://angelfire.com/nj4/justice4all/OpenLetterToTerrorist.html

Todd Wilson Sep 13, 2001 12:19PM
Hello from the other coast,

Hope all are safe.  I had to explain to my six year old why our world has changed yesterday.  It isn't easy to explain what happened for many reasons, but one thing for sure is its a very sad
and terrible thing.  God bless all.



Patsy Dunton Sep 13, 2001 5:48AM
Tragedy just doesn't seem to sufficiently describe what we are watching.  I've been listening to many of my students who recently registered with selective service and some who must soon express their concerns about their futures.  We have tried to respond as a school community so, maybe, we can comfort our children.  It's frustrating.  A food drive, blood drive, or cash collection just aren't enough.  Most of our kids are shocked to find that anyone might actually not like the U.S.  Many have never been asked to express their patriotism before.  What are schools in your community doing?

Jon Wolfe Sep 13, 2001 12:07AM
I just posted some Zippel School Class Pic's but I missed a few of the names. If anyone knows the unknowns please let me know. Sorry the resolution isn't very good. I don't know if it's my scanner or the fact the pic's can be only 50KB. I love your KISS photo's Greg!!

Allison Fowles Sep 12, 2001 5:42PM
glad to know you're ok ted...my thoughts were with you and your family yesterday...as i was sitting through a rather boring 2 hour staff meeting this morning, totally and completely unfocused, i thought: in the whole scheme of things-i don't care about all this work related, petty argumentative employee stuff...i looked for a blood drive locally--nothing...would have to go to portland and couldn't do it today...it's so disheartening to feel so utterly helpless....and then to have to try to explain to my children why there are people who would commit such horrific acts of violence...i can't bear to watch the tv anymore but i can't seem to turn it off...certainly puts things in perspective...

Ted Stone Sep 12, 2001 4:12PM
Sorry, Andy, but you’ll probably never get a short hello from me.  Except for the still smoldering fires at the Pentagon, everything appears more or less calm here in D.C.  (My downtown office is open today but few people are here.  I assume primarily because so many area schools are closed for the day.)  As the events unfolded yesterday, there was a steady buzz of fear and anticipation and rumor for several hours after the third plane crashed and brought the national tragedy much closer to home for those of us working in the Nation's Capital.  As many of you may have been, I was watching tv coverage of the 2nd attack on the WTC and aftermath when reports of the attack on the Pentagon came across the screen.  We immediately turned around and saw from the 9th floor window behind us the plume of smoke billowing up from across the Potomac.  Within minutes rumors about other explosions in the area (State Department, Old Executive Office Building, USA Today building) began flying.  I headed up to the rooftop patio (13th floor=DC skyscraper) and watched with others for a few minutes as another airborne vehicle appeared to slowly descend toward the Pentagon.  We lost sight of it behind the Washington Monument and a short while later a couple of huge thuds sent many of us back inside.  [Still don't know what that vehicle (probably a military helicopter) or what those sounds were (sounded like artillery shells landing) or if the two were related.]  Spent the better part of several nervous hours in the basement level of my building alternating between playing with my son in the daycare center and watching the news in our fitness center as fresh rumors circulated about "a 2nd plane heading for Washington" and a plane "10 minutes away from DC" and "fighter jets scrambling to attack the approaching plane" etc.  Have to say that I contemplate how Israelis must have felt during the Gulf War as the SCUD missiles were en route.  Since my building is a block from FBI headquarters, three blocks from the Justice Department and four blocks from the White House, we were understandably concerned about being so near such prime targets.  Can't even begin to imagine how horrible it must have been in Lower Manhattan yesterday, but like you all I was riveted to the television and grieving for so many of our countrymen who lost their lives and family members yesterday.  Don't know yet of any personal connection to the WTC tragedy, but I would be surprised if a few college classmates were not in the building.  What a horrific day!

Andy Johnson Sep 12, 2001 7:06AM
Now that I look, I see that Ted is near DC, but I don't think he has anything to do with the Pentagon, so I'm sure he's fine.

Andy Johnson Sep 11, 2001 9:29PM
I had been planning to write some witty response about how the Yankees are so much better than the Red Sox.  Of course Greg's pictures are great, and that deserved some mention too.  All of a sudden it all seemed trivial in the big scheme of things.  Of course all the TV coverage is almost overwhelming by itself.  And then the impact of it all on our lives and the lives of others.  I wonder if any of our classmates were close to the attack or anyone in it.  Doesn't Ted live/work nearby?  Maybe he'll check in with an "All Okay."  I had a phone call today with my brother in-law who watched the entire thing out his office window and then shut the place down and went home.  And then a call about his best friend (and a friend of mine) who works right across the street from the Trade Center and was on the street looking up at the plane crashing into the tower and then both towers collapsing while he's running around trying to get away from it.  He was lucky, of course, and made it home safely.  Add to that the fact that I did some consulting to Lockheed after the USS Cole attack to help the military try to prevent further terrorist attacks.  This makes it all the more real.

It's a very sad day.  I gave my kids an extra hug tonight - I trust you all did the same.

Margo Ladner-Bair Sep 11, 2001 8:37PM
What a day.  I never thought I'd see this.Here in Pa where we are, they closed our school at noon.  We are very close to TMI (three mile island) security is everywhere.  It is so quiet here.  I expect to hear the planes from Indian Town Gap flying to Washington tonight. I've prayed all day for our friends and family in the service and who live in D.C. and NY and for us who have children who will be or are 18.  I feel I'm living my grandmothers fears of war and having her son be drafted.  May God who has everything planned be our strength.

Roseann McConnell Sep 10, 2001 9:34PM
First of all, Andy, great job on this new website. Thanks T and Jon Wolfe for all the wonderful photos! It was so good seeing all of you at the reunion. Wish I had more time to spend visiting. Anyway, thank you greg for your photos!! Too funny!I'm sorry but Blaine Buck looks like Dana Carvey doing "garth", paul thompson's hair reminds me of the flying nun and what size sneakers was derrick collins wearing...sorry Dianne, I know you have to live with him!!! Thanks again Greg for the laughs....you still Rock!!

Brian Colton Sep 10, 2001 4:07PM
andy, this is were responsible parenting comes into play. had it been a ``red sox'' hat, there would not have been a problem!

i like your son's name.....very distinguished.

by the way.......really appreciate all of the hard work on this website.....hope more prople take advantage of  it.

Andy Johnson Sep 07, 2001 8:33AM
Last year Brian (in first grade) wore his Yankees hat all the time until one day he suddenly didn't want to wear it anymore.  It turns out the bus driver, who was a Mets fan, told him "you can't wear that hat on this bus!"  He was being sarcastic, but it was lost on Brian and it pretty much traumatized him.  He was afraid to wear a hat on the bus for the rest of the year!  New year, new bus driver - the Yankees hat is back on!

Torry Boyles-Eaton Sep 05, 2001 6:55PM
Karson started Kindergarten last Tuesday!  I sent him with a t-shirt that said "Watch Out Kindergarten Here Comes Karson!"  I'm sure the teacher was impressed!  Keenan (10) got a new retainer today that makes him keep his mouth closed at all times - maybe he won't get in as much trouble this year!  School truely is a blessing!

Andy Johnson Sep 05, 2001 7:56AM
First day of school here today!  I imagine you Mainers already started by now.  Boy, what a great day it is - especially for the stay-at-home types like me.  I should be able to get into all kinds of trouble by myself all day long.  Summer is just long enough that the kids start driving you crazy, but just short enough that you don't do any serious harm to them before you start loading them back on the bus for the teachers to take care of.  I can't imagine home schooling!  I need a little space!

Allison Fowles Aug 24, 2001 12:56PM
hey...i didn't necessarily say i learned or remembered anything in ancient history, just that she brought back memories!!!!  yup, the ole bobby socks and saddle shoes wasn't it??
have a great weekend with the girls! i envy you that freedom!!

Torry Boyles-Eaton Aug 23, 2001 4:43PM
ANCIENT HISTORY!  Did we actually learn anything that year?  I remember (vaguely) the quizzes she used to give???  I can't remember anything except her "bobby" socks and her snowshoes in the winter!  I'm headed to Portland for the weekend (shopping).  I'm meeting up with my college girl friends to spend Satuday night together (no husbands and no kids)!

Allison Fowles Aug 23, 2001 3:01PM
read the news board and saw the posting about ms. dingwall dying...just her name invokes such memories of class..  it amazes me still how one little woman could command a class like she did...my nephew is starting his freshman year at pihs...that started the memories too...i still remember my first day and how nervous i was...i remember it was hot...i had miss barter for english--remember rose?  how time skyrockets by when we're not paying attention...i believe it was john lennon who said.."life is what happens when you're busy making plans..." ain't that the truth!

Andy Johnson Aug 23, 2001 2:22PM
You can now order the group photo from the reunion.  Torry has promised to find the best reunion picture from those that were taken (pretty much like the one on the home page) and get copies made for anyone who wants one.  You can either get a 5x7 or an 8x10.  Just go to the photo album and click on the "Order" button to tell her you want one.  I'm not sure of the price (it shouldn't be much) - Torry can probably give us an estimate.

Kerry Gettig-Pepper Aug 13, 2001 4:08PM
This site is so much nicer than the old one. I was up in PI this past weekend visiting relatives who live in Mapleton,next to Terri Estey sorry i missed you Terri i was going to walk down to your house but it was so late when everything ended and we left at 9 Sunday morning. Tammy Wheeler didn't realize we were friends in HS.

Andy Johnson Aug 13, 2001 8:45AM
Wow Torry!  You are becoming a digital photo wizard!  Nice job with the pictures - that must have taken some time.  And I see you've put some appropriate pictures in for people's family photos (with nice cropping and everything).  That's great!

And Allison - thanks for finally sending that heat back down to Florida.  It was getting a little extreme.  Looks like it will be much nicer this week.

And if you can't remember who someone is when you're reading one of these messages, just click on their name (try it).  Now I just have to scan in more yearbook photos...

Carma Cote-Ouellette Aug 08, 2001 8:34PM
Thanks for all the pics. Jon, but definitly could of done without the last one..ugh! I look like a sweaty 500 lb. Heffer....didn't we have beef for dinner???? I'm the other white meat...LMAO!!!

Torry Boyles-Eaton Aug 07, 2001 9:00AM
Thanks for the pictures guys!  Andy - I was also going to put that 8th grade picture one but hadn't had time to scan it!  I have more group class photos from Mapleton Elementary (Higgins) and Skyway!

Scott Antworth Aug 06, 2001 6:43PM
Great job on the site Andy!
Well I am working again after my brief vacation/retirement. I am drilling wells in Bucksport and can honestly say the Air Force made me a bit soft. But that is why it's called work. Thank you to everyone who worked on the reunion, it was a great time.
Nice pics Torry. The guy next to Mike Buck was me.

Todd Wilson Aug 05, 2001 5:31PM
Howdy Folks, I've just looked at the 107 posted pictures and read the last 50 or so messages with awe as well as some mixed emotions.  I am awed by the fact that so many of you made it to this event and that some of you were saddened by my not attending.  Thanks for your concerns especially Roseann & Rosemary.  Roseann your a sweetheart!  Rosemary your a sweetheart as well and maybe someday you could explain to me what AT???? means??? In any case hello Leigh Cote.  My family and I visited the San Pasqual battle museum yesterday which I believe was the location of last major battle fought in the Spanish American War.  Little did they know then that Mexico would win the war over land during the next century!  My wife and I are hoping Tim will learn spanish soon so we can communicate with many of the locals.  Our move to California has been exhausting which makes me realize I'm gettin older.  Having said that, I saw a lot of gray at the reunion and I too noticed a lot of blonds as well!  Dee Dee and Gerry filled me in on some of the details and I hope all found something of what they were seeking at this reunion.  How's it going Ted?
Take Care all and drop me a note if you find the time.  As a side note I was telling some of the guys I'm working with that my favorite expression in Japanese when I visited there was Gohan O tabamasuka which means "do you eat rice?"  I used to ask it in all seriousness with a John Wayne accent and it blew they're minds.
T. Wilson

Lisa Brigman-Clark Aug 05, 2001 2:54PM
hey great sight. hope everyone had a good time at the reunion. i was thinking of all of you. carma you need to e-mail me. i want details. i wish i could have been there.

Carma Cote-Ouellette Aug 04, 2001 3:10PM
Nice job on the new site Andy. And I do agree about everyone looking great at the reunion. However, I dont recall there being so many "blondes" in our class LOL. To me, it was like the 10th reunion I never went to, everyone has aged so gracefully.

Andy Johnson Aug 03, 2001 8:00PM
By the way, Allison, you were right - you ladies have aged extremely well!  Of course I don't want to be seen as a disgusting pig, but all the girls looked great at the reunion! (maybe the guys did too, but I'm not going to go there)  Anyway, I was quite impressed!

Allison Fowles Aug 03, 2001 5:38PM
site looks great andy!  thanks for all the time your dedicating to us all!

Margo Ladner-Bair Aug 03, 2001 5:02PM
ok, as I look through the pictures of the 20th reunion I see my mothers friends like Mrs. Footer, Mrs.Mcconell,Mrs. Carmichael, I can't believe it.  Great photos.  Looks like everyone had a good time. Thanks for all your hard work everyone.

Andy Johnson Aug 03, 2001 3:17PM
Everyone - please give me news stories for the news page.  Go ahead and post some of your photos in the photo album.  I'll be making small changes to the site as we go, so bear with me.  I'll add some help in the photo album section for those of you having trouble.
As a side note, you need JavaScript to run this new site properly.  If you have any trouble bringing up any of the windows, it may be due to that.  Just send me an email if you have any problems at all.
And if you have photos but you don't want to put them on yourself, just email or mail them to me and I'll do it for you.  I appreciate any feedback, by the way, so if you want something added, just say so!

Torry Boyles-Eaton Aug 02, 2001 4:25PM
Everything looks great!  Thanks for all of your work ANDY!

Andy Johnson Aug 01, 2001 9:21PM
Welcome to the new message board!  Once we get away from the old Homestead site, this will be the message board we'll use.  I made the time display Eastern time, since most of us live in that time zone.


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