THIS IS SURRATTS FOUNDATION E-NOTICE 2008-2 OF FEBRUARY 1, 2008

Hello Hornets:

Here are some items that may be of interest:

1.  ACHIEVEMENT AWARD RECIPIENT CONNECTS WITH HORNET OFFSPRING.   We received this "small world" email from Kim King (76): "Hey Henry: Just wanted to pass on that I talked to Marcia Gay Harden right before Christmas.  As you might remember, my daughter, Jillian, works for Rachael Ray.  Marcia was a guest on the show and Jillian was talking to me on her cell phone. Marcia took the phone from Jill and we chatted a bit.  Very cool!  I told her that we are so proud of her!  We chatted how I nominated her for Homecoming Queen and she giggled at that thought.  Anyway, she is doing well and her twins keep her busy! Kim"

2.  ANOTHER LOST RING SOUGHT/MORE HORNETS SPORTS HISTORY.  We received this email from Debbie White Thorne (80), DET62@aol.com wrote: Hi and Happy New Year:  I lost my 1980 class ring quite a few years back.  The ring is unique due to one side having a barrel racer on the side.  I can't remember if it has my initials (DEW) or full name (Debbie White) engraved.   If anyone can find it, it would be great!  Debbie, Class of 1980...and undefeated State Softball Champs?"

3. ... AND SPEAKING OF RINGS ... .  Some time ago, a Class of 71 woman's ring with what appear to be the initials "DMT" inside was sent to the Foundation.  We believe this ring may belong to Donna Marie Tessier (71), but we still haven't been able to find Donna or otherwise reunite the ring with its owner.  Please let us know if you have any ideas on how we might return this treasure to its rightful owner.

4. ... AND SPEAKING OF 71 CLASS RINGS... .  Thanks to Renee Minton, a very nice and public spirited non-Hornet who grew up Pensacola, FL, we have located a Class of 71 woman's ring with initials inside that appear to read "MTF".  Please send me an email if you can help re-unite this ring with its owner.  Renee's Mom found the ring in Pensacola, and Renee kindly went to the trouble to track down the Foundation on the internet and mail the ring to us.  Thanks, Renee!

[Ed. Note: For some reason, my Class' lost rings have seemed to have had an extraordinary "boomerang" quality.  Something interesting going on here!]

5.  TIPS ON SENDING SCHOOL SUPPLIES TO AFGHAN KIDS.  We received this very informative email from Suzan Martz Holmquist (62): "Hi Henry: Glad that you have been telling everyone about Rix Mills and his efforts in Afghanistan. It has given me great pleasure to send packages to him and the children.  Perhaps you might want to mention, as I have done to some of our classmates, that they can do mailings very inexpensively and that might spur on more to assist Rix as thinking of mailing boxes as very expensive might be a factor in holding people back.  The US Post Office has Flat Rate Priority Mail Boxes that are only $8.95 for shipping to Rix's APO address.  The address is:

RIX MILLS
REGIONAL TRAINING CENTER (RTC)
MAZAR - E- SHARIF
APO  AE  09354
 
You can shove in a lot of stuff in their larger boxes!  They get to the APO address in a few days and then sometimes may take a few weeks to get to Rix, but they all get there.  I suggest that anyone that does mailings ask the Post Office for a roll of their Priority Mail tape (it's free) and secure the boxes well as possible as they travel over dirt roads in trucks to get to Rix.  You must fill out a custom form with the mailings but its simple.
 
There are so many in this world with so little and my admiration for Rix is beyond words for the sacrifices he is making in his personal life to do this to help make the world a better place.  I feel honored to be able to send paper, pencils, pencil sharpeners, candy and whatever I can get into those boxes to do just a little to help children.

The best New Year Ever to you and your family, Suzan

6.  CLASS OF 62 ACTIVITIES UPDATE.  We received this email from Len Owens (62), lowens15@nc.rr.com:  "This is a short note to update you on activities currently underway.  It will be in bullet form in order for you to review it quickly and get answers to your questions.  Feel free to contact Len, Terry or Jerry for an elaboration on any items you want clarified.  The booklet has been proofed and is now being assembled by the producer. We should have this proof back to us by mid January.  We will review the proof, make any corrections/changes needed and return to them for final printing and distribution.  We anticipate this will be done not later than late February.  Thank you for being patient.  (We do have several extras on order.  Please call or email to obtain one of the extras.)

We are currently making plans to have a 50th gathering and need your thoughts. If you want to have it held in or close to Washington, DC or any alternative ideas you might have.  We need your input.  An activity is also anticipated for this coming year for all those interested; most likely a picnic or similar get together, informal and an opportunity for local or nearby folks who were unable to attend the 45th get together last September.

Len has started a web page for our Class.  It is on Yahoo and it will be a secured site. He will be the webmaster and several of us will also be able to provide you access.  This is being done to control outside influences and keeps it secure for sharing information with one another.  More on this is forthcoming.  Call or email to provide content for this web site.

We are going to maintain our bank account in an active status in order to meet interim expenses, postage and any incidental costs that might occur.  With that in mind if you would be interested in a contribution of any amount to offset expenses, it will be greatly appreciated.  The account maintenance costs are approximately $5.00 per month.  This would equate to only $300.00 for the five year period.  Thanks for giving it any consideration.

Thanks for your response and feedback, Reunion Committee, Class of 1962"
 
7.  CLASSES OF 78/79 PLANNING REUNION.  We received this email from Jeanne Hoffman LaRoque (78) and Karen White Maxey (79): "Hi Henry:  We are working on setting up a combined 78/79 30 year class reunion to be held this summer.  We are currently working to secure a date/time/location; however, before anything can be finalized we need to know if folks are planning to attend the reunion this summer.  We need to get a commitment from at least 100 alumni in order to secure a date/time and location.  Please let us know as soon as possible if you and or a guest/spouse plan to attend this reunion.  Class of 1978 please send your response to Jeanne Hoffman LaRoque at jeannelaroque@yahoo.com.  Class of 1979 please send your response to Karen.whitevz@yahoo.com.  We need to hear from you no later than February 2, 2008.  Thanks, Jeanne and Karen"

8.  SEEKING CLASS OF 58 GRADS.  We received this email from Jean Merriman Beardmore (58): "Hi Henry:  Could you put a list of lost classmates for the 1958 graduating class?  We are trying to find them to invite them to our 50th reunion in June. They are: Walter W. Daye, Brenda Gay Wise, Robert (Skip) Herbig, Eva Pearson, Silas Mason, John A. Stewart, Bonnie Sellner, Robert E. Shanks, Robert Tucker, Thomas Tucker, Dorothy Smith Scoggins, Thomas Smolinski, and Donald Wood.  Anyone with information can contact Jean Merriman Beardmore at (540) 635-7380 or 86 Eagle Drive, Front Royal, Va. 22630, or lljbeard@shentel.net.  Thanks so much for your help.  Jean"
 
9.  HORNETS RAISING MONEY FOR GOOD CAUSES.  We received this email from Leslie St. Clair (70):

"Hi All: I received an email from Debbe Brooks Manoly (70).  Her daughter, Mere, started a foundation, Message of Hope Cancer Fund, while she was recuperating from surgery to remove merkle cell cancer from the side of her face.  She raises money to help others going through cancer with their expenses.  The Fund is having a fund raiser on February 16, and the information for that can be found on www.amessageofhopecancerfund.org.  In addition, Edie Dennison's granddaughter Bailey has been diagnosed with type I juvenile diabetes.  Edie sent me an email saying: 'I am going to put on my best walking shoes, grab a canister of air, and walk in the hope that a cure will soon be found.  I am trying to raise $500.00 towards my walk, and any donations you feel you can make would be greatly appreciated!  I pray that a cure will be found so that Bailey and other children will not have to go through such a "changed" lifestyle that a young person should be enjoying. If you would like to join our group of walkers, "Bailey's Bunch," you can sign up from this page also!  Thank you for any contribution you can make.  My walk web site is: http://walk.jdrf.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=extranet.personalpage&confirmid=86965174
For more information, visit http://www.jdrf.org, or call 800-533-CURE.  Hugs, Edie'

Thanks, Leslie"

10.  CULTURAL EVENT FOR SOUTHERN MARYLANDERS.  We received this tip from Foundation Archivist and Historian Shelby Lee Oppermann (79): "Join the party in Leonardtown this Friday, February 1st, from 5 8 pm!  The shops and businesses of Leonardtown have joined together to celebrate the First Friday in February with a Town Crawl. Join us for great Art, Food, Wine and Conversation while exploring the nooks and crannies of Leonardtown.  (It is also a great opportunity to look for Valentines gifts and ideas for that special someone.)

Special events include:

At the MD Antiques Center Complex: Leonardtown Galleria is featuring the art of nationally known wildlife artist, Robert Bealle.  Creek Side and Turning Leaf Galleries are displaying new works by their members.

Chef John Urquidez of the Tea Room at the MD Antiques Center is offering 10% off on food and wine to anyone who brings this notice in on Friday, February 1st, after 5pm.

In Breton Marketplace:  Lady Slender is offering massage, facials and manicures for both men and women.  Get rejuvenated as a prelude (or a close) to the rest of the evenings activities!

In Old Downtown Leonardtown:  North End Gallery is hosting an opening for their new show - Historic Churches: Architectural Heritage of Southern Maryland. [Ed Note: Shelby has  two of her miniatures in this gallery.]

Herons Way Gallery is now showing the works of J. Sutton Woody, and Jan Gagnon.  New works by Robert Bevard and lamp work beads and jewelry by KimberlyJAE are also on display.

Fenwick Used Books and Music (Open until 6pm) and the Good Earth Company (Open until 7pm) always have something good.  So start the evening here and explore!

Quality Street Kitchen and Catering has an impressive collection of gourmet cookware.  Find that unique tool that you have been looking for! But go before 6:30 because that is when the gourmet cooking class starts.  (Sign up in advance for the class.)"



I hope your 2008 is off to a great start!

All the best, Henry Smith (71), hsmith@smithdowney.com



IN MEMORIAM

Dawn Denise Wells Underwood (77), died January 6, 2007, in her home of cancer after a nine-month illness.  Dawn worked for Julian's Hair Design in Dunkirk for more than 28 years and was a hair designer for the Washington Redskins cheerleaders, including in preparation for their annual calendar.  She is survived by her husband of more than 20 years, John Underwood; two sons, John and Jason Underwood of Shadyside; one daughter, Jenna Underwood of Shadyside; four brothers, Gregg Wells of Millersville, Bill Wells of Clinton, Dan Wells of Brandywine and Donald Wells of Washington, D.C.; and her grandmother, Ellen Blandford.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Dawn Underwood Memorial College Fund, care of Karen Somers, 1600 Meadow Oaks Lane, Huntingtown, MD 20639.


MANY THANKS TO THESE DONORS TO THE FOUNDATION'S 2007 CAMPAIGN

Pat Becker Oles (71)
Steve Profilet (71)
Michelle Shelley Wilson Block (68)
Sally Saker Weingarten (77)
Janet Goddard Sullivan (54), In memory of her brother, Jesse "Skip" Goddard, Jr. (56)
Roy Nestor (72), In Memory of Jana Sims Nestor
Kurt Aktug (88)
June Jacobs Brown (44)
Thomas V. Mike Miller (60)
Linda Dorsey Blum (66)
Vicki Forsht Williams (65), In joyful celebration of the marriage of Nancy Oursler Maynard (65) and Larry Schillings (65)
Vicki Forsht Williams (65, and former faculty), In memory of Eugene Colgan, former (and greatest!) Principal
Ellen Talbert-Miller (61, and former faculty/administration), In memory of Eugene Colgan, Principal and mentor
Bob Marr (71)
Deborah Cox Marr (72)
Vicky Simontacchi Young (57), To Honor the Class of 1957
Henry Smith (71)
Donna Rae Sturtevant Smith (70)
Melissa Gilcrest (69)
David Kraus (65), In memory of Ed Andrauskas, Faculty
Jeanine Carroll Maclary (73), In memory of James R. (Jimmy) Carroll
Dan Bayne (71), For the Charles Waddell Scholarship Fund
Anne Noyes (former faculty)
Nancy Miller (67)
Judy Gordon Mentlik (65)
Mike Blair (71)
Lark Bergwin-Anderson (71)
Tom Travis (76)
Sally LePla Travis (76)
Helen Bovbjerg Niedung (54)
Joan Penn Revis (61)
Homer Revis (56)
Teri Pepper Dimsey (77), In memory of good times with Chris Smith
Lora Baker Couchman (77), In memory of good times with Chris Smith
Paul Monaghan (59)
Laura Anatale Nowak (74), In memory of Patsy Torrecarian Stein
Jim Turner (71)
Rebecca Moyle Hintze (60)
Richard Scott McWhirt (71)
Marie O'Clair, In Memory of Col. O'Clair
John Paul Rickett (69)
Gloria Blandford Rickett (71)
Jane Edwards Robinson (54)
Carol and Larry Mothershead (65)
Anonymous, In loving memory of Col. Francis O'Clair
Ray Gibb (72), In memory of Donald J. Gibb and John L. Sullivan

AND MANY THANKS TO THESE EARLY DONORS TO THE FOUNDATION'S 2008 CAMPAIGN

Steve Profilet (71)
Chuck Teubner (64)
Pat Becker Oles (71)
Janet Goddard Sullivan (54)