It was on January 1, 2005 that I first put the Marlow Heights 60s and 70s web site on-line. At the time, I was living in Florida, and missed my hometown so much that I decided to create a web tribute to the area we all grew up in, during the 60s and 70s. I learned some hard lessons right away—you just can’t grab photos off of the Internet and post them on your site, because it is usually someone else’s property. Yes, even if it’s a picture taken out in public of an old building that used to be a Safeway. Who knew? Getting past that, though, people slowly discovered the site and most were surprised, but pleasantly so, that anyone would even consider creating a web site about Marlow Heights during the 60s and 70s. Well, I did and the rest if history, as they say.

Eventually I changed Marlow Heights to, “and vicinity”, to include most anyone who grew up in PG County during the time. As the site has grown, I am proud to say that many, many people have reconnected with friends, classmates, old flames, and even teachers, from 20, 30, even 40 years ago, all due to this web site and your participation. It has also attracted attention beyond Marlow Heights and vicinity, as the site has been the subject of two articles in the Washington Post and one in the DC Gazette. We’ve also extended the web presence by holding get togethers at the venerable Steak in a Sack, having started this two years ago this coming March. We usually hold these from four to six times a year, with the crowds getting bigger all the time. People have discovered that in a way, you can go back home again, even if for a few hours on a Saturday. We also held a Marlow Heights 60s and 70s dance this past October, in which almost 300 people attended. We’re hoping to hold another in April 2010, and might have Dennis, the owner of Steak in a Sack, cater the affair. Comments and suggestions for this upcoming, not to miss happening, are welcome. And don’t worry, this time we will be playing nothing but music from the 60s and 70s.

The Guest Book got off the ground on July 24, 2005, with the first entry created by Martin Tillett, a former teacher at Sandymount Elementary, and now we’re up to 740 entries, with the latest one entered by Steve Santmyer (Potomac ’75). The Guest Book is a great place to look for someone, as well as to take a trip back to Marlow Heights and vicinity of the 60s and 70s through many first person accounts of how it was. The Guest Book will remain strong and I have plans to put up a message board this year, to make the site more interactive. Speaking of plans, I’m hoping for lots of improvements to the site this year, so stay tuned. Please pass the word to folks to write to me who aren’t on the newsletter distribution, so that I can add them.

Next Steak in a Sack Get Together is March 27, 2-5 p.m.
Come on out Saturday, March 27, from 2-5 p.m., to Steak in a Sack, for our next get together, which will be our two year anniversary of hosting these great events. Anyone interested, just show up, no RSVP. I will also be selling Marlow Heights 60s and 70s t-shirts, and have a handful of the Hot Shoppes cookbook left for sale.

Marlow Heights 60s and 70s 2010 Calendar
Anyone who is interested in buying a Marlow Heights 60s and 70s 2010 calendar, go to the following link from Zazzle.com. I created the calendar, full of some great old shots of Marlow Heights and vicinity of the 60s and 70s, which you buy directly from this company. This lets me avoid being stuck with a box full of calendars that many not be all sold.

[www.zazzle.com]

Is Your Email Address Current?
Please pass the word around that I’ve been receiving an increasing number of non-delivery notices to people on this newsletter distribution, and to contact me if you’ve changed email addresses.

PayPal Donation
Yes, I have a PayPal donation link up on the site, because web hosting fees and software licenses cost money, as well as the web consultant I recently employed. If anyone would like to donate ANY amount, to help, “Keep the memories alive,” it will be greatly appreciated. On the home page there is a PayPal donation link you may use. In spite of the donations that are welcome, Marlow Heights 60s and 70s will always remain free.

Announcements, Class Reunions, and Get Togethers
Any announcements you wish me to promote via my site and/or the newsletter, please contact me, and by all means try to give me a week’s notice. I’m usually so busy during the week that I can’t get to editing the site except on the weekends.

Joe Burgess, Steak in a Sack Get Together, August 22
Joe Burgess, where are you? You were at this get together but did not leave an email address, and your Suitland Class of ’62 has been looking for you for a LONG time. Please email me back with your contact info, so I can put you in touch with your class.

[marlowheights60sand70s.com]

As always, until next time…

Keep the memories alive,

Chuck Fraley
www.marlowheights60sand70s.com
Bringing you fun memories of Marlow Heights and vicinity of the 60s and 70s!