DYNAMIC DUOS:

Below is a transcription of the Porter Novelli listing of the 50 sets of identical twins. I have embellished some of the descriptions with additional information and images from the trip and links to pertinent sites. If you want to add, change, or delete something, email me! (CLICK HERE!) Most of all, I desperately need you all to send pictures.

DYNAMIC DUOS: FIFTY SETS OF IDENTICAL TWINS CELEBRATE THE LAUNCH OF THE DAWN PRINCESS

From Volunteerism to Music, Medicine, Sports, and Entertainment, Contest Winners Add an Extraordinary Flourish to the Dawn Princess Inaugural

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In an unprecedented celebration of extraordinary twinship, Princess Cruises will honor the accomplishments of 50 sets of identical twins during the May 6-9 inaugural festivities for the new Dawn Princess, the identical "twin" ship to the highly-acclaimed Sun Princess. The 50 sets of twins range from ages 10 to 82 and will travel from all over the United States and Canada to be present in Fort Lauderdale to greet the 77,000-ton superliner.

Winners of the "Two If by Sea-Princess Cruises Extraordinary Twins Search" were selected from more than 4,000 entrants. To qualify, entrants described, in 500 words or less, why they are extraordinary. Accomplishments could have included community service, career, a life challenge, or a special talent. The winners are as follows:

Toni Akins and Teri Akins (age 15): (Leechburg, PA) After experiencing the effects of domestic violence first hand, Toni and Teri developed a program at local domestic violence shelters called "Mom's Day Off". As Red Cross Certified Babysitters, they provide child care duties including feedings, diaper changing, playtime, and more. In addition they also helped staff a day camp for Down Syndrome patients and currently sponsor a Brownie with Down Syndrome and another with Cerebral Palsy.

Helen Ashe and Ellen Turner (age 69): (Knoxville, TN) After retirement, Helen and Ellen started a labor of love called the "Love Kitchen", a non-profit community service organization which prepares and delivers over a thousand meals every week. A recent article in Knoxvilles Metropulse mentions the Love Kitchen's work. At left you can see Helen and Ellen enjoying the afternoon with the Lane brothers.

Judy Ayre Morris and Jacque Ayre Brown (age 52): (Medford, OR/Eugene, OR) Nationally recognized as award-winning watercolor painters, Judy and Jacque teach art in the Oregon public school system. In 1988, Judy was granted full membership in the National Watercolor Society. Jacque is president of several art societies, including Watercolor Society of Oregon. Judy's painting El Cielo Azule (at right) won third place in the NWS membership show.

Mary Bell Milton and Marcy Bell (age 49): (Rock Island, IL) Community service is a constant in the lives of Mary Bell Milton and Marcy Bell. Both are active within church organizations, retirement communities and serve as co-chairs for three soup kitchens, as well as provide toys and clothes to children whose parents are incarcerated. Mary owns "Picture Perfect Travel" and Marcy is a social worker.

Mel Bollom and Marv Bollom (age 55): (Chippwea Falls, WI/ Goodhue, MN) In 1994, Mel and Marv together formed the Environmental Brick Company and developed a process to make building products like bricks, pavers, roofing tile, etc., from coal ash, taconite tailings and other waste products.

Marilyn Borden and Roz Borden (age 65): (Hayward, CA) The Borden twins began their long career in show business at age four. Since then, the bubbly twosome have appeared on shows such as the "Colgate Comedy Hour" and "I Love Lucy". Following a seven-year association with the late Jimmy Durante, appearing on his T.V. program and nightclub act, they performed with the U.S.O. for troops in Korea and Japan. Today, the duo have built a successful cruise only travel agency, booking trips and entertaining on board for clients. Email them at cruise@bordentwins.com

Martha Carruthers and Marisca Carruthers (age 16): (Ontario, Canada) Martha and Marisca, both Triple Gold Medalists of the Canadian Figure Skating Association, teach younger skaters and have skated in the Opening Ceremonies of the Ontario Winter Games.

Cheryl Clough Dallinger and Sheron Clough Chrysler (age 37): (British Columbia, Canada) In the early '70's, Cheryl and Sheron earned the moniker of the "running twins" when women in the sport were scarce. Both sisters coach local women's running clinics which raise money for battered and abused women. Below, you can see Cheryl and Sheron looking smashing in the front row. You can email Cheryl at dalli@ibm.net.

Mary Corpening Barber and Sara Corpening (age 27): (San Francisco, CA) In addition to being San Francisco's premier caterers and owners of "Thymes Two" catering, Mary and Sara are graduates of elite culinary schools in both Paris and New York. They came out with a second cookbook, a follow-up to their popular book, "Smoothies, 50 Recipes for High Energy Refreshment". Here are Mary and Sarah looking groovy on the front row on the left.

Dean Curry and David Curry (age 28): (Tacoma, WA) Twins David and Dean Curry share the pulpit as pastors of the same church. Together they started and continue to run the largest teen late-night program in the Tacoma-Seattle area. Each week, 500+ Jr High students are off the streets and involved in the program which preaches self-esteem.

Matthew Darling and Mark Darling (age 30): (Van Nuys, CA) The Darling Twins are professional comedians. Recently, the twins appeared on the TV show "America's Funniest People" doing one of their most crown-pleasing skits: "Eddie Murphy as twins"

Jennifer Dunn and Danielle Dunn (age 16): (Sugar Land, TX) As young authors, Jennifer and Danielle co-wrote, "Your Name in Print, A Teen's Guide to Getting Published." Also accomplished musicians, the twins play the viola in their high school orchestra and will play at the Austrian Alps Performing Arts Festival this summer.

Anthony Edwards and Eddie Edwards (age 30): (Las Vegas, NV) Not only identical as males, the Edwards Twins are identical as females! World renowned as celebrity impersonators, they add "double exposure" to their traveling cabaret act. Their repertoire includes Neil Diamond, Barbra Streisand and Bette Midler. Anthony and Eddie enjoyed "wave day" in the pool with Bridgette Ferrin-Oconnell. Email them at: /twins@starsoflacage.com

Joel Ernst and Patrick Ernst (age 19): (Sandy, UT) Joel and Patrick Ernst have had a very busy high school career. Extremely accomplished in the arts, the twins are members of the Ballroom team, Drama Club, Jazz Choir, National Honor Society, and PRIDE (Peers Responsible for Drug Education). Currently, Joel is majoring in accounting at the University of Utah and hopes to pursue a screenwriting and acting career, while Patrick has started his own computer imaging company.

Brandilynne and Bridgette Ferrin O'Connell (age 11): (Westminster, CO) At birth, Brandi was diagnosed with CP and Bridgette was developmentally delayed. Both were also born deaf, which surgery and years of speech therapy has corrected. Brandi practices martial arts from her wheelchair and competes against able-bodied children. Bridgette, an Irish stepdancer, was picked as on of 13 "Freshest Faces in Denver" by Elite Modeling Agency. You can see Brandi at right tossing Dad, Mike, to the ground, as Bridgette lends nary a hand to poor old dad. Bridgette looks pretty spiffy, herself, in her stepdancing dress. Michael can be reached at mikeoc@imagescans.com.

Brandy and Bridget were recently on the TODAY show! Check out the Where are They Now page for more details!

Joseph Fisch and Boris

Fisch (age 75): (Hallandale, FL) Survivors of a Nazi concentration camp during WWII, Joseph and Boris were liberated from Mauthaussen Concentration Camp in 1945 by U.S. troops and came to the U.S. in 1949. Trained as cantors, the twins quickly became known for their beautiful singing voices and have performed for groups nationwide. At right, they can be seen singing for us on board.

Rick French and Randy French (age 39): (South Lima, NY) Thirteen years ago the twins started their own outdoor adventure company, Pack, Paddle and Ski. They have taken clients to 5 continents, numerous states and provinces to ride elephants, dug out canoes, spend winters in igloos, and howl for wolves! The twins are also nationally ranked U.S. ski racers.

Lisa Ganz and Debbie Ganz (age 29): (New York, NY)

Lisa and Debbie are the energetic owners of Twins Restaurant in New York City, which is staffed entirely by identical twins! These young restauranteurs are also entrepreneurs, as they operate a casting agency specializing in twin talent. Email them at: BILLYWONKA@aol.com

John Gassman and Larry Gassman (age 42): (Los Angeles, CA) John and Larry Gassman, who never let blindness be a barrier, have produced and hosted the KPCC-FM radio show, "Same Time, Same Station" for 16 years. The two also spend time volunteering for the non-profit Society to Preserve and Encourage Radio Drama Variety and Comedy (SPERVAC). Here they are (at right) singing for us all.

Carly Gin and Cassie Gin (age 11): (Tucson, AZ) Time step or plie? These young dancers do it all--ballet, jazz, and tap. As members of the Tucson Metropolitan Dance Company, Carly and Cassie have danced in Arizona's performance of the "Nutcracker". In addition, the girls get straight "A's", are seated "first violins" in their school's Cadet Orchestra and play the piano.

Cyril Jones and William Jones (age 82): (Brooklyn, NY/Newton, MA) As children of immigrants from the British West Indies, Cyril and William Jones overcame numerous ethnically charged hurdles to achieve success. Cyril is Vice Chair for the Helen Keller National Center for Deaf and Blind and is involved in many other community organizations. William lectures on physics and electrical engineering at Harvard and MIT and is also a consultant to the USAid Agency in Bangkok.

Karen Josephson and Sarah Josephson (age 33): (Concord, CA) From 1989 to 1992, the twins were undefeated in 15 straight national and international competitions for synchronized swimming, including the World Championships and World Cup. In the 1988 Summer Olympics they won a silver medal and in the 1992 Summer Olympics they won the gold medal. This photo is from their performance in these Olympics.

Joseph Kapral and John Kapral (age 40): (Spring Valley, NY) Joseph and John are community-minded twins who serve as volunteer firemen. Both have been publicly honored within their respective communities for their dedicated work saving lives.

Anthony Kochanek and Stanley Kochanek (age 62): (Bethesda, MD/State College, PA) The Kochanek twins represent the American Dream--from baker's sons to U.S. diplomats. Stanley, a political science professor at Penn State University, is one of the country's leading experts on South Asian politics. Anthony has served as a U.S. Foreign Service Officer in London, Tel Aviv, Geneva and Reykjavik, where he was deputy to the U.S. Ambassador to Iceland. Currently, he is a financial planner and teaches at George Washington University. Stanley can be reached by email at sak4@psuvm.psu.edu.

Anthony Lane and Tim Lane (age 41): (Petaluma, CA/Eau Claire, WI) The Lane twins are both talented: one a musician and the other a master craftsman. Tim is an Associate Professor of Music at the University of Wisconsin. As the first and only American to go to Europe and become a master violin maker in the rigorous guild system, Anthony hand crafts 3-4 violins and cellos a year. Here's a great photo of Tim lifted off of the U of W site:

Jeanette Levinson McFadden and Minnette Levinson Ogurek (age 67): (Delray Beach, FL) The "Vinson" twins are synchronized swimmers/showgirls. Both have been inducted into the Swimming Hall of Fame for their contributions to the sport of synchronized swimming and have appeared at the 1964 New York World's Fair. They continue to perform as part of the "Ziegfield Girls of Florida", a 100 member group of retired showgirls. At left you can see them in their Ziegfield finery!

Stuart Levy, M.D., and Jay Levy, M.D. (age 58): (Boston, MA/San Francisco, CA) Jay's study of viruses led to two seminal

discoveries: mammalian inherited xenotropic viruses and the AIDS virus (HIV). For his pioneering work, he has won numerous honors and worldwide recognition. He has written a book entitled HIV and the Pathogenesis of AIDS. Read some of the glowing reviews! Stuart's study of antibiotic resistance in bacteria led to his discovery of the first known drug export mechanism which renders bacteria tetracycline-resistant. His book, The Antibiotic Paradox: How Miracle Drugs are Destroying the Miracle has also received raves! A very special "Levy Page" has been created. Click on the ukeleles to access it! (Or simply click HERE!)

Check out Where Are They NOW? for more information...

Elizabeth Lombardi Doane and Barbara Lombardi (age 51): (Shelton, CT) Elizabeth and Barbara, both of whom are blind, have assisted with communications for the Special Olympics and do Morse Code for disasters all over the world. Betsy is a professor of math and computer science at Housatonic Community College in Bridgeport Connecticut. Barbara counsels on substance abuse and helps those who have been sexually abused. She is also on the Board of Directors of various service organizations such as the American Red Cross. Elizabeth can be reached at 0004199674@mcimail.com.

Chris Long and Jason Long (age 13): (New Hope, MN) At the age of thirteen, the Long brothers have established a lawn mowing service with a complete marketing program. They also serve as volunteers at a Boyscouts camp for the physically disabled and help Special Education students in school. They were nominated for the "Order of the Arrow", a service oriented program for those young men who wish to commit to a lifetime of service through scouting.

Heather Mackintosh and Hailey Mackintosh (age 15): (British Columbia, Canada) At age 4, the twins participated in highland dance at Expo '86 and traveled throughout the U.S., Canada and Scotland. At age 9, they learned to play the bagpipes and became active in Scottish Pipe Bands. Heather and Haily now play for the Junior Division of S.F.U. Pipe Band--World Champions for '95/'96.

Alexandra Manchik and Estie Manchik (age 18): (Grand Island, NE) As volunteers at the Humane Society, the Manchik twins created a program called PETS (Pets Enrich the Spirit) where they bring pets to day care centers, retirement homes, and disabled citizens. They are also DARE representatives, instructors for the debate team, co-captains of their gymnastics team and leaders in 4H.

James McAlister and Jerald McAlister (age 35): (Petaluma, CA/ Rohnert Park, CA) Jerry and James not only started their own small construction company but also an organization called "Project Warmth", a group of carpenters that raises money for needy families in the area. Last year, they raised $14,000 for charities including Project Sunburst (children with AIDS). Click on the smiling McAlister to get to the "McAlister Hijinx" Page. Or, simply click HERE!

(WARNING: May not be appropriate for some viewers, especially those with weak hearts, stomachs or bladders)

Check out Where are they NOW? for more information

Alison McKay and Andrea McKay (age 31): (Ottawa, Canada) As twin scholars, Allison and Andrea both have double doctorates in Physiology and have published numerous articles and mad presentations at scientific research meetings. Their list of degrees, honors, published materials, and academic and extracurricular activities is endless. Other interests such as sailing and mountain biking occupy their spare time. At left are Alison and Andrea seated with Jeremy and Josh Werner.

Martin Mullen and Matthew Mullen (age 28): (Santa Monica, CA) Their focus is teamwork, team spirit, discipline, and respect. Martin and Matthew started "The Winners Circle of Boston" which helps sixth and seventh grade students learn teamwork through athletics and field trips. They also began "Amateur Athletic Foundation" which teaches twelve and thirteen year olds to play competitive roller hockey with the aid of parent-volunteers.

Check out Where are They Now? for more details!

Michael O'Brien and Mark O'Brien (age 31): (Ogunquit, ME) Career firefighters and emergency medical technicians, these twins began a career of volunteerism at the age of 15. They worked their way up the ranks to Captain and Lieutenant, respectively, and have won numerous community service awards.

Lorna Piercy Berlinguette and Linda Piercy Paul (age 53): (Alberta/Saskatchewan, Canada) Lorna's company initiated the use of visual minorities in Canadian advertising and wrote "Bolivia: Land Above the Clouds", a book used in Canadian schools. Linda is a policy maker and conference organizer for the Status of Women Committee and is also involved with refugees. Both twins are actively involved with UNICEF.

Amy Pokora and Emily Pokora (age 14): (Vadnais Heights, MN) Both second generation twins as well as second degree karate black belts, Amy and Emily are ranked first and second by the North American Sport Karate Association. They also box, swim competitively, participate in track and field meets and play soccer. In addition, they play the piano and violin, and study French, German and Spanish.

Veronica Polk and Monica Polk (age 49): (Dolton, IL) Veronica and Monica wanted to make a difference in the lives of another family. In 1995, they flew a young homeless family of five from Hawaii to Chicago. They organized a welcome party for them to meet family and friends, provided them with a rented two-bedroom furnished apartment, food, a job for the father to support the family and a used car for the father to travel to work.

Edna Reek Kearns and Eileen Reeke Nevins (age 77): (Harrisonville, VA) As young models, the twins became representatives for Beech-Nut, the originators of what turned into a chewing gum advertising tradition. They appeared in the first television commercial urging gum chewers to double their pleasure, double their fun with Doublemint gum! At left, Edna and Eileen sit with Robin and Karin at dinner.

Alice Rainer and Clarice Rainer (age 64): (Opp, AL) Since making their professional

debut in 1961, these twins have enjoyed immense popularity as duet concert pianists who play on one keyboard. They divide their time between teaching, touring, and arranging their own concert music and have played at over 100 concerts for North Carolina schools as well as numerous venues worldwide.

Raymond Runyan and Desmond Runyan (age 47): (Tucson, AZ/Chapel Hill, NC) Desmond is a pediatrician and Medical Director of the Child and Family Health Program at the University of North Carolina and Duke University. He is currently organizing a program called World SAFE (Survey of Abuse and Family Environment). This is an international study of child abuse that will involve 15 nations. Raymond is an Associate Professor of Cell Biology and Anatomy at the University of Arizona. He has been studying the mechanisms of embryonic heart development, hoping to learn ways to prevent infant heart defects through gene therapy. Desmond may be reached at drunyan@med.unc.edu, and Raymond at runyan@Biosci.Arizona.EDU.

Susan Schneider and Robin Schneider (age 43): (Dublin, OH) Dynamic twins who have been in the travel business for 20 years. They own their own agency, Twin Horizons Travel, host a weekly travel Q & A session on "Open Line" (radio talk show), and write a monthly business travel column for "Business First" magazine.

Amy Smith and Annie Smith (age 36): (Cheyenne, WY) Amy and Annie are country western singers/songwriters. They developed a children's program called "Spirit of the West" which they take around the country to schools and civic centers teaching children about the country's western heritage. The duo wrote a song for the U.S. Navy to commemorate the commissioning of the submarine, USS Cheyenne. You can email them at AnnieAmy@sisna.com.

Lisa Steinhagen Goodwin and Gerda Steinhagen Kirkpatrick (age 57): (Kingwood, TX/Capistrano Beach, CA) When they were denied admission to an academic high school for ideological reasons, these 16 year old girls escaped to West Berlin while competing on an East German swim team in East Berlin. In 1966, they arrived in the U.S. and enrolled in Hollywood HS where they completed their secondary education. Both twins have gone on to receive their Masters degrees. At left, Lisa and Gerda tear up the dance floor with the Fisches.

Barbara Stiles and Bernice Stiles Wade (age 81): (Chapel Hill, NC) They are known

as "NC Botanical Swat Team" because their home is a gardening landmark. Students, bus tours and international visitors visit their award-winning garden. They are also academics. Bernice got her Ph.D. in Education, Barbara has Masters in Cultural Anthropology. Here you can see the Stiles enjoying dinner with Annie and Amy and Gerda and Lisa.

Ardelle Dame and Arlene Wolf (The Terry Twins) (age 60): (Helmut, CA) These two were selected to be the first and only Toni Twins on TV for a weekly variety show hosted by Jack Lemmon called "Toni Twin Time". The twins have entertained troops with U.S.O. in Japan, Austria, Germany, and Korea. Both appeared as hostesses on the game show "Twenty-One" and had a brief recording career.

Karin Travers and Robin Travers, M.D.(age 32):

(Somerville, MA/Cambridge, MA) Robin and Karin Travers have both become involved in scientific endeavors benefiting women. Robin is completing her residency at BU in Dermatology. Her research has involved malignant melanoma (a deadly form of skin cancer) arising in women during pregnancy and has presented her findings at the World Congress on Melanoma in Italy in 1993. Karin just completed her doctorate at the Harvard School of Public Health, working with women in Dakar, Senegal who are at risk for HIV infection. Here we are enjoying our time with our favorite Love Boat character. You can email Robin at rtravers@bu.edu,and Karin can be reached at ktravers@hsph.harvard.edu. Click on Isaac's face to get to the Travers Page! (Or...simply click HERE)

Check out Where Are They NOW!

Blaire Weldon Yakola and Donna Weldon Dolan (age 50): (Barnstable, MA/Hyannis, MA) Both twins have been honored for their work in Emergency Services. Donna works for the Harwich Fire Department as a fire alarm operator and an EMT. Blaire is Lieutenant/Paramedic for the Barnstable Fire Department. More extraordinary is the fact that the twins were put in an orphanage and were adopted by an identical twin and her husband.

Jeremy Werner and Joshua Werner (age 10): (Florissant, MO) Joshua is an accomplished 10-year old chef. Not only has he won awards in young cooking contests, he has completed a cooking class taught by Roland Mesnier, White House Pastry Chef. Jeremy is an avid gardener who challenged Roger Swain, host of the PBS show "Victory Garden" to a Kelsey Sweet Giant Onion growing contest and won!

Zechariah Whitt and Zephaniah Whitt (age 11): (Wheaton, IL) These charismatic youngsters are up and coming gospel rap stars. When not busy singing or playing the drums for their church, they write and perform inspirational and gospel rap music. They perform at local nursing homes, homeless shelters and correctional facilities in Illinois.