Q&A on the News

By Andy Johnston

For the AJC

Q: What has become of Annette Funicello and her illness?

Sherman Bennett, Roswell

A: Funicello, who has been battling multiple sclerosis for nearly 25 years, is “quite debilitated by the disease,” her publicist, Lorraine Santoli, told Q&A on the News in an email. “However, she has a very loving husband, Glen Holt, and several health care professionals who take extremely good care of her, making her life very comfortable and very happy.” Funicello and her husband live in Bakersfield, Calif., after their previous home in Encino, Calif., was damaged in a fire last March. Funicello, 69, was a member of "The Mickey Mouse Club," a TV show in the 1950s, and became a singer and actress, starring in many movies in the ’60s. Funicello has established The Annette Funicello Research Fund for Neurological Diseases. Contributions can be made at www.annetteconnection.com.

Q: Is former principal and area superintendent Robin Hall related to former Atlanta Public Schools Superintendent Beverly Hall?

Michael Poynor, Atlanta

A: Robin Hall, who is the director of language arts and literacy for the Washington-based Council of the Great City Schools, told Q&A on the News that she is not related to Beverly Hall. “Surprisingly, I’ve had that question asked a lot of times,” she said. Robin Hall said Hall is her married name. Just to clarify, her husband isn’t related to Beverly Hall, either, Robin Hall said.

Andy Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).