Maria - wasn't she from somewhere in South America?
I remember that her disappearance came up before now. *goes looking*

Here's what I found: http://www.lcficmbs.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=10;t=001614#000008
http://www.lcficmbs.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=10;t=001709#000000

I think that's the last thing she posted, though. It's strange, and I have a bad feeling about it.

The only known quantity that moves faster than
light is the office grapevine. (from Nan's fabulous Home series)