May21, 2004

To my fellow 1964 Classmates:

I love this time of year in my life. In school, in history class we learned of the Communist five-year plan. We, the Class of 1964, have our own five-year plan!

I really get excited for six months prior to our every five- yew reunion. I'm working in my studio, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, in the shadow of Skyline Drive, with my oldies radio station blaring out the early 1960's tunes. I'm trying to concentrate on turning a wood bowl, but my thoughts keep going back to the 1963-1964 years. God, those were great years!

I can remember sitting in Miss Schott's biology class looking at the clock on the wall thinking, three o'clock will never get here. Remember how at 17 years of age time just kind of dragged on? Bingo!!!! Where did the last forty years go?

What is great about these five-year reunions are the people! Sharing the good times and keeping up with each other is something I really look forward to. Isn't it great that we've stayed bonded through all these years?

My star is burning brightly! I can attribute much of my success to my upbringing and schooling that was kindled in Norwich, New York. Education, scouting, Little League, church, friendships, paperboy routes and small town atmosphere were part of the ingredients that helped contribute to the person I am. In hindsight, it was a very small time period in my life, but it played a major factor in my personal development. Living in the south in a small town, I am constantly chided about my "Yankee accent". I have to explain that I am from "'upstate New York", as most people can only visualize New York as the "Big Apple". I think being brought up in a small town is a great experience for people of all ages.

I look forward to seeing all of the other bright shining stars" on July 30th and 31st in Norwich. Besides, where else can I go and be called "Jimmy" by 50 people all night long?

Jim (Pitfido) Pitzvada