Welcome Classmates & friends!
Class of ’64: 40th Year Reunion Reflections
Bob has asked that I write up a little something for the Web page concerning our 40th Reunion that was held July 31, 2004.
Despite the fact that our weather up Chenango County way had not been favorable this summer, the skies cleared and the rain did stop on the evening of Saturday, July 31, in time for our reunion "Main Event." It is interesting to note (and perhaps providential, too) that the reunion night was also the time of a rare lunar event: a "Blue Moon"...remember the oldie "Blue Moon...you saw me standing alone..."??????
I'll mention at this time that, although our numbers have begun to diminish, enthusiasm for this "Every 5 year" event remained and remains positive. Lest there be any doubt of this, please read the wonderful testimonial/reflection that was sent by Jim (Pitfido) Pitzvada and which follows my own "reflection."
We began the evening with a blessing given by Jim Cippollo (don't know about "political correctness" crap, but we continue to do this....AND WILL!!!!) and by words of remembrance for all our deceased members including those who have died since the last reunion:
- Donna (Quackenbush) Whittaker
- Tom Park
- Bart Taranto
- Sharon (Curley) Garbrick
- Norman Leonard
(In addition, word was received via Jessie Golden from Phil Nolan in September that Karel (Kinney) Whyte had passed away on 9/11/04.)
We also remembered Evelyn O'Brien, Gladys Thayer and Tom Collins from our High School days who have passed away since the last reunion.
Following our delightful buffet dinner, we commenced "THE PROGRAM" with a welcome to all and especially to our guest, Evelyn Kosowsky and with thanks to all who contributed in any way to the reunion planning/success ( I will mention that Mrs. Kosowsky enjoyed the evening as much as the rest of us and this was conveyed in a note she sent to me post-reunion). We observed that we have been fortunate to have had at this reunion and in past reunions many "donated" items/goods (e.g. the keg of beer, the cake provided by Laverna (Slater) Miles, decorations, materials and some services...such as Susie (Cincotta) Tefft's husband, Lloyd, who has done "wood-working" decorations). I did add along with this segment that (unsure how to delicately word this), we will greatly appreciate any bequests to the class for future reunions (id est....wouldn't Mrs. Snover be proud that the Latin still gets used!!!!! "Remember us in your will").
With a nod to our 40th reunion's theme which was THE AGE OF AQUARIUS, we then recognized all the attending members by zodiac sign/birthdate. Beginning with Aquarius and ending with Sagittarius (we had no Capricorns in attendance), class members were asked to stand while I read snippets and/or highlights from that time period (month) in 1964 and mentioned memorable songs of the month.
While we have had "crownings" at past reunions, we decided not to do so for this one (have to save some things for the 50th!!!!). We did, however, recognize a few "Stars".....
- "Most Enthusiastic" -There was no doubt that Jim (Pitfido) Pitzvada would get this star...Reference, again, the glowing letter he sent.
- "Take the Cake"----- Laverna (Slater) Miles got this for donating her culinary expertise and talents (and for providing) our dessert....a beautifully decorated cake.
- "Furthest Distance Travelled"----Sandy (Sumner) Ray who came from California (not outer space, but, hey, it was still a ways!!!!)
- "Honorable Member" (this was a shirt and not a star)- Lloyd Tefft (Susie Cincotta's husband) who has generously donated his talents/materials to make the wooden star decorations for this reunion and the "signposts" etc. for the last reunion.
Following these "bestowals", we asked everyone to stand and stretch...oh, yeah..and to "Check your seats"...a star was on/under one chair at each table. Whoever was on the "lucky seat" was rewarded with the floral centerpiece at that table.
With the end of "THE PROGRAM" (and with a sigh of relief from me), the reunion continued with music by Fred Golby, Jr.and company (Yeah, the SON of THAT Golby....remember?????). Frank Speziale also took a class-group picture that members could purchase and that also appeared in the Evening Sun (August 5th edition). As for past reunions, scrapbooks and memorial books and memorabilia provided by Sharon (Slater) Fleming (and, more recently, by "yours truly") were available for viewing.
All in all, we had many positive comments and, while still a ways off, we will likely have a 45th reunion....so-o-o "STAY TUNED".....
Sincerely and "With Good Reflections and Vibrations",
MARGOT (FERRY) ADAMS
President: the BEST and all time greatest CLASS OF 64.
November 2004
Web King Supreme (she really means lowly webboy! - ed.), Bob Saftenberg asked that I send some thoughts concerning our recent 35th reunion so that some could be shared with those who could not attend, but who do visit the "site." To that end, my synopsis and reflections follow:
The evening commenced with our "moment of silence" for all deceased members and, especially, for Ron Coleman, Dave Gilson and Jim Reed (all of whom we've lost since the 30th. We remembered, too, Henry Thorton, Vail Sheldon and Sam Elia who have, likewise, died since the last reunion. These early somber moments were followed by a fine buffet, brief program and the nostalgic sounds of Bruce Beadle and Company.
During the program segment, all attending members were "announced" (just as they were 35 years ago) using their names as they appeard in the official graduation program. Awards were presented to Jessie Golden and to Bob Saftenberg in recognition of their extensive and continuing efforts during the last several years in class-related communications matters: Jessie got the "Reach Out and Touch Someone" Award for her internet efforts in locating (and communicating with) classmates. Bob got the ("Bill Gates") Windows-64 Award for establishing and maintaining our Website.
In line with the Sadie Hawkins theme, we crowned Daisy Mae, AKA Linda Baker (who also accomodated us with dance lessons at the 30thand at this 35th reunion). We then crowned 2 Abners to woo Daisy: Richard "Big Dick" Root and Charlie Hunt. Later in the evening, a chocolate pizza door prize (graciously donated by Bonnie Hanyak) was won by Sue Hogeman. Bon Appeétit, Sue!
We were pleased to see some faces for the first time in 35 years: Joan Doane, Dave Westover, Stan Westover (who trekked from California), Carol (Ring) Barton and Russell Freed (both from Florida), Karen (Ross) Ashcraft (from the State of Washington) and Tom Ellison.
Of course, we are always pleased to see the "regulars" - many of whom travel a distance to attend, but who always manage to work the reunion into their schedules. And we are ever grateful for the presence of the many who have been active participants in the planning (and success) of each reunion since the first (which was the 5th year in 1969!).
As with all reunions, there is precious little time to commune with everyone as much as one would like. The time does fly and, soon, the much anticipated event is just another fond memory.
Reunions are different things to different people . . . there are somethings that they aren't and can't be:
- Reunions cannot reivent the past, nor can they right past wrongs (real or perceived)...
- Reunions can never resurect youth . . .
- On the other hand, reunions do serve as a bridge to the past - as a "connection" between who we were and who we have become . . .
- Perhaps, most importantly, reunions can serve to perpetuate old friendships and to stimulate new ones.
I hope that this reunion (and the preceding 6) has been a good experience for all and I hope that all of you will look forward, eagerly, to our get-together in 2004 - the 40th.
Most sincerely,
Margot
November 1999
