On Friday morning, August 4th, several golfers got together for a round at Penn National.  The weather was great, the course challenging, and everyone had a great time.  Participating were:  Mark McLaughlin , Mike McKee, Dave "Woody" Woodring, Steve Fleagle, and Ray Bonebrake.  A small but enthusiastic group.  If you love to play, make it a point next reunion to play in all the outings scheduled.

Friday night, the reunion "Social" was a huge success -- easily meeting its goal to allow everyone to renew acquaintances and reminisce in an intimate and informal setting.  The new downstairs bar at the American Legion was filled with laughter and chatter all evening.  Whether with friends they see once in awhile, or those they haven't seen since graduation, everyone had something to share with, or learn about, their classmates of old.  The Class of '70, once again, proved its ability to excel by partying well into the night.  Many gathered later at Braker's Bar & Grill for more fun and fellowship, and to try their talent at Karaoke.

Saturday afternoon, August 5th, was the reunion golf "Scramble" at South Mountain Golf Course, which is run by Dick George -- our former basketball coach.   Thirteen players participated in a best-ball scramble.  The groups were paired up evenly for the first nine holes.  Then the groups were re-shuffled to give everyone a chance to play with different people for the second nine.  It was the perfect blend of socializing, with just a hint of competition to make it fun.

Mark McLaughlin did a super job of organizing all of the golf events.  Jeff Yentsch, unable to play due to a prior golfing injury, came out for moral support and helped organize the scramble pairings, and he ran the "refreshment" cart.  Mike McKee provided prizes and golf related items, courtesy of Moore.  Nancy Hess Mackley served as honorary caddy and moral supporter for all the golfers.  Participating in the outing were:  Mark McLaughlin, Mike McKee, Dave "Woody" Woodring, Steve Fleagle, Deb Bennett Martz, Ray Bonebrake, Steve Stevenson, Stan Beard, Gary Coldsmith, Jeanne Howe Hicks, Bob Snader, Jean Koons Bayman, and Marty Ogle.

Finally, Saturday night arrived, and the American Legion ballroom was filled with laughter, and some tears, as the class came together for the finale to the weekend.  Once again, there were classmates re-united with those they haven't seen in many years.  A "happy hour" allowed the friendships to renew prior to sitting for the dinner.  And, what a great dinner it was!  The American Legion, and their staff, were very instrumental in the success of the entire weekend.

After dinner, the class members were gathered together for a group photograph.  Pictures Plus of Waynesboro did a fine job of getting everyone organized for the shot, and had the printed photographs back to us later that evening.

Then came a real highlight of the evening:  Cindy Burger Knauer and Stan Beard performed a medley of songs which was absolutely beautiful.  Once again, we saw the talent and professionalism of the duo voted "most musical" in our senior year.  They have only improved with age, and always provide a mesmerizing segment to our reunions.  We can't thank them enough for their contribution.

The remainder of the evening was filled with the sounds of the DJ Phantom Shadow -- who is, in fact, a former member of the math department faculty when we were in high school:  Ordean Yaukey.  With old and new hits, and Karaoke thrown in, it was a very entertaining evening.  Often times, the dance floor was filled to capacity.

And through it all, everyone continued to talk about old times and recent times, good times and bad times.  There is never a better time to look back at the riches of your life than when sharing memories with your classmates from so long ago.  The friends you thought you had often turns out to only be a small portion of the friends you actually have.  When the reunion ends, you are anxious for the next, so you can once again enjoy the company of them all.

And so, we begin the countdown to the next reunion in 2005.  We are considering throwing a "Happy 50" collective birthday bash in two years, when most of the class will hit the half-century age.  That's so hard to believe, on the heels of a weekend that makes you feel like you were back in school with all your old friends.  We would love to hear your comments on having such an event.

The Class of '70 Reunion Committee wants to thank everyone who showed up, everyone who wanted to and couldn't make it, and everyone who will read this and make a commitment to try to make future reunions.  You won't be disappointed!