35 Year Reunion (2005)
Weekend Liberty!
Follow Links Below to Photo Galleries from the Reunion Festivities:
(Click Small Images for Larger View -- Feel free to create your own captions)
1) by Linda Good Fischer (Set 1)
2) Linda Good Fischer (Set 2)
3) Linda Good Fischer (Set 3)
4) by Patty Moyer Horvath
5) by Nancy Hess Mackley and Dennis Shank (Set 1)
6) Nancy and Dennis (Set 2)
7) Nancy and Dennis (Set 3)
8) by Paul GolabWhat a weekend! From the first tee off on Friday afternoon, until the parting hugs Saturday night or Sunday morning -- there was not a moment that was not filled with joy and happiness. Sometimes it was re-connecting with an old friend, or just sharing good times with people we see all the time. Whatever the case, no one seemed disappointed for having attended. While it may be the freshest in our minds, there were many who proclaimed this to be the best reunion yet.
On Friday afternoon, 16 class members and guests played a "Powerball" format golf outing at beautiful and challenging Carroll Valley golf course. The air was filled with laughter, and a few mutterings, as we made our way around the links. Arriving at the 18th Green, with an almost stadium-like setting, players were greeted by a "gallery" of classmates, which grew as each foursome finished and cheered on (heckled?) the remaining teams. It was an indication of the fun and fellowship that was to be the theme of the entire weekend.
Friday evening, the weekend officially kicked off with a get-together at McKee's Tavern. The staff had prepared a wonderful "barbecue" buffet, available for purchase, as well as a delicious assortment of snacks, fruits, and cheeses. Their well stocked bar served to satisfy everyone's taste in liquid refreshments. The event was casual, and without a formal program -- everyone was welcomed by the committee and encouraged to mix, mingle, and make new memories with old friends. A 50-50 drawing was held to raise money for the next reunion -- and when the winners donated back the money we were extremely grateful for the bonus. When the evening ended, many retreated to the un-official "hospitality suite" and continued to share memories of the good old days, and just revel in joy of being with each other once again.
Saturday morning, the golfers were back at it. This time, 20 classmates and guests took on the Mountainview golf course. The format was a 4-person best ball scramble, and the fun (and frustration) was equal to the previous day. Once again, as teams finished, they formed a gallery behind the 18th green to cheer on the remaining teams. Just like the final round of a Sunday PGA event, there were numerous shouts of "In the hole!" and "You da man" (even for the women golfers). It was a wonderful time. The two days of golf served not only to bond classmates, but to also envelope the spouses and other guests in the spirit of camaraderie of the weekend.
Saturday night finally arrived! With DJ Phantom Shadow (former teacher Ordean Yaukey) providing background music, and the bar open for happy hour, the guests began arriving early. As they checked in, each classmate was given a collectable Christmas Ornament, from the year 2000, when our high school was featured. Also, if they had not previously purchased the class directory booklet, or wanted to purchase a class photo, they were given the opportunity. There was a memorial table set up near the entrance, with the photographs of all the classmates who have passed away.
The night officially opened with a welcome by master of ceremonies Rick Rock. Rick introduced Bob Wachter, President of the Class of 1970, who also welcomed everyone and thanked the reunion committee for their work in preparing for this night. The committee, with Ray Bonebrake speaking for them, welcomed everyone, as well. He in turned thanked the other members of the committee for all their hard work and friendship.
Next, came the class group photo. The class members gathered on the steps of the lower deck, facing beautiful Liberty Mountain. Photographer David Mackley, of Pictures Plus in Waynesboro, patiently worked with everyone to get them situated, before snapping off 4 or 5 photos, in hopes that one would be printable. Not to worry, the photograph turned out great and David had them developed, printed and delivered to us before our meal was complete.
Prior to our meal, Rick called upon Linda Good Fischer to ask for the blessing. Linda provided inspiring and thoughtful words about the reunion being a wonderful opportunity for "memories" -- to remember the goods times, and to remember those we have lost along the way.
The staff of Liberty Resorts was excellent, and patient, as we finally prepared to eat. The meals were delicious, and the service efficient. Everyone had time to chat with their tablemates, and enjoy a fine meal. A delicious garden salad was followed by the choice of entree selected when the reservation was placed. An assortment of desserts was available for everyone to choose from.
Once again, a 50-50 drawing was held to raise money. This one was even bigger than the night before and, once again, was made a very successful fund-raiser by the fact that the winners donated the money back. These two drawings, and the enormous generosity of the guests in general -- who bought the tickets, who paid for booklets and photos and said "keep the change" -- were extremely helpful in allowing us to start working toward the next reunion with a healthy bank account. We thank them all.
After dinner, the DJ cranked up the dance music, the bartender kept busy, and everyone just contributed to what makes a reunion a reunion -- they re-united with each other for more laughs, many hugs, and a few tears. There were yearbooks being scoured, with even a "complete set" of the '68, '69, and '70 books floating around at one point. Camera flashes went off so often the DJ's light show seemed tame in comparison.
So many people were so happy with the overall success of this reunion that we were asked to make one more announcement before people started drifting away: Each year, rather than every 5 years, we will try to get together during the last weekend of July, to hold an "informal" class reunion, with the two days of golf outings and the two nights of partying. The parties would be hosted by classmates, with everyone pitching in for the meals and bringing covered dishes, refreshments, etc. More details will be announced later through email and on the web site.
The reunion itself wound down at Midnight, but the partying continued at both the hospitality suite, and a "Hospitality RV" -- a motor home set-up in the parking lot by one of the class members who stayed there all weekend. There was still much to be talked about and laughed about and it obvious no one really wanted the 35th Reunion to be over, so soon. A small, but hearty group got together on Sunday at a new little diner in Fairfield for one more visit. The laughs continued until the inevitable final hugs and kisses and goodbyes were said. Until next year!
A hot time, in more ways than one!
Here are a few photo galleries from Reunion 2010:
Photos by Nancy (Hess) Mackley
Photos by Deborah (Bennett) Martz
Photos by Mark McLaughlin
Photos by Nancy (Toms) Eccard and Son Artie
Photos by Roberta (Barkley) Elchak
Friday a small but hearty band of golfers braved the searing heat of the Drought of 2010 in South Central Pennsylvania. They played 18 holes at Greencastle Greens. In spite of the heat, they had a great time. Meantime, several of the committee were toiling away in their gardens, picking flowers, and then gathering at the Country Club to create the beautiful arrangements that would be used to decorate the ballroom on Saturday night.
Friday evening, the weekend officially kicked off with an informal social at the Rolling Mill Restaurant (formerly the Varsity). With about 90 in attendance, the air conditioning struggled to keep up. However, when 40 years melt away, you've got to expect to work up a sweat. And, everyone in attendance felt as if they picked up where they left off in 1970.
Each person attending was given a "chip" -- a poker chip personalized for the event, and it was good for a drink that evening. After the bar tab was paid by the committee, the chips were then given back to each person as a memento of the reunion. There were snacks available all evening, and many people decided to order from the menu.
Saturday afternoon, an even hotter time, a larger group of golfers descended upon the beautiful course at the Country Club. A few actually played a round in the morning, and then again with the group. Jeff Yentsch had organized both golf outings, and for that the committee is extremely grateful. Also, Mike McKee once again supplied a great "goodie bag" of golf related items, including balls and a towel personalized for the event.
Saturday night, it was time for the big event -- the 40 Year Reunion Dinner / Dance. While in the beautiful setting of the Waynesboro Country Club, it was still a very casual event. As always with our class, it involved a lot of hugging, laughing, crying, and so much conversation it was hard to believe there was music playing in the background, supplied by the Dee Jay from Musicscape Productions. There was a delicious crab dip appetizer available during the happy hour (from 6:00-7:00pm).
On a table, just inside the ballroom, was a poster-sized version of our "In Memory Of " page, listing all of our deceased classmates, many with pictures from the yearbook. At 6:45, Steve Sheldon opened the evening with a prayer, and then the class members assembled out back of the club for a group photo (see below) -- another hot time, being forced back into the heat of the night, but it went quickly. Before, starting our attack on the wonderful dinner buffet, Linda (Good) Fischer offered up a prayer of reflection and hope.
The food was delicious, by all accounts, and there was plenty of it. From the salad bar to the dessert table, there was something that everyone could enjoy. The crab dip remained available throughout the evening for snacking later on. After dinner, a report of the finances of the class was given. With generous donations this year, and a good response to purchases, the committee was able to put on all the events and come out about $500 ahead of when they started. This included last minute purchases made over the course of Friday and Saturday.
Then, came the event that many of us had been waiting for: Cindy (Burger) Knauer and Stan Beard performing two songs, with Stan accompanying on the grand piano. Their performance was as professional as anything you will ever see, and the touching songs selected, left few dry eyes in the room. Friends, and friendships sustained over 40 years was a hot topic all weekend, and the performance just emphasized those feelings.
Trivia questions about people and places from our high school days were presented to each table, by the Dee Jay. Winners were awarded the flower arrangement centerpiece from their tables. One of the golf goodie bags was raffled off, another was awarded to Ginger (Waltz) Fitzpatrick for the first reservation, and another randomly awarded to an attendee -- Betty (Haines) Richey. The remainder of the evening was spent dancing the night away, along with lots of conversation, laughing, and hugging – all very typical for our class.
The weekend events concluded on Sunday, with 24 people gathering at the Mountain Gate Restaurant for a breakfast buffet. The leisurely morning meal was just one more opportunity to visit with great friends, and some members of their families. Most of those people then headed to the high school, where they were joined by more classmates and family, to take a tour of the school. Our tour guide was Chris Dennis, the current high school principal. He graduated from Waynesboro in 1990 -- Did we feel old?? You think!
But, what was particularly nice was that his class had been there during the previous renovation 20 years ago. Then, he's been there as an administrator during the most recent renovation. All along the tour he could relate exactly where we were standing -- in our world of 1970 -- versus what that space is used for today.
The newest renovation has made the school not only a showcase, but a truly efficient and functional place of learning. In appreciation for the tour, a small donation will be made to the school's student council fund, by the Class of 1970.
Reluctantly, after the tour, many of us said goodbye to friends we will not see again for several years. All weekend, we talked of having something in 2012 to celebrate our collective birthday for turning the big "Six Oh". Many are interested in doing a dinner cruise in Baltimore's Inner Harbor. We will work on getting something planned. If we do not see you then, we hope to see you at the 45 Year Reunion in 2015.
The Reunion Committee would like to thank everyone who helped with events, and everyone who attended them – you are truly what make the reunions so special.
Here is the group photo from Saturday Night at the Waynesboro Country Club:
Click Photo to Enlarge and see Names