Thank you Committee

Before we forget, we need to thank the committee that has been working hard on the Reunion.

Kathie Brunig (Kate Murphy), Tom and Barb Dixon, Kathy Ryan and Ted Revoir, Howie Sullivan, Bob Wightman, Joe (and Pat) Annesi, Gail Griffis Annese, Pixie Ruscoe Beadle, Ginny McCall Edwards, Kathy Mirabito (Katie Turner), Jim Scott, Joyce Nazzitto Steward, Tom Morrone, Pat Bucklin Lawson -- and, of course, our President for Life, Jack Endries.

They have worked hard to track down and get in touch with almost every one of our old classmates. There's also a lot of planning work going on and name tags and memorabilia being put together.

More retirees

Vic Foster retired from Norwich Eaton/P&G after 41 years. He and his new wife Pauline live in Florida most of the year and spend summers in upstate New York. Carol Johnson, whom he married in 1961 passed away in 2000.

Phyllis Mathewson-Law says, "Am retired finally!" So is is her husband Edward. "Lived in Chenango County my entire life and in Norwich town since 1965. Rest will take too long to write. Tell you when I see you."

Tom Messina and his wife Pat are both retired and grandparents for the first time on April 18, 2005 -- a little boy born in Denver. "Our younger son is also married and lives in Seattle."

Katie Mirabito Turner retired from nursing after 40 years -- but she turned around an started her own business. You can find her at Old Thyme Remedies, her health foods store. She also has 12 grandchildren. "I love life," she writes.

Patti Wickham Farrell retired after 24 years from Quality Markets. Her husband Jim Farrell was with the NY State Police for 31 years. They are involved with Durcks Unlimited and Pheasants Forever. Their three-legged dog is called Tripod on his license.

Lots of parking for the Friday party at Kathy and Ted Revoir's.

Says Jack Endries, "Note ... this is parking for Kathy Ryan Revoir's house party, not for the Friday night submarine races....!

Classmates attending the Friday night party at 73 South Broad Street beginning at 7:30 take note.

There will be parking for 25 cars across from Kathy's house at the Mang Insurance Agency. Our thanks to them.

There is also space beginning at 7:30 at the NBT Bank just up the street and parking is allowed on both sides of South Broad St.

Remember this is a bring your own beverage party. A number of local classmates are showing their hospitality by bringing munchies and other supplies.

It is going to be a great night to kick off reunion weekend.

By the way, I and several other classmates are staying in the "Just Memories" B&B next door to Kathy's, so that block is a reunion hotbed."

As I recall, submarine races are scheduled for Chenango Lake -- or they used to be held there.

Casual Dress

Jack, our hard-working President, reminds people,

"The dress for Saturday night is casual. No jackets or ties for the guys. I am planning to wear slacks and a sport shirt. Ladies...wear whatever you want...you will look great, no matter what your attire. We start at 5:30pm Saturday, so come early.

Friday night starts at 7:30 at Kathy's.

Temperatures are expected in the low to mid-80's. Beautiful.

He also says that it's not too late to come even if you haven't made reservations.

News from old classmates

Arlien Bush Daniels writes, "I never had children but have helped and still help other children in the neighborhood as they help me when it's needed." She recently had a knee replacement, and, sadly, her husband Leon died in September of 2004.

Bob Davis and Donna McNitt Davis (one of several class couples) are flying in from Las Vegas. Donna says, "Will be good to see everyone as we've missed the last 3."

Jean Evans Hobbs and her husband are coming from North Carolina. They are both retired, together have 4 children and 9 grandchildren. "What fun we have," says Jean." She also writes that she's spending a lot of time volunteering for hospice, a domestic violence program, the hospital, and their church.

Maureen Fagan is married to Stan Zdroski and they have four grandchildren now, the youngest Julia was born in February, Maureen had a heart attack in December of 2003 but she says she had recovered completely -- thanks to 3 stents. Maureen and Stan live in New Paltz.

Chat with Elizabeth Lamphere

I called Miss Lamphere to ask if she might be able to attend the Reunion dinner. At 89 -- which she told me -- she is getting frail and does not leave the house often. She also said that she isn't up to entertaining, but would love to have notes sent to her.

She told me all about her travels including trips to Australia and New Zealand including trips up mountainsides where there were startling changes in the trees and fauna which she described in detail. There was no question that the scientific curiosity that made her such a great teacher was still there and going strong.

If you'd like to drop her a card or a note her address is

Elizabeth Lamphere
10 Sunset Drive
Norwich, NY 13815

More classmates write

Dave Edwards wrote to Jack, "My history is 4 years in the Navy and I came to Texas when I got out. I went to college and got a degree in Physics and went to work for the Texas Department of Transportation. I worked in the research section in Austin for about 15 years and came to Houston where I worked with lighting design and electrical for another 15. I am mostly retired but still do some contract work and enjoy working around the house doing wood work, stained glass and landscaping. We have a blended family but my son, Michael, has a son just over 18 months and that also is a thrill."

He also wrote," I have thought about Ms. Lamphere through out my life and have appreciated her efforts in dealing with us in school." There are many of us who realize the extra time and work she gave us. Elizabeth Lamphere is still living in Norwich although her health is difficult.

Reply from David St. Mire

Even those folks who cannot get away to come to the Reunion are sending interesting replies.

David St.Mire is in Edgewater, Florida. He writes that his home withstood last year's hurricanes, but he worries about leaving with more bad weather on the way.

"Thanks a million for your reply .
I have really ....... really agonized over this !

You hafta understand ....... that after last year, we all are very skittish down here over the possibility of hurricanes
again . Although it was a very unique 'fluke' and never before done in history ..... and probably won't ever
happen again ......it did happen and has left us all with ..... "fears" !! There are many, many places here that are
still not repaired ...... and many more that are beyond repair . It makes a BIG impression on your mind !!

Thus ...... for most ........ a reluctance to "leave" ( your worldly possessions behind ) at this time of year .

He's retired now, has a new bride, and is involved in major construction on his home. He writes that he was a musician at Disney and in Miami and regrets missing Joe Dolgos at the Reunion. "Joe and I lived right across the street from each other thru most of high school, and he was probably my best buddy at the time !!"

Quite a few old classmates are in Florida and a number in Texas.

Getting Closer to the Goal

Jack Endries writes, "As of August 7, we're at 68 classmates and 106 in total attending one or both nights! Y'all come! "

Jack Endries Sets Attendance Goal

So far, we've heard that 57 classmates will be with us for the Reunion on Saturday night, August 20th. Our President, Jack Endries, has set a personal goal to get 75 people from the unmatched Class of 60 to attend.

So, get in touch with those classmates you know and urge them to come. If they didn't receive an invitation, email Jack Endries with their name and address and he'll see they get an invitation package.

Joe Annesi and his wife Pat Stott from the Class of 1962 will be coming from Naples, NY where they both taught from 1966 until 1998. Joe coached the high school baseball team for 20 years and now plays golf seven days a week "weather permitting."

Ted Baker and his wife Linda are coming from Vestal where Ted worked for IBM for thirty years. He's retired now and runs a small painting business.

Joanne Barone and Steve Snover will be there, too.

Ellen Brookins is married to Richard Adams. They live half of the year and Plymouth, NY and half the year in California. Ellen writes, "Retirement is what life should be about."

If you're undecided about coming . . . decide on a spending the evening with us.

Also, if the grandkids have left you broke, let Jack know. A nice benefactor has given us some money to pay for people who may not be able to afford tickets.

Vebjorg Lyngstad is coming from Norway

Vebjorg Lynstad has made plans to fly from Oslo for the Reunion.

She writes, "Sorry for not having given my response earlier - but now the flights are confirmed and the trip on its way!
I do look forward to what seems to become a real grand celebration..."

This photo was taken at Jack and Ann Endries the last time Vebbie was in the US.

So far we have 53 classmates who have told us that they will be coming and are hoping for many more.

Attire is casual.

Don't feel you have to dress up for Saturday night's reunion dinner. Casual clothes are just fine. With this summer's heat, we'll all want to be super-comfortable.

I've been musing over the changes forty-five years have brought us. No more girdles. Yes, we weighed 100 pounds and still wore girdles. No more unreliable garter belts or tight shoes. We probably won't have to iron much or wear three starch-stiffened petticoats under a felt circle skirt.

Lost my pop-bead necklace somewhere, although I did pierce my ears (once) in the seventies. See you in August.

Want to Contribute to the Blog?

If you want to add to this quick-and-easy blog, you can either post a "comment" directly or send information or pictures to me -- Kathie Brunig AKA Kate Murphy -- and I'll post them.

No web skills required.

NHS Best Class Ever Plans 45th Reunion

Jack Endries, our irreplaceable Class President, is heading up plans for a weekend of fun, reminiscences, and catching up.

Fun begins on Friday evening at 7:30 at Kathy (Ryan) and Ted Revoir's home at 73 South Broad Street with an informal get-together with light refreshments. Please bring what you would like to drink.

Tee times for golfers begin at 10 a.m. at the Canasawacta Country Club.

Finally, we'll get together at the Country Club on Saturday evening at 5:30 for a very special buffet dinner.

If you haven't responded to the invitation you received in the mail, do so right away . . . we're looking forward to hearing from you.