1963 NORTH SIDE HIGH SCHOOL

SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER

INTRODUCTION:  Several classmates met at the beginning of September to put together the September issue of the 1963 North Side High School Newsletter.  Because of the virus, the newspaper committee has been unable to meet and write the quarterly newsletter that updates us on class gatherings and changes to the Fort Wayne economy.  Since we are all vaccinated, we are now able to meet and write about some of the activities in which several classmates have participated, as well as how Fort Wayne has grown economically during the pandemic.

NORTH SIDE ALUMNI Association:  The North Side Alumni Association has been active during the pandemic supporting and improving its support of students and members.   It held a golf outing that raised over $2,500, which will go towards its yearly academic scholarships for seniors and the men’s and women’s soccer teams.

The association always looks forward to the banquet recognizing distinguished alumni.  The newest distinguished alumni will be inducted in the spring of 2022.  They will include Thomas Duxbury 1960, John Burd 1964, Margaret Thompson Miller 1957, and Philip Burkhalter 1955.  Past inductees are on display in the North Side High School Atrium.

The association is reviewing how it can improve support to past NSHS graduates, as well as current students.  It will develop a plan that will review existing software and update the list of its members. 

Quarterly Gatherings:  Over the past year, there have been several get togethers arranged by Stephen Heine.  Several classmates have driven from Indianapolis and Kokomo to participate and Les Ehrsam has flown from Texas to join in the festivities.   

• Christmas Party: In December 2020, classmates met at Pine Valley Country Club to celebrate Christmas together.
• Sweetwater: In June of 2021, 34 class members gathered at Sweetwater World Headquarters for lunch and a tour of the facilities.   
• Oakwood Gathering:  On September 14, 2021, classmates traveled to Oakwood Resort on Lake Wawasee for lunch followed by a cruise on the lake.  There are pictures on the home page for your enjoyment.  Just click on “photos” on the left-hand side menu, scroll down to Wawasee pictures, and click on the 10 photos.  It is the intent of the group to continue these events as “we are a rowdy bunch that enjoys the comradeship.” 
• October 22 Next Gathering:  An 11:30 luncheon will be held at Pine Valley Country Club.  The luncheon prayer will be offered by the Rev. Steve Doan who will be visiting the area at that time. If interested in attending, please contact Stephen Heine at heine4019@hotmail.com or 260-749-8737.

60^th Reunion:  The 60^th reunion is being planned for the fall of 2023.  Please send any of your recommendations for the weekend to Stephen Heine.  Following are suggestions that the committee has received so far: Friday Night reception and Saturday evening dinner at the same venue.  On Saturday, a walking tour and luncheon downtown Fort Wayne or a motorized tour of the city.

ECONOMIC GROWTH IN FORT WAYNE:  Fort Wayne is one of the fastest growing cities in Great Lakes area, and the pandemic has not slowed it down. In fact, over $1,000,000,000 has been invested in the downtown area alone.

• One of the biggest projects in the city is the Electric Works project.  It encourages entrepreneurship and innovation in the workforce such as Do It Best Corporation, Fort Wayne Community Schools, Parkview Hospital, and Fort Wayne Metals.  It also includes various retail and entertainment entities. 
• Amazon has committed to build a distribution Center on Flough Road.  It will open in 2022 offering 1,000 full time new jobs. 
• Several hotels have committed to the Fort Wayne area such as the Bradley Hotel in downtown Fort Wayne and Hilton Garden Inn, TRU by Hilton, and Spring Hills Suite by Marriott that is North of Fort Wayne near the Parkview Campus.
• The Promenade Park first phase is now completed; and as promised, it links all three natural rivers to downtown activities.  Its location enhances the special activities downtown such as shopping, dining, kayaking, canoeing, events, and riverboat rides. The Fort Wayne City Council just approved the rezoning request to move forward on phase 2 of the project.  This will include parking garages, a childcare center, residential units, and a fitness and wellness center.

WEBSITE:

• Do you know of anyone from our class who does not have a computer?  They can still stay in touch by accessing the website at the local library.  Just enter online North Side High School Class of 1963, and it should pop up.  
• Do you have questions about or trouble navigating this system? If so, please call Jim Keller at 1-260-470-0768.

Please send your comments regarding this newsletter to Stephen Heine

so the committee can better meet your needs.