65th 1958 HIGH SCHOOL REUNION 

June 16, 17, 18 2023

June 13, 2023  The work on the float is pretty much completed.  So the next time we are planning to gather at Gene's is FRIDAY, JUNE 16TH AT 4:00 PM to do last minute touches on the float and the PIZZA PARTY!   Don't forget the Class Breakfast that morning, June 16th at 8:00 am at the Riverside Restaurant.  Looking forward to seeing you all and "HAVING A WHALE OF A TIME!" 

Photos by Priscilla Petraska

Filling mason jars with twinkle lights for the banquet.

Filling mason jars with twinkle lights for the banquet.

Pris giving us all the last minute instructions for the Banquet events/times.

 

June 10, 2023:  Next scheduled date to work on our FLOAT is: TUESDAY, JUNE 13th at 5:00 PM. We had a good turnout today inspite of the off and on rain.  The weather has been crazy here.  Just think:  One week from tonight, Lord Willing, we will be at our 65th SHS Class Reunion Dinner at the Sumner House.

Photos by Priscilla Petraska

June 6, 2023:  Scheduled dates to work on our Float are:  Wednesday, June 7th at 5:30 PM and Saturday, June 10th at 10:00 AM.  This includes the ladies also.  We are excited that 53 people are planning to attend our banquet at the Sumner House on Saturday, June 17th and 42 people have signed up for the breakfast at the Weathersfield Inn on Sunday, June 18th.  The Riverside Breakfast count  on Friday, June 16th is 28!  We plan to take plenty of photos of these events so we can share with the classmates that are unable to join us. 

May 30, 2023:  Clarence let me know that the guys are meeting tonight at 5:00 PM at Gene's to continue work on the Float.  They are doing an incredible job!  Great photos by Kaye.  (PS: Sadly the amazing Red Truck is not part of the float, Ha, Ha!)

May 27, 2023

Classmates busy at work getting ready for the parade. Photos courtesy of Kaye Reynolds Dwinell.

May 19, 2023

Present: Gail Farbank, Martha Lucas, Natalie Brown, Cynthia Ploof, Clarence Abbott, Ron Currier, Gene Adams, Dottie Richardson & Priscilla

ONLY FOUR MORE WEEKS BEFORE THE FUN TO BEGINS!!

Registration Update:  Fred posted the Registration Form on the '58 Website April 28th. Gail and Priscilla USPS 38 letters on April 29th.  Martha noted that counting the registrations she received today, so far there are 26 people planning to attend the Banquet.  She knows there are several others coming in the mail.  Still plenty of time to register if you haven't already.

Communication Committee: Priscilla shared the list from the last survey which outlines the number of classmates who noted they planned to come, might come, couldn't make it or no response.  Martha and Priscilla will identify the ones we have not heard from yet and then pass this information onto the committee for them to contact these classmates.  The Communication Committee is: Natalie Brown, Kaye Dwinell., Gail Fairbank and Cynthia Ploof.  The cutoff date to register for Reunion is JUNE 2nd. 

Parade: All parade participants must enter on Bridge Street near the Fire Station.  Parade lineup to be in place and ready to start by 10:00 am as the Parade starts at 10:30 am sharp!  Class of 1958 will be the first float!  Vehicles not in the parade must be parked in the Edgar May Parking Lot or make your own arrangements.  The Fire House Six Band may drop off their instruments and then park at Edgar May.  Vaughn will need help putting the roof on the band wagon.  Chairs for the float:  Gail, Gene and Priscilla each have 4.  Ronnie and Clarence each have 3 and Dottie has 2. Martha shared the sign she made for the float "Still having a whale of a time."  Classmates are encouraged to wear their 1958 tee shirts and hats.  

Float Construction:  Following discussion it was decided to have the first meeting at Gene Adams home on MONDAY, MAY 22nd at 5:00 PM and SATURDAY, May 27 at 9:30 AM.  Then we will set up additional times and tasks needed. 

BANQUET: Saturday, June 17th at the Sumner House. 4:00 PM Appetizers; 4:30 Welcome; 4:45 Program; 6:00 PM BUFFET Dinner.

Ron shared two examples of the centerpieces for the tables at the banquet.  Gene Adams found and donated 50 ceramic whales--one for each person in attendance.  Dottie volunteered to add the flowers to the whales. Gail volunteered to be the Greeter as you enter the Sumner House.  Priscilla shared a copy of the "Welcome Flyer" that will be available outlining the weekend schedule of events. 

Name tags:  Several options were discussed and 3.5 x 2.25 lables will be available.  ALSO if anyone has the ones we used in the past, it would be great to have them bring theirs.  One is a copy of our high school photo and the other is a tag with your name on it.  

Tribute Booklet:  The booklet is being printed by the Red House Printers inSpringfield and will be available at the Banquet for those who wish to take one. 

Activities:  Friday, June 16th 8:00 am Breakfast at Riverside Restaurant. 10:30 am Tour of the Springfield Historical Society. 1:30 pm Tour of the Conservatory at the Hartness House. 4:00 pm Pizza and finishing touches on the float at Gene Adams home.  BYO. 

 Group Photo and pictures:  Priscilla will check with Bruce Fairbank to see if he is willing to do the group photo and maybe some other photos of the weekend.  Also classmates are encourage to take pictures with their cell phones.

Look forward to seeing as many of our classmates in 4 short weeks!!!  Priscilla  

NEXT MEETING:  MONDAY, MAY 22ND 5:00 PM GENE ADAMS HOME!!!

 

April 21, 2023

Present: Gail Fairbank, Martha Lucas, Natalie Brown, Judy Benjamin, Vaughn Hadwen, Clarence Abbott, Ron Currier, Paul Petraska, Gene Adams, Dennis & Dottie Richardson, and Priscilla. 

Banquet Update:  Due to unforseen circumstances, the Saturday, June 17, 2023 BANQUET is NOW being held at the Sumner House in Charlestown, NH. It will be a buffet with Sliced Roast Sirloin, Chicken Breast and Baked Haddock!  Soft drinks, water, coffee and tea included along with Dessert.  There will be a cash bar for all other drinks.  The cost is $45.00 each. We plan to begin at 4:00 pm with appetizers.

The BREAKFAST Sunday: June 18, 2023 graciously hosted by Diana Lupien Bacon, at no cost to the classmate and one guest, will be held at the Weathersfield Inn in Perkinsville at 9:00 am.

The 65th Reunion Registration Letter will be sent out April 28th on the '58 Website by Fred. Dottie, Priscilla and Gail are working on the USPS mailing.

Communications Committee: Starting May 15th Natalie, Kaye D., Gail and Priscilla will be calling and/or emailing classmates who have not responded to the letter.  We hope to see as many of our classmates as possible for a fun, filled weekend.  "Still having a whale of a time".

Tribute Booklet: Sadly, 21Classmates have passed away since our last reunion in 2018.  Fred Bock has put together a Tribute Booklet to honor all of our deceased classmates since our graduation in 1958.  We are getting quotes from Printers in the area.  The booklets will be available for those who wish to take one.

Activites:  For those who wish to participate, we have the following list of activities on Friday, June 16th: Breakfast at 8:00 am at the Riverside Restaurant. The Springfield Historical Society at 10:30 am and the Conservatory at the Hartness House at 1:30 pm.  Finishing touches on the float and pizza at 4:00 pm at Gene Adams home.  Gail volunteered to help with this project.

Float Committee:  Clarence, Ron, Paul, Vaughn and Gene will be providing the schedule (date & time) to work on our float at the next meeting.  Discussion followed on the music to be played during the parade.  Suggestions  were made on taking photos of the weekend.   Identified who had Chairs for the float . Vaughn needs a volunteer to help with the roof on the Band Wagon the day of the paradeParade Day: 

Parade Day: The parade will be starting on BRIDGE STREET this year.  Floats, band and participants should plan to be there before 10:00 am as the Police will close the parade route at 10:00 am.  The parade starts at 10:30 am sharp. Parking is either at Edgar May Rec Center Parking Lot or make your own reservations to park in HB Parking Lot. Or you can be dropped off and make arrangements to be picked up at Riverside Middle School.

Next Meeting: May 19, 2023 at 9:30 am at the Springfield Police Station. 

 

March 17, 2023

Present:  Gail Fairbank, Martha Lucas, Natalie Brown, Kaye Dwinell, Clarence Abbott, Ron Currier and Priscilla.  

Guest List:  We received a few more suggestions to add to the guest list:  Susan (Dick Maynard's widow), Mickelina (Mykie) Buteau (Tom Hurd's widow), Jim Mathews, Joy Regan, Winifred Follett, Charlie Blish, Barb Greer and Bill McDougall. "A Save The Date" invitation will be sent to them March 20th.

Class Booklet:  The Booklet survey ended on March 15th.  Priscilla reviewed the results of the survey she received from Fred.  The overall participation rate of those eligible was 29%.  Indeed this was very disappointing. We discussed possible reasons for the lack of response.  Short timeframe, health issues, severe weather related issues around the country, etc.  Sadly, it was agreed to put this project on hold for now.  We also agreed to encourage those who are on the website, but do not use it, to make a plan to do so.  The web site is the reason that our class has remained close over these 65 years and we thank Fred for his dedication and hard work on this project.

Banquet Menu:  The sample of the menu choices from the Fullerton Inn was shared with those present.  Kaye, Nat and Priscilla will be meeting with the Fullerton Staff the week of March 27th.  Five years ago the cost was $35.00 each for the meal.  (There were 72 listed to attend and 69 came.)  That being said, we know that the cost will be higher this year.  We hope to keep the cost to $50.00 each.  Our expected attendance is about the same with guests included we will have 50+ attending this event.  (Sadly we heard that Glen Booth passed away on March 17th.)

Activities:  On Friday, June 16th the activites for the weekend are: Class breakfast at Riverside Restaurant at 8:00 am and the visit to the Springfield Historical Society around 10:30 am.  Final touches on the Class Float at 4:00 pm at Gene Adams.  Gail volunteered to check out the possibility of touring Fort Number 4 in North Charlestown.  Priscilla is checking with the Hartness House regarding the Underground Telescope Museum tour.

Float Plans:  Ron and Clarence will contact Gene Adams to identify a date to start work on our float.  Again the theme of the parade is "Beach Time" and our float is "Still Having A Whale OF A Time".

Decorations:  Ron and Martha shared some of the materials they have gathered to begin work on the decorations for the banquet.  Priscilla will contact Fred to obtain the photos of our deceased classmates since 2018.  Another shock is that there has been 20 classmates in the last five years.

Next Meeting:  Friday, April 21, 2023 at 9:30 am at the Springfield Police Station.

TIMELINES: 

**  March 20th:  Save the date announcement to guests.  Pris  ** March 30th: Meet with Fullerton Staff. Kaye, Nat, Pris  ** April 15th:  Financial Plans: Martha & Fred **April 21st:  Draft letter to classmates & guests with meal choices, financial instructions & schedule for the weekend. **May 1st:  Begin work on float.  Schedule dates & times.  Ron and Clarence.  ** June 2nd:  Final count for the Banquet and Sunday Brunch. **June 2nd:  Work on poster board of deceased classmates.  **June 10th:  Complete decorations for banquet tables.  (All)  **Welcome flyer with schedule for the weekend including events and directions.

 

 February 17, 2023

Attending:  So far we hope to have between 55 and 60 attending the Banquet on Saturday, June 17th at the Fullerton Inn.  We received 35 Yes, 10 Maybe and 18 Guests.

Guest List:  The following spouses of our deceased classmates will be sent a letter to let them know of the Banquet and encourage them to attend.  They are:  Jim Mathews, Joy Regan, Winifred Follett, Charlie Blish and Bill McDougal.  Anyone else?

Booklet/Memento:  Fred Bock has suggested that it would be nice to have a booklet this year since the last one was for our 50th reunion in 2008.  This was met with enthusiasm and all present agreed to help with this project.  An entry for every classmate will be needed and also include the obituary for those who have died along with comments classmates may have made on the site.  Once the questionnaire is established an email will be sent to the Communications Committee to seek their help.  Let Fred know of any thoughts that should be included in the questionnaire.

Program MC:  YEA!!!!!  Judy Parker Turmail and Brent Vesey have agreed to host the program at the Banquet on Saturday.  Looks like it will be a fun time.

Activities:  Keeping to one of our themes for the weekend:  "Then and Now", Natalie is in touch with the Springfield Historical Society to plan a tour of that facility on Friday, June 16th.  Late afternoon gathering at Gene's for finishing touches on the float. Any other thoughts for activities?

Float Plans:  In keeping with the theme of our float:  "Still Having A Whale Of A Time", Ron and Vaughn shared the photos of whales.  Also a 44 inch template was shared.  It was approved to order more of these in an effort to:  KIS  (Keep It Simple). Vaughn is planning to have his band "The Fire House Six" playing at the parade.  He is looking for suggestions as to what music to play from the 50's and 60's.

Decorating Committee:  Ron and Vaughn approved the idea for the centerpieces at the Banquet. Martha has styrofoam.

Food Committee:  Kaye, Natalie and Priscilla will be meeting with the staff at the Fullerton sometime in March to select the choices for the Banquet.  Sunday Breakfast is being hosted by Diana Bacon.  Priscilla will communicate with Diana and Deb Woodall (Diana's daughter) to continuing to plan for this fun event. Hopefully, the Fullerton Inn will be able to host us for this event.

Next Meeting:  Friday, March 17th at 9:00 am at the Springfield Police Department.  Hope to see more classmates in the area at this meeting.

 

January 20, 2023

In spite of the snowy weather we held our Reunion Planning Meeting at Riverside Restaurant following the Class Breakfast.  Those attending were:  Ronnie, Vaughn, Eugene, Clarence, Dottie & Dennis and Priscilla.

There is a PDF FILE ATTACHED that lists all of our classmates responses that we have received so far regarding the attendance at the Reunion.

Following a brainstorming session, several possible committees were identified.  These are:  COMMUNICATIONS: Creating an invitation to classmates and sending by email, USP, and phone.  FLOAT:  Several ideas were discussed regarding the whale design for the float.  EVENT REGISTRATION:  Receive and maintain registration information for reunion events.  Collect and process payments.  Martha Lucas volunteered to do this with possibly Fred.  FOOD:  Establish a Banquet Menu.  Kaye Dwinell and Priscilla volunteered to do this.  GUESTS: All present agreed that it would be nice to invite the spouses of our deceased classmates to join us, if interested.  Barb Greer, Jim Mathews, Joy Regan, and Winifred Follett come to mind.  Anyone else?  DECORATING:  A possible design for the tables at the banquet was shared.  Ronnie and Vaughn are working on this for our next meeting.  ACTIVITY SCHEDULE:  A list of possible activities to take place on that week-end.  PROGRAM MC:  A couple of suggestions were made.  More on this next meeting.  BOOKLET/MEMENTO:  Further discussion next meeting. CLEANUP:  Dismantling the float.

Music for the parade.  Vaughn noted that his band would be available to play the music in the parade.  He stated that there is a possible cost this year.  All agreed that it is a good addition to our float on parade day. We will continue the discussion next month.

The next Planning Meeting is scheduled for FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2023 at 9:30 am at the Springfield Police Station Conference Room.  We hope to see more of our local classmates come!!!!

 

January 13, 2023 UPDATE

Dear Classmates: With a great team effort we now have the results from the PLANNING SURVEY for our 65th HS Reunion.  With over a 60% response to the survey we now have a quorum to hold the BANQUET  at the FULLERTON INN in CHESTER on SATURDAY, JUNE 17, 2023.  The RESULTS: 34 YES, 10 MAYBE, 18 GUESTS for a total of 62 people!   There are still some classmates who have not been able to commit, which is understandable.  We hope as the time draws closer, we will have a better idea on how many will be attending this event.

Plans are continuing to make this "BEACH TIME" theme PARADE, BANQUET and REUNION the best one yet!  Our float has been registered on the SHS Alumni Site:  STILL HAVING A WHALE OF A TIME.

There is a PDF FILE ATTACHED that lists several Inns and Hotels and B&B's in the Springfield/Chester area for the convenience of those coming from a distance.

A Planning Meeting is scheduled for FRIDAY, JANUARY 20TH AT 9:30 AM AT THE SPRINGFIELD POLICE STATION ON CLINTON STREET.  We will be discussing what committees will be needed and LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS to serve on these committees--those who are near and far!!  

Check out how much TIME is left before the REUNION that Fred is keeping us posted on!!!

 

October 26, 2022

Our Committee Meeting on October 21, 2022 included: Cynthia, Clarence, Ronnie, Natalie, Gail and Priscilla.  There have been 42 classmates that have responded to our survey. So far 25 have noted that they plan to attend with 4 maybes and 13 no's.  Including 15 guests there are 42 planning to attend!!  More than half of those responding would like to have the banquet at the Fullerton Inn in Chester. This number is encouraging and we can continue with our plans, Lord Willing. 

Natalie, Martha L., Judy T., Richard L. Robinson, Kaye D. have volunteered to contact the other 50 classmates who we have not heard from to provide the dates of the Reunion and if they are planning to attend.  We know it is difficult to make plans so far ahead but necessary for planning a great Reunion! It is important to let everyone know the dates of the Reunion to start making plans. A list will be sent to each of the volunteers shortly. Hotels are more expensive now and fill up quickly.  By the end of the year a list of Hotels/Inns in the area will be listed on our 1958 Web Site.

Float Plans:  The theme is "Beach Time" but since it is an anniversary year we can do another theme.  Eugene volunteered his huge garage and trailer again this year.  He also noted that he has most of our previous years float items stored there.  Clarence, Ronnie, Natalie, and Priscilla plan to meet at Eugene's to see what might be used for this next year.  Who remembers "The Clock" "Garfield", "Ali Baba",  "The Boxes", etc. Some great floats!!!!!

We hope you all will continue to provide feedback on what the program and activities might be as it is "ALL OF OUR REUNION"!

Priscilla

 

October 13, 2022

First Committee Meeting is scheduled for October 21, 2022 at 9:15 am.  We are very fortunate that the Police Station has opened up their conference room to the public once again.  So the meeting will be held there as it is easier for people to access the facility. We welcome all 1958 Classmates living in the area to attend.  Get the latest updates on the Survey and plan on how this will be our very best fun reunion todate!!

The meeting will be immediately following our monthly class breakfast at Riverside Restaurant on the 21st.

Any questions please contact Priscilla Millay 802-885-2316  or Natalie Brown  802-259-2067

 

September 16, 2022

Many thanks to Fred for providing a survey for all who are on the Website.  Several surveys were filled out at breakfast this morning.  To date there are 24 classmates planning to attend with 3 maybes.  Natalie is contacting the ones who do not have access to the website.  Cynthia volunteered to contact a couple of classmates.  Only a third of the class has responded to the Survey.  We know that it is difficult to plan that far ahead but all our plans are always “If the Lord wills”.  So we will ask Fred to send the survey out again as a reminder with the updated information found here. 

The results so far are in favor of the banquet at the Fullerton Inn.  We do have the Inn reserved for the 17th. We told Riverside Restaurant that we would let them know by next month as we were still in the process of doing the survey. We are scheduled for our class breakfast there on June 16, 2023 at 8:00 am. Priscilla has not heard back from the American Legion in Chester.

In response to Brent and his “out of the box” suggestion of maybe using the gym or cafeteria at Park Street School.  What a great idea as we have so many fond memories of the school.  However for this next year it is not possible as there will be renovations happening during that month. Maybe the 70th Brent!

Also Judy P. Turmail remembers the Brown Estate in Springfield and how beautiful the buildings and the grounds were.  It is now called “North Mowing” but the only way to contact them is by email on their website which they have not responded to.  The plan is to contact “Springfield On The Move” and see if they have any updates on North Mowing.  According to their website it seems that they have not had much activity there since COVID. Still checking in with the Hartness House hoping they will be up and running as a possible place to sleep.  The manager mentioned that all the beds had new mattresses in the Main House.

Before snow comes we plan to have a class meeting IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE NEXT BREAKFAST (9:15 AM) at Priscilla’s home, 27 Delphian Road to discuss the survey results, the Theme (Beach Time), establish committees for Communication, Events, Housing, Program and Float thoughts. We appreciate those who have volunteered to assist with contacting classmates to get answers to the questions on the survey; Fred Bock, Martha Lucas, Judy Turmail, Dick L Robbinson, Natalie Brown, Vaughn Hadwen, Clarence Abbott and Pris Millay!

Pris