The Endless Reunion, Day 5

The camera wasn't good enough to capture the entire banner. But you get the idea.

After two nights of a rock music festival, a calm afternoon filled with conversation seemed like a good way to end the reunion. Close to two dozen people, including some new faces, turned up for at least part of the relaxed proceedings at the (old) Clarence Town Park. They even made a couple of non-attending graduates feel part of the weekend, as they played "pass the phone" when calls were made to Kris McClellan and Deb Milbrand. Almost like being there, they said.

We'll be doing a recap of the proceedings down the road. But in the meantime, here are some photos for your enjoyment. If you have any other shots you'd like to share, please send them along when you get the chance. (Help on identifying people is always appreciated.)

This is hardly the end of the story. The Endless Reunion continues in a sense immediately following the old one. Classmates Mike Siracuse and Tom Ferrari are coming to Buffalo this week. They'll probably drive by their old house and the high school, and/or see old friends. Perhaps those who didn't make the formal reunion will pick up the phone and call a participant, or they'll be inspired to talk to someone else in the class who remains a good friend. And so it goes.

In the meantime, Budd Bailey wrote this essay five years ago after the last reunion. He says you can change the numbers involved and a few facts, but the emotions remain the same. You might like it. 

Cindy Lauer scored big points for hanging on to her girls gym outfit all these years. None of the boys present apparently kept those short, short gym shorts used in the early 1970s.

That looks like Paul Jacobs and wife Belle, Tim and Julie Porter, and Sharon Lowry.

Ron Blackmore, an old-timer from an ancient class, dropped in to tell stories about his days as a cross-country runner. Steve Kies was a willing listener.

Either John O'Hare is telling a great story to Cheryl Suess, or he is calling her for pass interference. She seems OK with it either way.

John Salzyn can deliver a big smile on cue, can't he?

Bill Irr, sporting a spiffy Buffalo football t-shirt, discusses the state of the Bills - or some other serious topic - with John O'Hare.

It's nice to know the Clarence Town Park on Main Street is still a pretty place to spend a summer afternoon.

Looks like Greg Hartwig, Julie Porter, Kathy Ernst and John O'Hare remain good friends after 45 years. 

Bill Irr and Peggy Whitman relax while Steve Kies tells a story. Cheryl Suess enjoys it too. Nice shirt, Steve.

John O'Hare's short concert had Kathy and Belle reaching for their lighters (or at least their cell phones) to demand an encore.

Budd Bailey is always flattered to pose for a photo with people like Peggy Whitman and Cheryl Suess. Something about making him look as tall as Mark Hovind and Don Smith.

Paul Jacobs unsuccessfully tries to suppress a giggle while talking to Tim Porter.

Bill Irr, you don't have to sneak around to get a hot dog. There was plenty for everyone.

 Norm Schueckler was the last of our class to show up. Therefore, he gets the last photo - here with Kathy Ernst, Julie Porter and Sharon Lowry. Norm looks like he could rip off a few laps in the pool right now.