Chester High alumni enjoy a buffet led by Aldo Bazzazaro (right), Class of 1938
CHESTER – As over 100 Chester High alumni and friends gathered in town, there developed a picture of history, nostalgia, and community/school spirit. The annual reunion and meeting always draws a large number of people associated with the former Chester High School, including Chester residents who attended or graduated from Gateway after Chester High School closed in the late 1960s. This year’s meeting was held on June 27 at the restored Chester Train Station.
Special recognition was given to Aldo Bazazarro from the class of 1938 who was present for his 77th reunion. Bazazaro was given the distinct honor of leading the buffet line together with Eleanor Laurent class of 1939 through the delicious spread prepared by Chester Foundation workers.
Association President Walter Boomsma noted that these reunions are “drifting in the direction of becoming as much a town event as a school reunion.” Noting that the Chester Foundation handled most of the meeting arrangements and food, he also pointed out that the Historical Society supports the occasion by offering special hours for alumni to visit prior to the reunion.
“I think this is proof that small town America is alive and well, at least here in Chester,” he said.
Nine former teachers also attended the annual event. Anthony Russo, former English teacher and vice principal confessed to the group that while he’s never attended his own high school reunion, he has attended a number in Chester. He explained that Chester was his first teaching position and made a big impact on his life.
“Chester is family,” Russo said. “I will never forget the support and connections I have here.”
Russo joked that he wasn’t much older than his first students—the graduating class of 1965 and this year’s fifty year anniversary class. Returning members included Bruce Cooper, Annette Fimbel LaMountain, Walter Boomsma, Julie Niskanen Swol, Donald Austin, Donald Blanchard, Edward Woodis and Elinore Whitcher Gordon.
The association elected Walter Boomsma as president for his tenth year. Also returned to office were Vice President Robert Goewey, Secretary Annette Fimbel LaMountain, and Treasurer George Morey, Jr. Morey is the only treasurer the organization has ever had with a record of service spanning over sixty years. When introduced and acknowledged for his service, he replied, “I’ll keep doing this as long as I can.”
Brenda Davenport Budreau and Tino Cardarelli were reelected to the Board of Directors. Duane C. Please was reelected as a scholarship custodian. Scholarship awards were presented to Charlotte LeBarron, Nicolas McClafin, Sarah Otterbeck, Samuel Bean, John LaHue, and Spencer Rock—all 2015 graduates from Gateway Regional High School.
The Association has already started planning for the next annual meeting, scheduled for June 25, 2016. Members agreed unanimously to maintain the Chester location and time of the annual event because “it’s good to be home.” Those associated with or in some way connected with Chester and/or Chester High School are encouraged to be certain the Association has current mailing information by contacting Annette LaMountain, Association Secretary, PO Box 206, Chester MA 01011. The Association also maintains an informational web site at http://chesterhigh.wordpress.com and a Facebook page.
