HUNTINGTON-40 years.
For members of the Class of 1977 at Gateway Regional High School, this fall’s get-together will be especially bittersweet.
“Although it has been 40 years since we graduated high school, when I see my old classmates, it is like no time has passed at all and we pick up where we left off,” said Brenda (Emo) Gardner.
Gateway’s Class of 1977 – with some members seen here five years ago in Huntington – will gather for its 40th reunion this fall in Westfield. In the front row with Eileen Watson, on left, are former Gateway teachers Betsy Barrows, Kenneth Barrows, and Robert Goewey. (Submitted photo).
Memories of “Greaser Night,” “Project Adventure,” “Gateway Gators,” and the class song, “Free Bird,” are etched in classmate’s minds and this fall they will be able to once again gather for an afternoon and relive those carefree 70’s days.
The reunion is planned Oct. 7 at the Westwood Restaurant & Pub, 94 North Elm St., Westfield. A social hour begins at 1 p.m. with hors d’oeuvres and a luncheon buffet at 2 p.m. The menu includes tossed salad, rolls and butter, Chicken Francais, citrus crumb scrod, seasoned vegetables, carrot and chocolate cakes.
Tickets for the afternoon affair are $25 per person and reservations must be made by Sept. 22 by sending a check to Eileen Watson, 1 Aldrich Ave., Huntington, MA 01050. Checks should be made out to Eileen Watson.
For Mike Costello, who had been voted “class clown” by his peers, returning to the 40th reunion is a must.
“I am starting to run out of places to talk about my grandchildren,” said Costello. “I know for a fact that this group is one of the most caring groups I could ever hope to find. I miss the love I once felt in what were to me hallowed halls.”
Kathleen (Higgins) Curzon echoed those sentiments.
“I’m looking forward to our reunion very much,” said Curzon. “There is a solid trust that remains with those you shared your childhood and formative years with. My Gateway friends feel more like family.”
Curzon added she looks forward to a weekend laughing about one’s “wrinkles,” and reminiscing about the “good old days with my fellow Gators.”
“I’m thankful that social media now allows us to maintain those old friendships, no matter where on the globe we are,” said Curzon. “So the reunion can continue long after our special weekend in October.”
Classmates who have not received an invitation are asked to email Watson at [email protected] so addresses can be updated and an invitation can be sent out.
When the class last gathered five years ago in Huntington, all were reminded of the classic “Free Bird” line – “If I leave here tomorrow would you still remember me? For I must be traveling on now, cause there’s too many places I’ve got to see.”
No doubt some former classmates will travel further distances than others this fall – and for a few hours on a fall afternoon – time will stand still once again.
