Class of 1967 plans Aug. 31 reunion
The Willits News
Article Launched: 08/01/2008 10:45:08 AM PDT
Special for The Willits News
In an unprecedented effort to contact every member of the Willits High School graduating class of 1967, organizers of the class's 41st reunion hope to reunite with most of their former classmates and teachers on Sunday, August 31.
The reunion will begin with a gathering on the entrance steps of WHS and continue later at the home of classmate Richard Huddle. There alumni hope to visit, to reminisce, and recognize classmates some haven't seen in 41 years.
Former class salutatorian Vernell Soulliere-Falgout will be traveling all the way from Petal, Mississippi; several other alumni are planning to attend from the Seattle, Washington, area.In an odd-year reunion effort, according to spearheading organizers Fred Olenik of Utah and Tom Tufts of Southern California, the genesis of the single-class reunion began in January 2008.
Having met at former multi-class reunions, WHS grads Doug Forrester, Bruce Formslag, Dennis McClelland, Jon McKee and Ken Runyan began the area effort, while Olenik set up a blog address (willitshighclassof67.blogspot.com/) with Tufts sending emails and calling numerous classmates.
As a result, nearly 80 percent of the class has been contacted and currently 53 graduates of the 109 are planning to attend the weekend event.
The 1967 graduates will begin their day with a meet-and-greet at the high school at 1:30 p.m., followed by a group photo at 2 p.m. and a tour of their old high school led by a former teacher. The group will then caravan to Richard Huddle's house south of town.
According to reunion treasurer Ken Runyan, classmates still have time to send in their $35 per person checks to him at 24149 Birch Terrace, Willits, CA 95490. After July 31, the cost will increase to $45 per person.
Reunion activities will include a moment of silence and remembrance for deceased classmates, a recognition of former teachers, a photo gallery, a trivia board and, of course, food and music.
Former teachers planning to attend include Ruth Rockefeller, Tom Schubert, Larry Stranske, Nancy and Douglas Oliver, and Hugh Walters. Marilyn Mickle and Felix Soto have been working on contacting teachers and say it's possible others may attend.
Organizers are eager to contact everyone in their class and are still trying to reach 16 fellow classmates. As organizer Fred Olenik said, "This class is the first to reach out to each and every classmate. All the barriers are down for this reunion. We're getting older and we really want to see everyone."
Anyone who knows how to reach the following students may contact Ken Runyan at ken.runyan@comcast.net; Olenik at folenik@comcast.net; or Tom Tufts at satufts@pacbell.net: Cynthia Bean, Mike Clark, Chester Elliott, Brenda Enox, Josie Francis, Kazumi Kabori Hibbs, Marlene Hinzman, Jon Jay, Danny Madden, Kathleen McDonald, Karen Northington, James Reed, Elizabeth Reynolds, Penny Terhune, Susan Lind Turner and Virginia Van Pelt.
Classmates can keep posted of the coming event by checking the class' blogspot or by contacting any member of the planning committee. As Tufts put it recently in a phone interview, "I have such fond memories of high school. Yellowstone is pretty, but people are beautiful and I don't want to wait another year to see everyone."
The original article can be viewed at http://www.willitsnews.com/ci_10068241?source=email
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