Gardner High School Class of 1960

Remembering Robert Duncan

2012-02-09T14:15:00.000-08:00

Robert Thomas Duncan died peacefully at his home on Tuesday, February 7, 2012. He taught mathematics and coached football, basketball, and track at Gardner High School between 1955 and 1990. From 1955 to 1965 he was assistant football coach. During that period his freshman team was so successful it lost but one game in eleven years.

In retirement, Bob and his wife spent winters in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and traveled widely, visiting 35 countries.

More details are available at the Mack Funeral Home web site at http://www.mackfuneralhome.com/obits/obituary.php?id=150878

Please feel welcome to add more information or a tribute using the "comment" feature on this blog.

Remembering Lew Bishop

2012-01-06T06:31:00.000-08:00

During our Gardner Junior and High School years, we each encountered other students with special qualities who demonstrated outstanding achievement - whether that was in art, music, academics, theater, practical arts, public speaking, or athletics. One of those individuals was Lewis M. Bishop.

Lewis M. Bishop, age 70, died on Tuesday, December 27, 2011, in Auburn, Massachusetts. He is survived by three sons, Robert, Lauren, and Larry; a daughter, Trena; two sisters, Marion E. Moreland of Corpus Christi, TX, and Judith L. (Bishop) Farnsworth of Otter River, MA. Lew was preceded in death by his brother, Glenn C. Bishop, Jr. and his sister, Louise (Bishop) Earle. He was raised in Hubbardston, MA and attended Gardner High School.

Lew is most often remembered as a gifted athlete. He played Minor League Baseball in the Chicago Cubs organization, 1960-1962. Internet sites show his baseball statistics and scouting reports. Graveside services for Lew will be held at a future date.

Ron Rogers, GHS 1959, writes, "Lew and I spent a lot of time together. One time we were at Pete's Pool Room and he asked if I could take him to California for spring training. I had a 1949 Chevy Coupe that we had to push start every day as we went across the country via the southern route to avoid the snow. The floorboards caught fire one day and we ripped them out and contunued on . We made it all the way and buried the car in a junkyard. That was crazy but we had lots of fun. Lew was a great sportsman and friend. Sorry to hear of his passing."

Jim Bessette, GHS 1961, remembers Lew as very competitive fisherman who would wander away from the group, disappear for a while, then return to the group all wet and with lots of fish. They often wondered how he did it.

Tom Ryan, GHS 1960, acknowledges Lou's strength, speed, and power. As a Freshman , Lew hit a 400 foot home run. His Sophomore batting average was 600, and as a Junior he hit two off the green momnster. Lew lettered in both baseball and track." (Facebook comment).

If you have a comment or story to share, please use the comment feature or send us an e-mail with your thoughts.

Gardner High School Murals

2011-12-26T05:37:00.000-08:00

Patty (Wolcott) Berger is shown standing beneath a mural painted by her father. Patty posed as the girl shown in the white dress who is taking a picture of a graduating student.

The murals on the wall of our "old" Gardner High School building on Elm Street were completed on October 9, 1940. In an article published in the Gardner News on Thursday, December 22, 2011, author Mike Richard describes how the murals were painted on canvas by John Gilmore Wolcott of Lowell, Massachusetts. These murals depict life-sized figures showing both the curricular and extra-curricular activities of the high school.

Were you inspired by a particular image from these murals? Could you identify with the young artist working on a painting? The students with diplomas, graduation caps, and gowns? Or the football player, chemistry lab, or shop machines? The scenes were filled with meaningful activity.

One of the remarkable things about Mike Richard's article, "Life meets art for woman depicted in decades-old mural" is that Mike interviews the daughter of the artist, who was amazed that the vibrant colors of the murals are as alive today as when her father first painted them more than 70 years ago.

These murals offered to each of us "images of potential" that we may not have been aware of at the time, but which have profoundly influenced our lives. If you have a special memory of these murals, I hope you will try the comment feature on this blog and tell us about it.

A Message from Russell Hoag

2011-12-20T13:17:00.000-08:00

The following message from classmate Russell Hoag was sent via e-mail recently:

This is the time of year that I would like to urge our former classmates to consider supporting the Stone Fund with a monetary contribution. My own family, as with many other families in Gardner at the time, would have had a difficult time funding my college education without scholarships from the Stone Fund. During each of the first three years of college, the Stone Fund provided me with a scholarship that amounted to about 40% of my annual tuition.

Starting last year, Phyllis and I have begun to repay those awards to the Stone Fund, hoping to complete the effort in four annual installments. To compensate for the time value of the money we are doing so at a rate of about ten to one (Ten dollars for every one dollar awarded in the 1960 period). Rather than as a donation, we view this as a repayment. As a former recipient, I am confident that such a contribution will be used to support needy students from th Gardner area. Unlike many other well-known charities, you truly know where your donation goes.

The address for the Albert H. and Reuben S. Stone Fund is P.O. Box 1008, Gardner, MA 01440

Many thanks for forwarding this idea. We are in our third full year of retirement and are now living in Roanoke, Virginia. As we have seen from comments made by other retirees on the GHS Web log, the years are literally flying by. We enjoy reading the postings and appreciate the way the blog keeps us connected.

Russ and Phyllis Hoag

Editor's note: Russ is both sincere and generous in expressing his reflections on the Stone Fund. The folks at the Stone Fund are very approachable and would accept donations in any amount, from both Gardner men and women (scholarships are now awarded to female applicants). I hope that you find Russell's appeal to be timely, relevant, and in keeping with the season.

Boys State Representatives 1960

2011-12-17T13:21:00.000-08:00

The American Legion sponsored program, Boys State, emphasizes the rights, responsibilities, and privileges of franchised citizens. The GHS Class of 1960 classmates shown above represented Gardner High School: Timothy Swanson, Stanley Gemborys, Richard Donovan, John Awdycki, and Walter Dubzinski, Jr. Alice (Winter) Empie represented Gardner High School at Girls State. Students were selected on the basis of demonstrated leadership, character,scholarship, loyalty, and service to school and community.

Remembering Coach Priscilla Power

2011-12-06T09:57:00.000-08:00

Priscilla F. Power, 90, of York Harbor, ME, died on Saturday December 3, 2011 at the Edgewood Center in Portsmouth, NH. She was born November 30, 1921, and was a graduate of Bowling Green State University in Ohio. Coach Power was a physical education teacher and coach at Gardner High School for 34 years. In the photo above, she is shown with GHS Class of 1960 classmates Rachel (Hebert) Reilly, Marcia (Shepard) Wilk, Mary (Phelan) Nordman, and Donna Rae (Blake) Beise.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Cocheco Valley Humane Society, 262 County Farm Road, Dover, NH 03820-6043. The Lucas and Eaton Funeral Home of 91 Long Sands Road, York, ME is directing arrangements. Visit http://www.lucaseatonfuneralhome.com/

Remembering Ray Racette

2011-10-06T13:58:00.000-07:00

Raymond C. Racette, age 70, of Phillipston, MA, died in his home on Saturday, October 1, 2011. Ray taught science in Gardner for 33 years, retiring in 2000. Ray also operated Racette's Driving School in Gardner for 15 years. He was a graduate of Fitchburg State College where he received his Bachelor's and Masters degrees.

Ray enjoyed picnics, sailing on Queen Lake in Phillipston, and traveling to St. Thomas. He attended Our Lady of the Holy Rosary elementary School and will be remembered by many former classmates from Holy Rosary and Gardner High School. Ray served on the Argus Business Board during his Junior and Senior year of High School.

A complete obituary is available from the Boucher Funeral Home, 135 Nichols Street, Gardner MA 01440.

Remembering Richard Touchette

2011-08-15T13:32:00.000-07:00

GHS Class of 1960 classmate Richard E. Touchette, age 69, died on Friday, August 12, 2011. Following high school, Richard served in the Massachusetts National Guard and worked for four years at Pratt and Whitney Aircraft in East Hartford, CT. He then attended Mount Wachusett Community College and Fitchburg State College, where he graduated in 1970, with a major in History and Geography. "Dick" worked as a production planner for Mead Container in Gardner and later, for 26 years as production planner for Star Container in Leominster. He retired in 2006. His favorite hobby was travel and it was his goal to visit all 50 U.S. States in his lifetime. Dick also enjoyed train shows, reading history, and following the Boston Red Sox.

Remembering Joe Baublis

2011-07-06T08:27:00.000-07:00

Joseph Anthony Baublis

GHS Classmates who attended Gardner Junior High School may recall an 8th grade mathematics teacher named Joseph Baublis. Joseph Anthony Baublis, 88, died recently. He was a science and mathematics teacher at Gardner Junior High School for 35 years, until his retirement in 1985. Mr. Baublis lived in Athol all his life. He loved to read, and enjoyed fishing, golfing, and traveling.

Lloyd Hannula on the Appalachian Trail

2011-06-21T10:23:00.000-07:00

The Spectacular McAfee Knob, near Roanoke, VA

Lloyd Hannula just got back from six weeks of hiking the Appalachian Trail in Virginia, finishing up on everything south of Grafton Notch in Maine. He writes, "Had a ball, the weather was not unkind, - not much rain, warm to hot during the day, sleepable temperatures at night." Lloyd did 10-13miles each day. His first treat was at the Bear's Den Hostel featuring Pizza, Ben & Jerrry's Ice Cream, shower, and bunk. From there it was on to Front Royal and a resupply of provisions. Lloyd says "The Shenandoah was a "walk in the park" with well-maintained trails near the Skyline Drive.

Lloyd is lookingforward to finishing up the Appalachian Trail this year. His plans are to head to Maine in August to do the 80 mile stretch betweeen Grafton Notch and Stratton. Then on Labor Day, to return to Maine to do the 100 miles from Monson to Baxter.

If you are not familiar with the terrain covered by the Appalachian Trail, you might look for Bill Bryson's book, A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail (NY: Anchor Books,1998) ISBN 978-0-307-27946-0

Way to go, Lloyd.

Retirement Thoughts

2011-05-09T04:28:00.000-07:00

Retired classmate Gordon Dickie's T-shirt gives you a clue to his choice of retirement activity. Continue reading to learn about how other GHS Classmates feel about retirement.

Most GHS Classof 1960 classmates expect to retire eventually, and some even plan for it, establishing a personal timeline and following a series of steps toward "countdown" - like selling the big house, buying winter property, or moving into a retirement community. Many retire locally and find new activities and interests. Others move to an entirely different location to mark the transition to a new stage of life. Here are some retirement thoughts submitted by people you may remember well.

"I am now enjoying and fully appreciating the freedom that retirement affords me and love traveling with Wayne, be it on a cruise ship, hiking a trail, biking through the countryside, visiting the kids, or going back to Gardner to see my Mom and sister. I spend a great deal of time in my flower gardens. I have learned that daily exercise and good eating habits are a necessity at this stage of life. For me, it is impportant to keep moving - even when it hurts!" - Karen Heywood Greenlaw

"Retirement has opened up time to pursue hobbies, travel, education, volunteerism, and other interests. We have more time for activities with children and grandchildren and share time with friends and neighbors. Ed and I have completed a cross-country road trip to the West coast and back. Ed grows our own organic vegetables, many of which we eat during the winter months. We are truly enjoying each and every day." - Suzanne Skamarycz Nobrega

"Geoff and I are busy getting our cottage on Prince Edward Island ready for the summer rental season. We enjoy the warm water and ocean view but have a lot of work to do to get it ready. We are back and forth during the summer. Retirement can be fun. Every day feels like Saturday." - Diana Virta Wood

"My wife and I retired at the end of 2010. I was worried and wonderng if I was doing the right thing but now there is no looking back! We visited Hawaii and California in the fall and in January left for our winter home in Florida. We just got back to Gardner. I'm glad I didn't have to shovel all that snow, but I did have to get back to cut the grass!!!" - Vincent Maillet

"The retirement yeaers are flying by a lot faster than our years of working. I have no complaints and my wife and I try to enjoy every day. I used to dream of retiring in Florida, but never thought it would happen! - Donald Roy

"At first I missed working but now I am getting used to retirement. I moved back to Gardner and love it! I reecently traveled to the Virgin Islands on a trip I won at Foxwoods on a penny machine. Sailed on the Nowegian Epic, a beautiful ship. Went to Aruba for a week. Spent a week in Destin, Florida with classmates." - Roberta Dines Graves.

"There is much peace, joy, and love in the autumn years of life with a lot more time for reflection. There is time to do the important things and still learn and experience something new." - Geri Girard Nelson

"I love retirement. I devote more time to writing and belong to the Wachusett Writers and Poets Group. I have placed many stories in newspapers and magazines. We enjoy grandchidren, camping, fishing, and taking long walks - anything outdoors! - Jan Morin Ricord

"My husband Stan and I love retirement and often wonder how we got anything done when we worked. We have added a wrap-around porch on our house and a den that looks out on the lake. Stan plants a lot of vegetables and some fruits. We babysit for our great-grandson. I am doing all the reading I couldn't do when I worked plus I knit and crochet and do some quilting. - Judy Herr Bonk

"We live in a "55 and over" community in Florida and there is never a dull moment. We are in walking distance to the clubhouse, gym, and pool. We play cribbage, billiards, pool volleyball, mah jong, and go to they gym once a day. There is sometung to to do all the time if you choose. When we go back north for the summer, we enjoy visiting with family and friends and spoiling the grandkids. We still drive back down before the snow starts falling. - Barbara Reed Fuller

Do you have a reflection on retirement that we can add to this blog post? Please add a comment or send an e-mail so it can be added to this posting.

News from Jane Granquist Niemi

2011-05-02T02:52:00.000-07:00

Jane (Granquist) Niemi

Jane (Granquist) Niemi of Addison, ME sends us a picture of herself and her brother Nils, who some classmates from West Gardner, Coleman Street Elementary School, or the Albion Stret neighborhood may remember.

Jane keeps the books for the Old Mill Restaurant on Route 2A in Westminster. She summers along the Maine coast north of Bar Harbor and Jonesport. During the winter months, Jane visits her brother and his wife, who live in Colebrook, NH. Jane enjoys gardening, sewing, reading, and following NASCAR races. She welcomes hearing from former classmates. Please leave a comment or contact us privately to get contact information.

Classmates at Work, Part 2

2011-04-25T03:44:00.000-07:00

Bruce Jacobsen of Blacksburg, SC has two careers - operating a swimming pool sales and service business, and working part-time for H&R Block doing taxes from Jan-April.

Marcia (Shepard) Wilk of the Villages, FL works as a licensed clinical social worker/therapist in private practice.

Brian L. Bjurling and his wife Betty operate Bjurling Associates, a business taxes and payroll prepartion firm with offices in Worcester and Leominster. Brian and Betty live in Leominster, MA.

Robert Hunter Coffin Jr. teaches at a high school in Fairfax, VA. He writes, "It is nice to pick up Social Security while still bringing in a monthly paycheck and other retirement income. I'm having fun doing my Herve Bowden routine and providing students with anecdotes and stories about the blood, guts, gore, sex, and stupidity that makes up real history."

Betsy (Carr) Parks is a broker/owner at RE/MAX Proferssionals realestate in Lawton, OK.

Beverly (Morze) Piccone lives in Rockville, MD and is also active in real estate. She shares pictures of some of her exclusive listings with friends on Facebook.

James M. Perry lives in Glenshaw, PA and consults for the Free Education Foundation in Washington and is preparing to teach a Systems Engineering course for the University of Maryland.

Nancy (Cormier) Toolin of Marston Mills, MA organizes and arranges specialty cruises via CruiseOne to exciting destinations.

Carolyn (Cunningham) Larson of Castelton-On-Hudson, NY provides education consultng services to local and state education agencies.

Jane (Granquist) Niemi of Addision ME, keeps the books for the Old Mill Restaurant in Westminster, MA.

Evelyn (Hurme) Fogg runs a convenience store and family business in Rindge, NH.

Maryann (Kropotkin) Packard works at the Montague Public Library and lives in Turners Falls, MA.

Georgette LeBlanc is a senior manager for UBS wealth management, investment banking, and asset management services in New York City, NY.

Nancy (Haynes) Poole conducts Neighborhood Bible Study Groups and lives in Gilford, NH.

Stephen Resnick and his wife Carol own and operate Paper Americana, dealing in printed ephemera, including historical documents, rare manuscripts, pamphlets, posters - particularly World War I posters - antiquarian books, and 19th century trading cards. Stephen lives in Cazenovia, NY.

Patricia (Roberts) Strandberg is an independent tax consultant living in San Antonio, TX.

Timothy Swanson is professor of Physics at Eastern Connecticut State University. He lives in Columbia, CT.

Carole (Tobia) Mumby manages databases for the Chelmsford, MA public schools.

Dorothy (Wolanski) Kaufman is postmaster of the famous King Ranch in Texas and lives in Corpus Christi, TX.

John I. Yablonski is "in control" at Biocontrol, the company he founded in Westfield, NJ.

This is the second in a series of posts about GHS Class of 1960 classmates who are not yet fully retired. If any of this information is inaccurate or outdated, please contact me so I can edit and correct this post. If you know of another classmate and what they are doing, please forward this informatiion so we can share it.

Remembering Eric Chapman

2011-04-18T03:45:00.000-07:00

Eric J. Chapman as pictured in the 1960 Argus

Mark Furth is a member of the Viola List Blog and posted a tribute to GHS Classmate Eric Chapman, who died of lung cancer at age 68 on April 7th, 2011, in Lincolnshire, Illinois. He wrote, in part: Before opening a violin shop, Eric was a Teaching Fellow in African-American Studies at the University of Michigan and taught history at St. Paul's School in New Hampshire. Eric grew up in a musical home and by age four fell in love with the sound of the viola. As a youngster he helped to demonstrate violins and violas at the famous Wurlitzer shop in New York. He played viola for 45 years in civic orchestras, founded the Ann Arbor Summer Symphony in 1974, and remained active in chamber music. Eric brought unimpeachable integrity to a trade not always known for high ethical standards. He treated a young student shopping for a starter instrument with the same respect he accorded to a high-budget client looking for one made by an old Italian master. He never stopped learning and teaching. Eric is survived by his wife Adina, daughter Ariel (a very talented young violist) and a son, Raphael. I can't begin to express how much he will be missed. Need contact info to send condolences? Please leave your name using the comment feature or send an email to or call the keeper of the class database.

Classmates at Work, Part 1

2011-04-11T04:20:00.000-07:00

Jim Tamulen teaches first year iron-worker apprentices.

Not all GHS Class of 1960 classmates are fully retired...yet. Approximately 35 alumni are still employed or are self-employed, full or part-time. This post is the first in a series of posts on what they do and why they do it.

Jim Tamulen, a retired iron worker, teaches first year apprentices in Structural Steel Erection, Labor History, and Rods. He has conducted classes in Boston, Worcester, Springfield, Burlington (VT), and Clinton (ME). "My wife comes along on some of the travel and we make it a nice long weekend," says Jim. "The pay has helped us enjoy life more."

Marjorie (Jandris) Kraskouskas works full time overseeing all aspects of human resources for 1000 + employees at the Hockomock Area YMCA. She writes, "Working for a mission-based organization that models character values is important to me personally. The position continues to be stimulating, challenging, and ever-changing - something I thrive on. Marjorie adds, "The face may be aging, but the brain still works."

Claudine (Marchegiani) Reilly is Wellness Manager at CVS Caremark in Woonsocket, RI, providing health promotion programs to over 220,000 employees country-wide. She also does telephonic health coaching weekends and evenings and plans to contunue that work through her 70's. She regards health coaching as "a fabulous opportunity because I can do it in the comfort of home and set my own hours." Claudine enjoys photography, gardnening, biking, xc skiing, and hiking.

Merilyn (Ruuska) Dunn retired in 2007, spent the next few years "on vacation," and then got restless. She missed her clients who became friends, and started consulting again on a limited basis. She used her market research background to move into health care needs for seniors, teaming up with an associate who publishes monthly newspapers directed at senior issues. She also continues to consult on digital imaging.

Marilyn Michelson recently moved from California to Alaska. She works for the MatSu Business Alliance, an organization that focuses on helping small and medium-sized businrsses. Marilyn writes their weeky newsleters, operating from home and loving it. Her husband, Ron, consults on environmental issues and also works from home.

Harold Fiske retired as professor of Music from the University of Western Ontario in June of 2010 but continued to work part time, teaching an undergraduate course. He is considering doing a graduate course during the 2012 winter term, and still writes book reviews and articles. Harold and his wife, Anne (Fleming) Fiske continue to live in London, Ontario and travel to far offplaces like Dubai, where theuir son and family live.

The Hawaiian Number

2011-04-04T03:07:00.000-07:00

Back: Annette (Cormier) Scribner, unknown person, Jackie (Teir) Sanford, Karen (Heywood) Greenlaw.

Front: Jeanne Levine, Kathy Guilfoyle, Beverly (Morze) Piccone, Mary Alice Ahearn

Do you recognize the "unknown" person in this photograph? Beverly (Morze) Piccone says this was part of a short program during half-time at a football game. Karen (Heywood) Greenlaw added that John Yablonski's mother sewed the costumes. Tom Ryan noted that this happened at the Gardner-East Providence game in 1959. He said the Cats were trailing at the half and that Coach Dubzinski gave a rousing half-time speech. Can you provide additional facts, corrections, or details?

At The Prom

2011-03-28T04:19:00.000-07:00

In this photo are Carolyn (Cunningham) Larson, Kenneth Briggs ('59), Jean (Anderson) Webb, Russell Hoag, Janyce Charles Gemborys, and Stanley Gemborys. The photo was taken at the Junior-Senior Prom in the Spring of 1959 and appeared in the 1959 Argus.

Do you have a photo from your Gardner high school days that you could share with us for posting on our GHS Web Log? Sports events, parties, birthday celebrations, summer jobs, automobiles - all help make it fun to remember the "good old days." Please leave a comment or send me an e-mail if you have an item to share.

Smart Fellows

2011-03-21T11:08:00.000-07:00

In 1960, National Merit Scholarship commendations were awarded to these GHS classmates:

Back: Geoffrey Wood, Robert Hunter Coffin, Jr.

Front: John Forrester, Timothy Swanson

Geoff, Bob, and John attended our 50th class reunion in July of 2010.

Do you have some photos from older issues of the GHS Argus or some clippings from the Gardner News that we could scan and post on our Web Log? Please use the comment feature or send me an e-mail telling us about your "finds."

When Irish Eyes Are Smiling

2011-03-17T04:39:00.000-07:00

Elizabeth O'Regan was an exchange student from Ireland during our years at Gardner High School. She attended our 50th Class Reunion in July, 2010. Elizabeth O'Regan Adkins currently lives in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Classmates who wish to reconnect with Elizabeth may contact me via "comment" or e-mail.

GHS Stamp & Coin Club 1958

2011-03-11T08:55:00.000-08:00

Here is a photograph of Stamp & Coin Club members from the 1958 Argus yearbook. That photo would have been taken during our Sophomore year at Gardner High School.

Back Row: Lou Migliozzi, Blaire Lariviere, unknown, unknown

Middle Row: Ron Wester ('58), unknown, unknown, unknown, unknown

Front Row: Stephen Resnick, Larry Hull, Geoff Wood, Harold Fiske, Mr. Joseph T. Kivlin, club advisor

If you recognize any of the unknown students in this photo, please leave a comment or send e-mail to me directly.

Note: The Local History Room of the Levi Heywood Memorial Library contains copies of all Argus Yearbooks - including yearbooks for the years your parents may have attended Gardner High School.

Chair City of the World

2011-02-16T09:14:00.000-08:00

Chair City of the World by Constance Riley is a combination of personal memoir and factual documentation of the lives of the Timpany, McConnell, Riley, and LaRoche families and their connections to the rise and decline of the chairmaking industry in Gardner, Massachusetts from 1869-2008. Sprinkled throughout the narrative are observations on the immigration of different ethnic groups, politics, children's pastimes, unique Gardner celebrations, and places many GHS classmates will recall. The book includes some nostalgic photographs.

Chair City of the World by Constance Riley (2008) Xlibris Corporation. ISBN 978-1-4363-5846-0 is available through local libraries and bookstores and at www.amazon.com/Chair-City-World-Constance-Riley/dp/1436358450

Some of the many local families mentioned in Constance Riley's recollections include Nelsons, Zarozinkskis, Blakes, Hawke, French, LeClair, Tamulen, Kinnear, Hooper, Piper, Atter, Tobia, Waterman Reilly, and Rahaim.

A special addendum to the text lists Gardner chairmakers 1805-1960. Constance Riley's brother, Bernard (Red) Riley was general manager of Heywood Wakefield and personnel manager for Nichols and Stone.

Here's a lick from the text.

"South Gardner had its own gang of rascals. No one remembers why, but they called themselves the Blackwater Navy. Instead of Spanky, the ringleader was Red Riley. A gang of seven or eight boys used to gather in a small building, probably a tool shed, between Travers Printing and Dr. Heininger's on West Broadway. When the gang grew larger, they needed a bigger clubhouse. They moved from West Broadway to the Shack, which was in the backyard of 53 South Main Street and had once been home to Clair Timpany's chickens." - page 49

Anyone who grew up in Gardner in the 1950's will probably identify with many of the people, places, and events that Constance Riley captures in her book. Whether you borrow it from a library or purchase your own copy, you will come away with a deeper appreciation for your hometown.

Finnish Center Seeks Donations

2010-12-29T12:15:00.000-08:00

Formed as a social group for Finnish immigrants in 1898, the Finnish Center at Saima Park, 61 Scott Road, Fitchburg, MA 01420, is dedicated to preserving and promoting Finnish and Finnish-American heritage and culture.

GHS Classmate Lloyd Hannula asks, "Do you have a pair of cross-country skis and/or ski poles/cross country ski boots you can donate or loan to the Finnish Center at Saima Park? In February we will have a series of open houses featuring our Saima Park cross-country ski trails. Dates include February 5, 12, 19, and 26 from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. We are also seeking donations or loans of snowshoes."

Can you help Lloyd? For more information, contact Lloyd Hannula at (978) 602 2014 or lloydhannula@aol.com .

Making a Donation to the Stone Fund

2010-12-23T09:55:00.000-08:00

Thanks to GHS classmate Russell W. Hoag, Jr. for discovering that a monetary contribution can still be made to the Stone Fund, even though the Nichols and Stone furniture company is no longer operating.

Address correspondence to:

Albert H. and Rueben S. Stone Fund
P.O. Box 1008
Gardner, MA 01440
(978) 630 2800 phone
(978) 630 2801 FAX
albertstonefund123@gmail.com

If you need to reach someone before the end of the year, please call Donna Bell-Isle at Leblanc and Sans Law Office, (978) 632 0011

Many classmates who were recipents of the Stone Fund have expressed an interest in "giving back." Gardner High School also has an Alumni Scholarship Fund that takes donations for distribution to future graduates. Donations can be made out to the Gardner High School Alumni Scholarship Fund and sent to:

Judy A. Mack
Gardner High School Guidance Department
Gardner High School
200 Catherine Street
Gardner MA 01440
(978) 632 1600 main office
(978) 630 4066 guidance

You don't have to be a Stone Fund Recipent to want to give back to your community, and contributing to either the Stone Fund or the Alumni Scholarship Fund is both generous and tax-deductable.

Lining Up is Hard To Do

2010-09-21T06:26:00.000-07:00

Here's another picture from Brenda Nyman Clausen, taken on Saturday July 24, just as we were all lining up for our 50th Class Reunion photo. As you can see, the front row (to be seated on the grass) had not been called in yet, and the folks in the back row have not climbed on the staging sety for them . There's a lot of visiting, greeting, and hugging going on. Our sympathies go to the photo crew, who must have felt like they were herding squirrels. Still, it all happened on time, and the complete and finished photos were delivered before dessert.

Greeting Former Classmates

2010-09-16T03:31:00.000-07:00

Brenda Nyman Clausen took this photo showing Karen Heywood Greenlaw and William Farnsworth greeting Peter Larson and Carrie Cunningham Larson at the Saturday Reunion Dinner on July 24, 2010. If you have photo from the reunion, we'd like to see them. Reunions go by so quickly - it is hard to get photos of everyone who attended. You can help us tell the whole story.

Listening to Language

2010-09-07T04:21:00.000-07:00

Your reunion plannning committee continues to receive hand-written notes, e-mail messages, and telephone calls from classmates commenting on our 50th Class Reunion. Here are some of the things people have said. They can teach us about what mattered most to those who attended.

"The best reunion ever."
"Fabulous job"

"Thank you for all your hard work."

"Thank you all for your hard work."

"Everyone I spoke to said everything was great."

"A wonderful weekend filled with memories."

"Outstanding planning, organization, and execution."

"Everyone was so nice"

"My table made it especially fun."

"Was planned out to the T's"

"The hospitality suite was a great idea."

"I can't imagine the hours you spent getting ready for this."

"Excellent job of set-up."

"Was fun to get ready via Facebook and the GHS Web Log.

"You really went above and beyond."

"Each event was fun."

"I wasn't going to go but the e-mails made me feel wanted"

"I haven't been to a reunion before and I am glad I went."

"I got ideas for my own class reunion . (guest)"

"What a blessing to see so many classmates after all these years."

News from Roger Kinnear

2010-08-30T03:32:00.000-07:00

Roger and Nan Kinnear are regular attendees at GHS reunions.

Roger Kinnear now lives in Collierville, Tennessee. He is retired from a career as plant manager of food plants, and is enjoying visiting with grandchildren in the area and traveling to see others. Roger and Nancy have 4 children and 8 grandchildren. In high school, Roger was a member of the GHS Ski Club and served on the Stage Crew for four years.

After the Ball is Over...

2010-08-23T12:46:00.000-07:00

Following our 50th Class Reunion in July, most people returned to their homes and daily routines. Some stayed in the area and visited with friends and family. Others completed other planned trips or extended vacations in New England. Classmate Louis Paul Migliozzi had other pressing business, as shown.

If anyone remembers who won the wine basket that Lou donated for our Reunion Raffle, please let us know. We didn't keep a record of who won what at our 50th Reuinion, but we promise to do better next time.

Remembering Pamela Prime

2010-08-18T08:58:00.000-07:00

Pamela Prime Miller died on July 25, 2006. This picture, taken in 2001, was provided by Nancy Ball Griffin of Columbus, Ohio. Nancy writes that Pam and her husband, Cledith, were the parents of two sons. After living for a while in Germany, Pam and Clete lived in central Pennysylvania from the early 1970's until she died. Pam worked as an occupational therapist throughout her career. She enjoyed hiking, camping, swimming and the company of their dog, Peach.

News from Jeanne Charest Mallet

2010-08-13T10:22:00.000-07:00

Jeanne Charest spent only two years at Gardner High School, but made friendships that have lasted a lifetime.

Jeanne was born in Gardner but spent her early school years in South Royalston. She feels that she was underexposed to the larger world -- she never experienced a library before going to high school. Going to high school in the "city" (of Gardner) was a big deal, but it meant getting up early to get on the train every day to go to school. She writes, "At first I was overwhelmed and felt awkward. I found out that there were uptowners, downtowners and "us"-- out-of- towners. That's hard to figure out when you are a kid with so little experience socially."

Soon Jeanne made new friends and that made a big difference. She lists Ginny Blake, Connie Lesneski, Sue Skamarycz, Joanne Bogdanski, Jackie Tousignant, Donna Blake, and Judy Bishop as her social circle. She felt academically overwhelmed but her goal was to play on the girls softball team in her freshman year. Earning her letter was a special reward.

By the time sophomore year arrived, Jeanne was more comfortable in Gardner but then discovered that Royalston was going into a regional high school with Athol. "The prospect of change was distressing but after every effort to find the money to stay in Gardner, I realized I'd have to go with the flow. " There, Jeanne lettered in thre sports and found total acceptance."

Jeanne married her boyfriend from Gardner, Barry Glinski. "We have three very successful daughters and five grandchildren. Our marriage didn't last and after a divorce, I married Phil Mallet from Athol. We have been together for the better part of 30 years and continue to be happy. We are both presently retired and live in a condo in West Boylston."

Although she only went to GHS for two years, Jeanne acknowledges that "Ginny Blake and I have been friends for 54 years, which means that my short stop at Gardner High School had an everlasting effect on my life."

More Band News

2010-08-07T03:52:00.000-07:00

Our own Major Domo, Richard Goguen, at the Amercan Legion National Convention in Hawaii

Richard Goguen writes, "Our Waltham American Legion Band of which I am a drum major and drummer received an invitation to march in the Gardner 225th Anniversary Parade in September. I haven't marched in a Gardner parade in about 50 years or so. I hope that I can connect with classmates again on the parade day. I am furnishing a bio and pictures to the parade committee.

50th Reunion Group Photo

2010-08-04T02:51:00.000-07:00

This is a low-resolution, poor quality facsimile of our 50th Reunion group photo taken just before the Saturday Dinner.

For a guide to who is pictured in each row, please go to http://mysite.verizon.net/vzep7fvn/attendees.htm

You can still order print copies of the 8 x 12 photo by sending $10.00 to the photographer.

Paul Lehoux

Lasting Memories

157 West Street

Gardner, MA 01440

(978) 632 0966

FACEBOOK friends have access to the photo ID guide and albums of informal snapshots taken at each of the three reunion events, with names of classmates "tagged" in each photo.

Did You Take Pictures?

2010-08-02T03:36:00.000-07:00

Attending the GHS Class of 1960 50th Reunion Dinner on Saturday, July 24 were Priscilla Dionne McKillop, Dianne Roy Young, Barbara Reed Fuller, Janet Therrien Miller, Shirley Long Smith, and Alice Teles Stone.

If you have digital photos from any of the three reunion events, please send them to us so we can put them into online albums or feature them on our GHS Web Log. Attach them to an e-mail message you send to dfleming373@verizon.net.

Thanks to classmate Shirley Long Smith for sending this photo.

Stage Crew

2010-07-31T05:55:00.000-07:00

The Stage Crew for our Senior Class Play "Follow The Dream" 1960: Back: Raymond Barton, Roger Kinnear Front: Ray Faucher('61), David Feltmarch

Every live production has some folks front and center, on stage, and other folks behind the scenes, pulling on ropes, moving props, and adjusting lights.

The same goes for our 50th Class Reunion. Here's the stage crew who helped make our 50th Class Reunion a success:

Carol Johnson Smith - registraton table
Carolyn Hebert - raffle tickets (Judy's daughter)
Judy Goodwin Cross - raffle tickets
George Collette - room set-up
Barbara Fleming - informal photographs
Ronald Cormier - library tour

Memories Shared, Memories Made

2010-07-29T03:49:00.000-07:00

Evelyn Hurme Fogg reviews an album of Westminster elementary and junior high photographs assembled for our 50th Class Reunion.

The Monday, July 26 edition of the Gardner News (Volume 208, Number 175, pages 1 and 5) featured a front-page story on Gardner High School's class of 1960 three-day reunion. Staff reporter Steve Marcotte attended the Sunday Brunch at the Levi Heywood Memorial Library to interview classmates. His report acknowledged the large number of scholarships and awards received by members of our class, and included quotes from Jerome Pierce, Judy Heino Collette, and Judy Goodwin Cross.

The color photo of Karen Heywood Greenlaw published in the Gardner News did not scan well (came out too dark and grainy) so we used one of our own from the Sunday Brunch in this post.

The album that Evelyn is holding is still not complete. We are missing Mrs. L'Ecuyer's 1st grade class, 1949, and Miss Smith's 6th grade class, 1954. It does contain the entire Junior High Yearbook from 1957, thanks to Jean Williams Mattson.

The following GHS classmates and friends contrubuted to the album by loaning original documents or photographs for copying and scanning, or by helping to identify names of students in photos.

Jean Williams Mattson, Evelyn Hurme Fogg, John Oinonen, Ernest Lehtonen, Oscar Lehtonen, Merilyn Ruuska Dunn, Marilyn L'Ecuyer Michelson, Robert Marien, Robert Lowman, Ruth Vieweg Hutchison, and Richard Donovan.

A Salute to Service

2010-07-28T05:33:00.000-07:00

David Feltmarch provided this photo of three GHS classmates in training at Fort Dix, New Jersey. Shown are David Feltmarch, Russell Hoag, and Ronald Rosengren.

At the Saturday Dinner program of our 50th Class Reunion, class president Stanley Gemborys called upon all former service members to stand in recognition of their service to country. We do not have a complete list of all GHS classmates, male and female, who served in a branch of our armed services. If you can help us by identifying classmates who are veterans, please include their name in a comment you add to this message. Thank you.

Sunday Brunch

2010-07-26T03:28:00.000-07:00

Our Sunday Brunch at the Levi Heywood Memorial Library on West Lynde Street in Gardner provided additional time for meeting and greeting former classmates. Some classmates toured the library facility, including the local history room, while other classmates mingled or sat in small groups or pairs, examining posters and class photo albums. The library tour was conducted by Holy Rosary School classmate Ronald Cormier.

The Friday Night Social and the Reunion Dinner events bustled with activity, laughter, and noise. The conversations on Sunday were more personal, focused, and reflective. Classmates put their heads together to identify classmates in our elementary or junior high school photo albums.

For more photos from the Sunday Brunch, click on the following link:

http://www.dropbox.com/gallery/9296283/1/SundayBrunch?h=1ac09e

Just for the record: 43% of GHS Class of 1960 classmates live in the greater Gardner area. An additional 14% live in other Massachusetts communities. The remaining 43% live in other states, including Alaska and Hawaii, with Florida having the wildcat's share. 115 classmates registered for our 50th Reunion. This represents 56% of our class. Gardner area classmates accounted for 32% of the overall attendance.

Saturday Night Dinner

2010-07-25T04:08:00.000-07:00

Reunions within reunion: former Sacred Heart School classmates gather together for a group photo. Front row: Connie Lesneski Libed, Barbara Pelletier Bachand, Donna Blake Beise, Roberta Dines Graves, Judy Heino Collette, Janice Dick Drummey. Back Row: Gordon Dickie, John Yablonski, David Pacocha, Lucile Minns Fagan, Barry Glinski, Rachel Hebert Reilly, John Awdycki.

Banding together: Major domo Richard Goguen assembled former GHS band members for a group photograph. Front: Jacqui Teir Sanford, Karen Heywood Greenlaw, Barbara Pelletier Bachand, Claudine Marchegiani Reilly; Back: Richard Goguen, Rachel Hebert Reilly, Carrie Cunningham Larson, Linda Giles Merikanto, Bill Farnsworth.

Our 50th class reunion dinner was held at the Westminster Village Inn on Saturday night, with the steamy weather holding steady long enough to get an outdoor photograph of all of us, without any rain on our parade.

You can view a more complete album by clicking on the following link: http://www.dropbox.com/gallery/9296283/1/SaturdayDinner?h=015013

Friday Night at William's Tavern

2010-07-24T04:09:00.000-07:00

Pull up a chair and visit a bit with Roger and Yvonne Savaria Perreault from Mountain Home, Arkansas.

Shari Montville Whipple is front and center in this digital photo taken on Friday night.

The Friday Night Social at William's Tavern and Restaurant on Pearson Boulevard in Gardner served as a warm-up for the main event, our 50th Class reunion dinner, on Saturday. Over 80 classmates participated, meeting, greeting, and discovering new friends in a relaxed setting with plenty of appetizers, both hot and cold, and friendly waitstaff who were eager to refill every glass.

For a more complete album, please click on the following link:

http://www.dropbox.com/gallery/9296283/1/FridayNight?h=27943b

Safe Travel, Classmates

2010-07-21T03:38:00.000-07:00

Here's wishing all GHS Class of 1960 classmates safe travel to and from our 50th Class Reunion events. Whether you live near or far, we hope you enjoy meeting former classsmates and making new friends.

The weather this week continues to be hot and muggy, with chances of thundershowers in the afternoon or evening over the weekend of July 23-25, 2010.

The photo above was taken by Judy (Heino) Collette and shows some hand-painted items prepared by classmate Diane (Brazawskis) Ewing for our reunion raffle. What a nice way to remember our 50th Class Reunion - some lucky ticket holder will take home quite a keepsake.

........................................... Don't Be Late!

Friday Night Social, Williams Tavern, Pearson Boulevard - 6:00 p.m. (NOTE: There is NO Tour of the former GHS building on Elm Street)

Saturday Reunion Dinner, Westminster Village Inn - 5:30 p.m. (registration) 6:45 p.m. (class photo), 7:00 p.m. (dinner) 8:00 p.m. (short program and raffle).

Sunday Brunch, Levi Heywood Memorial Library, West Lynde Street 10:00 a.m. (includes tour of building)

The Girl on the Boulevard

2010-07-19T03:02:00.000-07:00

Here is a photo of a confident and poised young woman at the beach. She is a classmate you may remember, particularly if you attended Pleasant Street, Connors Street, and Gardner Junior High in the 1950's, too.

You will see her again at our 50th Class Reunion. Can you identify this person?

News from Nancy Ball Griffin

2010-07-17T03:01:00.000-07:00

Nancy (Ball) Griffin with her husband Paul and grandchildren AJ (11) and Elizabeth (9), plus Stella

Nancy and Paul were married in 1963. Nancy graduated from Framingham State College in 1964. She taught in both urban and rural areas in Rhode Island before moving to Rochester, Minnesota where daughter Jennifer was born. Nancy and Paul then lived in the Twin Cities area and Indiana before moving to Columbus, Ohio. She writes, "It took many years, but I finally became a Buckeye Nut," but adds that all New England teams are still her favorites. Nancy worked in several small businesses, in real estate, and as a nursing home administrator. In 1994, Nancy returned to teaching, this time in inner city schools, and reports that she loved it.

In addition to photos of her own family, Nancy sent pictures of the late Pamela (Prime) Miller, who died in 2006. Taken in 1995 and 2001, these will be shared in a special post.

Nancy contributed a story to the GHS Memory Book and will join us at our 50th Class Reunion on July 23-25, 2010. Like many others in our class, Nancy enjoys traveling, reading, crafts, and spending time with friends and family.

Enjoying Your 50th Reunion

2010-07-15T04:04:00.000-07:00

One way to have a good time is by taking a chance on winning one of our unique raffle items, like this felted Icelandic wool purse handmade by Janice Dick Drummey.

Our 50th Class Reunion is rapidly approaching and we hope you are preparing for a good time with friends and former classmates. You can help yourself have a more memorable journey in time and place by doing some of the following:

* Looking at the pages of your 1960 Argus before the reunion. You can't expect people to look like that after 50 years, but reviewing the photos in the Argus will remind you of people you might want to seek out at the reunion.

* Introducing your spouse or guest to classmates who may share similar hobbies or life experiences.

* Taking a camera so you can share some photos with family and friends back home, or to send us digital images for posting to the GHS Web Log

* Collecting a FEW photos of home, family, or hobbies to share with classmates. This may be especially important if you have recently retired, relocated or purchased a brand new Harley.

* Carrying extra cash for all those little unexpected purchases you might make, including a class photo and raffle tickets.

* Taking time to chat with people you didn't know very well in high school, but with whom you may have developed similar interests or opinions over the years.

* Don't forget to pack your sense of humor. There are always a lot of things that can go wrong and not meet your expectations. You can't expect to recognize everyone by name, and they may not even remember you, either. A room may be crowded. A dinner table may be full. Someone may have taken the last scallop wrapped in bacon. Plus, it could rain. Hey, we are all still here, aren't we? Let's party.

GHS Memory Book

2010-07-13T08:58:00.000-07:00

GHS Memory Book - Cover Design and Photo by Judy Heino Collette

Thirty-five classmates responded to our invitation to contribute a memory of their Gardner days. The invitation was sent out via e-mail, posted on Facebook, and published in the home news section of the Gardner Daily News. Samples of the GHS Memory Book will be displayed at the Saturday Reunion Dinner on July 24th, 2010. Electronic versions of the GHS Memory Book will be provided at no charge to classmates with e-mail. Paper copy will be sent to classmates who request one for a nominal fee that covers costs of copying and postage.

The GHS Memory Book includes first-person anecdotes about persons, places, and experiences that have made a lasting, lifetime impression. A separate section is devoted to other perspectives on the Gardner experience. Some are written with humor, many as tributes, and others with wistfulness, a few with wishfulness or even mischief. One thing is sure: you will learn things about former classmates that might surprise you!

The GHS Memory Book includes a cover, introduction, table of contents, and 24 pages of memories - 28 pages in all. The work was collected and compiled by Douglas S. Fleming. Judy Heino Collete designed the cover and completed the technical edit and formatting. Classmates who authored items for the publication include Yvonne Savaria Perreault, Carrie Cunningham Larson, Galdys Narkevicius Richardson, Timothy Swanson, Tom Ryan, Donna Blake Beise, Connie Lesneski Libed, Alice Winter Empie, Elaine Stanley Guaraglia, Richard Goguen, Jadwiga Narkevicius Earle, Walter J. Dubzinski, Jr., Louis Paul Migliozzi, John Oinonen, Annette Arsenault Wall, Linda Giles Merikanto, Douglas S. Fleming, Edith Needham Godfrey, Suzanne Skamarycz Nobrega, Jean Williams Albert Mattson, Judy Heino Collette, Dennis Erickson, Jan Morin Ricord, Barbara Pelletier Bachand, Nancy Ball Griffin, Jeanne Charest Mallet, Carole Nyman Platukis, Robert H. Coffin, Jr., William Farnsworth, Karen Heywood Greenlaw, Virginia Blake Monette, Stanley R. Gemborys, Winona LeBlanc Moeller, and Beverly Morze Piccone. Shari Lee Montville Whipple provided the verse that marks transitions between the sections of the text.

To request a paper copy to be sent via USMAIL, contact Judy Heino Collette. To request an electronic version you can read on your computer and print yourself, contact Douglas S. Fleming.

News from Winona LeBlanc Moeller

2010-07-10T02:19:00.000-07:00

Winona (LeBlanc) Moeller and her husband Ken, at Ken's 50th Class Reunion at Melbourne, Florida - from Florida Today, May 23, 2010

Winona has a B.S. (nursing major), M.S. (Family Health and Education) and certificates for post-graduate study. She is a retired LTC, Army Nurse Corps and completed assignments in Germany and throughout the United States. Winona was on special assignments to Fort Sam Houston and the Pentagon for Army Nurse Education. She was honored as Woman of the Year for America Red Cross Europe and earned the Outstanding Nurse Award for Quality Improvement in the Northeast Region.

Winona remains active on the Board of Alumnae at UMASS Amherst. In retirement she keeps busy with home remodeling, gardening, cooking, reading, listening to classical music, walking, and swimming. She quickly adds that "Any of these activities take a back seat when Ken and I are able to enjoy our grandchildren - Derek, 5, and Amanda, 3." Winona and Ken moved fifteen times in their married lives (43 years). Their two children, Gregory and Jonathan, live in Massachusetts and New York.

In high school, Winona was a member of the Junior Red Cross 1, 2, 3, 4 a Senior Play Usherette, and Pro Merito.

Senior Banquet Informal

2010-07-07T04:48:00.000-07:00

Following the 1960 Senior Banquet, some classmates met in Ashburnham at the camp of Winona and Pamela LeBlanc. Seated around the kitchen table are (starting from the back, center, near the refrigerator, and moving clockwise): Jadwiga Narkevicius, Alice Winter, Geraldine Girard, Marilyn L'Ecuyer, Evelyn Hurme, Beverly Morze, Winona LeBlanc, and Pamela LeBlanc (partly obscured). Gladys Narkevicius took the photo.

What memories does this photo evoke for you?

Fact: Seven of the nine persons at this gathering will also be in attendance at our 50th Class Reunion on July 23,24, and 25, including the photographer.

Do you have an old high school photo like this you can share on our web log?

News from William Bradford

2010-07-03T02:31:00.000-07:00

William Bradford and his wife Lynn on a trip to the Georgia and Carolina Mountains

After graduating from high school, Bill spent four years in the Navy aboard aircraft carriers and on bases in Florida. He earned a B.S. degree from Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida and then worked as an engineer for Southern Bell. He writes, "Now retired, I am enjoying life with my wife, Lynn. We have two children -a daughter, Teresa, and a son, Billy - and four grandchildren. I keep busy with BMW motorcycle and car clubs, painting, reading, traveling, and attending grandchildren's sports activities. Bill and Lynn live in Port Orange, Florida.

Bill attended elementary and junior high school in Westminster prior to enrolling at Gardner High School.

News from Jadwiga Narkevicius Earle

2010-06-30T02:12:00.000-07:00

Jadwiga (Narkevicius) Earle, her husband Bill, and three of their grandchildren

Jadwiga writes, "After graduating from Bridgewater State College in 1964 I was hired to teach physical education at a small school, grades 1-12, in Sandwich, MA. There I coached girls varsity basketball and softball. I started field hockey the following year and continued to coach it for 18 years. When the first grade teacher retired, I was asked to fill her position and I did. I taught first grade for three years. I left teaching after I married Bill Earle, who was also a physical education teacher and coach. We have four children - Mary, 38, Katie, 36, Karen, 34, and Kevin, 30. My husband left teaching to run a family fuel business in Sandwich. I worked in the office for fifteen years and retired when the business was sold. My husband continued to work for the new owners. We have six grandchildren - Jonathan, 12, Joshua, 8, Madision, 8, Brandon, 6, Hailey, 5, and Chloe, 4. Since everyone lives in Sandwich, we get together often for birthdays, holidays, and our children's sport events. Bill and I enjoy spending time in Wells, Maine and have traveled to Ireland and Italy. We are looking forward to seeing other countries."

In high school, Jadwiga was elected class secretary in years 1 and 4. She played field hockey and basketball and was Pro Merito for years 3 and 4.

Finding Sam Evans

2010-06-26T02:41:00.000-07:00

Sam Evans and daughter Emma at Organ Pipe National Monument, 2005

Sam Evans did not graduate from Gardner High School in 1960. His father died the year before, leaving his mother with three young boys. Sam's senior year was spent in a school in Connecticut (Wooster School, Danbury) - thanks to a family friend. The eleven years before that were spent in Gardner. Sam attended School Street Elementary School, Gardner Junior High School, and three years at GHS.

Samuel Porter Evans graduated from Washington&Jefferson College, served in Vietnam with an Army artillery unit, then earned an MBA from UCLA. He spent most of his business career in the cable television industry in the Pacific Northwest. Today, he lives in Tucson, Arizona and volunteers wuth and supports various conservation and humanitarian groups. Summers are spent away from the desert in a cabin on the British Columbia coast, 100 miles northwest of Vancouver.

Many classmates will remember Sam's "I Speak for Democracy" speach at a school assembly.

Sam has traveled extensively, living in western China for two and a half years and in Argentina for one year. He writes, "I will miss the reunion and opportunity to reunite with classmates. Thanks for introducing me to the GHS web log where I can read about classmates and learn what you have been doing all these years. I look back fondly on my Gardner days; life was much simpler then than it is for kids today. My thoughts will be with you as you gather in July and I wish you all the best."

How we found Sam: At one time, Sam joined Classmates.com and included a map of his location. We went to a telephone database and entered Sam Evans in Tucson AZ. Bada bing! The man at the other end of the line was Sam.

GHS Class of 1960 - By The Numbers

2010-06-23T06:52:00.000-07:00

2 - children's sweaters, hand-made by Linda Giles Merikanto, and donated to the Reunion Raffle to be held on Saturday, July 24th, 2010.

247 - number of classmates pictured in the 1960 Argus yearbook

43 - number of classmates who are deceased

107 - number of classmates planning to attend a reunion event

75 - approximate percentage of classmates who are retired

25 - approximate percentage of classmates who are currently working full or part-time

84 - number of classmates with accounts on Facebook

34 - number of classmates contributing a memory to the GHS Memory Book

Top Ten Interests and Hobbies (as reported on Facebook and in updates privided to the GHS Web Log)

1. Reading and watching movies

2. Dining out

3. Visiting with children and grandchildren

4. Walking and excercising (biking, swimming, skating, dancing, hiking)

5. Traveling to other states and countries

6. Gardening and yard work

7. Concerts and theatre

8. Attending sports events

9. Photography and nature study

10. Practicing a new skill (musical instrument, speaking Spanish, wood-carving, etc.)

Did we miss something? Not get it quite right? Leave us a comment with your addition or request.

News from Walt Dubzinski, Jr.

2010-06-19T02:58:00.000-07:00

Walt and Irene (St. John) Dubzinski

Walt writes "I'm still coaching football at Gardner High School after retiring from the faculty six years ago. I guess that means my days at GHS were very good or I wouldn't still be here today." In his contribution to the GHS Memory Book, Walt acknowledges that the teachers and coaches at Gardner High School were the greatest influence on his life and career.

Walt and Irene have three children - a son, Michael, now a guidance counselor and football coach at Wachusett Regional High School; a daughter, Kathryn, raising a family in Holden; and another son, Steve, a guidance counselor and basketball coach at Leominster High School. Steve also assists Walt with the Gardner High School football team.

This almost-but-not-quite-retired couple spend their free time visiting grandchildren, attending sporting events, and spending summers in Maine.

Coach Priscilla Power

2010-06-15T11:34:00.000-07:00

Coach Priscilla Power

Gladys Narkevicius Richardson reports that Coach Priscilla Power will be unable to attend our 50th Class Reunion Dinner due to health issues. Coach Power lives in Maine with her pup, Chyna. She would enjoy hearing from her former students and athletes. Contact a member of the reunion planning committee for her address. We are not posting that for privacy reasons.

Gardner's 225th Anniversary Celebration

2010-06-12T03:21:00.000-07:00

Judy Heino Collette sends a link to the web site for Gardner's 225th Anniversary Celebration this year, with events running from June to October.

http://www.gardner-ma.gov/pages/GardnerMA_Webdocs/celebrate225

Check out the program to see what may be happening when you are in town for the GHS Class of 1960 50th Reunion or other family visits. On June 26 there will be a Family Movie Night. Judy says the September parade promises to be one of the largest ever in Gardner, but she is looking forward to the "South Gardner Block Party" on October 2, (Union Street to Chelsea Street). There will be food vendors and bands.

At the Prom 1960

2010-06-09T02:31:00.000-07:00

Six Senior Prom Attendees

Here is a photo from Linda (Giles) Merikanto showing "how we looked" at the Senior Prom in 1960.

Back row: John Tinker, Dennis Erickson, Larry Lundwall
Front row: Linda Giles, Candace Brooks, Elizabeth Carr

Do you have a late fifties high school photo you can share with us? Contact us at ghsclassof1960@gmail.com . We can scan and return your photos promptly.

News from Stan & Jan Gemborys

2010-06-05T04:48:00.000-07:00

Stan and Janyce (Charles) Gemborys

After graduation from GHS in 1960 Janyce studied at the Henry Heywood Memorial School of Nursing in Gardner, receiving her diploma in 1963. Stan earned an A.B. in Biology from Dartmouth College in 1964. The couple then spent three years in Auburn, Alabama, where Janyce started her long career in Student Health and Stan earned his Ph.D. in Botany in 1967. Stan writes, " When we arrived there, segregation was still strong and it was certainly an eye opener for us Yankees. Lurleen Wallace, then Governor, signed my diploma."

Stan and Jan then moved to Virginia, where Stan took a position as Assistant Professor of Biology at Hampden-Sydney College, a small private liberal arts college for men in a county that had only recently reopened its public schools after they had been closed to avoid integration. Janyce worked in student health at Longwood College in nearby Farmville, Virginia. Janyce retired in 1990 after becoming ill, and Stan retired in 2005.

Over the years, Stan taught "classic" college biology courses such as Botany, Plant Ecology, Marine Biology, and Limnology as well as some more "esoteric" ones - Playing God with Nature, Agriculture and Ecology, and How Ecologists and Theologians Look at Nature. Stan taught his first section of Environmental Biology in 1968 and over time taught that course to over 1800 students. Together, Stan and Jan took over 400 students abroad to study ecology and natural history. Janyce served as resident nurse and advisor on trips to Bermuda, Jamaica, Mexico, Venezuela, Spain, Great Britain, and Central Europe.

Stan and Jan purchased a home in Eaton Center, New Hampshire - now their current legal residence - and have spent most of their summers and holidays there. Stan also conducted field research in the area. He studied the vegetation of the Bowl Natural Area, the land use of Eaton, and how the paintings of the White Mountain school of painters reflected the ecology of their times.

Stan and Jan have enjoyed skiing, horse keeping, attending antique auctions, and cultural events on the Hampden-Sydney College campus. Janyce is still a collector and Stan says he tries his hand at woodworking. In retirement they have enjoyed travel and in recent years have visited Japan, Tahiti, St. Petersburg, Istanbul, Santiago, and Tunis. Janyce enjoys her membership in the DAR and Stan is a Rotarian.

Just this summer, Stan and Jan sold their property in Virginia. A few years ago, they bought a home in Manomet, Massachusetts to be closer to their daughter Kyra, and grandson Connor, who live in Duxbury. Stan adds, "Y'all come visit, hear?"

Where Are They Now?

2010-06-02T03:26:00.000-07:00

Do You Recognize These People?

Our 50th Class Reunion will bring together people who may not have seen each other since the late 50's or early 60's. Although we have worked hard to keep our class database up to date, we still lack current and accurate contact information for the following GHS Class of 1960 graduates:

Mary Ann Kropotkin
James M. Perry

Michael A. Smith

Can you provide us with any leads, tips, or suggestions? We will follow up.

Crosby, Stills, and Nash will perform at the AARP conference at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida on September 30-October 2, 2010. Video of their first live performance of Suite: Judy Blue Eyes at the 1969 Woodstock Festival is available on You-Tube.

News from Nancy Cormier Toolin

2010-05-29T02:38:00.000-07:00

Nancy (Cormier) Toolin

Nancy writes, "My partner, Richard (formerly executive chef of the Salem Cross In, West Brookfield, MA) and I have been together for 22 years. We may actually make it legal soon but are in no rush. We have been on Cape Cod for 18 years and it is always a pleasure to be here. We have been in the travel business for 15 years and have traveled extensively all over the world, but there is still more to see. Amsterdam during tulip time is on my bucket list.

My company, CruiseOne, is one of the largest home-based sellers of vacation get-aways on land and at sea, including honeymoons, family reunions, corporate meetings, and other events. We get great discounts, and you get ME!!! Service with a smile and a deal! Call 1-800-425-7245.

I volunteer for the Audible Local Ledger, reading for the blind, and continue my acting by recording talking books. Last week I was Mata Hari. You can't beat that - being 47 years old, thin, with green eyes. Oh well...type-cast again. La Chaim! "

Nancy attended Pleasant Street and Connors Street Elementary Schools, then went to Gardner Junior High School. At Gardner High School, Nancy as a member of the Senior Play cast, Senior Kid Party committee, Little Oscar committee, and Senior Banquet committee.

Senior Class Play

2010-05-26T02:53:00.000-07:00

Cast of the Senior Class Play - "Follow the Dream"

Back row: Robert Frenette, Ernest Johnson, Blair Lariviere, Douglas Fleming, Edith Needham, Timothy Swanson, Marjorie Jandris, Stephen Resnick

Middle Row: Claudine Marchegiani, Norman Begun, Pamela Prime, Bill Farnsworth, Nancy Cormier

Front Row: Shari Montvile, Judy Goodwin, Beverly Morze, Elaine Stanley

Behind the scenes were Mr. George Black, faculty director, and Carolyn Cunningham, student director. Barbara Pelletier was prompter. The stage crew included Ray Barton, Roger Kinnear, and David Feltmarch. Usherettes for the performance were Mary Phelan, Jackie Teir, Linda Giles, Rachel Hebert, Gloria LeBlanc, Helen Legere and Pamela LeBlanc.

Did we leave anyone out? Please send a message to ghsclassof1960@gmail.com if we have omitted anyone who was involved in the Senior Class Play production.

News from Timothy Swanson

2010-05-22T02:50:00.000-07:00

Tim Swanson and his wife, Ginger

Timothy Swanson writes that "Ginger and I have been married for almost twenty two years (a second marriage for both of us) and live in Columbia, CT, just west of Willimantic. I am Associate Professor of Physics and Chairperson of the Department of Physical Sciences at Eastern Connecticut State University. I have no plans to retire, as I enjoy college teaching far too much to stop now."

Tim sent us a reflection on his high school days to add to the GHS Memory Book. He writes about individual teachers and his band experiences. Here is an excerpt from the conclusion to his essay.

"We were fortunate to grow up in the 1950's and attend high school at the end of that decade. It was among the best of places and among the best of times to do that. Gardner was a city in which quality education was valued by teachers, parents , and the community itself. It was a city in which a person could feel perfectly safe walking its streets both day and night. It was peace time, the time after the Korean War and the time before Vietnam would divide the country and be a dual danger to those entering the armed services. It was a time when we as students could focus on the things we valued - family, friends, and studies - without many of the worries we have today. I thank all of you for the many good times we shared together."

Tim's year round interests include reading about naval history and the American Civil War. He has also done work on the genealogy members of their families. Tim races a small sailboat in the summer and enjoys golf. Tim and Ginger will not attend the 50th Reunion in July. They are caring for two grandchildren ages 4 and 6 while their parents are on a long trip out of the country. Tim sends special greetings to boyhood friends Stan and Russ, and to all those with whom he shares so many GHS band memories, including Dick, Harold, Norm, and Bill.

More Raffle Items

2010-05-19T03:39:00.000-07:00

Showing Her True Colors - photo by Judy Heino Collette

These handmade knitted scarves by Judy Heino Collette are among the items to be raffled off at our 50th Class Reunion Dinner on Saturday, July 24, 2010. In addition to well-known Gardner-area items like Priscilla's Candy, our reunion raffle will feature one-of-a-kind items made by classmates. Here's a small sampling:

* Bob Coffin's zesty medley of gourmet toppings and sauces - Chunky Serrano Salsa, Caponata My Way, Grandma Jennie's Rummage Pickle, Spicy Mango Jam, and Wake-Up-The-Dead Sauce.

* Doug and Barbara Fleming's Wild Berry Preserves - blueberry, black raspberry, and blackberry spreadables for toast, biscuits, crackers or to mix with yogurt.

* A Stanley Gemborys hand-carved ambulatory device - better known as a walking stick.

All raffle items will be displayed at the Reunion Dinner and tickets will be sold for $1.00, $5.00, and $ 10.00. We have something for everyone. Go ahead. Put your money down on a chance to win an item you can take back home as a unique momento of a very special evening.

News from Karen Heywood Greenlaw

2010-05-16T02:58:00.000-07:00

Karen (Heywood) Greenlaw

When Karen remarried in 2005, she hung up her stethoscope, too. While living in MO, CT, MI, and TN, Karen worked as a medical assistant for various Family Practitioners and Internists. Karen and her husband, Wayne, now live in Rustburg, VA near Lynchburg. Karen's passion is being outdoors. She enjoys hiking, biking, camping, skiing, and yard work, especially gardening. Karen sings in her church choir and takes advantage of the many activities offered at the five colleges in her area, especially Liberty University.

Wayne has hiked the entire Appalachian Trail from GA to ME. Between them, Karen and Wayne have 14 grandchildren. The couple loves to travel...Egypt, Jordan, Israel, Europe, and different cruises. They spend summers up and down the New England Coast from Maine to Cape Cod. Karen is in Gardner several times a year to visit her mom and sister. She looks forward to seeing old friends at the Class Reunion in July.

Karen's son, Doug, lives in Indianapolis with his family. Her daughter, Daphne, lives in Nashville but will move to Minnesota soon. Daphne and her oldest daughter, Madison were filmed last summer in a film titled "Home Schooled?" - a story about a family who refuses to send their children to public school when home schooling becomes illegal in the state they live in.

Karen offers a link to the movie trailer at http://homeschooledthemovie.com/ . The film will be shown at the Independent Christian Film Festival in San Antonio TX in November.

Reunion Raffle

2010-05-12T03:50:00.000-07:00

A Gift Basket of Wildcat Wine from Anthony's Liquors of Gardner - one of many raffle items you might take home from our reunion! - photo by Judy (Heino) Collette

As part of our Saturday dinner program on July 24, 2010, we will be conducting a raffle of uniquely Gardner area and classmate-made items. Why not take a chance on winning one of our very special items? Proceeds from the purchase of raffle tickets will help defray reunion costs and create a moment we can all enjoy together as the winners are announced.

Some of the items to be raffled on Saturday evening include:

* An Icelandic Woolen Purse (grey, felted) - handmade by Janice (Dick) Drummey

* Knitted Scarves (Gardner colors) - handmade by Judy (Heino) Collette

* Toddler's Tennis Sweater -knitted by Linda (Giles) Merikanto

* Home-made Raspberry Wine -pressed and bottled by Lou Migliozzi

* Walking Stick - hand-crafted by Stanley Gemborys

* Basket of Beauty Supplies donated by Virginia (Blake) Monette

Other raffle items are Gardner area products like seasonal beer from Wachusett Brewing Company, a cheese basket from Smith's Country Cheese, and a box of Priscilla's Candy. Revisit this blog to learn about additional items and raffle ticket bundles. You can't go wrong by "taking a chance" on your class.

Got a question about the raffle or an item to suggest? Send your idea to ghsclassof1960@gmail.com .

Mystery Girls

2010-05-08T06:07:00.000-07:00

Do You Know These Girls?

The owner of this photograph says the two girls look like World War II refugees, but you may recognize something in the eyes, the hair, or the smiles to identify these two GHS Class of 1960 classmates.

Who are they?

These childhood pals have remained friends throughout theue adult lives. Both attended West Broadway and Prospect Street Elementary School. Both will attend the 50th Class Reunion in July.

Let us know if you recognize them. Send your responses to ghsclassof1960@gmail.com or use the comment feature of the blog.

News from Brian Bjurling

2010-05-05T03:15:00.000-07:00

Brian and Betty Bjurling

Brian served four years in the Coast Guard and loved his tour of duty in Hawaii. He completed a BS degree in Accounting starting at Mount Wachusett Community College and completing it at Bentley College, now Bentley University in Waltham, MA. Brian lives in Leominster MA and has been married to Betty for 28 years. They own their own business, Bjurling Associates, Inc. Brian prepares taxes and Betty is completing requirements to qualify as a Quickbooks advisor.

Brian's mother is their only surviving parent and still lives in Gardner. Brian and Betty have traveled around the United States and to Germany. They look forward to visiting Europe again next year.

You can join Bri's Notes and follow their adventures by going to http://bribjurling.blogspot.com

News from Jeannette Morin Ricord

2010-05-01T03:20:00.000-07:00

Jeannette (Morin) Ricord and her husband, Phil

Jeannette describes the past 59 years in a nutshell: " I married Phil Ricord of Winchendon. We have 4 children and 12 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. I operated a Child Care Home in Winchendion for 35 years. Phil and I retired in 2004 and moved to our youngest child's home in Templetion. I began to write more - something I had been doing all along, writing stories for children. Now I have branched out with adult humor with a self-published collection of anecdotes, many of which have been published in the Gardner News. The book is titled "It Ain't Easy." I curently have some queries out to different agents on a middle grades novel and some children's stories. Jeannete's other interests include gardening, camping, fishing, and walking.

Jan belongs to the Wachusett Writers and Poets Club. You can read samples of her work on www.tweez.com/wwpc .

Aloha from Judy Goodwin Cross

2010-04-27T04:27:00.000-07:00

Judy (Goodwin) Cross

Location, Location, Location. Talk about a dream come true! Judy and Alan Cross live in Princeville on the north shore of the "Garden Isle" of the Hawaiian island of Kauai. Judy has been an independent contractor in the real estate field for over 25 years. Alan is still active in Oceanfront Realty International, specializing in condominiums, vacation homes, and single family dwellings on Kauai. Between them, Judy and Alan have four children. One son lives in Madrid, Spain. Two other sons and their families live in Ohio. A daughter lives in California.

Judy's current activities include snorkeling, yoga, and volunteer work for the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Association. Judy enjoys travel, seeing new places, experiencing different cultures, gourmet cooking, and wine tasting. She is especially fond of family sea cruises.

Judy will be attending the 50th Class Reunion in July.

News from Rachel Hebert Reilly

2010-04-22T03:20:00.000-07:00

Rachel (Hebert) Reilly and Michael Reilly

Rachel and her husband, Mike (GHS '59) have lived in Cape Coral/Fort Myers, FL since 1988. She has been a Professional (National Certified) Guardian since 1999 and is very close to retiring. Prior to that, Rachel was a full-charge bookeeper working for CPA firms. Michael, a Registered Nurse, retired in 2006.

Rachel's daughter Donna is now in business with her father running a floral shop in East Priovidence, RI. Her son David is an assistant VP of Finance at a college in MA. David has two sons, Ryan 13, and Terry, 10. Of her children, Rachel says "Watching them grow into wonderful, contributing members of society has been my greatest pleasure in life."

Living close to Sanibel and Captiva Islands, Busch Gardens, and the Disney Parks has given Rachel and Mike the feeling that they have been semi-retired since they moved there. They enjoy the beaches, sunsets, resorts, and everything that Florida has to offer year-round. Rachel and Mike attend Boston Red Sox spring training games in Fort Myers. They hope to get to a Pawtucket Red Sox game when they are in MA this summer.

Rachel's is a familiar face to anyone who has attended a GHS reunion. Both Rachel and Mike look forward to seeing clasmates and friends at the 50th reunion in July. The weekend of July 23, 24, and 25 promises to be a very special occasion.

Elementary School Photo Collection

2010-04-18T03:22:00.000-07:00

Connors Street School Class Photo Grade 5 1953

We have been collecting elementary school class photographs taken during 1949-1954 from the Hubbardston, Westminster, and Gardner schools. Our work is almost done, but not all collections are complete, and not all students in the class photos have been identified. We have prepared class photo albums for the following schools and grades:

Westminster Elementary Schools Grades 1-6 plus 7-9.
Hubbardston Schools Grades 1-6 plus 7 and 8.
Coleman Street School Grades 1-6
Connors Street School Grade 5
Elm Street Grade 5
Gardner Junior High School Homeroom Photos Grade 7 and 8
Holy Rosary School Graduation Photo
Pleasant Street School Grades 1-4

Prospect Street School Grades 1-6
Sacred Heart School Graduation Photo
School Street Grades 1-6
West Broadway School Grades 1-4
West Street School Grades 1-4

The following GHS classmates have helped by providing photographs to scan electronically or by identifying students or teachers in the photographs. Much of this work has been done through e-mail.

Robert Hunter Coffin Jr., Alan Erickson, Lloyd Hannula, Jerry Arsenault, Sandra Merikanto Hanson, Lorna Rivers, Jean Williams Mattson, Evelyn Hurme Fogg, John Oinonen, Ernest Lehtonen, Merilyn Ruuka Dunn, Marilyn L'Ecuyer Michelson, Robert Marien, Richard Donovan, Ronald Rosengren, Elaine Stanley Guaraglia, Brian Bjurling, Suzanne Skamarycz Nobrega, James Tamulen, James Ewing, Elizabeth Jacji MacDonald, Carol Johnson Smith, Nancy Ball Griffin, Carolyn Cunninghan Larson, Roger Kinnear, Gladys Narkevicius Richardson, Janice Goeke Tuffin, Shari Montville Whipple, Martin Anderholm, Priscilla Hubbard Brown, Linda Giles Merikanto, Louis Migliozzi, Bevertly Morze Piccone, Shirley Long Smith, Richard Goguen, Carole Nyman Platukis, and Thomas Ryan.

Our photo albums will be displayed at Reunion Events on Saturday, July 24 and Sunday, July 25. You may be able to identify some "unknown" students in the photos. We hope you will be able to help us with this work in progress.

Guess Who's Coming To Dinner?

2010-04-14T04:51:00.000-07:00

Judy Heino Collette reports that over 100 GHS Class of 1960 classmates and friends (not including spouses and guests) will attend one or more reunion events over the weekend of July 23, 24, and 25, 2010. What an opportunity to greet old friends and former classmates, to get re-acquainted, catch up on life events, and discover new friends with similar interests! Here is our classmates list so far, but be prepared for some "Wildcat" surprises.

David Ambrose, Martin Anderholm, John Awdycki, Nancy (Ball) Griffin, Peggy (Ball) DiStefano Carol Anne (Barry) Clark, Lucy (Belanger) Hebert, Robert Bernard, Charleen (Surrette) Bernard, Judy (Bishop) Farnsworth, Brian Bjurling, Donna (Blake) Beise, Virginia (Blake) Monette, John Brooks, Jeanne (Charest) Mallet, Robert Coffin, Carolyn (Cunningham) Larson, Gordon Dickie, Donald Diemdowicz, Janice (Dick) Drummey, Priscilla (Dionne) McKillop, Roberta (Dines) Graves, Richard Donovan, Paula (Lachance) Donovan, Walter J. Dubzinski, Jr., Dennis Erickson, James Ewing, Diane (Brazawskis) Ewing, Bill Farnsworth, David Feltmarch, Douglas Fleming, John Forrester, Stanley Gemborys, Janyce (Charles) Gemborys, John Gerrard, Geraldine (Girard) Nelson, Linda (Giles) Merikanto, Barry Glinski, Janice (Goeke) Tuffin, Judy (Goodwin) Cross, Judith (Goguen) Forest, Richard Goguen, Carole (Griffin) Cormier, Bruce Handy, Lloyd Hannula, Sheila (Harrington) Susen, Judith (Heino) Collette, Judith (Herr) Bonk, Karen (Heywood) Greenlaw, Rachel (Hebert) Reilly, Elizabeth (Hill) Rathburn, Marjorie (Jandris) Kraskouskas, Bruce Jacobsen, Carol (Johnson) Smith, Roger Kinnear, Carol (Kucinskas) LeBlanc, David Laroque, Laura (Davis) Laroque, Georgette Leblanc, Connie (Lesneski) Libed, Gloria (LeBlanc) Ley, Pamela (LeBlanc) Sogard, Winona (LeBlanc) Moeller, Shirley (Long) Smith, Robert Marien, Cecille (Maillet) Danielson, Claudine (Marchegiani) Reilly, Jacqueline (Manseau) Robichaud, Vincent Maillet, Lucille (Minns) Fagan, Louis Migliozzi, Shari (Montville) Whipple, Beverly (Morze) Piccone, Creighton Morris, Jadwiga (Narkevicius) Earle, Gladys (Narkevicius) Richardson, Edith (Needham) Godfrey, Donald Niemela, Brenda (Nyman) Clausen, Carole (Nyman) Platukis, John Oinonen, Elizabeth (O'Regan) Adkins, David Pachocha, Barbara (Pelletier) Bachand, Mary (Phelan) Nordman, Jerome Pierce, Ray Racette, Barbara (Reed) Fuller, Kenneth Rameau, Barbara (Osborne) Rameau, Anita (Roach) Cormier, Dave Robichaud, Dianne (Roy) Young, Donald Roy, Tom Ryan, Jackie (Tousignant) Ryan, Yvonne (Savaria) Perreault, Marcia (Shepard) Wilk, Suzanne (Skamarycz) Nobrega, Elaine (Stanley) Guaraglia, Claire (Sylvestre) Montgomery, James Tamulen, Alice (Teles) Stone, Janet (Therrien) Miller, Jacqui (Teir) Sanford, Carole M. (Tobia) Mumby, Richard Touchette, Robert Whipple, Jean (Williams) Mattson, Geoffrey Wood, Diana (Virta) Wood, John Yablonski, and David Zarozinski.

Cannot attend our 50th Class Reunion? You are welcome to send a greeting to ghsclassof1960@gmail.com and it will be posted on our GHS MESSAGE Board at dinner at the Wachusett Village Inn on Saturday, July 24th 2010.

Editor's Note: Attendee list updated on July 16, 2010

Rietta Fleamarket Open for the Season

2010-04-11T07:47:00.000-07:00

Sunday shoppers at the Rietta Fleamarket in Hubbardston

One of the fun things to do while you are in town for the GHS Class of 1960 Reunion Weekend on July 23, 24, and 25 2010 might be to visit the Rietta Fleamarket, 183 Gardner Road (Route 68) , in Hubbardston. The "ranch" has opened for the season and is open Sundays starting at 6:00 a.m. April through October. Admission and parking are free. Rietta has a reputation for being one of the largest outdoor fleamarkets in New England, with space for 650 vendors.

Some people go just to gawk. You can find old records, CD and DVD, sheet music, musical instruments, clothing, sporting goods, old hand tools, used tools, new tools, power tools, truck tires, furniture, glassware, old books, new books, seasonal plants, produce, toys, games, electronics, household items and collectibles of all kinds.

If you like a "bahgin" you could feel like a bandit after a visit to Rietta. Study those good old boys sitting on the bench very carefully, though. Some may be your old high school buddies.

To get yourself ready, take a virtual trip to Rietta by going to http://www.riettafleamarket.com/ .

It is one of Places to Go and Things To Do on our reunion weekend.

News from Art Thompson

2010-04-06T06:06:00.000-07:00

Arthur Thompson, Honor Guard

Art writes, "After 30 years of mariage I lost my wife, Dottie. Our kids are grown and I have grandchildren and great grandchildren to love and spoil. I retired from the City of Claremont, NH Department of Public Works and from the Vermont National Guard. After retirement I drove part-time for Dartmouth Coach two or three days a week. My wife Jan and I got married on 08-08-08 in a fun, family wedding in Las Vegas. We researched and traveled to different places and settled on Grand Junction, Colorado. There we have four seasons, 300 plus days of sunshine, mountains, mesas, and lots of wine from local vineyards. Jan and I are still both working part-time which leaves us time to travel and explore these beautiful western states. Since moving to Colorado we started our own "bucket list" and it just gets longer, not shorter. We've been horseback riding, skiing in Utah, jeeping over 11,00 foot passes, rode dogsleds in the Rockies, and watched the annual spring "Running of the Horses" in Maybell, Colorado. This year we are looking into whitewater rafting. There isn't enough time or days in the week to do everything we want to do. I joined the Grand Valley Honor Guard last year. It is a wonderful organization that honors deceased Veterans. We supply an Honor Guard for military funerals and parades and some local school functions."

Art says that he is sorry that he can't be at the reunion in July but will be there in spirit. Art and Jan will probably be on the road exploring an abandoned gold mine or a Colorado ghost town.

Do you enjoy reading about the lives of classmates like Art? Won't you please contribute a picture and a story to go with it? Everyone's story is different, but there are some common threads that weave across the years and life experiences of the Class of 1960. Please contact us at ghsclassof1960@gmail.com. We can help you tell your story.

News From Carolyn Cunningham Larson

2010-03-30T08:07:00.000-07:00

Carolyn (Cunningham) Larson and her husband, Peter in Zagreb, Croatia in April of 2009. The couple were performing Early Music -vocals and recorders-with the Boston Early Music Society.

Here is an update from Carolyn Cunningham Larson, former GHS Senior Class Vice President and voted Best All-Round, Most Dependable, BestMannered, and Most Musical by our class Little Oscar committee.

Carolyn has been married for 47 years to Peter Larson. The couple has two children, Karen and Susan. Susan is married, has a two-year old son and is expecting another child in June. Karen runs a combination tutoring program for adolescents and a small kennel/dog-training business. Carolyn and Peter moved thirteen times to many states and cities. Carolyn has degrees from Clark University and Boston University, plus a New York State School Psychology Certiificate from SUNY/Albany. She adds, "I like learning and would still be in school if I could."

Carolyn says that she has "been fortunate in meeting some of the most wonderful people in this journey called life - people of commitment and passion who want to make a postive difference in this complicated world." Over the years, Carolyn and Peter broke some ground of their own:

* the first camping program for children with autism
* first summer residence camping program for mental health patients

* an alternative school serving children from 2 years to 8th grade

* an extended family and friendship network living communally on 5 acres of land

* a small education and consulting partnership serving local and state agencies

"Carrie," as she is known by her friends, writes that "Music has always been a centering part of my life as have the arts, gardening, travel, flower-arranging, fly-fishing, reading, church, and now golf." Carrie and Peter formed the Byrd in the Bush Recorder Consort and have performed in Italy, Croatia, and Hungary with the Boston Early Music Society. Carrie started taking flute lessons again at the age of 40 and loves playing with local singing/musical groups.

Carolyn looks forward to reconnecting with classmates at our 50th Class Reunion in July and is "saddened to hear of the death of classmates but know they will be there with us as we share our memories."

News from George A. Kangas

2010-03-28T14:19:00.000-07:00

George A. Kangas

George A. Kangas is among the Hubbardston students who attended Gardner High School from 1956 -1960. George's career was as a contract engineer at major nuclear power stations in the United States. George is a member of the Facebook community and lives with his wife, Dee in Holly Hill, Florida.

Do you have news to share with friends and former classmates? Please send digital image and text in a mesage you send to ghsclassof1960@gmail.com .

Peggy Ball DiStefano

2010-03-20T05:01:00.000-07:00

Peggy (Ball) DiStefano

Peggy and her husband Tony live in Wichita, Kansas. They relax in their place in Baja, Mexico on the Pacific Coast south of San Diego, CA. They also enjoy "road trips" around the country in their red Corvette. Peggy has two sons and two grandsons. She enjoys cats, card games, music, reading, gardening, walking, dining out, and movies. Peggy is on Facebook and is looking forward to retirement from her work in a corporate accounting department.

Do you have news to share with other GHS classmates? Please send pics and story to ghsclassof1960@gmail.com .

Reunion Reminder

2010-03-12T04:59:00.000-08:00

Table Centerpieces - with surprises inside! (photo by Judy Heino Collette)

Our 50th Class Reunion events will be held on July 23, 24, and 25 2010. Reunion registration forms and checks should be mailed to Judy Heino Collette by Friday, April 2.

* Attire for all events is casual. All meetings will be held indoors. Dress comfortably.

* Bring an item of memorabilia to share with others - a photo, an object, or a story about a special teacher or friend.

* You don't have to go to all reunion events. Pick the ones that fit your schedule.

There are three additional ways to connect to GHS classmates before and after the reunion.

__ Check the GHS web log for weekly updates, news from classmates, and other Gardner-related information. http://ghsclassof1960.blogspot.com/

__ Browse the GHS Reunion Archives to download descriptions of reunion events, registration forms, past reunion photos, and messages sent in by classmates. http://mysite.verizon.net/vzep7fvn/index.htm

__ Join Facebook. Over 70 GHS classmates have Facebook accounts. You control who can see what. Send messages, view photo albums, chat live with friends. http://www.facebook.com/

Got a question about a reunion event? Send an email message to: ghsclassof1960@gmail.com

News from Pamela LeBlanc Sogard

2010-03-09T04:39:00.000-08:00

Pamela (LeBlanc) Sogard

Pam has two children now in their forties, and three grandchildren, all of whom live on the east coast. This year is Pam's 28th in northern California, and she admits that she still misses New England. Her husband, Mike, is still working full time. Pam is enjoying retirement after twenty-five years in the technical field. She says she spoils her Miniature Schnauzer, studies French in formal classes and informal groups, and works out in a gym. "Life," she writes, "has been good."

News From Jim Tamulen

2010-03-02T12:55:00.000-08:00

James and Dolores Tamulen

The year 2009 marked Jim's 40th year as an ironworker in the greater Boston area, for Ironworkers Local Union #7. Jim is retired from the daily commute now, but continues as an Apprentice Instructor and Safety Trainer for the union's Joint Apprenticeship Program.

Jim lived in Westminster for 25 years and raised two sons. He got involved in Little League, and served as a town Selectman for two terms. Jim notes that "Bakers Dairy Bar" is gone and the old Town Hall is closed. He remembers the Friday night dances at the town hall and going to Bakers Dairy Bar for a coke and fried clams. He adds, in a wry way, that you can now go there for Subway and Dunkin Donuts.

Jim was remarried 12 years ago and moved back to South Gardner. His wife, Dolores is the former co-owner of H-K Photo, which has taken some GHS reunion photos in the past. Dolores also has two sons. After closing the photo business Dolores worked as a receptionist for a dentist.

For the past 20 years, Jim has had a part time job in a couple of health food stores and reports that he enjoys the interaction with customers. Jim has elected to live a gluten-free and dairy- free life and talks with many people about health issues. Jim maintains a gluten-free information web site to help others make decisions about what they can or cannot eat. Click on http://www.glutenfreetidbits.com/ to read more.

Both Jim and Dolores enjoy their grandchildren - all four of them - and list travel, (especially Hawaii), golfing, walking, and reading as hobbies and interests.

Do you enjoy reading news and updates about GHS Classmates? Aren't we a diverse and interesting group? Shouldn't your story be shared on our web log too? Send us some news in a message you address to ghsclassof1960@gmail.com .

News from Francis X. Lupien

2010-02-26T04:30:00.000-08:00

Francis X. Lupien

GHS classmates who attended Sacred Heart School may remember Francis X. Lupien, who graduated from Worcester Boys Trade in 1960, Fitchburg State College in 1965 and completed his Masters at Fitchburg State College in 1968. Francis taught in Clinton Public Schools and at Narragansett Regional High School, retiring in 1994. He also operated Lupien Machine and Welding from 1965 to 2005, doing fabrication and repair for local contractors, custom work, and restoration. Francis also repaired and sold firearms.

Francis and his wife, Anne Marie now live in Florida, where he enjoys trap, skeet, and target shooting, reading books, and repairing sports equipment. Fran is fond of historical documentaries.

Editor's note: Francis X. Lupien, age 67, died on Monday, March 8, 2010 at his home in North Port, Florida.

News From Nancy Haynes Poole

2010-02-15T05:20:00.000-08:00

Nancy Haynes Poole

Nancy (Haynes) Poole lives with her husband Don in Gilford, NH. They have been married for 46 years and have two children - a son, Nate, who also lives in Gilford, and a daughter, Jen, who is married and has three boys ages 7, 12, and 14. Jen is a Hospice Nurse for Laconia Community Health and Hospice and lives in Laconia. Both Nancy and Don are ordained ministers and are currently organizing and conducting Neighborhood Bible Study groups. In addition, Nancy works as an office manager for a local real restate company and is a licensed Notary Public. Nancy and her daughter Jen are also on the New England Steering Committee for the organization Women of the Word, which holds inter-generational and non-denominational conferences accross the United States.

Nancy attended elementary and junior high school in Westminster before enrolling at Gardner High School.

Would you like to nominate a classmate to be interviewed for a "News from..." posting on the GHS Web Log? Send your suggestion to ghsclassof1960@gmail.com or add a comment to this post.

News From Barry Glinski

2010-02-11T06:47:00.000-08:00

Barry A. Glinski of Worcester, MA is recovering from back surgery and reports that he is doing better every day. Barry has amassed more than 700 wins as a baseball coach in Worcester, leading Quinsigamond Community College and Assumption College to successes over many years. He was inducted into the Coaches Association Hall of Fame on January 3, 2002. Barry served as the Athletic Director at Quinsigamond during several periods over 25 years and was professor of mathematics at the college for more than 30 years. In 2006, Barry had knee replacement surgery and in subsequent years served as Hitting Coach with Rich Gedman's Worcester Tornadoes baseball team. Barry graduated from Springfield College in 1964.

News from Alice Faith Winter Empie

2010-02-05T03:55:00.000-08:00

Alice Winter Empie and Jeff Empie - New Years 2010

Alice Winter has been married to Jeff Empie for 43 years. The couple has two children and five grandchildren. Daughter Laurel lives in Fairfax, VA and is a civil engineer. Son Derek is a lawyer in Indianapolis. Alice notes that "All the grandchildren are terrific. We truly treasure our time with them, and after trips to visit, we come home more aware of our ages."

Alice was a special education teacher for 31 years, mostly with high school students. During the last eleven years of her career, Alice was director of the Learning Laboratory at a private school in Atlanta. Jeff worked in industry for twenty years and left management to become a professor at Georgia Tech. Alice and Jeff have lived in Minnesota, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New York, and Georgia.

Alice and Jeff now live in a retirement community in Griffn, GA. Alice does water aereobics, works on Nautilus machines, and is learning line dancing, bocce ball, and pickle ball. She and Jeff are taking ballroom dancing lessons, finishing the basement in their new home, and volunteering at the local food bank and soup kitchen.

Alice graduated from Bates College and received her M.A. degree at the University of Minnesota. Life has not slowed her down.

Sunshine Days

2010-02-02T07:44:00.000-08:00

Gardner friends Connie Lesneski Libed, Rachel Hebert Reilly, Marcia Shepard Wilk, Barbara Pelletier Bachand, Roberta Dines Graves, Judy Heino Collette, and Janice Dick Drummey

These birds of a feather flocked together at the home of Rachel Hebert Reilly. Here they are shown on an outing with Marcia Shepard Wilk, who has also recently moved to Florida.

Do you have a recent photo of some GHS Class of 1960 classmates enjoying time together? Do you have a vintage photo of some GHS Class of 1960 classmates spending time together? Your contributions to the web log are welcome. Please send e-mail to ghsclassof1960@gmail.com .

News from Janice Dick Drummey

2010-01-29T08:08:00.000-08:00

Janice Dick Drummey

Janice (Dick) Drummey is a retired surgical technician and lives with her husband, John, in Merrimack, NH. They have one daughter, Lisa, who is a medical assistant in Hampton Beach, NH. Janice and John enjoy traveling. Jan knits and felts ( I had to ask her about that!) handmade purses. Janice has donated one of her hand-crafted purses for our 50th Class Reunion raffle.

Janice is one of sixty-seven Gardner High School classmates with accounts on Facebook. When you "make a friend" on Facebook you can visit their profile page and read about their education, work, and current hobbies or interests. You can also view their photo albums and see their children and grandchildren and other friends and family nembers. People can share as much or as little about themselves as they choose. In a way, Facebook can be a "virtual reunion" that enables you to reconnect with classmates and see how they are spending their lives.

Do you have a "news from" story to share with us? Contact us at ghsclassof1960@gmail.com.

News from Russell Hoag

2010-01-24T05:30:00.000-08:00

Phyllis and Russell Hoag

Russell Hoag and his wife, Phyllis (Gallant) Hoag are now retired and have relocated from Maine to Roanoke, VA to be closer to two of their sons, one in Charlotte and one in Norfolk. The Hoags have many interests, including travel, sports, Spanish and Oriental cultures, cooking, and reading. If you are a member of Facebook, you can keep up with the Hoag's adventures and view their photo albums online.

In 2006, Russ spent several months in China on a work assignment. He kept a blog on which he recorded everyday experiences. You can enjoy his observations and commentary by going to http://loshoags.blogspot.com/ . Just click on the link or copy and paste it into your Internet browser.

Class Reunion Information - Update 1

2010-01-19T03:32:00.000-08:00

One of the cottages available at the Wachusett Village Inn, site of our 50th Class Reunion dinner

Information about the 50th Class Reunion of the Gardner High School Class of 1960 has been sent to all classmates via USMAIL. The Reunion Registration Form should be filled out and included with a check made out to the GHS Class of 1960 then mailed to Judy Heino Collette at the address provided.

The three principal events of our Reunion weekend include:

* A Friday Night Social at Williams Restaurant and Tavern, 184 Pearson Boulevard, Gardner, starting at 7:00 p.m.

* A Saturday Evening Dinner at the Wachusett Village Inn, 9 Village Road, Westminster MA starting at 5:30 p.m.

* A Sunday morning Brunch at the Levi Heywood Memorial Library starting at 10:00 a.m.

Your completed registration form with check should be mailed to Judy by Friday, April 2, 2010.

The reunion information also includes driving directions to Williams Tavern and the Wachusett Village Inn, a list of Things to Do while you are in the Gardner area, and a recommended list of places to stay. The Wachusett Village Inn has single rooms and suites in the main building and cottages on the grounds.

If you have questions about any of the reunion events or facilities (all have good access) please contact Judy at the telephonenumber listed in the information packet.

Copies of all forms and information are available at the GHS Reunion Archives at http://mysite.verizon.net/vzep7fvn/index.htm .

Please continue to monitor our GHS web log for any changes or new information about our 50th reunion.

Does This Ring True?

2010-01-15T13:34:00.000-08:00

Just thinking about a class reunion can trigger all kinds of feelings about school, self, and others. These can be happy feelings based on good times, friendships made, and shared "glory days" of accomplishment. There can also be wistful or regretful feelings about things done or not done in high school - personal rivalries, jealousies, or heart-aches that may seem silly now. Because class reunions can evoke powerful emotions, some people avoid going to them. In the lists below, we take a light-hearted look at reasons for not going to a reunion as experienced over the years.

Reasons for Not Attending - 1965
Can't go - I'm expecting a baby.
Not me - I just started a new job
Sorry - I'm stationed in the service
But I'm in graduate school
Frankly, I don't want to see him or her.

Reasons for Not Attending - 1985
I won't recognize anyone.
No one will recognize me.
I'm single - again.
We are on vacation that week.
I have business travel.

Reasons for Not Attending - 2005
I don't like to drive after dark.
Rich food gives me gas.
That's a long way to go for just a few hours.
I'd have to lose some weight first.
Will anyone even remember me?

Do you have an observation to add to this list? Your replies are welcome. You can leave a comment or e-mail an idea to ghsclassof1960@gmail.com.

This post was written in fun, and we hope we haven't hurt anyone's feelings. Our 50th Class Reunion on the weekend of July 23-25, 2010 may be the last best chance to have so many of us together in one room again.

Junior High School Photo Project

2010-01-09T04:22:00.000-08:00

Homeroom 8-23, Gardner Junior High School,
1956 Photo provided by Ronald Rosengren

We have collected photographs taken in most of the seventh and eighth grade classes at the Gardner Junior High School on Waterford Street, Hubbardston Center School, Westminster Junior High School, Holy Rosary School, and Sacred Heart School. Electronic links to these photographs are available at the GHS Reunion Archives.

Click on the link below or copy and paste it into your Internet browser.
http://mysite.verizon.net/vzep7fvn/photos.htm

Thanks go to the many classmates who provided photos to scan or who helped to identify classmates in the photos. These include:

Sacred Heart School - Judy Heino Collette, Rachel Hebert Reilly
Holy Rosary School - Diane Roy Young, Cecile Maillet Danielson, Charleen Surrette Bernard
Westminster Junior High School - John Oinonen, Merilyn Ruuska Dunn, Marilyn L'Ecuyer Michaelson, Jean Williamd Mattson, Robert Marien, Richard Donovan
Hubbardston Center School - Robert Coffin, Alan Erickson, Lloyd Hannula, Jerry Arsenault, Lorna Rivers, Sandra Hanson Merikanto
Gardner Junior High School - Ronald Rosengren, Martin Anderholm, Beverly Morze Piccone, Elizabeth Jacki MacDonald, James Tamulen, Lou Migliozzi, Arthur Thompson, Harold Fiske, Ann Fleming Fiske, Gladys Narkevicius, Linda Giles Merikanto, Brendan Dunn, Roger Kinnear, Carol Nyman Platukis, Shari Montville Whipple, Richard Goguen, Nancy Ball Griffin, James Ewing, Carolyn Cunningham Larson, Shirley Long Smith.

If you can help identify unknown persons in the photos (see lists accompanying each photo), please send an e-mail message to ghsclassof1960@gmail.com . Thank you.

News from Lloyd Hannula

2010-01-04T09:58:00.000-08:00

Lloyd Hannula - a complete walker - in Tennessee just before entering the Great Smokies National Park

Lloyd Hannula of Westminster, MA has been "section hiking" the Appalachian Trail since 2005. His son completed the trail that year and he joined him in hiking the CT and MA sections of the trail, which runs from Georgia to Maine. Lloyd also climbed to the summit of Baxter Peak on Mt. Katahdin with him. Over the past five years, Lloyd has trekked the trail from the southern terminus of Springer Mountain, GA to Bland, VA and from Harpers Ferry, WV to Grafton Notch, ME. He has also hiked the 70-mile stretch between Maine Route 27 and Monson, ME. In the spring of 2010 Lloyd will head to VA and complete the segments between Bland and Harpers Ferry, and some remaining ME mileage before our GHS 50th Reunion. We wish him well and look forward to congratulating him at the reunion.

Lloyd is obviously no armchair traveler. Check out the protective gear he is wearing - cap, layers of warm clothing, wind-resistant pants, water-shedding gaiters, breathable boots, and sunglasses. That round object hanging from his belt is a combination watch/compass/altimeter. Do you think he has GPS stowed in that pack, too?

News from Edith Needham Godfrey

2009-12-29T07:34:00.000-08:00

The Godfrey's Thanksgiving 2009
Back Row: Bruce, Isabel, Ben, Mike, Jared
Front Row: Alan, Sophia, Kate, Skipper, Clara, Edie, Jenni, Miles.

GHS classmate Edith Nedham Godfrey lives in Omaha, Nebraska with her husband Mike, who continues to run his in-house violin and viola studio. Mike is also taking a Constitutional Law course at UNO, thanks to a Senior Passport program. Edie is recovering from a serious illness and is recovering her strength. She is once more singing in her church choir and volunteering in the church office. After a rigorous program of chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant, her cancer is in remission.

In July of 2009, Mike and Edie took a camping trip that included stops on the Lewis and Clark trail, both Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks, and Mount Rushmore. You can see that Edie is back in the saddle again on her visit with friends in Montana.

Holiday gatherings are precious opportunities to capture family photos. We hope you will send us photos from your special occasions, too. You can e-mail them to ghsclassof1960@gmail.com.

News from Louis Migliozzi

2009-12-18T05:52:00.000-08:00

Louis Paul Migliozzi

Classmate Louis Paul Migliozzi is a registered professional engineer who specializes in structural analysis and design. Typical field installations include steel and aluminum stairs and rails, processing equipment, and mechanical project design. Lou lives in Southampton, MA and has several career highlights, including resurrection of a hydroelectric turbine that was over 100 years old, design of a sock dye machine for Burlington Industries, and design of a solvent coating plant operation in Holyoke, MA. You can check out Lou's business web site at
http://lpm-engineering.com .

Lou has three daughters - Gina, Ree, and Nicole, and one son - Conzolo. Lou owns a small farm in Southampton and a ten-acre campsite in Shelburne, MA. He is interested in ecology. Lou burns vegetable oil from restaurant fryers in his 1995 Mercedes E 300 Diesel automobile. He composts, grows red raspberries, makes raspberry wine, and cuts his own cordwood. Lou is a member of the Southampton Lions Club and sings bass in his church choir.

Classmates and Their Stories

2009-12-13T06:16:00.000-08:00

In this photo, taken at the Cape Cod Baseball League Hall of Fame induction ceremonies in November, John Awdycki is third from left. Tom Ryan is in front, far right. Behind Tom is Joseph Bishop, former Junior High School gym teacher and coach. Photo provided by Carol Johnson Smith.

It has been our pleasure in the past year to post news, photos, and updates from members of the Gardner High School Class of 1960 on the reunion web log. As we enter into another holiday season, we hope even more classmates will send us recent photos and share stories or greetings . Here is a quick summary of themes that have emerged from the postings so far:

65+ and still learning new skills or gaining new knowledge (playing piano, speaking French, etc.)
65+ and keeping fit by walking, bicycling, dancing, etc. 65+ and traveling to visit friends and family or resort destinations
65+ and still employed, part or full time (fully 25% of our class)
65+ and retired, but busier than ever, and wondering where the time goes
65+ and giving back to community by volunteering or providing service
65+ and assuming care-giver roles for family members who are older or younger
65+ and receiving awards, honors, or recognition of individual achievements
65+ and establishing daily or weekly "comfort" routines that provide stability, predictability and reliability (reading, group luncheons, theater, movies, dinners, etc.)

Got news? Please send photo amd message to ghsclassof1960@gmail.com

Gardner in World War II - A History

2009-12-06T06:32:00.000-08:00

Gardner in World War II - A History

This volume, about the thickness of a building brick, was published by the Hatton Press in Gardner in 1947. The first section includes photographic reproductions of World War I dead - Gardner heroes who gave their lives during 1917-1919. The next section includes chapters on Civilian Defense, Gardner's Industrial Efforts, Red Cross and USO organizations, and other home-front activity during World War II. A special section of photographs and brief biographies is dedicated to the honored dead who were killed in action. Next, a whopping 438 pages are devoted to Gardner's Service Men and Women who served our country and returned home to become teachers, policemen, firemen, business owners, and to raise families in Gardner. Many aunts, uncles, mothers, and fathers of GHS Class of 1960 classmates are featured in this section. This part includes black and white photographs of each individual and brief descriptions of their military service, battles and campaigns, decorations and citations.

There is a copy of this book in the Local History Room of the Levi Heywood Memorial Library in Gardner.

News from Vincent Maillet

2009-11-28T04:47:00.000-08:00

Vincent and Doris Maillet on a trip to the Caribbean

Vincent and his wife Doris are still working and live in Gardner. Vincent is a quality controller for RR Donnelley in Bedford, MA and Doris works for the Henry Heywood Rehab Center in Gardner. They have no children but both are from large families and have twenty two nieces and nephews with many family functions to attend.

The couple both enjoy traveling and have recently bought a home on a golf course in Plant City, Florida. Some of their immediate family live in this area and Vincent plans to play golf in retirement. Other recent trips have included the Outer Banks and Myrtle Beach. Next year, they are planning a trip to Hawaii. Two of Vincent's other hobbies include woodworking and photography. Vinnie is especially proud of his kitchen remodeling project (new cabinets, lighting, etc.) which he completed by himself in his "spare time."

Vincent sent us a black and white photograph taken at a grade 8 Open House at the Holy Rosary School in Gardner. You can view the photo by copying and pasting the following link into your internet browser:

http://www.box.net/shared/oosmfmhvgh

John Awdycki honored recently

2009-11-20T05:57:00.000-08:00

Photo courtesy of Carol Johnson Smith

GHS classmate John Awdycki was honored recently at his induction to the Cape Cod Baseball League Hall of Fame. The ceremony was conducted in Chatham, MA on Nov. 13-14 2009. John graduated from the University of Massachusetts and is a long time professor of Accounting at Mount Wachusett Community College. He won the Cape Cod League batting title in 1965, hitting .407 for the town of Orleans with 44 hits, 28 RBI, and 22 runs scored. John was also as a two-time All-New England and All-Yankee Conference player for the UMASS Minutemen during his college years. Later, he was a top hitter in the semi-pro Quebec Provincial League, a coach at Orleans, and general manger during his last Season.

Thanks to Tom Ryan for providing the lead on the this posting, and congratulations to John Awdycki for his deserving accomplishment.

Got news to share about another GHS classmate? Please send an e-mail to ghsclassof1960@gmail.com .

Images of America: Hubbardston

2009-11-14T13:16:00.000-08:00

Images of America: Hubbardston

Arcadia Publishing recently released another in its series of local history stories, this time featuring the town of Hubbardston. Hubbardston began as a rural farming community, producing crops, livestock, and dairy products. Its millponds even generated enough power to run small millworks. For a time, inns and hotels also flourished as Hubbardston was on the north-south stage route, but the arrival of railroad in 1871 changed that. Later, a great influx of Finnish immigrants settled in the area. The book acknowledges the contributions of noted residents Adam Wheeler, second in command at Shay's Rebellion; Jonas Clark, founder of Clark University; and Waino Holopainen and Roy Handy, inventors of the first hydraulic backhoe. The author, Gary W. Kangas, is a member of the Hubbardston Historical Society. He grew up on a farm that was in his family from 1894 to 1998.

For those GHS classmates that grew up in Hubbardston, the Arcadia publication ($21.99, ISBN 9780738565156) may be ordered at http://www.arcadiapublishing.com or Barnes & Noble bookstores in the greater Gardner area.

The cover of the Hubbardston volume features a photograph of the 1933 Boy Scout troop. Classmate Robert Hunter Coffin, Jr. was quick to identify his father standing in the front row.

Greetings from Suzanne Skamarycz Nobrega

2009-11-06T04:43:00.000-08:00

Ed and Sue (Skamarycz) Nobrega

Ed and Sue live in Duxbury, MA. Sue is a retired elementary school teacher and each keep fit, enjoy travel, and visiting with children. Both Ed and Sue attended the GHS Class of 1959 50th class reunion and have shared their observations and suggestions with our planning committee.

We invite you to send us a greeting that we can post to our GHS web log, along with a recent photo, to help remind us of the many common hobbies or interests that we share as former classmates. Please address your e-mail to ghsclassof1960@gmail.com.

Class of 1959 Reunion

2009-10-30T04:38:00.000-07:00

One more time in the Hallowed Halls of GHS

The Gardner High School Class of 1959 held its 50th Class Reunion over the weekend of October 9-11, 2009. You can get details and photos at the Class of 1959 web site at http://www.ghs59.org . These include photos taken in the corridors, the gym, and the auditorium of our old high school. The Friday night social and tour of the old GHS building attracted 65 attendees; the Saturday dinner, 111 classmates and spouses or guests; the Sunday brunch, 57.

Now the Elm Street School, our former alma mater building is up to building code and features an elevator. Several of the Class of 1950 reunion attendees and the building principal were stuck in the elevator for several hours as firemen and elevator technicians worked to free them. Then it was on to William's Tavern and Restaurant where the Frday night social provided a great start to the weekend.

Both Judy Heino Collette and Suzanne Skamarycz Nobrega report that the Friday event was well attended and filled up the back room of William's Restaurant. Hearty appetizers were set up at one end of the room and rows of tables allowed attendees to sit and chat. If you have thoughts about the Friday night social idea for our reunion in July of 2010, please add a comment to this message or send an e-mail message to ghsclassof1960@gmail.com.

Remembering Pamela Marien

2009-10-23T04:10:00.000-07:00

Pamela A. Marien, 1960 Argus Photo

Pamela A. (Marien) Schultz, 66, of Westminster, died in her home after an illness on Friday, October 16, 2009. Pamela attended Westminster Elementary and Junior High School before Gardner High School. She shares the "Little Oscar" award for wittiest student with Richard Kiiski.

Pam was a computer analyst for fifteen years at the former Digital Equipment Corporation before she retired in 1989. She moved to Cape Cod, where she worked as an accountant at Colson Landscaping, before moving back to Westminster in 2004. Pam enjoyed cooking and gardening. She is survived by her mother, two sons, a daughter, and five grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Lavery, Chartrand, and Alario Funeral Home, 99 Summer Street, Fitchburg, with calling hours on Saturday, October 24 from 9-11 a.m. followed by graveside services in Woodside Cemetery in Westminster.

Gardner Scenes: Lee's Hot Dog Stand

2009-10-17T06:26:00.000-07:00

Photo by Judy Heino Collette

In the August 1, 2007 edition of the Worcester Telegram and Gazette, correspondent Shirley Barnes reported that "Seventy years ago, Harriet Lee won $ 100.00 playing bingo." Later, Harriet and her husband would use that money and other savings to start a small food stand on land near their home. Starting in 1937, they sold hot dogs and soda to workers at a nearby paper mill on the Otter River. The hot dogs were a foot long served in a ten inch roll, selling for 10 cents apiece. During World War II , the stand was closed. The original building was burned down in 1942, but a new stand was opened after the war.

A lot of GHS alumni remember the little building (no seating inside, only a take-out window) at the curve in the road near the railroad bridge over route 68 entering Baldwinville center. Lee's was popular for its many varieties of hot-dog toppings, including "the works."

Gardner Scenes: The Otter River

2009-10-13T12:27:00.000-07:00

View over the Otter River

Here's another photo from classmate Judy Heino Collette. We are approaching peak foliage time here in north central Massachusetts and Judy took this photo over the Otter River. At this time of year, the blaze red and orange of the maples stand out in dramatic contrast to the deep green of pine trees or deciduous trees that have not yet turned colors. The birches, hickory, and poplar trees add a splash of yellow. Eventually, the oaks will turn leathery brown.

Is there a Gardner Scene you would like to see featured on the GHS web log? Or a childhood neighborhood or storefront scene that you are curious about? Send your e-mail requests to ghsclassof1960@gmail.com or add a comment to this posting.