NEWPORT — On Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019, 28 members of Newport High School’s Class of 1969 gathered to celebrate their 50th Reunion.
Festivities commenced in the morning as several classmates marched in the annual Homecoming Parade while others rode in a classic 1969 Chevy pickup. It was truly a trip down memory lane as the class proudly donned an assortment of tie-dyed shirts, bell bottoms, and headbands – flowers and peace signs were prominently displayed – even a tiger mascot costume appeared!
Following the parade, several members of the class were treated to tour of Newport High School, Newport Middle School, and the Sugar River Valley Regional Technical Center. The tour combined a delightful blend of nostalgic recollections from old familiar sights and impressive images of advances in technology and course offerings over the last 50 years.
Late Saturday afternoon and well into the evening, 28 classmates and 14 guests gathered for socializing, reminiscing, and dinner at Hilltop House, the community building at Hilltop Place in New London.
This venue was made available by classmate Brian Stillson and his wife, Susanne, who are residents at Hilltop Place. The atmosphere was enhanced by a variety of beautiful flower arrangements, class-themed decorations, 60’s era background music, and plentiful displays of memorabilia, including old photos and a video montage.
A brief class meeting was convened, at which was read a message from the Class of 1969 president, Mary Parker, who was unable to attend from her home in Colorado.
Time was also devoted to recognizing those who had traveled great distances to attend, to thanking the reunion committee members for their outstanding work, and to noting and remembering our classmates who have passed away over the years.
This was followed by a buffet dinner catered by The Old Courthouse Restaurant of Newport and more time for socializing. As the reunion concluded and classmates reluctantly said their goodbyes, all agreed that it had been a near-perfect evening!
Classmates attending from out-of-state traveled from Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Nevada, Tennessee, and Vermont.
Attendees included John Bailey, Dick Bates, Deborah Roberts (Bertrand), Pam Murgatroy (Bond), Gary Callum, Amber Benson (Campbell), John Freak, Ed Freeman, Keith Gregory, Aprille Jarvis, Ron Johnson, Karen Jurson, Brenda Veresan (Kempton), Karen Little (Koski), Gary Lader, Terry Fowler (Lewko), Dona LaFountaine (Lord), Sally Michaud (MacWilliams), Greg Moore, Lee Robator, John Rzucidlo, Christy Cusanelli (Shepard), Linda Johnson (Smith), Hetty Thomae (Rule), Brian Stillson, Kim White, Judy Rice (Wilcox), and Diane Klinepeter (Young). Included among the guests were three former teachers: Ted Niboli, and Bill and Calista Thurlow.
Classmates who were unable to attend but sent greetings included: Maria Morse (Anastos), Howard Avery, Darlene Prowley (Ayotte), Harriet Mitchell (Beckwith), Larry Bellinger, Pam Emery (Bridgeo), Tom Cummings, Julie/Aurora Davidson, Rick Dickerman, Carolyn Laquire (Smith), Susan Shannon (Doxter), Janis Taylor (Duncan), Bob Gintowt, Linda Taylor (Henault), Mike Kulesza, Mary Casimer (Maxfield), Mary Parker, Marilyn Sparks (Pinkney), Lissa Hinkley (Stevens), Marshall Thomas, Pat Tremblay, and Sandy Reed (Wilcox), and former teachers: Charles Massey, Gertrude Heath, and Geraldine Rudenfeldt.
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