Reunions in the air, part deux

Carolyn Fuentes Kranchalk and husband, Mike, sent along the following recap of Mike's HTHS Class of '59 reunion:

HTHS CLASS OF 1959 50^Th REUNION

"The HTHS Class of 1959 held their 50^th reunion the weekend of September 25-27, 2009. The Class of 1959 had 112 graduates and at the time was the largest graduating class from Holy Trinity High School. After many phone calls, emails and letters, we were able to account for or make contact with all but five graduates. Twelve of our classmates had passed away.

The Bridgewater Marriott was selected to be the central meeting point for all activities. A dinner was planned for Saturday night at Maggiano’s across the street from the hotel. There was much discussion as to the number of attendees for dinner. We only fell one short of the century mark as 99 classmates, spouses and friends showed up for dinner. Of the 95 classmates we made contact with, 67 were in attendance. Last minute emergencies forced 5 cancellations including 3 classmates.

Activities began Friday morning with the committee meeting to finalize last minute details and put together information folders including a class reunion booklet. People began arriving in the early afternoon and the hotel lobby began to fill up with a lot of people reminiscing and discussing how we had all changed over the years.

Saturday’s activities included a trip to Westfield and a visit to the old High School. The school hadn’t changed a great deal and it prompted a lot of stories of the past. Old haunts in town were visited including the Sweet Shop, Gary’s, Westfield Diner, Tamaques Park, Mindowaskin Park and many more memorable places. A few guys decided to chase a little white ball around Neshanic Valley Country Club for a few hours. A good time was had by all.

The class met for cocktails and dinner at Maggiano’s. This really brought everyone together. The evening featured great food, good drinks, some 50’s music, a little dancing and a lot of storytelling.

On Sunday morning a Mass was concelebrated by fellow classmates Fr. Charles Granstrand and Fr. James Sikora. Classmates participated as lectors, Eucharistic Ministers and Cantor. The deceased members of the class were remembered with a special display including photos and obituaries. The Mass represented the perfect ending for a perfect weekend. A buffet breakfast followed Mass.

Classmates in attendance came from all parts of the country to be together. We are represented in 31 states and the District of Columbia. We used up a number of batteries in calculators trying to count the number of children, grandchildren and great- grandchildren. There was a lot of discussion regarding another class get together as long as we don’t have to wait so long. Many people suggested a great big 70th Birthday Party."

Mike and Carolyn

I must say, Carolyn looks exactly as she did in high school. Same face. Same hair style. Same warm and happy smile. She also sent along this a propos email closing, which will no doubt become an ear worm* for many of us over the next six months:





   
                                                                                                                                                   

* Ear worm: A song you just can't get out of your head, usually brought on by some external suggestion.
                      I know you are humming this one right now.

 Answers to Trinity Jersey Girls pre-reunion photo:  Back row from left to right: Marilyn Herbst, Sue Will, Ella Mae Weikel, Nancy Roberts, Cathy Monninger, Diane Colavito, Lou Bace.  Second row: Cathy Keegan, Kathy Helmstetter, Becky Maher. Front: Nancy Whalen and Mary Baker.

Photo credit: Carolyn and Mike Kranchalk