"Cruisin' Through the Years" was the theme of the 55th Dunkirk High School Class of 1957 reunion.
On Friday Richard Titus led the class basketball players on a tour of the new high school gymnasium. He took a photograph of Charles Triaga, Richard Notte, Ted Patterson and Ted Monroe which duplicated a picture in the yearbook taken during their senior year. Grey hair and matching Marauder T-shirts replaced their dark hair and scanty uniforms. It was difficult getting them off the court once they started trying to make a basket.
The class met for a fun-filled evening at the Dunkirk Falcon Club for a "happy hour" to get reacquainted arranged by Titus and Robert Ryczko. The happy hour included food and refreshments.
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From left: Dave Valvo, Larry Morrison, Ed Schmidt, Paul O’Brocta, Bonnie Pugh Ciesla, John Schade, Robert Ryczko, Robert Skrzyniarz, Ted Patterson, Mary Schweda Miller, Don Puder, Nancy Reynolds Hancock, Joe Alessi, Darlyn Brown Velzy, Rosemary Ross Dougherty, Rose Gelacak Schrantz, Mary Trippi Dunbar, Beatrice Price, Carol Maslach Kozlowski, Fran Domst Sullivan, Sally Apthorp Braun, Marietta Epolito Godsby, Richard Titus and Ted Monroe.
On Saturday evening, 45 members and guests gathered at Katrina's on the Lake. Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres were enjoyed from 6 to 7 p.m. Vases of maroon and white flowers designed by Rose Gelacak Schrantz adorned each table.
Robert Skrzyniarz served as master of ceremonies and welcomed everyone in attendance. He spoke about how quickly time passes and how fortunate everyone present were to be there enjoying the evening.
The invocation was given by Schrantz. A moment of silence was offered in fond memory of deceased classmates Wilson Mead, David Overturf, Joy Glowski Abrams, Elaine Kye Lanski, Sylvia Mignoli Incavo, Doris Glasier Boast, John Mahaney, James MacCubbin, James McMahon, James Mirek, Roger Walker, Mary Port O'Brocta, Anita Polcyn, Judith McMachan Boehm, Mary Ann Eggleston Castleberry, Carl Yacklon, Ronald Waterman, Mary Brisky, Nancy Volker Schoonover, Peggy LaMattina Kohlman, James MacDonald, John Tyszko, Robert Woods, John Yerico, Rita Klocek Kubera, Sheila Szymanski, Beverly Drummond, Lyman Hart, Lorraine Smith Barone and Anthony Wysocki Steele. Also remembered was dear friend and former classmate John Dillenburg, Class of 1957 Forestville High School.
After dinner a cake decorated with a picture of Dunkirk High School as it was in 1957 was cut and served by Mary Schweda Miller, Nancy Reynolds Hancock and Marietta Epolito Godsby.
Beatrice Price shared many communications received from those who were unable to attend. There was a mixture of good and sad news.
Carol Maslach Kozlowski discussed the senior superlatives and noted how true to life they were 55 years later. She then distributed a variety of prizes.
The highlight of the evening was a presentation by classmate David Valvo, an accomplished professional photographer. He presented each committee member with a framed, original, copyrighted photo taken during his travels to various states and countries in appreciation for their work on the reunion committee. Every picture had a story of its own. Valvo has also taken the class photos at every reunion that he has attended.
"Happy Birthday" was sung to Jean Schmidt and Paul O'Brocta. Best wishes were extended to Fran and John Sullivan who are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary.
Scrapbook, pictures and emails compiled over the past 55 years by Titus, Price and Darlyn Brown Velzy were on display.
The closing prayer was offered by Marietta Epolito Godsby.
Committee members included Marietta Epolito Godsby, Nancy Reynolds Hancock, Carol Maslach Kozlowski, Mary Schweda Miller, Beatrice Price, Rose Gelacak Schrantz, Darlyn Brown Velzy, Richard Titus and Robert Ryczko.
