A Synopsis of the 50th Reunion - Mt. Everett Class of 1967
“Old friends are the Best Friends” Rod Ruthel ‘67
It was awesome in every manner. The turnout was good as 35% of our classmates attended at least one of the events. The most heavily attended event was the Dewy Hall dinner on Saturday night. But we kicked things off with a nice turnout for the Norman Rockwell Museum tour led by a wonderful docent. We were treated to interesting “behind the scenes” elements of the Norman Rockwell story. The tour included work by Andy Warhol, oddly but interestingly, juxtaposed with classic Rockwell – both artists' keen sensitivity to American life. But the most awesome sight of the evening was the image of old friends walking up from the lower parking-lot to gather outside the Museum’s entrance – I mean an awesome sight. The reception after the tour was comfortable, fun, sprinkled with very satisfying food and beverage. Special thanks to the Norman Rockwell Museum (facility), Marketplace Café Catering (waiting, food, and beverage bar service), Mahaiwe Tents (linens and set-ups) and Domaney’s Beer Wine and Spirits for making the event special.
The Saturday brunch at Rawson Brook Farm, the home of the renowned “Monterey Chevre”, an award-winning cheese produced by Susan Sellew, was spectacular. The weather was awesome, the scenery naturally beautiful, and the attendance was even stronger than Friday night’s event. Susan was an amazing host, the goats played their part, and Hannah took a small group of classmates on a guided nature walk. Special guests were present including our beloved English teacher Mr. Ed Davis, our coach and teacher Joe Kelly, our amazing French teacher Mr. Bob Cote, the director of Dewey Hall Ms. Pricilla Cote, and finally Susan’s sibling John Sellew. Special thanks to Marketplace Café Catering (waiting, serving, and preparation of the food), Domaney’s Beer Wine and Spirits, and Mahaiwe Tents (Tent, tables and seating, linens and setups) for making the event a success.
A baker’s dozen or more classmates left Rawson Brook just before the nature walk to take a tour of the new Mount Everett. The tour was hosted by Principal Glenn Devotti and Paul O’Brien, a beloved teacher of more recent classes at Mt. Everett and the namesake of a wonderful outdoor classroom in his name. There were memories here and there as we walked thru the old gymnasium, around the corner where Mr. Trocchi’s office was and down the long halls to where Mr. Davis held class each day. One highlight was a stop at the large plaque commemorating the construction of the oldest portion of the school in the mid 1950’s. There were several members of the School Board whose names were familiar, but one stood out; Mr. Walter Borg, Chair of the Board and proud father of our classmate Alta Borg. It was moving, a special moment standing next to Alta, her big smile quietly telling us how very proud she was at the sight of her father’s name and the role he played in our school and education.
The final event of the 50th Reunion was a reception and dinner at Dewey Memorial Hall in Sheffield where some enjoyed wonderful wine and others pilsner or IPA. We were treated to the antics of a Jester (Roger Reed) and the magic of a master magician (Carl Seiger). Dinner was buffet style featuring salmon and beef entrees, fresh salad and vegetables, and let’s not forget, mac & cheese. Attendees mingled around the story-telling and generally catching up as people do at reunions. Frankly, the story telling in small groups was so intense and common … we never brought the lights up for an organized period of story-telling. This group needed no coaxing for conversation – everyone seemed very comfortable, relaxed, and sincerely interested in seeing each other. It was a successful end to a wonderful 50th Reunion as the Hall slowly emptied around me. I just hope everyone enjoyed the time together as much as I did. Special thanks to Dewey Memorial Hall, Marketplace Café Catering (waiting, serving, and preparation of the food), Domaney’s Beer Wine and Spirits, and Mahaiwe Tents (Tent, tables and seating, linens and setups) for making the event a success.
My only regret; I could not coax more of our classmates to come. I missed; Kit, Beth, Hal, Dr. Parker, Rod, Grover, Kenny, Lynn, Peggy, Tucker, Deland, the Clark twins, the Zucco twins, Steurwald, Howard, Ovitt, Butler, Guartha, Scott, Ted and Cindy (I hope they still take walks together), Peter, Tom, Danny, Bruce and others I cannot remember off the top of my head. I really appreciated Tom Smith’s effort, a day trip to brunch and back to Maine after dinner, but a chance to give him a hug was most special. Alta made the trip from Arizona, Sarah (Arienti) Pavia came down from the Canadian Maritimes, and April from Vermont. But coming from the storm torn town of Houston was a woman who made me smile, made me grateful for our friendship, all our friendships. Maria Coker Alvear’s world was rocked by the hurricane, her employer’s world was rocked and she lost her job a week after buying her ticket to come to the reunion. And she was smiling almost the entire time – I feel blessed to know her. If she needs help, we need to help her.
In closing, Kit’s father Eddie was a special influence in my life for which I am grateful. One of the sternest lessons he dropped on me with was this; “Don’t ever forget your old friends.”
May peace be with all of you,
Billy Dodge ‘67
