BRATTLEBORO — A group of first-year baby boomers, those born in 1946, will descend from far and wide on Brattleboro late next week to celebrate reaching another 50.
Fifty years out of high school, that is.
In this case, it's the Brattleboro Union High School's Class of 1964 celebrating its 50th reunion June 20 to 22.
The three days of events and activities include golf tournaments, a visit to the BUHS facilities, and numerous social gatherings. Highlighting the weekend is the announcement of (and details about) the BUHS Class of 1964 Memorial Scholarship.
The Scholarship, created and funded by class members, becomes available for eligible BUHS graduates starting in 2015. Details about the Scholarship will be unveiled at Saturday's reunion dinner/dance.
Ray Puffer, head of the Reunion Planning Committee, notes that this class had to deal with a lot of firsts:
“We were the first class of boomers to graduate from high school. We were the first of the boomers thrust into the Vietnam War. We were the first boomers to have our 'baptism under fire' getting a job, raising a family, and trying hard to follow in the footsteps of our parents, the 'Greatest Generation.' And, we were first in line among boomers to have to adapt and thrive in the computer, electronics, and social media ages we are now in.
“We had big shoes to fill in handling all those firsts” continues Puffer. “But, by and large, I think each of us is proud of how we dealt with things and the contributions we've made and hope to continue making.”
Reunion weekend events and activities focus on giving thanks and giving back. Activities and gatherings are designed to remind all attending that they have much to be thankful for following those high school years, and to reiterate that now is their time to focus on giving back in their communities.
“We're going to have some fun together golfing, reminiscing, and socializing as we reflect on and give thanks for what we've had in our lives,” says Susan Avery, Brattleboro resident and Reunion Planning Committee member.
“We're also going to celebrate the lives of and give thanks on behalf of those who have passed on and can't be with us,” she said.
Of the original graduating class of 193, 153 members are still living, with more than 60 attending the reunion event.
“Most importantly, we as a class want to be remembered for giving back. Thus we're very proud of our Memorial Scholarship that will be announced over the weekend,” continues Avery. “In addition, many of us will use this time to re-commit ourselves to finding even more ways individually and collectively to give back.”
Along with Puffer and Avery, the BUHS Class of 1964 Reunion Planning Committee includes Rick Farnham, Elaine Flood, and Warren Neumeister.
The schedule of events:
• Friday, June 20, 11 a.m. - Kick-off event: a round of golf at Bretwood Country Club, Keene, N.H. For classmates who would like to play but have yet to sign up, register with Rick Farnham at 802-279-5851.
• Friday, 5:30 p.m. - Libation and conversation at New England House, Marlboro Road, Route 9.
• Saturday, June 21, 7:30 a.m. - BUHS Alumni Association Golf Tournament at Brattleboro Country Club, Upper Dummerston Road.
• Saturday, 10 a.m. - Guided tour of the recently renovated BUHS campus. Meet in front of the school with Warren Neumeister.
• Saturday, 5:30 p.m. - Dinner and dance party. Find your way to SIT (School for International Training), Black Mountain Road, by watching for the balloons and following the purple and white reunion signs along the route.
• Sunday, 10 a.m. - Breakfast send-off at the home of Dick Hodgdon, 70 Meadowbrook Rd.