Stranahan Holds Alumni Night

Stranahan High School held their 2nd annual Alumni Night on Monday night, October 29, 2001. They sent cards to local people a week ahead inviting everyone. Dennis O'Bea (Class of '59) called to see if I was going - said he and Dick Buntrock ('60) were going. I tried calling the other committee folks but no one else was going - some hadn't even received cards, and I did call some of them at the last moment! I was a bit reluctant but finally decided to go.

Was I ever glad I did! What a nice event it was! From 6:00 - 7:00, there was a reception with hors d'oeuvres and cookies all made by the Food Production classes. Really delicious - and that was good since it was at supper time! Then from 7:00 til 8:00, they had a program with the band and cheerleaders, both of whom put on a great show! Mike Roland (Walsh) - Class of '59 - was there and was one of the speakers - about the old days, of course. I'd almost given up on Dennis - he didn't show during the reception. He finally showed up just as the program was starting but Buntrock didn't make it. The next class represented was 1969. Several of the ones who did show are presently teaching there - quite a few of them really. Guess that shows a lot of loyalty.

I hope next year we can get more of a contingent from our group to attend! I really had a great time and will go again! Also, they gave us free tee shirts and Homecoming ribbons! Maybe next year you can join us - I know I'll go again!

Just thought you'd like to know!

Helen, Georgia Party Report

Dixie Joyner reports that the gathering held in Helen, GA in early October was a lot of fun and a reasonable contingent of 60-ish Dragons (give or take a year or 2!) showed up! She apologizes if she left anyone off this list, but here's who came: Besides Dixie, from Class of '59: Bill Caldwell, Leon Ebersold, Kay Kress Ullom, Don Moore, Sandy Slater and her sister Stephanie Slater. From Class of '60: Tom Hellgeth, Ken Millen, Bruce Schmahl and wife Judy, and Randy Ward.

A follow-up party at the home of Ted (Class of '60) and Alice Mallory in Fayetteville, GA was attended by many of the same folks, plus Class of 59-ers Chris Call and wife Gail, Butch Berg and wife Alice Drake Berg ('60) as well as other Class of '60-ites Gordon Foley and wife Cricket, Harper Paul Williams and wife Caroline, Bill Briley and Flying L wife Barb along with their LHS friends Pan and Harry Wimberley. Sue Ehrhardt (Class of '62?) also attended.

The Mallories had a great group of girl singers called "The Sweet Inspirations" who sang for hours! There was also a serious moment when the group joined in singing "God Bless America." The incidents of September 11 came close to home as Ted was in the Pentagon at the time of the terrorist attack! He has since retired from the Air Force in which he held the rank of Major General.

Class of 60's Sam Wilkins, a longtime Broward County Firefighter, was among those who went to New York to aid the efforts after September 11.

And one last bit of news - very sad - Susan Stark Smiley (Class of '60), wife of Warren Smiley (Class of 61) died on October 29. She and Warren, married for 38 years, had been a couple throughout high school and were faithful attendees at all our reunions.

And that's the last byte for 2001!

Bev Bryan Hoppe, Class of '60