Graduates from the Stanley Humphries Class of 1973 gathered in Castlegar for their 50-Year Reunion the weekend of Aug. 11.
Festivities kicked off with an informal gathering on Friday at Cartwright’s Pub where old friendships were renewed. Although grads had aged since our last reunion 25 years ago, everyone was happy to see one another. Grads journeyed from across Canada and as far away as Australia to attend the reunion.
On Saturday evening, about 100 grads and guests enjoyed a dinner and social evening at the Community Complex where old pictures and annuals were shared and grad sweaters and several ladies’ grad gowns from 1973 were displayed and modeled.
The evening began with Gerry Rempel providing a land acknowledgement complete with a great explanation of his Metis heritage. Following dinner, the attendees watched a video prepared by class valedictorian Gerry Mosby of a song he wrote and performed especially for the occasion entitled Fifty Years Ago.The song featured Carlos DaCosta on guitar and included a memorial roll for those departed. The assembled grads singing the same song along with the video followed. Additional entertainment included a lesson on basketball dribbling and “guards” and lots of visiting throughout the evening.
On Sunday morning, the Millennium Park was the gathering point for coffee and a light brunch where grads were able to visit more, exchange contact information, say their adieus and begin their journeys home.
Everyone thanked the organizing committee, headed by Cathy (Walker) Quiding, which included Vicki (Wayling) Lodge, Rhonda (Leitch) Coleman, Tina (Salekin) Tomlinson, Arlee (Johnson) Venier and Robin (Hipwell) Tassone. Thanks also went to Naida (Kalesnikoff) Stoochnoff, Keith Shelfontiuk and Peggy (Quinlan) Bean for their donations towards door prizes, Katya Maloff for flower arrangements, and to all who helped with decorating and cleanup.
Earlier this year a donation was made on behalf of the grads to the Ukraine Relief Fund and $300 was donated to the local food bank following the reunion.
READ MORE: September Castlegar Seniors Centre activities
betsy.kline@castlegarnews.com
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