REMINDER

Glenda Lewis Palmiter is putting together a souvenir yearbook for our Class Reunion. The yearbook will list everyone in the class, their address, e-mail address and phone number. And it will have a brief summary of what you all have been doing the last 50 years. You all received a form from Glenda which you need to complete for this yearbook. This is a reminder to get that information into Glenda ASAP, and no later than April 30. We would ask that everyone complete this form whether you are attending the reunion or not. Thank you so much.

Joanne Dawson Norton must be busy Googling. She just passed on to me this excerpt from a feature article in a 2001 issue of Cooperative Living. The article was about couples who fell in love at first sight and went on to have long and happy marriages. Cooperative Living is published by the Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives.

Fred & Betty Chemi of Culpeper, Virginia

In the spring of 1966, I gave an automotive timing light that I no longer had use for, to a friend at work. He wanted to reciprocate, but I told him he shouldn’t feel obligated. At the end of June, he insisted that I drop over one evening for dinner. I successfully evaded the invitation as I had heard him tell a fellow employee that his sister-in-law, Betty, was visiting from California. She had come to visit for two weeks as a graduation present from her father. At 26 years of age and still single, I knew I would have no interest in a recent high school graduate. As luck (or, more correctly, fate) would have it, there was a major airline strike at the end of June and she was unable to return to California.

My friend finally wore me down in August and I agreed to come over for a cookout one evening after work. Call it chemistry, call it fate, or whatever, but the two of us immediately saw something in each other that has carried us through 34 happy years of marriage.

Two weeks after that cookout, I proposed and we were married on February 4, 1967. Today, Betty and I are the proud parents of three children — Ann Marie, Louis and Phillip — and we reside in Culpeper.

The same timing light, mounted on a plaque, was given to us as a 32nd anniversary present by my brother-in-law and sister-in-law. Like our marriage, the timing light is still in fine working order.

We have three rules for a happy marriage and they have worked well for us:

Don’t ever go to sleep on an argument.

Whoever said marriage is a 50-50 arrangement was never married. If it were 50-50, then nothing would ever happen. Think of it as 90-10 and always expect to only get the 10. That way, you will never be disappointed.
Remember that your spouse is your best friend. There is nothing you hide from each other.

Tell your spouse you love her (or him) at least four times each day and mean it.

Remember, our creator only puts us here for a short time, so make every moment count together.

Hey, I said there were three rules, but she convinced me there were a lot more.
— Fred Chemi

SHOWING OFF SOME OF MY FAMILY

With some wonderful family photos displayed on this Blog, I felt the need to add one of mine. This photo was taken at a recent wedding celebration of my oldest granddaughter, daughter of my oldest son. So you will see (from left) new grandson-in-law, granddaughter, grandson, oldest son and guess who.

WATCH YOUR MAILBOX

Keep an eye on your mailbox. In a few days, you will be receiving the letter and reservation form from the SHS Alumni Association. Be sure to complete and return it ASAP. The Alumni Association has asked me to remind you to be sure to check your food preference on the form. It is difficult if not impossible to accomodate your choice at the last moment.

You who are on our e-mail list have already received Glenda's request for information for the yearbook she is compiling, Joanne's request for photos, etc. for her display board, and the agenda for the weekend coordinated by Joe Nappo and his committee. If anyone would prefer paper copies of these communications, please let me know (cbrown43@ec.rr.com). Glenda tells me she has already received a number of responses, and we thank you for your promptness and encourage everyone to respond quickly. Joe too needs to know numbers for some of the weekend activities -- particularly for lunch on Saturday and brunch on Sunday. So please get back to him ASAP as well.

Are you all practicing the Alma Mater? You never know. We might have a competition ala American Idol with "Nestling in a Peaceful Valley" as the song.

Can't wait to see you all in June!!

Teena

WHAT I DID LAST NIGHT

Since I am a subscriber to Blockbuster Oneline, and since we know we can rent Ralph Arlyck's film, "Followng Sean," from Blockbuster, I did exactly that. It arrived yesterday, and I settled down in my favorite chair last night to watch it.

To sum up my feelings succinctly, you got to see this film!! That's all. You can rent it from Blockbuster and I think Netflix as well. Or you can buy it on Amazon.com. Whatever. Just get yourself a copy and settle down for an amazing commentary on life in the 60s beautifully told through the eyes of a little 4-year-old boy and through the lens of Ralph's camera and very creative mind.

"Following Sean" starts with some scenes from a film that Ralph made for a graduate class while living in Haight-Ashbury back in the 60s. And let's face it; if you are going to experience the 60s, what better place than Haight-Ashbury. "Following Sean" then segues from the original film into a follow-up story about Sean. Where is Sean now? How did being raised by full-fledged hippie parents in the heart of the hippie culture affect who he is today?

But the story is also a story about Ralph. I think, like me, you will find it particularly interesting and thought provoking having known Ralph as a young boy and teenager. You will see his parents, his sister, meet his lovely wife and very handsome sons. Ralph's story of Sean certainly got me thinking a lot about how my life evolved these last 50 years and the influences that took me to where I am today. Like Sean, my life changed a lot in 50 years. Like Sean, I don't suck my thumb anymore either.

Put this on your "must see" list.

NEWS FROM MIKE MARGULIES

Mike Margulies called me the other night, and we had a wonderful visit. As you may recall, Mike actually left Suffern in 1956 and moved to New Hampshire. Although he didn't graduate with us, he has asked to be included in our reunion. (Of course!!)

I know you will be fascinated to know that Mike's hobby for many years was dog sled racing. He tells me at one time he had 40 sled dogs (and the most patient and understanding wife in the world).

Mike is now retired after teaching school for many years, and is anxiously looking forward to reconnecting with everyone.

Message from Millicent Couch Charette

Would any FEMALE like to share a room with me at the Holiday??? Trip depends on it. I would even sleep on fold away in room....I am teeny tiny.

JIM'S CAR COLLECTION

Jim Bracco is a quite a collector of classic cars. He has sent us photos of two more in his collection.

MORE TRIVIA

Who in the class has a son who is an ethnomusicologist? And do you know what an ethnomusiologist does?

CLASSIC CAR ENTHUSIAST

Look who is a classic car enthusiast. It's Jim Bracco with one of the cars that he owns. Jim, tell us something about your cars!!