Manchester Story High School Class of 1960 reunion in 1980.
The Story High School class of 1960 has held several memorable reunions over the years, including their 20th at Tucks Point, 25th at the Surf Restaurant in Magnolia, and 50th at 7 Central in Manchester. This year, however, Covid 19 forced the cancellation of their 60th, originally scheduled to be held September 26 at the Village Restaurant in Essex. Not to be deterred, 10 members of the class, along with several spouses, convened for a Zoom session on September 22, hosted by Judy Christensen delRosario from Essex.
Joining Judy were Jeanie Andersen Lombardi from Ocala, FL; Cindy Radack Pearl from Fort Pierce, FL; Ken Billings from Hillsborough, NC; Fran James from Drake Island, ME; Nancy Manning Horton from Mashpee, MA; Carolyn Winston Backmender from Hebron, CT; Evelyn Jennings Bamford from North Stonington CT; Joni Lazisky Burgess from Groveland, MA, and Mary Knox Mackie from Lexington, MA.
One classmate, in an email prior to the Zoom session, wrote: “Looking forward to seeing everyone. I’m sure none of us has changed in the last 60 years.” Participants, viewing each other on screen, realized that yes, faces had aged, and the hair of many had grown whiter. Another attendee exclaimed, “That’s because we have all become petrified.” Despite the physical changes, senses of humor and personality traits remained unaltered.
Each individual described the twists and turns of career paths, travels over the years, events in the lives of children and grandchildren, and the pursuit of various hobbies and interests. One conclusion shared by most was the fact that they had read more books, watched more TV and movies, and taken more walks and hikes in 2020 than ever before.
As they signed off and waved goodbye, these ten members of the class of 1960 knew that this too had been a memorable reunion.
