WHENEVER FRIENDS REMEMBER WHEN........

THEY BRING THE GOOD TIMES BACK AGAIN.......

I attended a Little House on the Prairie school in a section of Altoona, Pa called Lakemont. St. John the Evangelist parochial school, when I attended was grades 1-8, nowadays, it’s pre-K –8th. Good times and fond memories were at SJS. Two grades in each room, with small numbers in both grades, made it very nice and personal with the other students, faculty and clergy. 

I will write in the future about some humorous stories that happened to me while under the rooftop at SJS, and then tell you how I filled in one fabulous year as the ‘temporary art teacher’ a few years ago. But, now I want to explain to you about a wonderful ‘class reunion’ our little school has each year around Christmas time.

It was Christmas of 1994, when most of my 8th grade graduating class of 1986 were on our way out of college, and into the real world. One of my school chums and I were talking about how at Thanksgiving it was ‘like a high school reunion’ at some of the local establishments. Then we got to thinking. How cool would it be to see if we could round up some of the old gang from back in grade school? Let’s invite the teachers too. They were so close to us, and very interesting individuals. Wouldn’t mind having a brew with the principal.

So, we picked up the phone and called around to our friends and their families, and got a nice gang of us to meet as a St. John’s Get Together. Mind you, there were only 12 in my graduating class from 8th grade. Over half showed up with significant others, and a great time was had by all. One of our former teacher’s family owns a pretty happening tavern in town, which made it even more of a popular draw.

Within the next few years, along with the help of the internet, we were able to stay in contact a little more and invited the other grades to attend. Remember, we shared a room with another grade. So, we invited the classes of ’85 and ’87 and soon had a greater numbers in attendance. Some years there were only a few and other years there were lots. And for the most part, even though a lot have kids now, a majority stay for over 2 hours at the event. I’m generally the first one there and the last one to leave.

Recently, we’ve been inviting anyone who attended St. John’s to come out and join us for a cup of cheer. Advertising in the church bulletin, at our stjohnsforum.org and through word of mouth seems to get our classmates out and about. Next week will be our 13th gathering and as always I am so excited. We have Cousin Mike performing again, who by the way, attended St. John’s too.

Within the past couple of years, they have started up a SJS alumni association, and ironically, I really haven’t been active with the group. It seems I have more luck by just picking up the phone and calling people at the last minute to attend our Christmas party.

It only took a few years for my fellow colleagues to ask in anticipation, “Are we getting together again at Christmas?” It’s in our conversation. “If I don’t see you this summer, I’ll catch you at Christmas, like always.” “Wouldn’t miss it for the world” I hear lots.

The teachers really seem to enjoy themselves at this annual event. It may be the only time of the year we actually get to meet up with old acquaintances. Most know that it’s usually the weekend before Christmas that we have our celebration. I try to open to anyone who attended St. John’s School, even if it was for a short time. Folks come from out of state and country to get back to this reunion.

 The bottom line is ‘whenever friends remember when……they bring the good times back again’