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LAHS 2001 Reunion
(Singer Island, Florida)
"They just keep getting better." These words were echoed by many attendees. A record turnout was set by a single class this year. A total of fourteen alumni were present representing the class of 1961. To commemorate the '61 class reunion, a special cake was prepared and served by David Ellerman and Letitia (Wells) Haworth, the Valedictorian and Salutatorian respectively. Also, for those in attendance, a commemorative issue of the graduation program was provided.
In all, thirty-five alumni attended and, with guests included, that number reached fifty-four. The hotel grounds were ours for the weekend as we occupied more than half of the 60-room capacity. The hotel staff provided us with the use of their recently renovated hospitality room that served as a convenient meeting place -- out of the sun. For those avid sun lovers, the pool area (notably the Tiki bar) and the private beach provided alternate venues.
The original two-day reunion continues to expand as more people are coming earlier and staying later. Early attendees helped celebrate Karel (Ray) Van Gelder's birthday on Wednesday at the "Bomb Squadron" and late-stayers (20 in number) enjoyed a Sunday dinner at Jetty's, in nearby Jupiter.
Food and beverage were the priorities for the weekend, aside from having a good time and catching up on past memories. For those early birds, most shuffled down the beach to Portofino's for lunch on Thursday and Friday. Friday night's dinner was prepared by Karel (and friends) and served buffet style in the meeting room (see photo below...Yum!). Karel prepared another buffet for Saturday's lunch offering a "create-your-own" Caesar salad and assorted goodies. For the annual Saturday dinner, a local restaurant at the nearby marina was chosen -- the Buccaneer. Great food and ambiance in a private setting says it all!
Pat Bowman and Derwood Biles were the first to check in (Wednesday) and Bert & JoJo Hentschel and Joe & Barbara (Palmer) Sherill were the last to check out (Tuesday).
Between Wednesday and Monday a lot of good times transpired. It was good to see some of the repeat offenders and, as always, it's encouraging and enjoyable to see recently found alumni. Hope you all enjoyed it as much as I did. See you next year in sunny California!
P.S. Thanks Karel for another great reunion !!
Butch Ray
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Fourteen alumni from the class of '61 attend
this year's reunion. A record turnout!!! Pam League and Mike Hunter insist on holding their drinks
Remember the famous Ellerman chant:
"E l l e r m a n.....
Non buono. Cattivo. Schifoso."
Performing (l-t-r): Elda (Herring) Echles, Letitia (Wells) Haworth, Pam League, Mimi (Wells), Sue (Harris) Wright and Pat Spencer
Reunion 2001 Alumni Attendees
(l-t-r) Karel (Ray) Van Gelder, Pat Spencer, Elda (Herring) Eckles, Pat Bowman & Leslie (Bentley) Horner enjoy the cultural cuisine at the Thursday night town square party in West Palm
Classmates celebrated Karel (Ray) Van Gelder's birthday Fiday night. Her birthday was Wednesday, Oct. 10. Age was not disclosed.
Early attendees gathered for lunch at Portofino's on Thursday. That's Mike Hunter sporting the hat.
Karel (back left) supervises the Friday dinner arragement in the hospitality room.
(l-t-r) Richard Palmer, Sue (Harris) Wright, JoJo (Turpin) Hentschel & Leslie (Bentley) Horner assist with the final details
Karel (Ray) Van Gelder (President) conducts the traditional Saturday morning annual meeting
Alumni gather in hospitality room prior to Saturday's meeting
Attentive classmates listen to Karel as she covers meeting agenda items. That's Pat Spencer in the patriotic shirt.
Joe Auer wins the prize for "most dedicated alumni". He had surgery on his knee Wednesday and still managed to attend the reunion. His wife Eunice was there as well.
Letitia (Wells) Haworth and David Ellerman share honors in cutting the "Class of '61" cake Saturday night. Derwood Biles (observes intently)
A view of the hotel from the beach.
Our favorite "watering hole"...the Tiki Bar at poolside. That's Stephanie Vaughn with the shades (centered behind Elda and Letitia). Joe Fernan prefers sitting (right foreground) while Johnny Sager sports shades and sandals (far right)
Pat Bowman sips a "cool one" as he listens to (l-t-r) Letitia (Wells) Haworth, Elda (Herring) Echles and Joe Auer reminisce about life at Camp Darby
The surf was up most of the time and the water was inviting...even to some brave souls who preferred to dip at night
