It all started with an email with the RSVP as an attachment. It was the first notice but not the last time I interacted with the reunion committee. The class website had recently been revamped and of course I couldn't ignore this news of the reunion. I quickly volunteered to promote the event on our website. The event was to be a Saturday afternoon catered picnic held on the 13th of September at the Lafayette Reservoir. For some of us the choice was between the Lowell JROTC reunion or other non-Lowell reunions.  For me, there was no choice. Our class reunion was the only one on the menu.

If I could sum up the 35th in one word it would be MEMORABLE. From the time I left my house I couldn't help but think that I would have a great time. My thoughts did not betray me. I arrived at the Lafayette Reservoir around 10:30am after missing a few turnoffs along the way. And that my friends is why I usually like to have my spouse in the car with me, but that wasn't going to happy at any reunion I would attend. Not that she is my GPS, but she helps me focus when I drive. A sign of senility perhaps?

The balloons had not been strung up making a path to the site just yet, but there was a signup table with a group of classmates that had arrived earlier. After introducing myself I asked what I could do to help and was told the tables were being prepared, so I rushed over to give them a hand. Seems like old times when I use to give a hand to scout picnics I use to attend.  It felt good. Table coverings were spread out, streamers laid down and paper lanterns were hung. Another group helped string balloons - red and white of course.

On registering for the event, each paid attendee was given an armband. No band, no food.....sounded good to me. We were also given the chance to create our own name tags and decorate it with what stickers that were made available to us. Apparently I was not the only "unique" one (sticker on my name tag). Bubble letters made a comeback as some tried to recreate a fad thought to be lost in time as a few felt nostalgic when creating their masterpiece name tags.

The caterer was running a little late, so it allowed those who came later be just in time for the other main event - the first being to socialize, to catch up and to reminisce from the last reunion. The fare was what you'd expect in a catered picnic. Chips and salsa started the menu followed by three entrees - pulled pork, boneless ribs and chicken. For those who wanted a lighter fare there were hot dogs and veggie burgers, although I never saw the veggie burgers....not that I would eat one. The sides included a well done potato salad, two types of veggies, beans, rolls and chocolate cookies. For refreshments there was water and soda, all one could ever want to drink. And for desert, a wide assortment of premium ice cream. I picked the Ben & Jerry's Cookie Dough. It was a good pick.

Now five years ago, three or four trips to the food line would have been something I would not hesitate in doing. In fact five years prior I felt really bad because I had just started a diet to help curb my cholesterol problem. The food was something to go back for. The picnic food was no exception. The problem was that I was, well, we were all getting old (stop rolling those eyes). In my case I just couldn't go past seconds. I wanted to, but after the second helping I felt full. I stood around most of the time I was eating just to take in the "feel" of the reunion. Everyone just had a lot to say to each other about themselves, their family and other classmates. It was what a reunion was meant to be. I was moved. The gabbing continued even after the meal.

We had games too. Groupings of classmates in their old niches and activities were really popular. It was another "remember when?" event, but included others to join in pre-existing conversations. Remember which Jr. High you went to? Which bus line did you use to get to school that was shared with others?

As the picnic was winding down, the leftover food was placed into "doggie bags" and distributed. We had to struggle with the yellow jackets (the insect, not the clothing) as the food must have been to their liking as well. The cleanup was rather easy and the site looked ready for the next group of picnickers. The committee members got together for one last picture. That was followed by hauling stuff to the cars. Of course there were still a bunch of classmates still gabbing away after the committee had left, but for the most part the memories were made and yet another reunion would be in the planning stage.

Click HERE to view pictures of the attendees and some of those group shots.