REFLECTIONS ON THE 40TH CLASS REUNION

JOHN HARRIS CLASS OF 1966



While everything is fresh in our minds, we would like to reflect on the activities of Friday, November 24 and Saturday, November 25.  This event may have transpired over two days, but it was in the planning stage for well over a year.  The results of that planning came to fruition over the weekend.  What an amazing time was had by all who were in attendance.  For those of you who were unable to make the 40th, we certainly hope that you’ve heard about the high standards we’ve set and we look forward to doing even bigger and better things at the 45th.


The weekend started with a social at Cantone’s Restaurant.  The committee met for dinner around 7:00, along with a number of other classmates who also dined at Nick’s.  The restaurant was packed since the Central Dauphin Class of 1996 was also having its 10th year reunion in the front of the house.  Approximately 100 Pioneers attended, including members from other John Harris classes.  It was a great opportunity to mix and mingle, and rekindle memories and meet old friends in a casual setting.  It was a super kickoff for the next night’s reunion.


On Saturday, we held the reunion at The Susquehanna Club in the New Cumberland Army Depot.  We had approximately 150 people in attendance and the atmosphere was almost electric.  From the start, the crowd arrived early and mixed, talked, took pictures and set the stage for an unforgettable evening.  After a social hour, buffet dinner and drawings for great door prizes, the class was entertained by The Epsilons (click on link). 


The Epsilons were a group formed by Pat Navagato, Jim Leaman, Barney Parrella and Guy Ridge during high school.  They reunited several years ago for Pat and Paula’s wedding reception and have reunited a second time to play at the reunion. 


It was quite obvious from the start that they had been practicing for many, many months as all of their sets were very tight and they rocked the house.  They indulged four old R & B singers known as Ebony & Ivory, allowing them to sing a half dozen songs with the group.  The band added an extra spark to the evening which just topped off the party. 


All this entertainment was ably backed during non band periods by the DJ work of Ernie Barbush (click on link).  The dinner, the entertainment and the overall social atmosphere of the evening led to the best reunion to date. 


As we left The Susquehanna Club (with some still heading off to a hospitality suite at the Holiday Inn), we wondered how this could all be over so fast.  We look forward to staying in touch with each other over the upcoming years through our web site at www.johnharris66.com for the purpose of keeping all information current and the possibility of having some informal gatherings sooner than five years.  To all who were involved in any part, by preparing for or attending the reunion, the committee gives a heartfelt thank you.


Mike Davis

11-28-06




I'd just like to congratulate all of the members of the Reunion Committee (and their ever-helpful spouses) and anyone else who helped create a truly fine night. I've been to a few parties in my day and that was one of the finest. The best part about it is that after 40 years so many of us are still so genuinely friendly to each other, care about each other and have a good time with each other. It's a great thing, and I mean it.


Beyond that, having the opportunity to finally "go to the prom" with Lydia after that was made impossible in '66 was something I'll never forget.


I realized as we were driving back to the motel that there was a well of friendship from which I haven't properly drawn, and I will do so from now on. Because in the midst of the Reunion, I looked around and I had only one thought:

                      "These are my friends, and they always will be".


Norman Gaines

Still trying to lead the Hippie Contingent from the Class of '66 in Gary Hench's absence...

12-2-06