OHS Class of 1976 renews friendships
On Sept. 16 and 17, about 60 members of the talented OHS Class of 1976 celebrated their 35th reunion along with many of their spouses, friends and guests. Ruth Walentik Johnston served as the reunion committee chair, and she and her team created a memorable weekend of activities. The festivities began with a tailgate party prior to the home football game against Lexington, which the Red Riders won handily. The celebration continued with smaller gatherings at Senor Pancho’s and classmate’s homes.
The featured event was an evening of food, fun and music held Saturday at Caskeys Campground. Classmates gathered for pre-dinner drinks and snacks followed by a tasty supper of pulled pork, various salads, chips, dips, relishes, and an assortment of desserts. The meal was partially catered and partly prepared and supplied by class members.
A standing-room only crowd was assembled by the time Brig. Gen. Michael Brogan addressed his class. He gave what he labeled “the
Chamber of Commerce” speech about the current state of the U.S. military, offered some highlights of his own career in the Marines, and answered questions posed by his classmates.
“Without a doubt, one highlight of the event was Brig. Gen. Mike Brogan’s speech,” said Ruth Walentik Johnston. “Very impressive and I doubt I was the only one with goosebumps from the sheer patriotism felt. Mike and his lovely wife Laurie came early and stayed late and were constantly surrounded by a small group of admirers.”
Retired former OHS teachers, Bob Shonk, Mark Fowkes and Maryalice Roush were recognized for their years of teaching and their impact on members of this class. “The teachers that were honored were also well received by the group,” commented Walentik Johnston. “It was so fun, not only to see them all again, but to have them in a relaxed, fun environment made it really special.”
The rest of the evening was spent reminiscing with one another to the sound of Liquid Sky, a band in which classmate Ed Marthey plays keyboard. The group played rock music from the ‘70s and ‘80s, so it was the soundtrack of their lives, according to those in attendance. Other members of the band are Ben Powers, Brad Johnson, Bruce Lindamood, and Chip Maggio.
“Super guitar work and a spot-on performance by the bass player and drummer,” observed Walentik Johnston. “The singer had an amazing vocal range, but it was the keyboard player (OHS Class of ’76 alumni) Ed Marthey that stole the show and rocked.”
A special 50/50 fundraiser was held for the newly formed OHS Class of ’76 Memorial Scholarship Fund that got the scholarship fund up and running from an enthusiastic response.
Members of the Class of ’76 would also like to recognize and thank their sponsors – Smith Dairy, Joe’s Garage, OrrVilla Retirement
Community, The Faithful Little Cupcake, P.A.W.S. Cheese & Deli Shop, Tulipan Hungarian Pastry, Crystal Clean Power Wash & Painting, Maibach Ford and Gary’s Drive Thru for their contributions and support.
Many in attendance expressed their appreciation to the planning team for the great weekend they enjoyed. They also missed classmates who were not in attendance and hope to see more of them in five years at their 40th reunion.
For more information and photos from the event and to keep up on the plans for the 2016 40th OHS Class of ’76 Reunion, visit the OHS Class of ’76 Reunion website at http://OHS76.wordpress.com.
The featured event was an evening of food, fun and music held Saturday at Caskeys Campground. Classmates gathered for pre-dinner drinks and snacks followed by a tasty supper of pulled pork, various salads, chips, dips, relishes, and an assortment of desserts. The meal was partially catered and partly prepared and supplied by class members.
A standing-room only crowd was assembled by the time Brig. Gen. Michael Brogan addressed his class. He gave what he labeled “the
Chamber of Commerce” speech about the current state of the U.S. military, offered some highlights of his own career in the Marines, and answered questions posed by his classmates.
“Without a doubt, one highlight of the event was Brig. Gen. Mike Brogan’s speech,” said Ruth Walentik Johnston. “Very impressive and I doubt I was the only one with goosebumps from the sheer patriotism felt. Mike and his lovely wife Laurie came early and stayed late and were constantly surrounded by a small group of admirers.”
Retired former OHS teachers, Bob Shonk, Mark Fowkes and Maryalice Roush were recognized for their years of teaching and their impact on members of this class. “The teachers that were honored were also well received by the group,” commented Walentik Johnston. “It was so fun, not only to see them all again, but to have them in a relaxed, fun environment made it really special.”
The rest of the evening was spent reminiscing with one another to the sound of Liquid Sky, a band in which classmate Ed Marthey plays keyboard. The group played rock music from the ‘70s and ‘80s, so it was the soundtrack of their lives, according to those in attendance. Other members of the band are Ben Powers, Brad Johnson, Bruce Lindamood, and Chip Maggio.
“Super guitar work and a spot-on performance by the bass player and drummer,” observed Walentik Johnston. “The singer had an amazing vocal range, but it was the keyboard player (OHS Class of ’76 alumni) Ed Marthey that stole the show and rocked.”
A special 50/50 fundraiser was held for the newly formed OHS Class of ’76 Memorial Scholarship Fund that got the scholarship fund up and running from an enthusiastic response.
Members of the Class of ’76 would also like to recognize and thank their sponsors – Smith Dairy, Joe’s Garage, OrrVilla Retirement
Community, The Faithful Little Cupcake, P.A.W.S. Cheese & Deli Shop, Tulipan Hungarian Pastry, Crystal Clean Power Wash & Painting, Maibach Ford and Gary’s Drive Thru for their contributions and support.
Many in attendance expressed their appreciation to the planning team for the great weekend they enjoyed. They also missed classmates who were not in attendance and hope to see more of them in five years at their 40th reunion.
For more information and photos from the event and to keep up on the plans for the 2016 40th OHS Class of ’76 Reunion, visit the OHS Class of ’76 Reunion website at http://OHS76.wordpress.com.
Published: October 6, 2011
