Page 5 - Newsletter_Fall_2022

Reunion 2022: The Party

Happened . . . At Last!!!

By Nancy Ketch ’82, President

It may have been two years Susi Ingraham Walbridge The Alumni Variety Show provided accompaniment
after we originally planned ’77, Todd Willard ’86 and was held Friday evening at as the group performed
to have it, but the Multi- AnnGaye Woods ‘65. the Houlton Community two songs. Members of the
Class Reunion, also known as Arts Center (also known Alumni Chorus were Jerusha
Reunion 2022, was held this As with past celebrations, we as the High School Benn ’07, Kate Putnam
summer and was enjoyed by piggy-backed off the local Auditorium). There was an Ells ’69, Heather Wilson
so many alums. 4th of July festivities. Class evening full of music and Fagnant ’93, Nick Foster ’06
windows were prepared fun as alums from across the (current Choral Director),
Planning for the event in the windows of several years entertained the crowd. Ellie Grant ’22, Fred Grant
initially began in late downtown businesses. These Christian Putnam ’81 and ’88, Renee Grant ’88, Kim
summer of 2019. Early in were ready for viewing by Nancy Ketch ’82 served Clukey Jenkins ’86, Dylan
2020, those plans came to Midnight Madness. That as MC’s for the evening Johnston ’17, Nancy Ketch
a screeching halt with the night we had the Hospitality following a welcome from ’82, Susan Lee Laurence ’83,
onset of a global pandemic. Center open at the County Variety Show Committee Sydney Peabody ’21, Kimball
We tried again the next fall Co-op & Farm Store, which member Rick Nickerson ’81. Putnam ’84 and Alisha
… a little more cautiously was the home of the Center Targonski ’05.
… but, again, the plans were during the entire event. We Acts included a vocal solo by
thwarted as Covid raged on. also had an entry in the 4th Gary Hutchinson ’89 which Kim Clukey Jenkins ’86
We regrouped once more in of July Parade. was presented via video since opened the second half of
fall/winter 2021. Early in he could not be present for the show with a powerful
2022, the decision was made Throughout the following the show. Wayne McGinley vocal solo while being
to forge ahead. We were week, several activities took ’65, a regular at the Alumni accompanied by Rick
definitely going to hold the place including an Alumni Variety Shows, regaled the Nickerson ’81 followed by
Reunion and hope for the Soccer game coordinated by audience with a vocal and Susan Lee Laurence ’83 who
best with some contingency Todd Willard ’86. Those guitar performance along performed a stunning piano
plans in place. participating included Jimmy with a few stories. solo of Beethoven.
Fitzpatrick ’13, Ben Grant
While it did give us a little ’19, Connor Grant ’16, The duo of Duane Williams Showing the depth of talent
less time to pull things Dylan Johnston ’17, Nolan ’81 & Rick Nickerson in the family, Kendall Clukey
together, the Planning Porter ’19, Dan Swallow ’13 ’81, who often performed ’80 entertained the audience
Committee rallied. We and Tim Youngfellow ’18. together in the late 70’s and with a guitar and vocal solo
had several new alums get early 80’s, presented a vocal and, like Wayne McGinley,
involved and several who Tours of the Aroostook and guitar duet. Recent shared some stories with his
are seasoned veterans of the Historical & Art Museum graduate Ellie Grant ’22 music. Storytelling was also
event … a few even joined and Downtown Walking performed a stirring vocal a part of Rick Nickerson’s
us from afar via zoom. Tours were made available solo which included a vocal and piano solo
Together, this amazing group courtesy of Leigh Cummings tribute to her parents and a which was a tribute to his
put all the pieces in place. ’73, Sandy Fenlason self-written song while she hometown.
Thanks to the committee Cummings ’73 and Henry accompanied herself on the
members: Al Cowperthwaite Gartley ’77. Several alums piano. The final act was the Alumni
’72, Leigh Cummings ’71, also enjoyed the McGill’s Band under the direction of
Karen Eliot Donato ’68, Community Band Concert The Alumni Chorus closed Mike Hutchinson, Middle
Lauren Peabody Fitzpatrick on Thursday evening in out the first half of the School Band Instructor. The
’86, Rachel Fitzpatrick ’93, Monument Park. On Friday, show. Rick Nickerson ’81 band performed two songs
Mike Hutchinson, Nancy tours of the High School and Patrick Moore, Choral before leading the entire
Ketch ’82, Jon McLaughlin were given by Erica McGary Director from ’99-’06, crowd in the School Song.
’73, Rick Nickerson ’81, Tweedie ’00. shared directing duties and Alumni Band Members
Lainey Herring Tarr ‘09, Susan Lee Laurence ’83 included Jerusha Benn ’07

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