50th Reunion Program, Centerpieces, Favors!

When we started meeting two years ago and faced the challenge of Covid I was not sure we were going to be able to pull this off.  Yet, with the persistence of our co-chairs(Jim and Carol) we persisted.  Through two rough years and postponements we persisted.  And in the end, it was perfect!     I have been sharing with friends and family about this past weekend.  Many people have never had a class reunion ever from their high school.  Others were amazed at our response.  I simply offer these reflections:     ·         Neumann was always about the “people”.  Yes, we received an education but it was always more about the “”community” that you felt connected to-part of;  ·         So many people came from out-of-town.  That says something that people were willing to pay for a plane ride/gas for the car ride and hotel to simply reconnect with people they may not have seen in 51 years.  A special thanks to all that travelled to join us;  ·         The faculty/teachers were such a big part of our Neumann experience.  To be able to have them join us so we could in some small way say “thank you”-priceless;  ·         Yes, the meetings at times were a little, how might I say, challenging.  But we worked through the challenges and kept our eye on the prize- an evening together with a community from 51 years ago;  ·         I tried to talk with everyone that evening.  I especially wanted to talk to folks that in high school I might not have talked to much at all.  I found wonderful new connections and learned new things about people that I really never knew in high school-what a gift!;  ·         I was struck by how many of our fellow classmates who met their future partner at Neumann were there, still together and looking fabulous as a couple 51 years later;  ·         The key to this success was we each did our part.  We each took responsibility for a piece of the plan and made it happen.  And by doing so, working together we created a memorable event for all who attended     I was honored to be part of this journey which began with phone calls to check if our records were accurate maybe three years ago( we did start those phone calls 3 years ago, right Carol?).  We did good.  People reconnected.  After two years of pandemic and the isolation and disconnectedness that was associated with the past two(plus) years- we created an opportunity for people to truly be with others, connect and enjoy each other 51 years later.     Job well done.     I hope that the connections that have been made, some rekindled, will flourish.     Thank you for allowing me to part of this journey.     I hope we stay in touch.     My best,     Arlene

Thank you Carol and Jim for all of your work in guiding our committee and spearheading what turned out to be an amazing event. Arlene, your words summed up our shared experience in such a beautiful way. Thank you Paul for taking care of our finances and Everett for your work in reaching out to our classmates. Larry, you did an outstanding job in remembering those we've lost. It was a pleasure working with each and everyone of you and all of the components that made our reunion such a success. Thank you, Mary Ann 

 We all followed dreams...or what looked good at the time.    I am amazed that we had a successful priest,  two doctors (hope i didn't miss any), Rocket Scientists(Wujek)..etc.   not to take away from the mothers and fathers... having stayed single...i am amazed at the raising of children.  Congrats to us all... soon we will be gone....But as Shakespeare said.... we had our moment on the stage, our moment in the sun, and our time at BNHS...FOR WHICH I AM VERY THANKFUL! Larry Welk 

I concur and my sentiments exactly!  Thank you,  Carol and everyone for all your efforts in making this a truly memorable reunion and experience.

It has been my pleasure working with all of you to achieve this.  Thank you!!!!   Jim Menefee

A big thank you to you for handling the finances and to Carol, our fearless leader and for putting up with all of us for 2 years.

My wife and I had a great time and she has always been able to say it better than I ever could.

She says my Neumann friends are great people and would do anything to help each other.

To future reunions and to staying healthy. 

Great job everyone!

Michael

 The glow of our gathering hasn’t faded.  Thank you all for all the work you guys did over the last 2 years……. For the planning, for the research and for ironing out the details that made our 50 + 1 such a wonderful gathering.    Keep the love growing,    Fope ‘71