Class of 1971 Celebrates Its 50th Reunion

The Reunion Committee would like to thank all 83 classmates, 6 teachers (and 50 guests) that joined us for our 50^th Class Reunion on 8-21-21.  For those that weren’t able to attend, we missed seeing you and very much hope to see you at future reunions.

 As a point of reference, 14 classmates came from out of state (mostly FL) and 20 classmates and 13 guests had to cancel last minute due to unexpected circumstances.  Our class originally had 325 members, 44 have passed away and 36 were unreachable with the personal info we could find. 

 The main event was held at the 4H Community Center, but activities took place all weekend.  Washington Center classmates met at Big G’s for breakfast on Friday morning.  Ann Taylor Krider hosted a get together Friday evening for Coesse Classmates, and Mary Rose Ray also hosted a get together at her home for Columbia Township. 

 A tour of the new high school was arranged by Janet Sheets Hindbaugh on Saturday morning with ­­­­­­many classmates attending.   The tour was led by Brady Mullett and enjoyed by all.

 Saturday night the doors opened at 5:30 and our time together went by too fast.  Beer and wine was catered by Laura Mowrey Wall.  Food was catered by Darleen & Doug Wright – John & Deb Hilligoss and Janet Sheets Hindbaugh.  Flowers came from Janet and Laura’s gardens and floral arrangements were made by Janet.  Music playlist was done by Laura’s Grandson, Zeke – who also helped us out with “all things technical”.  Janet’s granddaughters and their friends served up soft serve ice cream!  Chuck’s Sister and Nancy’s Sister also came to help decorate, and Julie’s husband Jim helped with catering.   It was definitely a family affair.

 The night began with classmates getting reacquainted and viewing memorabilia.  On display were 8^th Grade School class photos from each grade school, CCJHS yearbooks, Senior class graduation cap and gown, a copy of “The Eagle” which included our Last Will & Testaments and Gary Ander’s Honor Blanket.  Our “In Remembrance” poster was featured with the name and picture of the 44 classmate’s that have sadly passed away.  A poster honoring our 13 Military Veterans was also on display, and lastly, a projector screen was set up to enjoy viewing over 100 photos from our high school days throughout the night. 

 After enjoying a lovely meal, our Master of Ceremonies “Mark Lindemood” took charge.  Chairwoman of the reunion, Nancy Sheets, was recognized for her many hours of work and dedication in putting together the evening.  Ann Taylor Krider read a poem selected from the 1970 Upsilon, written by Becky Martin Walter as a prelude to honoring the deceased classmates.  Mark and Ann then read the names of the deceased.  A recognition of classmates who served in the military was presented by Mark.  Teachers and their guests were acknowledged and thanked for their years of teaching at CCJHS.  (Attending teachers were, Sheldon Bixler, Jayne Bockman, Dan Dorman, Bob Fahl, Bill Stroup and Bill Wilder)

A parody of “Proud Mary” was arranged by Laura Mowrey Wall and presented in a lip sync/dance routine with Chuck Winkler dressed as Tina Turner.  Back up dancers included Laura Mowrey Wall, John Hilligoss, Kathy McCoy Carr, Robert Salesman, and Ann Taylor Krider.  Trivia games with questions about our high school years were placed at each table to be used as “ice breaker/discussion starters”.  Awards were presented to the tables with the most correct answers.  Individual class members were also awarded “1971 Trivia” booklets based on their responses to personal questions.  The class then joined in singing new words to the tune of “Jeremiah was a Bullfrog”, written by Ann Taylor Krider. 

 The evening joyfully continued with time for many photographs and even more precious was the time that we were then able to mingle and catch up with friends old and new.

 Concluding our weekend of events was a fun golf match Sunday morning arranged by Robert Salesman. 

Completing all 18 holes, was Mick Sweeney, Brad Nelson and Sarah Fahl Tester! Robert Salesman, Mark Parker and Don Jetmore, however, decided that it was time for a beer after 9 holes!  They did have a good excuse, as it was extremely hot and humid.   Nevertheless, many good stories were told and their time together was full of laughter.   

 With the many uncertainties of 2021, we are thrilled that so many classmates, teachers and guests were able to participate in what truly was a celebration of life and also to reflect on the joy of simpler times, fun memories and cherished friends from many years ago.  Also, Indiana August weather didn’t disappoint.  It couldn’t have been more perfect all weekend long, with a full moon to top it off!

 Lastly, if you would like to stay in touch with many of your class members and see announcements and pictures from this reunion (and past reunions), please join our PRIVATE Facebook Group page:  Columbia City Joint High School-Class of 1971

 Another memorable event has now been added to the history books of the CCJHS Class of 1971! 

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