The Picnic - September 9, 2001

A small but enthusiastic group gathered at the Westville Dam Picnic Area on September 9th, 2001.  We couldn't have asked for a nicer day, a prettier location, or a greater group of people.  The only thing missing was the vast majority of our class, which was almost outnumbered by visitors from other classes or other schools.  One guest was even from (gasp!) Bartlett High School.  Certainly some of our local class members, and those who live at great distance had good reasons not to be there.  The rest of you missed a really fine time.  

Dick Boland and Jack Sheehan put up the signs at 10:30 AM, and the Park Ranger was tapping his toe when we took them down shortly after 7:00 PM.  There were no lulls in the conversation, people were arriving and leaving all day, the grill was busy, and the day ended at the Publick House sometime around 10:00 PM.  WE HAD A GREAT TIME!

Winners of the distance traveled award were Ron Marinelli and his wife Claudette who made the journey from Montpelier, Vermont. Ron hasn't lost his sense of humor nor his keen memory (unlike most of us).  Few people can give you the history of Rom's Restaurant from its very beginning, but Ron was there on opening day.

We were blessed with the presence of an abundance of politicians, Senator Kollios being the Ranking Member.  Representing the Elder Statesmen, Southbridge Town Councilman James Marino was also present, as was Rene Tremblay, also a Council Member and a graduate of Cole Trade School.  Joe was promised a soap box when he received his invitation to the picnic and was disappointed when it didn't materialize.  No babies were present, but everyone and everything in sight had its hand shaken and/or was kissed - these political guys  just lose control when election time comes around.  Joe shouldn't have kissed the Park Ranger, but that's another story.  Fortunately, there were no speeches, which added to the perfect day.  Marcia Kollios kept Paul headed in the right direction, and her rubber boots were the fashion item of the day.  Marcia has been to many political gatherings, and she came prepared.

Jeanette Swirbliss Kennedy and her husband Ron drove up from Rhode Island.  Many of us hadn't seen Jeanette since graduation, and seeing her was, as always, a real treat.

Old standbys Dick Boland and Tom Vangel added to the din. They are ready for "Grumpy Old Men III" when sequel time comes around again.  Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau could have learned much from Dick and Tommy.  

Helen Ludwin Santilli and Catherine McMahon Svedberg were in full sail with Class Yearbooks, newspaper clippings, albums, and just a whole lot of information on the class dating back to days prior to graduation.  The class graduation  picture that appeared in the Southbridge News was a shocker - most of us couldn't recognize ourselves.

Tony Santilli ('51), Ken Boland ('51?), Bob and Terry Martin Girouard ('50 and '57 respectively), and Debbie Sichol ('57) represented their Wells High Classes well.  Bob Girouard did get lost driving into the park, but then again he graduated in 1950 and at his advanced age we have to cut him some slack.  Loda Slota Sheehan  rounded out the Class of '57 roster, and her sister Stef Slota Barrette carried the flag for the Class of '46. 

Bob and Grace Kirk were also in attendance.  If I have it straight, it was Bob who graduated from Bartlett, and Grace graduated from a school in the wilds of Central Massachusetts - or was it vice-versa?   Bob and Jack Sheehan live handsomely on their American Optical Company Police Department pensions.  Both were awarded marksmanship medals for their participation in many Quinnebaug River 3:00 AM Rat Shooting Competitions.  Yes, now it can be told.  Someone had to protect the AO from the river rats.

So all in all, a pretty diverse bunch of the nicest people that you could hope to assemble on a beautiful September afternoon.  Everything worked out so well that we will certainly plan another Class Picnic.  If the Class of '54 shows as little interest next time around, then we might have a shot at an All-Class Picnic Weekend.  If you didn't go, you missed a really nice time.  Please be there next time - we missed you.

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Rear: Tom Vangel, Cathy McMahon Svedberg, Paul Kollios, Helen Santilli, Joe Marino, Jack Sheehan.  Front: Ron Marinelli, Dick Boland

Cathy and Jeanette Swirbliss Kennedy

Not Ted Kennedy and Danny Devito, despite what Tommy said.

Helen, Tony Santilli, and Terry Martin Girouard

Debbie and her bodyguard.

Claudette, Ron, Jack and Dick

Helen and Grace Kirk.  Grace is employed as a bodyguard for the Town Council.

Bob Kirk.  The Bartlett Guy.  

You know them all by now.