Random Thoughts from a Random Memory - ACV Class of 1967

By Edward Master

My class, ACV 1967, recently held our annual summer picnic. However, a few years back, we moved it inside to a back room at the Plaza. Got to visit with a few people that I had not seen for quite a spell. Seemed like there was a lot more grayish/white hair.

My first stop was at the magazine rack, where I picked up a new word puzzle. Those books keep my mind sharp. I guess I get that from my mother. She did crosswords every day. My ride, Mike Rapp, dropped me off close, so I didn't need to drag my walker too far. I'm good now for a little bit. Hey, Mike, thanks for the lift again.

I had my usual chat with Ruthie Grimm. I think I could listen to her tales of Emlenton all day. I think she could tell those tales all day. Then one wish came to the surface... I got to talk to Wanda Sebring (Whitmer). I haven't seen Wanda for a few, and found she's still in Emlenton on the hill and got her e-mail. Wanda's younger brother, Greg (Butch), was a basketball teammate and a fraternity brother at Clarion U. We were both "Phi Sigs."

I emailed Wanda and explained that I would bend her ear with some stories in the future of Butch's and my adventures.

I also had a long chat with Larry "Opie" Stewart. Larry and I go back quite aways back. We first faced off as Little League catchers, Larry for West Freedom, me for Foxburg.

I don't recall when he picked up the moniker "Opie", but when he was just a lad, he sure resembled Ronnie Howard on TV.

I have been able to attend quite a few of our picnics over the past few years. I'm lucky I'm mobile enough to get around, and I really wanted to connect with Wanda and Larry. So, I guess all is right for the time being.

Gary (Gaylord) Perry also showed up, all the way from Tennessee (with wife Teri). Gaylord is using a cane to get around, but he looks healthy. There were lots of folks with whom I didn't get the chance to exchange pleasantries. A couple ex neighbors from Chestnut Ridge, just west of Turkey City, attended. Brenda Whitling and Bob McClintock.

Those two go back to grade school.

A few of the MIAs include Trish Marron and Patty Landers (Sheesley). I think each had family commitments. Trish, I see from time to time, and Patty is an email cohort and every so often a lunch-mate. I'm still waiting for her story on her weaving business. But, with Wanda and Opie back in the fold, I'm waiting to reconnect with former Parker resident, Liz McCall. It's been way too long. Liz is a former commuter mate to Clarion U with Butch Alworth and me. Butch was also a no-show, but I see him from time to time here at PPC.

In retrospect, we are a lucky group that we get around a third of our class to these dinners, picnics, reunions, whatever. I know my wife never had anything close to what we have. Maybe it's the area where we hail from. But, it's not the same with other A-C classes. I guess we are just lucky.