Fifty years after we graduated from “the new Nottingham” the class of 1958 celebrated its 50th reunion. Over seventy-five loyal classmates out of about 250 class members were courageous enough to travel back through time and over many miles to attend this momentous occasion. They probably came because they are comfortable with who they are, what they have accomplished in their lives and how they look; and because they were perhaps curious about how some of their classmates turned out.

The reunion committee, most ably chaired by Margo Carr Miller, planned an event -filled weekend for September 5-7, 2008. The class gathered on Friday evening at the home of Dick Bowman. Jerry Laffer conducted a conversation regarding who came the farthest, who had been married the most times, who had been retired the longest, and the like.

At noon on Saturday, the group enjoyed a luncheon cruise on Skaneateles Lake. We enjoyed the balmy weather and the opportunity once again to savor the New York State Finger Lakes of our youth. A round of drinks at the Sherwood Inn capped off a perfect afternoon.

On Saturday evening, Jim Wooster arranged for a terrific dinner at the Cavalry Club. A class picture captured the moment. Jerry Laffer was MC while a few reflections on the Nottingham experience, and the importance of our links to one another, were presented by the keynote speaker, yours truly … (Bill Rezak).

The 1957 Nottingham football team won the Syracuse City Championship and then the Central New York Championship. Teammates Don Burns, Pete DeSilvia, Pete Palumb, Bill Rezak, Jeff Smith and Jim Stathes reminisced about their success in that undefeated season. Connie and Pete Palumb hosted a Sunday morning breakfast at their home for the teammates and their line coach Pat Testa, a favorite of the group.

The class also enjoyed a sumptuous farewell brunch at the Renaissance Hotel late Sunday morning. The entire weekend was a resounding success with many questioning how soon we could reconnect. Several made plans to get together in the interim. Our 50th proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that childhood friends are friends for life. Almost $1000 was raised to support our alma mater. Encore! Encore!

Obituaries

John Edwards Gorman (’58), 68, of Venice, FL, died July 8, 2008. He was employed by New York Electric and Gas in Dryden for 37 years before moving to Florida in 2004. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Stacy, one daughter and one son, and several grandchildren.

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