Reunion: Bringing people together

The second annual Community Wide Reunion at Oats Park on Saturday means remembering events shared with teenage friends and bragging about children and grandchildren, but it’s also an opportunity to reacquaint with classmates, learn about the diversity of occupations chosen and to share life experiences.

It reveals the way the students as adults contribute to society and to their communities, which some say is one way to evaluate the quality of a high school education.

Chairwoman Susan McCormick said she is excited for the event that should have a great turnout. She said the classes of 1955, ‘65, ‘70, ‘75 and ‘85 have all planned separate events but will come together Saturday afternoon for the community-wide reunion.

McCormick said each class will have its own reunion dinner tonight. She also said the classes will hold separate functions Friday and part of Saturday.

“I think this event falls on a great weekend because there usually is so much going on to entertain everyone,” she said. “I know my class of ‘65 will be taking advantage of everything that is being offered. It made planning very easy.”

McCormick said the events scheduled for Saturday were designed to show what Fallon has to offer and how it has changed over the years. She said a big attraction is the free concert featuring Mike Zito and the Wheel at Oats Park’s Centennial Stage and hosted by the Churchill Arts Council and the city of Fallon.

Bunny Corkill said 37 Churchill County High School graduates from the years 1938-1945, which will be acknowledged and honored by Mayor Ken Tedford, are hoping to attend the event.

“We’re hoping they will be able to make it,” she said. “They all seem very committed to joining but they are all in their 90s and I know how difficult it is to keep to plans at my age.”

McCormick said there is designated parking at E. C. Best Elementary School and a shuttle that is being run by C.A.R.T. (Churchill Area Regional Transportation) from 4 p.m. until the event is over.

Corkill said last year while she was registering people she overheard two men who grew up together reconnect after 50 years of being a part.

“It was quite emotional listening to these grown men after 50 years of not seeing one another,” she said. “But that’s what this event is about. It’s about reuniting old friends and meeting their children, grandchildren or both.”

Tammy Grace said the committee kept the event similar to last years but increased the amount of food that will be sold. She said the Fallon Youth Club and the Senior Center will have booths selling goods.

McCormick said the committee that has worked together to get the event up and running has been great. She said everyone is passionate and dedicated to making sure it is successful and everyone has fun.

The city of Fallon has been extremely helpful and supportive, McCormick said. She said the city is providing the tables and chairs for the registration and honorees’ tent.

“The main objective of Saturday is to give the community an event that they can have a positive experience with and make memories,” she said.

All three of the women said they hoped this year would attract more people.

McCormick said the city pool next to Oats Park would have free swim all day. She also added the event is open to anyone that would like to attend.

“It doesn’t matter if you graduated from Churchill County,” she said. “The event is for anyone in the community who wants to stop by and have some fun. There are things to do for all ages. It’ll just be a great time.”

McCormick did note that attendees should bring their own chairs or blankets to Oats Parks.