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Lander Alumni Holds 99th Reunion

Pictured, front row from left: Evan Wilcox and Neva Hagberg, class of 1942; back row: Ralph Schaffer, class of 1947, and Eleanor Johnson, class of 1952

LANDER, Pa. — The Lander Alumni Association recently met at the Lander United Methodist Church to celebrate their 99th reunion. More than 40 classmates and guests were present for a luncheon served by Catering Plus.

Following the luncheon the meeting was called to order by President Shirley Hitchcock. Bev Church read the minutes from last year’s meeting. She also gave the financial report.

A moment of silence was held in memory of deceased class members: Janet Burgett Abbot, class of 1952; Lyle McIntyre, class of 1941; Pauline Rowland Sarvis, class of 1940; Joyce Stanton Spicer, class of 1945; and Bruce Lindell, class of 1952.

Under new business, the upcoming 100th reunion was discussed. The officers asked for volunteers to help plan this event. Tom Firth, Eleanor Johnson, Zeke Stanton, Barb Shinn, Betty Chase and Jodi Gruber all volunteered to help with the event. Phone numbers were collected so that they could be contacted later. It was suggested that a note appear in the area newspapers well ahead of the event to create interest and enlarge the attendance.

Also under new business the report of the nominating committee was given. Following the closing of nominations the secretary was told to cast a unanimous ballot for the slate of officers presented. The officers for 2017-18 are: president — Henry Kutchske; vice president — Tom Knapp; secretary/treasurer — Bev Church; historian — Norma Mills; and toastmistress — Jeanette Walter.

Pictured, from left: Tom Knapp — vice president; Henry Kutschke — president; and Bev Church — secretary/treasurer for 2017-18.

Tom Knapp, toastmaster, called on members for memories of their school years. Honored classes with members present were : 1942 — Neva Hagberg and Evan Wilcox, 1947 — Ralph Schaffer, 1952 — Eleanor Johnson.

Tom Knapp led off the discussion with his memories of the ball fields and the swings that everyone fought over. He also remembered seeing bats fly out of the school. Mary Ann Gafner remembered a May Pole Dance. She also remembered the smell of mittens drying out on the heater. Barb Shinn said she did not like a pair of shoes that she had so she purposely broke them so she could get new ones. Betty Chase recalled playing “Mother May I” in the basement. Shirley Hitchcock recalled that the restrooms were in the basement. Tom Firth recalled eating leeks and getting sent home. Some recalled school plays held at the church. Henry Kutcshke recalled the patience of the teachers. He said that it was not until he was in the classroom as the teacher that he realized how much patience the teachers had. Some recalled bringing dolls to school to play during recess and playing marbles.

The committee awarded the centerpiece to Neva Hagberg who told the group that she has never missed a reunion. The day closed with the singing of the alma mater.

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