DIRECTORY UPDATE: CORRECTIONS

 I've already discovered a couple more errors in email addresses, and so I'll plan to send out corrections in the next few weeks. I want to wait to see if any more turn up so please ...

1. Doublecheck your entry to make sure your contact information is correct, and alert me to any errors.
2. If you have the directory in pdf form, let me know, and I can send you a Word version that's correctable. (I sent most out as Word docs, but a few of you have pdfs.)

This time I'll be sending out only the corrections in an eblast. Spam filters tend to catch eblasts that have attachments -- so you won't be getting the entire directory again.

IT'S A WRAP!

 The directories went out yesterday via email. If you didn't get one, contact me at mhsclassof72@gmail.com!

Thanks to all -- however you participated -- for making the reunion such a great success!

By all means, Keep On Truckin', so we can do it again in 2027! 

DIRECTORY UPDATE: ALMOST HERE!

I know you all are eagerly awaiting the latest edition of the class directory, but I'm still working on a few loose ends, which means that, if you haven't submitted your updated contact information and news, this is your last call! This time around, the directory will also include links to video excerpts from the Saturday night program and also to the classmates' greetings that was screened that evening. Thanks to all for your patience ... I promise it will be worth the wait -- 53 pages and counting! In the meantime, here's a link to the video/slideshow that was projected in the Discovery Center theater on Saturday during the buffet hour. Of particular note is the 11-minute video from the 15-year reunion in 1987. The sound was muted at the reunion, but I've added it back in. This one is special, folks -- featuring a number of classmates we've lost, including Laura Lignitz, Scott Rempel, Cathy Brown Lykens, and Alice Delehanty Hagan.

GRATITUDE!

I'm basking in the afterglow of our reunion weekend, and I want to just give a huge shoutout to my fellow members on the planning committee. By virtue of being tasked with communication, I know I'm the reunion "point person" for most of you -- but I want everyone to know that each member of this committee lent their time and talents toward making the reunion such a singular occasion. We took this silly pic -- complete with John Lennon glasses, wax lips (on Ellen Durkee) and, yes, those are candy cigarettes -- during a wonderful pre-reunion get-together at the Tuttle Creek home of Tad Thompson and Debbi Hardin Thompson (missing are Joanne Gallaher and Dawn Thompson Olney). I hope it shows you all just how much fun we had putting on the event. Everyone had an important role: Tad and Terry Olson did essential recon work in Manhattan, and Terry was our never-say-no member to anything that needed to be done on the ground. Marcia Higginson and Dawn Thompson Olney also lent both their able hands and their voices of guidance and experience -- and wasn't Marcia amazing as our show-and-tell host? Joanne Gallaher was our treasurer who doggedly kept track of the funds and all the complexities of the registrations. (Thank goodness for Excel!) Greg Thompson tended to all the details of the brand-new Spirit of '72 scholarship fund (more on that in the coming days). This event would not have happened without Lee Harris' boundless generosity and endless enthusiasm, which powered us through to this weekend, and our fearless chair Ellen Durkee. Who knew -- when we elected her our class president 51 years ago -- that she'd take her duties so seriously as to head up the 50-year reunion committee? I'm so appreciative of the many behind-the scenes chores that she shouldered (and thank goodness she retired in February!). This truly was a team effort, and I hope everyone who attended the reunion will join me in expressing their gratitude to this special group of classmates!

REUNION UPDATE: YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED!

A few of you have been emailing questions in recent days, and the answers are probably worth sharing as everyone is preparing for the reunion THIS WEEKEND! (Can you believe it's almost here?) If you have any more questions, please put them in comments, and we’ll respond.

Q: How many are attending the reunion?

Currently, 146 people are registered to attend, including 97 classmates!

Q: What's the attire for Friday and Saturday?

A: Unlike high school, there is no dress code, but we trust you'll put on something that matches the occasion. Think “casual” for the Friday mixer and "dressy casual” for the Saturday banquet — whatever that means to you.

Q: Should we eat before the Friday mixer?

A: A hearty spread of hors d'oeuvres will be offered at the Colbert Hills Golf club mixer, so you won’t go hungry, and it could serve as a meal at least for light eaters. By the way, both events will feature cash bars. Iced tea and soft drinks are covered by your registration at Colbert Hills. Soft drinks will be sold at the cash bar at the Discovery Center.

Q: What's the schedule of events for Saturday night?

A: The event begins at 6 p.m. with a cocktail hour, and please plan to be there by 6:45 p.m. so a class photo can be taken. A buffet dinner (with chicken and beef selections, as well as a vegetarian entree -- if you signed up for it) will be served at 7 p.m. The program will begin at 8 p.m. and feature a special video greeting, high school show-and-tell, a Class of ’72 trivia contest, “State of the Class” remarks from Nancy Kruh, and an exciting announcement from Lee Harris and Greg Thompson (no details on that yet, so let the suspense build). After the program, Ray Baker and Donna Martin Parsons are planning to entertain us in the Discovery Center’s intimate theater — so don’t miss that special treat!

Q: I have an item for show-and-tell. How do I get on the list? 

Find Marcia Higginson on Friday or Saturday night. She plans to be at the check-in table both nights. There will also be a table at both sites for mementos to be displayed. A clothing rack, bulletin board and labels will be provided. 

Q: What about party photos?

A: Carla Olson Hayes, a professional photographer (who also happens to be Terry Edmunds Olson’s talented daughter), will be at the Friday night mixer, so get ready for some photo fun! On Saturday night, we’ll be relying on your photo skills — hey, isn’t everyone bringing a smartphone? — and we hope you’ll share some of your favorite snapshots on the class Facebook page.

Q: What else can I expect on Saturday night?

You can look forward to seeing an 18-minute video/slideshow that features photos from our high school days and previous reunions, including an 11-minute video shot at the 15-year reunion in 1987. This will be running in a loop in the Discovery Center’s theater before dinner. 

Q: Do I have to bring my negative COVID test?

A: No. We are asking all planning to attend to take either a COVID PCR test no more than 48 hours before the event or a COVID rapid test the day of the event. We are trusting that you will complete this task and that you will stay home if you test positive, or if you exhibit any symptoms of a contagious disease. By the way, at-home test kits are available for free at the Riley County Health Department (2030 Tecumseh Road) and Manhattan Public Library (629 Poyntz) during regular hours of operation. We will also have a limited number of rapid tests available both nights.

Q: Can I still sign up for one of the daytime activities?

 A: Registration for the pontoon rides is now closed. If you haven’t signed up for a plane tour over the Manhattan area and you’re still interested, contact Lee Harris at lharris@cohenesrey.com. You’re also still welcome to participate in the MHS tour and the Konza guided hikes. Just show up! The high school tour begins at the main entrance at 9 a.m. Saturday, and the Konza hikes are taking place at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.  Saturday and at 9:30 a.m. Sunday. (Directions to Konza Prairie Biological Station are here: https://keep.konza.k-state.edu/visit/.) 

Q: When will the class directories be distributed?

A: Not until after the reunion, so if you haven’t yet submitted your updated contact information and news to Nancy Kruh, you still have time (mhsclassof72@gmail.com). Note: Directories will be distributed by email only, so be sure that Nancy has your current email address!

COVID RECOMMENDATIONS

We’re just a week away from the reunion, and we’re so excited about the turnout! We also hope that, amid all the anticipation, you will be mindful in this contagious environment.

Celebrating a 50-year reunion means we have all fully qualified to be in the most vulnerable age group, and among us are several classmates with additional health concerns. As a community, we take care of each other, and the safety of this event really is up to all who attend.

It is impossible to remove all risk of COVID infection in a gathering of this size; each of the 140+ people attending will be assuming the responsibility for deciding that this is a risk worth taking. But to help achieve the safest environment, the committee is making the following recommendations:

Please take either a COVID PCR test no more than 48 hours before the event or a COVID rapid test the day of the event. We are trusting that you will complete this task, and let’s go ahead and state the obvious: If you test positive — or if you exhibit any symptoms of a contagious disease — please DON’T come.

At-home test kits are available for free at the Riley County Health Department (2030 Tecumseh Road) and Manhattan Public Library (629 Poyntz) during regular hours of operation. We will also have a limited number of rapid tests available both Friday and Saturday night.

Besides testing, the CDC recommends the most effective way to protect yourself and others in group settings is to be fully vaccinated (including up-to-date booster) and to wear a mask (an N95 and KN95 are best). Mask wear is optional at the reunion, but don’t interpret that as a discouragement. There will assuredly be mask-wearers among us, and wear one if it makes you feel more comfortable.

Just to remind everyone: Outdoor spaces will be available both nights so you can attend without being confined to an enclosed space.

As we prepare to gather, the committee has every hope that, together, we can have a successful — and safe — reunion.

WEEKEND SCHEDULE OF EVENTS!

So far, over 130 people have made their reservations to attend one or both of the reunion events! For your planning, here is a schedule for the weekend.

Please note:

We’re still accepting signups for the Konza Prairie hikes and the MHS tour.

Seating is extremely limited on the Tuttle Creek tours.

The signup for air tours is now closed.

If you have signed up for a Konza Prairie hike, you just need to show up at the Konza Prairie Biological Station for one of the three designated times below. (You can find directions here.) If you’ve signed up for an air tour and/or a pontoon tour, you will be receiving an email before the reunion with more information.

FRIDAY, May 27
Mixer at Colbert Hills Golf Club: 5-10 p.m.

SATURDAY, May 28
MHS tour: 9 a.m.
Air tours (Manhattan Regional Airport): 10:30 a.m.-early afternoon
Konza Prairie guided hike: 10:30 a.m.
Konza Prairie guided hike: 1:30 p.m.
Banquet at Flint Hills Discovery Center: 6-10:30 p.m.

SUNDAY, May 29
Pontoon tours of Tuttle Creek Reservoir: morning (times to be determined) 
Konza Prairie guided hike: 9:30 a.m

GATHERING WITH MR. BRANNAN!

John Nordin, who has limited Internet connectivity in Greece at the moment, has asked me to post the following:

Calling all class of '72 debate-forensics people and anyone who had Mr. Brannan as a teacher (or who just want to catch up with him): We will gather from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, May 29, at Rockin’ K’s, 1880 Kimball Ave. Doris and Roger will be there. Bring any debate photos or memorabilia you have – though Roger probably has a bigger collection!

REUNION UPDATE: SHOW-AND-TELL!

Dig deep into those dusty boxes in your attic, because we want you to bring a favorite high school memento with you to the reunion. We’re having a show-and-tell as part of the banquet program! Our inimitable Marcia Higginson will be asking you to talk about your item to the class, so bring us your best. Who still has a Pep Club card, a ticket to “Camelot,” a locker combination, a prom corsage, a Vista wrapper? The possibilities are in your hands, folks. Coming to the reunion? Bring us your memories to share! (And look for Marcia at check-in both nights so she knows you've brought something.)

GALEN'S ADVICE: GET BOOSTED!

Galen Gates won't be able to join us at the reunion, but bless him for keeping us all in his thoughts as we prepare to gather. I recently received this email from him that he wants me to share with you all:

Hi Nancy,

While we will not be able to make it to the reunion this year I hope you will encourage everyone to be sure to get their second booster before the reunion. It’s worth it.

Recently, we were in the mountains of North Carolina participating in a week-long study group. No one could attend without proving they had their vaccinations. (One of the leaders was replaced and two participants denied due to insufficient proof of vaccinations.) We thought all was well for those remaining.

Nonetheless, Linda and I came down with Covid. We were due for the additional booster in early March (duh). The period of efficacy for these vaccines is shorter than I thought, apparently it is four months – as the doctors say!

Upon our return (4/17), three of three (historically) health-conscious friends had not gotten their boosters (but did the next day).

“We” have become far too complacent. Today, over 50 percent of hospitalized Covid patients were previously vaccinated.

Stay vigilant,

Galen, the latest poster-child for Stuuped

 

WHY I'M COMING TO THE REUNION

Jan McCoy Buckner, Susie Campbell Heddens, Jane Hoover Bartlett,

Shari Feltner and Lynn Faulkner Simon

Although our lives have taken us in different directions, there is still that bond. I look forward to returning for our 50-year celebration. Hope to see you there!!! -- Lynn Faulkner Simon

 

IF YOU HAVEN'T RECEIVED YOUR REGISTRATION-DIRECTORY FORM ...

... please email mhsclassof72@gmail.com!

Today, here's why Dawn Thompson Olney is coming to the reunion:

“A Tree Grows in Brooklyn,” The Adventures of Huck Finn,” “Little Women” — everyone loves a good coming-of-age story. But to me, the best coming-of-age story is the one at Manhattan High School in the early 1970s, where we are in one another's stories. We were together every day of the week for six of the most formative years of our lives. Many of us even stretch back to grade school. Through countless classroom discussions, lunches, field trips, science projects, and extracurricular activities, friendships developed. We figured things out. We grew up together and continue to influence each other to this day in ways we don’t even realize.

When I go to reunions and I visit with former classmates, I am always struck when I realize how familiar they are to me — even if I only see them at reunions. I see mannerisms, their posture, their laugh or voice, their sense of humor, and they are familiar. I know them. And more fun memories come flooding back.

The musical, the smoking lounge, football games, pep rallies, homecoming chili feed and bonfire, debate, choir, The Mentor, sock hops, assemblies … and then there are other memories that are not so great, like the showers in the girl’s locker room, the negative score on my senior English term paper, or boys tossing pennies at girls outside the cafeteria.

It’s all our stories together. I hope you will join me in May to remember and celebrate the time we came of age, and catch up on the lives we are living now.

Dawn and Brad Olney, Class of '72

REGISTRATION-DIRECTORY FORMS HAVE BEEN EMAILED!

Forms were emailed out today to all known addresses — 186 in all! If you have not received one, please email mhsclassof72@gmail.com, and one will be sent to you.

Do take advantage of the early-bird registration rate of $75 (until April 15) for both the Friday mixer at Colbert Hills Golf Clubhouse and the Saturday banquet at the Flint Hills Discovery Center. (You can find details about the events in the Feb. 5 post, "Countdown to the Reunion!"). If you plan to attend only one event, the cost of the Friday mixer is $30, and the cost for Saturday banquet is $60.

Hey, classmates, let's get ready to party!

REGISTRATIONS, DIRECTORY FORMS ARRIVE THIS WEEK!

 In anticipation of our big event, several classmates are sharing their excitement. Today, Lee Harris tells why he's excited about attending the reunion:

Lee and his wife, Barb (MHS Class of '73)

The reunion is definitely on Barb's and my calendar, and I anticipate it's going to be the best reunion our class has ever had! A wide range of activities are planned – some quite novel.

Our class is unique and has been close-knit from the beginning. We’ve held reunions every five years, and they’ve all been well attended.

I always look forward to reconnecting with our classmates to receive updates on their families, travels, and other activities. Fortunately, we are long past the stage of needing to impress one another. We can simply be ourselves and enjoy catching up and reminiscing!

We’re at a point in life where we are beginning to lose more of our classmates – even more reason to reconvene. But more than anything, I want to attend this reunion to say thank you to so many of you who were there in my formative years, sharing hopes and dreams and helping to make many of them come true. 

If you have been attending reunions regularly – please come again. If you haven’t attended for a while (or ever), we'd love to share this special weekend with you!

REGISTRATIONS, DIRECTORY FORMS GOING OUT THIS WEEK!

In anticipation of our big event, several classmates are sharing their excitement. Today, Susan Rohles Grapengater offers why the reunion is such an important moment in the life of our class:

Maybe you're thinking, "Why should I come back to our 50-year reunion?" Well, I want to give you these reasons:

If we have learned anything from the last two years, it's that people need people, and more importantly, we need people loving people. So COME, and let's encourage and love one another!

We, as human beings, are built for community, and our class formed a community when we attended MHS together. Fifty years later, the commonality of the community is still alive and well. So COME back to this community!

When we were in high school, we were just beginning to find the voices that would lead us into our adult lives. Now, 50 years later, we can look back and see where those voices have taken us. COME, and let's celebrate those journeys together!

Susan with husband, Rick, and their grandchildren

REGISTRATIONS, DIRECTORY FORMS TO BE EMAILED NEXT WEEK!

 In anticipation of our big event, several classmates are sharing their excitement. Today, here's why Tad Thompson, Dani Green Spain, and Pat Dunne are looking forward to the reunion:

"As I've bounced around the country, I've come to our reunions whenever possible. What a joy that has been and how fun it’s been to hear of our peers’ life turns!  MHS 1972 has had more than its share of literal and figurative rock stars.  But those of us who weren’t rock stars also led interesting and meaningful lives and have great stories to tell. Our 50-year reunion is sue to be an event you will happily remember forever. Make plans now — before your classmates look any older!" — Tad Thompson (with Debbi Hardin Thompson, '73)

"Since our last reunion I have witnessed so much heartbreak. I’ve lost three siblings and endured working at a regional medical center during COVID. I’m looking forward to better times, catching up with folks who are so dear to me. Keep On Truckin’ has never had more meaning.” — Dani Green Spain

"Who we are in life is heavily influenced by our 'family of origin.' I count the MHS class of '72 as part of this family. I’m looking forward to seeing lifelong friends at the upcoming reunion, and I'm bringing my wife of 42 years, Elia, with me. We must value, remember, and celebrate our roots!” — Pat Dunne

REGISTRATIONS, DIRECTORY FORMS TO BE EMAILED NEXT WEEK!

In anticipation of our big event, several classmates are sharing their excitement. Today, here's why Cathy Hollomon Naylor is looking forward to the reunion:

I am planning to attend our 50-year reunion for several reasons, one of which is to keep my record going! I have not missed ONE (not even ONE) reunion since the very first one in 1977-- our five-year reunion. Now I'd be lying if I said I remember much about it, but I do know that each one has been fun, interesting, and maybe a tiny bit sad. It's always so great to see all (or at least some of) my old friends and to pick right up where we left off. It's amazing how that is so true! It's so cool to be able to talk to old friends who I have maybe not even spoken to since the last reunion (or since graduation even!) and it's like nothing has changed -- except maybe the way we look, just a little! (Haha.) The sad part, of course, is finding out who we have lost ... and there have been many. So, I guess the good news is it's great to reconnect and to feel blessed that we are still here to reminisce and reconnect ... if only for a couple of days.

I have always felt that we -- the Class of '72 -- were the best class ever! What other high school class do you know of that has continued having reunions every five years? (Well, except for one, I think .. but we picked up with the next one.) We are awesome!! 

So, thank you to everyone who has hung in there with us and continue to do their best to attend our class reunions. They are a blast, and I'm looking forward to seeing y'all in May!!!

Keep on Truckin'!

COUNTDOWN TO THE REUNION!

Flint Hills Discovery Center 

We hope you've already marked your calendars! The MHS Class of 1972 50-year reunion will be held in Manhattan (of course) on Memorial Day weekend, May 27-28.

Members of the reunion committee —Ellen Durkee, Joanne Gallaher, Lee Harris, Marcia Higginson, Nancy Kruh, Terry (Edmunds) Olson, Dawn (Thompson) Olney, and Greg Thompson — are all working to make this an unforgettable celebration.

Classmates can look forward to a weekend of activities centered around two social events:

On Friday, we will gather for an opening-night mixer from 5 to 9 p.m. in the clubhouse of the scenic Colbert Hills Golf Course in northwest Manhattan. In both the dining area and the patio (complete with fire pit), we'll be enjoying drinks, hot and cold hors d'oeuvres, and the stunning Flint Hills landscape for this come-and-go get-together.

Colbert Hills Golf Course clubhouse

On Saturday, we will come back together for a banquet from 6 to 10 p.m. in the dramatic space of the Flint Hills Discovery Center downtown. We're excited to be able to bring you this unique location that features two full floors of party space amid the center's stunning exhibits, as well as an outdoor rooftop terrace. The buffet dinner at 7 p.m. will feature beef, chicken, and vegetarian options.

Discovery Center interior

Additionally, the reunion committee is planning free activities during the day, including a guided tour of the Konza Prairie preserve (by our own nature expert Terry Olson) and a pontoon excursion on Tuttle Creek Reservoir (with captain Tad Thompson). For the most adventuresome, thanks to the generosity of a classmate, Kansas State University’s Aviation College is offering us free 20-minute air tours of the region. The college is providing the aircraft and alums who are qualified pilots to conduct the tours in small groups over Manhattan's neighborhoods and downtown, the university campus, Tuttle Creek Reservoir and more, all amid the beautiful Flint Hills terrain.

KSU aerial view

For those interested in touring the high school, you'll have to stay tuned. We are still hoping to schedule one, but it's complicated by the fact that MHS will be a construction zone. The school is expanding – again!

A schedule of daytime events, as well as sign-up, will be in your registration. Since space is limited for these activities, they'll be offered on a first-come, first-served basis — so plan to get your registration in early!

Speaking of registration: Forms will be sent out via email and snail mail (to those whose email addresses aren’t on file) in March. Early-bird rates will be $25 for the Friday mixer, $50 for the Saturday banquet, and $75 for both events. Full rates of $30 (Friday), $60 (Saturday), and $90 (Friday and Saturday) kick in after April 15. You will be able to pay via Venmo, Zelle, or by personal check.

News about accommodations: A block of 30 rooms has been reserved for us for Friday and Saturday nights, at a daily rate of $119, at the Hilton Garden Inn at 410 S. Third Street. It's in the southeast corner of downtown within easy walking distance to the Flint Hills Discovery Center. To reserve a room, call 785-532-9116 and request the Class of '72 rate. Or click on this link.

Hilton Garden Inn

A few words about COVID-19: The planning committee's goal is an enjoyable – and safe – event, and we are hopeful that the virus' current surge will have receded by the end of May. We will continue to monitor conditions, and as we move closer to the event, we will specifically address concerns with health-safety protocols, as needed. Already, the committee has made sure that open, outdoor areas are available at both Colbert Hills and the Discovery Center, so you can attend both events without being confined to an enclosed space.

The committee is asking all who plan to attend the event to keep themselves safe and also to be mindful of other classmates’ health concerns in this contagious environment. At present, the CDC recommends the most effective way to protect yourself and others in group settings is be fully vaccinated (including booster), to test negative immediately before any group gathering, and to wear a mask (an N95 or KN95 are best).

No doubt we live in a far different time than previous reunions, but some things of course, will be the same. As usual, reunion planners are committed to keeping the cost of the event affordable to all classmates. And as always, we’ll be getting together to catch up, reminisce, and reconnect with this precious community, now 50 years strong.

Right now, here are five things you can do to make sure this will be an event worthy of our amazing class:

1. Plan to come and let us know you'll be there! Email mhsclassof72@gmail.com so we can add your name to the list in the blog's righthand column.

2. Keep up to date with all reunion news. It will be posted on both the class' private Facebook page, 72forever, and on this public site. To be sure you receive all updates, you can subscribe to this blog. If you're on FB and haven't received an invitation to the private page, email mhsclassof72@gmail.com or write to Nancy Kruh on FB Messenger.

3. Contact the people you’d like to see at the reunion, encourage them to come, and invite them to visit this website.

4. Help us stay in contact with you! If you're here as a result of snail-mail correspondence, it means we don't have a current email address for you. Please send your email address to mhsclassof72@gmail.com — and save us a stamp.

5. Help us find missing classmates. (See the list in the blog's righthand column.)

It won't be a reunion without YOU!