Class of 71 in August 2021 Concrete Herald

 Fame becomes us...

50-year Reunion Weekend was EPIC EPIC EPIC

What a GREAT gathering of the GREATEST CLASS EVER!  Well, I say that in all humility...

SWHS Class of 1971 braved a pandemic and our aging frames and rocked the weekend away!

In addition, we had a few activities that were completely Pacific Northwest themed and celebrated our great heritage in that hyphenated town we love so well. 

Due to the COVID pandemic the town's Loggerodeo festivities were curtailed.  The log carving, home decorating, beard contest, rodeo, fireworks, and museum activities were in full swing.  But we were not able to have a 50-year reunion entry in the parade because there was no parade.  Also no carnival.  So we plan to have an entry in the 2022 parade and show the Class of 1972 how it's done!!

Our weekend included a Friday trip to Friday Harbor by walking on the ferry at Anacortes.  We lunched in BEAUTIFUL Friday Harbor, explored the downtown area a little, and then rode back to Anacortes with the stunning island scenery.  No whales this time.  

Saturday we had our main event, hosted by Sue Ann Butt Bryson at our traditional spot on Minkler Road. 

Entertainment was provided by Mark Stendal and Marko Self and a few band members imported for the evening.  Lots of music from 1971 (we all know the words) and a sentimental trip through photos and narration to point out the extraordinary class that we are. 

Chefs Gary Rothenbuhler and Frank Handy prepared some beautiful salmon and the rest of the salads, desserts, etc., were provided by class members.  

So much work and love went into the planning and execution of the evening that it was difficult to leave at the end.  So treasure those moments and your photos.  This amazing group of people can only get better as we age gracefully into our 70s and return for another epic weekend at the 55-year mark!  

Thank you a thousand times for all the planning, work, execution, foresight, and thoughtfulness that made the weekend so great.  How did we know in 1971 that we would all still be friends, 50 years later?  Amazing. 

Class of 71 reunion planning under way!

Yes, we are planning our 50-year reunion!

After much discussion, we want to proceed with the reunion plans even if we don't know yet (as of April 1) if there will be a Loggerodeo or parade. 

So our dates are July 2, 3, and 4!

Friday, July 2:  Walk on the ferry in Anacortes and ride to Friday Harbor.  (Carpool from SW.) Return in the afternoon.  Departure time TBA.  Lots of time on the ferry for visiting.  Lunch and activities on your own in Friday Harbor and lots of visiting on the way back!

Saturday, July 3:  If there are Loggerodeo activities on this day, you are on your own for visiting the venues.  Such as log carving, carnival, street sales, etc.  

The evening event will be at Sue Ann Bryson's.  

About 4 we will begin setting up.  Local class members will do most or all of the catering.  Menu is the same as always:  Salmon, baked potatoes, salad bar, desserts - some sugar-free options.  $25 per person.  (The $25 will pay for food and help defray some additional expenses for the weekend, such as parade fees and supplies.)

Gather at 5.  Eat at 6.  Program at 7.  Then visiting and CLEAN UP. 

Additional events and surprises pending. 

Sunday July 4:  If there is a parade, we will gather at the parade staging area between 9:30 and 11 and climb on the flatbed trailer with hay bales!  Yes, there will be stepstools.  Wear red, white, and blue or CUBS blue and white!  Parade is from 11 to 1.  There may be a fun run prior to the parade.  Watch for announcements. 

After the parade, our weekend is over. 

So this will be in the local papers, occasionally, between now and then:

Sedro-Woolley High School Class of 1971 seeks class members for the 50-year reunion, July 3, 2021.  Activities and a parade entry are now being planned but not all classmates have been located.  If you are a classmate and wish to be included in the celebration, please contact Judy Johnson at Judyjj "at "comcast.net or any Class of 1971 member.  

Please join the fun!  

50-year reunion planning

Oh, yes, we are planning our 50-year reunion for July 3, 2021!  Seems early?  NOT!  We have been discussing this for six months already.  Right now we know we're having the reunion dinner on Saturday evening, July 3, 2021.  And we'll be in the Loggerodeo Parade on Sunday morning, July 4!

Additional events and surprises pending. 

So this will be in the local papers, occasionally, between now and then:


Sedro-Woolley High School Class of 1971 seeks class members for the 50-year reunion, July 3, 2021.  Activities and a parade entry are now being planned but not all classmates have been located.  If you are a classmate and wish to be included in the celebration, please contact Judy Johnson at Judyjj "at "comcast.net or any Class of 1971 member.  

Please join the fun!  

Monthly Coffee Hour May 28th at the Woolley Market!

Another monthly gathering and I think there might be a mystery guest this time!  Not sure...that's what makes it a mystery..

We love these LONG days because it's still light when we break up at 7 p.m.

This is the prettiest time of the year in the Pacific Northwest with all our rhodies in bloom.  The state flower.  Lots of other plants in bloom, too!



Sadly, I report that our friend, teacher, mentor, and role model, Jerry Sommerseth passed away on April 23.  The day after Earth Day, which he taught us to observe.  His memorial service will be on Saturday, June 22nd, which would have been his birthday, at Central United Methodist Church on the Polte Road in Sedro-Woolley.  I hope we have a big Class of 71 turnout for this event, as we have had for so many others.  His leadership lives on.  A very big legacy.

So meander on down to the Woolley Market on Tuesday the 28th and enjoy the company of your compatriots!  We'll be watching for you!

Early Warning:  The June coffee hour will be on June 25th.

Another Early Warning:  We will be having our annual pot luck in July at Shirley's.  Watch for the date.

Still Another Early Warning:  Yes, we are starting to talk about our 50-year class reunion in 2021!  July 4th parade entry, reunion gathering, etc.  Anything you'd like to recommend?

Monthly coffee hour - Tuesday, October 30th!

Yes, we still meet monthly for our famous "coffee hour" and lots of conversation!

Always on the "last" Tuesday of the month (unless that day is a holiday) and from 5ish to 7ish at The Woolley Market. 

We had a great summer gathering at Shirley's in July and traded lots of stories from the olden days.  Full of laughs and memories.  We don't seem to look any older!

 

 

YOU are welcome to come and

see what these get-togethers are all about!

 

 

Monthly coffee hour, Tuesday, August 30th 5ish to 7ish

The HEAT of summer should taper off by Tuesday when we meet for coffee at The Woolley Market!  But they have lovely cool beverages as well as the hot ones.  Come on and meet us there!


We're sitting downstairs now instead of on the mezzanine.  There is another business upstairs and the seating has become more limited.  So we thought we'd leave it to the young people and save our knees on those stairs.

There's always lots to talk about and interesting things going on.  Be part of the conversation!

See you August 30th! 

Class of 71 45-year reunion was July 2, 2016!!

Thanks to everyone who came and made this such a fun evening!  And a special thanks to our hostess, Sue Bryson!  This is our traditional way of having a great reunion.  We'll keep having our monthly coffee hours and keep planning for our 50-year reunion! 

41 class members attended and we had 64 in attendance including guests. 

If you are a class member who hasn't received notices of these get-togethers, WE ARE LOOKING FOR YOU!! 

Click on the photos for larger versions.  Come back often!

 

Cathy and Bruce Entrikin, Keith and Cyndi Sorestad.

 

Our chef, Gary Rothenbuhler!

 

 

Mark and Patti Jo.

Special guest, Martin Pease!

With Bob Stiles and Peter Schultz.

 

Norm Wasson

 

 

Randy O'Bryant and Mary Trueman Carter

 

 

Mike "Smitty" Smith and Gary Rothenbuhler

 

Sue Cagle Skinner and Brad Warfield