Facebook page impetus for Class of 1973 reunion
This should be entitled “A Story of How the Queen and Her Minions Threw a Large Party for Their Subjects.” Queen? Minions?
“Queen” Karen Squillante isn’t an event planner or a real queen. She’s a jewelry designer for Twisted K. Her “minion,” Larry Nedelka, isn’t in the field either; he’s with the Nassau County Board of Elections and the Garden City Fire Department. But between Squillante and Nedelka and the committee of other minions, they organized a great party for about 150 classmates and their spouses from Garden City High School, Class of 1973.
It was Daytona Beach, FLA resident, Squillante who started the event with a Facebook page on the reunion last year for any of the approximately 450 alumni. The committee was able to locate many classmates through the website. From there, they created a three-day weekend that included Friday night with a band at Uptown Grille, the Garden City restaurant owned by fellow classmate Mike Sweeney; swimming each day at the Garden City Pool; the Saturday night big bash at the casino and the Sunday celebration at Lido Beach.
“Everything went well and I’m proud of my ‘minions!’ They stepped up for Garden City,” announced Queen Squillante.
The minions included Susie Beck Davis, Paul Duff, C.J. Jones, Mike Mannetta, Gail Martens, Larry Nedelka, Mike Sweeney, Charles Thompson and Ken Zimms. Some are still Garden City residents.
The court jester was Ricky Tulka of Mad Magazine fame who did the art and design for the T-shirts and posters.
Village of Garden City Mayor John Watras is a Class of ’73 graduate. He remarked that it was a “great event for a great class.” He added, “The part of the class that moved away miss Garden City and can’t believe it is as beautiful and fun as it was when 1973 ruled.”
Minion Larry Nedelka said, “It was great seeing everyone get together and relive old times. Based on the vconversations and laughter, it was like we never left.”
“We all seemed to be happy 10-year-olds again with no need to socially stratify, just giddy to see our old classmates again and share memories from way back…What fun!” exclaimed Abby Addington-May.
Like all loyal subjects, the class presented “Queen Karen” with a sparkly crown and royal sash. A “majestic” time was had by all.
