Port’s class of 1970 celebrated its 45th reunion and renewed lifelong friendships here in Port last weekend. Of the 500-plus students that graduated that year, more than 100 reconvened, starting off with a tour of Schreiber generously led by Assistant Principal Dave Miller.
The “kids” relived the joy of school ties, St. Peter’s nostalgia, memories of the important events of the late 1960s. Memories also included the Vietnam War, Civil Rights Movement, Apollo 13 and Woodstock. Last weekend in Port, it was the ‘Summer of Love’ all over again. Mark Furth, Greg Decker and Roger Weaver mentioned their favorite 1970s bands: Chicago, Crosby Stills & Nash, Neil Diamond, The Doors. George Oestreich remembers seeing Bruce Springsteen at My Father’s Place, a former Roslyn music venue. Back then, Liz Daly and this writer caught (pre-Piano Man) Billy Joel at the Knotty Knee, also in Roslyn. Katie Nolan proudly wore her original Alpha Omega zip jacket, from the days when there were sororities at Schreiber.
Restauranteur Gillis Poll welcomed all the arrivals Friday night at Bar Frites in Wheatley Plaza for a social warm up to the weekend. Grads from as far away as Thailand, Washington State, California, Ohio and Pennsylvania arrived.
One highlight was a Saturday softball game on Campus Drive, where Melissa (Missy) Mendelsohn leapt up to snag an amazing catch, nixing what would have definitely been a grand slam. Star slugger Frank Pirolo and Coach Russell Gilbert organized the game, Jimmy Fergeson provided the drinks, ice and pizza. Many out-of-towners were thrilled with good “Port” pizza. More ball players were Janet Palmer, Carol White, cheerleader Gail Smith, Neil Gebhart, Dave Brackett, Roger Weaver and Steve Leigh, who just bought a place back in Port, because, “I love it here.”
Glen Andersen and his mother, Rosaria Frances Andersen were in the stands when she confirmed, “I’ll see you at the next one!” Also in the stands were cheerleader Chrissy Pisciotta, Rose Picardi, Chris Convey, Marcey M
ougey and more.
Melissa Mendelsohn said, “There’s nothing like the feeling of safety, of our childhood, when it comes to friendships.” Steffenie Oliver remembered playing softball here in seventh grade.
Hendrick’s Tavern in Roslyn was hopping to the sounds of the ’60s and ’70s DJ as the class partied late Saturday night. Many reconnected, sitting at tables enjoying the updates of children and, yes, grandchildren. There were happy memories and sad ones, too, remembering the classmates who were no longer with them. Congratulations go to the winners of “met in Port and longest marriage”: Joanie Frappaolo and Rich DeMeo. A very close second were cheerleader Laurie Gunther and Doug Moore.
Heaps of appreciation goes to the organizing committee of Linda Papsidero, Melissa Mendelsohn, Dot Wilson, Dee Dee Hatcherian, Janet Palmer and Steve Leigh. They have organized great reunions over the decades; the last one was five years ago. The Schreiber class of 1970 is clearly blessed with amazing, caring, loving classmates. They are all asking, “When’s the next one?” When it happens, you’ll hear about it.
