An update from Bill McMillen:  I had the pleasure of meeting up with Kindra Muntz this July to see the Berkshire Music Festival performance of "Bells are Ringin." in Pittsfield. Kindra as you might recall performed wonderfully in our senior high production. (Photo of Bill, Marilyn Pendergast and Kindra)
In looking through the class scrapbooks, I was amazed that so much of the class participated. Where was I? In discussing this with one of the other major performers in the play who declined to claim authorship, I’ve tried to capture below her sentiments about the importance of the production:
"Entering High School is a major event in the life of an 11 or 12 year old. Friends that were made in grade school that one thought would last forever faded away as the combined student body of five grade schools were reshuffled into groups based upon different majors, career choices as well as different levels of academic performance. The obviously college bound who would ultimately seek a liberal arts curriculum would generally be in different classes than those who were inclined toward scientific and mathematical studies. A much greater emphasis on sports would further separate those interested in participating in sports programs which would necessitate scheduling adjustments so as to allow time for practice. Those interested in business careers as well as those who were hopeful of obtaining a job immediately after high school would have a different classroom schedule. Of course, this separation from grade school friends also provided the opportunity to make new friends that one would likewise anticipate would last forever.
"School spirit was high at Bethlehem Central for a number of reasons, but one of the most compelling reasons may have been the production of the Senior Play "Bells are Ringin." In a Class of just over 200 students, more than 100 members of the class participated in some way in the production of the senior play. In addition to the cast and the orchestra, there were also the necessary functions concerning scenery, stage crew, ticketing, program production, publicity, make up, ushering and refreshments. Such a diversity of functions called for the talents of so many and with the encouragement of the faculty, brought participation from throughout the student body.
"And so seven months later upon graduation having worked together in the production of "Bells are Ringin" we were shared a bond that would perhaps have the ability to maintain childhood and high school friendships forever." ~~ Anonymous Class of '61 Classmate
Bill McMillen
A comment from Kindra Muntz:
Bill and Marilyn,
Thank you so much for inviting me to that great performance of Bells Are
Ringing at the Berkshire Theatre Group in Pittsfield, MA, and dinner
beforehand. Both were delightful.
What a marvelous show! It brought back wonderful memories of our
performance at BCHS and all the fun so many classmates had being in it. I
don't think my dancing and singing were up to the standards of Kate Baldwin,
but when I look at her bio in the program, I can see why! I was in true
admiration of all the dancers and singers, especially Kate and Graham
(Jeffrey Moss). What a marvelous dancer she was and what a great baritone
voice he had.
It was good to meet both of you after so many years, and to hear about all
your previous and ongoing activities. "God willing and the creek don't
rise", perhaps I will see you both again at the BCHS '61 55th reunion.
Thanks again for inviting me to see Bells Are Ringing, and thanks for the
T-shirt, which will keep the memories fresh for a long time.
Kindra
An update from Sharon Adams:
Following are photos taken in May when I returned to New York for my Mom's memorial:
 Me with Esther and Dick Cornell
Photo bomb by my brother, Bill Adams!
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 Judi & Ron VonRonne with my son
Todd Jones (their youngest nephew)
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Best wishes to all working it out with the reality that the "70's" bring.
Sharon Schmid
An update from Linda Cheatum: At Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia: Six week Airstream Caravan of the North East. We had 25 Airstreams and 50 people from Canada and the states as far away as Washington and California. This was called Nor' by Nor' east National Caravan. The purpose was to travel through scenic coastal areas of New England and the Atlantic Maritimes of Canada. We ate lobster, took harbor cruises, saw whales and many Lighthouses along the rocky coast of Maine and Nova Scotia. We started in Bradford, RI and ended in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia. Another purpose was to meet fellow Airstreamers from the US and Canada, many of whom we met before on previous caravans. It is a sort of "cult".
Linda and Jerry known as Cheatum/Dunham
An update from Dick Cane:
Enjoyed reading the last newsletter, although it has been so long, that it’s hard to put a face to the names. I live over in Perry FL. now, retired from being a Forest Ranger/Firefighter in FL. My wife and I have been caring for my Mom and Dad for the last 15 years or so until they both passed away. Have survived cancer twice now and hopefully they got it all this last time in May. Blessed to be here in this moment of time.
Dick Cane
An update from Bev Everingham:
My husband and I will be moving to Florida in October. We will be living in Veria, on the Eastcoast. I just couldn't take those winters anymore. Tell everyone I said bye, and I really enjoyed the few lunches I was able to make. I hope everyone is well,
Bev
An update from David Utz:
Kathy Ronk and her husband Bill had dinner with us in May. We all live at PGA Village, Port Saint Lucie, FL during the Winter. Also in May, saw Lynne Snyder and Chuck Boone who have Clifton Park friends that live across the street from us. Hope to get all of us together next Winter.
Enjoying our PA Pocono Mountain Summer. Looking forward to seeing all in 2016.
Lake George was a lot of fun! What about a venue at Thompson Lake or Warner's Lake for 2016?
Will be pleased to try organizing a couples golf scramble, say 9 holes on the Saturday of our reunion.
All the best,
Linda and David
Classmate Contact Updates
There have been updates to the contact information in the 2011 Reunion Booklet for Dave Allen, Bonnie Andorn, Mike Arnold, Dave Bartley, Pete Bauer, Mary Ann Beecher, Louise Calisto, Dick Cane, Pam Caparaso, Pat Carl, Betty Chestney, Bill Drozd, Vance Everett, Val Farny, Dave Franz,
Linda Fuhrman, Linda Gmelch, Elaine Ham, Ray Harbeck, Grais Harris, Jim Hulihan,
Barry Isbister, Judy Jernigan, Doug Johnson, Bill Johnston, Bill Kemp, Bob Kibbey, Tom Korns, Paul Kositzka, Frank Kukuk, Mike Kunz, Louise Labrum, Kurt LeBesco, Robyn Madison,
Mike Mancuso, Nanci Mullens, Gail Patterson, Bill Pfeif, Dorothy Raymond,
David Utz, Gary Van Allen and Brian Warner. The new contact information is available on the Classmate page of the Website (Login Required).
News Around Town...
The BCHS Class of 1960 will be holding their 55th Reunion on Friday and Saturday, October 23 and 24, 2015. If you are interested in attending, more information is available Here >>>.
A link to the BCHS entry in the US News list of best High Schools in the US can be found Here >>>. Bethlehem Central is ranked #649 out of 22,000 High Schools, which is an improvement from #751 in 2012.
Those who are on Facebook might enjoy visiting a Delmar NY nostalgia and current events group that contains lots of comments, photos and news Here >>>
Reunion Questionnaire...
We are looking for help and input for planning our 55th Reunion. As a first step, we would like to hear your preferences to help us in planning. A mail-in form can be downloaded Here >>> or if you would like to provide the information using the website, please click Here >>>. Thanks for your help!
Recent Class of '61 Lunch Attendees
  Pete Bauer, Louise Calisto, Val Farny, Linda Fuhrman, Sue Fuller, Dean Hartley ('60), Kathie Jorgensen, Bob Kibbey, Kurt LeBesco, Robyn Madison, Jennie McNab, Bill McMillen, Ester Murphy, Mary Myers, Dave Newell, Ruth Rector, Lynn Snyder, Dorothy Tougher, Gary Van Allen, Heywood Williams ('62), Vince Williams and Sue Yaple.
(Photo front L to R: Jennie McNab, Louise Calisto; Back: Sue Yaple, Linda Fuhrman, Esther Murphy.)
All classmates are invited to the lunch meetings on the first Wednesday of each month, where we will begin to discuss plans for the 55th 2016 reunion.
Please let us know if you are changing your email address or home address. Your contact information can be updated securely via the website Here >>>.
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