Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School

Alumni

Class of 1950

Although we missed a number of our "regulars" we did have a fine turnout for the 55th year reunion. The poolside hospitality room, which was very nice and well stocked, was open from Friday afternoon through Sunday afternoon, and was very well attended. On Sunday morning June Broadhurst Koier provided her own recipe of Bloody Marys and they were superb.

Three very dedicated, interested and knowledgeable parents/alums (Carole Brand, Bridget Hartman and Sing-Huen Morgan) served as our guides for an extended and very enjoyable tour of the school on Saturday morning (see photos). We were back at the hotel for a "poolside" picnic that afternoon -- the picnic was moved inside due to threatening weather but the hotel set it up very nicely and the open bar didn't hurt. Saturday evening we enjoyed the hospitality of Boots and Harold Wickham at a cocktail party at their home.

As noted, we recovered nicely with Bloody Marys on Sunday morning, followed by a very nice buffet brunch at the hotel. Some then napped, some hit the hospitality room again, and some did both. At 6:30 pm we convened at Columbia Country Club for another open bar and a fine dinner with entertainment by MC Jim Trimm and background music by a DJ kindly provided by June Broadhurst Koier (June automatically becomes a member of the "j's"). I think we impressed the hotel and country club staffs with our ability to party hearty with great congeniality notwithstanding our chronological age. As usual, it was wonderful to be among old and good friends -- hard to beat this group.

On a sadder note, I announce the deaths of three more of our classmates. Dotti Rieck informs me of the death of CARLTON CROUCH, who died about a year after our 50th year reunion. Dotti also reminded me that we inadvertently omitted John Queen's name from our most recent "In Memoriam" list. John attended the 50th and died shortly thereafter. We will update the list. Also, JOHN H. MOORE died on September 2, 2005. John and I went to school together forever, through law school. We served in the army together in Europe, and were in the same poker club until his death. A fine lawyer with a great sense of humor. Jan Hamill Schiavone advises me of the death of LORNA ROMAN HARMON on September 22, 2005. Jan remembers Lorna as a lovely young lady with curly red hair.

As many of you know, Ron Wenninger and George Brewster have been comparing notes on possible "mini" or off-site reunions for some time. From the results of a preliminary mailing to those who have on the past shown an interest in these reunions, Ron has now focused on the possibility of a gathering at Yosemite National Park, California, in the spring of 2007. For those of you who received the most recent questionnaire but have not yet responded, Ron asks that you please get back to him as soon as possible. For any of you who may be interested but have not been contacted, please e-mail Ron at Grjmwen@cs.com. I have seen the brochures of the area and of the proposed lodging and it looks like a grand venue. I am including an attachment (in pdf) that you may wish to view.

When we were touring the school we saw engraved bricks in the courtyard, and those who had made a contribution found their own bricks. The cause is a good one, and I am attaching an order form (in pdf) for those who would like to join in. Also, we were made aware of a campaign to bring back the murals that once graced the halls of the school but had to be removed or covered as a result of the renovation. The school has pictures of many of these (click here to view all the slides), and Ron has produced some beautiful small copies. Now, the school hopes to reproduce in full size a number of the murals, and I am attaching a handout (in pdf) we were given. If anyone wishes to undertake a campaign to raise money for this class to restore a favorite mural please let me know and I will make available the class e-mail list and the mailing list. The mural featuring the cheerleaders springs to mind, but that's probably because the cheerleaders are forever springing to my mind.

Additionally along the line of financial support, I reproduce a note I received from the family of Nick Guidara, a math teacher who taught me in driver training. He was a great guy and possessed of infinite patience for rookie drivers.

"Nicholas Guidara taught mathematics at B-CC High School for 29 years, retiring in 1975. Upon his death in 2004, his family established a college scholarship fund in his name to be given to outstanding B-CC math students in need of financial assistance. The first award was given in May, 2005. $1,500 was raised due to contributions from family members and friends. The award was divided between two deserving students, Danhua Jiang and Anna Mikhaylova. It is hoped that contributions can be expanded for 2006 to include retired faculty and former students. This will increase the amount of funds given and help ease the financial burden of next year's recipients. Those wishing to contribute should make their checks out to Nicholas Guidara Memorial Scholarship Fund and mail to:
Esther Ain, B-CC High School, 4301 East-West Highway, Bethesda MD 20814
Any questions should be directed to Michael Guidara, 410-356-2633."

With a lot of help from former students, teachers, parents, and the community, your high school has made a tremendous resurgence and is now one of the top schools in the nation. To inform yourself of the wide variety of undertakings and achievements of the school, go to www.bccedfoundation.org and to www.mcps.k12.md.us/schools/bcchs. And, you may wish to look at the new on-line school store at www.pcxhost.com/launch/colorworks/bcchs.

A VERY HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL.

John