I want to single out the outstanding efforts of Jon and Sharon Pedersen, Dennis and Kathy Prior, my beautiful wife Deb, and the energetic talents of Susan (Scabby)(Parkinson) Backus for doing all they did to ease the load of this affair.

Quite a few of the locals helped me out finding addresses for those that I had a hard time finding and that went very much appreciated. Also, it was Sue that sent copies of the guest book to all at her expense which was a generous effort by her. We had people from as far away as Cabot, Arkansas, and Tallahassee, Florida. Also from N. Charleston, South Carolina. Some that lived about 2 blocks away from the Fireman's Field found that they couldn't put in the effort. Sorry for sounding so bitter, but thats the way it is.

Thanks very much to the Ilion Volunteer Fire Department for letting us use their fantastic facility. It was very much appreciated..

The food that was brought by those in attendance was aplenty and very tasty. We probably could have fed the entire class. Thank you all for that. The chickens provided by Gary Cagwin made for a lesson in barbequeing techniques that will not be soon forgotten. Leo, of course, had many stories to share with all and was looking around for a drum set to play along with the 60's music that was provided. He was ready. And so were others.

Cindy (Bechard) Speranza has set up a date of March 18, 2000 for us to meet at the Mohawk Station around 5PM for a bit of a get together. She will be getting in touch with all when she can. Her main objective is NOT TO LOSE TOUCH WITH ONE ANOTHER. Lets support her with that.

In closing, thank you to all that came and I am so glad you all had a good time. The post-cards I received after really made it worth while.

To the soul that's going to handle the 35th or 40th, I have a pretty good list of up-to-date addresses that I am more than willing to share. To those that wouldn't come because of some way lame excuse, you were missed only for a little while. Those that couldn't come, but wanted to, maybe next time. Hope you enjoy the pictures.

Thanks........Rick DeJohn