Reunion creates 'Gateway' between former students

Date: 11/7/2012

By Lori Szepelak

lori@thereminder.com

HUNTINGTON — For classmates of Gateway Regional High School's Class of 1977, the gathering at a Huntington eatery on the afternoon of Oct. 27 seemed like old times — reliving memories of a time when life was a lot simpler.

"I love the class reunions so I can catch up with everyone," Heather (Pike) Breau of Southwick said, during an interview with Reminder Publications. "I haven't missed a reunion gathering yet."

Lowellyn (Blakely) Moore of Westfield echoed the sentiment.

"Years ago my mom encouraged me to attend the reunions to see friends and I'm still following directions after all these years," Moore said.

Over the course of the luncheon, which included a game of "Gateway Jeopardy," there was plenty of laughs and conversations about careers, children, grandchildren, reconnecting through Facebook, and looking forward to retiring and hitting the road in a few years.

Larry Modestow of Southborough was one of the classmates who didn't start attending the reunions until the 20th anniversary; but now, he looks forward to each one of them.

"We all appreciate each other and look forward to small gatherings as well as the reunions," Modestow said, noting that Facebook is now essential for keeping up connections.

Joanne (Knapp) Blocker of Huntington was one of the classmates who left the region after graduation for a few years, to pursue her education degree and training, but eventually found her way back to the hill towns.

Blocker is the director of Academics for the Gateway Regional School District's K-12 classes.

"I love to renew old friendships," Blocker said. "Facebook is okay, but human contact is what is most important."

Brenda (Emo) Gardner of Framingham, known affectionately as one of the "class clowns," along with her brother Doug Emo, kept the party moving with "Gateway Jeopardy."

Categories ranged from "Class of '77," "Upper and Under Classmen," and "Teachers and Faculty," to "Gateway" and "Events and Sports." Everyone was engaged and the classmates answered all of the questions correctly some with extra elaboration.

To the delight of all in attendance, Betsy and Kenneth Barrows, long-time teachers at Gateway, came to the reunion to join the classmates. The class dedicated their senior yearbook to Betsy Barrows for "the time, understanding, and care she has given us."

Barrows didn't miss a beat, recognizing everyone from homeroom assignments and mathematics classes. It was evident that she relished seeing so many of her former students.

All too soon it was time to say goodbye, with a lot of hugs and some tears since some classmates were heading back home which translated into a drive of several hours for those in particular heading to Maine.

For these baby boomers that came of age when President Jimmy Carter was sworn in, a lot has changed in the world, but on this afternoon, time stood still.