2008 Reunion Back in Chester

As over 100 Chester High Alumni and friends gathered in town, one was heard to comment "Where is Normal Rockwell when you need him?" The 106th anniversary of Chester High School was indeed a picture of history, nostalgia, and community/school spirit. The annual reunion and meeting always draws a large number of people associated with the former Chester High School, including Chester Residents who graduated from Gateway after Chester High School closed in the late 1960's. This year's meeting was held on June 28 at the restored Chester Train Station, a change of venue that seemed to garner support and enthusiasm among attendees. One alumni said, "I had more fun, saw more people than ever before…" Special recognition was given to Ralph Kenyon who was present for his 72nd reunion and to Aldo Bizzozero and Frank Dellecese who attended to celebrate their 70th. Additional five year class attendees included Donald Pease, Class of 1948; Verna McCullough and Paul Petersante, Class of 1953; Charlotte Pease, Class of 1963; and Rudy Pfeiler, Class of 1968. The "half century" class of 1958 (Joanne Smith, James Leone, Frederick Ferry, Glenn Fish, James Besancon, Patricia Nugent, and Angela Savery) met at a local restaurant after the event and were treated a "home movie" of their class trip by Glenn Fish. Association President Walter Boomsma noted that these reunions are "drifting in the direction of becoming as much a town event as a school reunion." Noting that the Chester Foundation handled most of the meeting arrangements and food, he also noted that the Historical Society also supported the occasion by offering special hours for alumni to visit. "We had lots of help setting up and people who volunteered to stay and help clean up," he said. "I think this is proof that small town America is alive and well, at least here in Chester." Election of officers was also held. Elected as President for his fourth year was Walter Boomsma. Also returned to office were Vice President, Robert Goewey; Secretary, Edith Cooper Whitaker; and Treasurer, George Morey, Jr. Annette Fimble LaMountain and Janice Leone Brown were again elected to the Board of Directors. Maurice Pease, Scholarship Custodian, announced scholarship awards to Brittany Nicole Castagna, Adam Joseph Simonowicz, Camilla Sage Brett, and Joshua Joseph St Onga. The Association has already started planning for the next annual meeting, scheduled for June 27, 2009. Those associated with or in some way connected with Chester and/or Chester High School are encouraged to be certain the Association has current mailing information by contacting Edith Whitaker, Association Secretary, 324 Russell Road #215, Westfield MA 01085.