For most, staying in touch is an empty yearbook signature but for the CCCHS class of 1970, it’s been an ongoing commitment. The group of classmates meets monthly for lunch and more, often taking on field trip-like outings, touring and learning about different locations. It’s a practice they’ve leaned into through retirement and by finding enjoyment in one another’s company.
Their meetups began prior to 2020, when a small group of alumni met to plan their 50th class reunion. Though the celebration had to be delayed, the committee had been meeting for more than a year-and-a-half.
“We like to plan in advance to get ahead of things,” said class member, Linda Cunningham. “We just kept meeting even when the reunions were delayed. We decided it was fun so why not just start meeting for coffee or lunch?”
Initially, the class planned a “50+1 reunion,” but COVID further delayed that, too. They did host a “50+2” in 2022.
Cunningham added that they met in the middle of the day to avoid taking space from evening visitors. And because most of them are retired, daytime schedule worked well for them.
“Then we started doing tours of things and we’ve had some fun ones.”
The group has visited the Eisenhower Center, the car museum, The Garage, in Salina, the Longford Water Company, Hildebrand Farms, and gotten a behind-the-scenes tour of the Topeka Zoo, where a classmate is a docent.
“They work in the Giraffe Department and we got a personalized tour, that was neat to see.”
Locally, they’ve visited restaurants like Happy Hippie, and brought a sack lunch to the Utility Zoo Park when they walked the trails and toured new murals.
Each month averages between 10 and 16 attendees, Cunninham said. There are a few locals who generally attend, while others are in Lawrence, Topeka, Salina, and Brookville.
“Our classmates are scattered all over the U.S. now, usually it’s the people in driving distance come,” she said. “One classmate and her husband come from Tulsa sometimes. Others will travel if we’re meeting closer to where they live.”
When they toured in Longford, a classmate had traveled back from Oregon and the timing matched up.
“That was a fun surprise to have her there.”
Overall, the group said it’s the companionship and camaraderie that keeps them meeting – and learning – every month.
“We just like meeting and getting together. Some of this group didn’t really know each other in high school so it’s just getting reacquainted with one another,” she said. “When someone is having health issues we get together with cards and prayers to help support. It’s just been really nice. No one is trying to look impressive now, we don’t care who you are, just want to encourage and support each other.”
In total, the class of 1970 graduated 136, though 20-some have died in years since, Cunningham said. At the time, Lincoln and Garfield were also K through sixth, she said, with 15 surrounding grade schools in the county.
“A lot of things have changed,” she said. “We had one of the larger classes but we weren’t the largest one.”
Part of the get-together is showing off photos or deciding what they want to do next. One classmate made a small guitar out of cigar box. He brought it to the monthly meetup and played while another member strummed a guitar.
“We do have fun,” she said. “You just never know what things we’re going to do.”
Top picture: Taken at the Longford Water Company, LLC. Eight classmates and two spouses, while additional members joined them for lunch at the Coachlight Restaurant. Left to right Linda Cunningham (Clay Center), Nancy and Galen Hofmann (Leonardville), Beth Brown (Topeka), Susan Schaefer (Linn), Rick Boman (Clay Center), Deb Braden (Manhattan), Martha Dorssom (Lawrence), Phoebe Pitney (Oregon) and Mary Boman (Clay Center).
Center picture: Classmate Lanell Finneran, docent for the Topeka Zoo, gave the group a personalized tour.
Bottom picture: Taken at the Eisenhower Center with 13 classmates and three spouses. Left to right: Kenny Stitt (Clay Center), Mike Kidwell (Clay Center), Beth Brown (Topeka), Vicki Marshall (Brookville), Martha Dorssom (Lawrence), Barb Pierce (Salina), Judy Stitt (Clay Center), Rick & Mary Boman (Clay Center), Allan Milbradt (Augusta), Marcia Freeman (Salina), George McLaughlin (Salina), Galen and Nancy Hofmann (Leonardville), Richard Brenner (Manhattan), and Linda Cunningham (Clay Center).
