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Back to the Big City on September 23, 2024
OK, just Iron Mountain, but biggest city near Norway!
Our gang met at Solberg’s (Greenleaf) for our September luncheon. We had
a wonderful time; lots of memories remembered and Norway folks and
events discussed. Thanks to all attemdees Janise (Vivio) Bilski, Ruth Ann
(Massa) Couch, Mickey and Judy Dapoz, Karen (Swanson) Salling, Carol
(Brisson) Zechlin, Bert and Donna Peterson
We will plan the next lunch for November (before hunting season). Will send
details; watch your e-mails or this website.
Mid-July Gathering at Knight Owl, Mon July 15,2024
After 63 years, we’re STILL the NHS Seniors of 1961
d our next lunch. We will let you know when and where that will be.
There was much discussion of our school days. It's fun remembering.
Attendees included Terry "Robert Terry" Backlund, Janise (Vivio) Bilski,
Al "Albert" and Chris Carlotto, Mickey and Judy Dapoz, Ronnie and Shirley
DeBernardi, Bert "Bertil John" and Donna "Peterson" Peterson.
Report on May 20, 2024 - Luncheon at Knight Owl
And we’re gonna do it again in July!
The NHS class of 1961 enjoyed a good time and good turnout at the Knight
Owl on May 20. Attendees included Janise (Vivio) Bilski, Mickey and Judy
Dapoz, Ron DeBernardi, Barb (Guzzonato) Opolka, Karen (Swanson)
Salling, Barb (Helmer) Schultz and guest June Schoen, Carol (Brisson)
Zechlin, Bert and Donna Peterson
Guest June Schoen bakes cookies, and brought treats for all of us. These
were large, flower-themed delights, a pleasant surprise. Thanks, June!
Seniors of ‘61 Met at Greenleaf on March 18, 2024
Came up with new schedule plan … next luncheon at Knight Owl 5/20
Attendees included Janise (Vivio) Bilski, Ruth Ann (Massa) Couch, Mickey &
Judy Dapoz, Karin (Krook) Norman, Karen (Swanson) Salling, and Bert &
Donna Peterson
We decided to meet every other month on the third Monday. Next one will be
Monday, May 20, 2024, at 11:30 a.m. at The Knight Owl in Norway. Bert will
send a reminder a couple weeks in advance.
NHS Class of ‘61 Leaps into 2024 … Monday Feb 12
… celebrating Groundhog Day a bit late, Valentine’s Day a bit early.
We invite you and a guest to jjoin us for the first “senior moment” of 2024.
Think about it; we’re almost a quarter of the way through the 21st century!
We plan to meet at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, February 12, 2024, at Solberg’s
Greenleaf in Iron Mountain. If you want to do something in keeping with the
theme du jour, it’ll be Valentine’s week (not Groundhog Day). Bring photos
or other memorabilia if you have some you’d like to share with the group.
Again, our thanks to Janise Bilski and Carol Zechlin for helping with the
reservations and theme. Please let Bert know if you plan to attend so we
can make reservations. Members of other classes from our era are
welcome, as always. Bring your spouse or sweetheart … but not both!
Greenleaf Hosted NHS Class of ‘61 on Sept 25, 2023
… just before the green leaves are starting to turn to red and gold!
Our Seniors met once again on the last Monday, at Solberg’s Greenleaf in
Iron Mountain. We had fun passing around pictures and swapping memories
and lies about the old days!
Attendees included Janise (Vivio) Bilski, Ron and Shirley DeBernardi,
Karin (Krook) Norman, Karen (Swanson) Salling, Barb (Helmer) Schultz
and her guest June Shane, Carol (Brisson) Zechlin, Bert & Donna Peterson.
Again, thanks to Janise and Carol for helping with eservations and theme.
Senior Moment! Class of ‘61 Lunch March 1, 2023
Nice turnout at Greenleaf in Iron Mt despite a bit of winter in the air
This bunch of people became seniors in September 1960 … when they
began their final year at Norway High School. And they still enjoy getting
together a few times a year! This event was no exception … attendees
included Janise (Vivio) Bilski, Ruth Ann (Massa) Couch, Mickey and Judy
Dapoz, Ron and Shirley DeBernardi, Karen (Swanson) Salling, Carol
(Brisson) Zechlin, Bert and Donna Peterson
We have an update on classmate Johnny Lovato. He is living in a nursing
home in Crystal Falls after surgery; has dementia but is doing well. He has
been there for about one year. He does not recognize people but enjoys
having visitors. He still loves teasing and joking as he always has.
Carol proposed a theme for next meeting -- we bring old photos of days gone
by. Watch your e-mail for more details.
NHS ‘61 Seniors Invade Mike’s on Main Sept 22, 2022
Had a good time … and had the place to ourselves!
Smaller crowd than some of our recent luncheons, but we enjoyed
ourselves, and want to thank all who attended: Tom Carlson, Ruth Ann
Couch, Mick and Judy Dapoz, Ron and Shirley DeBernardi, Carol Zechlin,
Bert and Donna Peterson. We’ll let you know when we plan to meet again.
Wild Ones Met at Knight Owl on Wed Aug 3, 2022
Good turnout, good time. Gotta start thinking about the next one …
We had a great lunch at The Knight Owl in Norway. Thanks to all who
attended. How about we do this again maybe just after mid September?
Attending the Aug 3 lunch were: Janise (Vivio) Bilski, Mickey and Judy
Dapoz, Ron DeBernardi, Barb (Guzzonato) Opolka, Karen (Swanson)
Salling, Barb (Helmer) Schultz & guest Darlene Bertolini, Carol (Brisson)
Zechlin, and Bert & Donna Peterson.
Lunch Bunch Meets at Greenleaf Thurs May 12, 2022
It’s our 61st year as seniors! A good time was had by all.
Thank you to all who attended our May 12, 2022, class lunch. And to those
who emailed their teacher stories. We had a great time remembering our
school days and teachers, and yes, the name “Jolly” was heard several
times. And thanks to Joe for providing copies of his book and of his
interesting paintings.
Ideas for future meetings expressed were: Theme for next time possibility
“Things we did that our parents never knew about.” Venue for next meeting:
Big 10 Bar in Quinnesec, Knight Owl in Norway, Holiday Kitchen in Iron
Mountain, or Thirsty Whale in Norway.
Your further suggestions are welcomed. If you are going to be in the area
this summer, please let us know.
Attending our lunch were: Janise (Vivio) Bilski, Mickey and Judy Dapoz,
Karen (Krook) Norman, Bert and Donna (Peterson) Peterson, Karen
(Swanson) Salling, Barb (Helmer) Schultz and her guest Darlene Bertolini,
and Carol (Brisson) Zechlin.
Norway Seniors Take Over Iron Mountain Bar Feb 17
1961 was our FIRST senior year … now they are ALL senior years!
Thank you all who attended our
lunch at Greenleaf’x. And special
thanks to Janise (Vivio) Bilski and
Carol (Brisson) Zechlin for helping
with the arrangements.
We had a great time. And thanks to
Carol for her theme suggestion of
“high school days” stories. Some of
us even revealed secrets from our school days (blush, blush). Al Carlotto
sent his story by email, and we read it aloud. Thanks Al!
We’ll be trying another theme next lunch. Be sure to watch your e-mail for
an announcemente; also check www.norway1961.com
Below is a picture of our group. Clockwise from bottom left: Shirley De
Bernardi, Ron de Bernardi, Carol (Brisson) Zechlin, Karin (Krook) Norman,
Barb (Guzzanato) Opolka, Janise (Vivio) Bilski, Barb (Helmer) Schultz,
Mickey Dapoz, Judy Dapoz, Bert Peterson, Donna Peterson, Darlene
Bertolini (Barb Schultz’ guest), and Karen (Swanson) Salling (click photo
to enlarge)
2020 Vision: Classmates Met for Lunch in Big City
Took our party on the road … Greenleaf Bar & Grill, Iron Mt, 1/29/20
Thanks to all who made this winter day a bit brighter!
Attending were (clockwise from lower left in photo below): Lee & Margie
Meneghini, Bert & Donna Peterson, Mickey & Judy Dapoz, Darlene & John
Lovato, Ron & Shirley Debernardi, Janice (Vivio) Bilski, Shirley (Jansen)
Clarke, and Karen (Swanson) Salling. (click photo to enlarge image)
We Did It Again: Oak Crest Thurs Aug 22, 2019
Thanks to all who attended. We had a great time … we always do!
Attending were: Tom & Colleen Carlson, Mike & Judy Dapoz, John Lovato,
Lee Meneghini, Barb (Guzzonato) Opolka, Darlene (Larson) Peebles, Carol
(Brisson) Zechlin, and Bert & Donna Peterson. Dennis Anderson, class of
‘62, dropped by on his way to golf. Youngsters are always welcome, whether
from classes behind us or ahead of us.
The Scoop on Lunch at Mike’s, Thurs June 2019
Seniors for 58 years and counting; a good time was had by all
Here’s the list of attendees at today’s lunch. Ron and Shirley DeBernardi,
John Lovato, Lee Meneghini, Karen (Swanson) Salling, Carol (Brisson)
Zechlin, Bert and Donna Peterson.
Seniors of ‘61 Lunch, Norway Senior Center 4/29/19
Change of venue … also in day of week … it was a MONDAY!
A youngster suggested that we hold a class luncheon at the Norway Senior
Citizens Center. Shirley DeBernardi told us that some other classes have
been having their lunches there (we can look old so we fake being seniors).
Seemed like a good idea, so we gave it a try. Had a great time; food was
excellent, and the volunteer staff was friendly and helpful. Thanks to Shirley
DeBernardi for the suggestion!
Attending were Marie (Flessati) and Bob Belanger, Tom Carlson, Ron
DeBernardi, Karin (Krook) Norman, John Lovato, Bert and Donna Peterson,
and Karen (Swanson) Salling.
Lunch Report - Fun & Games - Sept 20, 2018
Mike’s on Main, 11:30 … guests welcome, as usual
During our lunch we worked on a trivia question, devised by Ken and Bert.
It is a list of many nicknames of teachers and students who were in high
school at least one year that we were there (Class of 1958 through about
1964). You fill in their real names. CLICK HERE TO VIEW / PRINT LIST
Attending were: Terry and Kay Backlund, Tom Carlson, John Lovato, Lee
Meneghini, Karen (Krook) Norman, Bert Peterson.
We are thinking of having the next get-together in early December. If any of
you out-of-towners are going to be in the area before then and would like to
have a lunch or even a coffee, let Bert know, and we'll call a special one.
Record Crowd Attends Class Lunch Wed May 23
Our classmates are still so active, it’s hard to get ‘em togther!
The class luncheon on Wednesday, May 23 was held at the Big Ten in
Quinnesec. Bert reports that attendees included himself and his wife,
Donna, and Karen Salling. That’s the smallest turnout yet … Bert says he
really knows how to pick dates, and will try again, maybe in July, but won’t
pick a date too close to the holiday weekend!
Spring Fling Lunch Held at Mike’s on Main Mar 28
We’re still the “Seniors of NHS 1961”
We enjoyed conversations and friendship at our class lunch once again.
Attending were: Terry Backlund, Mickey and Judy Dapoz, Ron and Shirley
DeBernardi, Dick and Rose Mary DeRidder, Carol (Brisson) Zechlin, Bert
and Donna Peterson.
Bert distributed an updated booklet with pictures as a tribute to our deceased
classmates. Let him know if you want one mailed to you.
We discussed a number of folks who were classmates for a while and who
later dropped out or moved away. Believe it or not, the list is up to 25 names.
List is available if you want to have one.
Lunch Bunch Gathers Again Oct 25, 2017
Fall brings cool temps … and get-together brings cool people!
Thanks all for attending our lunch. We had a very good turnout and had lots
of fun. There was even a suggestion of having a class dance party this
winter. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.
Classmates who enjoyed our time today included Janise (Vivio) Bilski, Tom
Carlson, Ruth (Massa) Couch, John Lovato, Lee and Margie Meneghini,
Karin (Krook) Norman, Darlene (Larson) Peebles, Glen and Eeva
Peroceschi, Bert and Donna Peterson, Karen (Swanson) Salling, and
Carol (Brisson) Zechlin
We were fortunate to have guests from the years before and after us:
From 1960 -- John and Mary Kimichik
From 1962 -- Bill Dolan and Charlie Yonts
Midsummer Luncheon Wednesday July 19 at Mike’s
Feels like high school all over again … we’re still seniors!
We enjoyed another get-together at Mike’s. While chatting, we passed
around some new and old photos: a studio picture of Bonnie (Trepanier)
Gurgall, July 2017 photo of Gloria (Bergwall) Cavagnetto and her daughter
Amy from their recent visit to town, prints of some of Joe Giannunzio's recent
paintings, pictures of a play the girls were in back in elementary school, and
a few more. Attending from out-of-town were Lois (Beckstorm) Zember, Glen
Perochesci, and Joe Giannunzio. Others attending included Terry Backlund,
Darlene (Larsen) Peebles, Mickey and Judy Dapoz, Barb (Helmer) Schultz,
Karen (Krook) Norman, and Bert Peterson.
Classmates Enjoy Luncheon Thurs May 18 at Mike’s
Spring has sprung, and a bunch of our classmates got together today.
Attending today’s luncheon were: Janise (Vivio) Bilski, Tom and Colleen
Carlson, Mickey Dapoz, Ron and Shirley DeBernardi, John Lovato, Lee and
Margie Meneghini, Darlene (Larsen) Peebles, Bert and Donna Peterson, and
Karen (Swanson) Salling. We were seniors in 1961, and we still are!
Luncheon Report - 2/22/2017 - Mike’s on Main
A good time was had by all … Bert calls it “a class with class.”
We were seniors in 1961, and we’re STILL seniors. Or, maybe more
accurately, seniors AGAIN. And it’s still fun getting together with classmates
from Norway High School! 56 years later. Attendees today included Carol
(Brisson) Zechlin, Ron and Shirley DeBernardi, John Lovato (Demi's dad?)
Lee Meneghini, Micky and Judy Dapoz, Karen (Swanson) Salling, Marie
(Flessati) and Bob Belanger, Nancy (Banfield) and Luke LeBouef, Terry
Backlund, Ruth (Massa) Couch, and Bert and Donna Peterson.
Get-together at Big 10 in Quinnesec Wed Oct 5, 2016
The “lunch bunch” enjoyed another chance to swap stories, etc.
We had a great time at our lunch today. Thanks to all for attending or
sending your greetings.
Bert relayed greetings from those who could not attend. Also, thanks from
Barb (Helmer) Schultz for your thoughts, prayers, and flowers. She is doing
well, and that is certainly great news.
Good looking group below. Thanks to Shirley DeB. for taking the alternate
picture so you can see all of us in attendance. CLICK PIX TO ENLARGE
Clockwise from lower left: Shirley DeBernardi (right pic only), John Lovato,
Bert Peterson (left pic only), Donna Peterson, Carol Zechlin, Karen Salling,
Karin Norman, Janise Bilski, Marie Belanger, and Bob Belanger.
Mugs, caps, shirts, and a few other items available
with NHS 1961 designs;see NOTES page via the
tab in the navigation bar, above.
See 50th Reunion AND 50+ Picnics pages for our “senior” adventures!
This site will stay online so we’ll be able to
notify you of any upcoming events, and to
post photos, etc. as we receive them..
For now, if you want to contact someone about
anything related to the NHS Class of 1961, you can
e-mail Bert ... ItalianoScallion@aol.com
For anything related to this website, contact
Kenny ... ken.anderson@aviceda.com.
Where it started for many
of us ... McKinley School.
It’s no longer standing, but we are!
Luncheon Held At Oak Crest Wed
March 30, 2016
“A class with true class!” Attended by 12 old
Vikings, some spouses.
We tried a new location for our lunch adventure, and
it worked out well. Oak Crest was ready for us with
good food and service (thanks, Kendra!), and it’s
certainly a place we’ll visit again. We’re including
two pix, because ONE person was missing from
each (took turns with camera).
Attending, clockwise from left, were: Shirley
DeBernardi (missing on right pic, Ron DeBernardi,
Lee Meneghini, Janise (Vivio) Bilski, Bert Peterson
(missing on left pic) John Lovato, Bob Belanger,
Marie (Flessati) Belanger, Terry Backlund, Kay
Backlund (hidden in left pic), Judy Dapoz (hidden in
left pic), Mike Dapoz, and Carol (Brisson) Zechlin.
Click on photos to see larger view!
Knight Owl Adventure - Wednesday
Jan 20, 2016
Thank you to all the classmates who braved the
winter and joined us for lunch at the Knight Owl.
And an extra thank you for your good-natured
patience with the looooooooooong waits for service.
You are a class with Real Class. And thanks to you
who helped with the coffee and offered to train for a
wait-staff job. In spite of it all, we seemed to have a
good time.
Ronnie shared some great pictures of deer and bear.
Bert routed photos of Joe Giannunzio's latest
paintings.
We discussed the upcoming Norway125 celebration
(125 Anniversary). It is the weekend before
Independence Day. We should get together then for
our 55th reunion. Maybe something informal
because of all the other activities going on? Maybe a
breakfast, brunch, or afternoon activity? Ideas????
And maybe Margie Meneghini will dust off her
Diamond Jubilee crown to reign again as queen?
Attending were: Terry Backlund, Marie (Flessati) and
Bob Belanger, Ruth (Massa) Couch, Mickey and
Judy Dapoz, Ron DeBernardi, Lee and Margie
Meneghini, Darlene (Larson) Peebles, Bert and
Donna Peterson, Karen (Swanson) Salling.
Classes of ‘61, 62, 64 Represented
Sept 10, 2015
A nice turnout of NHS grads and guests turned out
at Mike’s on Main for our Sept 10th get-together.
We’re hoping to alternate the lunches around to
various other Norway venues, like Norway Mountain
(when and if they open for lunch), golf course (doubt
they are open for lunch), and perhaps the Knight
Owl.
Here are the attendees in no particular order (were
they out of order?).
Lois (Beckstrom) Zember '61, Ruth (Massa) Couch
'61, Don Wash '61, Carol (Brisson) Zechlin '61,
Mickey '61 and Judy Dapoz, Terry Backlund '61,
Karin (Krook) Norman '61, Tom Carlson '61, Bert '61
and Donna Peterson .
Guests from other classes: Francis Wash '62, Pam
(Wollum) Schram '62, Charlie Yonts '62, Art Marcell
'62, GeorgeAnn and Dan VanWolvelaere (both '62),
Janice (Erickson) Lenes '62, and Dick Lenes, Shirley
(Morosini) DeBernardi '62, and Jim Wash '64
December 11, 2014 Get-Together
Santa wasn’t there, but a bunch of his elves
showed up!
We had a great turnout considering the time of year,
and with everyone busy with Christmas. There were
thirteen of us.
Standing from left:
Bert Peterson, Mike
Dapoz, Judy Dapoz,
John Lovato, Carol
(Brisson) Zechlin,
Barb (Helmer)
Schultz, Tom Carlson, and Bob Belanger.
(click photo to enlarge view)
Seated from left: Donna Peterson, Bonnie
(Trepanier) Gurgall, Marie (Flessati) Belanger,
Shirley DeBernardi, and Ron DeBernardi.
Al Carlotto sends his love to all. He stopped by
before the lunch. He and Chris have sold their
hunting camp and were busy getting it ready for the
transfer of ownership.
Carol (Brisson) Zechlin mentioned our Norway
museum veterans’ videotaping project and asked for
ideas in helping getting some of the work done and
funded. Contact Carol with ideas or for more details.
Barb (Helmer) Schultz provided a neat picture from
our elementary school days ... it’s on our
Classmates page, with urchins identified.
Oct 21, 2014 - Lunch Bunch
Represented 3 Classes
We don’t have a group photo, but we can tell you
who was there ...
'60 John "Kimo" and Mary Kimichik
'61 Mike and Judy Dapoz, Terry Backlund, Nancy
(Banfield) and Luke Le Boeuf, Glen and Eeva
Peroceschi, Darlene (Larson) Peebles, Shirley
(Jansen) Clarke, Janise (Vivio) Bilski, Karen
(Swanson) Salling, Marie (Flessati) and Bob
Belanger, and Bert and Donna Peterson
'62 Francis Wash and Charlie Yonts
July 17 Lunch Draws Almost 30 from
NHS Classes of 1961-62
Initial reports indicate noisy crowd, but no
arrests reported
We’re waiting for more information from several
eyewitnesses, but a good mix of classmates from ‘61
& ‘62 whooped it up July 17, 2014
Click the photo to enlarge the image
Back Row L-R: Bert Peterson, Mike Hewlett, Barb
(Helmer) Schultz, Frank Outcalt, Karin (Krook)
Norman, Lee Meneghini (partially hidden), Alan
Sebrechts, Terry Backlund, Dan Van Wolvelaere,
Art Marcell, Bob Belanger.
Middle Row L-R: Don Wash, Karen (Swanson)
Salling, Mary Lou (Morosini) Outcalt, Darlene
(Larson) Peebles, Francis Wash, Georgeann
(DeRidder), Van Wolveleare, Shirley (Jansen)
Clarke, Karen (Zadra) Justus, Tom Carlson.
Front Row L-R: Donna Peterson, Bonnie (Trepanier)
Gurgall, Ruth Ann (Massa) Crouch, Marie (Flessati)
Belanger, Shirley (Morosini) DeBernardi, and
(kneeling) Carol (Brisson) Zechlin.
Not Pictured: Margie (Bal) Meneghini, Charlie Yonts,
Becky Sebrechts.
“Birthday” Picnic, July 20, 2013 (see
50+ picnics page)
More than 70 people near, at, or past 70th
birthday kick up their heels!
The Norway High School classes of 1960, 1961, and
1962 gathered at Lake Antoine for an afternoon and
evening of conversation, food, music, laughs, and
surprises. About eighty people attended, and it was
a most enjoyable adventure. If you’d suggested to
any of us fifty plus years ago that we’d have this
much fun at a picnic in 2013, I don’t think any of us
would have believed it for a minute. But it
happened, and it was great!
Here’s a taste of what you
missed ... “Old Time Rock
and Roll!” You could call this
“Art in the Park!”
We also got to hear Johnny
& Kenny sing “Hard to be
Humble.” Some may have
even enjoyed that!
It was a real treat to see not only our own
classmates, but friends from the other classes who
shared our NHS years. Hope this starts a trend
toward multi-year gatherings!
More info & photos on the “50+ Picnics” page ...
click button in top bar.
To all who attended, it was great to see you! To
Darlene and others who helped make this picnic
happen, THANK YOU!!!
sss