Editor, Gazette-Journal:

On Saturday afternoon, the Mathews High School Class of 1974 gathered at the Williams Wharf Landing pavilion to celebrate our 40th class reunion. It was an absolutely beautiful afternoon and we had 56 classmates who attended and many brought their spouses or a friend. I believe I can truly say everyone had a great time renewing friendships, trying to “guess” who a few people were as they arrived, and before the night was over, feeling like it truly had not been 40 years ago that we had graduated.

I would like to take this opportunity to sing the praises of a few people. First of all, the group of classmates who read the announcement of a planning meeting back in January in the Gazette-Journal and attended the meeting to give their opinions and then returned for the follow-up meetings. Mike DeWitt, our class president, who could not attend every meeting, but guided us as always with good suggestions. Nelda Hudgins Gibbs did what she does best … worked out a meal plan and then made sure we ate! Bobby Callis and Richard Love were there with “muscle power” for whatever needed to be lifted or moved and also stuffed envelopes. Susan Adams was the “spreadsheet queen” along with Brenda Moore, and made the best name tags. Robin Sadler, “Tuggie” Hutson and many others who spread the word “we really want you to be there,” and Casey Love Shaw with her camera in hand, who was snapping photos all night.

2014 is not over yet! Hopefully there will be more times that we can join together for friendship and laughs. It will not be as easy for those living in distant places to attend. Do keep in mind Homecoming weekend in the fall and, who knows, maybe a float in the Christmas parade.

And to all of you classmates that, for whatever reasons, were unable to attend, we missed you. We’ve already started thinking about the next reunion, maybe in five years. Start thinking what you would like to do. Time does fly by.

Mary Elaine Callis Pope
Secretary, Class of 1974
Mathews, Va.