By Betsy Feifs, Bronxville High School Class of '66

Oct. 19, 2016:  It was Robert Rabsey who inspired classmates late last spring to plan a fiftieth reunion for BHS Class of 1966. Andrea Deacon Mandel, Frances Ashley, Rick Schrammb and Betsy Moore Feifs became reunion leaders. After much hunting, about 85 percent of the class was located. Twelve had passed away.

Over the Columbus Day, weekend 40 percent of the Class of '66 returned for the reunion traveling from as far away as Bermuda (Nancy Tofanelli O'Hara), Nebraska (Susan Hoffman Howell), and California (Toby Campion and Robyn Richards Muscardi).

Annie and Robert Rabsey got the festivities rolling Friday afternoon with a cocktail party at their home. The group migrated to Fogarty's for drinks and hors d’oeuvres. As the party was winding down, Phil Duval arrived after a 13-hour car pilgrimage from Chattanooga!

Saturday morning Anne Marshall and her middle schooler Betsy engaged a dozen of the reunion cadre in a thorough tour of the extensively renovated campus. The Marshalls breathed life into the current Bronxville School experience. Mary Saudek Jaffee led a walking tour of the village. A football game rain-out provided a break for more informal visiting.

42 classmates and spouses and two beloved teachers attended the banquet at Siwanoy Saturday evening. The club sparkled with royal blue-and-white balloons, votive candles, enlarged formal and informal photos, and memorabilia. A DJ provided continuous sixties tunes selected by class members as conversation buzzed and the evening flew by. A professional photographer captured images of the guests.

Frances Ashley welcomed everyone. Andrea Deacon Mandel introduced our honored guests, Ann Wharton Ferrante, our tenth-grade English teacher, and Al Mingrone, our band teacher. Robert Rabsey offered the reunion dinner blessing.

After the tasty buffet dinner, Class President Bob Kantack shared some reflections on the past. Betsy Moore Feifs spoke of teachers and classmates who were with us in spirit. Toby Campion led a tribute to our deceased classmates and Cynthia Linden Carlaw sang "Amazing Grace" a cappella. Toby and classmates presented a special poem he wrote in honor of the reunion.

Frances Ashley encouraged all those who had not submitted their statements and photos to send them to her. In November, she will be creating a flash drive for attendees and contributors with contact info, the statements and photos, and both of the reunion and "back-in-the-day" shots. Dancing to the '60s tunes brought many out on the dance floor.

On Sunday morning, 18 of the reunion party shared an elegant brunch at the Field Club. It was difficult to say goodbye. As our former teacher Ann Wharton Ferrante commented Saturday night, " I have been to many reunions in my life but this one stands out. The connection and affection this class feels is unique."

Pledging to locate the missing and to encourage attendance from those absent, '66ers parted with the hope that a 55th reunion will bring us together again!

Pictured here:  The Bronxville Class of ’66 who attended the dinner on Saturday night at the Siwanoy Country Club.

Photos courtesy Betsy Feifs