'One Night' - but a moment To Remember.

I simply hope that we all can have one with Steve and Dave, Garth and Debbie, and even Barry.




Dave with his friends - "The" Lombardo clan.

Steve with his friend Gordie (...remember my name, just in passing...)

Two of The Brothers Poirier...and friend.

Billings "good old days" theme.

Andrew Seary a Winning Driver.

Lynn Beauvais & Sons.

Randi, Ann-Christine,Mom&Dad Gurholt



The “good old days” theme.

My parents moved to Chateauguay where their children would be exposed to ‘good’ people.

When we moved to Seigniory Park, I was one of a few on my hockey team able to even barely keep up with the likes of Bobby and Barry Oliver/ Roddy Artagnan, in the Heights or the Heggisson/ Kaye/ Laroux/ Cutway line in Colonia, or the Carl Noble factor in the Terrace. I could at least score one goal to their five for Seigniory Park.

Seignory Park development (Concordia Estates) only went as far as Woodbine street. Concordia Street and Oliver Street near ‘The Pines’, were still fields. Barry Jones, Pierre Lacroix, Willy and Sandra Traynor, Mark Hacon, Glenda Drummond – were still yet to be a presence.

Craik Street had just evolved from a dirt path beside “Northern Circle ( the domain of Glen Finnerty, Susan Wilding, Gary Roundtree and Andrew and Kaj Larsen) to become a street connected to Saint Francis street -which only went up as far as Maple at this time.

We were vaguely aware that Indians lived nearby, but our exposure to that culture was mostly through movies featuring Ronald Reagan and other celluloid icons.

My dad had been a lacrosse player for Verdun. He bought his sticks in Kahnawake. Later when he began to teach me this game, he brought me over to Kahnawake to a sport shop owned by Mr. Two Rivers. While Mr. Two Rivers and my father chatted, I took my stick outside. I met a boy who told be I could braid the leather strands that came out the bottom of the ‘basket’. This was my first contact with a new (actually a much older) culture. I liked this village. People were friendly –they seemed to really ‘know’ each other when they stopped to talk and pass the time of day. I enjoyed that brief glimpse of their world.

In grade 8 (1969), the people of Kahanwake, (Kahnawakero:no) consented to have their children, (many who already attended school in Lachine), go to HS Billings. Whether we know it or not, due to their consent, we were indeed privileged to acquire a very real educational experience the "school of life”. We were (through this experience) enabled to widen our cultural horizons.

It was at this time, both in the United States and Canada the concept of integration and “inclusiveness” found it’s way into the High School system. We were in the throws of an alleged “age of Aquarius”. New ideas and courage were needed by all. HSBillings at that time, was bussing students in from St.Tmothy, Beauharnois, Maple Grove and needed numbers to fill this “Regional” institution.

I noted that those from Chateauguay, who wore fear of this integration openly, had rougher times than those who used their sense of humour, or became involved in “common activities” – football, wrestling, field hockey and athletics.

I made new friends –many; names like Beauvais, Snow, Loft, Rice, Deere, Deerehouse and many others entered into my lexicon.

It could not have been easy for these children of Kahnawake to enter this place of East,West,North and South Wings –especially with some very uniquely behaved adolescents on our paler side of the cultural equation. It would take time and some very real ‘human dynamics’ and empathy on all sides to reach a working balance.

Was high school easy?
No! Everyone who enters high school no matter where or when, are at a very sensitive stage of their own personal evolution.

Where does a school spirit come from?
Individual students? The times we live in? Is it bottom up or top down in nature?

What is a “Good Old Days Theme”?
Simply remembering the "good"? Simply engaging in nostalgic gibberish?
Would it be of particular benefit to focus on the negatives of adolescent behavior? Are negative stories from the past what we wish to focus on at a Reunion? I doubt it.

What Makes A High School?
Is it the teachers? The administration? The mass of students? The programs? The white or blue collar nature of the working environment surrounding it?

Community Makes a High School
I had neighbors, friends and acquaintances who made up our common communities and High School, who led by example; good people with good names - such as Stevens, Reid, Oliver, Hart, O’Hanley, Kane, McComber, Lamarre, Houston, Lahache, Hillock, Johnson, Keipert, Ghorayeb, Darcy, McManus, Stark, Montour, Zimmerman, Gurholt, Bobbitt, Noble, Seary, Maclean, Bates, Allen, Rennie, Kaye, Holden, O’Connor, D’Aguilar, Pinter, Muir, Williams, Goodfellow, Markhauser, Parent, Culham, Lee, Robichaud, Cutway, Mackenzie, Poirier, Perry, Gulkin, Artagnan, McKee, Spratt, Burton, Dempster, Bennett, Jones, Young and Toth to name only a few.

Their parents passed on an element of strength to their children – positive attitude- to compete, to persevere, to be strong in character and to survive.

We had some excellent teachers – Howes, Dawson, Green, McElrea, Mahabir, Thomas, Calder, Bush, Munkittrick, Elias, Radakir, Maynes, Proulx, McKesey, Strike, Falcon (to name only some.)

This Reunion ‘movement’ has already become a positive experience, for many who have begun to use it as a point of reference for where they are and where they have come from – from the adolescents they once were, to the evolved and mature adults they are now (well o.k., most of them).

As a participant, it is those of positive attitude I wish to see, those who recognize that this event is not simply a nostalgic look at a contrived ‘Polyanna’ past, but rather a celebration of who we are now as adults some 30-35 years later.

There are those (not many) who wish to remind me that the “good old days” were actually –for them in particular, -the “bad old” days. I think we already know and remember the ‘bad’ as all high school students must.

We can go back to a litany of things:
- remember the loneliness, until our FRIENDS found us.
- remember the bullying by those who had trouble within themselves and at home.
- remember certain racial tensions for those who had not been prepared by parents to be open minded.
- remember that some teachers were really not cut out to teach and had to find out by experience.
-we remember that some students were neither ‘ready ‘nor properly trained at the art and skill of ‘learning’ but could they ever distract.

High School was and is a system, just as society is a set of cultural sub-systems. To make it work, one needs the ‘right attitude’.

To enjoy a Reunion, we go back, visit the physical structure for an hour or so, perhaps bump into someone pleasantly remembered – perhaps one last time – and then we leave it, once more – to retire to the reception and celebrate life in the "HERE & NOW, with old friends and acquaintances.

The Reunion is a way of recognizing and then burying the past- one last time with those who will perhaps derive some of the greatest ‘meaning’ by seeing “you” in particular, -that you have actually grown older and perhaps, - wiser.

Of course one can always announce that one is not going, and then proceed to take pot shots at it – so much for wisdom. What is gained by this? (Misery loves company?)

For some it is more comforting to remember and nurse the hurt.
Ah well, -It takes all kinds to make a world.

What “kind” are you these days?

Look at the pictures above. Here are some who have "become".

TEACHERS SHOULD BE A

Written by
Lynda (Young) Chapleau


TEACHERS SHOULD BE A PART OF OUR MEMORIES

Reading the wonderful tales written so far, I couldn’t help but think how lucky we were to have some of our former “teachers”, especially those, who gave so freely of their time and patience. I think we might have taken these gifts for granted.

I remember Miss. Laporte and Mr. McElrea in particular, devoting so much effort with the Drama Club- putting up with our antics, both on and off stage.

There are two others I would love to see once more; two who made a profound impact on my life.

I will always remember her theatrical way of making everything we studied for Grade 10 English, so real; vibrant! She introduced me to the practice of journal writing. Everyone groaned and grumbled when they heard the topic, yet, we did use them for a time. I suspect by year end they were long forgotten, but that part stayed with me.

I’m not saying that I write a journal faithfully, yet similar to exhaustive and soul-baring letters I’ve written, leaving me purged and free, I have had the occasion to write my way through ‘things of torment’, in a beat up old notebook.

“Write down any ‘thing’ you want, as long as you get it out! ”, she would enunciate.

For these instructions, “given” to us, so many years ago; Mrs.Strike, I thank you. I am only sorry it is too late for you to hear me say this[1].

After graduating, I went back to pick up some required credits.

I recall even now, every September, all the way through high school, praying, “Please… don’t give me Mr. Falcon for History class!” I had heard the horror stories about how tough he was; how he’d go ballistic if assignments weren’t handed in!

How easy it was to buy into all of that!

Then, for the first time I didn't ‘have’ to take History, who did I get? - Mr. Falcon.

“Mr. Falcon, you brought History to life, inspiring me to ‘want’ to work.
The thought of disappointing you by not doing 'only my very' best, motivated me ever higher.”

All through school, in past History Classes I had barely squeaked by with a passing grade, but that term, I had achieved 99% average.

Mr. Falcon encouraged and challenged us learn, to do our best and ultimately, to have faith- in ourselves.

I learned from that experience, ‘never again give too much credence a second hand opinion’, but rather, judge and asses things, on my own.

Mr. Falcon was and is the best teacher I have ever had.

So, while I am so looking forward to seeing my fellow classmates and friends, at the reunion, I can't help but hope, that I will also have the great opportunity to meet Mr. Falcon once more, if only one last time- so that I may shake his hand and thank him in person for dedicating his life to teaching. The opportunity is seldom and the time is upon all, NOW.

A Special Smile

A Special Breed

These are only three -there are, many many more.





Left Top: Kevin Carlin

Left Below: The Lovely Debbie Hanney
(Yr 2006)

Top Right: Ricky Rice


There were certain people in high-school that helped make 'young' life endurable.

Now don’t get me wrong. High-School was and is a good place, -but not for everyone.

There are those who ‘got it’ quick and did not have to worry. They understood the rule –the real rule. You know… “don’t get in the teacher's way, do your homework, don’t laugh too hard at the expense of authority and you’ll be O.K.”.

But there were many in high-school who did not, “get it”.
They came from another walk of life –the hard road traveled.
They chose to speak up when things looked wrong; chose to be “the tail that wagged the dog”. They did not fear for loss. They did not cave under the threat of “detention after school”. They had already gotten "it", the harsh version, from outside – from their own worlds and experiences.

Now, somewhere, between those who “got it” and those "who chose the harsher reality”, were another -most unique breed, -those who navigated a different path. They were “here and now” and had the ability to enjoy, if not savour, their experience, without being "crunched" by those taken up with their own sense of "authority" or "power" in the classroom. They also seemed to escape with nary a scratch, outside, from those who of a different rule and authority.

These unique souls knew a language of survival- humour- "make them laugh!"- make the teacher laugh, make the students laugh, -and keep safe distance.

These marvels seemd imbued with a sixth sense – a ‘wisdom beyond years’.
These people somehow knew where a situation "hinged" and where the lever of force lay.
These people knew-that with just the right amount of humility, perhaps a dash of self deprecation and large amount of humour, an entire unpleasant episode could be turned into-a memory, a funny story, something we might cherish -forever -legend!

We all knew a number of these people and loved them secretly and dearly for their ability and how they made us feel under circumstances, which were not always 'the best', but were never 'the worst' by any means, simply because of their existence and blend in our social fabric .

Starting Point for the Vision.

I have gone to various hotels in Montreal to price blocks of rooms (50-100), a reception area for the Friday late afternoon informal reception, Saturday late afternoon coctails, evening dinner, bar in that reception room for the post dinner festivites (I've asked John Saunders to consider being the host since that is one of his many talents on ABC TV).

The idea is to allow all to have a central point. Drive in, check in, refresh, have a Friday welcome reception after a nap.

Would you believe many of the major hotels are solidly booked up!? Fortunately I have one major that has committed to me - the Bonaventure- they are in quoting phase right now. But they are at least quite flxible on numbers as our group grows.
(To date we have 32 registered on the Alumni site.)

The Bonaventure has a reception area with a sizeable outdoor Terrace that backs onto a stream and waterfall! I can just see the pictures now. Given the "smoking law" that just went into effect in Quebec, this is good. Smokers -if there are any, can simply slip out from the reception area on to the Terrace. If it's raining, it has a covered area. I am still looking at all possibilities.

One thing is non negotiable as far as I am concerned: - I am not tending bar, cleaning up, soliciting volunteer cleaning crews, coordinating cleaning crews, applying to liquor boards for licences, cleaning up afterward, collecting bottles etc. I am one of you. I am going to enjoy linking up with old friends and meeting with people.

I will help whoever accepts hosting the festivities and coordinate this whole thing with others as we lead up to the event - but that is it. We are "grown up" now and can afford for once in our lives to spend a little money and have a good time.

I intend to take full advantage and leave Chateauguay Friday afternoon with Jane and get the heck out of the house. We'll check in to what ever Hotel we end up selecting. I will proceed to the Weclome area and be there to greet those who come in from out of town (or from Chateauguay like me).

People can go out to Chateaugauy to visit or meet up with firends at the Alibi Pub, or check out Montreal or get together with others from the past that they meet (visit to each others' rooms), and /or go out to dinner in Montreal with friends.

On Saturday, after breakfast at the hotel ( I am not staying in Chateauguay Friday night) the High School will be open for the old grand tour -"walk about". We can go out there visit the school, and visit family and old friends at their various homes.

If the musicians in our crowd wish (and express the will to do so), we can put some money into a pot and I'll rent some equpment (guitars, drums, p.a. whatever) and we/they can "jam" between Saturday between 1:00 - 4:00 PM at the school while others come and go during the "walk about".

After 4:00 PM, most people will probably be headed back to the hotel or homebase to get themselves ready for the Staurday "get-together" commencing with a 5:00 Cocktail in the recpetion area, (outside if sunny on the Terrace (with brook running through it) or inside the reception room.

At 6:30/7:00PM we'll have a plated dinner or depending on pricing, a buffet. I prefer the plated dinner - but that's me. You can give me your feed back by clicking the comments button (below).

Now remember - only so many people can fit at one table . I think I'm going to have to ask you all who you wish to sit with or simply be arbitrary and assign you a table. Still it would be good if you tell me inadvance who you would like to sit with.

Hey! We have a year, let's make good use of the time...but please ...communicate with me. My e-mail address is mcconnell.leslie@videotron.ca.

That evening we'll have entertainment -either a disk-jocky or live band -depending on budgets and availability.

But what is crucial is to not let the entertainment get in the way of the reunion.

Remember, we are there not to re-live past dances from the gym, but rather to be able to circulate, see people, remember, hear ourselves talk, laugh and enjoy.

We may create separate rooms down the hall from the recpetion area by class year. 70,71,72,73, 74 etc. Hence '72 and friends, with the music and dancing in the reception room.

Andrew Clark (one of the best photographers around) has even quoted on having cds available of the evening -full of pictures for you by end of evening!

Now if we have John Saunders MC'ing this thing I know we are going to have a good time. Of course he has to be able to circulate too! So we can't expect to be over coordinated and we can allow for looseness in the plan as well as imbed some surprises.

Sunday, we can hang out at the hotel, or check out Montreal downtown, visit with friends in Chateauguay -whatever - leave...But I think it might be nice to do what we did last time - have a brunch just outside the school in back or on the side.
I believe Jacquie Ross has someone in mind who can help put this on -maybe not. I'll check. Remember it is a year away, while close, still has some planning and detail work to be done!

Communications are essential.
If you have any alternative scenarios or suggestions, please put them in the comments section of this entry for all to see. If you agree with what you read above, please say so. If there is something you disagree with, please say and state the reason.

We have room to move, but decisions must be finalized and direction set and expectations based upon this.

I look forward to your comments. Obviously cost will be a factor but so too will the saving of time and labour. We do not wish to recreate a wheel that already exisits that can professionally give us what we need.