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Remember good old times at Lew-Port class reunion

by jmaloni
Sat, Jul 2nd 2011 04:00 pm

by Tiffany Hyman

Remember when?

The Lewiston-Porter Alumni Association is hosting its second annual alumni class reunion on Friday, July 15, through Sunday, July 17. This year's fun and exciting reunion includes lots of free food, drinks, activities and entertainment for all graduating classes.

The class reunion started last year when project coordinator and business owner of C.P. Electrical in New Jersey, Don Hoolihan, created an idea to bring all classes of Lew-Port High School, as well as the neighboring schools, together to celebrate as a whole.

"I thought the reunion should be opened to everyone," he said.

Hoolihan said last year's reunion had around 450 attendees. He's hoping for an even better turnout this year.

"If you want to see your old friends and family, this is the place to be," he said. "It really helps bring (the) economy into the village."

The festivities start on Friday at 10 a.m. Lew-Port High School Principal Paul Casseri will begin the day by hosting a tour of the old and new high school buildings. Alumni will be able to reflect on their "back in the day" good times at the school.

"It is a great opportunity for grads to come back and reflect on old times," said Casseri.

The tour will last until noon and concludes in the new high school.

The rest of the day is filled with exciting activities. A golf outing and a concert will take place. The golf outing will be held at the Seneca Hickory Stick Golf Course on Creek Road at 1:30 p.m. The Lewiston golf course was voted the sixth best new golf course in America by Golf Magazine. The state-of-the-art facility provides picturesque views for the casual and professional golfer. The cost is $75 per person.

The Lewiston Council on the Arts is once again celebrating "the groovy times" with their annual concert, "Summer of '69." This concert is known as the region's most fun and hip summer happening. Lewiston's bands from the '60s will reconnect at the Hennepin Park Gazebo to perform music from the '60s, '70s and '80s. The beloved bands include, the Loved Ones, the County Orphanage, the Invaders and Gary Baker, Grammy winner of the billboard award-winning song, "I Swear," who will perform old favorite hits.

Eva Nicklas, LCA artistic director, explained the "Summer of '69" started in 2005 when a group of musicians that attended Lew-Port High School reunited for the first time in many years.

"They are all really talented and had quite the following," said Nicklas.

The concert brings in hundreds of people to celebrate the time.

"We encourage all to support and attend the 'Summer of '69,' " said the New York Power Authority's Jeff Jordan, a reunion committee member.

"It is more than just a concert - it is a reunion," added Nicklas.

The concert will take place from 3 to 11 p.m.

Saturday is all about entertainment along the waterfront. Starting at 2 p.m., alumni can enjoy the gorgeous view at Riverfront Park, located on Water Street just next to the Silo on the Niagara River, while being entertained throughout the day. Live music, rides, food and a cash bar will be provided.

Alums can enjoy all genres of music. Five popular local bands will be performing: Little Sugar, a classical rock band; Brass Monkees, a talented high school band; What the Folk, an artistic folk group; Full Circle a gifted swing blues band; and Zack and Chris from Fynian's Wake, a brilliant eclectic folk and bluegrass group. Also, a surprise celebrity from Las Vegas will be performing. She is a famous violinist that has worked with celebrities such as Beyonce and Bono.

Set sail on the historical Black Pearl. The Black Pearl is a 72-foot wooden brigantine sailboat that navigates up and down the lower region Niagara River. Guests can sail throughout the afternoon while viewing the beautiful scenery.

Discounts will also be offered for Whirlpool Jet and Rainbow Air helicopter rides.

Sunday is fun day. Grads are invited to participate in canoeing and tubing in the Niagara River. It will start at 11 a.m. and continue throughout the day.

 The weekend of festivities is sponsored by Certo Brothers, Modern Corporation and Water Street Landing.

The class reunion will be held along the Lewiston waterfront next to Water Street Landing. All classes and graduates of neighboring schools are welcomed to join.

Donations are greatly appreciated. To donate, checks can be made payable to Lew-Port Alumni, P.O. Box 1, Ransomville, NY 14131. Profits from the event will benefit the Lew-Port Alumni Association.

For more information, visit www.lewportalumni.com or www.facebook.com/events and search "Lew-Port alumni."

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