The 60th Class Reunion is ON... But it will be July 15...

 

JAMESTOWN - The SWCS Class of '66 Reunion Committee (Randy Carlson, Jim Lindell and Mike Coon) met Tuesday finalized the date and reunion venue.

The earlier announced date - July 8 - didn't work out, thus the shift to July15.

Below is the flier with the preliminary information. As I hear any news, I'll pass it along.

You can contact Randy, Jim and Mike directly, via their emails: 

Randy: (racarlson@windstream.net)

Jim: (jimrl48@gmail.com)

Mike: (mcoon2@bellsouth.net)

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Class of '66 classmate Paul Higbee has passed away

 From the Jamestown Post Journal

Paul M. Higbee, a lifelong Busti resident, passed away Friday, June 13, 2025 at the Star Hospice House in Lakewood.

He was born in Jamestown on Jan. 19, 1948, a son of the late Raymond M. and Shirley May Burns Higbee and graduated from Southwestern Central High School.

Paul was very proud of his more than 20 years as a mechanic for Jamestown Industrial Trucks. He was an avid car fanatic who enjoyed building hot rods and spent many happy years racing cars at Stateline Speedway.

Surviving is a daughter, Bridgette (David) Winters of Jamestown; two sons, Michael (Kara) Higbee of Busti and Shawn (Marianne) Higbee of California; six grandchildren: Tyler and Dylan Higbee, Taylor and Lucas Higbee, and June and Huxley Winters; and two brothers, Charles and Donald Higbee.

Besides his parents, Paul was preceded in death by his wife, Rosemary Buzard Higbee whom he married Apr. 3, 1970 and who died this past Apr. 28th.

The family will receive friends from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, June 22nd in the Lind Funeral Home.

No formal service will be observed; however, a time of family sharing will take place near the end of the visitation. To share your condolences, please visit www.lindfuneralhome.com.

SWCS Class of '66 Reunion IS ON for July 8, 2026

JAMESTOWN - Mike Coon reported today that Randy Carlson and his band of SWCS reunion organizers on the ground in Jamestown have asked classmates to save the date of July 8 for our 60th Class Reunion.

Woo-hoo! It's going to happen.

They are scurrying to find just the right venue and need a good head count of classmates who will attend. They also need to know whether classmates will be alone or with a plus 1. 

When we first started chatting about this, I collected a list of names (published here on the website, upper left corner) of people who told me they were definitely in. That said, now that a firm date has been set, it's a good idea for people to reconfirm by emailing Randy Carlson directly. Please let me know, too, so I can keep the list on this website up to date.

Mike also said that details about where the reunion will be and all that goes with it will be available in a few weeks. As soon as those details are confirmed, I'll post something here. And it's possible Randy and the reunion wranglers might send something out directly via email, too. 

See you next year, classmates.

 

SWCS Class of '66 classmate Pat Levin has passed away

Classmates: We've lost another member of our class, Pat Levin.

The news of her passing two days ago is noted on Facebook (at the FB page, Class of 1966 SWCS). 

Here is the link to the Lind Funeral Home obituary. Below the link is the text.

https://www.lindfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Patricia-Levin?obId=34185333

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 From the Lind Funeral Home website:

Patricia A. Levin, 76, of Jamestown, died Sunday, December 22, 2024, in UPMC Chautauqua.

She was born March 17, 1948, in Jamestown, a daughter of the late Ernest and Alice Engstrom Levin.

She was a 1966 graduate of Southwestern Central School and attended Brockport State University.

Prior to her retirement she was employed by the Center for Dispute Settlement, Auburn, NY, as a mediator.

Surviving are seven nieces and nephews Scott (Amy) Seekins of Jamestown, Lauri Bachman of Las Vegas, Kimberly (Jeff) Gregorec of Minooka, IL, Keri (Brian) Cassidy of Westfield, NY, Debbie Levin of Jamestown, Rob (Darlene) Levin of Wittmann, AZ and Steve (Teasia) Levin of Cheyenne, WY; a sister-in-law Darlene Levin of Jamestown and many great nieces and nephews including Tyler Chase, Amanda Rizzo and Grant Beadle with whom she shared a very special relationship.

Besides her parents she was preceded in death by a brother Donald Levin; a sister Dorothy "Dottie" Levin and a great nephew Sam Bachman.

In keeping with Pat's wishes, no funeral service or visitation will be observed.

Burial will be in Sunset Hill Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Alice and Ernest Levin Fund, c/o of the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation or the Chautauqua County Humane Society.

You may leave words of condolence at www.lindfuneralhome.com.

SWCS Class of '66 reunion in 2026, where are we?

RIVERS BEND MARINA, Scappoose, Oregon - I had a Jamestown-SWCS-snowstorm-Lakewood Beach dream last night. No idea what triggered all those images.

It was all pretty good, except for the blizzard, 

It reminded me that some of us on this list months back said "yes" to a class reunion in 2026. (Names listed on the left top.) And it also reminded me that it's been pretty quiet since.  We are not a quiet bunch. Not really.

So today's gentle reminder is that if this reunion is going to happen, someone or someones will probably have to raise a hand or hands to get it going.

There it is.

One problem is the folks who still live in the area are the obvious ones to handle some tasks: finding a venue, lining up a hotel, and other details of which I am admittedly ignorant. And in the past they have done yeoman (and yeowoman?) service getting the reunions together.  At all our past reunions - which I have to say were amazing - I was pretty much a passive attendee, showing up, eating and drinking (ok, especially drinking) dancing and then heading home.

I am very willing to do promo work via this blog as in the past, as well as, well, to be determined right?  Perhaps we could do some organizing via Zoom to get this thing started.

I'd really like to have another get-together, classmates, I would, I would. So let's talk. 

That's all I got, amigos. Enjoy these early fall days.

Fitz, SWCS Class of '66

About that 60th SWCS Class of '66 reunion

 POINT RICHMOND, Calif. - I was just listening a Bob Seger song in which he laments how quickly 20 years had gone by.

Well amigos, it was back in March of this year that more than 20 classmates said "YES" to participating in a Class of '66 reunion in 2026. The names are listed to the left. My apologies for the names being a little small and hard to read. I'm having some tech issues that require someone considerably younger than me to fix.

That said, I just wanted to throw out a reminder that at least 20+ of us have already say 'let's do it' and so whatever magic has to happen to make it happen will need to happen. That's a lot of 'happen' to be squished into one sentence.

By my guesstimates, most of us from the Class of '66 are either 75 or are going to hit that mark soon. But my work with Dynamic Aging 4 Life magazine tells me that's just a number, nothing to be afraid of. So take the plunge and raise your hand for our 60th.

If you think you might want attend and your name isn't on the list, let me and I'll pop it up there pronto. And I might even figure out how to make the names easier to read.

Enjoy your day today - and days to come.

I plan to.

Who's ready for a 60th SWCS Class of '66 class reunion?

 JAMESTOWN, New York - The calendar tells me that three years from now in June it will be 60 years since we walked across the stage at SWCS to be handed our diplomas. Good grief.

Every once in awhile, moving papers and files, I run across my diploma in an envelope, along with a couple of track ribbons from relay race wins. I won't go down that rabbit hole today. 

But yesterday I got a phone call from Bud Hooper, inquiring if I needed to have snorkel strapped on to breath, given how much rain is falling on the Portland, Oregon area where my wife and I live on a floating home.

We actually left there Jan.1 to come to San Francisco to find better weather. We did not find it. But that's another rabbit hole.

Bud and I talked about 2026, and how much fun we all had at the 2016 reunion. And given that it's only three years away, I thought it was time to throw the rock in the pond about getting together again. For me, three years will go by like a rocket.  

So there it is. Class of '66 reunion in 2026? Yea or nay? 

I'm in.

Cheers, classmates!

Classmate Dave Boardman has passed away

FREWSBURG, NY. - Dave Boardman, a SWCS classmate has passed away. He was the husband of SWCS Class of '66's Patty Couchenour. 

Here is his obituary information:

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David Jesse Boardman, 74, of Frewsburg, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, December 11, 2022.

He was born April 14, 1948 to the late Arthur and Joyce Boardman.

He was a 1967 graduate of Southwestern High School.

He served in the United States Army with a tour in Vietnam from 1968-1969 where he was awarded three Purple Heart Medals for injuries sustained in combat.

He was proudly employed as an electrician with IBEW Local #106, where he led a successful career for 50 years.

He was a devoted family man and thoroughly enjoyed time spent with his wife, children, and grandchildren. His hobbies included going to the casino, working on race cars, hunting, and having a cold one with friends.

He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Patricia, two children, Mark Boardman and Michelle (Greg) McNeal. Grandchildren Brendon (Cassy) Boardman, Katie (Alex) Costlow, Devin Haskins, Ashley (Kris) Gustafson, and Courtney Boardman, one great granddaughter, Giana Gustafson, four step grandchildren, Dylan and Landon McNeal, Shane Anderson, and Damon Bonge.

He is also survived by his siblings, Sandra Spachtholz, Steven (Sally) Boardman, Rhonda Anderson, Michael (Justyn) Boardman, Jeffrey (Sonya) Boardman, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Jodie James, granddaughters, Corrina and Cassidy Boardman, step grandson, Seth Anderson, and daughter in law, Victoria Boardman.

A private service will be held at the convenience of the family.

Friends will be received from 4-7 pm on Wednesday, December 14, 2022 in the Peterson Funeral Home, Frewsburg.

Donations may be made to the Frewsburg Fire Department, PO Box 590, Frewsburg, NY 14738.

Lakewood elementary photo - who do you recognize?

 Classmates:

The photo below was posted on Facebook by Dave Carlson Friday. He wasn't sure who the teacher of the class was and he thinks it was 5th grade. 

I see that Conrad Wilson is in the photo. And I am pretty sure he was in my 5th grade at Lakewood Elementary in Mr. Augustine Gugino's class. Perhaps it was 4th grade?

But even though I know a lot of names of others, I don't remember them in Mr. Gugino's class.

Here's the photo...

Here's my best guesses putting names to the photo:

Front row, left to right: Jim Nelson, (don't know) Conrad Wilson, Pat Flynn, Dan Loucks

Row two, l-r: JoAnn Harp, Sue Kettle, Fritzie Johnson, Cheryl Youngberg, (don't know), Becky Schroth

Row three, l-r: (don't know, Peggy Putney, Dottie Chamberlain, Mick Olsen, (don't know), (don't know) Sue Post, Sue Guertin

Row four, l-r: Tim Palmer, Dan Sundquist, (don't know) Dave Carlson,  Jim Lindell, (don't know), (don't know) Rick Shevalier and (don't know).

Sifting through Class of '66 memorabilia

SCAPPOOSE, OREGON - Class of '66 Classmates.

     I was rummaging through boxes of photos and memorabilia spanning, well, decades, and ran across several items I thought deserved posting.

     One was the program from our graduation ceremony. The other was the newspaper clipping from our graduation. The PJ  listed all members of class and included a photo of class officers.

     Below is the list of graduates from the grad ceremony program as well as the Post Journal  photo. My apologies if they are difficult to read.

     Even as I post this, I realize you might be interested in the rest of the program from the grad ceremony... I will dig back into the boxes this week to find it.

     For now, maybe check out the list to see how many faces you can remember with the names.

Class of '66 classmate Craig Fransen has passed away

 JAMESTOWN, NY - Classmate Craig Fransen, one of my closest friends growing up in Lakewood, has passed away. His obituary and photo are listed at the bottom of this brief note.

The news of his death reached me late yesterday and from numerous Class of '66 folks (and others) today, too. Apparently he seemed healthy just a short time ago, having been sighted having coffee at a local Tim Horton's. As I write this, I don't know the cause of death.

Craig was a lakeshore neighbor, living only a half-dozen houses away from my Lakewood house.

Summer, fall, winter and spring, we often were doing things with an assortment of other kids from the surrounding few blocks that included  Gifford Avenue, Webster Street and others whose names I can't  remember. In summers we boated all over the lake. In winters we went out on the ice when it was barely safe.

Craig and I grew up in households without fathers, both of our dads having died before we hit our teens. That probably drew us together as much as the things we did on Lake Chautauqua,

He was on the wrestling team for a stint when I was, I recall. And along with a group including the late Gary Shenkel (an SWCS classmate who moved to Connecticut when we were freshmen), Class of 65's Louis LaMarca and perhaps Tom Short (class of 67?) we frequently ate lunch at his house. His housekeeper Billie was a fabulous cook and could fill our teen bellies quite well.

I last saw Craig at a Class of '66 reunion - maybe our 50th.

Rest in peace, Craig Fransen.

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Obituary from the Jamestown Post-Journal

SWCS Class of '66 classmate Sue Clark has passed away

Jamestown, NY - Sue Clark, one of our Class of '66 classmates passed away last Thursday.

Below is her obituary notice from the Jamestown Post Journal. 

R.I. P. Sue.

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FROM THE PJ:

Sue E. Swanson, 73, of Sinclairville, went home to be with the Lord, Thursday, Sept. 23, 2021, after a 21-month, warrior-like battle with pancreatic cancer.

She was born March 27, 1948, in Jamestown, the daughter of the late Walter and Beverly Barkman Clark. She was a 1966 graduate of Southwestern Central School.

In addition to helping her husband with the daily operation of the family farm, Sue was also em-ployed for over 22 years as a teacher’s aide at Cassadaga Valley Central School and continued to substitute in the office until 2019. In the evenings, she was the supervisor of extracurricular sporting events for the district and she was a waitress at the Stockton Hotel and the former White Horse Inn. She was also a member of Park United Methodist Church.

Sue kept the score books for her husband’s softball and basketball teams and loved driving around the family properties on her golf cart. She loved being a grandmother and attending her children and grandchildren’s sporting events, music recitals and school activities. Whether on a Caribbean or Lake Erie beach, mowing the grass, or sitting at the pond, Sue loved being in the sun. Other happy times were spent on the phone with her sisters, having coffee with Linda Bailey and Beth Loomis on Wednesday mornings, having lunch with Helen Bochmann, and taking country drives with Johnny and her dog, Bear. Sue also enjoyed decorating the house for Christmas, al-ways paying special attention to the details on her Christmas tree. She had a knack for buying friends and family the perfect gift(s) and for planning family vacations. She loved traveling, especially to visit family in North Carolina.

Wife to Johnny Swanson; mother of Amanda (Marc) Myles and Vicki (Kevin) Martin, all of Sinclairville, and Jill (David) Lawson of Cassadaga; grandmother of Lindsey (Chas) Criss, Kay (Steven) McElwain, Lauren (Scott) Fenton, Jon Kevin (Libbi) Martin, Karli and Annie Lawson and Melanie and Mallory Myles; great- grandmother of J.V., Chas and Charles Criss, Kevin and Skyler Herington, Ken-ny, Karolyn, Shepherd and Selah McElwain, Tucker, Marsal, Marty and Clint Fenton, Robby and Jay Martin and baby girl Martin arriving in December; sister of Diane (Wendell) Berg and MaryEllen (John) Owens; aunt of David (Marie) and Jared Berg, Jennie (Matt) Mayo, Evan (Kate) Owens and their children: Rylan, Bella, Owen, Lucy and Oakleigh.

Visitation will be Tuesday from 3-7 p.m. in Jordan Funeral Home, Sinclairville. A funeral service will be Wednesday at 11 a.m. at Park United Methodist Church, 39 Sinclair Dr., Sinclairville. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery in Sinclairville.

Memorials can be made to Park United Methodist Church or Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care.

The family sends a heartfelt thanks to caregivers: Karen and Kayla from Hospice as well as Dr. Basem Goueli and Jill Lawson for the dedicated care to Sue which allowed her to spend her final days in the com
fort of her home.

Photos from the Class of '66, 55th reunion

 JAMESTOWN - Barb Garlock posted the following pix on Facebook from the SWCS Class of '66 reunion held Tuesday.

More pix will likely be coming. 

But these are a great start. Thanks Barb!

Barry and Ann Harris

Bob and Sally Tyler

Bob Tyler and Craig Young

Bonnie Anderson, Shirley Adams and Pat Levin

Cathy Lindstrom and Vern Ahlgren

Jennie Young and Dianne Hagglund

John Schultz and Ward Romer

Linda Anderson and Craig Fransen

Randy Hinsdale and his wife

Steve Sewell, Randy Carlson and Louis Acquisto

 

Class of '66 reunion attendees listed

 JAMESTOWN, NY - Below is a list of Class of '66 classmates (and spouses) who indicated they will attend July's soiree...

I will be updating this list as more people contact me - so check back!

Attendees as of June 23:

Shirley Adams

Bob Tyler

Mike Coon

Randy Carlson

Lee Johnson

Dianne Hagglund Shaw

Barb Garlock

Cathy Prince

John Shultz

Vern Ahlgren

Craig Fransen

Larry Nelson

Pat Levine

Stephen Sewell

Linda Dawson

Ward Romer

Barry Harris

Doug Hooper

Class of '66 reunion is ON! for Tuesday July 6

JAMESTOWN, NY - The 55th reunion of the SWCS class of 1966 is on.

Randy Carlson reported today that classmate Lee Johnson has reserved the Allen Park Men's Club, 1309 Norby Road, Jamestown for a reunion Tuesday July 6.

Lee's yearbook photo

 The festivities - whatever they turn out to be - will begin at 4 p.m.

 "We will have a charcoal fire going for grilling, a cooler with block ice, music - and the building will be hand in case of rain," Randy reports.

 Rain? In Jamestown in July? No way.

"Bring whatever food and drinks you need," Randy said. "Plus, I'm sure any 'pass around' goodies will be looked upon favorably." He also suggested we might bring along SWCS memorabilia for folks to check out.

Memorabilia from 1966 almost falls into the category of historical artifacts in 2021. Maybe relics.

There are folks talking about other events including golf.

More on all that later. 

And here's a little blast from 10 years ago, when we all gathering for a similar reunion - Class of '66 in 2011.

In the meantime, I hope to see y'all on Tuesday, July 6.

Chances of a Class of '66 reunion this summer?

 JAMESTOWN, NY - More than a year ago the idea of a SWCS Class of '66 reunion (it would be our 55th) was floated, right when the pandemic was just getting warmed up.

LINK: Class of '66 reunion in 2021?

But that duck never lifted off the lake for all the reasons I won't bother to go into here today. Timing is everything, after all.

Except that I want to throw it out there again in case there are folks who - fully vaccinated I imagine - would like to figure out some kind of get together, somewhere, sometime this summer. 

I expect to be in Western and Central NY zip codes from mid-June until probably late summer dragging my travel trailer, The Red Writer. I hope to catch up with folks and will do my best on an individual basis. (Can you hear me, Bud Hooper, Cheryl Towers, Barb Garlock, Shirley Adams, Mike Cook, Vern Ahlgren, Randy Carlson, Barry Harris, Sue Chandler and, and, and, and - sorry for all the other folks I left out, but I hope to see, too.)

But a party!!! A party would be great! Maybe an afternoon on the shore the lake? Dinner someplace? Breakfast? A tailgate gathering in the SWCS parking lot? (Hmmm... now that sounds like fun.

Any thoughts amigos? Summer is almost here. Almost.

Classmate Darlene Chadwick Koterass has passed away

 The following is the obituary for Darlene Koterass from the Hubert Funeral home.

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Obituary of Darlene L Chadwick

Darlene Chadwick, 73, of Jamestown, New York passed away peacefully on February 3, 2021. Darlene was born on June 29, 1947, the daughter of the late Marquin and Harry M. Koterass. Darlene graduated from Southwestern Central School. Prior to early retirement due to disability, Darlene was employed by Jamestown General Hospital and Fenton Park Nursing Home. Darlene was a social butterfly and always enjoyed the company of others and a hot cup of coffee. She was always ready to help and care for family members in any way she was able to. Darlene was strong in her faith and love for the Lord.

Darlene is survived by her devoted husband, Kenny Chadwick, her son, Adam Pattyson, and her grandson, Joshua Pattyson. Her sisters, Georgia and Peter Hadley, Fuquay-Varina, NC and Paula (late, Russell) Barron, Angola, NY. She is further survived by her nieces, nephews, a great grandson, grandnieces and grandnephews, and stepchildren. Darlene will be greatly missed by her dear friend, Sandy Jones. Also left in mourning is her canine companion, Cocoa.

Beside her parents, Darlene is preceded in death by her son, Michael Pattyson, her sister, Sue Ellen Trahan, and niece, Rebecca Hadley. Arrangements entrusted to Hubert Funeral Home. Services will not be observed. Send a condolence by visiting www.hubertfuneralhome.com

Tribute to SWCS teacher Harry Robie

 JAMESTOWN, NY - There's a move afoot to put together a book of remembrances about the late Harry Robie, spearheaded by a 1970s era SWCS grad and debate club member, Jennifer Schlick.

Here's what she emailed to me:

    "Recently, a Zoom Reunion of 1970s era debate club folks was held. We caught up on each other's lives, and shared with each other several Harry and Laura Robie stories.

We have decided to put together a book of memories, stories, expressions of gratitude, etc.  for the the debate club, Great Books, and the Robies have meant to us over the years. We will present the book to Laura.

     If you would like to contribute, email your story to swcs1974@gmail.com and I will pass it on to the editor of the book."

   Harry Robie figured big in my life, which I have already written about about twice.

Harrie Robie dies at 75

Year of the Robie

 And Jennifer's email prompted even more memories. We'll see if I can remember them long enough to get them down on paper... (Paper?)

If you have something you would like to pass along about Mr. Robie, please give Jennifer a shout.

Classmate Linda Hetrick has passed away

Classmates:

The Jamestown Post-Journal published the following obituary for Linda Hetrick, one of our Class of '66 classmates.

----------------------------------------

Linda Hetrick Gill, 71, formerly of Lakewood, passed away Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Asheville, N.C.

She was born Sept. 15, 1948, in Jamestown, a daughter of the late Daniel and Edith Brooks Hetrick.

A 1966 graduate of Southwestern Central School, she later graduated from Jamestown Business College.

She was employed by Jamestown Community College as an administrative assistant.

While living in this area, she was a communicant of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

She will be remembered as a kind and generous person who enjoyed spending time with her daughters and grandsons.

Surviving are her husband of 41 years, Timothy Gill, whom she married Sept. 1, 1979; two daughters: Diana Zilich and Cristina (Jim) Zilich, both of Lakewood; two grand-sons: Robert Gardner and Logan (Hannah) Alexander, both of Lakewood; two great-grandchildren: Toby Gardner and Brinleigh Alexander, both of Lakewood; two stepdaughters: Michelle (Christopher) Brigman of Asheville, N.C., and Amy Galloway of Weaverville, N.C.; step grandchildren: Amanda and Dallas Brigman of Asheville, N.C., and Aaron (Lindsey) Galloway of Weaverville; step great-grandchildren: Evan and Heidi Galloway of Canton, N.C.; nephew, Stephen Hetrick of Jamestown; great nieces and nephews: Stephanie, Heather, Michael and Shelby Hetrick; two brothers-in-law, Paul (Paula) Gill and Christopher Gill, both of Dunkirk; two sisters-in-law, Charlane Gill and Kay (David) Randazzo, both of Dunkirk; and a nephew, Michael Gill of Gowanda, N.Y.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Alice Hetrick.

A private memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family.

Visitation will not be observed.

Inurnment will be in Holy Cross Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to American Heart Association, 300 5th Ave., Suite 6 Waltham, MA 02451 or Lupus Foundation of America, 2121 K Street, NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20037.

You may leave words of condolence at www.lind funralhome.com.

Column about friendships across the decades

Classmates: 

     I published this column Friday and posted it on Facebook.
I thought it might be of interest to folks not on FB or the Finger Lakes Times email feed...
     Stay safe. See you in 2021 - at a Class of '66 Reunion I hope.

================================================

Finger Lake Times (Geneva, NY)

August 28 2020

Write On column

By Michael J. Fitzgerald, staff columnist

     A cascade of memories about friendships and growing up in upstate New York washed over me like a tsunami this past week.

     Fellow newspaper columnist and good friend Greg Awtry sent the wave my way via his recent column in Michigan’s Alpena News.

     It was a poignant tale chronicling a visit with a childhood friend, talking about their decades of friendship, shared adventures and what it’s like today in the fourth quarter of their lives.

     But he had me when he wrote about duck hunting.

     As I was growing up at Lake Chautauqua, one of my uncles would reluctantly take me duck hunting in the fall, despite my lack of shooting prowess and my teenage unwillingness to listen to his advice.

     Those supposed-to-be bonding expeditions ended abruptly one foggy morning when I broke a cardinal rule of duck hunting. I tried to blast a duck bobbing on the water, instead of shooting while it was airborne.

    Duck hunters reading this already guessed what happened.

     My normally lousy aim was straight and true that day. But instead of hitting a fat mallard, a 12-gauge shotgun blast turned a floating decoy into splinters. It was one of a dozen decoys my uncle had carefully hand-painted in his basement the winter previous.

     Still sorry about that, Uncle Gordy. Still.

     But that particular memory led to thoughts about boats and adventure-filled summers on Lake Chautauqua, the good and bad of high school and even striking out for California in 1970 in a VW van.

     Most of all, memories of friends over the decades started popping up like dandelions.

     Faces, experiences, triumphs and tragedies have been occupying my thoughts.

     Names? They don’t come so easy.

     But every so often there is a “Eureka!” moment.

     Just now, Chester Anderson leaped into my mind, his amazingly freckled face and the 25 cents I lent him to buy milk one day in the high school cafeteria.

     He never paid me back.

     As his name sprung up, so did my college roommate’s — J. Douglas McDowell. I lost touch with him when I left Villanova University, as well as contact with another Villanova classmate, Mark Strodel, who introduced me to books by Norman Mailer.

     Reading Mailer’s works and a biography of Jack London (given to me by my duck-hunting uncle) led me to a life of writing, journalism, and interest in what we call “social justice” today.

     In recent decades, many of my Finger Lakes friends came together with common environmental concerns such as the threat that was posed by the now-defunct proposal by Crestwood Midstream to store liquid propane gas in unlined salt caverns near Watkins Glen.

     Common cause forges strong friendship bonds.

     Thinking about those Finger Lakes’ friends — too numerous to mention here — reminds me how much I have missed my annual summer travels around the Finger Lakes, completely thwarted by the pandemic. Emails, social media communiques, occasional Zoom calls and snail mail letters are no substitute for sitting with friends on a Seneca Lake dock, lunch at a lakeside restaurant or listening to music at Rasta Ranch Vineyards' Monday Night Blues in Hector.

     Yet, that’s what we have right now. And I am thankful we live in an age where we can keep the friendships’ connected.

     As this column has been written, the notebook on my desk has been filling with names of people to contact along with scribbled notes about just-remembered anecdotes to share with them.

     Mercifully, the recalled anecdotes and memories lean toward stories that should generate smiles and a good laugh or two.

     One of those notes will head to Greg Awtry and the Alpena News, to say “Thanks for the memories.”

Fitzgerald has worked at six newspapers as a writer and editor as well as a correspondent for two news services. He splits his time between Valois, NY and Pt. Richmond, CA. You can email him at Michael.Fitzgeraldfltcolumnist@gmail.com and visit his website at michaeljfitzgerald.blogspot.com.