Duane Mitchell

Duane Mitchell

Monday, 08 August 2022 20:28

Golf Outing

We are combining with the class of 1971 for golf and have worked out the details together. Golf will be held on Friday, October 14. Most likely in the morning. We won't know tee times until we get closer to the date. It is important that we start to get an idea on the number of those interested. We have a signup for here -->Click Here<--

You can sign up for yourself or for a party of more than one. We will post a list of those who are playing to generate interest so please sign up when now.

Payment will be worked out as we get closer. Once we announce the payment requirements you will have to commit. Once you commit you will be expected to pay whether you have to cancel or not. These are golf course rules.

Saturday, 12 March 2022 17:08

Class of 1970 52nd Class Reunion

October 14 - 17, 2022

That's Friday, October 14th through Monday, October 17th.

That's the weekend after Columbus Day weekend. It will be the 52nd reunion of the Manchester High School Class of 1970. Since we've done this before we'll keep it mostly the same. We're always open to make improvements. Send us your suggestions!

Here's where we're at:

  1. BOOKED: Friday night informal get together. Elicit Brewing on Adams Street in Manchester.
  2. HALF BOOKED: Saturday morning continental breakfast in the MHS cafeteria with a tour of the school. The tour is confirmed. Waiting to learn about the availability of the cafeteria. They won't know until the school year begins.
  3. HALF BAKED: MHS Football game. It depends on their schedule.
  4. HALF THERE: Saturday afternoon activities include golf, an 8-ball pool tournament, and a hike up Case Mountain. We'll do something!
  5. BOOKED: Saturday night dinner with dancing at the Manchester Country Club.
  6. ON YOUR OWN: Sunday morning breakfast club. Get togethers at any of the local breakfast joints. We'll provide a platform to organize this.
  7. Under consideration: Sunday morning corn maze in Vernon.
  8. Under consideration: Sunday afternoon visit to a couple of Manchester's historic sites. We'll have to see if anything special is on the calendar at the Manchester Historical Society.
  9. BOOKED: Sunday night at Elicit Brewing. We have their private room known as the Media Room. We'll socialize, watch football, have something to eat, and perhaps some music.
  10. Tentatively planned: Monday morning, breakfast somewhere prior to a bike ride to Bolton Notch along the rail trail.
  11. BOOKED: Monday morning. Bicyle ride along the Hop River Rail Trail. From Manchester out to Bolton Notch and back.
  12. BOOKED: Monday afternoon, lunch at Shady Glen. Say goodbyes if you haven't already.

We want to make this a worthwhile trip for anyone who wants to enjoy the memories of a lifetime and the people who are a part of it. If you are willing to take the time and go to the expense to make the trip from wherever you are then we want to make it worth your effort. If you haven't seen a New England fall foliage in a while you sure can at this time. That's why we chose this weekend. Enjoy it. The photo to the right is a reminder. Photo credit to Karen Ware Gagnon.

Yes, we will hold another reunion. Until then you're on your own. Stay healthy, live well. Eat plenty of greens, vegetables, whole grains, fish, fruit, legumes, breans, nuts, and olive oil. Exercise, keep your spirits up, and we'll see you again.

Thursday, 18 February 2021 17:50

51st Reunion Plans Moving Forward

Plans for the 51st reunion of the MHS class of 1970 are moving forward. The dates remain the same. Columbus Day weekend October 8 through October 11. Most of the planning had been done when the pandemic shutdown came. We will have to reconnect with all the venues we had plans with. I'm sure there will be changes. This page, not currently up to date, will be updated as more information is learned.

https://www.manchester1970.com/schedule.html

Stay tuned for more information. We'll keep you up to day.

Thursday, 07 May 2020 21:37

COVID-19 and the 50th Reunion

The World Is Temporarily Closed

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed everything. As of this writing there is little certainty about what the next couple of months will bring. Like everyone we look forward to having this all behind us.

The reunion committee has targeted the month of July as a time to consider a decision on whether or not to postpone. We have an eye on organizations larger than ours that have a lot more at stake and will put more effort and resources into the decision to open or close. We consider them to be bellwether organizations. We are watching to see if MHS returns to normal classes. Also will professional sports start to fill their stadiums again this fall. What will air travel be like? Of course we are watching daily for the latest information on the pandemic from scientists, doctors, epidemiologists, and public officials.

What's happening in your part of the world? Let us know of anything we should take into consideration when making a decision. We will reach out again in a few weeks.

The World Is Temporarily Closed Photo by Edwin Hooper on Unsplash

This Isn't Forever, It's Just Right Now

Graphic provided by The United Nations on Unsplash

Saturday, 26 September 2015 11:10

Fall Foliage Bicycle Ride

Hop River Rail Trail - Monday, October 17 - 10:00 AM.

Who: Classes of 1970 and 1971 combined.

What: Bike Ride, 13 mile round trip.

When: 10:00AM

Where: Interesection of Parker Street and Colonial Road

Map Link: Trailhead Parking Lot

Hop River Rail Trail, Vernon, CTThis ride will be at a leisurely pace along a rail trail with minimum incline to the hills.

Hop River Rail Trail, Vernon, CTThis was an excellent event at our 45th reunion. It was a glorius sunny October day to be outdoors. The ride took us through our gentle Connecticut hills. Since it was engineered by the railroad to have a minimum elevation grade change it is easy going.

Bolton Notch State Park, Bolton, CTThe plan is to take the Hop River Rail Trail 6.3 miles out to Bolton Notch State Park and then return along the same route to our starting point at the trailhead parking lot at the intersection of Parker Street and Colonial Road in Manchester.

Following our ride many of us will go to Shady Glen and enjoy a lunch in their new picnic grove.

Tunnel Road, Vernon, CT

Fall Foliage Bike Ride Map

Wednesday, 23 September 2015 09:59

Historic Manchester

Who: Classes of 1970 and 1971 combined.

What: Historic Manchester Tour

When: Sunday October 16 at 1:00PM

Where: The Old Manchester Museum

Map Link: 126 Cedar Street, Manchester CT 06040

Cheney Mills, photo by Sue Barlow

Note: There is a $5 suggested donation for this event payable at Old Manchester Museum.

David K. Smith, currator of the Old Manchester Museum, is going to open the museum for us and once again act as our guide. The Manchester Sports Hall of Fame is also housed in this facilty as well as a store offering books and other items for sale.

In addition to the museum we'll also visit the Manchester History Center where an exhibit entitled "Manchester Then and Now" is currently installed. It is described on their website as it "showcases the history of Manchester from pre-Colonial times to the present, and illustrates Manchester’s contributions to the arts and industry. The exhibit tells the story of how people from around the globe and from diverse backgrounds came to call Manchester home. The goal of this exhibit is to illustrate how Manchester’s past relates to the present day."

The Cheney Silk Mills played such a large role in the history and development of Manchester as well as the lives of our grandparents, parents, and our lives. Some of our parents emigrated from overseas to work in the Cheney Mills. How many of you really know much about the details? If you are interested in learning more here's an opportunity.

Old Manchester Museum with David K. Smith

The Old Manchester Museum is located in an 1859 schoolhouse at 126 Cedar Street. According to their website it contains "collections of maps, artifacts, exhibits of Pitkin glass, Cheney silk, art, military items, and more." Visit the society's page for this exhibit by clicking here. Curator David K. Smith is pictured here.

An excellent book on Manchester History is a book entitled The Story Tellers by Milton K Adams. It is a compilation of news articles going back to the late 1700's. It begins:

Monday, November 9, 1789
Dry and warm. I took my spotted cow out of Richard Pitkin's pasture. Began a new barrel of rum.

Life wasn't too bad back then. That book and others are available for sale at the museum. Milton K. Adams is the father of classmate Paige Adams.

historic storytellers

Cheney Homestead, Manchester, CT 06040The Cheney Homestead is located at 106 Hartford Road. A visit there is described as "View this 1785 house at 106 Hartford Road, and hear commentary about the residence, which was donated to the Manchester Historical Society in 1968 for use as a house museum." Guided tours include history of the building and its contents, and of the family who lived there. The Keeney Schoolhouse is on the grounds of the Homestead, and is open when the weather is warm enough.

Keeney Schoolhouse, Manchester, CTClick here for details on the Cheney Homestead and Keeney Schoolhouse.

The Fire Museum is located at the old Cheney Fire Station at 230 Pine Street. They do have some interesting exhibits there. You can read about it on the Manchester Historical Society's page by clicking here. You can also go directly to The Fire Museum's webpage by clicking here. Manchester Fire Museum, Manchester, CT

If you are interested in the Cheney Historic District you go on a self-guided walking tour. You can visit this page here for general information, click here. You can view a map of the district with points of interest by clicking here.

Cheney Historic District Map, Manchester, CT 06040

Tuesday, 15 September 2015 20:24

Golf Tournament

Golf Tournament - Friday October 14Autumn Golf

Who: Classes of 1970 and 1971 combined.

What: Golf

When: Friday October 14

Where: Manchester Country Club

Time: 10:15 is the first tee time.

Map Link: Manchester Country Club

Please use this form -->Here<-- to pre-regisiter.

To see who has already registered go -->Here<--.

1970 Classmate John Odell is organizing this event to be held jointly with the class of 1971. It will be held at the Manchester Country Club on Friday. Exact time to be announced but we are shooting for a morning start. That's mid to late morning. This may mean that some will have to make new travel plans and some already have.

We need players to commit to this event. You can bring a guest if you like and some are.

DeadlineIf you have any specific questions you can contact John Odell by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Or by phone at: 860-965-1688.

Don't wait, let us know!

Autumn Golf

Tuesday, 15 September 2015 16:11

Saturday 8-Ball Shootout 1:00 PM

8-Ball Pool Tournament

Who: Classes of 1970 and 1971 combined.

What: 8-ball Tournament

When: Saturday October 15, 1:00PM

Where: Buckland Billiards

Phone: 860-643-6944

Map Link: 1131 Tolland Tpke, Manchester, CT 06042

We will be hosting an 8-ball tournament on Saturday afternoon at 1:00 PM.

Venue website: Buckland Billiards.


Buckland Billiards will be opening up especially for our group of the combined classes of 1971 and 1970. Most of the tables at Buckland Billiards are the 7 foot "bar tables" with the coin operated mechanisms removed. They do have 2 tables of the regulation 9 foot length. During normal hours they offer food but may not bring in the staff for our event. We'll know when we get closer to the event. They are a full service liquor license establishment and I'm sure they will be serving drinks.

Larry Lisciottie third from left.
Larry Lisciotti 3rd from left.

If you played pool in Manchester during the 1960's then you know the name Larry Lisciotti. He was a Manchester kid who went on to become world champion. He was talented in many sports but his exploits and adventures as a professional pool player and pool hustler are legendary and well documented. He is an inductee of the Manchester Sports Hall of Fame. Read more about The Dugout and Larry Lisciotti in this piece of local history written by Californian and Manchester native Laudizen King. Laudizen King is a pen name and his true identity is a closely guarded secret. Very interesting ->click here<-.

We'll meet there at 1:00 PM.

bucklandbilliardstables

Thursday, 20 August 2015 21:37

Local Breakfast Joints

Inside a breakfast joint.

We saved you a seat! Let's meet for breakfast!

Here's a list of some local breakfast joints put together by our staff of local culinary insiders. We may want to gather informally in one of these to start our day. Whether big groups or small groups organize yourselves to suit your interests. Remember Saturday we plan to have breakfast in the high school cafeteria.

Group meeting for breakfast

A hearty breakfast to begin the day!

Here they are in no particular order.

Landmark Cafe. 867 Main St #4, Manchester, CT 06040 Phone:(860) 432-7344

Cosmic Omlette. 485 Hartford Rd, Manchester, CT 06040 Phone:(860) 645-1864

The Gathering Restaurant. 471 Hartford Rd, Manchester, CT 06040 Phone:(860) 646-2400

Sunny Side Up. 1095 Main St, Manchester, CT 06040 Phone:(860) 649-4675

Center Perk. 639 Main St, Manchester, CT 06040 Phone:(860) 474-5543

Chez Ben Diner. 927 Center St, Manchester, CT 06040 Phone:(860) 649-4011

Pastrami On Wry. 291 E Center St, Manchester, CT 06040 Phone:(860) 432-4389

IHOP. 191 Deming St, Manchester, CT 06042 Phone:(860) 644-1713

Rein's NY Style Deli. 435 Hartford Turnpike, Vernon, CT 06066 Phone:(860) 875-1344

Vernon Diner. 453 Hartford Turnpike, Vernon, CT 06066 Phone:(860) 875-8812

Denny's. 35 Talcottville Rd, Vernon, CT 06066 Phone:(860) 872-3130

The Boulevard Diner on Shrewsbury Street in Worcester, MAThe Miss Bellows Falls Diner in Bellows Falls, VT.The Rosebud Diner in Somerville, MA

Sunday, 12 April 2015 13:38

It's Not A Blog, It's A...

It's a place to write a message. Got a story to tell? Here's a place to do it. Can't make the reunion but have something to share with your classmates? Do it here. We welcome anyone who wants to contribute. To do so you will need to be a registered user on this site and you will need the correct level of access.

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