Hello to anyone who is reading this. I am still living in Haydenville, MA, for six years now and the virus situation has created quite the life for all of us this past year. Sadly,  my dear husband Gary Orluske passed away January 31st, 2021...he entered a nursing facility in November with dementia, and I had been his caregiver for a long time, but my own health had issues, hence the move.  The Covid shots given to the residents was okay with the first one, but the second dose made many very ill...sadly, I feel it compromised Gary's system with his other medications, and he could not handle it. We are planning a lovely Memorial service in the spring at our daughter's home in Montague, MA...Gary so enjoyed meeting Don Michel in Arizona and sharing time with him and hearing more always about the reunions...even though he did not come with me. He heard stories I enjoyed sharing of many years ago and the more recent ones as well. Sending prayers for your health and well being. Please take care of one another. Our class of 1961 had the best of the best in my feelings...I hope to see all of you sometime in the future again. Until then...blessings to all!!! 

Thanks for another great posting from the reunion this year, 2019. It is great seeing you all in the photos and knowing you are sharing things throughout the past year and enjoying the time together.  And a real plus to see Mike Bixby won an award for his delicious pickles. I always loved making them many years ago! Good for you, Mike. Sending good wishes to all, stay healthy and happy and safe!! 

I totally enjoyed Fred Finch's 1960 account of the JFK Leamington Hotel antics!  What a security contrast there was to today's dignitary security!  I shared Fred's story at our Thanksgiving table I thought it so cool. 

The encounter with Tom in Florence in 2001 was memorable.  I had found the Tratoria Antelesi on an earlier trip in 1999.  It was a lovely little cafe run by a Quebecois man and his sister.  I had  been  there enough times so tbe proprieter recognized me and ususally gave me a good table.  But one night, the place was packed.  We were seated at a small talbe next to a bunch of loud Americans.  After dinner, we asked the table of Americans where they were from.  Los Angeles.  I said I was from Minnesota.  "Where in Minnesota?"  "Hopkins."  Tom fiinally ID'd himself and we had a great  conversation.  The reason we ended up singing Hail Hail to the Warriers was that Tom was aways in the band.  Although he had played the song hundreds of times, he never learned the words! By the way, Tratoria Antelisi is right next to the New Sacistry of the Church of San Lorenzo in Florence, the home of four Michelangelo sculptures that are not to be missed.  Fred Finch

Fred tells a great story.  I was there too, and can vouch for at least half of what he says.  Perhaps I missed out on the motorcade escort.  But Josefson's timely wave was, as Fred says, a big crowd pleaser -- or fooler. But also recall, when we got back to the hotel lobby, that Kennedy, Humphrey, McCarthy, Freeman, and Mondale (who was Attorney General) all made their way out toward the cars.  People were shouting the names of Kennedy, of course, and also the senators.  I shouted out Orville Freeman's name.  A big beam came over his face; he turned in my direction and extended his hand.  I was, it seems, the only person who cared about him.  Years later, when he was Secretary of Agriculture, I spent a hot summer doing research in the Department of Agriculture library.  Most days, I could park my car right on the Mall, in front of the building, and walk in, right past his office.  After a few weeks of this, I decided to go in and see if I could meet him.  Today, you couldn't even get into the building, let alone the secretary's office.  The assistant thought he would be too busy to see me, but before I turned to leave out walks Orville.  I greeted him more or less as I had in the Leamington Hotel lobby and he suddenly frashed another big grin.  I introduced myself as a Minnesotan and a  big fan of the DFL (although in 1966 I still hadn't actually been eligible to vote yet in a presidential election), and he, in turn, pretended to know my family.   

I enjoyed reading the story about  about Orville Freeman.  He was my fathers first cousin and as children we often got to meet "important" Democraticic figures.  Hurbert Humphrey, Walter Mondale and others.  Never Kennedy however.  When Orville was govenor of Minnesota my parents arranged for my class (I think 5th or 6th grade) to go to the capitol and meet him.  I remember getting a new dress and shoes for the occasion!  You might be interested to know that Orville's wife Jane is still alive and doing well in a nursing home in Minneapolis.  I think she is 98 years old.  

That is a great story you shared, Fred. I am picturing your group, in your tan trench coats...and the waving of hands to the group, etc. is too much! It was such a time of hope and dreams...what a time to remember and  you were able to give us a glimpse of how it was then for security, etc. as well. Thanks again, Fred. Best wishes. So happy that a good sized group continues to meet each year. I have not returned since the 50th and doubt I will be back for the  60th, but then again, who knows?  I so enjoyed going to school in Hopkins...

I stumbled across the site and enjoyed looking at the photos.  I had a chuckle because of the many old farts - then I realized that I was one, too!!!  Great site.

I have already heard that the party was such fun and good music provided by Marilyn Monroe (Sue Bicknese) Way to go, Sue! The gathering was enjoyed by all and I sure wish I could have attended...please watch for all the photos to see who attended.  Some of you who were not there for the 50th look great and it was fun seeing your smiles!  Happy  70th and beyond, for however many years we are able to celebrate!   Take care and treasure each day!   Beverlee

Hi ya-all from Texas - - what a great time we all had celebrating our 70th Birthdays and so glad we are going to continue to meet every year!!  Thank You soooooo much to ALL the folks that made this Event possible and especially Mike Quinn - - you are the Host with the Most!!!

I am thinking of all of you as you gather  for the 70th birthday party! Whoa...70 years, but lots of blessings, good friends, good health, and happiness abounding if you are able to join  your friends for this evening!   You will be in my thoughts.  Smile for the camera and those of us who are unable to attend will be looking for the new photos on the website!   It was a pleasure going to school in Hopkins, MN, studying, making new friends each year and knowing that growing up in the midwest was the best!  And so was Hopkins!!!!   Sending love to all...

I am sorry I am unable to attend this fun activity for classmates, to celebrate the 70th birthday for everyone.  My husband is having surgery the same week. I will be hearing from close friends about who was there and about the enjoyment of seeing all of you and will also look forward to photos on the website. Please be sure to send some to Don Michel, so he can post them for all who are unable to be there.   Happy 70th to all...my continued wishes for good health, laughter daily, and much happiness for all of you. We are all so blessed!!!    

Happy Birthday to us all!  I will miss the party but am thinking of you.   Christie

Hi everyone, I'm getting excited about our up-coming 70th birthday party on the 7th of September.  I sure hope a bunch of us can attend!  It'll be great to see everyone again.

Thank you, Don Michel, for updating the website upon the news of more photos, passing of classmates, etc.  It is so wonderful to have this site to use to keep posted on the class of 1961! We appreciate all you do,  Don!Beverlee and the class of 1961!!

A small group of Snow-Birds gathered February 25th in Sun City, AZ - Thanks for hosting Jayne & Verle Aarness!  Those present from the Class of 61\' were: Steve Puck, Jayne Eidem-Aarness, Verle Aarness, Mike Quinn, Mike Winge and Suzy Doss-Bicknese.....great time had by all.

Wow-what a great time we had in July.  Thanks to all of you that spent hours and hours planning the reunion.  The turn out was tremendous.  It was so great to see everyone - I could still recognize most everyone!!!  Hopefully we will have another reunion soon, like a 70th Birthday party (just a thought).  Again, thanks to everyone involved in the planning- you did a wonderful job.

 To all who obviously put every ounce of their heart and soul into the reunion, thank you hardly seems adequate. For me it was two of the most joyfilled and uplifting days I have had in a very long time.You\'ll be hearing more from Rich.I wish I could gather all of you into a room to discuss how we must view and deal with the decline of our wonderful country.Love you all!

Both I and my wife enjoyed the reunion events. Great job reunion committee!! Since the reunion i have had follow up emails from Ric Andre and Neil Luebke. We may be getting together in Scottsdale. Thats great. Any of you "kids" heading towards the Valley of the Sun, let me know because my wife and i enjoy company. Barry

I haven\'t had this much fun in a very long while!!  I truly enjoyed every bit of our 50th Reunion.  It is truly remarkable what the planning committee had accomplished.  EVERYTHING from the very beginning to the very end was extraordinary!!  How wonderful to see so many old friends and classmates again, and I feel we all look pretty darn good - all of us!!  We must do another one in a couple years.  And, about the entertainment, it was out of this world fab and funny!!  Thanks to everyone for that, and a huge thank  you to everyone that made this 50th happen.With Love.........

I feel as If I was present at the 50th reunion! I want to express my appreciation to all of you who made this possible with countless photographs and videos. It was such a delight to view these for me and I\'m certain others who also  had insurmountable conflicts and could not attend.  Many, Many Thanks-Edie Lagzdin Rovick

What a fabulous fun-filled 50th Reunion - - we were always known for our "Spirit" and indeed, we still have it after all these years!Thank you ever so much to ALL the Folks that made this wonderful Event so awesome!!  What a warm and joyful gathering - as was suggested - let\'s ALL celebrate our 70th Birthday together in two years - I\'ll keep my Pep Club Sweater in moth balls!!!  Blessings To All - Suzy (Doss) Bicknese

Raining...can\'t golf.  Sitting at my computer and had to commend everyone that helped with the reunion. Someone more articulate than me would probably wax poetically but all I can say is "GREAT JOB!" Listening to the post reunion musical selections is a poignant reminder of how special a time we grew up in. How many of us listen to the music and wonder..who selected that song.  Maybe it is best if we don\'t know!Thanks againMike

The reunion was fabulous.  The planning and organization of each venue was amazing to me by the entire group.  Thank you all so very much!  Though the weather kept me from enjoying the boat ride at Lake Minnetonka, I was able to attend the other areas and so enjoyed meeting old friends, hugging them, wishing them well, and being updated on their lives and their families.  What a great time was enjoyed by all!!!Know I continue to send best wishes to everyone and kudos to the planning team.  And, the swim team who shared their talent with us on the final evening was something to applaud!!!Best wishes for the future to everyone!Beverlee

 Thank you to all the committee who worked so hard on this wonderful event.  It was GREAT !!!So fun to see everyone, reconnect, and laugh at all those wonderful times at HHS.  (maybe some not so great but those are long gone......)Looking forward to more reunions.  Keep that committee together going forward !All the best.Roberta

Hello everybody. I am looking forward to seeing all of you at the renion. I was retired until turning 65 when I started two business. I make life exciting and keeps me young.Brian

Have a fun Reunion.  I\'ll be playing golf and enjoying the wonderful weather here in sunny Southern California. 

It is only a short time until we gather together and share some memories and catch up on news from old friends/classmates!  I really thank all the members of the planning group as they have accomplish a lot in preparation for these events.Those who are unable to attend will be able to check the site later for photos, I believe. Travel safely, come to enjoy the time, and we will celebrate 50 great years of growing up in Hopkins and attending a wonderful school!!!  We will remember those not here anymore with fondness!!Beverlee

I have been looking for June Chastek for about 40 years now as we were in the Women\'s Army Corps together.  If you see her or are in touch with her please have her contact Cheryl Brenke Lanning at cheryllanning@skybest.com or 4357 Cranberry Creek Road, Laurel Springs, NC  28644.  Thanks, would love to hear from her.

What a thrill to view this website.  I have to thank my cousin Carol for telling me about it.  I had to move away from Hopkins at the end of my Freshman year so I missed out on the "BIG" graduation.  Looking at the year book, I noticed several classmates of mine that I grew up with.  It was a real thrill seeing all of you again and remembering all the good times.  I was surprised to see the photo of the 1957 confirmation class from Gethsemane Lutheran Church.  I am in that photo and remember it well.  Enjoy your 50th and know that I will be with you in spirit.A fond farewell to Susie, Kathy and Duane.  I will miss you until we meet again.

always wanted to graduate from hopkins but moved after my soph yr to oregon -swapped snow for rain! i hated moving but the yrs have proved it to be a positive even in my life.your web site is fantastic and i was able to send msgs to a couple of people i distinctly remember.  i do remember not being able to wear jeans, and administrators measuring the length of girls skirts, the somber mood at school after the plane crash that claimed the lives of buddy holly, the big bopper and richie valens, and sock hops at a school across hwy 7 from the hi sch, playing a golf match at austin in a snowstorm and many more...  as you can see you\'re fondly remembered.  have a great reunion!

 I see the committee once a month.Looking foward  to seeing everybody else. 

Hi! It will be wonderful to see the Class of 61\' again - when I came to Hopkins from another high school on the east coast, I was pretty sad to leave my friends. But it was one of the best moves in my life. The students at Hopkins were friendly and took me in under their wings. And for that I am forever grateful for their kindness and caring. Love, Sandy

I\'m looking forward to seeing you all back in Hopikins.

I hope i recognize somebody at the reunion!  Everybody looks so extinguished, i mean distinguished!  Been a long time.

I still have all my hair. Cant wait. 

see you all at the reunion

Congratulations to the committee and the web site artist.  Nice work.  Have not been to a reunion but I have this one on the calendar.  50 is kind of special.Tom Johnson  

All right fellow grads, we have 11 months to getdown to our graduation weights...oh S__T

I\'m from the HHS class of 60 -- we had our incredible reunion last weekend.  Biggest problem was that 2 evenings weren\'t enought to see all of the 100 classmates who attended.  Don\'t make the mistake some are now regretting of saying "I don\'t do reunions" and go while you can.  We\'re already planning for 2015, but most wish it could be sooner.

What! Only 50!! Why do I feel like 150?

I am looking forward to the 1961 school reunion next July, and plan to attend if nothing happens to prevent my wife and I from coming.

This website is awesome and I love reading about ALL the 61\' HHS classmates and seeing the photo\'s - Ricky Andre and Jimmy Jorgenson...you guys are still stud-muffins and you girlfriends are still gorgeous!!  See you next July!!

Hi - WoW we have a web site. Good job to who ever set it up. I am looking forward to the 50th class reunion - If there is anything I can do to help - Let me know. Les

Hello everyone, I look for to the first reunion that I've attended.  What a peleasure it will be to see and hear how all our lives have treated us. See you at the 50th. Ric

I agree.

I don\'t feel old enough to attend my 50th high school reunion! Is this for real? Huge congratulations to

50 years?  There nust be some mistake!

What a wonderful website.  Looking forward to the 50th reunion!

Looking forward to seeing friends I haven't seen in years.