The Martha's Vineyard Times

After 50 years, MVRHS, class of 1961 reunites

September 21, 2011

Photo courtesy of Jim Worden

At Rich Olsen's on Sunday were, from left, Mike Colaneri, Gene deCosta, Rich Olsen, Larry Thomas, Peter Shea, Emmett Carroll, Don Willoughby, Don Combra MacDonald, Nancy Lopes, Mary Ellen Smith, Jim Worden, Betsey Healey, Elaine Costa, Joanne Peters, Don Frank, Ginny Coutinho, Katherine deBettencourt, Bill Dias, Roy Meekins, Rita Demont, Charlie Downs, and Henry Fauteux. [More Photos]

The MVRHS Class of 1961 held their 50th reunion over the weekend of September 16–18, and by all accounts, all had a fabulous time.

The weekend began with Mary Ellen (Smith) Larsen hosting a Friday evening get-together. On Saturday about 50 classmates and guests had a dinner party at Saltwater in Vineyard Haven. And on Sunday, Rich and Lydia Olsen hosted a picnic at their place in North Tisbury.

The weekend included special remembrance of deceased classmates: Carol Combra, Julienne Costa, Jon Cottle, Robert Healey, Kenneth Lewis, Clement Packish, Eleanor Rogers, Foster Silva, Michael Stewart, and Freeman Willoughby.

Of the surviving classmates, 32 out of 65 attended one or all of the weekend's events.

The class of 1961 (75) was the second to graduate from the new regional high school. With the Class of 1960, they helped design the class ring, select the school colors, and establish other traditions.

Also attending but not in either picture shown here were Barbara Francis, Sharon O'Neil, and Rita Pachico.