MILL CREEK — On the afternoon of Aug. 19, the Tygarts Valley High School Class of 1964 met for their 59th class reunion at the Steer Steakhouse in Elkins. The class and guests were warmly welcomed by class president, Fred Ware Jr.
The blessing of the meal was given by Glen Rader. Attendees then made selections of their choice from the plentiful Steer buffet.
After the meal, Ware began the business meeting by asking for the treasurer’s report. Gary Channell, class treasurer, informed the class of their financial standing and listed the expenditures for the day’s event.
Channell also read a letter written to the class by classmate, Mary Ellen (Ice) Guzy. Guzy and her husband Ralph, another TVHS alum, now live in Tennessee. Regret was expressed at her inability to attend the reunion because of matters of health. Driving long distances had become too difficult. In her remarks, she wrote of her affection for her classmates and alma mater. Paying homage to the school mascot, Guzy wrote that she would always be a Bulldog.
Glen Rader led the remembrance memorial for deceased class members, which now totals 26. Class members lost to the class in 2023 were Delbert Eugene Harris, Linda Mae (Brown) Blizzard and Beverly June (Currence) Hammonds.
Harris passed away Sept. 16, 2022. He had been married for 55 years and taught the art of saw filing to employees of lumber mills in the area. He was also well-known for his craftmanship in making knives. There were orders left unfulfilled, due to his illness.
Blizzard passed away Dec.1, 2022. She had been a TVHS majorette and was employed by Walmart for 25 years. Traveling had become a favorite past time for her. She was a proud mother, grandmother and great grandmother.
Hammonds passed away June 15, 2023. She loved flowers and gardening and had retired as a bus operator from the Randolph County Board of Education. She and her husband, Bill, had, recently, celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary. On her father’s side, she descended from William Currence, the founder of Mill Creek.
Ware reminded the 1964 graduates that their 60th high school graduation anniversary was on the horizon. The year 2024 will mark 60 years since their graduation. To celebrate the occasion, Ware asked for volunteers to plan the event. Volunteering were George Coussoule, David Matthew, Dick Judy, Larry and Judy (Ware) See, Gary and Carolyn (Corley) Channell and Fred and Patricia (McCauley) Ware.
Entertainment, The Secret Love for a Cheerleader Named Wanda, was provided by Larry and Judy (Ware) See and Linda (Scott) Magyar, assisted by her son, Steve. Magyar’s life-size female mannequin, named Evangeline, was brought from Ohio to play the part of “Wanda” for the enjoyment of the class.
When the cheerleader skit ended, tickets were sold for three fruit baskets created by Crazy Harry’s, a Tygarts Valley High School 100th Anniversary book and a Walmart gift card. Helping Judy (Ware) See with the distribution of tickets were Fred Ware, Jr., and Tom and Paula (Pnakovich) Staud. In his, now, customary role as the drawer of tickets was Steve Magyar, son of Linda (Scott) Magyar.
The first fruit basket was won by Chris Ritter, who returned it to the class for a second drawing. The basket was then won by Dick Judy. The second basket was won by Fred and Patricia (McCauley) Ware. The third drawing, also won by the Wares, was returned for a new drawing. The third fruit basket was subsequently won by Danny and Janet (Kittle) McCloud.
The drawing for the TVHS Anniversary book was won by Linda (Scott) Magyar. Gary and Carolyn (Corley) Channell were the winners of the $50 Walmart gift card.
Ending the giveaway was the 50/50 drawing won by Dick Judy.
Rounding out the activities for the afternoon was the 2023 class portrait. The 1964 graduating class will meet in 2024 for their 60th class reunion.