REUNION DAY

Good Morning, Class of '64

Front Row:
Jerry Haddix, Newton Ware, George Coussoule,
Bob Tacy, Danny McCloud
Second Row:
Sondra (Bennett) Kniley, Gary Channell, Ettie (Wegman) Grey,
Dianne (Smith) Huntley, Anna Grace (Casto) Huston,
Sheryl (Hawkins) Birdsinger, Delores (Armstrong) Shiflett,
Mary (Shiflett) Wamsley
Third Row:
Diane (Bennett) Blizzard, Linda (Scott) Magyar,
Faye (Smith) Watson, Dick Judy, Sharon (Shreve) Armstrong,
Charlotte (Hannah) Vallandingham, Mary Ellen (Ice) Guzy,
Judy (Ware) Primavero, former classmate Karen (Spencer) Johnson,
Beverly (Currence) Hammonds, former classmate Carolyn (Brady) Kabler,
Paula (Pnakovich) Staud, Patricia (McCauley) Ware
Fourth Row:
Reuben Currence, Glen Rader, Tom Zirkle,
David Matthew, Bill Cool, Larry See, Fred Ware

The Tygarts Valley High School Class of 1964 held its 50th Class Reunion August 9-10, 2014. The reunion began with a formal gathering on Saturday, August 9, at the Tygarts Valley Fire Hall in Dailey, West Virginia. On Sunday morning, August 10, several members of the class enjoyed breakfast together at C & J's Restaurant in Valley Bend, West Virginia.

As class members arrived on Saturday afternoon they were given a Tygarts Valley High School Class of 1964 50th Class Reunion Program. They also received a tote bag imprinted with a picture of the old Tygarts Valley High School building (as it was when the Class of 1964 graduated) and filled with special favors and gifts. A glass mug imprinted with the Bulldog mascot and filled with retro candies the Class of 1964 would have enjoyed during their growing years was also given to each class member as they entered. The ladies of the Class of 1964 were given a handmade corsage and a specially made Original Valley Girl doll.

Class members renewed acquaintances and were formally welcomed to their 50th Class Reunion by 1964 Class President, Fred Ware, Jr. Group pictures were taken of the class by local photographer, Pam Andrews.

During Saturday's activities several awards of recognition were given. Winning the award for the first to register for the Class of 1964's 50th Class Reunion was Dick Judy. He was presented with a 50 Year Sash, which he wore proudly during the evening's festivities.

Winning the award for being the last class members of the Class of 1964 to register were Diane (Bennett) Blizzard and Sondra (Bennett) Kniley. The two, being sisters, will share possession of the paddle which was presented to them.

Receiving the award for being the first class member to arrive at the reunion was Reuben Currence. He was given cheering pom poms for his effort.

The last class member to arrive at the reunion was Sandra (Kiess) Lewis. She was awarded a wet noodle for being so slow.

Recognized for traveling the farthest to the 50th Reunion was Sheryl (Hawkins) Birdsinger. Sheryl traveled from Euless, Texas to attend the reunion.

A special, personal Bulldog Recognition Award was given to each graduate and former class member. Each award was signed with the paw of the Tygarts Valley High School Bulldog mascot.

A drawing was held for a numbered Wayne Hart painting of the old Tygarts Valley High School building. The painting was donated by Gary and Carolyn (Corley) Channell. Delores (Armstrong) Shiflett was the winner of the Wayne Hart painting.

Succulent baskets in the school colors of red and white were given as door prizes. Winning the baskets were George Coussoule, Faye (Smith) Watson, Reuben Currence, Judy (Ware) Primavero and Anna (Casto) Huston. Sharon (Shreve) Armstrong drew the names for the prizes that were given to her classmates.

Framed pictures and names of twelve deceased class members were displayed on a Memorial Table. Friend and classmate, the Rev. Glen Rader, conducted a Memorial Program in their remembrance. The name of each classmate was read, and a moment of silence was observed in their memory. Remembered and missed by the Class of 1964 were Randall Warren Arbogast, Shirley Jean (Barrickman) Zavatsky, Mervin Ray Chaney, Lloyd Conrad, Margaret (Gear) Steinwuck, Kenneth Lynn Harris, Benny Hinzman, David James Knight, Joyce Faye (Riggleman) Collier, Loretta Jewell (Rosencrance) Matthew, Dale Edward Strawder, and Polly Ann (Williams) Channell.

A Military Recognition Program was presented by friend, classmate and former Army officer, Larry See. All veterans present were honored and given a gift of canned peaches which held particular significance to them. Special recognition was given to class members and guests who had served in Vietnam during the Vietnam Conflict. Classmate Randall Warren Arbogast, who died of injuries received while serving in Vietnam, was especially remembered and honored by his classmates. Along with a Vietnam Veteran hat, Larry presented unique gifts to the Vietnam Veterans. He ended his program with a moving salute to his fellow classmates and other attendees who had served in Vietnam. 

Members of the Class of 1964 who served in the military are Bill Alexander (Army), Randall Arbogast (Army), Dairel Arbogast (Army), Ray Chaney (Army), Rodney Channell (Air Force), John Collett (Army), Lloyd Conrad (Army/Navy), Bill Cool (Army/Navy), George Coussoule (Army), Jerry Haddix (Army), Kenneth Harris (Army), Ralph Hogan (Air Force), David Knight (Army), David Matthew (Army), Glen Rader (Army), Leon Rennix (National Guard), Chris Ritter (Army), Delbert Salisbury (Army), Larry See (Army), John Snelson (Army), Charles Stalnaker (Army), Robert Tacy (Army), Robert Teter (Army), Rodger Wamsley (Marines), Fred Ware, Jr. (Army), Newton Ware (Army) and Tom Zirkle (Army).  

At the end of the evening a lively auction was enjoyed by the whole group with Fred Ware, Jr. as auctioneer. Many interesting items donated by class members were auctioned, including the TVHS banner that had hung over the stage in the school gym. Donated by David Matthew, who had found it in the trash to be destroyed, it was won and will be preserved by Gary and Carolyn (Corley) Channell. A brick from the old Tygarts Valley High School building, which has been torn down, was donated by Bob and Edna Mae (Stalnaker) Tacy. The brick was won by Bill and Donna (Boserman) Cool. Bob and Edna also donated a large wooden rocking chair won by Danny and Janet (Kittle) McCloud.

A small wooden chair made by Reuben Currence and donated by him and his wife, Marvella, was won by Charles and Mary (Shiflett) Wamsley. Two welcome rocks designed by Ketterman Creations and donated by Bill and Beverly (Currence) Hammonds and Danny and Janet (Kittle) McCloud were won by Lee and Dianne (Smith) Huntley and Paul and Sandra (Kiess) Lewis.

A canvas tote bag imprinted with a picture of the old Tygarts Valley High School building and containing a hat, tee shirt and mouse pad imprinted with the same picture was won by George and Sue Coussoule. Another canvas tote bag imprinted with the old Tygarts Valley High School building and signed by the class members of 1964 attending the 50th reunion was also auctioned. The tote bag contained an imprinted mug, mouse pad, book markers and t-shirt. One of the 50th Reunion banners used during the evening was also included with this auction. The auction was won by Gary and Carolyn (Corley) Channell. 

Crochet work by Ettie (Wegman) Grey, and other numerous items sold during the auction, will help fund future reunions of the Tygarts Valley High School Class of 1964.

After the blessing by Larry See, a meal of baked steak, Judy's Crock-pot Chicken, green beans, mashed potatoes with gravy, coleslaw and rolls was served by the Ladies Auxiliary of the Tygarts Valley Fire Department. The Auxiliary also prepared an hor dourves table and punch. A dessert cake, decorated with a picture of the old Tygarts Valley High School building by Mee-meez of Elkins, was cut and served by Carolyn (Corley) Channell.

Before departing on Saturday evening, the class decided to meet for less formal gatherings in August of each year. George Coussoule invited the class to reunite in 2015 at the Valley Head Community Center in Valley Head, West Virginia. Postcard reminders containing directions and time for the event will be mailed to 1964 class members. The information will also be posted on the class Facebook page (www.facebook.com/TVHSclassof64) and class blog Tygarts Valley High School Class of 1964 (tvhs1964.blogspot.com).

On Sunday, August 10, several 1964 class members met at C & J's Restaurant in Valley Bend for an early morning breakfast. After the blessing was given by Rev. Glen Rader, a breakfast buffet was enjoyed by the group. The 50th Class Reunion of the Tygarts Valley High School Class of 1964 came to a close with quiet conversation and deep appreciation for friendships renewed and newly formed. 

Judy's (Ware-Primavero) 

Crock-Pot Chicken 

6 boneless chicken breasts

1 Stick of Butter

Lemon Pepper Seasoning to taste

Place about 1/2 inch of water 

in the bottom of the Crock-Pot.

Cook on high setting until 

chicken is heated through. 

Turn to low setting for 6 to 

7 hours until done.

Some 50th Reunion Pictures

Found and Filched From Here and There