RHS Class of 1962

I'm going to begin by telling a story about growing up in Revere, Massachusetts.

Storytelling is best done in a relaxed atmosphere free of distractions so where best to start this but in front of my computer and my audience will be comfortable as well and close by with the click of a mouse can respond back! How cool is that!

I guess the ideal situations for telling stories would be by a campfire! See how technology has changed our lives! The storyteller, that's me and I need to give careful attention to the setting before hand - and be prepared to bring my old friends closer and create an atmosphere for us all to enjoy and leave comments and best of all for the site to be free.

I'm not fond of Classmates.com where you have to pay to be a member number one and every time they send you a message, you automatically think it is from a classmate from your graduation year and that is not so, therefore, I'm not pleased with their website. That is only my personal opinion.

Storytelling traditionally begins with a "Once upon a time..." and that is how I would like to begin.

Once upon a time, the RHS class of 1962 and their families established residency in Revere, Massachusetts so most of our forever friendships date as far back as the third grade. Can you imagine from grammar school, to high school, to adulthood!

Revere Beach faces Massachusetts Bay, five miles north of Boston. I was born in the North End of Boston and my family moved to Revere when I was in the third grade and I attended McKinley Grammar school where I first met most of my dear friends that are still my dearest friends today!

Here is a third grade class photo of McKinley School ....anyone look familiar?

Many of today's baby-boomers (that's us) are the children of who fell in love at the Oceanview or Wonderland Ballroom or the Caravan.

We all can still vividly remember the Virginia Reel, The carousels, roller coasters and all kinds of special attractions and other rides and amusements.

From all over New England, families would vacation at cottages, hotels or even in tents high up on Beachmont Hill. Some people used to call it "The Coney Island of the East".

The beach was always crowded with families that have enjoyed fine food and dining at many of Revere Beach's eating establishments. The Driftwood, Barney Scheffs, The General Edwards Inn, The Skipper and The Paul Roger House, all featured the finest in seafood. Fast food spots included Joe and Nemos, Howard Johnson's, and of course,

my favorite....the world famous Kelly's Roast Beef. Oh the memories! I know I'm probably missing some other hot spots but keep in mind my age and memory is fading for names only...but not the memories! I will have to trust my friend, Sal Carmosino, the history buff and his memory for more information.

Revere Beach has an amazing history. Today, except for the world famous Kelly's Roast Beef and

Bianchi's pizza, everything else has been removed from the famous boulevard. This chapter in Revere Beach's history has come to an end. My recent ride down the beach in May, 2008 with Sal & Carolyn Carmosino was sad to see everything gone and now replaced with high rise condos and no more diagonal parking along the beach coast. I don't know the reason for that but I'm sure someone does who still lives in Revere and can tell us why.

Do you believe that Sal & Carolyn drove all the way from CT to take me to lunch??? Amazing how friendships are forever! We have not seen each other in 46 years! Then to my surprise, Diane (Screnci) Beatrice telephoned me and said more will be joining us at the Continental for lunch that day.

All of this was not planned, it just happened and I didn't want the day to end!!!!! Even Robert Scott drove all the way down from Maine. Diane, Meri, Jeanine, Peter all live locally........such a wonderful surprise to see them all. I guess, one email traveled to another and then gracious Meri had us all back to her house for coffee and cake........Oh...what a super pleasant day and a memorable one for sure!

The magical environment of Revere Beach that existed years ago and embedded in my memory bank is gone. What is left, however, is an extremely well-kept beach and Kelly's. The beach now looks well maintained but I sure miss the old establishments that ran along the entire beach. With such a gorgeous beach stretching for miles I'm shocked that the City of Revere has not been able to capitalize on its past as Revere Beach does have such historical memories.

Speaking of my recent visit. I have some pictures to share with you.

I also have pictures of the 45th Reunion even though was unable to attend but many friends forwarded photos to me which I truly appreciated. I had a grumpy old boss that would not give me the time off to attend the gala affair which everyone boasts to be so wonderful that they did not want the day to end!

Living in Florida does not allow me to take advantage of all the events going on up north as much as I would like.

We are all now close to retirement or already retired. Oh where did all the years go? Some of us are divorced, widowed, single, married, re-married, parents, grandparents and sadly some are deceased.

My children and family all reside in New England. I'm a widow living in Florida for the past 20 years.

I missed our 45th Class Reunion but I was fortunate to get together with my dear friends during my trips back and forth to Boston. As, most of you know, I reside in South Florida.

My long time friend, Diane (Screnci) Beatrice informs me that our President of Revere High School, John Henry suggested that I compose a Newsletter, Web Page of some sort just for us. I dabble with animations and stuff but a Web Page is beyond my talents at this point. I'm flattered that people think my work is great on the computer.

I don't have everyone's email address, therefore, I do need your help here and to pass this information along to everyone you know and inform me of their email addresses.

Looking forward to your forthcoming response to our Journal, "The Lantern".

People need people and friends need friends And we all need love, for a full life depends not on vast riches or great acclaim, not on success or on worldly fame, but just in knowing that someone cares and holds us close in their thoughts and prayers
	For only the knowledge that we're understood makes everyday living feel wonderfully good. ~Helen Steiner Rice~