On Tuesday May 8, 2012, friends of the RHS class of 1962 met at DeMaino's Restaurant in Revere for a luncheon to welcome our chief editor of the Lantern blog, Rose Franciosa Sisti.
Rose was invited back by her daughter, who lives in Everett to celebrate Mother's Day this year. As in the past, fellow classmates use this opportunity to see Rose again and have a great meal at the same time.
Demaino's, always famous for their great food, had a room reserved for the group. The meal consisted of an Italian antipasto, breaded filet of fish, ziti and chicken parm all of which was tasty and delicious.
This gathering was coordinated by Diane Screnci Beatrice and we were all grateful for her organization of this event. However, since it was Diane's birthday, only two days earlier (May 6) the group surprised Diane with an Italian rum cake with whipped cream, courtesy of class president, John Henry.
The staff at Demaino's put some candles on the cake and we all sang Happy Birthday to Diane. The staff was expert at cutting very generous slices which we all devoured. Everyone commented on the cake which was wonderful and a reminder of birthdays we had when we were young. Thank you, John.
Classmates in attendance were:
Rose Franciosa Sisti
Diane Screnci Beatrice
John Henry
Meri Mastronardi Yianacopolus
Lena Stuppia Stasio
Dotty Brennan Russo
Roseanne Colannino
Joe Greenberg
Peter Zaccone
Robert (Bobby) Scott
Joanne Nardone
Joanne Strazzulla McCarthy
Billy King
Sal Carmosino
After the meal, Paula Taylor Stevenson came by to say hello. It was good to see Paula especially after the health issues she has had to endure.
Speaking of difficult issues, Scotty again made a valiant effort to come once again from Maine, despite ongoing battles with his health. We wondered what kind of car he would show up with this time. It was a white Buick Lacrosse that had even more gadgets than his last 'Bat Moblile'. If and when a car comes out that drives itself...Scotty will be the first one to have it!!
Conversations around the table ranged from children, grandchildren, recent retirees, vacation spots, Joanne Strazzulla's Cystic Fibrosis Campaign, our own Arthur Murray, Peter Zaccone falling more in love with Florida each time he visits there, past teachers from the McKinley and high schools, positive and appreciative comments on the Lantern which without it, we would not be able to keep in touch with many of our classmates... the August 50th Reunion..and Diane's continuing love of Elvis Presley.
Joe Greenberg made two very happy announcements. The first was that his son-in-law had forgone a job in North Carolina and will now accept a position only minutes from Joe's house. Also, Joe announced his retirement which would take place the very next day. Everyone was very happy for Joe and offered congratulations.
John Henry mentioned that the reunion committee had to change to a smaller room at Spinelli's for the August reunion due to less than anticipated classmate responses. The committee also sent out a costly third mailing in hopes of spurring more interest. This may be the last big reunion given the amount of work it entails and less people attending. However there is still over 100 people that have responded including spouses and friends.
Several people who could not make the day were Donna Toothaker Ying who is still recovering from a shoulder ailment, Jeanine Erriocolo White, who we were hoping to see, and Linda Spagnolo who was unable to attend and Carolyn Carmosino, Sal's wife who always enjoys our class. We do hope to see them at the August reunion.
At the end of the day, we said our goodbyes in hopes that more of these mini reunions may be possible which we all enjoy especially if the larger ones, sadly will not be in our future.
However, everyone enjoyed being together again and a chance to relive our school days of long ago and be young again even if it was only for this one day.
Pictures taken by Rose will be sent under separate cover.
