Lunch with the Ladies from Boyertown High School’s Class of ‘65

by Jane Stahl

For 20 years or more, a group of 15-20 gals from Boyertown High School’s Class of ’65 meet for lunch on the third Tuesday to catch up with events in each other’s lives, reminisce, and keep tabs on the comings and goings of long-time friends who may no longer live in the area.

While she was in Myrtle Beach and couldn’t attend, Ruth Clemmer gets my thanks for helping me find the group at the Washington Grille and Pub on Route 100 N of Boyertown. The group meet outdoors at a nearby park during late spring and summer months.

Linda (Eshbach) Gilbert offered a warm smile when I entered, looking lost and confused. And being new to the group, I had a lot to catch up on.

Cindy (Miller) Schmaldinst, the unofficial organizer of the group, announced the date of the next get together as part of her welcome. I wasn’t surprised when she told me that her sister Pat exhibits at Studio B; there’s a definite family resemblance.

As a bit of a Luddite, I empathized with Carole (Zuber) Soffa as she described her search for upgraded technology services. Sandy (Fronheiser) Reinert shared her pride in her role as grandmother and described the special challenges and successes of one of the youngest ones.

I enjoyed learning that Ruth (Jacob) Gamler and I both benefit from husbands who cook. And I was amused that they search out different eateries to sample chili recipes. It’s her favorite food!

I knew that Shirley (Moser Moser) Moyer would soon be off to Clearwater, Florida, and the Phillies Training Camp. Soon the “Romo Reports” would begin showing up in my inbox. The “Romo Reports” are newsletters created by Phillies’ “groupies” Shirley and Ron that provide color commentary, photos, gripes, and predictions about the players, coaches, and the game in general during spring training. It is rumored that someday, “Romo” will serve as Commissioner and modify rules of the game to get everyone playing the game the “right way.”

I hadn’t seen Barbara (Conrad) Antonio, Linda (Stapleton) Bender, Donna (Weller) Irey or Kathy (Krause) Smith for many years. But they all look as I remember them from high school—a major feat, after all these years.

I wondered if Marge (Miller) Burns kept the caricature that was drawn of her as a fifth grader by a visiting artist. The artist asked her if she’d like to know what she would look like in 15 years. At the time, we were amazed at the transformation he imagined. Many years later, I was amazed at how accurately he predicted her adult appearance.

And while I run into Dottie (Moyer) Arnold, Mary (Schollenberger) Moser, and Kathy (Weller) Kuser from time to time, sharing details about the lunch will give us more to discuss next time I see them.

I must thank Ruth again for letting me know about this monthly gathering. I must come with a better appetite and order the cheeseburger that Sandy recommends!

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