9-03-2026 4:35am

Reconnecting, Reminiscing and Remembering: BASH Class of '61 To Celebrate 65 Years

Lesley Misko Editor

by Julie Cordingley

The Three R’s: reconnect, remininsce, and remember

As high school reunion season continues in full swing, the next BASH event will highlight the Class of 1961 and its 65th reunion. Class treasurer, Donna Stauffer, an admitted lover of 'all things reunion,' has been planning for months and is now looking forward to reuniting with her classmates at the Keystone Fire Hall this Saturday, Sept 5th from 12-5PM.

Over the years, Stauffer along with her husband Karl (BASH ’59 who was also his class’s treasurer) worked side by side organizing their respective reunions. As Mrs. Stauffer said, "It was a labor of love. Carl especially enjoyed it and took it very seriously. But since his passing two years ago, taking on the responsibility of his class and mine is very daunting. It’s a lot.”

And so, with the encouragement and wisdom of a group of her classmates, it was decided that simpler was better: a reunion that highlights friendships and memories makes for a great time and bolsters the reason for hosting reunions in the first place. In keeping with that idea, this year will be the last of the traditional every five-years reunion.

According to a mailer sent to Boyertown’s 1961 alumni, “organizing large milestone reunions requires significant planning, coordination, and energy.” There is a recognition that the time has come to “simplify our efforts and focus on what truly matters – spending time together in a way that feels comfortable, meaningful, and manageable for everyone. It will allow us to stay connected in real time rather than waiting every five years to catch up.”

It was agreed that there will be a standing invitation for lunch to be held on the 2nd Wednesday of every month, at noon at Doc’s Irish Pub, East Philadelphia Avenue for as long as they are able. All BASH 1961 classmates are cordially invited! With enthusiasm, Stauffer explained that these lunches have already been taking place and are simply wonderful. It is a more open-ended, leisurely approach to spending time and interacting with one another. It is also proof that there are many unique ways to pay heed to the years that have quickly gone by.

In the meantime, the months of planning will soon see results when close to 50 alums from the class of 1961 gather once again in Boyertown. Stauffer is greatly looking forward to this Saturday and catching up with classmates traveling in from far away states, including Nevada, Virginia, and Utah. But she is just as excited to see those who live closer to home.