Here we are in late July with the month of August just down the clock. Over the tests of time, the summer months of June, July and August are entrenched in our minds as the ever-popular summer months of vacation.
However, in September we still love the warm weather and things to do like Labor Day weekend. There is no clock or counting system that reveals certain information about the popularity of those summertime family reunions.
It may well be that no one wanted to accept the responsibility of planning and notifications and longer. This is where the new generation would step in and get the job done.
Being the octogenarian that I am, brings vivid memories of our family reunions of the early 1950’s that were in Indiana near Hartford City and Lake Webster.
In fact, being a native of Ashland, I remember well spending time in Central Park during this time of year and seeing many family reunions covering both ends of the park with banners proclaiming the name of the reunion and indeed – parking was a premium element of it all.
Nevertheless, you could hear the music, laughter and fun which always brought a smile.
When our family met in Indiana there would be two carloads of us taking to the long road for an 8-hour trip. Keep in mind, there was no interstate, no A/C, no internet, no phones, and maybe an AM radio in the dashboard.
The anticipation of seeing our relatives, aunts, uncles and cousins was always something to look forward to. Meeting those new cousins was always a hoot.
There were no malls to browse, just playing games, cards and swimming in the lake.
Some reunions even have prizes for those who traveled the farthest and who brought the tastiest pie for starters.
It was a wonderful way to connect, strengthen family bonds, create new memories and of course, learn about our family heritage.
Seemingly, the magic of family reunions has faded into just fond memories and black and white photos.
If there were booming family reunions here in 2026, you can bet that those many photos would indeed be posted on Facebook.
However, today we have other forms of reunions and gatherings that get our attention.
These are just wonderful events where we meet our friends, share the recent news, laugh, pray for those who are ill, and maybe make new plans for an outing.
Class reunions can be held within any time span if there seems to be a high interest in getting together again.
Some may even plan a 25-50-year class reunion while others prefer meeting annually.
However, over in Ashland, the high school Class of ’59 has become a special group that indeed meets MONTHLY. The Class of ’59 obviously loves getting back together and cherishing those magic moments of the past while just having a super time. You can bet they care for each other as the decades have brought them together periodically with bonding and love for each other. In fact, their perpetual friendship can be summed up by this very strong thought that they all cherish so much – “A FRIEND IS GOD’S WAY OF MAKING SURE WE NEVER WALK ALONE.”
Shortly after their monthly reunions, you can bet you will usually see a photo of the Class of ’59 on Facebook complete with smiles and names. I love it.
As you would expect, there must be that one very special person who coordinates it all and loves every minute of it. That wonderful lady is –Charlene Wade Cooper.
When asked how it all got started, with a smile she explained, “It really all began on June 21, 2004, when 4 gals and a guy got together to make plans for what was at that time, the 45th Class Reunion of Ashland High School Class of ’59. Little did we know that would be the beginning of a monthly get together that is still happening 22 years later.”
So, after a couple of months, the reunion committee began meeting on the 2nd Wednesday of each month and the rest is history. The Statler Brothers may have been in memory of the “Class of ’57”, but the Class of ’59 has Charlene Cooper.
She became the class coordinator and went right to work – “My thoughts were that we had to get the word out as soon as possible as to where and when etc. We selected a specific day which was the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 11:30 a.m. and that time is still in use today. The response was tremendous as our attendance grew quickly which led to our selecting Ashland’s BellaFonte Italian Restaurant 22 years ago. We are still there today!”
Charlene set up a Facebook page – “AHS Classmates of 1959” – which serves as a place to share information and keep in touch. When asked about attendance she replied, “All classmates and spouses are invited; we have had as many as 45 in attendance as we average 15-20 monthly. In fact, some class members attend from all over the country when in town. We are a very close-knit class with so many great memories. We always begin with announcements and prayer and then the fun, food and fellowship does the rest.”
The Class of ’59 will get together in just two weeks – Wednesday August 12. All you alumni – it’s time to circle your calendar today.
Here in Northern Kentucky, Broadcasting’s Very Best – The SUPER STARS gather quarterly and will get together in just 4 weeks, Wednesday, August 26 at Barleycorns in Lakeside Park 11:30 a.m. – on the patio. It all began 9 years ago with just a few, and since then, the roster proudly lists 35 members and growing.
Members like Dayton’s Hall of Famer Kevin Fodor travels in from Dayton, Ohio, and Keith Elkins and Alan Cutler from Lexington.
So, WHO ARE THESE SUPER STARS?
Simply put, when these incredible talents gather and the fun begins with stories of a lifetime, jokes or just getting giddy, the room almost rocks because the Legends and Hall of Famers absolutely cherish being with their colleagues and close friends.
Like the Class of ’59, our group needed a coordinator and that turned out to be me. I make it a point to be sure and promote our upcoming gatherings and then contact each member personally.
From time to time, our members bring a new member with them and as you would expect, they love it all.
When you pause and think about it, we strongly anticipate these reunions and gatherings because they serve as a very important element in our lives.
The periodic interaction and friendship we have with each other creates a warm feeling we look forward to each and every time we gather.
So, why not begin your very own group?
You can do it, and you will love it.
After all, it’s Summertime.
Mike Tussey has “retired” from a 60-plus-year career as a legendary play-by-play announcer for over 2000 football, baseball, and basketball games, including most recently for ESPN+. His career also includes a stint in law enforcement, teaching and coaching, and writing books, including the “Touchdown Saints.” He grew up in Eastern Kentucky and now lives in Florence with his wife, Jo. He has opened another “Door of Opportunity” and is now a regular columnist for the NKyTribune.