As we say 'Hello to a New Year' I'm wondering where 2018 went. In fact, I'm wondering where the last 50 years have gone! On May 19, 2018, the Horace Maynard High School Class of 1968, had its 50-year reunion. Seriously, how did we go from signing year books to signing up for Medicare!

The event was held at Jubilee Banquet Facility with a buffet of Prime Rib and Herb Grilled Chicken and all the fixings to go with them. (Our class never was bashful about eating). The Hall was decorated in red and black, colors of the Horace Maynard High School Red Devils. A beautifully decorated cake depicting our beloved school was served for desert. We talked about the good old times we had, basketball trips, Big Ridge State Park trips, TVA&I Fair trips, going study, class rings, and so much more, and we remembered our classmates who were no longer with us.

Beehive hairdos and mini skirts were all the rave. The Dodge Charger, Chevy Chevelle, and Ford Mustang were the hot cars. The local place to hang out was Wise Pharmacy Soda Fountain or if you were lucky enough to get to go to Knoxville you might cruise around the Halls Free-Zo or Shoney's on Broadway (they had a drive-in back then). Being a high school senior was certainly special. Life's journey was just getting ready to begin and you just couldn't wait to get out into the world on your own. Well, we've been out in the world for 50-years and being a "senior" has a whole new meaning! Though it does come with discounts.

At that time in life everyone has about the same. They have school, home, church, a part-time job for some, and plans for the future. When the reminiscing dwindled we learned we still have lots of the same things in common to share: treatment for torn rotator cuffs, acid reflux, implants vs. dentures, wincing heel pain and shoe inserts, general aches and pains and geriatric malaise. We went our separate ways and grew apart but that doesn't change the fact that for 4-years we grew side by side. Now, we are in the "golden years" just to learn that those 4 years together at Horace Maynard High School were the real "golden years".

It's always a pleasure to write for this publication and I'd like to sincerely thank all my supporters, Hanes, Maidenform, and Spandex.