ALUMNI BANQUET
AUGUST 13, 2005

The annual gathering of the Oakland Alumni Association was held on Aug 13 at John Martin's Manor in Waterville. A total of 220 alumni and friends enjoyed a social hour and buffet, followed by the business meeting conducted by President Dana Wrigley.

Loraine (Morton) Jones gave the blessings, Alan Charles of the 50-year class (1955), extended a welcome to the group, reminiscing about Oakland in the 1940's, especially during World War II.

A discussion was held on the Alumni Victory Bell, presently at Messalonskee High School and in bad shape. It originally hung in the old Oakland High School from 1901-1925 and after many years was purchased by the Oakland Alumni Association and presented to SAD 47. Mike Marston will bring the issue of repair work before the school board. Work is hoped to be completed by the start of spring sports.

Blaine Ellis presented the sixth annual Eagle Award to Edward "Bud" King, class of 1940, recognizing his many years of dedicated community service, especially funding and organizing the free Thanksgiving dinners at Messalonskee High School for 30 plus years. Other recipients to date have been Grace (Grady) LaBonte, J. Hobart Pierce, Harland "Hardy" Taylor, Selma Pulsifur and Adelbert "Deke" Decker.

Tickets were handled by Alice and Beverly Wrigley. Hostess for the event was Betty (Lewis) Pellerin who also thanked Helen (Bucknam) Bridges for catering our previous banquets. Two teachers were present, Artie Clark and Helen Gallagher, who is also a Williams High School alumna.

Unable to attend were Alfred and Barbara Wheeler, who are residing at Goudreau's Retirement Home, Thena Gilbert, who is at Mount St. Joseph's and Max Ward, 94, a former principal. Largest class groups were those from 1950, 1951, 1956 and 1957.

Past officers in attendance were Julia Brown, Margaret Bowen, Hobie Pierce, Hilda Bickford, Francis Monahan, Madeline Boudreau, Elaine Burton, Linda and Dan Grady and Grace LaBonte. Youngest class represented was 1987 and the oldest, 1929, with one member Dwight Taylor. He was also given a fond "roasting" by Linda Grady, in honor of being OAA's most faithful alumnus.

The Barbara T. Marston door prize, given in her memory by her family, was won by Walter Wood of South Portland, husband of Lenora (Brewer) Wood, class of 1931.

The present slate of officers was re-elected: President Dana Wrigley, Vice President Alice Wrigley, Secretary Fran King and Treasurer Blaine Ellis.

The next banquet will be held on Aug. 12.