Shafter High Class of 1960 reunites

On Saturday, June 7, the Shafter High School Class of 1960 celebrated their 65th reunion at Hodel's in Bakersfield. The date held special significance, just four days after the anniversary of their graduation on June 3, 1960.

This year, for the first time, the reunion featured a walk down memory lane video courtesy of Joseph, grandson of Joe Romanini (former mayor of Buttonwillow), showcasing the history of Buttonwillow for the Class of 1960. From Dr. Duck, the town's only dentist, to the five-point intersection without a traffic light, the film revived treasured memories, such as Richland School's hot lunches (beans and coleslaw), summer jobs at the potato sheds, cruising to Nick's Drive-In and grabbing Flying Saucer cookies in high school. It even highlighted local gems like Richland Chevrolet, V&W's legendary burgers and milkshakes (complete with jukeboxes in every booth) and the State Theatre, where movies cost less than a dollar.

The event was great, according to Lillian Ebling. A highlight was seeing her cousin, Mary Lopez, who was also in the graduating class. "The food was good, and Dave Cartnal gave a very nice speech. Thanks to Wanda [(Cherry) Tomaselli] for organizing this." Her daughter, Kim Ebling, also attended. "She looks forward to the reunions every year since they have them once a year now. She enjoys socializing and spending time with her friends. She was excited to be back. It's always a fun time for her."

Kim has been attending the reunions annually with her mother and said she appreciates the endearing time she gets to spend with her leading up to them, preparing for the special night, and getting her ready with hair and makeup. This year, she was particularly moved by the words of David Cartnal: "And his message about the journey on the train. That when you leave this journey, don't leave scars, leave wonderful memories."

Lillian Alvear represented her husband, Bert, who passed away in 2019. "I felt special for him, and he would have enjoyed his reunion had he been there. He would have liked seeing everybody." Talking with his old friends, she said, "It was nice that people remembered him and had fond memories of him." She carried a picture of Bert that Wanda had framed for her. "It made me aware that she was trying to include even the people that are not here anymore."