Mount Ayr Record-News
Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa
Thursday, June 2, 2011

The Tingley high school alumni banquet was held Saturday, May 28, 2011, at the Tingley community building. Co-presidents Kenny CLYMER, Rita MILLER SICKELS and Norma Jean SUTHERLAND JONES hadchosen the theme, "Back To The '50s" and 71 showed up to rock and roll. A mannequin with poodle skirt, bobby socks and penny loafers welcomed the guests. Coke glass sodas, jukebox pictures, 45 records, popcorn cups, dice nut cups and place mats with pictures of the '50s cars decorated the tables. At each place was a Tingley puzzle cut out by Mike BEEN. Norma Jean later handed out the solution on how to form the "T." A copper bird feeder was given to Doris JOHNSON BEEN for printing the mailing labels, the themed programs and invitations. Cleone OVERHOLTZER HOSFIELD mailed the invitations and Sue RICHARDS, Turk ALLEN and Mary Sue PRITCHARD McINTOSH set up the tables and chairs.

Visiting outside at the shelter house started at 5 p.m. with beverages furnished by the co-presidents. The Tingley UMW provided a buffet meal at 6 p.m. Norma Jean gave the invocation and welcome and Kenny conducted the business meeting. Sue read the 2010 minutes and Mary Sue gave the treasurer's report with a balance of $673.83 for 2010.

The 2011 (2012?) banquet will be held on May 26 with members of the 1958 class in charge, with Judy JOBE POTTORFF serving as chairman. Sue and Mary Sue will continue as of?cers. Sue reported the work at the Tingley Entryway Park was near completion and thanked the alumni for their $800 donation. Marlene GILES ZARR donated three local souvenir plates that were auctioned off to Janet RICHARDS MAYER, Doris JOHNSON BEEN and Melvin RICHARDS for a total of $110 to be added to the alumni account.

Gary and Ardith KEPLINGER provided the evening entertainment as they read memories from each year of the '50s. They also sang songs popular then that ranged from "Doggy in the Window" to "White Christmas."

Rita read the roll call of classes.

Those graduates in attendance marking special anniversary years were: 60 years - Marlene GILES ZARR and Charles GROUT; 55 years - Jim McINTOSH; 50 years - Bob BAKER, Robert REASONER, Marie MILLER SICKELS and Glee BEAR TONEY, and 40 years - Kathy ENGLAND WOODARD.

Several THS graduates were able to tell a joke when asked by emcee Kenny. Norma Jean thanked everyone for being a part of the 2011 alumni banquet and coming back to celebrate the '50s.

Those were the days, my friend, we thought they'd never end.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, June of 2011