The

NHS

Classes of 1963

75th

BIRTHDAY PARTY

The Year of the Global Covid19 Pandemic

McHenry Park
South Shelter House
Saturday, July 25, 2020

From

From Gene McKelvey

"About a dozen classmates and spouses gathered on the McHenry Park hilltop overlooking Riverview and the new Riviera Stage. I regret not taking more photos, but was caught up in conversation and didn't want to take time away from an already too short visit.

The day had been hot and humid and that may have discouraged some from attending. Nora Patterson provided delicious cupcakes decorated with a tiny polar bear, and the evening turned out comfortable with a strong breeze coming up the hill from the Des Moines River valley.

The party broke up before 9. Too short, but enough time to reconnect with a few wonderful classmates."

Gene continues:

We were visited twice by a high school age boy who at first visit was catching his breath after riding up the hill.

We guessed that he was an African immigrant due to his speech and behavior. He was bold enough to ride into the shelter, but apparently too shy to speak first.

John Accola and I noticed him eyeballing the cupcakes, so John asked if he would like one. Polite and grateful, he took a chocolate cupcake and rode slowly into the park.

Later, he came back through and thanked us for the food.

We asked if he went to North and he said yes. We explained who we were and was pleased at the school connection.

Then he quietly

rode back down the hill.