High school reunion events

Joint reunion for members of eight Columbia Falls High School classes takes place Friday and Saturday, July 24 and 25.

Gary Luce is chairman of events scheduled for classmates from 1960 through 1968 classes. They attended the new $ 1,600,000 high school which was dedicated March 4, 1960.

Activities begin with a get-together at the North Valley Community Center from 6 until 10 p.m., Friday, July 24, at 235 Nucleus Ave. It is remembered as former Melby's Furniture building.

A picnic is announced for Saturday, July 25, from 1 to 6 p.m. at Jim Coulson's home, 185 Veterans Drive.

Attempts have been made to contact individuals of the eight classes. It is hoped that reservations will be made and money sent to Gary by July 10 so food arrangements can be made.

Gary can be reached by e-mailing him at gary.luce@bresnan.net or telephoning (406) 897-2231. Please note the 897 is new prefix for some telephone customers in Columbia Falls. This is not a typo.

Gary and Lori Luce moved to Columbia Falls from Seattle in June, 2006. He had always wanted to return to his hometown and the move fulfilled his plans. His parents, Al Luce and Maxine (Poole) Luce Hoffman, were graduates of CFHS. Al was born in Columbia Falls and Maxine moved from Illinois with her parents. She attended Bad Rock School.

There are a lot of sports stories from CFHS as it went from Class B to Class A status during those eight years.

Back in Time owners, Jeff and Lynn Chase, are uptown business owners especially interested in the reunion. Specialty items from the 1950s and 1960s are featured at the store. They have been in the antique business about 14 years and opened Back in Time in February, 2007. It is located at 605 Nucleus Ave.

Jeff and Lynn are planning special events for class reunions and Heritage Days. I always like to visit the special display rooms, browse and visit with the friendly owners.

Jeff came to Columbia Falls as a teenager with parents, Harris and Verna Chase. I first met Jeff when he was a printer at the Hungry Horse News. Jeff, his mother and aunt, Zella Chase, are all talented musicians.

Lynn has been a successful business woman. She is from Great Falls, daughter of the late Tom and Sarah Clayborn. Lynn has had experience in clothing, restaurants, gas station, towing truck business in addition to knowledge of antiques.

Jeff and Lynn describe themselves as semiretired, enjoying Back in Time, presenting special musical or other entertainment and sales for customers. Store opens at 10 a.m. and closing hours can extend from advertised 5 to 8 p.m.

Gladys Shay is a longtime resident and columnist for the Hungry Horse News.