Classmates gather for annual chance to share memories
By Matt Caulder
Published in News on July 6, 2014 1:50 AM
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News-Argus/BOBBY WILLIAMS
Henry Warren, left, and his wife, Janice, flip through a yearbook while their nephew, Lester, looks on during the Carver Alumni reunion in Mount Olive Saturday afternoon.
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News-Argus/BOBBY WILLIAMS
Carver alumna Shirley Sims enjoys some food -- and fellowship -- during the picnic.
mcaulder@newsargus.com
MOUNT OLIVE -- The 32nd annual Carver High School Alumni and Friends Association's reunion weekend continued in Mount Olive Saturday with the annual picnic at the Carver Cultural Center.
The barbecue was a good chance for people to slow down and to catch up before the dance Saturday night.
Rachel Tate, Class of 1952, was making it out to the picnic as her first event of the weekend.
She made it a point to get to the picnic -- even if she missed the banquet Friday night.
"This is my first time this weekend, but I come most every year," she said. "I have enjoyed today so far. I like to see everybody I haven't seen in 50 years."
Ms. Tate still lives in Mount Olive.
The day promised good food and good conversation for the 150 or so participants at the picnic.
Cornell Boney, Class of 1951, traveled from Maryland with his son for the weekend.
"I always am here," he said. "I love my school, love my town, love the folks, love the pickle."
In the 32 years the reunions have gone on, Boney has only missed one.
"It was about 17 years ago and I was with my wife," he said. "I still love coming and I hope I'll be around for the 33rd."
Mamie Moody, Class of 1957, comes down from New York each year for the reunion weekend.
"I just love all of it," she said. "I come down from New York each year. I love the banquet and the annual picnic."
Tony Forbes, Class of 1963, moved back to Mount Olive after retiring four years ago.
Even while working and in the Army, he made a point to come back home for the weekend each year.
"I was in the Army for 25 years and in Maryland for 17 years," he said. "My retirement money goes a lot further down here. I love it, I get to see old friends and some old classmates. It's always good to see people with shared experiences. It brings back memories."