Greetings 70s Classmates:

The Fourth GCHS 70s Mass Reunion is planned for Friday, October 21st and Saturday, October 22nd, 2022, at Golden Leaf Commons in Emporia, VA.  The theme for the 2022 reunion will be “Continuing to Remember the Past, Embracing the Present, and Looking Forward to the Future.”

In order for the committee to move forward with finalizing plans, we request that you make an early decision about your attendance at this event.  Make plans now to attend by sending in your reunion fee as soon as possible.  We need to move forward with venue deposits, caterer selection, etc.  Committee members’ contact information is included with this correspondence.  We ask that you help us by reaching out to fellow classmates and relatives who we are unable to locate.  If you can please spread the word about this reunion, so we may contact as many former classmates as possible. 

Due to the Covid 19 virus, we will be capping the number of participants this year for the reunion.  We will be following all CDC Guidelines that are in effect at this time.  To ensure your presence, please make your payment early or before September 15, 2022.  We look forward to seeing you.

BUILDING ENTRY

At the present time, a face mask will be required to enter and must be worn at all times, except when eating or drinking.  The committee will provide each paid attendee a N95 mask.  Temperature checks will be performed  and you will need to present your vaccine card.  You will not be allowed to enter the building if you have not paid your fee, have no vaccine card or abnormal temperature.  Please arrive early to give committee members time to get everyone registered in a timely manner.

BRING YOUR OWN BOTTLE (BYOB)

You will be allowed to bring your choice of alcoholic beverage(s) this time.  We ask that you drink responsibly and select a designated driver for the evening.

CLASS PHOTOGRAPHER

The committee has selected a local photographer for class photos on Saturday evening.

CLASSMATE/GUEST FEES

The fee to attend the reunion will be $70 per person or $130.00 per couple.  There will be no separation of fees whether you attend one day (Friday or Saturday) or attend both days (Friday & Saturday).  We appreciate your cooperation with this policy.

HOTELS

Emporia has several hotels to choose from and you are encouraged to make your reservations early.  They have AAA & Military discount prices also that maybe cheaper. The earlier reservations are made the cheaper the price.

Holiday Inn Express               434 336 9999             

Quality Inn                              434 348 8888

Days Inn                                  434 634 9481              $71.95 Standard price

Fairfield Inn & Suites                         838 435 0329              $109 must mention GCHS Reunion

Hampton Inn                           844 202 2664              Queen $116.99 / King $126.00

Sleep Inn                                 434 348 3900              1 Bed $136 / 2 Beds $146

REUNION COMMITTEE

Class of 1970  Roosevelt Sills            201 370 6456            

Class of 1971  Thomas Ross              210 685 6032              Patricia Garner                        434 594 8675

                        Brenda Boone Smith   434 594 2374             

Class of 1972  Angelina Ferby           434 594 7145

Class of 1973  David Hicks                919 608 8875              Ronald Kemp                          570 807 7580 

Class of 1974  Arletha Wood Cain     804 894 0639              Avis Walker Robinson            804 586 7687

Sherry Vaughan          804 833 9995

Class of 1975  Betty Brown               804 721 6546              Deborah Powell Palmer          434 594 5096

                        Alice Cain Randolph  804 986 1051

Class of 1976  Rufus Rawles              757 532 3586              Pam Jones Stewart                 804 837 0625              

Class of 1977  Veronica Powell         434 594 8435             

Class of 1978 

Class of 1979  Brenda Bowie                         757 719 7133              Brenda Hicks                          804 594 1700               

T-SHIRTS/POLO SHIRTS

The committee will not sponsor t-shirts or Polo-styled shirts this year.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Friday, October 21st              Casual Attire                           Class Colors – Green & Gold

6:00 – 7:00                              Registration 

7:00 – 8:00                              Dinner

8:00 – 11:30                            DJ, Fellowship, Fun

Saturday, October 22nd         Semi-Formal Attire                A Night of Elegance                                                                                              

5:00 – 6:00                              Registration*

6:00 – 7:00                              Program

7:00 – 8:00                              Dinner

8:00 – 11:30                            Celebration Begins

        DJ, Fellowship, Fun

                                                Class Pictures

Please Click Here For a Printable Registration Form

RICHMOND – Independence Day traditions include backyard barbecues, festivals, family gatherings and fireworks. To keep all those living, working, visiting and traveling through Virginia safe during the extended holiday weekend, the Virginia State Police is encouraging Virginians to play it smart and plan ahead to ensure everyone on the road is safe and sober.

“Summer days are filled with celebrations, vacations, outdoor festivals and backyard cookouts, but no matter where your plans take you, please make safety your priority,” said Colonel Gary T. Settle, Virginia State Police Superintendent. “With fatal traffic crashes on pace this year to mimic last year’s record number, I urge all Virginians to buckle up, eliminate distractions and never drive buzzed, drunk or under the influence. Together we can make this Independence Day the safest on record!”

If planning to drink alcohol at a July 4 function, plan ahead and arrange a designated driver, use a rideshare service or taxi, or utilize public transportation to be certain you get home safely.  Party hosts are encouraged to serve non-alcoholic beverage options, and to help prevent any guests from drinking and driving home from their event.

As part of its ongoing efforts to increase safety and reduce traffic fatalities on Virginia’s highways during the coming holiday weekend, Virginia State Police will increase patrols from 12:01 a.m. Friday (July 1, 2022) through midnight Monday (July 4, 2022) as part of the Operation Crash Awareness Reduction Effort (C.A.R.E.). Operation C.A.R.E. is a state-sponsored, national program intended to reduce crashes, fatalities and injuries due to impaired driving, speed and failing to wear a seat belt.

During last year’s four-day Independence Day Operation C.A.R.E initiative, there were 12 traffic deaths on Virginia highways. Virginia troopers arrested 61 drivers operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs, cited 4,025 speeders and 1,434 reckless drivers, and issued 510 citations to individuals for failing to obey the law and buckle up. Troopers also assisted 1,550 disabled/stranded motorists.

With increased holiday patrols, Virginia State Police also reminds drivers of Virginia’s “Move Over” law, which requires motorists to move over when approaching an emergency vehicle stopped alongside the road. If unable to move over, then drivers are required to cautiously pass the emergency vehicle. The law also applies to workers in vehicles equipped with amber lights.