OUR “GOLDEN MOMENT IN TIME” IS NOW A CHERISHED MEMORY

WOW!  What an event!  Memorable.  Reflective.  Downright fun!

As one classmate said, “We are now all on a level playing field.”  The years have given us the grace of wisdom, acceptance, forgiveness, genuine interest, respect, appreciation, and an unexpected need to reconnect with those with whom we share roots. But we haven’t lost our senses of humor, our passion for fun (though perhaps not quite as late into the night!), or our ability to make each other laugh. Did you learn who had a crush on you 50 years ago? It was as though we stepped right back into 1976 finding our youthful selves again—but even better!

It was sometimes hard to find those 18-year-old faces behind our 68-year-old lines of experience (aka wrinkles!), gray hair (for some!), and slightly fading eyesight and hearing! But all in all, we have weathered the storm of our 50-year journey quite well.

We heard truly amazing stories of our lives. We learned that our successes are defined not only by remarkable careers, but by the differences we have made in the lives of others and our communities. We shared stories of challenges faced and overcome, the families we have raised, the two—sometimes three—generations following us, and friendships that have endured the decades or have begun anew at this reunion.

From July 30-August 2, we celebrated our lives and each other in a big way! Here’s what it looked like. 

• Primanti’s saw well over 100 people for the initial “I haven’t seen you in 50 years!” Endless food and free drink tickets started us off.  Hats off to the Primanti’s team there for making it truly easy for us. The accommodation and flexibility were appreciated.
• There was no shortage of an 18-year-old mindset for the 22 who played golf.
• Mt. Lebanon had 28 of us strolling its central business district to learn more about Lebo history and how we have evolved. 
• The Saloon...well who knows how many were there.  It was a lot!  118 registered but more came including those from other classes as is the tradition. 
• During the High School Tour, 86 were in awe of the changes to the hallowed halls we once occupied.
• Our Main Event at PNC Park hosted close to 200 who enjoyed multiple displays and videos that left us saying, “I remember that!”, a beautiful city view, and even a Pittsburgh cookie table with the Pittsburgh classic Burnt Almond Torte as its delectable centerpiece!
• The gathering at the Golf Course Pavilion got rained out but...
• ...our final farewell at the Grist House proved to be a delightful, scenic wind down for about 40 of us.

All in all, our guestimate for total attendance through all events exceeded 250 from 3 other countries and at least 28 states.

This long weekend won’t easily be forgotten as it is engraved in our spirits and souls.  But to help you remember, keep in touch, or be there when you couldn’t, here are the links you’ll want to visit again and again. These are truly worth a look! 

• 50^th Reunion Photos (good thing you can see our nametags or paddles on most!): LINK
  • Plus you can upload & view your own photos in our Lebo76 archive: LINK
• 50^th Reunion Memories Slideshow (you have to watch this! It’s awesome!): LINK
• 50^th Reunion Spotify Playlist (how can you beat 70’s music?): LINK
• 50^th Reunion Memorial Video (we will always remember): LINK
• 50^th Reunion Program (so nice for those not able to attend): LINK
• 50^th Reunion T-Shirts (wear it proudly!): LINK

Website:  Lebo76.com.  Register and /or update your profile and connect through the Message Forum.  Watch for future events here!

Keepsakes:  Face paddles that helped us to easily identify our former selves at the Main Event! Hand calligraphed name tags with an iconic photo of Pittsburgh on the back. Reverse the photos and you have a Pittsburgh skyline magnet for your fridge!  A program with memories and recognitions to read over and over. 

We, again, thank all those that contributed and continue to contribute to our reunion fund that helped immensely with the expenses for this reunion. Because of a post-event negotiation with PNC Park, we were able to finalize a payment to them that was less than anticipated which, when combined with remaining donation funds, can serve as seed money for future gatherings.

Speaking of donations...the centerpieces from the Main Event did not go to the dumpster. Residents at Concordia of the South Hills Retirement Community in Mt. Lebanon welcomed the cheer they brought to them.

YES...we said it!  Future gatherings!  We seemed to say goodbye wanting more...so maybe a simple 70^th birthday party for all is next?? If not, the 55^th will be here before we know it.

We, as a committee, were honored to create a memorable weekend for all. We are certainly touched by the appreciation and thanks we received from so many.  It makes it all worth the effort.  However, nothing is accomplished without the willingness of others to help. It takes a village, as they say, and we were immeasurably grateful to have an additional 15 or so people create elements that made the weekend unique, personal, and special as well as those that were there to literally ‘lend a hand’ and/or a strong back! We thank you.

Our website and social media will keep you in touch with any future announcements.  Stay connected! 

Thank you to all for making this a successful event.  While the activities were fun, it is ALL of the classmates that attended and even some that couldn’t that made it a special and memorable event.  There’s nothing quite like the...

MT. LEBANON CLASS OF 1976!

Out for Kicks in ’76!

Faithfully,

Your 50^th Reunion Committee,

Beth Schriber Gardner
Barbara Berti
Wendy Bucey Smith
Michael Cain
Russell Del Re
Rhoda Hauser Newton
Carol Humphreys Gordon