On Oct. 25 many former students and friends gathered at the Jackson Community Building to enjoy a pitch-in and then attend an alumni meeting.

One former teacher, Mrs. Kaiser attended. Two former bus drivers who attended were Chase Wagoner and Richard Ruby. The oldest student was Chase Wagoner. The student from the farthest was Peggy Dwenger, from Auburndale, Fla. One former student Paul Marshall and his wife attended for the first time. We hope they enjoyed their visit and will return next year.

The word to describe this year’s gathering was “surprise.” Kay and Glen Wood had decorated the Community Building the day before and Steve Ward was the “surprise” theme. The tables were decorated in the Jackson School colors of blue and white. Steve’s grade school picture adorned the tables. On the back of the picture was a poem composed by Kay Wood for Stevie, as he is fondly known to some of us.

S.W.

This man is “Steve” as we all knew him / Sometimes he’s a nut – But Jane thinks he’s a gem!

For years Steve fought all kinds of fires / He traded in fires to fix all damaged wires!

During a storm – we could sometimes lose light / But Steve climbed the poles to make things bright!

In his shirts you

ll always find holes / I guess he snagged them climbing up the poles!

Well, now he’s retired and just sits around / But on the stool at the donut shop he can be found!

He’s “special” to some – honest to be believed / He’s a Jackson alumni indeed!

At last year’s reunion Bill Kirkpatrick had brought his wife’s waldorf salad for the pitch-in and there were quite a few smiles when the ladies opened the dish. Bill had grabbed the wrong dish out of the refrigerator and brought a mostly eaten baked chicken. This year Bill brought in the covered dish and announced it contained a salad. Upon opening the dish the ladies found a sign that said “Surprise” wrapped around a brick. Everyone shared a laugh.

We have fun times at the Jackson reunions, lots of good food; Marion Liggett is our MC and gives us a history lesson each year. We hope anyone who attended Jackson will join us at next year’s reunion. Our reunions are on the last Sunday of October. Next year’s reunion will be Oct. 31, 2010.