Greetings. Sometimes you get whelmed.
Not over or under but just your basic 'whelmed'. This was the case
last night at Foster's Steakhouse in Plymouth, NH. The occasion was
Mary Gallagher's retirement. This was the unofficial official version
as orchestrated by some key players headed by Natalie Murphy and
Carole Heuser.
There was schmoozing; tippling;
repasting; re-uning and communing. Most of all there was celebrating.
Mary had said enough is enough and in the next world you are on your
own. Her ineffable efforts were to become the substance of legend.
Most of the people in the above picture had already committed
euthanasia on their curriculum vitae. Perhaps the most cogent comment
of the evening was delivered by Natalie, “I knew that one thing I
was going to make sure was that I was going to retire before
Mary!” Everyone empathized with that sentiment. It was mentioned
that even when Mary may not have been at her desk for a single day,
hemlock became a viable alternative.
The
evening was very concise in its tribute. Anecdotal authenticity was
provided by Al Blakeley. Though vertiginous in its veracity, he could
claim fifty years of being part of a world that included Mary as a
student, co-worker and bon vivant. Halfway through his testimonial
there was gush everywhere; on the table, the floor...everywhere. As
he continued there was no mistaking the energy. This is what was
special for all of us. Several members now present had eventually
worked for other school systems but could not shake the umbilical
nature of Newfound Regional HS or (Newfound Memorial HS if you
prefer). Even financial betterment or appealing academic visions
could not overshadow their connectedness.
The
gush did get quickly cleaned up to prepare for the entrance of the
ShutYourVonTrapp Family singers. Under the direction of Cecil B.
DeMurphy the family tirelessly rehearsed until they could perform
with a controlled cavort. “So long, farewell! There's nothing more
to tell
Without
you there, the school will go to hell!” rippled through the air
with a prodigious foment of mirth. Paul Hazelton's outfit once again
proved you can lederhosen to drink but you can't make him yodel.
The
denouement was appropriate in its basking. Yes, Mary was the heart,
perhaps even the keystone, but what is the true marvel here? As a
newbie, only thirty years associated with this crew, with his own
extended family (the Von D'Luccis) this was also my family.
So
back to the whelming.
In
trying to describe my feelings at my own retirement breakfast I
remember attempting to imagine life without a school budget, books or
buildings. I harkened to the ancient Greeks. One went to the public
square in quest of a teacher/mentor. One did not accept just any
educator without knowing their mettle. Had this been the case in our
present times here in the Newfound area, the above picture would have
been the ones most sought. I would like to think that those seeking education/enlightenment would come
from miles around and no one would be concerned with the journey.
