Kids & Family

Epic Plans For Class Of '64 Reunion

In 1964 the Clarkstown School District had one high school, Clarkstown Central, currently known as Clarkstown North. Now 50 years later, the graduates of the school are planning a nostalgia filled weekend reunion. 

New City realtor James Damiani is helping to plan the September 2014 event. He said his class graduated in a vastly different era.

“During our Senior Year President John F. Kennedy was assassinated and the Vietnam War was ramping up,” he said. “Our football team and soccer teams were Rockland County Champs.”

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The reunion takes place Friday September 19th through Sunday, Sept. 21st, 2014 with a tour of the former high school and a Hudson River cruise among the activities. Most of the events take place at the Crowne Plaza in Suffern with plenty of opportunities to reconnect, reminisce and mingle.

“The Clarkstown High School Class of 1964 was comprised of around 250 graduates,” said Damiani. “About 50 have made plans to attend so far. We are anticipating that number will grow as the date approaches.”

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Highlights of the weekend include a Friday night get together and music by Clarkstown Central High School’s jazz band, the “Sophisticated Swingsters,” and games of “Liar Liar Pants on Fire” with classmates vying to guess each other’s three truths and one lie, “Monster Trivia Challenge” and “Remember Then Nostalgia Show.” A DJ will spin hit tunes from the sixties. On, Saturday night they will be stepping out at the “Bop-Till-You-Drop” senior prom dinner dance.

Damiani and about eight classmates began planning the reunion about two years ago.  He has been helping with planning, site selection, programs, and entertainment. The organizers created a website to share information at www.clarkstownhs64.com. A music video invitation complete with 1960s music welcomes the graduates. Classmate Don McNeil designed the website where fellow alumni can get information about the reunion, post their biographies and photos and make reservations.

Damiani said classmates have been gathering every almost every 10 years since graduation.

“It's been about 20 years since our last reunion and we're looking forward to reconnecting with our classmates,” said Damiani. “We have had 10 year, 20 year and 30 year reunions.”

Most of the reunion events and meals are covered by the $200 per person ticket price. The cruise and accommodations at the Crowne Plaza cost extra.  


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