'Purple and Gold Pride Runs Wild' As Greenport All Class Reunion Takes Shape, Friends Plan to Gather for Laughter, Memories

GREENPORT, NY - "Those were the days, my friend. . . ."

The words to the popular song might well be a refrain echoed at what's arguably going to be the social event of the year in Greenport, as the 2016 Greenport High School All Class Reunion unfolds on July 16 at the 5th Street Park from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The event takes place every two years, and the excitement has been mounting as the big day gets closer.

"Purple and gold pride runs wild this weekend," said TK Krumenacker, who came up with the idea of organizing the bi-annual event in October, 2011.

Kevin Crump, Krumenacker said, was his "first recruit" to help with planning and design of how the reunion would look and operate.

The reunion is a fundraiser for Greenport High School, he said. After the 2014 event, $4,800 was donated; that number is expected to double after the 2016 reunion.

The event is free, with everything donated, from food, musical talent, volunteers, grills, paper goods and all supplies.

When the idea was first born, Krumenacker set up the website and started contacting former graduates and friends by phone, e-mail, social media and referrals. Everything was put on the website, including the guest list, advertisers, and who was donating which items. Facebook, he said, has made the process run much more smoothly.

But all the hard work was worth the effort, as the event gained steam and attendance grew from 600 in 2012 up to 2,700 in 2014. More than 3,000 are expected to attend this year.

In 2014, Krumenacker formed the GHS All Class Corporation; in 2014, the group filed for and received 501c3 status. A merchandise tent sells T-shirts, coffee mugs, hats and other souvenirs; ahead of the event, sponsors purchase signs to be displayed at the reunion.

The group is carefully constructed with a board of directors, committee chairs and members and a sea of volunteers.

Local businesses and individuals donate prizes for the raffle.

Lifelong friendships

At the heart of the reunion's incredible popularity lies the desire for old classmates and friends to get together, sharing fellowship and lifetime bonds and creating new relationships and memories.

"Alumni plan their family vacations around this event," Krumenacker said, with many working year round to organize the festivities.

Facebook is abuzz with friends reminding each other that the reunion is coming soon.

"I love the All Class reunion because I get to reconnect with old friends and meet some new ones. I even get to share the day with my parents, siblings and their classmates. It is truly a special event for one of the most wonderful places on earth — home," said Rose Heaney Baker.

And Annemarie Heaney Chouinard agreed. "I am proud to be a Porter and a GHS graduate. In order to put this event together, it takes a village. We all work together to make it a successful event. I am so fortunate to have grown up in a wonderful little town."

The All Class Reunion, said Chatty Allen, is unique. "The first year we had Alumni from the 1920s all the way up to 2012. In 2014, we had more than double the amount of alumni. It's really neat to see so many generations in one place. seeing people you haven't for years, decades, teachers, administrators. We have a saying, 'Once a Porter, always a Porter'. We are the only school that has done this not once, but now three times."

She added, "It is an amazing, fun filled — and, at times, sad day. Sad for those that are no longer with us. Anyone who has attended will echo, it's the most awesome day ever. Porter Pride is strong. As is the Greenport community."

Danielle Harrison-Meraz said she was onboard from day one to be on the committee. "I thought it was a great idea. What other school could pull it off? Many of us are there generations. It's more of a family reunion than a school reunion. The first two were wonderful. This one will be, too. And this one will be even more special for me. We are a unique and special community."

Volunteers needed to help set up the park and help with tasks throughout the day. Free breakfast will be available. Musical bands and their scheduled lineup times are to be announced; volunteer lists for tasks will be available soon on the group's Facebook page.

"This is a fantastic model for other schools to follow, because where else can you have many classes celebrating reunions within one large All Class Reunion at the same time," said Krumenacker, adding that other schools can contact him for suggestions and the model.

Still needed are gift certificates and items for the raffle from local businesses; to donate, contact TK Krumenacker at tk@admiralsinsurance.com. Contact Rose Heaney-Baker on Facebook to donate food items or bring serving items, Krumenacker said. Also needed are volunteers to set up, breakdown and help throughout the day.