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The Utica Free Academy Class of 1959 held their 50th reunion on Sept. 4 and 5, 2009.  One hundred returned to Utica for the celebration (some as far as Washington State, California and Canada) accompanied by another 50 guests.

The spirit of attending the Academy, which was founded over 200 years ago, was celebrated.  "Our class spirit was always high and fond memories have endured."  A "Meet and Greet" was held at the Blue Flag Restaurant in Union Station. The food was excellent and  many old friendships were renewed.

On Saturday morning a Memorial Service was held at the Oneida County Historical Society on Genesee Street.  Regrettably 53 of our classmates are deceased.  A few spouses of the deceased classmates also attended.  A candlelight ceremony was conducted by Andrew Putrello.  Angela Gorgon Matuella and Terry Kennedy coordinated this event. 

An afternoon tour of the Stanley Theater, the site of our commencement exercises 50 years ago, brought back many memories. The Dinner Dance was held at Valley View Country Club where the festivities were enjoyed by all.  An impromptu breakfast was held at the Radisson Hotel on Sunday morning.

In addition to those mentioned above, the Committee Members included: Vita Loconti Salerno, Margaret Gape Huebner, Pat Korrie, Rozalind Jones Kover, Beverly Carbone Abounader, Judy Kowalski Stanulevich, Audrey Padykula Manolescu, Joe Stocco,  Wendy Griffith Bowers, Laurel Oastler Zogby, Judy Ritzel Scire, Jessie Ingalls Fiorini, Rosalie Mikus, Faith Julian Nappi, Enid Savett, Lynarda Giocavelli Germondi, Robbie Hamlett Dancy, Diane Lorraine Viti, Judy Slawson Cater, Patricia Walters Servello. 

Rumor has it that we will meet again in five years.