Sunday, April 19, 2015

102nd Old Timers' Reunion brings back families, friends far and near every year

One word echoed over and over at the 102nd Deming and Luna County Old Timers' Reunion — "Community." That's the way guests for the annual event this past weekend summed up the appeal for one of New Mexico's long-standing social gatherings. "There's nothing like coming home," said Janet Gardner Barclay, a 1975 graduate of Deming High School. "I come to this whenever I can. It's fun to catch up and visit with old friends every year." The annual get-together is organized each year by the Old Timers' Association of Luna County — a committee that charges a $1 yearly due, or a $100 lifetime membership. Over 472 dinners were served on Saturday at the annual banquet and dance held at the Special Events Center. "It brings back a lot of memories," said Sylvia Coussons who serves as treasurer for the group. "We are a tight-knit community — always have been — and people like to come together once a year to bring back old memories." Sylvia's husband, Jack, served as president of the association back in 2000. Coussons has given service to the Old Timers for the past 40 years. She said some of the founding families of the organization are gone, but the offspring have kept the "fire burning and the legacies continue." She added: "The class reunions for the 1940s, '50s, '60s and '70s held this same weekend in town help to bring more people into our group." The Kreteks handed out the "Oldest Awards" to Dr. Paul Feil, 92, and Cleo Morgan, 93. Cherise Baker (32) and Raymon Farrell, 34, received the "Youngest Awards." Past presidents of the association were introduced and Joe Delk rosined up his fiddle bow and the Delk Band churned out hit after hit of two-steps and cowboys waltzes. "This thing just keeps growing," Coussons said. "We are close to feeding 500 guests each and every year. Who knows, maybe next year we can break past 500 friends."...more

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