The 30-year-reunion of Clarence High School's Class of 1973 is now in the books. While I have closed a few bars over the years, this was the first time I've ever closed a park. Some parks dept. workers were waiting for us to leave when we finally left the place -- more or less spotless -- at 11 p.m. That meant it was a nine-hour day for me (and my wife, who deserves extra credit since her high school friends were back in her native Albany), and even longer for some others.

The play-by-play facts of the picnic no doubt are listed elsewhere: who came the furthest, who had the youngest child or most grandchildren, how the tour of the school went, etc. So here are some quick, random thoughts about the proceedings:

* The best story of the day goes to former CCHS English teacher Mrs. Clatworthy, who was a surprise visitor. I had been trying for a few weeks to find out if any teachers were still in town. Finally, Mrs. Schmidt gave me a few leads. I sent out letters to Mr. Hicks, Mrs. Clatworthy, Mr. Carl and Mr. Hesslink. Mr. Hicks was nice enough to say in an e-mail he had to go out of town but was very disappointed not to be able to make it, and that he was thrilled to be remembered.

It turns out Mrs. Clatworthy was divorced some time ago, and has gone back to her maiden name. My letter to her had to be forwarded a few times before it reached the final destination. In fact, she received it Saturday morning ... as in the day of the picnic. She decided to go, despite nursing a broken foot. Based on the time I spent with her just before she left, she had a wonderful time and was pleased that everyone was so nice to her.

* Our other VIP visitor was Mrs. Chase, vice-chairman of the school board when we were there. Not only did she add a little class to the proceedings, but she even brought some baked beans and pitched in on preparing the food. Her son, Kevin, visiting from Hartford, popped in for a while before and after the demolition derby at the Labor Day fair.

* A late visitor was the planet Mars, appearing in the southeastern sky after dusk. Kim Merrihew was an expert astronomer in pointing the planet out to those who were still around. Mars will be about this close to Earth again at our 259th reunion; you might want to plan to stay later to see it.

* To the surprise of absolutely no one, there was enough food to go around.

* To the surprise of no one, no one seemed too eager to leave the food and drink for a long enough period of time to start a softball or volleyball game.

* To the surprise of me, someone left a Buffalo News lunch container behind. As the only Buffalo News employee there (that I know of), I immediately realized that it's probably an item from an employee appreciation picnic from more than nine years ago. (In other words, from before the date I started there). If it's yours, let me know and I'll get it to you.

* To the surprise of many of us, Bill Irr was quite funny as master of ceremonies. Who knew? Being a father has done wonders for him, apparently. Seriously, though, Bill was extremely generous in setting up the sound system for the event, and he has everyone's gratitude.

* As usual, the main activity was catching up with friends from the past. And what struck me was how the high school experience is so powerful that it still brings people together years and years later.

For example, I haven't seen Bob Schoenthal in at least two decades. In hindsight, we were only in relatively close contact for a couple of years. Yet I know that he was a class act then, and I could guess that he's a class act now ... and I was right. It was great to see people like him and Don Smith, who had fallen out of touch.

For example, I had longer conversations this year with people like Kathy Ernst and Steve Kick than I ever had when we were actually in high school together. But it's been fun chatting with them at the picnics this summer and getting to know them a little bit.

* I continue to be in awe of what Julie Porter accomplished here. These functions usually take a year to plan in order to get any sort of turnout. I think it was about March that Julie decided a 30th reunion needed to be done, and took on the task of organizing it basically from scratch. She had plenty of help -- her husband's work on the Web site was outstanding, for example, and a bunch of others contributed in a lot of ways -- but there was no doubt who was driving this train.

Julie, I hope you know how much everyone appreciates your efforts. And we won't be offended if you take a smaller role in the planned 50th birthday party for everyone on July 4th weekend, 2005.

* And to all the people I interviewed -- OK, pestered -- about their best friends, I'll get to that eventually.