The crowd of about 80 attending the annual Rock-dale Homecoming had some serious business to decide Sunday in the Patterson Center.
Whether to keep the 84-year-old event going.
Barbara Gross, Rockdale Homecoming Association (RHS) president, told the group that disbanding the RHA was an option in light of declining attendance in recent years.
“It wasn’t that long ago we would fill up the KC Hall,” she said.
‘HUG’—Gross said the Association has tried to convey Homecoming is not just for RHS graduates, although they are welcome.
“It was always intended to be a community event for everyone,” she said.
She said other options considered have been moving the event from Sunday to Saturday on the same weekend or moving the date to coincide with the RHS homecoming, which changes each year.
After a brainstorming session in which several ideas were floated, the crowd decided, overwhelmingly by a show of hands, to leave the date at the second Sunday in June.
Gross acknowledged “competition” from social media, noting that many former Rockdalians keep up with classmates, former neighbors and acquaintances through emails, texting and Facebook.
“I’ve got one too,” Gross said, touching her cell phone. “But there’s just something about seeing people in person and giving them a hug.”
RECOGNITION—
Awards were presented to the following:
• Eldon Ball, 89, oldest person attending.
• Collin Pickel, 6, youngest person attending.
• Gerald Dockall, traveling the greatest distance to attend (Phoenix, Arizona).
Gross said the names of three persons who passed away during the past year were added to the RHA’s appreciation plaque.
They are Doris Wadlington, Dorris Henry and Billy Gest.
RHA officers are: Gross, president; Pat Watson, secretary; John King, treasurer; Linda Crane, Dr. Lucile Estell, Charles Hubert, Marie Hubert, Gary Jackson, Wenda Dyer, board members.
The office of vice-president is vacant, Gross said.
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