by Karolyn Dang on 2014-05-28
After months of planning, Olivia Fredericks held a private reunion at her residence for the women of Colton High School’s Class of 1968. Fredericks recalled that there were a handful of women that were unable to complete their four years of high school. She wanted to reunite these women as many of them have not seen each other since graduation (over 45 years ago).
Out of the 45 women that were invited, 34 of them were in attendance to the 60s-themed reunion; Fredericks even did a roll call to verify the presence of the attendees. As hostess, Olivia Fredericks dressed the part with hot pink go-go boots and a matching dress and hat. The Fredericks residence was decked out in authentic 60s memorabilia including a vintage typewriter.
Also present was an authentic phonograph along with an original 60s cassette player on display. Many of the women had a chance for a photo op with a Groovy Girl Cutout. Fredericks also displayed old albums she had collected from the 25th and 30th reunion. She even tabbed the photos so attendees just needed to flip to their name to find former photos of themselves. The event was complimented with Fredericks’ classic Love Bug sporting a personalized license plate stating, “Class of ’68 Ladies Reunion,” equipped with a honking horn.
As an icebreaker, the ladies played “Who Among Us” which included a series of 20 questions about lives and accomplishments of the women in attendance. The game allowed the women to get to know one another a little more by going around and finding out who did what.
Fredericks’ home flooded with tunes from the 60s, specifically 1968, including music by Jim Morrison and the Doors and the Association. Guests were encouraged to hit the dance floor to do “The Hully Gully”, “The Mashed Potato”, “The Locomotion” and “The Jerk”.
Sometime during the reunion, the group had a moment of silence to honor the classmates that passed before them. This was a highlight of the night as the Class of '68 had grown through a tight bond that the high school provided.
Though some of the ladies left, Fredericks gave out three awards for the night. Andi Ordaz, who has been happily married for the past 45 years, won “Who’s Been Married the Longest”. Delores Diaz won the category of “Who has the Most Grandchildren”. Elenore Diaz of Perris was presented a blue ribbon for “Who Drove the Farthest”.
The 60s candies turned out to be a big hit with women fighting over Abba-Zabas and boxes of Good & Plenty.
Even with all the awards and photo opportunities, the best part of the day was the reminiscing and the overall fun-loving spirit. “[There’s] so much good love and comraderie among these women,” Fredericks commented.
To describe the event, Fredericks referred to an old 60s song, “We’re gonna have fun, fun, fun ‘til daddy takes the T-Bird away.” The women had so much fun; the last guest didn’t leave until 11 at night.
Fredericks received cards in the mail saying how much they loved it. One attendee even mentioned how she didn’t remember some of the girls but had a great time getting reacquainted.
[END]
What: '68 Girls Reunion Shindig!
When: Sunday, May 18, 2014
Where: 946 W. Laurel Street, Colton, CA
Time: 2:00 PM
Menu: Potluck
Theme: 60's Era
Hosted By: Olivia Fredericks
This event will bring women together who, in some cases, have not seen each other in over 45 years!
There will be prizes awarded for who's Been Married the Longest, Who Has the Most Grandchildren, and Who Drove the Farthest........ We will also play games such as "Who Among Us"??, and speed dating!! Photgraphs will be snapped as a "Groovy 1960's Girl" and also from a "Love Bug" (complete with a honking horn)!, and lastly, from a "Vintage 1960's Van"! In addition, we will treat ourselves to authentic 60's era Candy!
On display will be typewriters, phonograph record player, and state-of-the-art Cassette Player, all from the 60's. Plus, a streaming video of the most popular musical girls groups of the time!! A dance floor will be provided for those who want to do "The Hully Gully", or "The Mashed Potatoe" or the "Locomotion" or even "The Jerk" !
It should be a real "INAGODADAVIDA" event!
I invite Colton City News to send a reporter out to attend and report on this event. My husband and I have spent weeks and weeks planning this reunion. It has been a labor of love. We expect approximately 45 ladies to attend.
Feel free to contact me for further information or questions at 909-649-4920 or by email address.