Dolgeville Central School entrance photo by Carol Vogel.
Story by Carol Vogel
Meeting up over a cup of coffee, Betty Pohleven was excited to tell me all about this year’s Annual Dolgeville-Stratford Alumni Reunion. As a member of the Alumni Committee, she is hopeful the event will be another successful and fun gathering of alumni. Celebrating its 15th year, the fall luncheon is a chance for alumni, staff, and friends to gather and visit as well as to support the Alumni Awards given at DCS graduation each June by the committee. Registration is happening now for the event.
About the Reunion
The Reunion is open to all former classmates, teachers, employees, and friends of Dolgeville and Stratford (annexed in the 1980s) school districts. The Luncheon is the main fundraiser for the group that provides monetary awards to deserving Graduating Seniors of Dolgeville Central School. Since 2008, the alumni group has fundraised and given out 76 – $500 awards for a total of $38,000 to graduating students in need.
The Alumni Luncheon will be held at The Graystone on Main Street in Dolgeville on Saturday, September 23, 2023. Tickets are $25 each, and a reservation is required. Reservations are due by September 16th. The luncheon is being catered by Dopp’s Inn, and the program will include speakers and an update on the donations given to the recent 2023 DCS Graduates. There will also be a basket raffle and a 50/50 raffle during the luncheon. If you would like to donate to the basket raffle, please contact Kathy Ellis at 315-429-9439.
Each year, milestone class anniversaries are highlighted. The classes with special recognition this year will be 1953 (70 years), 1958 (65 years), 1963 (60 years), 1968 (55 years), 1973 (50 years), 1978 (45 years), 1983 (40 years), 1988 (35 years), and 1993 (30 years). “There are no reserved seats – so get there early and save seats for your classmates!” Betty said.
Alumni Support
Betty spoke about the need for the support of alumni now more than ever. “The alumni that graduated in the ’40s consisted of some of our largest donors, and unfortunately, we have lost many of them.” She also mentioned how important it is to get the younger generations of alumni involved “It would be great if we could get some of the younger classes to attend. Last year we had some attend, and they had a great time!”
The reunion Committee began raising money for graduation awards back in 2008 when the first luncheon was held. “The original committee started with the class of 1955, and they wanted the recipient to be someone who has applied themselves in their studies and is in need.” Recipients of the awards are each given a $500 award to assist in the next step in their educational goals.
Spread the Word
As you know, the cost of continuing education is constantly on the rise, and every donation helps a deserving student at Dolgeville Central School. If you are an alumni, teacher, or employee of Dolgeville Central or Stratford School, please make sure you reach out and spread the word.
The luncheon serves as a gathering of alumni as well as the defining fundraising effort by the alumni committee to give back to their alma mater. Event registration forms are available at Southern Girl Diner, Zipp’s Hardware, and Green Acres in Dolgeville. The form is also available online through their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/482715632820832. You can email it or print and mail it via the instructions on the form. If you are unable to attend the September function, donations can be made at any time by contacting Betty Pohleven at bpohleven@hotmail.com or Sally Sterusky at sterusky38@gmail.com.
A Marketing professional for over 20 years, Carol Vogel is always writing. She enjoys telling stories, from crafting brand strategies and identities to creating social media campaigns, copywriting, and building websites. Carol has also designed and developed course content as an adjunct faculty member at Herkimer College.
Carol was raised in Dolgeville, N Y, the youngest of seven children. Moving away to pursue her education and career strengthened her appreciation of this beautiful area. She is excited to highlight stories from her hometown for the readers of My Little Falls.
Carol loves to entertain. Hosting game nights and outdoor movies allows her to gather people together. She loves making homemade pasta, is obsessed with great food, and when given a choice, she will always choose cake.
Carol lives in Little Falls with her husband, Andy, and their black lab, Gypsy, who likes to take walks very early in the morning.
If you have a story idea or want to reach out, you may contact Carol through her email at carolvogel11@gmail.com.