With 2023 marking six decades since the Pelham secondary school opened its doors, a small committee of alumni and Crossley staff are busy planning a one-day gathering to mark this special occasion.

The main event takes place Saturday, June 17, starting at 7p.m., at the Meridian Community Centre. As a licensed venue with both indoor and outdoor spaces, the community centre seemed the ideal place to have graduates from all decades get together to reminisce.

“We have a small but mighty group of volunteers putting together the entertainment, a chance to connect with classmates, and with current and past teachers as well, and a few special surprises. You won’t want to miss this party!” notes Janet Cripps, current Head of Guidance at Crossley and alumna from the 1980s.

Three sets of live entertainers, all Crossley alumni themselves, will provide live music throughout the night, including:

• 7-8pm: Daymond Robins, Jeff Saylor, Chris Putman, Luke Martindale
• 8:30-9:30pm: Max Ingrao, Dave Gaines, Chris Putman, Steve Goode
• 10-11pm: Jim Casson, Ron Hoover

Peter Pipers, one of the event sponsors, will host an after-party as well, with an open mic session featuring Dan Lostracco.

Meet and greets with past and current teachers, as well as staff, are planned for the day, and alumni spirit wear is available through purchase through the ordering section on the Crossley website. Customization options such as adding a name or year of graduation, are available.

The committee and volunteer pool are made up of former and current teachers and staff, as well as several alumni from the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s. Of course, Cripps adds, anyone else interested in joining the planning is welcome and can contact her at the school.

Early-bird tickets for the event went on sale May 1, at a cost of $25 each. This special price is available just until May 22, and can be purchased through a dedicated website linked to Crossley’s main website. The price after midnight on May 22 will be $35. Ticket sales will offset the cost of the event, while attendees will receive a branded souvenir and a coupon towards food costs. The proceeds from the event will be used for future initiatives related to the school community. Past events have helped fund equipment and infrastructure related to such areas as music, technology and athletics.

In the meantime, alumnus Cam Baty, who also taught at Crossley and now teaches at Stamford, has started a kudoboard online for anyone to post greetings, messages, updates on where they are now, as well as any past photos, articles, or materials from their days at the school. There are already a few ‘Murals’, some interesting history posts and greetings, as well as a fun mix of videos capturing sports moments, everyday activities and Crossley’s own marching band in action.

The committee has also set up a Crossley Alumni Database Google form, in order to capture information about profession and occupations. Through the database, Crossley alumni would then make themselves available to connect with current students to discuss career and education pathways. More information and the database link are also available on the alumni website.

Many community sponsors answered the call to help make the event happen. Connect – Celebrate – Crossley, the E.L. Crossley 60^th Reunion has been made possible by: Fonthill Massage Therapy Clinic; Meridian; Maple Meadows Farm and Event Centre; Dentistry in the Village: Debbie Pine Royal Lepage Realtor; the Bridgeman family; AAPEX Driving Academy; Tucker Homes; Enriched Academy; the Baty family; the Edwards family; the Morgan family; the Walker family; and Peter Pipers.

For more information, visit the website, elcrossley.dsbn.org and click on the reunion link, or contact Janet Cripps at janet.cripps@dsbn.org or call 905-892-2635, ext. 60924.