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The importance of college friendships is underscored in this very small sample of reunions that came to our attention this summer.
[ As we wander, we still Wunder ] • [ Younger & more flexible ]
[ Creating scrapbook memories ] • [ Forty plus & going strong ]
[ Summer solstice ]
A pig roast, music, and t-shirts are hallmarks of the Solstice group reunions hosted by Kimberly ’89 and Jerry ’91 Kuhlman near West Chester, Pa., every year.
They decided to have an annual gig to keep their wide-flung group in touch. Members have come from California, Florida, Texas, New Jersey, Maryland, and various points in Pennsylvania.
“Each year we have live music. This year we had six local bands. The one band that is not quite professional, the Shadoobie Band, started in the basement on Penn Street rehearsing for Greek Week 1988,” said Jerry. It’s made up of alums Steve Camarca ’89, Brian Peachey ’89, Michelle Campen ’94, and the Kuhlmans. The Kuhlman kids (Emily, Meghan, Jerry and Kyle) join the band for the annual version of the Stones’ “You can’t always get what you want.”
The Solstice parties are held on a 300+ acre farm where there is plenty of room for camping, playing, eating, and listening to music. Kurt Smith designs a t-shirt for each reunion—something he started back on Penn Street when his friends sold his designer t-shirts for beer money. This year the group brought back the original Solstice T. To see a history of the t-shirts and to learn more about the Solstice parties, check out waykool.com.
The location and the bands that play are in exchange for professional services provided by Jerry’s business. Jerry’s website design company sponsors the event. Besides the food and music, there are games and other activities for children and adults.
The 2005 Summer Solstice gang. Front row: Jerry Kuhlman ’91, Pat Shearn, Gary Smith ’91. Second row: Annie Shearn, Christy Tanzola Camarca ’91, Kim Minshall Kuhlman ’89, Steve Camarca ’89, Marni Bentliff Mitchell ’93, Dave O’Donnell ’94, Bill Wadwitmer, Mary Ellen Fleischmann, Karen Muehlbach Mayes ’89, Michelle Beatit Ulmer ’94. Back row: Skip Misal ’93, Hal Aqua, Brian Peachey ’89, Kerry Pepper ’91, Steve Toolay, Mike Shealey ’90, Greg Dubbs. Attending but not pictured: Tiffany Battastini Shucker, Al Piechotta ’89, Chris Keith ’90, Patty McMenamin Poach ’90, Chrissy Trego Spiri ’91, Drew Spiri Andrew ’93.