What are your Denver Place memories? Alumni supper, open house slated

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WILMINGTON — It was Nov. 22, 2013, when Principal Karen Long greeted a former student of Denver Place Elementary School and welcomed him home. David Lieurance had contacted Long days before, asking to visit his elementary school — and more specifically, to visit the classroom where he’d heard the news that President John F. Kennedy was assassinated.

There had been a great deal of information in the media marking the 50-year anniversary of that fateful day, and this Denver Place alumni wanted to re-live that day in the very spot where he had first learned about it.

Lieurance brought his wife, Barbara, with him, and as Long led the tour of the building, he broke away and led the group down the back hallway — now the fifth-grade hallway — toward the art room. He remembered the names of his teachers, and he told Long the story of learning about the death of the president. It was a day that Long says she’s never forgotten.

Other alumni have shared memories with Long of their days at Denver. They are fond memories re-lived through the eyes of their childhood, and they are memories that hold a special place in the heart.

“So many of our parents and grandparents bring their children and grandchildren into Denver and smile and say, ‘It still smells like it did when I went to school here!’” said Long. “So many current Denver families tell me about the generations of Denver alumni in their family.”

For some time now, Long says she has wanted to do something special to share this kind of experience with other Denver alumni and former and retired teachers — to host an event where everyone can come together and remember their time together at Denver.

“Denver teachers and staff are so proud of the work that we are doing,” said Long. “We would like to share that pride with our former students and Denver alumni.” And now plans are in the works to do just that.

Alumni Chili Supper, Open House set

Denver Place Elementary School invites its former students and teachers to the Denver Alumni Chili Supper and Open House 5-7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5. Faculty and staff will be on hand to serve up a variety of homemade chili with all the fixings, and alumni guests will also be able to tour the building and grounds and learn about the Denver tree campaign and plans for an arbor project and outdoor learning lab classroom that will be constructed on the front lawn of the building.

So Denver Alumni, be sure to mark your calendars, pull out your old photos and Denver t-shirts, and plan to attend.

Information for this article was provided by Diana Miller, who coordinates communications for several area schools.

Students in Virgene Peterson’s class celebrate a past Cincinnati Reds’ Opening Day.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2016/01/web1_Denver-Reds.jpgStudents in Virgene Peterson’s class celebrate a past Cincinnati Reds’ Opening Day. Courtesy photo

The Denver Alumni Chili Supper and Open House is 5-7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2016/01/web1_Denver-Place-Elementary-cr.jpgThe Denver Alumni Chili Supper and Open House is 5-7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5. Courtesy photo

A composite photo of 1989-90 Denver staff.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2016/01/web1_Denver-Staff.jpgA composite photo of 1989-90 Denver staff. Courtesy photo
Alumni chili supper-open house set

By Diana Miller

For The News Journal

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