Thoughts about events and people

I am sure you all will be delighted to find out that I have little left to say about our 94th Fourth of July celebration. I think this year’s event falls into the category of “the best show ever.” That seems to sum it up every year and this one was just as spectacular. Again, thank you to all who contributed in any capacity.

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One of my favorite July Fourth people died the day before our big celebration. Back in my days as Peabody Chamber of Commerce secretary, Harold Dyck was active in our downtown organization, serving on the board of directors and as president a couple of times. He worked hard for the success of chamber events and did a stellar job. He did not work on the fireworks, but had a hand in most of the other parts that made those July Fourth celebrations a hit.

He was good to work with and always did more than his share. He had a wonderful attitude about Peabody and its pluses. He was a great community cheerleader. I can only imagine the front row seat he had for the fireworks extravaganza this year. Rest in peace, friend — your work here is done and we are grateful you were on board.

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I do have a little something to share with my six regular readers. I think you all will enjoy knowing that I am headed for my 50th high school class reunion in August. It is true — 50 years. Does that not just seem like forever? I am traveling to northern Illinois for this event. I have not been to a class reunion since 1985.

In the past, I have mentioned in this space that I have a famous classmate who has made it fairly big in the movie industry. I have not seen him since high school, although he also has been back several times for reunions. Depending on his schedule, word is that he will probably attend this one.

His first theatrical production was a Christmas musical about the Shoemaker and Elves when we were in ninth grade. He was the shoemaker and I was the nameless Mrs. Shoemaker — his first co-star. Since then his co-stars have been Michelle Pfeiffer, Cher, Charlize Theron, River Phoenix, Scarlett Johansson, Brad Pitt, and many others.

His name, and you may not recognize it, is Richard Jenkins and he has been in dozens of movies. He played the dead guy in “Six Feet Under,” the psychiatrist in “Something About Mary,” and Professor Vale in “The Visitor,” for which he was nominated for an academy award. Not too shabby, huh?

My mother was a great saver of “stuff” and I have the script, musical score, and a newspaper photo of us on stage in the “Shoemaker and the Elves” production. I think I deserve to have them autographed. I will let you know how that goes.

In the meantime, wish me well. Fifty years — good grief, how did that happen?

—SUSAN MARSHALL