6-30-2026 8:00pm

50 Years Ago

Christine Larkin Editor

SKYLARK'S ARTICLE OF THE WEEK

50 years ago, I graduated high school. We had our 50th Bay Shore High School Reunion this past weekend. The earth keeps spinning and time feels like it evaporated.

I was on the planning committee for my reunion. It took many months to gather addresses and phone numbers. Status was important, too. Working? Retired? Divorced? Married? Children? It takes a village to put something like this together. Along with my fellow classmates, we did it. My third-grade teacher spearheaded the effort. She's been doing this for over 50 years. This year, she said she's done.

I grew up in Bay Shore on the south shore of Long Island. It was quiet in the 50's. Suburbia was just being developed on the island, and most families came from the city. They bought on the GI bill. A lot of the men were Korean War vets. My Dad was one of them. That's how they bought my childhood home. It cost $13,000. Some couches cost that much now.

Growing up in those days was magical. Where do I begin? There must have been 50 kids in my neighborhood. On summer nights, we'd play outside until the sun set. Fireflies were a common phenomenon, and we'd catch them in jars and poke holes in the lid so they wouldn't suffocate to death. We built tree houses. There were lots of woods in our backyard. We played with each other and got along. We made friends for life. There was an abandon farm a block away. Untouched territory. We'd play for hours there. Sometimes we'd find arrowheads from Indians that once occupied this space. The historic house, Sagtikos Manor, still stands today on part of that property. I still visit there often. It reminds me of colonial times. That's when our country was formed.

Seeing old classmates and reconnecting if just for a night was really wonderful. Some faces haven't changed much, and some have been marked by time. I managed to walk around the room stopping at each table to make sure everyone was having a good time. And then the DJ started playing a the Allman Brothers. The ultimate jam band who was at the top of their game in the 70's. Not much has surpassed them. Sweet Melissa. That was a popular name back then when the earth mattered. When we cared about each other. I think we still do. Not much has changed in that regard. We're just a bit older. But when you look into each other's eyes, that young person you shared a classroom with is still there. And no matter how many years go by, the earth will continue to spin, and we will continue to grow older. But who's counting.

Peace and Love,

Skylark

At 60 and Beyond, it's important to remain in awe of life no matter how fast the years pass.

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SKYLARK'S PICK OF THE WEEK

My pick of the week is Santana and The Doobie Brothers in concert this Thursday, July 2 at Jones Beach. Get your tickets. Visit Northwell at Jones Beach Theater Tickets & Schedule | Wantagh Concert Venue

SKYLARK'S HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK

The highlight of the week is the Fourth of July and our nation's 250th birthday. The New York Harbor will host over 60 international tall ships from 20 nations from July 3–9, 2026, as part of the Sail4th 250 celebration to honor our great nation. The big vessels will be sailing along the South Shore of Long Island this Thursday. The smaller sailing vessels will be traveling from the Long Island Sound into the New York Harbor. It's going to be spectacular. Happy Birthday, America!

Free Viewing of Sail4th 250 Tall Ships | Sail4th 250

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SKYLARK'S INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE OF THE WEEK

SKYLARK'S PRAYER OF THE WEEK

Dear God,

Please protect all of the sailors that are coming into the New York Harbor this fourth of July weekend and may all of the spectators be happy and safe, too. Amen.

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SKYLARK'S ITALIAN PHRASE OF THE WEEK

English: Welcome Amerigo Vespucci!

Italian: Benvenuto Amerigo Vespucci!

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SKYLARK'S INTERIOR DECORATING TIP OF THE WEEK

I love all things Italian. This style uses a variety of elements including wrought iron, stone, marble, wood, and glass. Now, that's Italian.

SKYLARK'S QUESTION OF THE WEEK

What does celebrating America mean to you?

Please put your answer in the Comment section below. I'd love to hear from you.

SKYLARK'S SONGS OF THE WEEK

There are three featured songs this week that are in theme with my article:

Aqua Marine by Santana, Wooden Ships by Crosby, Stills, and Nash and Elizabeth Reed by The Allman Brothers

MY BRAND - SKYLARK LIVE

I created my brand, Skylark Live, when I turned 60 years old and noticed a profound shift in this age. I wanted to talk about it and share what I was experiencing with the hope of helping other women as well. My brand consists of a weekly newsletter and a monthly vlog designed to motivate and inspire women over 60 to thrive in mature ageing through knowledge and self-awareness. I am open to conducting in-person conversations called The Skylark Sessions. These can be held in someone’s home or at a local library or senior center. To be continued.

Skylark Live Weekly Newsletter - My weekly newsletter, 60 and Beyond with Skylark - Living Life Inside and Outside the Home, features articles about human interest, nature, general observations, inspiration, goals, motivation, places I've been to, and ideas I want to explore. I'm open to ideas of what to write about, so let me know. I represent Bay Shore and towns beyond. There is also a calendar of events. I throw in Italian words, too, because I love the language and all things Italian. Bella Italia! As a paid subscriber, you will receive my newsletter each week in your email. That gives you a head's up. You can also advertise your business or event on my newsletter. Just click this link to subscribe: For updates, subscribe to our free newsletter! You can also become a paying subscriber.

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Thank you for your love and support! Grazie per il vostro amore e sostegno!