McBride 69'ers Host First Annual 2015 Summer Swap at Helen Fitzgeralds's Irish Grill in July

These McBride 69'ers picked 'up where they left off' nearly 45 years ago as they gathered at Helen Fitzgerald's Irish Grill on Thursday night, July 30, 2015 for the First Annual 2015 Summer Swap. Pictured (l-rt) John Phillips, Den Hoffman, Larry Chik with his hat in hand, Dan Bauer, John Eilerman, Bill Peick, Jerry Ewing, Dik Ganahl, Bob Morley, Jim Shafers, and Herb Diekemper. The Micks dubbed their space the 'McBride Corner' because of its orange colored hue and its four-leafed shamrock decorations! (Click to enlarge)  

Very few lies were told when the McBride 69'ers met at Helen Fitzgerald's Irish Grill in July 2015. As one 69'er explained, "the truth of a McBride life is far more exotic than any lie we might create!"

The Irish Grill's waitress Taylor's lightening-fast service kept the ice cold Guiness and other libations coming just-in-time. The music was driving and Helen's Irish Grill was packed. And while each 69'er may have had a personal favorite in the $3,000 bikini contest, the McBride 69'er group gave every contestant an equally-enthusiastic round of applause! 

None was deterred by the Mick's long-time separation. As Dik Ganahl commented, "Isn't it amazing how much, and how little, things change in 40 years? It seems we picked up mid-sentence on conversations left hanging in the halls of McBride so long ago!"  

Jerry Ewing added, "it was great to see everybody again after 48 years. It seemed as though we were getting back together after summer vacation, not after 45 years!"

Dan Bauer summed up the evening, "It was a good turnout and nice to see a lot of the guys outside scheduled alumni events.  We were able to enjoy cold beer, the Cardinals game on TV and plenty of attractive young waitresses.  When we're in our 70's we can return there and appreciate the handicapped parking and the accessible bathrooms.  When we're in our 80's we can go there and say, "This place is really nice.  I wonder why we haven't been here before!"

How true! 

While many 69'ers sent their regrets, all hope to attend next year's Second Annual 2015 Summer Swap. Be there!