It's often said, "Once an Elliot Laker, always an Elliot Laker."
Never more than in 2022, as expatriate Celine Gauthier and the four-member unofficial Elliot Lake Seconday School (ELSS) Reunion committee are working to present a two-day gathering for alumni on the long weekend at the end of July, this summer.
Gauthier, who left Elliot Lake along with many other young people after graduating from ELSS, is part of the class of '78 and has been gone for 42 years.
She lives in the Ottawa area, but gets together with as many former classmates as possible about every five years.
Planning for this year's two-day event in Elliot Lake has been going on for months.
The reunion weekend will begin with all-day activities at Westview Park on Saturday, July 30 and includes a silent auction to raise funds for the Elliot Lake chapter of the Alzheimer's Society.
A number of artists and crafters involved are donating their works for the auction.
People are asked to bring folding chairs, sunscreen, possibly rain gear and their own food and beverages in containers.
A chip wagon will operate on site.
Admission to the first day is free.
The next day - Sunday, July 31 - rounds of golf are offered at the city-owned Stone Ridge Golf Course.
Event planning is a work in progress with more activities and opportunities to reconnect expected. Many of those registered still have family living locally.
Call it nostalgia, call it re-connection, it's obvious many us have a need to come home.
Gauthier said she was surprised to discover back-to-back days were still available for the chosen venues when she called to inquire several months ago.
So far more than 100 people have registered to attend the reunion. More than 7,000 have viewed the promotions online.
"Everybody is so receptive," she said.
The event is open to former ELSS students as well as current students.
After the 50th anniversary of ELSS in 2017, an official school reunion was held.
"But still again, a lot of people missed out," added Gauthier.
Gauthier said this time out there is a strong base of volunteers behind the event, all remaining good friends from their Elliot Lake days.
"I've got some good friends involved. Everyone's got something to do on practically everything we're doing," Gauthier said.
As for people who never graduated from ELSS, "We're not all graduates, not necessarily.
"Some have attended high school for a couple of years and maybe graduated somewhere else."
To register click here
For those whose plans change, the form can be resubmitted.
For insurance purposes entries need to be received by July 1.
A photo contest is being held with submissions due, also July 1.
For more information, or to offer program suggestions, you can email Celine Gauthier here.