Gretchen, was always the giver and seldom the taker. She had surprised her husband with birthday parties on five occasions. So it was Tom’s turn. Surprises are always much work just to keep it a secret and to get the crowd to attend without giving it away.

On Aug. 25, friends Allan and Marie Stone took the McClellands to the Old Spaghetti Factory in Roseville for a casual dinner. When Gretch got off the elevator at the second floor, she was greeted by 35 well wishers, all shouting at her. Gretchen cried. Then she saw all her pals who were there, including sisters Sue and Wendy who flew out from Minnesota.

Also there were CitiBankers, former players from her old tennis club, Kiwanians, some Theta Chi brothers, and, of course, immediate family with four grandkids.

Gretchen is aging well. Good thing she is healthy. She survived the surprise without a heart attack.

Steve’s Note: You can see more photos from this big event in our photo gallery.
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Some Messages for Gretchen from Those Who Could Not Be Here:

Wife Norma’s knee surgery was higher priority than your party this week. Sorry. Hope you have a wonderful time without us.
George and Norma Rebholtz

Please give Gretchen a big hug for me and wish her a Very Happy Birthday.
Deanna Prince

Have a great party, Gretch, and enjoy many more. If I am on a cruise, I can’t be there.
Your favorite Sister-in-Law,
Norma Pollard, West Hartford CT

JAN AND I BOTH WISH YOU A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY ON YOUR 65TH.!
DON AND JAN Pollard, Bakersfield

Gretchen—Welcome to Medicare! It’s about time you joined the rest of us! Have a wonderful Birthday and many More!
Love, Carol and Dick Killer

Just got home from Alaska. Sorry that we can not attend. Having suffered my 65th and survived, please extend our best wishes to Gretchen and wish her the happiest birthday! Jim & Dyan Mart

My sisters left me behind, but I am saving dough to go to Wales. Have a Wales of a good time without me…and Happy Days!
Sistter Heidi

Happy Birthday Aunt Gretchen, from Adrienne and Tom Pollard in West Hartford, CT.

Hi Gretch,? Show them all that a sixty-five-year-old lady can still be cute & sassy.? ENJOY YOUR DAY!? Love,?? Norma Pollard

Gretchen, You have been a great sister to me! You are always full of fun with great dry humor. You always look great—and you are the only one I know who can keep up with husband Tom. He is a lucky guy. Gretchen makes 65 look beautiful and easy.
Lesley McClelland

These are very busy times for me. Sorry I couldn’t make it, but you invited too many Republicans. Barrack Obama

CONGRATULATIONS, GRETCHEN!
I know that your birthday will be a blast of happiness and a great celebration. You surely don’t look 65 (neither do I but that’s a different matter), I’ll bet you are still carded.
I am so disappointed that I will be unable to join you, but I will be in the Black Hills of South Dakota. We’ll drink a toast to you with the presidents looking on.
Carol Preszler

We will try to be there Sunday, but if we fail, you have our wishes for a wonderful next 65 years!
Perry (Mr. Perry) and Sophia Potiris

A trip to San Diego forces me to miss your big celebration. It is a special day, August 26th is. It is also the birthday of my daughter. We will get together for lunch in September.
Have a nice birthday!
Tatyana

Gretch, Honey, even though I realize you are a Democrat, I wanted to be there. A bit of gentle persuasion might have converted you. No matter how you vote, I will never forget the night we had in Arizona.
Big John McCain

We hope you continue to have many joyous birthdays. What’s the alternative???
Your neighbors, Dave and Judy Arbuckle

Sorry we missed the 65th bash but we would like to wish the kid a
happy birthday. Gretchen, we don’t know why you married an old man but it seems to be keeping Tommy young.
Bob and Mary Jean Crider.

An Ode to Gretchen

’Tis ten years since the double nickel
Oh how the years so quickly trickle
They make a gal think twice or thrice
“I’m lucky to find a man so nice.”

She won the lottery, you know
Just blind luck, or so, or no
So off they’ll go to Paris
And ride the wheel of Ferris

Just think how lucky she has been
She found an insect not so thin
He treats her well cause she’s a queen
That’s how it is; that’s how it’s been

And sixty five is not so bad
But what the heck can you do about it?

Happy Birthday, Gretch. We love you. Sorry we missed your night at the Factory.

Danny & Sheila
The “bird dog” and “dogess.

We received your surprise birthday invitation—and loved our being on the cover of Life. Wow, how impressive!
David and I hope you had a wonderfl celebration. We could not attend for obviousreasons, like living in Texas.
Linda and David Pollard

How did the birthday party go? A very happy belated birthday to you, Gretchen. I arrived back Wednesday night from Costa Rica after a 16-day visit and business trip. So sorry I missed out on the fun.
Marilyn Edwardes

I just got back in town. Anne isn’t home yet. I will try to make it.
Johann Otto

Maybe we can do this celebration another time, another place. We hate to miss out. Go, girl!