Randomness Leads to a Lifetime of Memories – Part II

Eric and Colleen Morgan pictured with a poster of Ray and Margy Salitore, original owners of Ray’s Place.

Turning What You Love into What You Do
By Pat O’Connor

In Part I of this blog last month, I wrote about how Eric and Colleen Morgan’s affection for Ray’s Place in Kent was the site of their first meeting there over 35 years ago. They returned this past December 9 for a 35th reunion to sit on “their” barstools where they first met.  This segment describes that celebration with 25 -30 people joining them for an open house at Ray’s. It continues their journey into the randomness of life. I was there, too!

With all our hectic lifestyles and constant change today, it’s a pleasure to return to a place where you can relive important times, people and events… where places are how you fondly remember them. It’s refreshing and comforting at a time when comfort is at a premium.

Eric taught German at Roosevelt High School for 25 years. He also coached the girls’ soccer team, including my daughter Erin. He retired from teaching in 2023. Collen retired from Macy’s. They both continue working in the Myrtle Beach area where they relocated in 2024.

AnniversaRays
The Morgans made a special trip to Kent to celebrate the 35th anniversary of their meeting. They invited numerous friends and family to join them.

On arrival to Northeast Ohio, they took some time to drive by their “old homestead” in Atwater and visit their parent’s resting places. The next stop was Ray’s arriving about 4 p.m. when it was quiet. They loved seeing the Christmas decorations as they have every year since 1990. They also loved the smell, the sound, the feel and the perpetual Ray’s vibe. It gave them special personal time before family and friends arrived. Everything was so familiar.

Welcome!
Eric took charge of welcoming everyone and doing introductions as needed. Colleen strolled from table to table smiling and hugging everyone. Some two generations of friends and family from nearby cities joined them. All are closely connected through church, family, sports, traveling, 4-H and other activities.

I circulated among the throng to say hello and learn about the group. I met a seamstress, Barb, who made the wedding dresses for Colleen, her bridesmaids and also the ring bearer pillows. It was amazing how many special connections everyone had with each other including me. Very festive with lots of laughter and sharing special times together.

Unexpected Surprises
Numerous surprises occurred that evening which often happens at Rays. Here’s a sampling.

Eric showed me a few tables that were filled with party goers. One table included five guys. I popped over to get their take on the event. After introducing myself, one of the surprised guys asked, “Who are you and what do you want?” “Oops… excuse me… sorry, fellas. I thought you were part of Morgan’s 35th anniversary celebration.” They had no idea what was going on at the tables next to them. They were good sports about it as I informed them of the event. They finished dinner and joined everyone for a good laugh as they congratulated Eric and Colleen. Unexpected stuff happens at Ray’s all the time.

Two of Eric’s high school teaching colleagues randomly happened to stop in. Eric worked with them for some 25 years. Great reunion and two more people celebrating. More spontaneity.

Two former Ray’s employees were at a nearby table. I shared with them what was going on and asked if maybe they had been working the night the Morgans met. They responded, “We did work Friday nights back then so we probably were”.

Joe Shircliff was Colleen’s bus driver. He was prominently featured in the book, “Meet Me at Ray’s” and also the video describing how the book was written.

A number of Joe’s relatives also attended the event.

Is Nourishment the Secret?
The phrase, “You can’t go home again” applies to most places, but not Ray’s. At Ray’s, you can go home again as often as you like. Charlie Thomas, long-time Ray’s owner, once commented that Ray’s is “bigger than us.” Eric and Colleen Morgan are proof positive of that. They exemplify the Latin phrase Alma Mater, which translates to “nourishing mother.” Our college days and the special places associated with them are a source of nourishment… one we wish to revisit and celebrate as often as we can.

As guests departed the event, they all said to each other, “See you next year on December 9.” Ray’s Place is, indeed, “bigger than us.”

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” – Helen Keller