The once-a-month scene at Houlihan's in Champaign is reminiscent of lunch period at Urbana High back in the day, a rambunctious mix of commotion and calories.

"They haven't threatened to kick us out yet," said Chris Hopkins. "However, there are a lot of conversations going on and a lot of people moving around. No one sits down for long."

More than a decade ago, Hopkins and Jackie Matthews thought it'd be a good idea to gather retired Urbana High teachers to lunch. Today, it's a madhouse. February's luncheon included 21 former Tigers with more than 600 combined years of service.

There are 53 participating teachers in a database compiled by David Lemons, including 95-year-old Carolyn Conrad, who taught chemistry. "What surprises me is we've found so many people," said Hopkins, who retired in 2005 and still lives in Urbana.

The luncheons, put on hold for COVID-19, resumed in 2023 and continue to grow.

"It's like homecoming every month," said Phyllis Gingold, who retired in 2008. "It says a lot what we have so many people, some who maybe didn't necessarily get along like in every employee situation, but we still come together and everyone's glad to see each other. So many memories."