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Date Posted: 11:38:46 03/27/11 Sun
Author: John Elberfeld
Subject: Our 50th Reunion
I’ve been thinking about our up-coming 50th reunion. Last summer Mike LeClaire gathered a small group of us together, and we came up with a wide range of ideas. Since then I’ve had a year of experience living on a fixed retirement income, and that really changed my thinking. Here is my wish list for our reunion now.
My goal for a reunion is to have a chance to talk old friends. I’ll tell you how beautiful your grand kids are (any great grands yet?) if you listen to me babble about mine. We’ll remember the great times we had (even if they never really did happen) and mourn our classmates who have passed away. None of this requires an expensive location or fancy food – just a quiet place to sit and talk.
Because I’m getting older, I admit I need some help. I hope we can have name tags with BIG PRINT because I can’t remember names as well, and while I still enjoy staring at some chests, it would help if I could also read your name.
Background music from the 50s and 60s is fine, but the last thing I want is a loud-mouthed DJ yelling at me to get up and boogie. I want to be able to hear what people are saying across the table without straining my ears and mind. I don’t want to waste energy fighting distractions. (Is curmudgeon the right word?)
We should invite everyone who has a physical or emotional connection to our class. We should include older and younger siblings, students who moved away or transferred to other schools, friends from other classes – anyone who feels they would like to attend.
I’d be happy if we meet at the Fisher Street (our old High School) cafeteria, have Carbones (if it exists) deliver a ton of pizza and “tonic,” and have a boombox playing Everly Brothers or Percy Faith in the background. I understand it might be hard to justify the expense for some of you to fly in from distant locations for something this simple, so this is just a starting point for a discussion.
In addition to our formal reunion, maybe we could have tours of the town in the afternoon, or local classmates could open their homes for informal gatherings – what would YOU suggest?
We need somebody (or a team) in the area to step up and take the lead in pulling our 50th together. The way we supported Ruth proves that we can work together and do our share, but we need a local coordinator to tell us how we can help. I’ll do what I can from an isolated farm house in upstate New York. We have two years to prepare, but time flies.
Please share your ideas so we have a reunion we will all enjoy and remember.
John Elberfeld
JElberfeld@AOL.COM
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Re: Our 50th Reunion -- Sookie Stockwell Weymouth, 08:25:37 03/28/11 Mon [1]
I concur. One of the reasons I skipped the last reunion was money, and another was plans for music and dancing. I wouldn't mind getting together at our old H.S. with simple fare, background music, time and place to talk. I can do without booze, if that's an issue with the site we choose. Let's find a place and a date soon so we can all make our plans, which might include lowest cost travel and place to stay.
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Re: Our 50th Reunion -- Mike L., 14:58:55 03/28/11 Mon [1]
I'm available for planning meetings or whatever. I still have access to the clubhouse in Ludlow for that, if needed. It's free and has whatever. Let me know. MIke L.
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Re: Our 50th Reunion -- Martha (Hooks) Oleson, 18:07:06 03/28/11 Mon [1]
I totally agree with John, Moby and Sookie that we should keep the costs of the reunion down, but we want it to be lots of fun as well. This is a 50th reunion!!! We definitely want a venue that allows alcohol. The high school cafeteria idea might be fun (and nostalgic as well) as long as we can get a permit for alcohol. In many school districts, it is possible to get a 24 hour alcohol permit for adult dances or fund-raisers, etc. Another idea is that someone in the class might belong to a club in the Westboro area that has free rooms available for members, especially if you buy their food and drink. If we end up not having the reunion in the high school, we should definitely have a high school tour at some point.
I also agree that when we say "our class" we are referring to anyone who was part of our class even for a few weeks/days! However, I think that other folks who want to attend the reunion (brothers, sisters, friends) should be invited by a member of the class. Then that guest is accountable to the classmate who extended the invitation. Since we have been on-line, there have been lots of people who are not in the class following our class conversations, and there are probably many we don't even know about. For obvious reasons, the reunion probably should be by invitation only.
I really think we are ready for a Chairperson and a Team to work on this, preferably folks who are in the Massachusetts area. Are any of you who met with Mike last summer interested in doing this? I know you did a lot of brain storming! I'm sorry that I can't volunteer but I live the greatest distance away and I'm not even in the country. It would be too difficult for me. So that is my 2 cents worth! Thanks, Tiny, for getting the ball rolling with this. Also, Mega thanks to Ruth for making this communication possible!
Cheers,
Martha
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Re: Our 50th Reunion -- Ruth K, 02:28:31 03/29/11 Tue [1]
Hi All,
I think Tiny's ideas are good. Even though our old high school cafeteria isn't a fancy venue, we all have lots of fun memories of that place, including school lunches (where Peter Crowell always stole food off everyone else's tray while they went to get their milk), all kinds of fun dances, and so much more. I don't care whether there's alcohol or not, but keeping the costs down is good, as some of us will have high-fare plane tickets. I already emailed Tiny that I have virtually all of the old music we love on iTunes and can bring my laptop (or maybe iPad by then) to provide free music, so no DJ or live band necessary or even desirable. Oh, Carbone's -- talk about memories! We went there in everything from Halloween costumes and football uniforms to prom gowns and tuxes. What an awesome place and food! This makes me really want to do it!
Also, if anyone wants to get together in smaller localized groups (like the little get-together last summer), I think that's great. I hope maybe some of you can visit me in the summer or fall either this year or next, whenever. We just don't know anymore where or when or if any of us will see each other again, so we need to grab opportunities that present themselves.
I love you guys!
Ruth
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Re: Our 50th Reunion -- Phil Faherty, 17:05:45 03/30/11 Wed [1]
Wow....it sounds like you’re planning a wake, not a reunion. We’re not that old!!!! Let’s have some fun.
I can appreciate the quiet time to reflect and reconnect, that’s why a reunion should be hotel based to allow for more time than just a dinner and conversation. I would think quite a few classmates would be traveling from afar and would need accommodations anyway.
There most be a decent hotel in Westboro that would have reasonably priced rooms as well as other amenities. Planning an arrival on Friday with a dinner on Saturday would allow for reconnecting throughout the day on Saturday as well as time for other activities such as golf, a town tour or just visiting with classmates to name a few.
For the main event, I would think a cocktail hour followed by dinner, a couple short speeches and some light entertainment would be nice. In all probability there will be spouses in attendance and we should consider them, don’t want to bore them out of their minds.
Although I was a member of the class for only four years(1st, 2nd, 11th & 12th grades) and don’t have the long time roots that a lot of you have, it would still be nice to reconnect and catch up on the last 50 years.
Should we wait until 2013 for our 50th or have a 49th in 2012 instead? When the roses are blooming......smell ‘em!
As far as inviting non class members, let’s get a head count first and then see if we will need more people to make the numbers work. With my comments, we’ve heard from six classmates. Is anyone out there? Speak up(please).
Best regards to all,
Phil
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Re: Our 50th Reunion -- charlie o., 18:32:02 03/30/11 Wed [1]
I hope more people can speak up about this special time in our lives for it is only going to happen once. I agree with Phil that this should be fun for ALL at this event and a school anything would not be very much fun. Heck going to the state forrest would be more fun for many of us. I totally agree with those who have money concerns and hope they could start to put a little aside as I will. Is there a easy way to email all who have signed on to the site and ask for there opions or choices?. John has started making this site to look alive again and I would hate to see all Ruth's hard work waisted. Speak up guys! I am in for anything so lets keep chatting. Chas
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Re: Our 50th Reunion -- Diana Whittemore Edwards, 21:55:28 03/30/11 Wed [1]
Hello All,
I like the idea of blending economy with a comfortable setting that lends itself to conversational gatherings, while offering amenities to those – like spouses – who want a break from all the catching up. Many small hotels offer meeting/function rooms that might meet our needs. With a hotel serving as our headquarters, as it were, those who have traveled a distance have the opportunity to rest and refresh with some convenience. While I would hope that something other than a school might be available for the 50th reunion, it could be that this is the best value as we strive to keep the overhead low. In my opinion, it's important to make this an event that doesn't strain anyone's wallet. I would hope that as many classmates as possible will join in the fun of getting together, reminiscing, and saying hello after all these years! It seems we need a local reunion team to explore the options. I’m in favor of planning the reunion for 2013. Warm regards, Diana
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Re: Our 50th Reunion -- Larry, 05:42:13 03/31/11 Thu [1]
Well, I guess it's time for me to speak up and I hope no one takes offense to what I have to say. Our 50th. reunion is a milestone and may well be the last time many of us will ever get together again. Do we really want to spend this time sitting on hard plastic chairs in a smelly school cafeteria while dining on pizza out of a box? Personally, I won't travel from Florida for that type of scenario. Maybe I haven't matured as much as many of you, because I am still very young at heart and enjoy having fun. So here is my suggestion. I think the gathering should be held in Westboro, but you will find that the hotels and their function rooms are among the most expensive in MA. The Westboro Country Club has three function rooms, one large and two smaller. I would like, as a gesture of friendship and thanks for still considering me a class member, provide these rooms and a basic buffet for up to 100 people (members & significant others). Non-members and guests could attend at a nominal cost. The three rooms would give us the ability to move some tables in the large room for music and dancing after dinner while the two smaller rooms could serve as breakout rooms for more intimate and quiet conversation. If this is agreeable to the masses and a date, preferably a Saturday in either June, July or August (I don't do cold) of 2013 could be picked, I will start to make the arangements. Maybe a committee of members who still live locally could begin to plan some peripheral activities such as school and city tours, golfing, tennis, etc. etc. This time frame would give everybody more than two years to save for travel expenses. This would also give us plenty of time to reach out to all the members.
Ruth, if you or somebody else could put this out in an email so as to get everyone's opinion, that would be great. I'm not sure my email list is up to date.
OK folks, the ball is in your court, what do you want to do?
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Re: Our 50th Reunion -- Ruth K, 07:14:40 03/31/11 Thu [1]
Larry, I like your idea. The Country Club sounds like an ideal venue with a combination of easy location, function rooms, and hopefully good food. But am I understanding this right? Are you offering to spring for the buffet yourself? That would be a huge expense that should probably be shared among participants. Getting the Country Club on a summer weekend might be a little tough as well, but we do have two years to plan.
This is exactly what this discussion forum is all about--to bash around ideas. The more, the merrier, so everyone, please add your 2 cents and we will come up with the best combination of plans.
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Re: Our 50th Reunion -- Larry, 12:37:50 03/31/11 Thu [1]
Yes, it is my intention to provide the rooms and buffet. I have been in contact with the country club and it will be no problem. I will take care of all those arrangements as soon as a date and alternate date are agreed upon.
The country club holds fond memories for me. I caddied there while in junior high then played there later on. And one can never forget tobogganing and sledding the course. My best memory, though, is when Patty Horne and I won a twist contest at some kind of a function we were attending at the club! My mother still has one of the little trophies we won.
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Re: Our 50th Reunion -- Martha, 14:25:45 03/31/11 Thu [1]
Larry, I love your idea!! You are so right---the 50th Reunion should be a memorable. The country club holds a lot of memories for me as well. I think this is the Number 1 idea! Your very generous offer plus two years to save money should make the trip affordable to everyone. Cheers to you!
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Re: Our 50th Reunion -- Diana W. Edwards, 19:01:06 03/31/11 Thu [1]
Yes! The Country Club would be tops! Thanks, Larry, for setting us straight. What were we thinking! 50 years is an event! We definitely need to do it up right! Best to all, Diana
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Re: Our 50th Reunion -- Pat Romkey, 23:52:25 04/06/11 Wed [1]
Larry, Great idea for having the 50th at the Country Club..Thanks for the offer of making the arrangements for the club. I myself think that the reunion should take place in 2013 and just hope and pray the one's that are here now will be able to attend. I wished I could remember the twist contest we won, but at this age I sometimes forget what I had for supper. Right now we (Ralph,Bob and Sue West and myself are in Carrabelle,Fl. We are taking a trip cross countrythat will take us to New Orleans,Tx,Santa Fe, Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, Ca, and on to Hawaii for a 1 wk cruise and 2 wks in Kauai. Then returning and doing northern Ca and home the nth route. Longest we have been away from our grandchildren, glad we are able to see them on skype. Modern tech, who would have thought. Well hope to see everyone in 2013. Again thanks
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Re: Our 50th Reunion -- Joanna Whittemore D'Andrea, 18:59:56 03/31/11 Thu [1]
Greetings!
Larry, thank you so much for this wonderful suggestion, and for your very gracious and generous offer! I think this would be an ideal venue - replete with all the amenities! This will be an occasion of a lifetime - a celebration to remember...let's make it top drawer!
In recent years, I've stayed in Westborough at both the Doubletree and another hotel nearby (I can't remember the name of it!), and found both of them reasonably priced and very agreeable. No doubt 'reunion group rates' could be arranged, which benefit all those coming from a distance.
It's great to see so many jumping in with ideas and suggestions and I, for one, am looking forward reconnecting after all these years! Let's keep the dialogue going.
Warm good wishes to everyone!
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Re: Our 50th Reunion -- meredith wilson sumner - aka meri wilson, 15:16:50 05/04/11 Wed [1]
I'm with Larry - graciousness (no plastic chairs with a cafeteria smell) while thinking of economics. Maybe some classmates who live near Westboro with space might be be able to offer housing to classmates who want to come but have economic limitations and those of us who are single could double up in local lodging. There are creative ways to make this event affordable without abandoning comfort, fun, and graciousness (Larry, yes!) Maybe those with more resources would be willing to pay the higher contribution at WCC? I don't know how that gets sorted out - but it might just work without oversight? Just some thoughts for making it work. I also think that a date should be set soon so planning can begin so those who want to come have time to plan. Those for whom this event is a priority will make it so - and find ways to fit it into their schedule and make it work financially. If everything has to be perfect, nothing will happen. I for one am in a phase of "good enough" especially if we can be happy and laugh and maybe even dance. Music is key (for me) and I hope Ruth will reconsider her music offer - and dancing would work for me. My two cents.
I am really looking forward to the ultimate event as well as the planning process. But who is in charge??? Don't we need someone to set dates and meetings or whatever is needed? I'm a bit on the periphery - not having graduated with you all - and a bit far afield. Is there someone in MA, the most appropriate planning venue, who might be willing to start the process? I'm prepared to travel and do whatever I can and make attendance a priority.
thanks Larry - thanks Ruth -
looking forward to reconnecting sometime soon.
Meri Wilson Sumner
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Re: Our 50th Reunion -- Phil Faherty, 09:25:42 03/31/11 Thu [1]
Larry, thanks for your generous offer and I would be willing to share some of the expense with you. We can discuss at a later date. I'm with you and Charlie, would not be interested in traveling from Fl or PA for a chat and pizza in a high school cafeteria(no offense, John and others).
If the Westboro CC is available, that would be great. I did a quick search for hotels in Westboro and found the Doubletree is close to the Westboro Country Club and rooms for this June are $109.00 a night. They have a restaurant, bar/lounge and other amenities. That price is pretty reasonable. The Doubletree doesn't quote prices two years out, but I would think the 2013 rates would be in line with current rates. They would probably offer a group discount as well. It would be a short cab ride from the CC for those who may have had a cocktail or two.
Ruth, thanks for your efforts and getting the site back up and running. John, thanks for sparking interest in the reunion plans.
Charlie had suggested a e-mail blast to direct classmates to the forum, good idea.
Phil
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Re: Our 50th Reunion -- Judi Grey Smith, 08:19:16 04/01/11 Fri [1]
OKAY, I'm in! I'm hoping Gordon jumps on the bandwagon too.. I will get some local pricing for several options, lay them out & we can decide. With the several options we have for what folks want, I think we can have a great party while keeping costs "down".
Thank you, Larry for all your encouragement over the years for this to happen & now the CC offer. (I'll ship you a homemade chicken pot pie thank you! Ha! Ha!)
I agree with several folks though that one hotel locally could be the central location for the weekend & we can arrange tour pickups, etc from there. We have so many hotels/motels in Westborough now & each one trying to outdo the other, this may be to our advantage. By the way, the Doubletree is the "old" Marriot on the hill at 495 for those wondering WHERE it is located. I DO think we can get an "in the range of" pricing this far ahead as they do it for weddings.
I have always put together & printed (wherever I was working)"the booklet" with all the questionnaires with either Gordon or Charlie drawing the cover. In the past, it has always been a hit BUT now that all is electronic & I don't pretend to be a whiz at this stuff, do we still want to know how many kids, do you look like your dog, etc that we don't already get on the website?? We could probably put together a picture album (electronically) after the event.
A big question is, I don't remember who has the bank book but there is probably no money in "our" account as we have always kept the cost pretty close to the bone at previous reunions. I will let you know if there are deposits necessary that I can not cover & we can discuss how that's gonna' go.
So Sue, we can be in touch (you're not that far away) & I hope we hear from a few others close by to do some legwork, as I KNOW John, Larry & Charlie would be on it if they were closer as they have in the past. I'm pretty sure we can rely on Karen T. to help, as well.
So with a little support, I think you can consider the Westboro High School Class of 1963 50th Reunion at the very least "in process".
In all sincerity, this is NOT MY ballgame, but we need to start saying "we are doing this" instead of "we should do this". We ARE doing this, folks!!!
P.S. I'm going to start with an estimate of 35-40 people just so I have a figure to work with. Ruth, do you think this is a feasible? Don't forget, not all current enthusiasm is met with a commitment in the end.
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Re: Our 50th Reunion -- Ruth K, 14:10:09 04/01/11 Fri [1]
Judi, Thanks for jumping in with so many good ideas and, as always, volunteering for the hard work involved in planning. Right now I have 40 on the email list, but I hope this number goes up substantially as we make a big drive to rally the troops. And I do think we should invite friends from nearby classes at WHS, especially some who still live in Westboro or nearby and stay active, like Paula Haynes Skog (her class did a reunion recently, I read on Facebook). I'm hoping we get 75 or more people including spouses and guests. We can do this! And I want a chicken pot pie, too!
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Re: Our 50th Reunion -- Joanna Whittemore D'Andrea, 15:58:03 04/01/11 Fri [1]
Some wonderful ideas, Judy! Your suggestion of a booklet - photo (How else will we know eachother?!), brieF bio info - could include as little or as much as you choose-is a great one, and I like the suggestion of a photo page following the event!
Thanks to those who live close by for stepping up to volunteer. Yes, this IS underway!
Joanna
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Re: Our 50th Reunion - Great Idea -- John Elberfeld, 10:01:10 04/01/11 Fri [1]
Hi everybody,
I like hamburger, but would never turn down a steak if it were offered.
I'd be happy to meet at the old high school, but we would be crazy not to embrace Larry's fantastic offer of the country club.
To show our appreciation for his contribution, we should do what we can to help. We all have different skills. I suggest we start by making sure as many classmates and friends as possible know about this web site and our plans. Some may choose not to participate, but at least we can be sure that is their decision. Let Ruth know how to contact people missing from her list, please.
Keep in mind that some of the most supportive people do not appear in our yearbook - I hope this reunion will bring all our old friends and acquaintances together again.
Thanks,
John
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Re: Our 50th Reunion - Great Idea -- Larry, 06:13:12 04/02/11 Sat [1]
WOW !!! I'm sure glad I lit the fire, now let's keep the pot boiling !!!! I don't know about y'all (that's Florida talk), but I'm excited about this.
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Our 50th Reunion Planning Get-Together -- John Elberfeld, 17:21:27 04/03/11 Sun [1]
Hi,
If what is left of my memory is still accurate, often the work and planning parties before the big dance or prom were more fun than the actual event itself.
2011 is too soon for a full-fledged reunion, but an open planning party sounds great to me. All the fun without the hassle. As the flurry of emails confirms, getting together to plan the reunion this summer is a great idea. Driving in from Upstate NY to MA or VT or NH is worth the trouble.
Please keep EVERYONE informed so we can all participate and contribute to the best of our abilities. If you are not yet on Ruth's email list, send her your info!
John Elberfeld
66 Beebe Road
Berne, NY 12023
JElberfeld@AOL.COM
WWW.J-Elberfeld.com
518 872-2082
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Re: Our 50th Reunion -- Phil Faherty, 08:48:49 04/05/11 Tue [1]
Bob, you are not alone in considering an earlier date for a reunion. I posted my thoughts in the Forum on 3/30, "Should we wait until 2013 for our 50th or have a 49th in 2012 instead? When the roses are blooming......smell ‘em!", before your e-mail. I guess no one paid any attention to it. Nevertheless, earlier posts suggested no one really cared if it was a "50th" or not, they just wanted to have a reunion.
2 1/2 years is a ways off and unfortunately, some of us reading this now may not be around in 2 1/2 years or may be in-capacitated in some way. We're all on time bombs and who knows who will be next. From my own personal experience, my wife of 42 years was diagnosed with Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma in May of 2005, it was a real eye opener (she's in remission) for us. As I mentioned earlier, when the roses are blooming....smell 'em. It's a philosophy that everyone should embrace. The other is Q.T.R., Quality Time Remaining, let's not waste it.
Regarding the reunion, I would think the main focus would be to locate our lost classmates first, there is plenty of time to plan the event. Once more classmates are located, then we could take a survey from all and decide what date and events would be most desirable.
The volunteers to find classmates could work together through the website or e-mail to keep a record of efforts put forth.
I'm going to post these comments to the Forum, which I think was Ruth's intention. The Forum is an on-going dialogue and provides a "Paper Trail" of what has been expressed. E-mails on the other hand go away.
It's interesting to see the enthusiasm of our class, but it still seems there is an "In Crowd" and then all others. These barriers should be removed and a greater time shall be had by all.
A no reply to this entry re-inforces the "In Crowd" theory.
Enough said,
Phil
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Re: Our 50th Reunion -- Diana Whittemore, 09:13:13 04/05/11 Tue [1]
Hello All,
Thanks, Bob and Phil, for asking us consider and reconsider the options. While I think 2 1/2 years will pass in a wink, and am an optimist at heart, the future is an unknown for each of us. I would be willing to gather in 2012 if the majority deems that best. I'm a day's drive from Massachusetts so it's an easy decision for me, but I know that's not true for everyone. I'll help in any way possible and be happy to go with the flow. Warm regards, Diana
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Re: Our 50th Reunion -- Diana Whittemore, 10:01:36 04/05/11 Tue [1]
P.S. Phil, I'm sorry about your wife's Lymphoma and am glad to learn that it is in remission. Thanks for reminding us that QTR (quality time remaining) is an excellent philosophy for each of us, particularly at this time in our life. We just never know what life will deliver.
I agree, cliques are not in anyone's best interest.
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Re: Our 50th Reunion -- Phil Faherty, 10:22:49 04/05/11 Tue [1]
Thanks Diana, It's been an interesting road to Jeri's recovery, she is one tough cookie! We have embraced the Q.T.R. philosophy and savoring each moment of breath we have. Life delivers many wake up calls.
Phil
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Re: Our 50th Reunion -- Phil Faherty, 10:16:07 04/05/11 Tue [1]
Hi Diana: You're right, it well pass in a wink. Looking forward does seems longer than looking back. Here we are looking at the passing of 50 years, a few winks. Back in 63, we could hardly fathom the turn of the century and now we're already 11 years into it. I too, am open to whatever the consenus is regarding a reunion date. We just have to understand that the clock is ticking and we should not assume that we'll be as healthy and alive in two years as we are today. I'm not a pessimist, I'm the eternal optimist, but reality certainly is big player.
Phil
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Re: Our 50th Reunion -- Ruth K, 15:28:52 04/05/11 Tue [1]
I am not going to make this decision alone, and neither is anyone else! We're talking about our 50th High School Reunion, which is a once in a lifetime event. I have received comments from a number of mates opting for the 2013 date, but they sent the email to me, not to the entire class. The only ones I know thus far opting for 2012 are Bob, Allyson, and Phil.
There is NO in-crowd and out-crowd, and I take offense at Phil's remarks. It was Tiny's email that suggested we post this discussion on the Forum because not everyone gets their email and less than half the class is on the email list. Not everyone looks at the Forum either, so both venues have merit in trying to reach a democratic decision. It would be nice if everyone would respond, but that won't happen. But let's NOT point fingers at those who do offer input for everyone else's consideration and accuse them of being the in-crowd!
Earlier discussion for a reunion in 2010 or 2011 at Leigh's farm was about an unnumbered class party, without eliminating a future 50th reunion. Due to Leigh's health issues, that party did not happen.
It's fine to have small committee meetings to make reunion plans, and those meetings are like mini-reunions of their own. But the decision about what year the 50th Reunion should be held needs to be decided by the class at large and NOT by a small committee. Why does this start to stink of Washington, DC?
Ruth
PS - This need not be a fast decision. We have lots of time. I think 60-90 days for input and trying to locate others is a reasonable timeframe for a vote.
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Re: Our 50th Reunion -- Martha, 16:00:02 04/05/11 Tue [1]
I'm very sorry that your wife had lymphoma, Phil, but happy to hear she is in remission. I'll keep her in my prayers. I think since we are all around 65 or 66, most of us have had wake-up calls in our families one way or another, and you are right that we should "smell the roses." We should also be nice to each other.
I don't understand why you are labeling people who responded to an invitation for input to the reunion as the "In Crowd," and then go on to set up a challenge that a "no-reply to this entry reinforces the "In Crowd" Theory. People have responded out of enthusiasm and most everyone said they would go along with the date chosen by the majority, anyway. I feel badly by your comments and puzzled by them, especially since you've done your share of responding. It is a definite downer.
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Re: Our 50th Reunion IT WILL HAPPEN -- Bob Poskitt, 20:26:47 04/05/11 Tue [1]
I want everyone to take a deep breath, hold it, now blow it out. Do it again. OK. Now I want each of us to take the baggage we are carrying on our shoulders and let it fall to the floor. The good news is that there was no sound because it really was not that significant, was it.
We are doing this to help clear the air and get back on track to planning one of the most exciting events that will happen to us in the next 1 to 2 years. And that is seeing all the people who helped us be who we are today. I can't speak for everyone, but for me it is really important that this does happen. What does not make sense is to get crosswise with each other as we try to reconnect in a more meaningful way.
I like Ruth's idea to take some time to reply to my initial question on the Reunion date........like until the end of May. At that time, the consensus will be used by the Reunion Committee to start the planning process. So that gives us the interim for the Committee to form its membership.......and for them to choose their leader (s).
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Re: Our 50th Reunion IT WILL HAPPEN -- Ruth K, 21:22:45 04/05/11 Tue [1]
A ZEBRA IS A HORSE DESIGNED BY A COMMITTEE.
It's already April, and I think we should allow at least until the end of June or July for a decision about whether to have a 49th reunion in 2012 or a 50th reunion in 2013. And it should NOT be a committee decision but a CLASSMATE vote.
No wonder there is resentment! I heard a big crash when the baggage hit the ground, and there's still a lot of weight on my mind and shoulders and lots of other people's.
I have busted my chops to try to make this website and related emails OPEN to EVERYONE in our class, even and especially to those who did not actually graduate with us in 1963 but were a special part of our lives at some point along the way. I want to encourage EVERYONE to participate, to speak up, to help locate the missing, and to get back on track at looking at this grand party and reconnecting with each other as FUN instead of just a battle in yet another stupid war. If this continues, I won't be coming.
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Re: Our 50th Reunion IT WILL HAPPEN -- Joanna D'Andrea, 22:33:38 04/05/11 Tue [1]
Greetings One and All,
I was surprised by the suggestion that there was an "In Crowd". I was operating under the notion that we were expressing our various points of view relative to the date of our '50th Class Reunion", so here's mine. I prefer the 2013 date, since it, in fact, is the 50 year mark since our high-school graduation. Additionally, it allows adequate time for planning relative to the many factors which come into play ....work, family, and finances....elements which have been mentioned more than once. We want as many classmates as possible to be part of this wonderful celebration, and I for one, would not like to think that someone wasn't able to attend simply because notice was too short (for whatever reason). I hope and trust that we are all beyond the "in crowd" days, which may (or may not) have been part of our adolescence. This is a time for celebrating the Class of 1963 - All of Us, so let's keep the positive momentum going!
It's not snowing here just now...so, I'm happily yours,
Joanna
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Re: Our 50th Reunion -- Phil Faherty, 17:36:21 04/06/11 Wed [1]
Dear Classmates:
Please understand that when I posted my comments regarding the "In Crowd", that I, in no way intended to offend or insult anyone, I was simply offering an observation. If you were offended, please accept my apology. What I was referring to is that on many posts they go without any response or acknowledgement, giving a feeling of one’s correspondence falling on deaf ears or blind eyes as it may be. Others on the other hand, always get a response. My intention was to try and get more people involved, which it did and yes, many were in agreement with my observation. Thanks to all that have made responses.
I certainly am not trying to create any animosities or dampen the spirit of plans for a reunion. I totally understand that a lot of friendships go back many years and obviously there is a bond and tighter communication between those friendships.
In school we didn't all hang out with each other, but we did have a lot in common and we were all together at various functions and activities. We collectively had great times together and still think of those times as the good ole days. I see the Forum as one of those venues and feel everyone should participate, be heard, be recognized and work together as one to produce a great reunion. One that we will all remember as a great time together!
Regarding the 50th vs 49th, I agree the 50th is a greater milestone and has more of an impact. I have no issues with waiting, I just hope we don't loose anyone else in the meantime. It is sad to see the list of our departed classmates and all of the others that have gone before us.
To those including Karen, Meri, Mike and John who have volunteered to get the ball rolling, thank you. I’m sure there will be plenty of time for more brainstorming to find a way to locate and connect with our lost classmates.
Best regards,
Phil
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Re: Our 50th Reunion -- Diana Whittemore Edwards, 22:00:17 04/06/11 Wed [1]
Thanks for your note, Phil. I, too, appreciate everyone who has stepped up to help choreograph the multitude of details that reunions entail. It's no small undertaking, and I am grateful for their willingness. Best to all, Diana
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