HHS Class of '80 35 Year Class Reunion Details (May Update)

It's hard to believe our 35 year class reunion is just over three months from now.  It doesn't seem possible we graduated from HHS 35 years ago, does it? Last night, when five of us met to make plans for the reunion, and we got on the topic of how we might play music there, I couldn't help but laugh when Scott Simmons said, 

"I saw where they have these rocks that you can set on your patio and they will play music from your iPhone."

I tried to imagine ourselves way back then, over 35 years ago, and how few us could imagine sitting together 35 years later and speaking those words! A rock that plays music from our phone, with no wires! We then started telling my 12-year old daughter about phone booths, calling our parents collect and having them refuse the charges, as a signal to pick us up at the high school, rotary phones, party lines, and rushing home to wait for a phone call or watch a favorite television show. Life has sure changed since then! However, one thing has not changed...we still love hanging out with our classmates and laughing.

Anyway, here is the most current information about the upcoming class reunion and a chance to hang out with classmates and laugh.

Friday, August 14

Float Decorating—6:00 pm - We will meet at Jamie Dale's house at

14633 Crull Rd., between Lacey Rd. and SR 1 to decorate the float. This is BYOB and we will probably order pizza and share the cost. Scott Carpenter has secured a wagon and said he can use his dad's truck to pull it. (Scott can you confirm this?).  We should probably have a back up truck and wagon, just in case. I know there are lots of other details we haven't thought of yet, like where to get straw bales, how to decorate it, who will purchase and bring supplies, etc.  We would LOVE it if a classmate would volunteer to coordinate all the float details.  One of the problems I am having is with remembering what people have told me they will do, so if you already told me you would do this will you remind me?! 

 

Saturday, August 15

Ride the Float- Meet at the HHS parking lot 9:00am, the parade will begin leaving the parking lot at 9:30 to reach Main St. by 10:00am. There is no cost but please bring candy to throw and wear your class t-shirt (info below).

Dinner at Willie & Red’s-5:30pm - $20/person includes smorgasbord & tip (must be paid in advance). W&R's is the former Welliver's on Main Street.  No program is planned so this will simply be a time for classmates to re-connect, visit and to possibly stand and share high school memories with the group (however, we all agreed maybe some of those memories are better left unspoken ;-)

Casual Gathering at the Meeting Place—7:00pm  - The Meeting Place is the former McCollough Center, right across the street from W&R's and just a block from where Band Bash activities will be taking place (which means convenience in visiting with old friends from other classes and hearing good music). One problem is parking will be on nearby streets because there is not a large lot close by; however the building is wheelchair accessible. Maybe someone would like to coordinate a shuttle or car pool from a public or private parking lot in the area? We are asking classmates to either bring drinks, snacks/desserts to share OR pay $5/person to help cover the cost of refreshments that will be provided by the class fund.  (The class is not officially able to provide alcoholic drinks but guests can unofficially bring them, if you get my drift). We plan to have simple decorations and activities, such as a photo booth with props, photo and memento displays, slide show, etc. Would a classmate like to volunteer to coordinate decorations and activities?       

           

T-SHIRTS - The plan is to produce a simple and comfortable soft vintage purple/heather t-shirt with a white tiger and HHS Class of '80, to wear on the float.  Cost of each T-shirt is $10.00 (if the cost ends up being higher the class fund will subsidize the rest). We have gotten a couple of quotes from local businesses, with a lower quote coming from a business in Cambridge City, but we feel we should purchase them from a Hagerstown-owned business even if they are a little more expensive (maybe they will lower their price if we explain our position). Classmates will need to place their order for t-shirts by July 10 (by using the order form that will be shared).  

We need information and updates from everyone for a directory/booklet we hope to have printed for the reunion (address, phone number, e-mail address, marital status, spouse's/partner's name, children names and ages as well as a brief narrative of what you've been doing since school and are doing currently).  There is a place on the registration form for that or you can e-mail it to me and I'll pass it on to Beth Ann Rathbun Tong, who plans to create the directory/booklet. 

To reduce postage costs, the invitation/info/registration form will be posted on Facebook, e-mailed to those who have given us their e-mail addresses, and mailed only to those who have given us their mailing addresses and aren't on Facebook or didn't provide e-mail addresses.  We have tried to find updated addresses for all classmates but know many of those are probably outdated. Please, don't assume we have been able to share the reunion information with all classmates, so please share this information will all classmates you can and have them e-mail me their current contact info.

Payment for the dinner, gathering and t-shirts can be made by check and I'm trying to figure out if by Paypal. Maybe one of you can advise me about that? (My 12 year old probably knows how). We must have payment for the dinner and t-shirts ahead of time so we can plan ahead and we don't have people back out and leave us with the expense. I'm sure you'll understand!

Thank you all for feedback and assistance you have given so far.  We realize we can't please everyone and a handful of people can only do so much with our limited resources -- especially because we're getting so old we can't see anything, hear anything, and remember anything, plus our energy is limited!

Please call or e-mail me or Tara Weber Bavender if you have questions or if there is something you would like to help with:

Julie Esker Dishman - julie.dishman@gmail.com, 765-993-0383
Tara Weber Bavender - bavender1@comcast.net, 765-332-2889

February Meeting Notes

February update:

Patty, Tara, Barb and I Tuesday night to discuss plans for the upcoming reunion.  I think we laughed more than we planned! Here are some of the details we discussed or have confirmed:

- Dinner at Willie & Red's will begin at 5:30 p.m.  Classmates will be asked to make their reservations and pay ahead of time, by June 30th. Cost of the dinner per person will be $24 or $25 (TBD) and will include the price of the smorgasbord ($16.95), 20% tip (required with groups), plus a little donation to cover other expenses for reunion activities, such as float decorations, candy, etc.).

- T-shirts will cost $10, or around that, and will need to be ordered by June 30 as well. Patty will order t-shirts in a vintage heather color with white print.

- Julie will design a reservation and order form to use online and to mail to those who we don't have e-mail or FB connections with.

- Scott confirmed the float building will be at Jamie Dale's house, Crull Road, on Friday evening.  More details to follow. Scott Carpenter will provide the truck and has located a wagon. This will most likely be a BYOB event and we'll probably chip in to order pizza, unless there is someone who wants to help provide the drink and food. 

- The casual gathering following dinner at the Gathering Place/McCullough Center across the street from W&R's will be BYOB (or you can bring extra to share with others). The class will supply soft drinks and water (so we aren't liable for alcohol-related issues). We will ask several area classmates to donate snacks and desserts (if you want to contribute please let Tara know). We will discuss decorations, music and other activities at the April meeting. If these are things you would like to assist with, let one of us know.


- Barb Lamb is going to work on the slide show / video and asks classmates to submit old photos to her via Dropbox - www.dropbox.com/sh/hne6luoc259ey1u/AAA5_prxYhk_pOTq0_hDwby5a?dl=0 You can also e-mail them to her at lambirvin1@bellsouth.net You can mail originals to her at PO Box 73, Economy, IN 47339.

- Julie has a Pinterest board for Class Reunion ideas -  www.pinterest.com/dishju/class-reunion-ideas/.  If you would like to share your ideas on it, please let Julie know or just find her on Pinterest and start pinning them there.  

We still need contact info for these people I am is not connected to them on Facebook (as far as I can tell when I search). Please message me if you are in contact with them, or have them e-mail me at julie.dishman@gmail.com. If you are friends with them on Facebook please ask them to join the group page.  I know some are in the Hagerstown area but I could use help actually collecting their addresses.

Beverly Wilson Culy
Brian Culy
David Scott
Debbie Brown
Gary Harrison
Jerry Adkins
Joe E. Lowe
Kim Horton
Lori Jean Linn
Paula Jean Phelps (Caudle?)
R. Daniel Cornthwaite
Ralph Dennis
Tammy Hamlin
Teanna West
Tim P. Tabor
Wes Briar
 

November Planning Meeting Notes

Hello again!

This week a small group of classmates -- Patty Favorite Rhodes, Julie Esker Dishman, Barb Lamb and Tara Weber Bavender  --  met at Dales Pizza to discuss results of our fact finding missions and make decisions about the upcoming 35 year class reunion.  We missed you Scott and Joe! With the information we had at hand, we decided:

Reunion activities:

Friday, August 14

- Float decorating / casual gathering at Jamie Dale's (with Rhonda Davis's barn as back-up for float decorating), if that works for Jamie (Scott, have you talked to him since our last meeting?) - we can have a pitch-in, have pizza, or hog roast if Jamie still wants to do that, and a bonfire following. Scott Carpenter has said he can help with supplying a hay wagon and truck. We still need for someone to help with the design and implementation of the float.  Jo Anne Bath-Miers would like to help with the decorating.  We'll also need candy or something to throw to the kids and will need bales of straw. Anyone want to take the float on as the point person?

I had checked into the price of a tent, table, chairs and kid's bounce house to set up for either Friday or Saturday in case of rain, but they are really expensive!

Saturday, August 15
- Meet to ride on the float in the Jubilee Day parade (probably 9am-ish) - we will throw candy and wear t-shirts (more information below)

- 5:30pm - Meet to eat a casual meal at Willie & Red's (formerly Wellivers) - we'll each pay for our own - we need to decide if we all want to do smorgasbord or select from a limited menu ahead of time - QUESTION: do you think getting up and down to get food at the smorgasbord will interfere with visiting? Would you prefer the selection options of a smorgasbord or to make a choice of a few different entree options? The cost per person will range from $16.95 for smorgasbord to up to $20.95 for pre-selected meals. We will ask for reservations ahead of time - more information to follow. 

- 7:00pm - Casual Gathering at the community center across the street from Willie & Red's for reunion activities: dessert, cocktails (dessert cocktails?), video or slide show of old photos (more info below), "photo booth" to take new photos with old friends, display of mementos...other ideas? This location will be close to all Jubilee Day activities, and just a block from Wannabeez Band Bash. Does someone want to be in charge of decorations, food, photo booth, anything else?

Considering the information we had gathered and the feedback from classmates (or lack thereof?), we felt this plan was most cost effective and energy efficient (the planners' energy, that is). This option requires much less work on the part of all classmates. Also considering bad weather can make or break the evening, we don't have to worry about getting rained out with this option.

I believe Beth Tong is going to update the directory of classmates. Is that correct Beth? 

Barb Lamb is going to work on the slide show / video and asks classmates to submit old photos to her via Dropbox - www.dropbox.com/sh/hne6luoc259ey1u/AAA5_prxYhk_pOTq0_hDwby5a?dl=0
You can also e-mail them to her at lambirvin1@bellsouth.net You can mail originals to her at PO Box 73, Economy, IN 47339.

Patty Favorite Rhodes has gotten pricing for class t-shirts to wear on the float or to the gatherings.  We plan to go with a soft/vintage feel heather purple, with white writing and a vintage-looking tiger.  The cost will be around $10-$12 dollars, depending on where we get them.  We will ask for orders and possibly will require payment ahead of time.  More info to follow.

I wish we could utilize Facebook and e-mail for all communications but realize there are some who are not online. I'm still gathering e-mail addresses and I'm trying to figure out who doesn't have e-mail or isn't on facebook.  Please, if you know of a classmate who isn't getting information from us about the reunion, please let me know.  Who would like to help with gathering contact information?

I have a Pinterest board for Class Reunion ideas, like the photo booth thought bubbles below - www.pinterest.com/dishju/class-reunion-ideas/.  If you would like to share your ideas on it, please let me know or just find me on Pinterest and start pinning them there. 

Photo booth idea

Photo booth idea

Okay, Tara, Patty and Barb, am I missing anything?


 

Planning has Begun for HHS Class of '80 35th-year Class Reunion!

A small group met on Tuesday, Sept. 9 to begin planning for the 35th year class reunion. The third Saturday in August 2015 is the 15th (and is Jubilee Day), so clear your calendars for that weekend.

Scott Simmons is checking with Jamie Dale on using his place again for a hog roast. Although the last reunion at Jamie's place was fabulous, some classmates would like to do something a little different this time or are concerned about the weather if we plan something outdoors (we were lucky last time). We discussed renting a large tent, tables and chairs, so there is a one main area where classmates can gather, if it's at Jamie's or a similar place. Julie Esker Dishman will check on prices. Many are concerned about the work load on Jamie's wife last time, so there was some discussion of having a late afternoon meal at Willie & Red's instead of burdening Jamie with the food part of it, then everyone congregating at Jamie's afterward. Another thought is using the Gathering Place across from Willie & Red's for an after dinner gathering spot. It would be close to all the Jubilee Day and Band Bash action and would work if the weather is bad.  The cost is pretty low too. We had thought about using the Union Hall but there is no alcohol allowed there and it hasn't been kept up well. From the feedback we've received so far, most want a fairly casual and inexpensive gathering.

Barb Lamb-Irvin would like to create a slide show or video with old and newer photos of classmates, music, etc. Willie & Red's or the Gathering Place have equipment for viewing such.  We will let you know soon how you can submit photos to her.

Beth Rathbun Tong would like to create a directory like she did last time, with all our contact info and brief updates. We will let you know soon how you can submit information to her.  

We talked about having a float decorating gathering at Jamie's or another local place on Friday night. We would then ride the float on Saturday morning and then have the main gathering later that day.  Classmates would donate candy or other items to throw from the float.  Julie has a cousin who sells "throw balls" and is checking prices for ones with HHS or a tiger on them. Beth Tong is checking on prices for candy. Last time we had late 70s music playing on the float.  Any ideas for decorations or theme for this next time? 

We talked about having t-shirts for everyone to wear on the float -- maybe purple this time, with white print. We would like to find a Tiger image from the late 70's to use as the graphic -- make the t-shirt look vintage.  Last time we had white t-shirts with purple print.  They said HHS Class of 80 30 year reunion on them. We thought we might just put HHS Class of 80 and a tiger on them, with no 35 year reunion, so they could be worn again at a future reunion. Patty F. is checking on prices.  Anyone have an old item with a vintage Tiger graphic we might scan? We might have people order these ahead of time so we can make sure we have the correct sizes.

We have $430 in the class fund. Donations from classmates are welcome but not expected. Cost to classmates and their guests to attend will depend on venue, food, t-shirt, float etc. decorating choices.

We want your input.  If you have ideas, please discuss them here or on the facebook group page (https://www.facebook.com/groups/62858594738/). We discussed having another planning meeting early in November.

 Also we want to make sure that if you are in contact with anyone that ever went to school in our grade, even if they didn't graduate with the class, that we have their contact info. We want to send out a "Save the Date" card asap. Julie will start an e-mail listserve and will start gathering contact info. Please e-mail your contact info (e-mail, physical address, cell phone #) to julie.dishman@gmail.com.

Here are some group photos of past reunions.