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.