40th Reunion Details

WOW - WHAT A WEEKEND!

Perfect .... that's how many have described our recent reunion.  And we agree!

The weather - although cold and rain were predicted - it was perfect.  Every day - low 70s, no rain (at times that mattered anyway), plenty of sun, no humidity, and on Saturday night at the beach a gorgeous sunset.  We're sure everyone remembers July in Bay Village - 90s and oppressive.  That was our fear.  But wow....

The settings - Cathie (and Chuck) James Drumm's home for Friday night's cocktail party was spectacular.  Their home was really magnificent, and the outdoor setting gorgeous.  Thanks to them for opening their home for this important "ice-breaker" event.  The beach club  for Saturday night - well there aren't words to describe how great that setting was.  The decorations made it really fun, there was lots of room for just visiting, or roaming, or eating, and of course - dancing!  And then to Karen (and Alex) Hansen Dade's home for the Sunday brunch - again another beautiful setting.  Their gardens were in full bloom.  Thanks to them for hosting this farewell event.  At 1:30, well after the posted "ending time," lots of people were still there, as no one wanted the weekend to end.  Wow....

The activities - Mainly it was time to chat and chat and chat - lots of that. 

We played the Reunion CD on Friday night and for those who could hear it - they agreed it was great! (The yard was big and we didn't want to blast for the neighbors.)   Remember to click on the Reunion CD link and send Ray your email ASAP to get your download.  EVERYONE (even if you didn't attend) can get this - and it's a great way to remember 1969.  You'll feel just like you're back listening to the radio!  

  Saturday during the day a group of guys played golf and had lots of laughs remembering how it felt to golf well when they were younger!  (Oh well!)  Some of us went to the new Bay Middle School and had a tour - that was very interesting.  Quite a different school than in our old days.  Later a few of us went to the high school, found an open door, and went on our own tour!  That was fun, too! 

Saturday night included a great DJ for the first few hours, as well as our fun "Facebook" Scavenger Hunt game.  [The questions for this game came from the trivia forms many of you submitted - and the results of the game are listed on the Trivia page!  Take a peek - it's fun to see what your classmates have been up to!]  Everyone got "leid" to make the evening extra special.  After a welcome by Randy and Stew, plus thanks, remembering classmates who have passed, and assorted other announcements, The Other band took center stage and played for almost 2 1/2 hours - non stop.  What great dancing songs they played - such memories!  Three of the original 5 band members were back - wow.....

The food - and lots of it!  Everything was so delicious - we're sure no one went home hungry!  Great selections of caterers and choices of appetizers, entrees, desserts, brunch foods, etc.  That pulled pork with guacamole appetizer from Friday night was to die for, and the egg casseroles on Sunday - yum.. Everything was great.  Wow....

The company - We all looked FANTASTIC (don't you all agree!) and everyone had much fun visiting not just with their best friends from high school but with everyone that attended!  Everyone agreed that the casual theme made it lots more fun.  Old stories were shared, recent events updated, and new memories made.  We're sure everyone will agree that getting reacquainted with classmates was the very best part of the weekend - the only disappointing part was that not everyone could attend.  We missed those not in attendance for sure!  Hopefully in 2019.....!  Wow....

There are a number of pictures from the 3 days posted already on the website.  We hope others will add their pictures as well.  If not everyone got into individual pictures, we apologize - we tried hard to find each classmate! There is a great group shot from Saturday night - be sure to check that out as well (and thanks to Karen's brother Eric Hansen for taking that picture!)

We can't stop without taking one minute to thank those who helped us out to make this such a special weekend.  The Bay group of Nancy Burbach Flowers (treasurer), Janalee Brennan James, Sue Stewart Popadak, Debbie Bishop Barris, and Cathie James Drumm - you guys were the best.  Your choices of location, food, decorations, and general theme were ..... perfect.  Thanks to those out-of-towners who filled in by doing all the "extra" jobs like our name tag buttons and the Saturday decorations (Donna Knight Little), the incredibly thoughtful memory board to help us take a few minutes to reflect on those classmates no longer with us (Debbie Popp Haumesser), organizing the hotels for those needing a bed (who slept anyway?) during the weekend (Jan Lask Fritzsche), the incredible CD (Ray Schilens), tabulating the RSVPs for us (Sherry Korsgaard Kalita), and being our emcees for the evening (Randy Perry and Sue Stewart Popadak).   We couldn't have done it all without you!

Great times.  Great memories.  Great friendships renewed.  For those of you unable to attend - we're sorry.  Let's hope 2019 comes quickly, and we can have a special party together once again!

Sandi Blankner Gorman and Karen Hansen Dade