"Rollin' On the River"

Announcement created by Susan Simms.

This Year's Classes of '64-'65-'66 Reunion

Will Be Different From Past Ones

Tommy Towery

LHS '64

Sometimes it is hard to accept changes to the way things have been done in the past. Yet, there are times when changes must be done. The grand reunions of the past seemed to have grown larger each event, and each year became more and more expensive. But things sometimes have a reason for necessary changes. 

When looking at hosting a reunion at the Marriott similar to the ones in the past, the reunion committee found the prices have increased dramatically. According to Niles Prestage, "The Marriott actually gave us a cost for 175 people, and the quote had a $7,500 minimum for food, $500 for the outdoor gathering area that we have previously used on Friday evenings, and $1,500 for the ballroom, plus tax which would have put us over $10,000." It was felt we would have to charge between $50 to $100 per person just to cover our costs. Compare that to the anticipated cost of $25 and you will see the financial impact difference. Many of us have retired since the last reunion in 2015 and now find we are living on a lot less (let's say fixed) income than when we were working.

On a sober tone, while speaking of the number of people expected to attend the upcoming reunion, we face some hard facts. Would you believe that since our last reunion, we have reported the known loss of 94 of our classmates from our three classes, not including spouses? That does not include those with which we have lost touch and do not know if they are still with us or not. If each one we reported was part of a couple, that would be 188 less people available to attend this upcoming reunion. If the reunions are your only source of seeing these old friends, look at what a difference that makes. Look at the personal loss.

Niles' cost estimates did not include the money we have historically spent on hiring the great rock bands we have enjoyed. That cost has been well over $1,000 for some reunions. This year's plans called for a D.J. who will cost us nothing. Another complaint in the past is there was never a quiet place to visit because of the loud music in the same room. Not everyone wants to dance. This year we will have two pavilions and plan to have music in one and a quiet area in the other to just sit and talk. There are also plans to have no speeches or other interruptions of our visiting time. The "formal" dance with coats and ties and fancy dresses will be replaced with an evening of casual clothing attire. 

Catering plans are still being investigated, but still calls for a full meal with multiple selections of meals available. More will be shared as these plans are finalized. This will also be a BYOB party, so the cost of drinks will be much cheaper.

These are just a few of the anticipated changes, and over time more details will be announced. Please try to be positive and see the opportunities this type of reunion will present to you and not let your negative ideas affect your judgment. 

On a final note this week, I have been asked to let you classmates know there is still a lot of work needed to be done on what may be our last formal big reunion. The reunion committee is still looking for people to volunteer to join them in helping make this a memorable event. You may participate in person or via a Zoom meeting. If you would like to volunteer to assist, please fill out the form below.

My apologies to Gudrun Klauss for the misspelling of her name in my announcement last week. In working on the eight books I have done in my B-52 series, the name "Gudron" got added to my dictionary and when I typed it last week "Gudrun" got changed to "Gudron." I once again thank her for sending me the link for Elbert Balch's obituary.  

Some real work is finally being done to insure we have a reunion to replace the one planned for 2020 which had to be canceled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. I know there are those among you who will not like the venue being planned, but as I have noted, sometimes changes are necessary. I am also sure many of you might find these plans more in line with what you enjoy. It will be a casual get-together with fun, food, and friends, and will be more in line with what some people enjoy.

Check back weekly and stay informed on the plans as they become more firm. Also know you can have a say if you wish by volunteering to be on the existing reunion committee which are working on the plans. Just let us know you want to help.

This Week's Questions, Answers, Comments

David Mullins, LHS ‘64, "Again Tommy and Niles , Thank You for the update on Elbert Balch. I appreciate the updates although at times sadly."

Photographic Memories - Who Are They?

Each week I plan to share a group of photos from the 1960 "The General" yearbook without disclosing the names of the individuals. You may stop and try to identify them here, and when you are through you may scroll to the bottom of this page to see the identities of your classmates in the photos.

A Song to Set the Stage for Our Upcoming Reunion