Dear Classmates,
After much consideration and discussion, the 20th reunion committee have reached a decision to postpone our "20th reunion" until 2009. While this may initially seem absolutely absurd and "lacking in class" (pun intended :), we want for our classmates to understand that this reunion is very important to us, and while the theme "half-assed and last minute" was certainly both clever and fitting, we feel you deserve better. Several other factors also came into play:
-- People we've talked to were potentially making plans to come from VERY far away -- some as far as Japan (!), and we didn't want for anyone to go to any great expense to get here, just to come to a poorly-planned "kegger".
-- The short timeframe makes it nearly impossible to reach all our classmates, who've really distributed themselves throughout the planet. I think I speak for the entire committee when I say that we feel a special sense of urgency to see ALL our classmates again, and we want to give everyone ample time and opportunity to make it to this event.
-- While we don't want the event to be too "formal" *or* too expensive, we do have a goal of doing really good job for you, and creating an event worth coming to. We want to "step up" as they say, and do the best we can. Trying to put together this event in three months, that under normal circumstances should be planned over the course of 12 to 18 months, is simply in direct opposition to that goal.
-- We want to use the additional time to collect thoughts, ideas, and perhaps even assistance from our classmates, some of whom may have direct experience or special talents that may help us to do an even better job. Again, reaching those classmates and collecting that information requires more time than we have, should we try to do this in 2008.
-- At least one local event was to take place at the same time as our initial planned reunion date, and we're just unsure if local resources would be difficult to obtain in short order given the popularity of the other event.
-- It just wouldn't be class of 88 if we didn't end up late for our own reunion, would it?? {grin}
On a personal note, and in all seriousness... When Joe Spence let me know that he and a few close friends in the area were planning on taking action to get this event going, for whatever reason I really felt like I wanted to be involved. I'll probably post my own personal blog entry on that very subject in the future, but for now, suffice it to say that now that we've had our first meeting, I *know* I want to be involved, AND I know that I don't want to do a bad job at it. And just because the number "20" seems to hold special significance in the world of reunion planning, I'm pretty sure the "reunion police" aren't going to throw us in jail if we decide to have a "20th + 1" reunion instead -- one that is well planned, and has a good value for the amount we ask people to spend. This event has become important to me, and looking around the table at the meeting the other night, I'm confident that it the other committee members feel the same way.
You may comment on the above information using the form at the bottom of this web page, but the very first thing we'd like to do is ask you to set aside the new date -- one you can truly plan for in advance -- July 18th, 2009. Please put this on your calendars NOW, and begin contacting any classmates you can, to let them know about this website and get them on our email list.
Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience that this postponement may create for you; hopefully we've reached this decision early enough that the inconvenience is minor. Everyone on this committee welcomes your comments and concerns -- please do not hesitate to contact any one of us at any time. I look forward to posting more blog entries soon, and staying in touch via the mailing list -- if you're not on it, follow the instructions in the other blog entry on this site and sign up right away!
Thank you,
Marc Funaro and the entire 20th (+1) reunion committee
41 responses to “Revised reunion date announced”
Comments now closed
May 12, 2008 at 1:38 PM sounds good
May 12, 2008 at 1:48 PM sounds good
May 12, 2008 at 2:24 PM OK - so I was a little shocked to see that you guys had postponed it, and thought to myself that it was procrastination that made me part of the class of '88 in the first place, so to see your note, Marc, about it not being the class of '88 'if we didn't end up late to our own reunion' was really more funny than you know. FYI, I attended '87's last year and am still recovering, so it's just as well. I have to say though, I am pretty impressed with what you guys have started and Mr. Funaro, you are quite the eloquent writer; you're notes have been very well stated and I have no doubt that you and your team will pull it all together for next year. I wasn't really with all of you guys until the last year (though many of you were at my parties - ahem), so I'm somewhat removed from the sentiment I've seen you all pass back and forth - but I think it's really nice that you're all making the extra effort, so my compliments to the committee on it's ultimate dedication. Just wanted to tell you that. Best to everyone.
May 12, 2008 at 2:27 PM @Tyra:
If by "eloquent writer" you meant to say "pedantic windbag", then I agree wholeheartedly :)
(Thanks for the compliment!)
May 12, 2008 at 2:33 PM Thanks for making me look up "pedantic" - goober - and no, I was right the first time and you're welcome. :)
May 12, 2008 at 2:43 PM LOL -- Goober... haven't heard THAT one in a while.
May dictionary.com be pendurable, and always your confidante.
May 12, 2008 at 3:04 PM Well, I am certainly surprised to learn that the reunion has been postponed, but I completely understand the decision and it sounds like it was the logical thing to do at this point. Thanks to Marc and the committee for your efforts. Looking forward to next year.
May 12, 2008 at 3:52 PM @Marc - Most familiar with dictionary.com, hence my speedy response last time. I also married an editor so I try hard to keep up, we stopped playing Scrabble after our second date. "Goober" still says it all though...I kept a few of the oldies in my linguistic repetoire.
May 12, 2008 at 6:35 PM @Marc - Most familiar with dictionary.com, hence my speedy response last time. I also married an editor so I try hard to keep up, we stopped playing Scrabble after our second date. "Goober" still says it all though...I kept a few of the oldies in my linguistic repetoire.
May 12, 2008 at 6:41 PM Sounds good...
May 12, 2008 at 9:51 PM I think this is great news. There are several people that live so far away that have already made their "one" trip home for the year. Not to mention those that already had plans for the same weekend. I'm wondering if there is a way we can make an ABC list of those people that have gotten the news and then as we get closer we can put out a list of those that need to be found? For example I have spoke to Thera R. and Debbie McCarthy, I have a family contact for Gary Ashcraft,... My brother has several contacts,but I'm wondering if anybody has a valid phone # for Amy Canto anymore......
May 12, 2008 at 10:38 PM Hi Lisa! I can easily get Amy's number as my mom and her mom are close. If you can, e-mail me Todd's contact info.
The address list we have to work with is 10 years old, so any info folks have is great. If each of us tells everyone we're still in contact with about this, we can get word out fairly quickly.
Stay in touch!
May 14, 2008 at 11:45 AM Hi guys - I did hear this week that we are postponing. I'm disappointed, but understand. I am also willing to help as I am in Norwich as well. Perhaps those of us who are local could still get together and have an unofficial toast to our 20 year anniversary.
May 16, 2008 at 2:31 PM You are all so lame. If high school taught me anything, it's that last-minute and half-assed is an entirely acceptable way to get things done.
God I hate it when Funaro is right.
May 16, 2008 at 2:55 PM Hey Joe - I was down with the last minute, half-assed plan, and I even tried to give you tips on how to pull it off, if you'll recall. Sorry dude. And who's in Japan??? Again though, I am proud you're all doing the "right thing" - who'd a thunk you'd hear that from me? Yeah...grew up...older anyway :)
May 16, 2008 at 2:59 PM Hey Joe - I was down with the last minute, half-assed plan, and I even tried to give you tips on how to pull it off, if you'll recall. Sorry dude. And who's in Japan??? Again though, I am proud you're all doing the "right thing" - who'd a thunk you'd hear that from me? Yeah...grew up...older anyway :)
May 16, 2008 at 3:01 PM sorry about the dupes - I hit the page refresher button and it re-posted....you'd think I would have learned the first time that I did that the other day. Again, grew older not necessarily wiser. Anyway...
May 26, 2008 at 6:54 PM i am glad that most folks are ok with the change please send in any address that you may have for classmates of 88
May 26, 2008 at 8:14 PM I came here to login as Jim Taranto but I see someone already took that handle.
Jun 3, 2008 at 11:10 PM Anne Marie (Campbell) informed me of the Norwich88 reunion. However, as time and experience of life supresses some of our memories,I would like to assert the fact that I took a detour in 86. I stayed in the area, but I would almst quarentee that I'm not on the legitimate list of "88-classmates". If by concencus the list is wrinkled,let me know.
Good Fortune to all and good for you Mark.
Jun 4, 2008 at 9:05 AM DeAnna, you are, without a doubt in *my* mind, my classmate. You are more than just "welcome" to join us, we Insist :) (Not that I'm speaking for everyone, of course, but I can't imagine anyone else not having the same sentiment!)
Jun 12, 2008 at 9:44 AM Since the blog section is closed, I just wanna say---
Happy Birthday Michelle (McConnell) Short!
Got to say that to you for 6-7 years in a row, but not at all over the past 20 years!!! I think it's a great day for a birthday and that people born on June 12 are eternally young looking and gorgeous!!!!!
Jun 13, 2008 at 7:29 AM Just wanted to say Hi to everyone. Glad to see some things don't change.
Jun 13, 2008 at 11:00 PM I am just letting everyone know that this is the third class reunion for me and i still have 2 more. HI everyone. DeAnna Who lol how you doing. I dont think i have to remind anyone who i am huh. I am in norwich let me know what i can do to help. jdmunro1@netzero.net I have plastic wrap on the keys so i cant get any computer viruses spence so dont try it.
Jun 14, 2008 at 7:49 AM Wow Justin, how are you? Its been a long time.:) Glad to see you are alive and well. J/K. Good to see you;well your print anyway.
Jun 21, 2008 at 12:11 AM Thanks to all tha have volunteered to bring us together for the 20+ reunion-since you have to be 21 to drink it is approriate that we wait 1 more year. Hope to make it back next year.
Jun 22, 2008 at 1:56 PM Hey Joe! Happy Belated Birthday to you! Sorry I missed it. I tend to avoid them now. Young looking maybe gorgeous?? Hope you had fun celebrating. See you next year!!
Jun 23, 2008 at 2:31 PM Looking forward to partying with the locals at the last minute summer get together in August. Everyone else is hopefully making plans to visit Norwich in 2009!!!! Marc Funaro (and Connie) rule for agreeing to host this event!!1
Jun 23, 2008 at 3:10 PM yes thanks to marc you guys rock. let me know if you need anything. and happy b day to kevin johnson od the 24 th.
Jun 27, 2008 at 1:30 PM Sorry, what is the date in August again? Happy b-day Prime. By the way, Spence's tickets were superior to yours, as he was good for 9 bucks and you...a freakin free take 5 quick pick.
Jun 27, 2008 at 1:36 PM Marc, I would like to echo Steve and Joe in thanking you for putting a PARTY together for us locals. Look forward to seeing all. Let me know if you need anything, will certainly make a charitable donation for the MOFO's.
Jun 30, 2008 at 12:12 AM all i wanna know is can marc play a little zeppelin at this?
Jun 30, 2008 at 10:41 AM Sure, we can have some LZ on tap -- I'm sure I still have a Stairway mp3 on my iPod somewhere ;)
Jul 14, 2008 at 9:53 PM Looking forward to seeing the plans come together. I hope to make it to Norwich for the event.
Jul 17, 2008 at 3:54 PM Hi Mark & Committee Members –
I have to say that the postponement is a big relief for me. I wasn’t sure if I would be able to juggle both the reunion and my birthday party on the same day. Problem solved!!
I’ve marked my calendar for next year and I’m looking forward to seeing everyone for our “20+1”. I honestly can’t wait to see the expressions on my colleague’s faces next July when I say that I’m taking time off to attend my “twenty-first” high school reunion. I can almost guarantee I will be subjected to a plethora of redneck jokes.
Aug 4, 2008 at 6:52 PM Wow this is the first I've actually looked at this. Joe mentioned it to me in June, but I just never got around to it LOL. No surprise there :) OMG CAROL!!!!! How have you been????? Oh..sorry , Nice to see all of you are doing well too :) Hmmmm next year...I may be able to loose a few pounds by then Rofl.Hope to see you all there.
Aug 5, 2008 at 9:11 AM Welcome Michelle,
I know a *few* people that have mentioned wanting to drop some weight before the reunion, but I think that's just the "american way"... I need to lose some myself =) But don't let it stop you from coming if you can make it!
Also, we're doing a "mini-reunion" for all that can make it, this coming Saturday (August 9th) at 4pm at my house, if you can make it. Spread the last-minute word please!
Don't forget to join the mailing list, too.
Marc
Aug 5, 2008 at 1:03 PM marc, do you need anything for the weekend?
i have let greg know and i am sure he will be there. let me know.
Aug 5, 2008 at 1:11 PM I just need to know what people like to drink, and any final confirmations on who's coming. I think we have all the food and plenty of regular and alcoholic choices available. And, I need Good Weather, though I'm sure nobody in our class has become omnipotent enough to make that happen...
Aug 9, 2008 at 11:49 AM I think I have the weather taken care of.
You're welcome.
Aug 9, 2008 at 2:42 PM Funny man. BRING ICE!!!