Date Posted:22:04:08 03/31/02 Sun Author:Patricia Mulvihill Subject: Back Again
Hi Guys-
Last night I was hanging out with my sister and it turns out she actually did alot of the planning for her reunion (Class of '78). So I was able to barrage her with questions and got alot of info.
They had their reunion at the Hilton in Danbury and here's why: Alot of folks were coming in from out of town and needed accomodation. Not everyone still had family in the Carmel area to stay with. Being able to stay at the same location as the reunion was very convenient, and they appreciated not having to drive after a long evening. It also allowed for more socializing at breakfast the following morning. Another big attraction for holding it at the hotel was ease of planning: the catering, bar, venue were all provided by Hilton, so there was just one downpayment that had to be made, rather than a bunch of separate ones to assorted businesses. The reunion commitee was able to borrow the banner from Carmel High School to put up on stage and they had some mugs made up with the Carmel Ram logo and their class date (she said everyone went WILD for them!). Lots of red, white and blue decorations plus momentos and photos on display, etc.A few classmates had actually gone into business together and they sponsered cocktail hour, which helped keep the cost of tickets down (though I don't know if we'd luck out like that). The one drawback about holding it there was that the bar closed down earlier than they would have liked - Connecticut bars close earlier than NY bars.Unfotunately, Carmel still doesn't have a hotel that would be appropriate for our needs, so perhaps Danbury should be a consideration. It's right there on I-84, but the hotel has since changed to a Sheraton.
My sister also told me that the night before the formal event, they held an informal gathering at one of the Carmel bars they frequented in high school (that's when the drinking age was 18!). That sounds like a good idea - not everyone may want to spring for the cost of the main event, but would still like to see old friends. I'm thinking Fiddler's Green in the Plaza in Carmel would be ideal for this, if you wanted to do it. It seemed to be THE place we all met up when home from college breaks.
And lastly, for a possible 25th year reunion, they are hoping that they can do a more casual gathering, like a picnic, so returning classmates can bring spouses and kids to enjoy the party. Another idea for us to consider. Alright, I've babbled on long enough.....
Hi everyone! I live in Cortlandt Manor (Colonial Terrace, anyone?) so I'm kind of close to Carmel -- if there is anything I can do, let me know -- although I just had my first child and now know why I waited sooo long. The Hilton/Sheraton sounds like a good idea if anyone needs me to check prices, availability, etc. As far as dates, I think Laurie and Janice should bite the bullet and make a decision -- you can go back and forth with dates forever trying to accomodate everyone! Let me know what I can do.
Polly
