Wow. The combined effort of the committee and the support of the class (over 100 attended, 82 of which were graduates of a class of 200.) Almost everything went so smoothly, and the reports are coming in of what a wonderful time everybody had. The evening was going so well, that by 11, it looked like it wouldn't stop. So the class members stepped in and chipped in money to pay the staff to stay an extra hour.

So many old friends, so good to see. I'm personally glad everyone was pleased, but during the course of the event, many were praising me only, and me, not wanting the spotlight, quickly said that the committee was totally responsible. But for you future reunion planners, I did take credit for the web site, which was a huge success. We add new pictures every week, kept people abreast of new news, and provided a message board where everyone could hang out.

The events of the evening began with a cocktail/hors d' oveure hour, in the foyer of the hotel, with decorations in black and white, the school colors. All class members received a tote bag, with a custom logo of the reunion, and filled with a fantastic memory book, branded pen (on a neck lanyard,) package of black and white M&Ms, a copy of the class song (which we didn't have time to sing,) a disposable camera, a list of the class members who couldn't be found (so some might know where these folks are,) and a report card with pre-addressed envelope so we could see how we did.

When the 7 o'clock hour rolled around, a class picture was taken, and by 7:30 we were in the main ballroom, awash with color (to contrast the black and white of the foyer.) Big tropical plans adorned each table, ringed by five candles in votive glasses. Multi-colored napkins heighten the color on the table. A screen showed a slide show of old pictures taken from the yearbook. Colored spotlights played on the walls. And a corner of the ballroom was set up as an archive of the class, with things as diverse as a prom dress, class medals, newspaper articles, prom ticket, play scripts, programs, record albums from 1973, pictures and a folder from the junior year of a graduate, showing her schedule. The folder had all the school rules in it, and the member who owned it said she found it with papers from 1972 still in it.

Music was automated and was picked from the years 1969 through 1977 (the year most of us graduated from college.) The food was wonderful, a choice of chicken picatta or prime rib, with a very chocolate mousse pie for dessert. Each table had wine on it also.

The evening wound down in the hospitality suite, where hot snacks and cold soft drinks were offered. Though some people brought in beer, the night wasn't too rowdy; and the party continued in some of the rooms of the hotel (but not in mine, I went to bed at 3:30!)

Next morning, a tropical scene awaited the class members who were able to wake up early, and a breakfast buffet was serviced. The committee members were in grass skirts (except for me, of course) and everyone was presented with a lei when they entered the room.

So many things, so many people. It was the best reunion, some said. We the committee tried to make it different, and I think we succeeded. Now, if I can only make up for the sleep I lost.

So glad to see Phil, Marion, Annette, Brenda, Chuck, Dennis, Sue, Charleen, Linda and Chuck, Vedo, Colleen, Doreen, Donna, Barry (all the way from Alaska,) Cheryl, Katherine, Albert, Dennis D, Mary, Frank, ken, Tim, Linda B and Richard. And thanks to everyone else who made it all possible and a success.

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