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Tom Collier
ALL -
PARTY UPDATE, QUERIES and OTHER NATURAL ODDITIES
For all those interested in information on the 65th Birthday Party, we do have an UPDATE from the Saturday Breakfast meeting (4/11) . . .
1- We have a terrific Birthday Cake for Sunday (9/6) at the Meridian Center. (Provided by anonymous donors - Thank You.)
2- A minor change to the Sunday (9/6) menu - the salad will be a Tossed Salad “AND” the Broccoli/Cauliflower/Raisin Salad. (Thanks to BOB HURLEY - our resident restauranteur)
3- The DECORATIONS COMMITTEE has provided a well budgeted plan for both the Winery and the Meridian Center that is elegantly simple and beautiful. (Sorry - no paper streamers or balloons on the tables this time - in case you were looking forward to that)
4- Reservations continue to come in to KIM SAYLOR - so we are off and running! (THANKS to ALL who have paid/registered and keep them coming. PLEASE mail your registration, today!
NOTE: We NEED a reservation count as soon as possible - we cannot emphasize this enough!
WHY? Several reasons actually - the Winery has a limited capacity and a count is necessary. Both venues require LARGE deposits based on number attending - we prefer to be closer on the counts now rather than hoping for a refund check later. Many of the items in the events require a holding charge or they will disappear - it’s better to know the amount actually needed than to waste YOUR money. Letting us know that you are going to be there helps us negotiate a better deal.
5- (Just a note, actually) This event has taken far more footwork, phone calls, emails, negotiations and “diplomacy” than past events to this point. Part of the problem is that ALL costs (particularly noticeable in foods) have risen so much in the last 5 years, and some of it is just the time we live in - everybody “charges” for everything (and some to the “extreme”). We have people coming to the Birthday Party from very far away and we will (hopefully) continue working for the most enjoyable and affordable event that we can provide.
We have had some interesting correspondence and QUERIES on this event - here is my feeble attempt to answer some of them for everybody (we HAVE responded directly to each question personally and will continue to do so).
1- CLOTHING: We have received a number of questions/comments concerning “dress requirements”. Everything from “we want to be able to wear something nice - special” to “we won’t attend if the event is too formal or dressy”! ! ! Whew - dagnabbit!
Our answer is simple - We have NO “dress requirements”! We are ALL adults and we are sure that YOU have learned (by now) how to dress yourself appropriately for a party with friends and neighbors. We can only hope that if you want to dress up for the “dance at the Winery” or the “dinner at the Meridian Center”, then you do so OR if you are more comfortable in a polo shirt and khakis, then there you go! We find that more people are interested in YOU than the clothes you are wearing.
KIM and I call this - Our “clothing optional plan” (a not so “inside” joke) It will be the end of summer in Kansas - it could be hot - it could be storming - we’re sure that you have something appropriate in your closet right now - so PLEASE do not let a “dress requirement” stop you from attending.
2- THE HOLIDAY DATE (TIMING): We have had several say the Labor Day Weekend was a good time for them and others say it didn’t work with their plans. We understand when we can’t hit it perfectly for everybody - someone’s long planned trips, etc. are out of our control, kind of like the weather, BUT some of the things we have heard are in YOUR control.
“I’m in a golf tournament!” Not ALL day - there is time to make a 6 p.m. dinner and the tournament is only on (1) day - there are other days to attend.
“It is the first football game of the season at our college!” Then attend the game - most first games are early, allowing for a possible return in time for dinner, and there are still other days to attend.
“We always do something with the kids and grandkids on Labor Day!” Great - be with the kids (believe us, we understand) and if at all possible, still make time in the evening to join your classmates for the Party each night.
It goes on - but the answer remains the same: If you want to be there AND can find a way to be there, then you will be! We just hope you make time to join us if possible.
3- COST: The only comments on cost we have had (so far) are basically “How can you do it so cheaply? Two meals out at a nice restaurant could cost more than that.”. THANK YOU for that - we will try to continue to keep it affordable.
THE NATURAL ODDITY
Every time we put on a class get-together, I have the spouse of a class member (just one) ask the same question, every time - it goes like this . . .
“Are you going to have a live band?”
“No.”
“Will the DJ take requests?”
“I’m sure he’ll do it if he can, if he has it with him - if you have requests, then tell me now and I’ll make sure it gets on the playlist. What’s your request?”
DULL STARE and DEAD SILENCE . . . .
“Well, just let me know - I’ll see to it that the song gets played!”
He never - ever - gives me a song.
BUT - If there is a song that YOU want played at the dance, then for heaven’s sake PLEASE tell me (or email me) - I will do everything I can to see that it is played for you.
I’m sure that there will be more info coming out in the weeks ahead - so please watch the website, and make plans now to attend the 65th Birthday Party - September 4, 5 and 6, 2015!
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