THE BEAT GOES ON !

How did it happen that we were able to put together a reunion plan for 2003??

THE WHOLE STORY APPEARS BELOW !

GOOD NEWS !  The Challenge Has Been Met and the Moron Pictures are History

After much hard work behind the scenes, we have come up with a date and a location.

There will be a reunion dinner dance on Saturday evening, November 1 at the Yesterday's Heroes Ball Park Cafe in Cape May.  For those who want to make a weekend of the reunion, Yesterday's is part of the Atlas Inn, and an all-inclusive 2 night package will be offered as an option.

A big "Thank You" goes out to the following classmates for their efforts in pulling the plan together:  John Giacobbe, Darlene Holbrook Busacca, Gail Senatore Dolente, Gary Bembenek, Mary Ann Bruno DeMarco, Dianne DeMusis Sweeney, and Vicky Graziosi Atkinson.  Thanks also go out to everyone who responded to the challenge (see below) with input and support for going ahead with a reunion.

THE ORIGINAL REUNION CHALLENGE:

Here's the deal - I won't remove MY photo until plans for holding a reunion come together. John Giacobbe's photos remain here forever !!!!

I would love to be able to organize the event, but it would be very difficult to do so from Chicago.

UNLESS SOMEONE HAS ANY BETTER IDEAS, HERE ARE TWO PROPOSALS:

(1) Class of 68 "Beach Blanket Reunion" to be held Saturday, September 27, 2003 at the Jersey Shore. I did some searching on the internet and there's a place called the Windrift Resort on the beach in Avalon. They cater events at the resort. I have never been to this place. I have no idea if it is good or bad - this is just an idea. Maybe they do clam-bakes / shrimp-boils on the beach - with a keg of beer - with a bonfire - wouldn't that be cool (or hot)? Perhaps you know of a place that is better. I either need some better ideas, or if there is interest in pursuing an event at the shore, I need some volunteers to pick the location, get price quotes, et cetera - and help make it happen. I am willing to contribute some upfront cash to start the event planning - I don't know, maybe $250 for starters. Once the event is planned and if money is an issue for some people, perhaps we can price the event such that there is a minimum, and over and above that you let your conscience be your guide as to how much you actually pay. People can pay by putting cash in a plain envelope so no one knows who paid what. I'm babbling now, but I'm just throwing out ideas at this point. A variation of this idea is alive and well - stay tuned!

(2) Go to one of those lake parks that have a picnic pavilion. Do they still have those? We pay for rental space and bring our own food. Same date as above. You get the drift? THIS IDEA IS DEAD.

Please help me to be able to remove MY stupid photo from the website! Frank Piotrowski

   
THE INFAMOUS MORON PHOTOS !

RESPONSES and UPDATES:

May 4, 2003
We are getting even closer to having a plan in place. John will be visiting the locations being considered and hopes to have a proposal ready by the end of this week!

April 16, 2003
Maria Wilk and Mary McNamara think all the ideas are great . . . and they are willing to help with the effort!

April 15, 2003
Stan Dubowski is ready for the reunion. He has to celebrate Mass in Arlington VA on Sunday, so travel plans are a concern for him.

April 10, 2003
Pat Stevenson just checked in from Georgia. He's ready for a reunion and would also like to help out. John Giacobbe continues to explore options.

April 5, 2003
John Giacobbe is making steady progress in investigating possible options. We believe it's going to work out where the plan will be flexible enough to accommodate a good cross section of people's needs and interests. Within the next couple weeks we hope to be able to present what this thing might look like. Meanwhile, if you get any bright ideas, please share and I will post them.

April 2, 2003
Carol Szczech Thomas is an "out-of-towner" who would like to see a reasonable cost option, the "Moose" idea has some appeal. She would also like to see some faculty make an appearance. I would like to see Kwap!

April 1, 2003
Michele Dougherty just got into the act. The date works for her, she's willing to help out, and she may be able to help spread the word to those who haven't caught up with this challenge as yet. Michele hasn't indicated a preference, but would like to see that whatever we come up with can accommodate everyone.
Peg (Balunas) and Ed Kuzniasz are ready. Peg is checking with her sister who has had some successful reunions to see if she can pick up any suggestions. They like the shore idea!

March 31, 2003
Gary Bembenek has added his name to the list and he's giving the shore idea his stamp of approval. He also suggested a few places. Says Windrift in Avalon is great, the Golden Inn in Avalon is very good and specializes in reunions with good group rates, and another is The Grand in Wildwood Crest. He is also willing to help out.

March 29, 2003
Darlene Holbrook Busacca says, "let's go to the shore." She couldn't sleep last night. John's picture caused her to have nightmares, but she's still willing to do some legwork to help plan the event, even if it means she has to look at John.

March 27, 2003
John Giacobbe talked to the folks at the Windrift and they are a bit expensive for their room rates. He's looking into the Rio in Wildwood who appear to have good rates for a weekend package. He is thinking about doing a cash bar so that the food would be the only expense that people would really have to pay. Remember that us out-of-towners will need a place to stay. John also wanted to see if we wanted to extend an open invitation to the Classes of 67 and 69. As you can see, he delivered on his threat to provide moron photos that will no doubt up the ante for the Challenge.
Theresa Walsh Welch just sent me snail mail. She wants to get in on the action - all the way from her home in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. I have posted a photo of Theresa and her daughter on her web page along with her e-mail address. Here is the link - Theresa Walsh.

March 26, 2003
Sally Huntley likes the date and says either the shore or the Moose Hall are good choices. She has her checkbook out and is ready to send money!

March 25, 2003
Anna Giangrande Warrington is ready for the reunion. She even wants to invite some of the former faculty - imagine that! Anna works with Dave Capozzi's daughter, and she says he is still teaching.

March 24, 2003
Barbara (Walat) and Paul Christy like the Avalon and Moose Lodge ideas, and the date works for them. They were just talking about a reunion with Dot (Sekula) and Gerry Addezio - so there are two more I'm going to say are on board.
Carolyn Kasprzak Falkowski is ready and she has also been discussing the possibility.
John Giacobbe says "it would be nice to see that picture GONE." He is doubtful we can make this happen since the 30th year reunion was cancelled. I told him that if I posted a picture of him on this page, it might be just enough of an additional incentive to put us over the top.

March 23, 2003
Brian McGee likes the Avalon idea and begs me to get rid of the photo. Brian is in Texas - another 'out-of-towner.' He's okay with the date too.
Gail Senatore Dolente says things have been very quiet in South Jersey - not much indication of interest as yet. It's time to come out from hibernation from that big, bad snowstorm you people were hammered with this winter. Gail's okay with the date.
Vicky Graziosi Atkinson might be able to get the Moose Lodge in Lindenwold for $25 per person - includes food and open bar - more details to follow.
Mike Shustack is ready. He likes the shore proposal, but thinks September might be cold. He should live in Chicago for a while. September is Indian Summer - no crowds - good rates - not hot! Mike has suggested Lucien's Manor in Berlin. He also thinks we might attract more attendees if we keep the price low, and wants to spend any extra money that we might be able to collect on an Elvis impersonator.