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The Reunion Weekend |
By most accounts, the Twenty-Fifth Year Reunion Weekend for the Amador Valley High School Class of 1978 was a resounding success...friendships rekindled, fun and good times had by all. Below are some comments and memories from the weekend for everyone to share, suggestions and ideas for those things that can be improved the next time around, as well as a form for you to submit your own thoughts. Please take a minute to share some of your most memorable moments from the Weekend and add your critique so that the 30 Year Reunion Weekend will be even better. I am so sorry I have no memories of this reunion to reflect on! Sounds like it was such a fun time! I was bummed to be out of town on this weekend!!! I Would have loved to catch up with all of you! (especially those clamdiggers of course...) I actually had lunch with Terri Crawford LaBrie in So. Cal. that Friday - so I had a touch of "reunion" anyway! I will look forward to going to the 30th - maybe I can even help since I will be dealing with "empty nest syndrome" that year! Great job on this web site - it has been so fun to read it and reminisce about the ol' Amador Days and all the wonderful friendships that were formed there. Janice Walter Gutierrez jagutz@comcast.net So Nice to Be Home... Homecoming Game. Was that really Amador? Wish I could have stayed longer. Felt so welcome. Just like going home again. Lori, always the cheerleader! Dinner Dance. Edie and Anita ,what can I say? Always my love. Matty Sweeney still the boy next door! But what a good man you've become. Chuck-So proud of your accomplishments, but I would still like to know if you were wearing socks! Dennis it wouldn't have been the same without you. I know you fixed that raffle. Michelle and Rob, what a wonderful family. The years have been kind to you and I know the future will be even kinder. You are wonderful people. To all the others I remembered and all the others I forgot (oops)...You all made me feel like I was going home, even if it were just for one night. That's magical. PS...Gene Stanely, I like your hair better now! Picnic Winetasting. Nice to have a relaxing moment with you all. Equally as nice to have my daughter meet you. Time passes to quickly! As my grandmother would say "See You All In 5 Minutes!" Anne Connolly Scheibli theschmenkmans@hotmail.com Thanks for a great time. April and I had a great time at the dinner. It was fun to see and talk to everyone after such a long time. I look forward to the 30 and hope to see even more people. Thanks to everyone who dedicated the time and effort. Matt Bishop Mapabishop@aol.com God Bless the nametags! I appreciate so much the encouragement from Michelle and Dennis to show up for the dinner/dance. (Was it ever dinner??) It was absolutely delightful to see so many familiar faces (I must confess that the old yearbook pictures were a real help in many cases!) Most of all, you appear to be a group of individuals who have grown into the time of your life when you all really enjoy one another, regardless of which group you came from back when. That's a real gift. It sounded like there was conversation enough to catch up on 25 years worth of separation...and the pictures confirm that fun was had by all. Thanks for the opportunity to join you. Linda Ellis lellis@pleasanton.k12.ca.us Happy Happy Joy Joy Memories: Homecoming Game/Book Binding Party - Looking up in the crowd and seeing all the familiar faces! Wondering whose bright idea it was to take down the wooden fence around the swimming pool? Laughing, laughing, laughing too hard with Lisa Estrada Bowles and Karen McKinnon Zurita. Wishing we had more time. Karen's Book Reading/Signing - Hearing Pat Hagerty's voice and searching for the source. Being proud of Karen's accomplishment. Dinner Dance - Or should we say "The Bash?" So many people, so little time. Rene Yandell saying, "No matter where she goes in the world, Pleasanton is such a wonderful place to come home to." Kathy Wegner Dennison, "Being so proud of everyone!" Patty Gadd Santin telling me that she was glad that I talked her into coming. All the women looking so beautiful. The men so distinguished and personable. No one trying to impress anyone, just being themselves. Scott Merry being so exuberant at seeing old friends. Gary Peck being so much fun and laughing about being left out of our Senior yearbook. Rob and Michelle Flores proving that love does last. Breakfast - After the Bash. How do these guys eat Grand Slams and stay so slim? Wanting to go to sleep the minute I sat down! The newspaper being under the door when we got back to Lisa's room! Picnic/Winetasting - How can so many 40+ year olds look so awake on so little sleep. Rene Flores sleeping off her Homecoming while us old foggies partied on (even if it were only water!). Other thoughts - "I have heard it said that the friends of our youth are the closest friends we will ever have. For at no later time are we ever so open, so ready to offer up all that we have and all that we are, to allow others real access into our very souls." I think that the class of '78 formed lifelong bonds that allow us to celebrate the vulnerability of our youth with few regrets. Critique: Homecoming Game/Tailgate Party - Have a separate mailing to those attending the Saturday night event with this information as soon as we get the details worked out. Breakfast - Make it an event in itself or a brunch. Golf Tournament - Definitely have it earlier! Lisa Estrada, Shelly Goodwin and I are more than willing to drive the beverage carts! Dinner Dance - Have it at the new Mitchell Katz Winery events center with shuttles back and forth to the hotel. Or a similar location. Maybe have an early dinner at at restaurant where we can either have a set menu or people can order on their own, but leave it up to individuals to make their own dinner reservations. Then have light appetizers and a bar with dancing at the actual event. Don't make it start any later than 7 though. This way, people who want to spend the extra money on dinner can and those with a limited budget can still attend the event. We also eliminate the problem of amounts of food. At the 20 last minute people had to wait outside until after dinner. Have a handout assembly party/meeting sometime before the event so we can put together booklets, CDs, nametags, etc. and have everything ready for our wonderful volunteers. Have one person in charge of setting up the registration process. Picnic/Winetasting - This is a toughie. I think no matter what we do it needs to be casual and just be happy with whoever is able to make it. Lindy Jorgenson Brown Brownsnlv@aol.com MasterCard Moments Memories: I saw old friends reunited, new friendships made, some old wounds healed and good times had by all. Everything a reunion should be. Tail Gate/Game: Watching people walk into “our territory” and wondering if they were with us; the joy and often surprise in finding out they were (and relief that some of them weren’t). References to the football players of ‘78. The elaborate band and .... how many dozen cheerleaders now? I couldn't believe how the campus has changed. All the casual, happy “How are you”s, “How’v ya been”s, and "Look at you!"s. Gay 90's Pizza: Not planned, but a definite plus. Book Building Party: The first of the too-late activities; it was great fun. Karen, you should have traced your hand in them just like the cherished art projects my kids bring home. Sunol Saturday: I don’t golf, but it was good to see people in daylight. Dinner/Dance: Okay, sparse on both dinner and dancing .... but SO much fun. It seems our social circles have expanded to the point that there are no boundaries anymore. WAY too many individual memories to even begin listing them. Picnic: Beautiful location, gorgeous day, and wonderful people to share it with. Critique: There were a handful of behind-the-scenes things I’d do differently: - have more details done ahead of time; - schedule a venue for the main event that SOMEONE from the committee has actually seen before. I like the fact that things like Denny’s and Gay 90 weren’t planned. I don’t know that I’d schedule the 30-year for a later time because of the potential for these post-event, impromptu activities. I can't express how much fun it's been working on this reunion. I don't think I've ever laughed so hard at a computer screen as I did at some of those chat room planning meetings. Lindy, Michelle, Karen, Mark, John, and Dennis -- To say it's been an honor and a pleasure working with you would be a tremendous understatement. Not all of the details came off exactly as planned, but the primary goals were met making it a great weekend. The reunion was definitely a “MasterCard Moment”. Lisa Hodges Christiansen lisah4amador@yahoo.com Too Much Fun! The Reunion was a blast! I only wish it could have lasted longer....didn't get enough time to visit with everyone. Thank you everyone so much for all of your hard work. I am looking so forward to seeing the gang again in 5 years. Thanks again! Kathy Wegner Dennison kdennison@pacificservice.org It really meant a lot, thanks! Memories: Considering that I was only at the dinner/dance, I must say that I had a fantastic time. I have been filled with an emptiness over the past 10-15 years with a loss of my Mother and Father, Grandparents and a few other very close people in my life. That night was a night to remember for me by far. The old schoolmates from 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th on up that were there that night, my goodness, I would have never thought to see them ever again and there they were. I can't explain the joy it brought to me that night. I even thanked my husband for sitting there for hours with us girls. He said honey, just watching you have so much fun, made it easy to stay. He said the joy I saw in your face, was amazing. So, to all of you, thank-you. Critique: Maybe we can have a sit down dinner and gathering in a bigger room next time. Dehnay Webster-Pyle Scottsandd@aol.com Memories: Homecoming Game: The shock value was off the charts, seeing everyone the first time that night. Anne sorry for not getting your name fast. So much for the state of California not having enough money for education? Golf: The best day out on the links (and I have had many) I can remember; good golf, sun, great friends, bud light, six hours and twenty minutes was still not enough time. Eight would have been fine. Critique: Homecoming Game: Have name tags we can fill out at the game for those of use who need them. Have "Tail Gate" in Del Valle parking lot, plenty of room for a BBQ. Golf Tourney: we found 2 cases of beer no problem. Scramble next year???? Dinner Dance: Rent the room at Mitchell Katz and WE do a spectacular five course wine dinner with music, flowing robes, the grace...just beautiful. With the talent we have we could pull that off. Picnic Wine Tasting: Again I love that spot not just because my school bus used it as a turn-around, hope they have cookout abilities next time. Dave can we put together a letter to Bolinger Bar & Grill for a partial rebate? I would love to help, just need some basic information. Chuck Grandon chefchazz2001@yahoo.com To Everyone Thanks for all your hard work - it was really fun! I love the CDs. Karen Duffy Weber kdweber@ix.netcom.com From the other side of the pond... Thank you and everyone for all the hard work. It was truly memorable. Renee Yandell renee_yandell@hp.com Memories: Homecoming Game - Dan Knauer grew from a 5'8" quiet swimmer to a 6'1" GQ model sometime after high school. Most of the comments weren't from the guys. The game was great (even though Amador lost). The quality of play has certainly increased since we were there. Golf Tournament - With no other group could I not break 100 and have such a great time. It was a hot day and I am grateful to Erin Cruz for lending me the sunscreen. I knew all I had to do was look for the person with the most beautiful skin and I could find some protection from the sun. Inglesby is the best golfer I have ever seen with such unconventional form at times. I did not get to play with McCleary however, and I understand he might even be better. I admire Sue Cushing and Erin Cruze for enjoying themselves so much the entire weekend. They seem to know how to have a great time without crossing the line. I could learn a lot from them. George Ellard certainly looks the part of a high powered attorney with those preppy duds, a cigarette in one hand and that smooth lefty swing perfected at the Olympic Club....must be nice. Although, I do think he looks more like an east coast lawyer. Dennis is a great golf partner. He makes me laugh more than anyone ever has - even when most of the jokes are at his expense. Dinner Dance - Scott Merry telling me of his junior high memories at the dinner, then again at the hotel, then again at Denny's...It couldn't have anything to do with a few too many beers. Really, I did appreciate catching up with him. It had been 25 years. Meeting the wives of several close friends (Paul Campana, Dean Copeman, George Ellard and Kevin Kragen) for the first time. As for the least recognizable people - easily Scott Russell and Gary Peck. I still think those people were imposters. I was at the 20 year and I still saw many people for the first time since high school. I really had a great time. I enjoyed seeing everyone and especially someone. Thanks to Lindy for the packet (5 years later). She insists she has not been to the post office in 5 years. However, it does contain someone else's family photos, so if you know of someone missing some, let me know. I still don't know what happened to my memory booklet submittal. I was sure I had sent it. Pam Coburn and Paul McCleary remain the most humble people, just as I remember them. I think what sticks with me is how much more approachable everyone was, compared to our high school days. Matt Sweeney talking about athletes needing passion. He had me ready to "win one for the Gipper." He is right on the money in his views about the role of sports in high school. When he retires he should become a motivational speaker. Paul Cowden carefully explaining the subtle differences between being voted the "class comedian" instead of the "class clown," just as Dave Baratta staggers past in pursuit of another.... well. Critique: Turn the music volume down so we can hear each other speak. We are too old to shout over "The Boss." The food was a little confusing - appetizers or dinner? Otherwise, no complaints. It was great. Chris Kearns ckearns@bellsouth.net I Heard It Through The Grapevine The Greatest Quote I heard of the night was from Matt Sweeney. About the Reunion... "Everybody I wanted to see is here tonight. This is awesome!" Anonymous My Reunion Weekend Memories Homecoming/Tailgate Party 1. When Mary Jean Johnson walked up, from far away I would have sworn it was Cindy Hines (they must use the same hair stylist!). 2. Scott Russel walking up and saying "Dennis?"...I wouldn't have recognized him if he'd been wearing a neon sign over his head. 3. Seeing so many old friends and familiar faces in one place. 4. Everytime an Amador receiver dropped a pass, a bunch of people (including Paul) yelling "Pass dropped by McCleary...AGAIN!" 5. The "Memory Booklet Production Party" in the lobby of the Marriott that Gene and Gaylyn Stanley heard from the Second Floor. Golf Tournament 1. Out of shape (obviously) and my feet killing me, I played the back nine barefoot. Shot like hell but had more fun than Clinton at an Intern Seminar. 2. Ingles ripped the ball...like John Daly on steroids. 3. George Ellard and Gene Stanley getting locked in the porta-johns on the 13th Tee. 4. Playing the day with Mr. Kearns, the exception to the rule. Proof that the conservative bent isn't ALL bad. Dinner Dance 1. Beyond words. Seeing everyone together again, the talking so loud we couldn't hear the music...and no one cared. 2. Seeing Mr. Geib...my new twin brother...and later watching him talking with a group of his former players. 3. Debbie Albers coming out of nowhere at the last minute to take on the daunting task of selling ALL the raffle tickets...for which we raised $435 to put towards the 30-Year! 4. The "after-party" in the lobby of the hotel (the second consecutive night there lasting until well after 3AM). I haven't been that sore and tired since working my last Day on the Green...and I wouldn't have traded it for anything in the world. Picnic/Winetasting 1. Wonderful location...nice and relaxing...the perfect farewell. 2. Lana Askenova (Gary Peck's friend) taking the group pic with four different cameras. 3. Renee Flores (and her mother) recuperating from Nee's first Homecoming. 4. Meeting Julie Atkinson's husband and Anne Connolly's daughter and having some quiet time to talk to people. My Critique Homecoming/Party - Maybe more planing ahead so we could schedule a bar-b-que and go full out. But a great first time. Shoulda had drinks... Breakfast - Perhaps next time we'll do breakfast in another location, where we can reserve it to ourselves, make it a little more special to entice more people to come. Golf Tournament - Earlier tee times wouldn't have hurt and hopefully on a course where we don't have THE two slowest human beings EVER to grace a golf course playing right in front of us. 6:15 for a round with carts is grounds for dismemberment. Without question, we need to have a few of the gals driving drink carts next time! Dinner/Dance - The first comment of course has to be about the food. Bottom line is this...the restaurant didn't know what they were doing, changed catering managers three times over the summer (after our deposit was already paid) and we had a TON of people add on at the last minute (or just show up). Combined, this made for the shortage. For the 30-year, I might suggest that, since many people carried on until the wee hours, we do the 30-year from 8-1 instead of 7-Midnight. That way people can do their own individual dinner things if they choose and then we can do the dance and schmooze thing with some light appetizers, or desert, etc. Or maybe a full-on dinner at a restaurant large enough to accommodate 150 people and then move to the next venue for the dance and schmooze. Just a thought. Wider room. If we'd had another 15-20 feet wide, we'd have been set. But I do like the non-sit down dinner format as people REALLY got the opportunity to see and talk to one another, which WAS the point. Just wish there'd been more time to see and talk to people, but it was a blast! Family Picnic/Winetasting - Can't think of anything to add to this, other than having it at a winery and labeling it AS a FAMILY Picnic AND Winetasting was maybe a bit of an oxymoron as some people who have young kids might not have felt comfy bringing their children, and therefore didn't come themselves. Maybe next time around, we'll grab a park, do some "Que", toss in a softball game...ala Senior Picnic (just more thoughts). Seriously...I consider myself blessed to have such a wonderful group of people I can call my friends and SO proud to have worked the summer with the people of the Committee (and others) who made it all happen in such a spectacular fashion. And last but certainly not least (or to be forgotten), the admin of AVHS (most notably Linda Ellis and Rick Sira) for welcoming us home with such enthusiasm and making it easier. As always...the best! Dennis Jones dj@amador78.org Review and Critique Form |
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