Daryl Capuano

30th Reunion Discussion

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Chris Martell

Hi all, 

Following up on Daryl's FB post, I'm more than willing to secure a band or DJ. I am aware of several in the area and can begin preliminary discussions with them. 

If we as a class want to do this, it's going to require some serious effort on the part of several classmates. If anyone needs help with their task, I'd be more than happy to help. Feel free to email me at cmartell6467@gmail.com

thanks

Daryl Capuano

I will add more thoughts about what we need to do if we are going to organize the event by ourselves, as opposed to hiring a professional group to do so.  I will suggest some working principles in order to make the event successful.

Principle 1: If you are advocating for a preference, then you should be willing to be responsible for the work required for that preference.

In this regard, we need people who will step up and take responsibility for part of an event.

The minor challenge is that there might be several people who have distinct preferences for the band/catering/venue.  And, there might be several people who want to be part of the decision making process for each area.

Related to the music, Chris Martell is willing to take that responsibility and do the work necessary for putting the music in place. I appreciate that very much.  If anyone else wishes to be part of the music decision process, please post here and then we'll sort out the work related to this function. 

Otherwise, Chris will run this part of the event.  THANKS CHRIS.

Robin Coe (Hanna)

So everyone visiting this forum understands what we are discussing....It's been brought up by various classmates that they would like to see a more relaxed, less expensive alternative for our 30th High School Reunion coming up next year (2015).  In no way are we saying that Daryl hasn't provided us with great get togethers in past years but there seems to be a general consensus that more people may show up to the next reunion if it wasn't as costly to attend or so formal of an event.  I think many people would agree that they would like to get to see the people they graduated with and not exclude people due to overall cost.

With this in mind, suggestions have ranged from having a picnic (which occurred last year for a joint PHS reunion at Volunteers Park) or having a reunion at the PHS gym or finding a restaurant with a large enough room for attendees to have appetizers and drinks.  We are trying to start a "discussion" and get input from the 1985 class as to what they might like to see happen for our 30th reunion.  So please join in on this discussion - tell us what you may have at your disposal (dj, band, caterer, hall, decorator, etc), your opinions of fancy versus casual, etc.

Please keep in mind the following if we choose not to use a reunion planning company as per Daryl's directive:

Those of you who want to go this route need to commit and be held accountable for, at least, the following:

(1) Finding a venue
(2) Putting up deposit money to secure a venue (until reimbursement)
(3) Finding catering
(4) Paying for the catering (until reimbursement)
(5) Finding the band/DJ
(6) Paying for the band/DJ (until reimbursement)
(7) Contacting every person from the class (Facebook posts are insufficient)

In this regard, we don’t need people who will “volunteer to be occasionally part of a committee” but actually people who will fully in charge and responsible for the decisions related to their area of commitment and the work that goes along with the area of responsibility.

Daryl Capuano

Our best efforts must be made to contact every classmate

My biggest concern in reunion planning has always been that every classmate gets contacted.  I think we all agree that we don’t want to cause anyone to get upset that they were not contacted about the event.  

Having heard others in different contexts express that they were hurt that they were never contacted because the event organizers didn’t reach out to them has made me highly mindful about the responsibility of ensuring everyone knows about the event. 

In terms of our past reunions, while there have been criticisms about the dates, the venues, etc., no one has ever complained that they weren’t contacted.  That’s the one thing that professional organizers do well because it is in their interest to have as many attendees as possible.

For those advocating a desire to organize as a group, someone please step up to lead the effort to contact everyone.  It might be that we simply divide the class list alphabetically among a few people.  But, we absolutely have a responsibility to ensure that no one feels left out.    

Chris Martell

I have no problem trying to locate classmates but, as this effort seems to be the most critical, having multiple people working on a coordinated approach under a task leader would seem best.  That way we could use the 6 degrees of separation strategy when trying to hunt people down.  I am currently working in DC and living in NJ so I have plenty of down time at night and can help out, if not lead, this effort.  Thoughts?

BTW...I just called their agent and Simple Minds is available to play.  HAHA  j/k

Daryl Capuano

Thanks Chris.  

I completely agree that we should divide the list and appreciate that you'll help - if not lead - the effort to communicate with everyone.

I'll send a Facebook message to our class.  We'll see if we can get a few others involved.  And, let me add that I really appreciate your willingness to do the work necessary.  In the past, I have received "suggestions" from a couple dozen people.  When I then asked if they were willing to do the work necessary to enact their suggestion, silence followed! 

I'll also add to anyone else reading, if Chris is doing the work to get the music and no one else helps out, then no one should criticize his choice. 

Robin Coe (Hanna)

I have no problem setting up a spreadsheet to include everyone's name and addresses from the class of 1985 - as we acquire adresses or contact information that is.  If we think it would help I can set up a Yahoo email just for collecting names and contact information of every graduate - unless we already have something in place.  I'm  sure that we can locate the 1985 graduates based upon who is still in touch with whom.

As for a band - if we want to be even more "simple" and cost effective, we could always just set up a computer with a preset playlist (80's music or variety) or stream it through one of the many music apps out there.

-Robin

Steven Klein

I want to express my gratitude to Daryl for all the work he has done in the past and the effort he has already made this time, to Robin for the great idea to make our 30th relaxed, enjoyable and well attended, and to Chris for his contributions.  I am happy to help in any way to make this a success, so count me in!

Daryl Capuano

Thank you Steve.  In the context of forewarning those who are kindly volunteering to help, I was about to note that they would be taking on a thankless job.  But, apparently not.  So, I appreciate your words.  

Stacy Dersh

Hello Everyone,

I'd be happy to help with organizing the reunion.  Are we planning to have a meeting to discuss what neds to be done?  Just let me know what I can do.  

Daryl, I think splitting up the class to contact them is a great idea.

Stacy Dersh

Daryl Capuano

For organizational purposes, I'll suggest the following:

Let's get the word out to all those who want to volunteer.

I've already heard from some people who are not delighted that they were not included in the planning committee.  Of course, anyone interested can and should be included.

Then, we'll get volunteers to lead efforts in certain areas.

Music - Chris Martell is on the team here.  Anyone else interested, let us know.  Otherwise, appreciate any work done by Chris to move this forward and don't complain if you don't like his choice.

Contacting People: Robin Coe, Stacy Dersh, Chris Martell, Steven Klein and me will sort this out.  More help is needed.  So, please jump in here.  We need help to make sure EVERYONE is contacted.  People really resent when it seems like a small group only invites people they know. We'll get a process for this by the end of the month.  Robin has some good suggestions for the process (see above)

Venue:  HELP NEEDED

Catering: HELP NEEDED

Date: I will post a lengthy discussion on the challenges related to setting a date.  Essentially, some people will be unhappy.  The 10th was held in the summer.  I heard complaints to hold the next one in the fall.  The 20th was held in the fall.  I heard complaints to hold the next one in the summer.  And, again, forewarning to those joining the committee, I pretty much have only heard complaints about different aspects of the 10th, 20th, and 25th.  The date will necessarily cause unhappiness for some because not everyone will be able to make whatever date we choose.

Stacy Dersh

There are always going to be people unhappy about something, so there is no reason to go crazy about it.

Robin Coe (Hanna)

Daryl -  A question for you.  I know in years past you've used a reunion company, correct?  Do they coordinate anything besides the "typical" reunion at a hotel with sit down dinners?  Would they be able to coordinate a more casual event? Just figured I would throw that out there as another possibility?

Michael Hurta

Hi Daryl,

You mentioned sending out a Facebook message. Is there a group to join in order to keep in touch beyond this forum?

Thanks

Mike Hurta 

Daryl Capuano

Hi Robin,

Good question.  But, as a general rule, "no", they set up events that are held in formal settings.

Daryl

Daryl Capuano

Hi Mike,

Good to hear from you.

You are in the right place to volunteer, if that is your intention.

We can use Facebook as a way to communicate.  But, there are many people who either don't use Facebook and/or don't like Facebook.  So, I am hopeful that we can "officially" (if there is such a thing) communicate on this site.

Michael Hurta

Daryl,

Thanks for the clarification.

Mike