Daryl Capuano

I emphasize that I don't have a personal preference.

I also note that regardless of whatever date we choose there will be annoyed classmates and annoyed committee members.

At the moment, we don't need to make decisions but rather just brainstorm.

With that said, I will share my experience:

I have spoken at length with professional reunion organizers about the optimal dates for reunions.  Since these folks do this work for a living and have every incentive to try to get the most people possible to attend their events, the feedback from them is as follows:

Jan-Feb-March: Winter.  Not good

April - Tricky because winter weather could be a problem in the beginning of the month and Passover/Easter takes over one weekend

May-possible

June - too many end of school events for children

July-August: Possible but summer vacations automatically makes the event a problem for many 

September - Was told to avoid September - the explanation wasn't great but basically the start of school creates a high level of busyness for parents that makes reunions problematic

October - works unless its Halloween 

November - can work but must be the first or second week otherwise too close to Thanksgiving

December - can work but must be the first or second week otherwise too close to Christmas

--

For the reasons above, 

May and October work reasonably well.  

The other months that could work:

July-August - with the caveat that summer vacations are a challenge

November (beginning of the month), December (beginning of the month)

Emily Pavel (Simmons)

Hi everyone,

30 years?!?  How did that happen?!

I am available to help out with the reunion...just let me know what you need.  I can help contact people, venue, catering...

Daryl Capuano

Thanks Emily.

Contacting people - help needed.  Thank you.

Venue and catering - if you have any contacts or ideas regarding a casual place that would make keep the cost down, please tell us.

Robin Coe (Hanna)

I know that on the FB page people have made a few suggestions as to a location for the 30th reunion. Personally I would prefer being back up in the Parsippany area (since that is where we graduated).  But if we find another location that suits our needs that's great.  Currently I am about 1 1/2 hours away from Parsippany in Ocean County, NJ so don't have many contacts back in our home town.  I will try to start searching for banquet halls, catering facilities, restaurants, etc to start getting some ideas of what is around.  BUT  if anyone has any contacts with restaurant owners/managers/etc please feel free to share with the group as to what may be at our disposal.

Any and all help is always appreciated.

Lee Gootblatt

Greetings Classmates!  Chris gave me the update on the 30th.  I like the idea of the more non-formal reunion, and as Robin said Volunteer's Park is really big, so it could probably hold our entire class.  I know the whereabouts of some who did not make our 25th, and I'll put out the feelers. 

Robin Coe (Hanna)

Oh and I keep meaning to ask - Daryl, do you have any idea as to how many attendees there have been at past reunions?   Do you know what percentage the reunion organizers typically expect to respond with a "yes" to attending a reunion?  There looks to be about 340 names on the classmate profile listing.  This would greatly impact the venues we should even consider.

Daryl Capuano

Let me first note that I have no personal preferences regading date, venue, catering or music.  Let's just do what's best for the class as a whole.

I am 100% on board for casual, if only because we went formal last time and it seems equitable to go the other way. 

I agree with Robin and others who have suggested that Parsippany (or at least near Parsippany) makes sense for convenience and theme. For example, I live in Connecticut so I would be delighted if people wanted to have the party at Sherry's place in Connecticut as she suggested.  But, that would be inconvenient for many.  More to the point, we graduated from Parsippany so it makes sense to head back home.

To answer Robin's question on attendance:

According to professional reunion organizers, 28% is the number of typical attendees for the 10th reunion.  The number drops each year thereafter with around 20% expected for the 25th and less thereafter. 

For the 30th, if we got around 20%, then 60-70 is a likely turnout. This is not including spouses/guests. 

Robin Coe (Hanna)

I quickly looked into Chris Martell's idea of having the reunion at the high school itself.  After talking with both the main office and the board of education, there would not be any alcohol allowed at the reunion as this is against school board policy.  I would assume this would negate that idea.

Sigal Cohen (Rice)

The Parsippany Elks is available on Octover 11th or October 18th.  Let me know if I should reserve.

Daryl Capuano

At the moment, we are just gathering ideas about the venue.

Sigal has been kind enough to call the Parsippany Elks to inquire about availability.  In a note to me, she mentioned that $250 is the price to rent.  Sounds like a good possibility. THANK YOU SIGAL.

Mike Hornyak has informed me that he is seeking out a couple of locations.

The high school would be great.  But, as Robin noted, the non-alcohol policy eliminates it from consideration.

Robin Coe (Hanna)

Just an aside - the board secretary mentioned to me that some classes have been "making a day" of the class reunion and incorporating going to one of the high school football games prior to going to dinner.  Just thought I would throw that out there as an idea to think about.

Daryl Capuano

Thanks Robin. 

One more reason why October might be a good month.

Daryl Capuano

VENUE OPTION:  Parsippany Elks Club

Full credit to Sigal.  As President of the Ladies Auxilary, she is able to get a discounted price for The Parsippany Elks Club and will not need to provide a deposit or sign liability documents.

The current (DISCOUNTED due to Sigal) rental fee is $250.

We can have a cash bar.  The bartender is currently paid $75. 

We can bring food from wherever we choose to cater.  

Sigal also said she is willing to show the place to anyone interested.

This seems like a good option for going casual. 

From here, I suggest that we keep the floor open for other suggestions and then try to gain some consensus as to what is best for the group.

THANKS SIGAL!

Michael Hornyak

Ahoy mates,

I did speak with Christi Cooper who's had folks attend reunions at the Embassy Suites without the 3^rd party.

She did many of them at the Lowe’s Glenpoint in Teaneck which is a high traffic hotel and never had a problem with any liability(without incident) – in fact you can have people sign off on as deemed necessary if they volunteer for venue/catering management.

Here it is and my best guess for housing approximately 80 to 100 people 

Embassy Suites in Parsippany – Next to the Police Station There's a party going on right here:

1.        The celebration fare which is a mix of simple buffet and appetizers   with tax                            $41.77 per person – Cash bar only.
2.        The celebration fare with one hour of an open bar with beer and wine included                        $61.77 per person. (Celebrate good times come on 3 decades later.

Additional Info: (Bring your good times and your laughter too....)

Atrium will remain open but DJservices will require back room which is included in the price with dance floor included and seating.

People can dance in the room and than mingle into the atrium for a drink and some tranquilty.

Dates Available in 2015:

May 16^th

June 13^th

October 17^th

Rooms if you want to stay over: (otherwise we have to bribe Sean Clark so you don't get flagged)

109.00 per night with tax – you can house 2 to 4 people in a room.

This seems a bit more affordable plus you get a free full breakfast in the morning.

I’d say this is a good compromise, but what the hell do I know I am almost 48 years old.

-Yak

P.S. - I love Lee Gootblatt. Joseph Keane and I were IPLE interns at the police station as file clerks and they do need some volunteers at the PS on Saturday afternoon. Spoke to Ed Crooker who is slammed with paperwork.

Lauren Birnbaum (McHale)

Hey everyone!

Lauren (Birnbaum) McHale here.

Daryl knows, I'm on board for helping as well.

From what I have read so far, it seems an evening, casual, no kid, less expensive option in the hometown area with the ability to stay over would work well. Plus we need insurance coverage. I'm lovin Hornyaks research.

The most important thing is to reunite, reminisce, and relax and enjoy each other.

Light fare and libations, baby!

Just can't wait to see everyone! 

Daryl Capuano

Venue Option 2: Embassy Suites

See post from Mike Hornyak.  And, big thanks to Mike for spending several hours generating this option. 

Ronald Kroeger

I would like to share some thoughts on the potential day of activities for the reunion. I did not read through all of the posts so if I repeat or duplicate ideas so be it. 

2 thoughts on a reunion. 

Include entire families in a potluck barbeque at Smith field during the day on Saturday and then convene together that evening for a dance and dinner party.

the other is for all of us to take turns with Daryl C. wife (She is Hot!) Take turns at dancing with her ofcourse.

Just some thoughts

Ron K 

Michael Hornyak

Hello,

I am helping Daryl because for years nobody was interested in helping him and 5 years the economy was bad and nobody wanted to go.  If you went to the twenty year reunion it was fantastic.

 This is all great about creating an unofficial facebook page, music, picnics with your family and trust me I have my own crew. The night is designed for you..  frankly, this is being completely over analyzed.  You now have two options on the table and come up with one more. Sure, it would be great go to a football game, yet you have a name change and you will have about 5 people show up for that event.

Also, Nicole Angelotti and the 18 other people I speak to please comment and provide suggestions so all of the folks in the class can draw consensus with a proper POV. She is coming from Arizona and is going to spend a fortune but wants to see everybody.

Daryl,  a good suggestion for you it to attach a time limit on suggestions and than move this forward with combo facebook marketing and e-mail blasts. Robin Coe who I have known since kindergarten would be a good arbitator of the list and she can work with Lauren Mchale who does PR.   Let Chris Martell do his thing with DJ and than market the thing.  E-mail Emily Pavel and have her contact Michelle Rudin Knupp.  They can get a conference call going about how to set up a paypal.

Elks Club, Embassy Suites and one more and than lets start inviting connecting a picking up a firm date. If you go with the Sigal Cohen option you can still charge 20.00 per person and than whatever is left over can be used for a 35 year reunion.

In addition to that, Ronnie K I hear you and you have wonderful family but your old family wants to see you as well.

Everybody has a say in a reunion but put it out there, because you will still have people complaining.  In general you have positive people and than some who are miserable.

This will be my last correspondence but I will say everybody that polled classmates/ sure I have as well and there are varying degrees of opinion.  Is it all about socioeconomics or the participation of your voices to be heard?  

Michael H

Robin Coe (Hanna)

I'm going to step on my soapbox for just one minute - for all of those naysayers out there who are so up in arms about having a more relaxed type of reunion.  No one is saying that this is how all future reunions are going to be held.  We're just looking at if right now for the 30th.  It's just a different way to try to get a larger group from our graduating class together by offering a potentially less costly alternative.  Ok, off my soapbox.

I agree with Mike Hornyak that one more option would be best and then a "vote" of some sort to get the ball rolling toward making further concrete arrangements.  Currently, we have a hall and a hotel as options.  I would think that a restaurant of some type would be the third way to go.  I was thinking of trying to call Towne Tavern in Lake Hiawatha to see if that venue would be a possibility.  I know that fundraisers have occurred there (just recently for Paul Whiteman) so figured it might be an option.  Also it's another location right in town.  I'll let you know what I can find out.  If someone can think of another restaurant option please let us know.

Daryl - have you had any luck with the reunion company in obtaining the class contact list?  Just in case they won't release it,  I have thrown together an excel spreadsheet with everyone's name that is on class creator.  I have started to fill it in the town names that people have supplied on FB or class creator.  I also have a column as to who they may be friends with on FB from the 1985 graduating class so that we might be able to obtain contact information through them.  Let me know if you want me to continue.  Ultimately addresses can be emailed to me through class creator for me to enter into the spreadsheet.

Robin

Chris Martell

Wow!  See what happens when you're off the grid for a couple of days?  I love the responses.

@Mike - I think the interest in assisting in the planning on THIS site is genuine.  That being said, I've messaged people who have posted ideas on the FB page and it appears that many are more interested only in having their voices heard.  Just my opinion but I've messaged some who have made venue suggestions on FB asking if they would be willing to help out and all I heard were crickets.

Personally, I like the ideas of the Elks or Embassy.  I'm not sure which Elks Sigal is referring to, though.  The on in Hiawatha (The Parsipanong) of the one in Lake Par...of which I am a member.  I've been to both and neither are dumps contrary to what you may have heard in years past.  Embassy is also a very nice place.

I've seen John Pic at Towne Tavern more times than I care to admit (lol) and know the owners so I could ask what their policy is on holding events there.  If nothing else, it might be a nice place to have a warm-up the night before for those who come into town early.

@Ron - I'm assuming that you and Daryl are still pretty tight.  I am getting married in 4 short weeks so, as much as I might want to have my way (dancing) with his wife, I'll let you take the lead on that one.  Heck, I haven't seen a good brawl in quite some time!  HAHA

Daryl - did we have music/DJ at the 25th?  The venue we choose would dictate what we should choose and the number of attendees would dictate what we could afford.  One idea which Robin and I discussed was creating a playlist and play it through an inexpensive PA system.  We would obviously take suggestions and the music would be heavily influenced by 80s music...including Simple Minds. :)  NOT a priority right now; just something to think about and discuss amongst the group.

I think the first thing we need to accomplish, and please correct me if I'm wrong, is to compile as complete a list of our classmates as possible.  From there, we gauge interest in attending the 30th.  To do so, we should all reach out to our friends, FB and non-FB.  My question to the group; however, how should we assemble this information?  If we want to reserve this space for planning activities, should consider creating another way for people to respond with their intentions and mailing/email addresses?

Daryl Capuano

My suggestion for work flow:

Venue:

For at least a couple of weeks, keep the floor open for anyone who wants to generate a concrete suggestion.  On that note, Mike Hornyak and Sigal Cohen Rice both actually did the work necessary to put forth something tangible.  “Suggestions” without any details, while appreciated, do not help that much.  

It seems that generating at least one more option, perhaps at a restaurant/bar or some place different than either the Elks or Embassy Suites, makes sense.  But, all creative ideas are welcome.

Contacting Classmates For Planning Purposes:

Through Facebook and other informal channels, encourage all interested classmates to come to this site if they want to help plan.

After it seems that we have made our best efforts to ensure that people who might be interested in planning the reunion have had the opportunity to join, then we can close the floor for venue options and take some sort of vote. 

By the way, I assure you based on past experience that those interested in actually doing the work for planning as opposed to spouting criticisms/suggestions will be minimal!

Date:

After the venue is chosen, we can move towards discussing the date.  This won’t be fun because of the reasons alluded to in prior posts but I hope the discussion will be polite.

Contacting Classmates To Publicize The Event:

Fortunately, at the moment, all we need to do is ensure that anyone interested in planning the reunion is included. 

The real work will come thereafter when we need to publicize the event.  At that point, it seems like we can get a dozen or so people to take responsibility over part of the class list.  

We can assign responsibility alphabetically: A-C; D-F, etc. 

For example, if Emily Pavel Simmons took A-C and Robin Coe took D-F, they would have the responsibility to ensure that each member of their assigned group was contacted.   And, then, of course, we can all help each other by indicating friends on each other’s lists.  Robin could tell that Emily that she is friendly with several people on Emily’s list and will contact them and vice a versa. 

Music:

Chris, and anyone else who might help, is absolutely right that the venue will likely dictate the type of music.   With that said, I’ve heard from a whole bunch of people who said exactly what was mentioned above: Pandora or an 80s playlist and a good sound system is likely the most effective and potentially best way to go.

Catering:

Food and drink discussions will necessarily be put off until we decide on the venue.

Side Events:

I’ll suggest that getting the main event set up first makes sense.  From there, I’m sure there will be plenty of people who will create side events at the football game (if in the Fall), Smith Field, various bars etc.

Answers to questions:

Robin – the reunion company has not responded to my request.  Not a worry at this point.  I think we can cobble together a class list from the yearbook, this site, and Facebook.  Then, your kind gesture to create a spreadsheet or other organizing document will be much appreciated.  From there, I’ll suggest that those who have volunteered to help can take part of the list as referenced above.

Mike – Agreed, let’s have some closure.  But, right now, my guess is that 75% of our class doesn’t even know that reunion discussions are happening.  I’ll suggest keeping the floor open for a few weeks – at least – just to ensure that those who might want a voice have an opportunity to be heard.

Chris-I think we can gather names/e-mails and send to Robin so she can create a master spread sheet.  And, then after we get the date/venue, set up a system for contacting people (see above) and a system for tallying likely attendance.  On that note, there will be a lot of non-committals until a few weeks before the event.

Ron- My wife said she is happy to dance with you.  Not sure what she meant by that.

Robin Coe (Hanna)

I was able to get some information for the Towne Tavern through Judie Wrobleski who happened to be at the restaurant last night.  She provided me with a Cocktail Party Menu which has a 25 person minimum with a cost of $20 per person. (plus 18% gratuity and 7% tax).  The restaurant seats 110 plus the bar area.  The menu would consist of the following:

Display of Salads: Antipasto, Cheese Platter, Crudite of Veggies

Chafing Dishes/Main Courses:  Penne Ala Vodka, Mini Crab Cakes, Pork Dumplings, Buffalo Wings, Sliders and skewered beef teriyaki

As for bar service it would be a running tab.

There are other options for food and drink (cash bar, open bar).  It was suggested that a DJ be used rather than a band so as not to drown out conversation among guests.   Unfortunately, Terri told Judie that he would only consider closing the restaurant/bar to us during the summer months so that it would be exclusive to the PHS 85 class.  So that would leave out both May and October as potential dates I presume.  

I did try to reach out to Terri today to get some additional information but he won't be back at the restaurant until Sunday.  Figured I would at least provide the above mentioned option to everyone.

Again, if someone else knows of another restaurant in the area that might be able to provide us with a location please join in on the discussion.

Daryl Capuano

Thanks Robin.  

Sounds like Towne Tavern has some plusses and some negatives.  

Regardless, great to have another potential option on the table.

Christopher Hosmer

Hey guys,

My two cents.  I live in Alabama.  Scheduling is the hard part.  June, July, August, December are pretty good.  October is definitely out for me.  I am very busy in that month it is also mid-semester.  Summer is the best time for me.  I know that you may not be able to do it at an ideal time, but I will definitely make an effort to be there.  Also, if you need me for something, I am willing to help out.  I just don't have a lot of time.   It'll be nice to see you all again.  Daryl, thanks for all the stuff you have done in the past and still do for the class.  We all appreciate your efforts and dedication.  Damn, we're old!

Chris Hosmer

Stacy Dersh

I think the Elks or the Embassy sound great and I like the idea of the reunion in October, sorry Chris.

If anyone needs any help with the location, catering as well as contacting people, just let me know and I'm happy to help or take charge.

Looking forward to seeing everyone.

Stacy