Timeline 07:55h, Monday July 31, 2017
So, they called me last week. Yup. They called me (well, technically they emailed me, but you know what I mean). Already. So soon. You know what I'm talking 'bout? Who the "they" are?
The Reunion Committee.
They said I got to start thinking about the 40th Walter Panas Class of '78 ReUnion. I was like "Whaaa...? Now? ...? We just did this, right?"
Not really; it was actually five years ago. And since these things typically happen on the decade [the word is derived (via French and Latin) from the Ancient Greek 'dekas', which means a group of ten], and because we had so much fun at the 30th ReUnion that we decided to do the last one on the lustrum (5-year, or half-decade), now it’s time, again. Actually we are still one year out—Columbus Day Weekend October 2018 is the date—but we need to start planning now.
They said the Marriott’s and the Hiltons get all booked up a year in advance, so, you know, the early bird catches the worm, and carpe diem, and once more into the breach, and yada-yada-yada….
So I been thinking about it this past week or so, and here’s what I come up with:
I’m thinking this is the last one.
Just from a practical and logical standpoint: I mean, I know 50-year ReUnions do happen, but c’mon…what would that be like? 12 people showing up for a brunch date? I don’t mean to denigrate 50-year high school reunions, but there comes a time….
So, they asked me to reach out to y’all to gauge interest in this our 40th (last?) ReUnion so we could reserve the right-sized ballroom. I don’t much care for polls; I said expressed interest/disinterest this early will probably not be that credible or actionable. I mean, I say today I am going to do such and such tomorrow and tomorrow comes and I’m like: I don’t think so.
So I said no thanks to the poll.
But I began thinking outside of the box a bit. Marriott? Hyatt? I don’t know…does it have to be like that? What about a cool bar/restaurant, in a beach or lakeside community, somewhere, anywhere: NY, NJ, DE, RI, VA, NC, GA, FL, East Coast…or not? Heck, even a decent sized house, manse, or club would get it done. It only has to fit about 50 to 75 people. Lots of places can handle that. I’m pretty sure we used to get 75 into Farley’s living room back in the day…
October is just about off-season in most water-side communities. Prices might be reasonable. Weather usually is, too. Cater it locally, simply. No overhead for waiters, staff, security, etc.
Same for booze. Keep it simple.
No closing time. Come when you want, leave same.
Informal atmosphere might be a nice change. Walk on the beach. Sit on the deck. Dance in the sand. The point is to see and converse with each other again, right? (I find hotel ballrooms among the least conducive places for that….)
Music would be free, wireless. I know ten guys with the right play list for people our age. No 25-year old DJ to find and pay, and argue about the volume and song selection with.
Breakfast next morning at the local diner.
If the food stinks, and the drink runs out, if the music don’t work, we’ll still have a nice time at the beach.
Could be the last, best party for ’78.
Maybe I’m crazy. Maybe I just got summer and water and the seashore on my mind. Anyway, just thinking out loud here…
If you know a cool place that could get it done, email me at: 1978@walterpanas1978.com |
