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TOP 10½ REASONS EXCUSES FOR NOT WANTING TO ATTEND (and my responses) ****************************************************************** 1. “I never liked any of those people when I was in school, why would I want to see them now.” Really? There was not one single person in our class that you liked? Not even a little bit? There's not one single person you never thought of, never wondered what happened to him/her? Really. 2. “I’m old.” Guess what? We’re all older…on the outside. It would be kind of creepy if we all showed up and still looked like teenagers, don’t you think? 3. “I’m fatter than I was in high school.” Who aint?! Honestly, there’s no plan to hold an official weigh-in. 4. “I’m bald.” It’s only hair. Besides, do you think you will be the ONLY guy sporting the Isaac Hayes look? If it really bothers you that much – tell everyone it’s a choice, that you shave your head! 5.“The last time I talked with him/her we had a fight, and I don’t want to revisit that.” Please. Do you really think…after 40 years… that person will care? Or even remember? 6. “I haven’t done anything remarkable with/in my life.” The dictionary defines remarkable as “worthy of notice, worth noticing or commenting on.” In my opinion, this pretty much applies to everything - anyone has ever done! Including, but certainly not limited to, loving your spouse and your children - going to work - taking out the garbage – patting your dog - caring for your parents/siblings…everything! However, if your definition is…being President of the United States- inventing the microchip- having a line of tennis shoes, that cost $400 a pair, named for you- rolling over in bed and (depending on your preference) rubbing noses with Brad Pitt or Angelina Jolie… then might I suggest a revised dictionary. 7. “I’m busy.” Everyone is busy. We live in a busy world. You’re not committing to a life long adventure. It’s one day (two maybe). The universe will not crumble, time will not re-set, stars will not realign if you take a day to visit with some old friends. 8. “I don’t have anything in common with any of them any more; I’ll have nothing to talk about, I’ll be bored.” When you use the word “I” three times, in one excuse…I have three words for you - Get over yourself. 9. “Every reunion - the same “clicks” that made me feel uncomfortable when I was in high school, make me feel uncomfortable and will make me feel that way this time.” I’m no shrink, but I think, after 40 years, maybe it’s time that everyone put on your big girl/ big boy pants, take a deep calming, breath and… let this whole “click” thing go! 10. “I can’t afford the trip.” Ok, this one could get a little touchy, but I’ll give it a shot. If you need to fly: I understand and can sympathize, if you need to travel any distance to attend. Especially given the fact you might have to consider selling an organ to procure airfare, but - let’s get a little creative. Do you have any frequent flyer miles you can use? Is there a family member with miles, who you can ask if they would be willing to transfer enough needed miles to you? Is there some legitimate business you can conduct while you’re in town (or close) so that you can write off the ticket? While it can be a time consuming, frustrating “crap shoot” Standby is still an option with most airlines. If you choose to drive: If your spouse or your kid or your neighbor’s car is a beat-up, but reliable, old heap that gets a gazillion miles to the gallon and your car is a shiny new behemoth that gets 2 miles to the gallon…borrow the heap! Nobody cares. There will not be a bunch of people standing out in the parking lot, assessing and scoring you, by the car you arrive in! Again, if it’s really going to bother you, park a couple of blocks away and walk – tell anyone who notices you strolling down the sidewalk, that you are very health conscious and just needed to get in your daily exercise. If you know there’s a classmate in your town, or close by (even if you infrequently or never talk to him/her) pick up the phone and call him/her, and propose… ROAD TRIP! Grab up your CD collection of “oldies but goodies”, toss your money into a gas kitty, and…head out on the highway! There was a movie (a while ago) about a guy who drove his riding mower (across at least one state, if I remember correctly) to see his critically ill brother. Now, I’m not saying that attending a high school reunion is even close to that, in importance, but rather as an example, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” Where to stay: Discount lodging has been arranged in Streetsboro, see details here on the blog at REUNION UPDATE. The keyword here is discount. While it’s not free, it’s a good deal and less than booking on your own at area motels. Here’s another idea. Let’s say you haven’t talked with your grandmother, grandfather, aunt, uncle, cousin, any relative, who still lives in this area, since the funeral for your third cousin, once removed, 12 years ago – you’re still family! Write or call them and ask if you can stay there for one or two nights. If you don’t have any family still around here, but your fellow “Road Warrior” does - hey, two can mooch as easily as one! Besides, if their relative is really, really old - just introduce yourself as cousin so-and-so…who knows, they could go so far as to pinch your cheek and tell you how you haven’t changed a bit! 10 ½ “I want to come, but…this is embarrassing, I just don’t have the 30 bucks.” No smart ass answer. Bottom line, everybody needs a little help now and then. Email me: sal-lentz@neo.rr.com I’ll figure something out. No one will be the wiser. Well, there you have it, the Top 10 ½ Reasons Excuses For NOT Wanting To Attend. I should tell you, while writing out this list, I started thinking- what is it about a High School Class reunion that is cause for what is often taken as apathy and sometimes perceived as outright animosity? In truth, I think, IT is actually - fear. If that is the cause, then maybe this will help: “The first and great commandment is: Don't let them scare you.” Elmer Davis It might also be helpful to remember – you grew up with these people, some going back as far as kindergarten - you rode the same stinky buses, ate the same crappy food, shared secrets, formed friendships, attained milestones, suffered disappointments, sought truths, fought injustices, felt slighted, felt elated, hated everyone, and loved everyone. You cried together, laughed together, and rode out the 60’s together. You’d think after surviving all that together, surely you can survive one night (ok- again, two maybe) together!

WEST MAIN 4th GRADE (Mrs. Long)

Awww! Look at these cuties! Patti Mazzola looks like she really wants to bust out laughing and trying really hard not to.

How many of classmates you can recognize?

(Nice bow tie Mr. Shorts!)

Melody Drugan Greene, found/sends this one.

See - I bet you too have something to share, keep digging through those boxes!

Who knows what we were doing there -but whatever it was, I can guarantee we should have been in a classroom somewhere!

REUNION UPDATE

While http://ravennahs1969.blogspot.com may not be YouTube – it’s entertaining none the less! In addition, it’s a great way to take a little trip down memory lane, or get a sneak preview of classmates (so you can recognize them in August!) and what they’ve been up to for the last (really?) 40 years! We’d like to encourage everyone to “check out” the blog frequently, since (we hope) more classmates will begin contributing. What kind of contribution can you make? The fun – FREE kind of contribution! You can put in personal information - an update on what you’ve been up to- worldly observations, or bits of “boomer” wisdom. While you’re there, why not post a current photo of you and/or your family! Everyone would love to see any of those “Kodak” moments you have stashed in boxes - Prom pictures, candid shots of when you were young and wild, or group pictures that prove you did more than just hang out at Guido’s (or prove that you did!). Let’s get the blog party rolling! The reunion plans are coming along nicely. Reunion details and Reservation Form will be snail mailed by May 10th . . . so please be on the lookout for this information. Friday, August 7 will be a casual gathering at the English Pub in Ravenna starting at 6:30 PM. Each individual is responsible for their own food and beverages. If there is enough interest, we will have a 2 person team (in 4-somes and pay for your own) golf scramble on Saturday morning, August 8. Information regarding this event will be decided and firmed up once we get responses back from classmates. Our REUNION is set for Saturday, August 8 at the new Elks Lodge, 776 N. Freedom Street, Ravenna. Doors open at 6:00 PM. A buffet dinner will begin at 7:00 PM, with a class picture taken at 8:30 PM. (This portion of the reunion must be paid for in advance, via your Reservation Form.) A cash bar will be available all evening for soft drinks, beer, wine and mixed drinks. We will have a class address book available free (one per classmate) to all classmates attending the reunion. Those who are not able to attend may order one on the Reservation Form and include the required $5.00 fee (which covers envelopes and postage) with their form. We have found many of our classmates, but we are still looking for: Gloria Jean Bergdorf; Susan (Brown) Hutchinson; Anita June Burba; Catherine Rose (Delong) Smith; Wayne Given; Patrick Griffith; Joseph Lawrence Hemrick; Jr.; Kenny Bruce Jones; Dale Kirkhart; Vickie Lynn (Long) Sady; Richard Alan Marshall; Irene (Monson) Steele; Dianne “Loretta” Moss; Richard Putnam; Patricia Ann (Richeson) Stewart; Sherri Ann Robinson; Edwin Albert Ruggles; Jr.; Juanita (Simpson) Kanode; Kenneth William Starek; Marsha Stephens; Sally Stone and Sharon Ann Ulm. If anyone has information on any of the above classmates, please contact Pam Summers at palsummers@sbcglobal.net. A 12 oz. coffee mug (pictured above) has been created specifically for the RHS Class of 1969. Even if you don’t drink coffee or tea, this mug is a wonderful way to remember ole’ RHS. A new high school which is being built, will house all students beginning with the 2010/2011 school year. It is unknown what will happen to the RHS building we all know and love (or - maybe not) but this is your chance to have a keepsake of your alma mater! Preferred method to obtain this… one of a kind; highly collectable mug, is to check the appropriate section on the Reservation Form and include the payment with your form. Some Mugs will also be available for purchase Saturday night at the Reunion. PLEASE NOTE: Only cash or check will be accepted for purchase. While we understand that these tough economic times may play a part in your decision to attend, we sincerely hope each and every one of you recognize that your presence is an integral part of a successful weekend; that you are an important member of -The 1969 Class of Ravenna High School! We look forward to seeing you all on August 7th and 8th! RHS 1969 40th Reunion Committee