Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Reaching Out
In January 2011 Erik Berg passed away by his own hand after years of battling depression. Today I learned of the passing in April 2011 of Francine Kimball, who also took her own life, but no one knows why. Over the years since graduation there have been other classmates who have struggled and lost hope, ultimately choosing the same fate. This deeply saddens me, as I can't help but think what if someone had reached out at that moment before the decision was made and simply offered an ear or a hand to help them?
Left with fond memories of childhood friendships and confusion over what happened between then and now, we struggle to understand the 'why'. Maybe instead of trying to dissect what happened, we should focus on how we can reach out to those who are still among us. Those classmates struggling with personal demons or daunting situations, who need contact, support and perhaps a fresh perspective.
It's scary - putting yourself out there emotionally, but it's also something that may help someone else more than you'll ever know. Don't be afraid to do it.
Left with fond memories of childhood friendships and confusion over what happened between then and now, we struggle to understand the 'why'. Maybe instead of trying to dissect what happened, we should focus on how we can reach out to those who are still among us. Those classmates struggling with personal demons or daunting situations, who need contact, support and perhaps a fresh perspective.
It's scary - putting yourself out there emotionally, but it's also something that may help someone else more than you'll ever know. Don't be afraid to do it.
Thursday, August 05, 2010
It's Here!
We made it. The 25th MSHS Class of 1985 Reunion weekend is here, er... almost. Tomorrow at 7pm we hope to see you at The Dugout in Medford to kick it off.
Note these things...
RE: Hellgate Jetboat Dinner Cruise
Note these things...
RE: Hellgate Jetboat Dinner Cruise
If you want to join us on the Hellgate cruise they have a waiting list. Call 'em up and get on it, but also mention you are with the Medford Class of 1985 and would like to sit with us at dinner. IF they get you a spot, then you come to Hellgate by 3:45pm and pay them directly for your tickets. If you don't have reservations or a spot saved by Hellgate, you can't get on the boats, so don't show up expecting to squeeze in... it won't happen.
RE: The NMHS Gym
The floor of the gym is being redone, and was supposed to be finished by now, but it's not. This means we had to get $1,000,000 worth of insurance to use the gym, but won't be using most of it. The bathrooms, the Snack Shack... maybe a bit upstairs... but the photo op that was going to take place in the gym appears to be now taking place outside. "Best laid plans...".
The NMHS Equestrian Club will be selling pizza by the slice if you're hungry and the principal of NMHS will be giving a tour of the school to another class while we are there. I'm sure if you'd like to join in the tour, that too is an option.
RE: The Family Picnic
Thankfully the weather is a bit cooler than in past weeks. Looks good for about 85 degrees in Medford. Please remember to bring your own lunch and the committee will supply soda from Pepsi and cakes from Costco for your enjoyment. Bring chairs and shade as needed for your family. While there is shade available, some may need more. 10am to 2pm at Donahue Fronmeyer Park in Medford.
Be sure to say 'Thank You' to Linda Partsafas-Guches, Shannan Milich-Johnson, Darrin Thornton, and Renee Latchford-Bowne for all their efforts to make this year's reunion happen. They've worked hard to put it together for you and despite the challenges, I'm certain that we'll all have fun spending time together once more.
Cheers!
Thursday, July 29, 2010
25th Reunion Update
Tonight the reunion committee met at the place formerly known as Cybercenter... now called 'The Dugout'. (It's behind Airport Chevrolet off of Chevy Way.) It's a bit scary to see a room totally dismantled and being repainted, but we met with 'Russ' the manager there and feel confident that our Friday, August 6th private party there will be a great one! It starts at 7pm and we'll be going until no one wants to go anymore - which Russ assured us was OK with him.
Just in case you were wondering... it's OK to bring spouses or significant others to the party. It's not really a kid thing though. It's also OK to invite people from other classes to come too. "Charley...".
There will be a 'Tornado Menu' available, jello shots, red and black themed drinks for sale too. A retro game room, pool tables, a golf simulator, XBox 360's and more! No live band to squash conversation this time, plenty of parking, several beers on tap as well as two full bars and plenty of staff.
It's going to be a fun night. Hope you'll be able to join us!
For Saturday, please show up at North Medford High School's gym at 10am for a class picture. We have a professional photographer who will be taking these shots, so time is money. If you want to be in the photo... please show up on time.
The NMHS Equestrian Club will be selling pizza by the slice, and all proceeds go to the club. About 12:30 we'll be cleaning up, with those who are going on the jetboat trip loading onto an air conditioned bus at NMHS at 2:30pm, to return around 9:30pm.
Other private parties are being planned, and we hope this gives everyone ample time to show up for the photo and still attend whatever functions that interest them.
The reunion committee hopes that whatever you do, and whoever you are with for the reunion, you have a great time with your friends.
Sunday the 8th, there's the family picnic at Donahue Fronmeyer Park - corner of Spring and Springbrook in Medford, from 10-2pm.
The committee will provide cake and soda, but please bring your own lunch, chairs and shade if desired. Due to not charging for anything except for the jetboat trip, funds are tight and we decided this would be the economical thing to do - having everyone bring their own picnic.
Thank you to Linda, Darrin, Shannan and Renee for all they have done - the months of planning and effort - to make this happen for all of us. It's no easy task to try and guess what will make you all happy, but they do so with smiles and a 'can do' attitude no matter what. That's something that deserves a pat on the back from all of you.
Hope to see you next weekend!
Just in case you were wondering... it's OK to bring spouses or significant others to the party. It's not really a kid thing though. It's also OK to invite people from other classes to come too. "Charley...".
There will be a 'Tornado Menu' available, jello shots, red and black themed drinks for sale too. A retro game room, pool tables, a golf simulator, XBox 360's and more! No live band to squash conversation this time, plenty of parking, several beers on tap as well as two full bars and plenty of staff.
It's going to be a fun night. Hope you'll be able to join us!
For Saturday, please show up at North Medford High School's gym at 10am for a class picture. We have a professional photographer who will be taking these shots, so time is money. If you want to be in the photo... please show up on time.
The NMHS Equestrian Club will be selling pizza by the slice, and all proceeds go to the club. About 12:30 we'll be cleaning up, with those who are going on the jetboat trip loading onto an air conditioned bus at NMHS at 2:30pm, to return around 9:30pm.
Other private parties are being planned, and we hope this gives everyone ample time to show up for the photo and still attend whatever functions that interest them.
The reunion committee hopes that whatever you do, and whoever you are with for the reunion, you have a great time with your friends.
Sunday the 8th, there's the family picnic at Donahue Fronmeyer Park - corner of Spring and Springbrook in Medford, from 10-2pm.
The committee will provide cake and soda, but please bring your own lunch, chairs and shade if desired. Due to not charging for anything except for the jetboat trip, funds are tight and we decided this would be the economical thing to do - having everyone bring their own picnic.
Thank you to Linda, Darrin, Shannan and Renee for all they have done - the months of planning and effort - to make this happen for all of us. It's no easy task to try and guess what will make you all happy, but they do so with smiles and a 'can do' attitude no matter what. That's something that deserves a pat on the back from all of you.
Hope to see you next weekend!
Hellgate Jetboat Dinner Reservations - CLOSED
I just got off the phone with Hellgate and confirmed our group reservation for August 7th's dinner cruise. All those who have purchased tickets through PayPal links on the blog and website (now taken off those sites), are on the list and space has been reserved for you on the bus and for the jetboat excursion. No paper tickets will be mailed, you're simply 'on the list'.
For those who missed the opportunity to purchase tickets as part of the group, Hellgate has advised me to pass on to you that you can call them directly: 541-479-7204, and get on a waiting list.
Please DO NOT show up and get on the bus at North Medford High School and head to Grants Pass expecting to load on to the jetboats without having purchased group tickets in advance. We will not have space for you and can not simply add you at the last minute.
Note: People are called by Hellgate as openings are available, and would then pay Hellgate directly and ask to sit with the Medford Class of '85 at dinner. This could happen right up to the morning of the trip. There would be no guarantee that anyone who purchased their tickets this way would ride on the same boat as the group however.
We've tried to do our best to get the word out early about this opportunity and to make it affordable by doing so. I'm sorry if you missed it, but contacting Hellgate directly and getting on the waiting list is your shot at joining us despite the group reservation being closed.
For those who missed the opportunity to purchase tickets as part of the group, Hellgate has advised me to pass on to you that you can call them directly: 541-479-7204, and get on a waiting list.
Please DO NOT show up and get on the bus at North Medford High School and head to Grants Pass expecting to load on to the jetboats without having purchased group tickets in advance. We will not have space for you and can not simply add you at the last minute.
Note: People are called by Hellgate as openings are available, and would then pay Hellgate directly and ask to sit with the Medford Class of '85 at dinner. This could happen right up to the morning of the trip. There would be no guarantee that anyone who purchased their tickets this way would ride on the same boat as the group however.
We've tried to do our best to get the word out early about this opportunity and to make it affordable by doing so. I'm sorry if you missed it, but contacting Hellgate directly and getting on the waiting list is your shot at joining us despite the group reservation being closed.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Cybercenter Under New Ownership with New Name
Friday, August 6th will be the kick off to the 25th reunion at 'The Dugout' - formerly called 'Cybercenter' - on Chevy Way in Medford. Open to the class exclusively, this will be a casual event where you can get reacquainted with friends from the past. No-host bars will be ready to serve you, food will be available for purchase and we're hoping the golf simulator and pool tables will also be available for our use. (Checking on that one tomorrow night when the reunion committee meets with the manager.)
It's kind of exciting to have this venue as the parking is plentiful, the site itself is 'sports bar' with big screen tv's and games to play. We have the benefit of working with a guy named Russ who is the former Cybercenter's manager, and who we think will have our back on this one - making sure we have a great private party!
FYI...There was a possible misprint in the Mail Tribune that indicated 'Thursday' for this event. That's wrong... it's on FRIDAY AUGUST 6TH at 7pm until closing.
See you on Friday night!
It's kind of exciting to have this venue as the parking is plentiful, the site itself is 'sports bar' with big screen tv's and games to play. We have the benefit of working with a guy named Russ who is the former Cybercenter's manager, and who we think will have our back on this one - making sure we have a great private party!
FYI...There was a possible misprint in the Mail Tribune that indicated 'Thursday' for this event. That's wrong... it's on FRIDAY AUGUST 6TH at 7pm until closing.
See you on Friday night!
Tuesday, July 06, 2010
Question from a Classmate...
"What are the alternative plans for Saturday night, for those not going on the jetboat trip?"
Answer: "Whatever...".
I know there are smaller groups of classmates meeting here and there that evening. One at Porter's in Medford. Since the individuals who are planning these things have not contacted me to post that info on the blog, website, Classmates or Facebook, I can't really answer the question with specifics.
When we sent out a survey post-20th reunion we tried to get a feel for two things. First, did the class want to have a 25th and second, what kind of gathering would you like to see happen. The answers were 'yes' and 'casual'. With that in mind, the committee has spent a year planning for just that, in hopes that the majority of classmates would be happy with the decisions made on their behalf.
While I'm not convinced that has occurred, I know we've done our best and we'll all go into it with open minds and hearts, hoping all will have a good time.
Personally, I'll be on the jetboats. Love 'em! The trip will be a unique experience, and I'm sure those who attend will have fun. It's my hope that 'whatever' you choose to do, you have fun too!
Answer: "Whatever...".
I know there are smaller groups of classmates meeting here and there that evening. One at Porter's in Medford. Since the individuals who are planning these things have not contacted me to post that info on the blog, website, Classmates or Facebook, I can't really answer the question with specifics.
When we sent out a survey post-20th reunion we tried to get a feel for two things. First, did the class want to have a 25th and second, what kind of gathering would you like to see happen. The answers were 'yes' and 'casual'. With that in mind, the committee has spent a year planning for just that, in hopes that the majority of classmates would be happy with the decisions made on their behalf.
While I'm not convinced that has occurred, I know we've done our best and we'll all go into it with open minds and hearts, hoping all will have a good time.
Personally, I'll be on the jetboats. Love 'em! The trip will be a unique experience, and I'm sure those who attend will have fun. It's my hope that 'whatever' you choose to do, you have fun too!
5 Weeks...
That's all we've got until the 25th reunion is under way.
At present it's a bit of a struggle to keep moving ahead, as plans this time around have found the committee hip deep in issues with venues, financial considerations with so many people out of work, and other disappointments. Our personal lives are very busy and loaded with commitments of every possible kind too.
The only true goal we have as a committee is to get classmates to come together and have fun enjoying each others company. We are doing our best to give that to you, and now I hope you'll do your part and show up for the fun.
At present it's a bit of a struggle to keep moving ahead, as plans this time around have found the committee hip deep in issues with venues, financial considerations with so many people out of work, and other disappointments. Our personal lives are very busy and loaded with commitments of every possible kind too.
The only true goal we have as a committee is to get classmates to come together and have fun enjoying each others company. We are doing our best to give that to you, and now I hope you'll do your part and show up for the fun.
Saturday, May 08, 2010
Update Your Profile Please
Link to MSHS Class of 1985's New Website!
Please take a few minutes to click through this link, register (it's free) and update your classmate profile. Information on the reunions, photos, chat, forums... it's all at the new site and we want you to be part of the fun.
Please take a few minutes to click through this link, register (it's free) and update your classmate profile. Information on the reunions, photos, chat, forums... it's all at the new site and we want you to be part of the fun.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
