Online Tools (Google Groups, Blogs, etc)

[Joe McDaniel]

Shelia,

 

No, we haven't set up a date yet.

 

You had me excited there for a minute.  I thought you were someone from the class of '68 showing renewed enthusiasm for setting up a reunion.  Along with all the logistic issues, is the fact that most of the people discussing a reunion have been through this process before, and regardless of the outcome, the planning part is not really that much fun...

 

I discovered Google Groups (http://groups.google.com) when I was looking for a better way to handle the mailing list for the Ultimate Frisbee group in Peachtree City.   GG has a lot of flexibility and lets members of the group make some decisions about how email will be handled.  To start a group, just go to Google Groups, sign in, and tell it you want to start a group.  Be careful how you select your group name because this will become your web address.  You can change how the name appears on your group later, but you won't be able to change the web address without starting a new group.

 

You may want to consider one group to communicate with all class members and another group for the planning committee, e.g. rhs69 and rhs69plan.

 

You might also want to set up an associated blog at www.blogger.com , so you can set up links to surveys if you want them.

 

I not sure I'm helping you with all this, but I'll be glad to answer any specific questions you might have.

 

Good Luck,

JoeMc

----- Original Message -----

From: Shelia...@genpt.com

To: joem...@bellsouth.net

Cc: bigb...@aol.com

Sent: Wednesday, May 14, 2008 12:22 PM

Subject: Class of '68 Reunion

Joe and Bob - What a great idea working through Google to plan the reunion.  As you know - a very difficult thing to do on the Classmates site.   I see you are in the same boat I'm in.......just attempting to get a Reunion Committee together is a real challenge.    Could you give me some tips as to how you created the google site to discuss the Reunion?

Here's what I have learned about the planning process of High School Get-Togethers / Reunions.......
The guys want to keep it casual or business casual tops.   Everyone complains about cost, but very few are willing to volunteer for the Reunion Committee...therefore they do not understand what it takes to satisfy the majority and remain within budget......My initial thought was to do exactly what you have done - post the information and get suggestions....but I have found that it's best to work within a committee and keep everything confidential until it is all finalized...then post notices of the date, location and cost.   Those who are passionate about getting together will do whatever is necessary to be there - after all we're talking about every 10 years - if it is a priority - most will save for the event and go.

As a single woman, I prefer not going back to the Virginia Avenue area.  I have done so in the past and was very fearful of car trouble.   Safety has to be a factor.   I found a bag full of empty beer bottles placed behind my rear tire when I left the "Spring Fling" event just a couple of weeks ago and decided that was my last time for Virginia Avenue.

I will be happy to share some locations that I am considering:

Dave and Busters - Highway 75 - Marietta GA   They have rooms that accommodate large groups and those who want to break up into smaller groups,  play games or do Karaoke have the option to do so - dress would definitely be casual - and the cost would be less than going through a hotel - OOT guests can arrange their own rooms with on-line discounts as reasonable as any group reunion rate.   D&Bs offers group menus for Dinner Buffets or Hors D'Oeuvres - Depending on your budget.   This is only a 30 minute drive from the Airport.    I will send you a contact name for D&B if you are interested.....

Marietta Conference Center...... for the typical Hotel / party atmosphere / more formal.   Again - 30 minute drive from Airport....

If we go with Airport area.......I am looking into the hotels that are actually on the airport property.......that only guests can access.     Not on the main road (Virginia Avenue)  where anyone has access to guest parking.

I hope this helps.....and I would greatly appreciate instructions on the google site.    I would love to do the same thing for Reunion Announcements Class of '69.

Good luck - Have you guys set a date yet?


Shelia D. Sikes
Administrative Assistant II
NAPA HQ/Major Accounts Department
Phone:  770.859.2818
Fax:       770.859.2920

[Ruby McCleskey]

Joe,

 

Thanks for keeping me in the loop. I talked with Bobby this week because I'm self employed and don't have the flexibility to come down without some planning. I vote for the reunion planners because I'm a little worried our time is slipping away and they have the time and ability to make it happen. I do like the idea of being informal but as I remember August in Atlanta is quite hot for planning an outside activity. I'm so sorry that I can't be there to help with the "leg work" which is probably another reason I say turn it over to the professionals. I will forward this to Trissa and Herb because they might also have some good ideas.  Thanks again,  Ruby

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[Joe McDaniel]

Ruby,

 

Good to hear from you.  I'm sure you are right.  The best idea is probably to let the professionals handle the details.  Not sure how many addresses, phones numbers, and email addresses we have. They would be better at tracking those down.  It would be nice to have an informal picnic as part of the reunion weekend.

 

Cheers,

[Ruby McCleskey]

Joe,

 

I like the idea of an informal picnic as part of the weekend too.  Big Bob said he would talk to some of you guys and make a decision soon.   Thanks,  Ruby

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