Ed Stanfield

At first, I thought Civil War (War of Norhern Aggression) would be the thing to do, but then I realized I would probably get all the damn yankee cards! :).... and nobody would want to trade them!

Marilyn Evans (Tate)

Helen, I totally agree with you. 

If I do come to the 50th reunion it will be because I want to spend time  visiting with  old classmates. I don't want to spend my time listening to some " shirt " going on about what a great football team we had. Or watch a bunch of old people trying to re-live their high school  glory days. 

Good grief ! That was 50 years ago !  Besides most of the class of '64  had very little to do with sports or any of  the other extra curricular activities. 

Acknowledgment of persons who worked hard to get the class together and  of those we have lost  since the last reunion should be a must. Anything other than that should be kept short and sweet.

 I would love to see a buffet type of meal. Then we would have lots of time to mingle and renew old friendships and make new ones.  Music would be fine but  not so loud you can't hear the person  next to you.

Anyway, that's my opinion. ( And you know what they say about opinions !)

Jack Habich

Ed, I'll do a Robert E. Lee for your U.S. Grant..... plus a couple of cigars.

Ed Stanfield

deal, but you have to get the cigrs in person at the reunion and we smoke them there!

Judith (Judy) McLean (Wilder)

Hi Everyone!

I've been reading all the comments about the 50th reunion and was just thinking it's too bad we can't find out who is planning the other three schools (Normal Comm, U-high, Trinity or now Central Catholic) 50th reunions.  We could possibly have them the same weekend and have informal get-togethers seperately on Friday night and then have a joint band and dance somewhere on Saturday night.  Sort of recreate the old "Y-Teen" dances we used to have. A lot of us are friends with kids from the other schools or dated people from those schools, we could really relive our youth, catch up with everyone and we could pool our money and get a place for a dance and maybe a buffet dinner.  Just a thought!!    

I am willing to help out with the reunion committee. When I find out when you are planning to meet in March I will try to make it depending on the weather.  I'll continue to read the forum and really enjoy reading everyone's ideas. 

Milan Jackson

I understand that Jim Tobin died last night. God bless the family

Judy Tynan (Danielson)

Milan,

So sorry to hear about Jim Tobin!! I have known him since I was 14 or so but have not seen him in many, many years.  Prayers to the family.

Marilyn

I totally agree with you on the 50th very well put!!!

Helen Nicolaysen (Thompson)

Judy, I love your suggestion to try combining NCHS, U-High, and Trinity into the planning of all 4 schools 50th Class reunions. You are correct in that several of us ran around with people from all 4 schools.  This would give everyone the opportunity to see several that we may never have another chance to see again!  It's early enough in the game that this could be a possibility for all 4 schools to work together.  Your idea of splitting the cost to hire a live band, possibly the Shattertones, and meet in a place large enough to accommodate everyone and also serve a buffet at that same location would keep things as simple and fun as possible.  Marilyn, I agree with you about keeping the volume down with a band allowing us to enjoy reconnecting and hearing one another.  Brief introductions,  recognitions and thank yous could keep things simpler, allowing more time to catch up with one another also.  Thank you for those volunteering to help on the planning committee. I would be happy to help, however living in Colorado, makes that impossible. All of you are doing a great job!  You ARE appreciated! 

On another note, what sad news about Jim Tobin!  Most everyone knew him in Bloomington and Normal, not only from Tobin's Pizza, but also from the Twist Lounge.  He leaves an empty spot in the City of Bloomington/Normal.  Our thoughts and prayers go to his family and those whose lives he touched!

Linda Bristow (Elias)

Hey Helen:

Glad to hear your enthusiasm!   But in this day and age of computer literacy...........being out of town doesn't mean that you can't help.   Wait until a group gets together in Bloomington and see if there is anything we could do......such as look for the few outstanding classmates that seem to have fallen off of the earth, copy photos in the yearbook for name tags, etc.

If each of us were assigned 20 or so, we could have it knocked out!   When the locals start rocking on this venture, please try to contact them and see if you might be able to achieve a little something from a distance.

I'm so proud of everyone who is showing interest.   Hey..........any lurkers (coined by Eddings) out there.....let us hear from you too!

Love ya, Linda

Jack Habich

Interesting comments…..and people are tuning in.

One of the problems with a seminar style (“program” “reunion as stage show” “game show”) reunion is that invariably, after a lengthy presentation, someone has to say “That concludes the program”.  What you are telling your seated audience, perhaps not by intent, is that this reunion is over.   You're saying “Thanks for flying in, thanks for listening to us, but we’re out of material.  You’re free to go, or socialize at your own risk.”

It’s like inviting people to dinner, serving it, offering them a cognac, and then saying “Ladies and gentlemen, that concludes our activities for the evening”.

A good reunion should never be killed, it needs to die on it’s own.

In 2004, after the presentation, there was some sort of primitive sound system in the corner.  Like somebody brought a record player.  There were a few seconds of music, some problems, and it never took off.  People milled around for a while and went home.  With David Gaston and others, I ended up at a party of obnoxious 20-30 year olds.

In 2009, after the conclusion of the program, I went out to sit on the deck stairs where Ed Stanfield offered me a cigar….or maybe I asked.  We had a pleasant conversation, and after taking a few puffs I happened to turn around and was surprised to see people (non smokers) standing there wondering what now.  A mini reunion was trying to form.  By the time less than half the cigar was smoked, the vast majority of the audience had filed out  of the main room.  Music would have given people a signal and the cover to stay.  The ending was a fairly well attended and  somewhat fun party at Jim’s Steakhouse, but except for Jim Hastings (who’s always there for a good time) I remember only locals.

There absolutely needs to be some stage presence at reunions, for purposes as mentioned by others and as a warm-up for the audience.  The main event, though, needs to be the attendees.

Rodney (Rod) Hayes

It was really sad to hear about Jim Tobin.  He was a great people person.  I doubt many people really knew how much he and his wife did for B/N and many people.  I knew Jim from early on when we both lived by Lakeside.  My son worked for Jim just before, during, and after college.   He was a really great person and will be missed by many.

Ed Stanfield

Since the '09 reunion was the only one I have ever attended, I don't have the history of others to fall back on. My college reunions however usually are all night affairs much like the buffet dinner model that many are suggesting. I will add my two dollars worth here (inflation don't c'ha know) and say that the relaxed, informal, short program style appeals to me as well..

I did go to Jim's Steakhouse after the meeting, even tho Jack did make fun of my accent...yet again... when I asked if anyone needed a ride. Apparently, I still say that funny!

I left Jims fairly early to avoid being the only one on the road at 3:00AM and thus being a "cop magnet"... something we are all going to have to deal with as they get less and less of a sense of humor about booze and drivin. 

Jack Habich

Maybe a designated driver Ed.  Accent or not, I don't see you as the ideal candidate for that, unless you're on some kind of diet from hell.  Cabs work too.

Sandra Hammond (McHugh)

I agree no big  production just get together to visit. With a big production we have no time to talk to old friends. The 50th will be great lets just visit, and talk about old times. We may not get another chance to talk to some of us.

Mary Giermann (Brucker)

Jack, guess I am no longer in the Cab business for you? I provided fun,food and timely arrival.  Madelon brought me chocolate from Belgium last week. I will try to gain weight  if that will help "For Hire" in the VW  50th reunion transportation. How soon you forget!

Jack Habich

Mary,

I never forget, and you do the cab thing with uncommon courtesy and efficiency, but I did not consider that you do not partake of the spirits and could fill that role as a designated driver quite well.  The Party Bug, Limited Edition All White, could become a thriving operation.

Ed, right now, accent or not, would also fit the role of designated driver.  However, once off his diet from hell, I suspect that he would again be eyeballing the Maker’s Mark.

You have better friends than I do.  Madelon from Belgium, unlike Jetton from Napa Valley, didn’t consume all her own goods.

Privately, I’m trying to match 40% of Ed’s progress.  The way it’s going, I might still be trying by the time of the 50^th…………..Bugs are deceptively roomy though.

Ed Stanfield

don't be so sure Jack.

after losing 5 pounds week one, i stepped on the scales yesterday and lost a whoppin .2 (notice the period in front ot the 2) pounds. this after going back to the "Y", engaging in a fairly rigerous exercise program and not eating so much as one crumb that is not on the diet.... wizzed-R-I

Doc said it was probably "fluid"... I think I would notice an extra half gallon or so of water sloshing around inmy innards

Milan Jackson

Here is some fun. A bunch of us from here have already joined. It's people like us talking about old Bloomington/Normal. It's a hoot.

http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/268648269818934/

Jack Habich

Ed, something is wrong there.  By the way you're eating and with the exercise, it seems almost impossible for you not to get better results than .2.  Momentarily holding water has to be the problem.

Ed Stanfield

Lord, I hope so.. this diet is funa nd all, but I sure wanted to see some results.....

And I am, blood sugar is down and blood pressure is as well... now if we can just get the lard off

Terry (Max) Maxwell

Ed... is there any... I repeat any possibility that you are mixing too much water with the Maker's Mark in order to disguise it in your body, so you don't think you are drinking it?  Might just be the root cause and explanation of the 'water weight'.  :)

Sorry just had to throw that in... really, keep up the hard work and determination and the weight will come off.  Sometimes you hit a wall and it gets frustrating for awhile.  Hang in there!  Been there and done that. 

Milan Jackson

I have lost over 60 pounds this past year and hit about 60 walls. Just keep it up and they will come off. Some days I just thought this isn't working. But so far it is in the long run.

Ed Stanfield

I have done big weight loss a couple of times in the past, once with weight watchers and once on my own after I was diagnosed with diabetes. The difference with this one however is the medical supervision. I see a diabetic specialist once a week and have blood work done every 3 weeks and they supply all the meal replacements (food) that I consume.... cereeal, shakes (from anutirent powder with water and ice)... 5 of those a day,minimum! and a n entree that is actually pretty bood, but only about 3 bites :)

Intake averages 1000 calories a day, physical activity is calculated at approx 500 calories a day  and there is a requirement of 2 quarts of water a day... this is probably where the some of the weight retention came from as I had drunk a quart of water about an hour before weighing in.

And Max, the cork is firmly in the bottle <sigh> can't stand it with water anyway. pour it in a glass and sip it..

Jack Habich

Don’t know if you’ve ever done this Milan, but one thing that hits home and can keep you going is to pick up a 60 lb. barbell and realize just how much that is.  In 2009, without really trying, I dumped 22 lbs.  I picked up just a 20 lbs. dumbbell and walked up and down the stairs with it, then without.  Incredible.

And Ed, any old grappler knows you don’t drink water prior to a weigh in.  It’s the water that’s messing with your mind.

Milan Jackson

I remember weighing about 119 and Bow Wow trying to get me down another division. You could count my ribs without thouching me then. (laugh)