Dear Classmates:

 The Reunion Committee is pleased to announce that all the hard work we've done for the past six months is now paying off. Paid reservations and confirmed commitments will soon exceed the number of those attending the 2003 reunion - and that's with 2 weeks left to go!

 Early in the planning, the Committee had to make some hard decisions. We wanted to hold the reunion in a fitting location and all agreed that it would be hard to beat the atmosphere in 2003, so we decided to go back to what is now called the Crowne Plaza Resort (Crowne Plaza Tennis & Golf Resort Asheville: Photo Gallery). The next decision was related to what we would offer attendees, being highly aware of associated costs. Such a cost-value decision is difficult to make when dealing with the large number of folks in the three classes and trying to meet each classmate's expectations for the event. Not knowing how many people would attend also presented a challenge, as our very early cost estimates from the hotel had to be based on our best guess. Our costs are higher than last time (it has been six years!) but still less than they would have been at other facilities we contacted. The Crowne Plaza has been really helpful, great to work with and eager for us to return.

 We decided to provided hors d'oeuvres during the social event on Friday night and offer an above-average buffet for Saturday night. There will be a cash bar set up for both nights. This time, we were required to rent space to be used in case of inclement weather Friday night in addition to the food, so, unlike the last two reunions, we were unable to have Friday activities at "no charge". We decided to make the reunion a 2-day event with one ticket price and did not think it fair for people attending Friday and Saturday (and buying a ticket) to subsidize these new costs for people attending only Friday. We DID attempt to provide the nicest accommodations for both nights at the lowest possible cost.

Our confirmed attendance now exceeds the number on which the hotel costs were estimated, so the Committee's financial risk has been eliminated. We are now in a position to alter our initial plans and invite classmates who can only attend ONE night for whatever reason (This change is for all future registrants only, unfortunately we are unable to provide refunds to those who have already registered and paid for both nights): 

ONLY Friday night, August 7 - $30 per person

ONLY Saturday night, August 8  - $55 per person

 BOTH nights - still $75 per person

 All rentals, fees, taxes, and gratuities are included in these prices

There will be a check-in desk where all attendees will be required to register each night and tickets may be purchased at either event. If you haven't already registered, please do so as soon as possible and indicate on your registration which event you plan to attend so that, if necessary, we can include you in the food guarantee required by the hotel. If you are unable to mail your payment by Aug. 1, notify Jerry Hagan by email (coastie@mchsi.com) and bring your payment (Cash or Check only) to the event.

Menu for Friday night

(Section of Grand Ballroom in main hotel building & around pool, weather permitting)

Fresh fruit station with dips

Vegetable crudites station with dips

Assorted cheeses & crackers station

Selection of Italian meats

Antipasto station

Assorted breads

Dry snacks

Water station

Soft drinks available at the cash bar

Coffee will be available at end of evening

Menu for Saturday night

(Brand-new, elegant Expo Center, new building behind main hotel)

Tossed salad with assorted dressings

Choice of rib-eye steak or grilled chicken breast

Baked potato bar with all the fixin's

Vegetable medley

Coffee and/or tea

Dessert Station

Live Music by classmate Joey Moore's band, Tuxedo Junction Tuxedo Junction

Outdoor covered area with additional cash bar and seating

Very special door prize drawings

Unique awards and nostalgic humor provided by master of ceremonies

Coffee will be available at end of evening

As you can see, this is a well-planned event with lots to offer everyone. We encourage anyone who is still undecided to reconsider and come join us. We're not getting any younger(!) and the reminiscing and renewing of old friendships truly make these occasions special. We even have a few of our teachers coming. The next gathering may be our 50 year reunion and that's 2018! 

 There's still time for you to make plans to attend, SO PLEASE DON'T PUT IT OFF ANY LONGER!