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

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!

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!

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.

Hellgate Jetboat Spins

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!

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!

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.

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.

Class Creator Website Maker Referral Link

Do you know someone who wants to start a reunion website? Click through this referral link... 'Thanks!'

Hellgate Jetboat Dinner Cruise Reservations

Taken directly from Hellgate's website:

A 4-hour, 36-mile round trip thru Hellgate Canyon stopping down river at the OK Corral, an old homestead, for an all-you-can-eat country banquet.

Departing daily, our afternoon “Country Banquet” dinner cruise also brings rave reviews. This 4-hour excursion whisks you down the Rogue to Hellgate Canyon and on the return trip stops at the O.K. Corral for a dinner you’ll not soon forget. First, we’ll begin with the Relish Tray, then Tossed Green Salad with our famous homemade Honey-Mustard Dressing. Piping hot homemade Corn Bread and Ranch-Hand Biscuits accompany our own country-style Barbecued Ribs and Chicken, plus Fresh Vegetables and Ranch Potatoes. Topped off with Dessert and accompanied by Beer, Wine, Iced Tea, Lemonade, Coffee and Hot Tea, soon you’ll be crying “Enough!” And if that’s not enough, some uninvited guests – black tail deer, may very well join you. This trip is a feast for the eyes and the appetite.

NOTE: Your cost is the cost of your Hellgate Jetboat Excursion Dinner Cruise, plus round-trip bus ride and meal gratuity. You are encouraged to bring along a dollar to tip the boat driver, and photos of the group as we go under the bridge at Grants Pass are available when we return for $8 each - paid directly to Hellgate.

This is a WET trip, with 360's. Not recommended for people with back or heart problems.

 

IF YOU'VE NOT ALREADY DONE IT... Please update your contact information!
 Use this...
http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?hl=en&formkey=dHozVV9ZUmh2RW4tWHlWbmc3SHphaWc6MA

Reunion Mtg Update: 04/11/10

Things are being finalized as are as venues are concerned, and tentatively this is the schedule with the highlights.

August 6th: The Cyber Center or The Break Room in Medford. Meet up in a casual atmosphere to chat, drink, eat and enjoy until 2:30am... if it's not past your bedtime.

August 7th: North Medford High School; meeting in the gym around 10 in the morning for a group photo. Afterwards we'll socialize with a bit of food - hopefully provided by a school club so that they too can benefit from our desire to eat!

2:15pm be ready to get on the buses to Grants Pass for the Hellgate Jetboat Dinner Cruise. The buses will leave at 2:30pm to return between 9:30 and 10pm after a fun-filled afternoon with old friends. (A link to 'Pay Now' will be active on this site for you to use to reserve tickets for this event. Please do so as soon as possible for our headcount.) If there are any people who still feel like partying... more power to ya! You're on your own to plan that one though.

August 8th: Family 'Bring Your Own Lunch' Picnic at Donahue Fronmeyer Park (corner of Springbrook and Spring Street in Medford). There is a playground and bathroom facilities, ample parking and some shade. Close to all the fast food and quick stop markets, it seems ideal for us.

Next meeting is scheduled for 2pm on May 2nd at the Break Room in Medford.

OH and there was the idea to use 'Howies' in downtown Medford for the Friday night thing, but Howie turned out to be a stupid businessman - blowing off a meeting with Linda after much effort to get the meeting and then being unwilling to give her a 'yes' for the night. Also wanted to charge for tables and chairs, the room, etc... and it became too big a hassle.

Both The Break Room and Cyber Center were very excited to have us come spend money in their establishments, thus the shift.

PayPal "Donations" to the Class

For those of you who can donate to the ongoing reunion efforts, please use this PayPal link to do so.  Any amount is helpful and appreciated.  All funds belong to the class and will be used only for reunion related costs.

We are looking at establishing an ongoing website that would cost the class $97 per year, and require at least two administrators for the long haul.  We didn't get to it this year, but if you want to check out the site we'd be looking at using it's ClassCreator.com - very easy to use and nice looking sites with forums, live chat, photo galleries, music, etc... and registration for classmates is free once the site is running.

THE LINK TO DONATE:

4 Months and Counting

Today I started to get a bit antsy about all the non-solidified plans relating to the next reunion.  Even though I know in my heart it will all come together, and it's not at all up to me, my codependent nature has a tough time fending off the feelings of angst that just seem to wash over me with 4 months to go!

One issue... we're still looking at places to hold the Friday night gathering.  In downtown Medford there's a place called "Howies".  They are renovating a room that used to be part of the VFW hall... or maybe it was the whole hall... I'm not sure, but anyway, they are in the process of fixing it up to rent out.  The problem is that 'Howie' is reluctant to say "It will be ready on the 6th..." and keep the costs low.  Linda and Shannan will be meeting with him this week and want something solid from him by Sunday.  As Linda pointed out, we'll be bringing a lot of thirsty people to their place, so he'd better consider it in whatever he offers.

Other options are available too.  Cybercenter is one of those options.  We'll meet there on Sunday to check it out and hash out the current issues. I'll all fall into place eventually, and of that I'm sure.  Just not really 'easy' with real life stuff for all of us and dealing with the 'Howie's of the world!

It's been decided that we are going to go 'paperless' this year - no mailed invitations.  I'd love to tell you it's all about 'going green', but actually the decision was made to post on Facebook, Classmates and the 549C site, for convenience more than anything else.  Currently working on a donation link for PayPal and also an Evite invitation to allow you to pay for your jetboat tickets.

Posted a music player on the blog today with some tunes from 1985.  Hope you enjoy it!  (Note you can turn on 'shuffle' in the upper right hand corner of the player.)

 I'll post more on the Sunday Reunion Committee meeting next week.

Reduced Lodging Rates for Reunion Attendees

CANDLEWOOD SUITES

$89 a night for 1 or 2 beds; rack rate regularly $129 a night.  Mention the "Medford Class of 1985 Reunion" when making reservations by phone to get the rate.  Contact info can be found here: Candlewood Suites Medford .  Also note that there are other Medford area properties (Holiday Inn Express) owned by the same corporation that runs the Candlewood Suites which may also offer a special rate.  Their information can be found by doing a search through the link for Candlewood.

SUPER 8 - Central Point

Located near the airport, this property offers an indoor pool with a cool waterslide and a free continental breakfast.  Perfect for families with a good location close to the high school and on the way to Grants Pass.  

Special Rates:

2 queen Beds $ 85.49

1 queen Bed  $ 71.99

2 Queen Suite $ 103.49

1 King Suite $103.49

Mention 1985 Reunion when booking via phone. 

Direct link to Central Point Super 8.

SPRINGHILL SUITES - South Medford

This is a newer property, part of Marriott Hotels and you can save further by going through Ebates and/or using your Marriott Rewards membership.   GROUP CODE: "MHRMHRB" will give you a double queen 

room at a rate of $109 per night.

SpringHill Suites - Medford

TOWNEPLACE SUITES - South Medford

This is also a newer property, part of the Marriott Hotels and you can save further going through Ebates or using your Marriott Rewards membership as well.  GROUP CODE : "MCRMCRA"  for a Studio Suite 

room at the rate of $89 per night.

TownePlace Suites - Medford

Other Marriott properties in the area include:

Courtyard Medford Airport

Fairfield Inns & Suites - Medford

OTHER links to check when planning your lodging and/or travel...

Travel Zoo  

Expedia

Hotwire

Travelocity

SAVING with EBATES

Andrea's Ebates Referral Link

If you choose to sign up through this link I get $5 and you get cash back savings in the form of quarterly checks.  Cash back is determined by how much you purchase through various links to stores and services throughout the site.  I've used it for years and always look forward to receiving my checks!  (You can also sign up without using my referral link by going to Ebates directly.) Ebates Hotel links and cash back percentages.

Thanks goes to Darrin Thornton for getting these hotel rates for us!

Getting Ready for the 25th

In attendance:

Linda Partsafas-Guches

Cindy Brothers-Rayburn

Shannan Milich-Johnson

Darrin Thornton

Renee Latchford-Bowne

Andrea Lewis-Polk

Not in attendance:

Paige Lanfear-Holt

Valerie Judd-Charles

Jeff Andrews

Kim Fuller-Lewis

Veronica Clevidence

Jodee Perdue-Smith

Alicia Boe-Sage

Sheri Lichtenstein

Marcia Winter-Gohman

Susie White

The Meeting

Once we all blew in off the street (nasty wet, cold weather this weekend), Shannan, Linda, Renee, Cindy, Darrin and I went over what is currently in place and chatted about what's still in 'flux' for the 25th class reunion.

The Friday evening event that was held at he Hungry Woodsman for the 20th is a priority. The venue for this year's event is still being researched. Over 75% of the survey respondents said that the Friday event was their favorite - except for the extremely loud band- so we want to make sure we are taking your comments into account when choosing this year's venue to make it the best it can be considering the limited offerings in the area.

Wanting a place that is both big enough to accommodate 150+ people and their vehicles, is the first priority. Mr. Smith's would be free to us, which is a definite bonus, but its location and size are a concern. There are a few places in downtown Medford that would be fun, but all are pretty packed on a Friday night and it would be ideal to find somewhere that would be 'just us' to facilitate a relaxing place to socialize where we didn't have to shout over loud music.

Some classmates have mentioned Ashland as a possible venue. We'd like to limit travel for those coming in from out of town, especially since the next day - if they go on the jetboat trip - there will be travel back and forth to Grants Pass. Linda and Shannan are checking into a couple other options, which will be discussed more fully at the next meeting. One is the Roxy Ann Winery. We do have some money left over from the 20th reunion to rent a space, which opens up options, but we all agree the less spent on space rental the better.

If you have any suggestions or have a contact you think we could use to set something up, please email me at blacktornado85@yahoo.com or post it on the Facebook group http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=67097660796  wall. (Thanks!)

The Saturday events are coming together nicely. In the morning, the fields at North Medford are open to us; thinking about a softball game, and Cindy's husband has keys to the gym, which offers up shade and a place to take a group photo.

We plan on setting a specific time for a group photo, giving people ample time between visiting and getting their picture taken to get ready to load on to rented school buses to make the trip to Grants Pass for the jetboat dinner cruise. Shannan is looking into having a hotdog vendor come out to the ball field that morning and we are tossing around the idea of providing drinks. Concerns on this one have more to do with the availability of shade, as an August morning could be damn hot, and the proper timing of everything.

Saturday eve in Grants Pass will be spent on the Hellgate jetboats and at Galice Resort. The costs associated with this trip will be posted on Facebook, Classmates and here, with links to enable you to pay via PayPal - when the prices (boat trip, dinner and bus fare) are established. Time-wise the trip usually takes from 4 to 8:30pm (when the boats dock in Grants Pass), which for those traveling on the buses will mean a 2:30pm departure from Medford and a return of about 9:45pm on Saturday.

We are still bouncing the idea around of making this an 'adults only' trip. I know there are some people who would not attend if this were so, and I don't think it's necessary, despite there being all you can eat AND drink (beer and wine) at the Galice Resort. When loading the boats the captains usually put families on one boat and couples on the other, and I'm sure we could request it. I also think that while some choose to drink and may even drink a bit too much, there should be no problems. I do think that kids should be driven by their parents to the venue and back, versus being on the school buses however. The drinking issue was the main reason for the bus rentals, but obviously people can drive their own vehicles if they prefer, but for safety sake if you plan on drinking, the bus is your best option.

Following the jetboat trip we are looking into meeting at a Medford pub like 4 Daughters downtown, to socialize. (I've got to be honest though, I'll probably skip that part as after a lot of food, a boat spinning me around and chattering with friends all day, I'll probably want to go to bed. "Getting old and my stamina ain't what it used to be, even for old friends!") The post-boat fun probably wont' get rolling until 10-10:30 and my hat is off to those who do it.

Sunday morning/early afternoon, Holmes Park for a family picnic. This worked out well at the 20th as a 'bring your own lunch' conclusion to the weekend. Many people will already be on their way out of town so the numbers for this one are usually down, but it's still fun to see each other's families and visit a bit more.

Darrin has linked up with 3 or 4 local hotels to get discounted room rates for reunion attendees. I'll be posting that information soon so you can make your reservations well in advance.

Renee will be helping with web-related things including working on setting up the PayPal payment link which will directly deposit your payments into the reunion account, managed by Linda.

Shannan and Cindy are working on venue related issues, and I'm managing the blog and helping with classmate announcements on Facebook and Classmates. I also have asked Sheri, Marcia and Veronica to look into finding 'missing' classmates. (That portion of the blog needs to be looked at and revised, and will be as my time allows and information changes.)

Kim wasn't with us on Sunday as originally planned: "Feel better Kim and we'll look forward to seeing you on March 7th, the next meeting date, at The Brick in Central Point."

Reunion Committee to meet on 01/24/10

Into 2010 we're trying to get some new things rolling well in advance of the August reunion. Linda works very hard to coordinate all these efforts and if you happen to see her out and about, be sure you give her a hug and a 'thank you'.

I'm going to be researching the viability of starting a group on Skype for monthly or bi-monthly 'chats'. Sort of a group instant messenger situation that may be fun for all. Also looking at setting up a website or at least a PayPal link for easy reunion function payments. The Google documents update form has worked so well, it seems like we should also use online resources to make payments easier too!

I'll update the blog following the meeting tomorrow. (Hope to have a group picture for you.)

Remember to update your contact info if you've not already, check out the group on Facebook and if you're not already a member of Facebook... what are you waiting for?! It's tons of fun and lots of people are re-connecting there on a daily basis. If you need help getting started, just email me and I'll help you out. blacktornado85@yahoo.com

Reunion Meeting Notes: 09/18/09

Notes and items discussed, by Linda Partsafas-Guches

Cindy spoke with Dane Smith, owner of Mr. Smith's. We can hold the Friday night no host social there. (Aug 6, 2010)

I spoke to Vice Principle Joe Kramer RE: having the picnic on Saturday morning, using the softball fields, and tennis courts. He said that should not be a problem. There may be a custodial fee. He didn't think he would charge us for that though. I will need to contact him again in the Spring.

I also spoke with Laid-law busing. Each bus hold 56 passengers. It is $159 per bus for the first 3 hours then $53 an hour after that. They have 8 buses that size. They will pick up and drop off, return to the bus station, then pick us up and return us. They do not charge for the time they are at the bus station, but time is charged of course for travel once the bus leaves the station. They would like us to RSVP the number of people by Aug 1, 2010.

Darrin Thornton will check into getting blocks of hotel rooms for Fri and Sat night. He will get prices so we can post that information for our out of town classmates.

We discussed invitations. This event will be mostly done thru email, Facebook, and Classmates.com. We will try to avoid the costs of sending out regular mail invites.

Facebook has a way to send out an event notice. Question was is there a way to set up a payment link to paypal for classmates to submit their payment? Monies would then go directly into our account.

Classmates.com has a similar event questionnaire page and could be posted and linked to paypal there also. We would probably need two payment options for the jet boat trip. One for just the trip and one to include the bus fare. Or we could add $3 on to everyone's jet boat. What ever is left over goes for picnic supplies?

Darrin asked about putting old reunion/high school photos on facebook. I will get him copies of the cd from the 20 year and he will work on posting those on facebook and tagging those in the photos. That may create additional interest in attending. Currently we have 100 members on the Facebook Medford Senior High, Class of 1985 site.

We discussed how nice the contact update sheet Andrea created is working. Great job. 61 people have updated their info thus far.

I have posted reunion information on both the North Medford and South Medford High school websites. Andrea posted information on classmates.com. We will need to get Andrea reimbursed for the classmates gold fees. (I will bring checkbook with me next meeting or can mail you a check). Contact Update link is listed on all sites.

We discussed the memory board. It was felt this should travel to the Friday night and Saturday morning venue. That was one of the most memorable things about the 20 year reunion. We can also set up a discussion board on the Facebook website, posting the information we gathered last time around and adding those who have passed since then. I believe that information is all on the CD from the 20 year reunion.

Andrea already has us booked for the jet boat trip. We will just need final numbers at the end of July.

Shannan is checking into Shenanigan's Bar for a Saturday night social after the jet boat rides are done. Four Daughters is another option for a designated meeting spot.

Paige mentioned it seemed like we wouldn't need as many meetings perhaps because we laid good groundwork at the 20 year, and we won't have as much prep time this time around with decorations for a Sat. night event.