Nice to have you back

Dear John-
Glad to have you back among us. And see, if Leo had listened to you and given up on the idea of getting us all together, we would not all be getting ready to meet after 35 years. There has been hard work on the part of many for the enjoyment of all. The venue would never have been accomplished without the collaborative effort of the NY contingent. Thanks all, for all your work.

Happy upcoming Easter to all, and may it bring with it, the peace of the season to every heart.

Words Can Be powerful

Zeida-
It is often only words with which we have to communicate a wide variety of feelings and emotions - as you should only too well recognise. Therefore, I do not understand your animosity, via words, to my comments. If anyone took umbrage, I believe we all all big enough to speak our minds and voice our concerns. No one has to be the spokesmank or woman, for a group of adults. Therefore this writer is making her intentions well known - if you have a problem with something I say, address me directly and do not stand behind the "group" and pretend to defend them. This way I am being direct enough to say to you I am not asking you to read anything more, or less, into my words right now. My intentions are clear. You can reflect meaning or reflect feelings or relax and give your opinions, as you see fit. But frankly, I believe you have right now, and in the past, overreacted to things that were not meant to be a big deal. Stop it Zeida - this reunion is supposed to be a fun thing that we are all looking forward to. I, too, am looking forward to the reunion and meeting up with people I shared many years with.
Suzette

Do Not Fret

The term lollygaggers is not intended to be used in a negative manner. Instead it was a reflection of one of the phrases Ms. Marus used to coin, if memory serves me correctly. I hope neither you, nor others,others took offense to it, as it was not ment to be anything but playful. Heightened alert? Sure, be careful, but not among friends. There is no need to be anything but ourselves. If my messages on the blogger have been anything, they have been full of praises for all the hard work on everyone's part, in making this reunion happen. So, accept playfullness for what it is meant to be - not additional pressure.
Any feelings of additional pressure are surely non-intentional.

Wanting to be Fair

I stand corrected. The lollygaggers were not Douglas and Matthew, and I stand corrected. But those of you out there who ARE lollygaggers, get moving. We want to have everyone together for this fun-filled time. Who knows when it will happen again. Leo and John, I know this was your brain child, and I, for one, am glad you though it up and followed through with the contacts that you have. This will be a blast! See you all soon.
Suzette

Suzette

To be fair, Doug was the first to reserve his room at the inn. Both Matt and Doug said that they would attend very early in the process. Don't thank me, thank Leo and John for getting the ball rolling.

For those who have not made it onto the Blog, I sent out new invitations today.

-Tom

Good Work Tom

Dear Thomas,
Thanks for your timely follow-up with some of the lollygaggers. Glad to hear Douglas and Matthew will be attending. It will be so much fun. I am so glad this is really coming to be. See you all soon.
Suzette

Crowne Plaza Rooms Update

We have three room reservations for a Friday May 14th arrival and one for Saturday the 15th. They are 1) Barbara and Carol, 2) Rene and 3) myself for Friday. Douglas and his wife are confirmed to arrive on Saturday May 15th. If you have made a reservation, or plan to, be sure to tell them you are with the O.L.A. Reunion (Event No. 1927) so that we reach our discount group quota of six rooms. Again, our rate is $109/night.

My money has been sent in to Susan and I still owe Anna information for the Memory Book.

Suzette, I have been in contact with Matt on email and he is planning on attending. I just dropped him a note to double check. Matt was telling me that his father still has the same house near OLA and is still an usher at the 10:00 a.m. mass every Sunday. He is 80 and in good shape. Matt has been living in Staten Island for over 20 years. He has some pretty funny memories about OLA!

I'm looking forward to a great day on May 15th.

-Tom

Time is Coming Quickly

Dear All-
I just got word tonight that Sonja has made her plane reservations, and is sending in her $35 as we speak, so to say. She is definately coming. Now I want to hear that the rest of you lallygaggers out there fork over your money to Susan and get our numbers confirmed. Come on you all, its less than 2 months away. Lets all make it and really have some fun. After all its been 35 years since we were all face to face. And we still feel a compelling desire to get back together. That has to count for something!

Now from what I understand from Carol today, no one has yet heard from Matthew and he just lives in Staten Island. Matthew, if you dont make it to this reunion I guess we'll just have to show up at your doorstep. So, in order to avoid that fiasco, grab your wife and make it down to the Crowne on Saturday night. No excuses young man (a la Ms. Marus).

Douglas, are you and your family definately coming? There are mixed messages concerning you, and we all really want you to be there. So, hop in the car and drive on down. It's a reconnection to your past and that has to be worth a rather longish drive, isn't it?

Leo, you have been unusually quiet on the blogger lately. What's wrong?? And John has been conspicuous by his unusual reticence. What's up with you guys? First you were prolific in your writing and now just a blurb or two sporadically. How come? The rest of us depend on you two to keep things going. Don't let us down!!!(hows that for pressure?). And Thomas, you have been VERY quiet lately. Another question there. Not to forget the ladies - Zeida and Jospehine, not a word from either one of you in while - not even to discuss the merits of ropa vieja. I am disappointed.

However, even though you all are clamming up of late, I still can't wait to see you all in less than 2 months. Can you believe it is coming so quickly??? Night night to all. The early a.m. hours come all too quickly. Time for bed.
Suzette

Save Your Sleep Leo

Dear Leo-

I truly DO appreciate you staying up late viewing our graduation video, but I sincerely doubt my dance partner will be pictured. As I recall, I do not think that anyone was photographing the dance that night, and other than that one occasion, my dance partner always behaved like a perfect gentleman (of course, the fact that I never danced with him again might have helped him behave properly too.) I think anyone would be hard-pressed to have a picture of this young man (then) and I together. Remember, I was always the quiet, wall-flower type of person who kind of faded into the background. See you all soon.

Showing Skin

Dear Tom-
You are ever the diplomat! I have long passed my years to show some skin - since I got that out of my system in college, thank God. The skin was tighter and in better shape then! As for platform shoes I wore them when I was a slave to fashion in my younger years, but try to avoid them like the plague now. I try to convince myself that I am smarter than that now - but in reality, a fall from those heights would probably break something in me. It is basic self-preservation which drives me now. I also try to strive for comfort now, although being stylish is still important to me. I just refused to be backed into uncomfortable corners anymore. Been there, done that, didn't like it then or now.

Guess we'll all show up in what makes us feel best, and go from there. Thanks for the fashion.com info. I thought that was cute.
Suzette

What to wear to the reunion?

I agree with Zeida. GO FOR IT! Suzette, according to Cynthia Nellis at Fashion.com you should break out that little black dress. Details such as length and type of sleeves, etc. would all depend on how much skin you want to show. Right?

Other suggestions:

Creative Black Tie leaves room for trendy interpretations of formal wear. He can go more modern with a tux -- maybe a black shirt, no tie. She wears long or short dresses or evening separates (maybe a long lace or sequined skirt with a sleek cashmere sweater).

Semi-formal is the trickiest of all dress codes. Usually it means that tuxes are not required, nor are long dresses. An evening wedding (after 6 PM) would still dictate dark suits for him, and a cocktail dress for her. Daytime semi-formal events mean a suit for him and an appropriate short dress or dressy suit for her.

Cocktail Attire means short, elegant dresses for her and dark suits for him.

Dressy Casual usually means no jeans or shorts. Similar to business casual, but a tad dressier.

Casual generally means anything goes.

Informal can mean the same as casual. However, when associated with a wedding or other special event, some form of decorum and good taste should prevail. A dress for her or a nice pair of slacks and shirt for him are informal, but respectful of the event.

Personally, we should define Smart-Ass Casual and go with that! What do you think?

(Courtesy of Party Definitions at Fashion.com)

Share Some Memories, Period

OK You All-
Where is everyone, again? I know we are all busy, but I keep checking in and no one has written anything except poor John. I miss being able to read the "words of wisdom" from everyone. So, come on guys, please write.

Also, ladies - please indicate the type of clothing you are planning on wearing to the Saturday reunion, for the benefit of us out of towners. We really do need to get an idea of what type of clothing to pack. Are we getting very dressy, office casual, or other? If other, please specify. Thanks so much for any ideas you would feel willing to post. See you all shortly.
Suzette

With Bells On

Dear Leo-

This reunion has taken the collaborative efforts of many, and we are all deeply grateful to everyone for helping in any and every way. Way to go class of '69!

As for dancing, Leo, I will be sure to wear my dancing shoes. But remember, too, those were the days of platform shoes, so the actual height of my "old partner" may or may not be of consequence. You need to factor in the girls clothing styles of the day before you base your hunches on clues I dropped. But I am pleased to have you still ruminating, after all this time. I thought you and John knew everything about everyone connected to OLA. You both certainly have marvelous memories. By the way, I no longer own any platform shoes!

See you in less than 2 months. Remember, I am stilll planning on bringing a collection of "our music" I REFUSE to call it oldies music - as my sons do-, since it marked some of the most fun times of my life. I do not consider myself OLD, and therefore my music cannot be old either. Right? Anyhow, the collections that I mentioned at the inception of the blogger will be packed in my luggage and brought to the Crowne for the enjoyment of all.

See you all soon,
Suzette

Happy St. Patricks Day on Wednesday to all!!!!

Attendee List

Dear John-
For some unknown reason ( least of all my computer skill), I cannot open up the spreadsheet of attendees. If you could send it to me as an email, I KNOW how to open my emails (relief). Your trip sounds quite extensive. How long were you away, and was it for business?
I am really looking forward to seeing everyone in May.
Suzette

Oh Leo, You Cad

Dear Leo-

If we all were to respond to every recollection of you and various "females" we would have no time left to share any other recollections. YOU CAD!!!!!! I figured we could do much better face to face, than on the open pages of the blogger. Your wife MUST be a saint, as you indicated ---------------or quite the vixen!

At the latest count, how many of us are getting together on May 15th? Perhaps you can put together a list, on the blogger, of those who have definately either sent in the $35 to Susan or reserved their room at the Crowne? That way we can get an idea of who we can expect to see. I am really looking forward to this reunion. I am so glad that it was suggested and worked upon to bring it to fruition.

Suzette

Room

Dear Tom
Although I am an out-of-towner at this point, I will not be requiring a room at the Crowne. I am staying with a close friend who lives in Queens.
Suzette

Room Reservations Update

The Crowne PLaza LaGuardia confirmed today that only three rooms have been reserved for our reunion. Our agreement calls for six rooms.

If cancellation of the booking becomes necessary, to avoid payment of penalties, the hotel must receive written notification by the 12th of March.

If you are an out of towner attending the reunion, please let me know if you plan to stay at the hotel.

Our group rate is $109.

Thanks,

-Tom

Am I incorrect?

Douglas-
As far as I know the reunion reception is AT the Crowne. Am I incorrect anyone? If so, let me know before I wander ainlessly around the City looking for a party to happen.
Suzette

Anna, Need Your Email Please

Dear Anna

Recently my home pc died and I purchased a laptop. However, none of my email addresses were saved so that I could transpose them to my new laptop. Therefore, I am asking that you publish your email address ( or send it to me directly at gcasabia@tampabay.rr.com. ) I wish to include my info for the summary of our biography for the past 35 years. If anyone else reads this and has Annas email address, I would surely appreciate the info.

Thanks and see you all in May.
Suzette

Tell Me Where

Dear All-
I am speaking for myself when I say that now that I have made my flight reservations, I dont care where we meet, but I just want to be sure to get to see everyone. Is a tour through OLA going to happen? What is the schedule of events and the time table, so we can all plan our weekend accordingly?
Also, ladies - this is an important question. What is the dress code for Saturday evening so we out of towners can bring the correct attire? What else, if anything is planned and coordinated for that weekend? Or is Saturday evening our time and the rest of the weekend open? Just trying to get a handle on the timing of events so I don't schedule meetings with old friends and then miss something to do with my OLA friends (not old but aged, like a fine wine, of course!)

I shall bring all the CD's I described much earlier in the blogger history. Cant wait to see what you all have out together. Sounds like fun and I am really looking forward to it. My flight gets me to LaGuardia Airport at 2:26pm on Friday afternoon, May 14th.Anyone else going to be around then?
Suzette