Hi everyone,

 

You asked for another reunion so HERE WE GO. 

 

I have planned a reunion in Las Vegas the weekend of June 8,9,. and 10.  I have been busy making the arrangements.  The Class of 61 will join us once again.  Since the reunion is out of town, I do not expect a huge turnout.  But, who knows?  It could be one of our biggest turnouts! 

 

Michael and I went to Vegas Feb 4 through the 8th to put together an exciting weekend for our class.  Sharon Anton, Class of 61 Reunion Chairman, joined us for two days as we visited numerous hotels and banquet facilities. 

Vegas is no longer reasonably priced.  Some places wanted $10,000  minimum for a banquet room and simple chicken dinners started at $70+ in addition to tax and gratuities. 

 

So here is what we have come up with.  "WHEN EAST MEETS WEST"

 

First, we are not blocking rooms at any one hotel as prices vary greatly and many people have their favorites; so, everyone has the option to stay where ever they want for the weekend.  However, Leni Jane and I are hoping that classmates will stay at the Flamingo Hotel.  This is where we will be staying as it is one of the more reasonably priced (if there is such a thing) and it is located in the center area of the infamous 'Strip' and is near all our planned activities.  Everything we do will be within walking distance of the Flamingo.

 

Friday night we are having a cocktail hour and fabulous dinner at the Harley Davidson Cafe located just South of the Aladdin Hotel.  It turned out to be a perfect place for us.  We will have the entire upstairs (which overlooks the downstairs and has windows facing N on the strip).  The place is very unique.  We were invited to have dinner and we each ordered something different and shared everything.  The catering manager was great to work with.  She is waiving the bartender fee....she is allowing us to stay an extra hour....plus a few other perks.  The desserts were wonderful, too.  We do not have to have a minimum number of people which is great.  Everyone will have their choice of dinner.  Entrees will be:  New York Strip Steak with mashed potato and wonderful fresh green beans, Ribs with Baked Beans and Fries,  or Teriyaki Salmon with rice pilaf and green beans.  The desserts are:  NY Cheesecake with Fresh Strawberries or Chocolate Dream Cake.  Plus everyone gets salad and rolls. 

 

After Harley's, we will walk over the Margaritaville and party there.

 

Saturday during the morning and afternoon, everyone can do what they want...golf, pool, gamble, etc.  I will be happy to have someone plan a golf outing for those who love golf.  I know there are many golf courses in and around Vegas.  Most require automobiles to get to... but perhaps hotels have shuttles?????? I did not check into that since I was so busy with everything else.  If ANYONE wants to do the organizing to offer golf in the morning on Friday, Saturday or Sunday... Let me know and I will try to put it on the brochure to find out the interest in that activity.

I, myself, will be at the pool on Saturday!

 

Nothing definite yet, but financially if we can pull it off, we may do a garden buffet at the Flamingo before our Saturday night event.  Or we could do a Sunday brunch.  Comments?

 

Saturday night we are going to O'Shea's (N. or Flamingo and S. of Harrah's) to the upstairs theatre to see Vinnie Favorito.  He is a comedian (something like Don Rickles) and is known for being on the panel of comics roasting celebrities. Sharon had seen him previously and we all went to see his show.  I think he is perfect for our Saturday night activity.  The room only holds about 120 people.  So, basically, he would be roasting our classes.  Afterwards, we are going to the Island Bar at the Flamingo.  There is Karaoke on weekends.  It is a small bar that opens to a large outdoor terrace with tables and chairs and down about 4 steps is a large lawn and garden area leading to the pools.  Very class and very perfect for our get together...

 

It will be a cash bar at all events, of course.

 

I think we have put together a wonderful weekend.   

 

Currently I am working on the brochure with Sharon.  We hope to have it mailed out the first week of March.  Bob Kenny is working on the reunion program updates and should be making the mailing labels soon.  I may just need some help on the Park Ridge end for addressing and stuffing the envelopes.  Do I have volunteers?????

 

Well, the way I see it, this reunion is going to be an informal, fabulous weekend. 

We will not be doing directories, pictures, DJ's or bands, prizes, etc.

We can save that for the 50th which is only 5 years away! 

Can we really be that old???

 

Now, here is my current info:

Leni Jane Colyer Collet

214 North Ashland Avenue

Park Ridge IL 60068

847-823-4327 home

224-305-4327 cell

MTHSEast1962@aol.com  (this is my reunion business email)

Lady44@aol.com    (this is the email I use for personal friends and family)

 

If you care to contact Sharon Anton

MAINETHSE1961@aol.com 

 

If you care to contact Michael Collet

MrSAAS400@aol.com

 

Though you may find classmates on Classmates.com and Reunion.com, I prefer the personal nature of the web site for just Maine East Classes. The following web site is managed by Dick Paul of Class of '61 who does all the work as a volunteer.  He needs everyone to check their information for accuracy and register with the site as soon as possible to be up to date as possible.  Here is the URL: 

www.maineeastalumni.org

 

Well, that's it for now.  I am excited and can't wait to hear from each of you.   

We are going to have a great time in Las Vegas. 

 

Leni Jane