“…when what to my wondering eyes does appear, but a second-rate portrait of our 20th year.”

As I opened the mailbox late yesterday I was pleased to finally see a large envelope with the words Celebrations & Reunions emblazoned in purple all across the top. After more than two months our 20 Year Reunion Portrait had finally arrived. I don’t mean to seem like a Scrooge this close to Christmas, but bah-friggin-humbug! I must admit that I often set standards beyond practicality, but this came nowhere close to the mark. I guess professionalism is the overall key that I sought for. Why doesn’t this portrait measure up? Could be the fact that it looks as if it were taken by a novelty digital camera obtained whilst in the checkout line at Wal-Mart. Could be the fact that it seems to have been printed at the same aforementioned department store. Or maybe its just the beer bottle and chairs that seen to be stealing the attention away from the actual subject. Choice one – there is no wrong answer other than the reunion company that were unfortunate enough to entrust.

There. I’m finished with the soapbox if anyone wishes to borrow it. That being said, here is the actual portrait in case you did not receive one but would like to see it. I did modify the picture to remove the beer bottle and napkin from front & center, however the chairs still remain. To remove them would mean I would have to hand draw the lower extremities of five individuals in the bottom row. Not worth it.

I am providing the picture in various size options based on common screen resolutions, so choose the one that suits you best. I am also providing the original full-sized version, but be aware that it is over 3 megs in size. No problem if you have cable or DSL. No chance if you have dial-up.

Sorry for the rant. Maybe it’s just the seasonal stress getting to me…no, it’s the picture.

Categories: Reunion Update
No Comments »

Sorry for the lack of updates but it has been a crazy couple of months since our reunion. Work has not let up, health has been up & down, and then add the holidays to the mix. I need a vacation!

I’m glad to see that people are still signing up here on the site and are also posting notes out in the forum. Just because the reunion has passed doesn’t mean we should go our separate ways for another 10 years. Many did not get to attend back in October for various reasons (location, cost, schedules, etc). It has been recommended by several that we meet more frequently and less formally. Going out to dinner or going to a game for example. Gatherings where the whole family can join in and where you don’t have to worry about what to wear or how you look. I think that is a great idea. Now get on over to the GHS Forum and give us some ideas.

The holiday season is quickly flying by and will soon come to a close. Before it is gone completely I would like to wish each of you a very Merry Christmas and a happy and safe New Year.

Categories: General News
No Comments »

Dear Brad:

Thanks so much for creating this site for all of us to be able to get together and chat or reach out and get reacquainted all over again!

I really appreciate you and all of your efforts.

Sincerely,

Cheryl Powell Bradley  

Categories: Reunion Update
No Comments »

My thanks to all who attended the reunion this past Saturday. Although the attendance hovered only around one hundred alumni, the interaction exceeded expectations. Dancing gave way to discussion. Attendees traveled from near and far to exchange pleasantries and reawaken friendships of times past. And there was a cash bar, but I digress.

While I obviously can’t speak for anyone else, I personally enjoyed seeing each person present. I was amazed how quickly familiarities returned, even after two decades of disconnection. I do admit fumbling with various names early in the evening, however. Prior to the event a hand full of us were ‘cramming’ photos and names from the senior year-book as if preparing for a last minute exam. Many of the guests were instantly recognizable. Some were astoundingly almost identical to their graduation photo. Others proved a bit more difficult. Their appearance had changed to a degree that a mere year-book reference attempt deemed futile. This was a good thing mind you, for it forced the aforementioned interaction. Once the discovery of the identity was made, the recognition returned, as did the memories associated. Well, except for Pam who didn’t seem to remember anyone (just kidding Pam).

Prizes were awarded for various categories (longest married, most divorces, most pets, still lives closest to home, most kids, etc.) Oddly enough I believe Jeff Sealy won all of them. Still haven’t figured that one out. No wait, Chris Richardson still live with his mom. Sorry Jeff.

Photos have been loaded to the GHS Photo gallery by Terri Hammond and myself, with other still expected from various other attendees. If you have any questions on how to load them just drop me a line and I’ll be glad to help. This site will remain active for at least another year. I encourage everyone to take advantage of it to remain in touch with each other.

Thank you once again to everyone who participated for making this an evening to remember.

Categories: Reunion Update
No Comments »

With only 4 hours until the reunion I hope everyone is set and ready to go. Never got a chance to register? Come anyway - you can register and pay at the door. There will be prizes awarded throughout the night for many categories. Sorry; we’re not giving away iPods, cameras or trips but it’ll be fun anyway. I’m off. See you in a few.

Categories: Reunion Update
No Comments »

Rooms are available at the Wyndham Vinings hotel which is only 7 miles away from the reunion. Room rates start at $99 per night. Click here to visit the hotel site for more details. Here is what a standard room looks like.

Categories: Reunion Update
No Comments »

The polls are closed so-to-speak. The deadline for the reunion registration has passed and I am awaiting the listing from the reunion company of those scheduled to attend. I know everyone is anxious to see who else will be there (the e-mails are already coming in to me) so stay tuned to this site and I’ll get it posted as soon as it is received.

Categories: Reunion Update
No Comments »

If you are planning to stay the night and you haven’t made the reservations yet then you had better start your room search ASAP. The Doubletree as well as all of the other major chains in the area are booked solid at this point. I even checked the Peachtree Plaza and other downtown hotels, but they too were booked. I think I finally understand why Griffin has more hotels than Georgia has Waffle Houses. People apparently never stay home. Best of luck if you haven’t secured a room yet. I understand Tammy has a nice ranch that can take 10-12 of us.

Categories: Reunion Update
No Comments »

If you haven’t already submitted your payment for the reunion attendance ($70 per person) please do so now by calling Celebrations & Reunions at 770-339-7414 or 1-800-950-7155 ASAP! Remember, the deadline is this Thursday, September 14th. Still not sure if you will be able to attend? Register anyway. Remember, your money is fully refundable if cancellation is made by 5:00pm on October 4th.

Call now - operators are standing by!

Categories: Reunion Update
No Comments »

Only one week left to register at www.celebrationsreunions.com. If you haven’t signed up yet then now is the time! The good news is that many of you already have and the attendance roster is looking good. We still have people missing in action though so be sure to check the ‘Lost Alumni’ list once more. If you find someone past the September 14th cut-off have them contact us or Celebrations & Reunions ASAP anyway. We’ll work it out!

There is only one month to go so hurry up with that diet, get those new clothes and check out MTV to see what the latest dances are (I think Bill Phillips has a break dance prepared for us). Also, don’t forget about the rest of the web site: head over to our Registered Alumni to send an e-mail to an old friend……well, middle-aged friend then; sign the guest book; visit the forum; view and post family pictures in the photo gallery - you get the point.

Categories: Reunion Update
1 Comment »