[On the one hand the turnout (about 25, including spouses and friends) was a little sparse. Less than we had anticipated based upon early indications. However, on the other hand it wasn't a reunion, per se, and everyone there had a good time. We originally thought that tieing the picnic to the GHS Homecoming game would be a good idea. Really, no matter what date one picks, there is going to be a conflict with someone's schedule. Dottie came from Knoxville (with her new husband whom we all gave the once over and approved); Ed and Janice came from northern VA. All of whom missed last year's reunion because of conflicts back then.

[The turnout for the football game was even sparser. True, there were forecasts (50-50) for rain that night. And, true, the 2002 Colts were winless at the time (and lost that night, too.) But the rain part, at least, never kept us away from the games 35+ years ago. Tommy Baucom and I, in fact, remembered and talked about the infamous Litton games; both fought to 0-0 scores in the mud and pouring rain - and still the crowd then was SRO.

[That being said, we never "formally" talked about having any future picnics or gatherings. Informally, though, we talked about the possibility of having, maybe, a couple a year. One probably still linked to homecoming. (The '77 class, btw, turned out in droves for the homecoming game. While it was part of their 25th reunion, one of them said they usually turn out 100+ each year. Tommy and I put a stop to the braggadocio by asking, "What's your web site address?") After all, while still somewhat arbitrary, it can't be said that we fudged it in any way.

[But there are a lot of people who cannot make an October date due to business or other reasons. So maybe having a second, planned gathering in late spring or summer might be doable. The picnic shelter only cost me $25 for the whole day and everything else was brought by the attendees. So it's not like there's a whole lot of effort and expense involved.

[So let the Reunion Committee know if you think it's a good idea - without any commitment that you'll actually be there being assumed. You can send comments to me and I'll copy the rest of the RC, or send them to any RC member (they're listed in the "Things You Should Know" section). If we have enough positive feedback, we'll probably connect sometime after the year-end holidays and discuss it. If you have other ideas (other than a picnic), send those. Heck, the idea for the picnic didn't originate with any RC member; it came from one of you! -jerry]