I wanted to write, not to complain about the job of making everyone happy. I know that it will be impossible to please a class of 580 student. I know it will be impossible for everyone on the committee to get on the same page for every idea. But I just want you all to know, a lot of thought has gone into planning the reunion, not only from me, but everyone on the committee.
When we first presented the ideas about the venues, these were the concerns that were voiced
Bull and Budda.... trendy, cool, but expensive and where would everyone park, and why couldn't we have the entire venue to ourselves??
Mahoney's .... people were insulted we would even suggest a place so casual
Chalet on the Hudson ....... "couldn't we do better than a wedding venue?" We should keep in within our school district
The committee seemed to want..... something that was uniquely ours for the night, something hip and trendy within our budget, in district, available on Saturday (most venues were booked already), allowed us to really customize the event, had open bar, included hor d'ourves, and dinner, space for dancing, enough parking, big enough for everyone to move around, space for cocktail hour
So....we went back to the drawing boards.We called around all over the place. I called a loft in the city (super expensive, gorgeous, and no sat night availability). I called a dinner cruise (only offered lunch cruise in our budget, and would have to share with other guests). I called a new club that just opened. It had everything we wanted, but was itty bitty and offered hardly any food, no parking. I called all over. Everything was booked for that weekend, or too expensive, or fell short of several of the things we were really looking for. One of the committee members suggested the Circle Lodge. I went to see it. It was by no means glamorous, but it fit everything on the list except for the hip and trendy part. The lake at sunset is really gorgeous though and the space is big and open.While it's not a swanky NYC loft, it's got it's own charm. And by charm I mean.... well. I will let you be the judge. It's rustic, and weathered, and orgainc and from what I gather from pinterest....that's in these days!! I personally love the space because it's just different. I like different. I think you all will too.
I know there have been a lot of doubts about the venue, but I hope those of you who aren't sure about going because the venue isn't "cool enough" for you will realize that it's not really about the venue. The venue will be great! We will work our magic on it. But regardless, the event as a whole will be awesome because we are celebrating 10 years since we left Arlington.
Like I said before, we aren't going to be able to please everyone. We are still really working hard for a great reunion. My husband just has his 10 year reunion. It was a small dinner at a club house in a housing complex. It was so simple. Dinner, but no dancing, no entertainment, hardly any surprises or perks. Regardless everyone had a great time catching up and mingling. At first I was like..... "this school has nothing on what we are gonna have!" but as the night went on I realized that the place, the decorations, the dinner, the drinks won't really make the reunion. The only thing that will make it fun will be having everyone there!
So trust us on the small stuff. Just buy your tickets and get ready for a really fun night together.
Any questions or concerns.... email us arlington2002reunion@gmail.com
Stacey
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