Thursday, August 26, 2010

No. 113

REUNION UPDATE

Hello classmates. It's been a while since the last UNews so let me try and catch you up with what's been going on in regard to Homecoming 2010.

First, as you know, we have secured a block of rooms at the Crowne Plaza. At present, 38 of our 50 room nights have been filled. It is not imperative that we book all the nights to guarantee a free hospitality suite since we will be sharing one with the Class of '81, but it sure would be nice to see you all. The room rates are $149 per night. Light fare will be available in the suite on Friday night.

Also, we will be co-hosting the Saturday night party again. As you know, our beloved Strawberry Banks is no longer available, but thanks in part to the efforts of Sylvia Hazel Hunter and Christa Hill, we'll be creating new memories at the American Legion Hall in Phoebus. The cost of the party will be $25. Admission tickets, as well as drink vouchers must be pre-paid because we are not allowed to have any cash sales on the premises. The committee is still discussing payment options with the other class leadership. As soon as a decision has been made, we will let you know.

Lastly, I would like to announce that Bonita Layson will serve as co-class leader for the 2015 Reunion. She is currently our point person for the hotel and has done a fabulous job negotiating with the CP management. Also, Alphonso Holloman has graciously accepted the position of business affairs chair. He'll be responsible for negotiating contracts and has been tremendously helpful in that capacity already.

CLASS NEWS


Here Come The Brides

Congratulations to Mary Morrow, who will marry her fiancee Fred on Oct. 9 in Atlanta, GA. Several of our classmates will be in the wedding including maid of honor Altamarie Burroughs and bridesmaids Donna Wilds and Phyllis Ingram-Luciano. Phyllis, by the way, recently became engaged to Glenn Ford.

California Dreaming



I recently enjoyed a visit from the Wests of South Orange. Darcea Scott West and her family vacationed in Las Vegas and Los Angeles and we were able to hang out and do dinner, lunch and the beach with some side trips to Sprinkles Cupcakes and The Tonight Show. It was great having them here.

Also in the mix this month is Kim Williams Bullock and her family. I didn't get the chance to see Kim, she was too busy shopping on Rodeo, but we did get a chance to chat briefly. The Bullock clan was out in full force escorting Kim's son Kelly to college. He'll be a freshman communications major at Chapman University behind the Orange Curtain.



Reunion Goodies


For those of you who didn't make the 30th in May, there are still a few polo shirts left. Dyanne Boone Baldwin has five medium, one XL and four XXL. They're hot!


Grandma Lauren Hits The ATL

In honor of new granny Lauren Jones' visit to Atlanta, the ATL crew hosted a brunch for her at Pappadeaux's recently. Joining Lauren were: Michael Byrd, Wanda James, Leah Crocker and Steve Blair. It looks like a good time was had by all!

Birthdays

Valerie Millsap Harrison, Sept. 2

Kelvin “Stone” Johnson, Sept. 17

Altamarie Burroughs, Sept. 18

Mary Morrow, Sept. 18

Andre Rush, Sept. 22

Danita Locks Smith, Sept. 23

Gayle Burnett Heyer, Sept. 25

Karla Morris Holmes, Sept. 26

Renee Allen, Sept. 27

Vincent Bayyan, Sept. 27

Rosalind Murray-Port, Sept. 29

October

Donna Thomas Keating, Oct. 13

A Plea For Our Magazines

As most of you know I work for JET magazine, a publication that has been part of our collective formative years. JET and Ebony, like a plethora of other publications, have really been suffering through this recession. Ad revenue is way down. Essence is faring a little better, but Black Enterprise is struggling, too. Please help us help us by subscribing to these magazines, or simply buying them off the stands before it's too late. A JET subscription is only $25 per year or $35 for two years. That's what some people--present company included-- spend on lunch!