Message from the Co-Presidents, December 2008

Dianne and I wanted to take a moment to say hello and wish you all a warm and healthy winter.  For those of you who will enjoy sunshine and warm breezes all winter, we are a bit jealous!

In an effort to keep alum better informed we will try to communicate via a president's letter several times a year.  Dianne and I feel it is important for you to have an overall picture of what is going on with the Alumni Board in so much as the decisions we are being faced with.  This letter will touch on several issues being discussed at board meetings all of which are directly related to the economic problems affecting all of us.

This year has been a trying year for all of us.  As for the Alumni Association, we too have felt the hardships the economic problems are causing. Attendance at the banquet last June was very low and the dance even lower than years past.  Unfortunately, when there is low attendance we do not make any money and therefore do not have the opportunity keep costs down for the following year.  Last June, due to the attendance being so low and keeping the cost of the dinner to a minimum we had to sell enough dance tickets to cover the entire cost of the band.  It wasn't until 9pm when we had a surge of 20 or so alum that we finally covered expenses.

As we prepare for the festivities for June 2009, we worry that these tough economic times may have an even great effect on the attendance this year.  We certainly understand that attending the banquet and dance are a low priority especially for those of you who would have to travel.  Family, self and home come first.  Please know that we are looking into a variety of ways to shave some cost off the banquet tickets.  You should also know that we have had several suggestions regarding banquet/meeting and dance. 

• Eliminate the banquet and just hold a meeting prior to the dance offering snacks for meeting attendees.
• Eliminate the banquet and just hold a meeting right after the parade.
• Eliminate the dance, giving classmates an opportunity to meet wherever they choose to do so.
• Move back to the Fire Side (far more expensive than the Legion)

We will forge ahead this year with no change in venue or schedule for the day and we will continue to prepare for the banquet/meeting and dance to follow.  As we do so, we urge you to join us at the Legion and ask that you encourage your classmates to do the same.  If not for the banquet for the dance.  If you are convinced that there is no way your absence will effect anything... remember that the difference between taking a loss and breaking even was the cost of 20 dance tickets last June.

Be well and we hope to see you in June!

Dianne (Moodie) Grant '69
Diane Cook '84