Background

In the weeks following Brent Wilkes' letter to the class in early May about the Steering Committee’s difficult although wise decision to postpone our 50^th LHS Reunion celebration until September 2021, many classmates posted messages to friends on the website about being disappointed that they would have to wait more than a year to see each other again.  Soon after that announcement, John Wrobel invited friend and neighbor Janet Silva Grady to dinner in Williston, Vermont and suggested that “Regional Clubs” could be formed similar to “College Alumni Clubs” to plan informal social get-togethers within a geographical area.  The Steering Committee thought this idea was worth exploring to see if there was enough interest among classmates to get together within driving distance in smaller, safe and informal gatherings i.e.; Wine and Cheese Tastings, Pizza Parties, Game Nights or Themed Dinner and Movie Nights or even a Zoom Meeting.

Concept

A review of classmate profile information revealed for the most part the 103 Website registered classmates resided in three geographical Regions.  A listing of these classmates is provided under the Northeast, South and West pages on the Website under Regional Clubs.  Depending on the particular Region, classmates may be be spread out or closely clustered.  Depending upon the situation, different types of social interaction may be necessary.  The idea of a Zoom Meeting by Region may be more viable than an actual social get together.

Execution

Assuming there is classmate interest, we would need a volunteer or "Area Coordinator" from each region to organize, plan and communicate social events for the group.  All Regional Club events will be posted on the website.  

Given the potential of a second wave of COVID-19 this fall, it may be difficult at this time to plan group get-togethers in the next three months.  Considerations for Events and Gatherings can be found on the CDC website Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

“As some communities in the United States begin to plan and hold events and gatherings, the CDC offers the following considerations for enhancing protection of individuals and communities and preventing spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Event planners and officials can determine, in collaboration with state and local health officials, whether and how to implement these considerations, making adjustments to meet the needs and circumstances of the local community. Because COVID-19 virus circulation varies in communities, these considerations are meant to supplement—not replace—any state, local, territorial, or tribal health and safety laws, rules, and regulations with which gatherings must comply. Organizers should continue to assess, based on current conditions, whether to postpone, cancel, or significantly reduce the number of attendees for gatherings.”

The Steering Committee welcomes your ideas and suggestions on how to make this vision a reality.  Please take a few minutes to complete the Regional Clubs Survey which is in drop down box adjacent to the Website Regional Clubs page.  This will help gauge interest levels and potential Area Coordinators. You can also contact any of the following if you have questions or ideas:

Janet Silva Grady, janetgrady52@gmail.com

Andrea Bosco Bingham, electraab@aol.com

Mark Sisson, mark.sisson@comcast.net