Owego Free Academy High School 40th Reunion
DATE
October 7th, 2011
location
throughout Owego and environs
Invited Classes
About Event
Last fall, questionnaires were sent out to the many of Class of �71 members through e-mail contacts and also through the use of the Yahoo message board and the website. Responses were received back from somewhere between 25 and 30 classmates. The questionnaires contained questions such as: 1. Are you in favor of another class reunion, and if so, when would you like to see one? 2. What time of year would you like to attend a class reunion? 3. Would you like a one or two day reunion with activities? 4. What type of activities would you desire to have? 5. Would you be willing to volunteer to help, and if so, in what way? Catherine Cole Janonis and Wayne Barto have analyzed the responses to the survey and this post contains some of the generalized findings. The responses below are numbered to match the questions above: 1. It was nearly unanimous that the responders to the questionnaire were in favor of another reunion. Nearly all were in favor of having a 40th year reunion although a few wanted to wait to either the 42nd, 45th or 50th year reunion anniversaries. 2. As to time of year; 18 specifically mentioned the fall of the year (Sep-Oct); 6 specifically mentioned the summer months of June, July or August; and, 3 said anytime! 3. Regarding a one-day or two-day schedule of activities, it was almost unanimous that a two-day event similar to the 35th reunion was desirable. A few stated that they would only participate for one day, but most of the classmates who would be traveling from out of town desired a two-day schedule to make the trip worthwhile. 4. The response to what activities are desired was as follows: 11 wanted an all-day type event with a simple catered meal at the Hickories or somewhere similar; 7 wanted a more formal dinner/dancing event in addition to or instead of the catered meal at a park; and, about 10 were not fussy at all about the activities and thought all the suggestions on the questionnaire were okay! 5. Almost everyone responding to the questionnaire was willing to volunteer to help in some way to bring together the next reunion. Most of the volunteers offered to help with making classmate contacts since they are no long located in the Owego area. Several in the Owego area volunteered to help with contacts to help set up food and location arrangements. Okay�.those are the results of the survey�..so what does that all mean and how do we move forward? Based upon the responses, it is believed that it is pretty clear that there is a majority of classmates that want a 40th year reunion in the fall of the year. The reunion should consist of a two day event, with one day being a simple gathering at the Hickories or similar venue, with a catered meal and park-like activities (volleyball, lawn darts, Frisbee throwing, etc.). It is also apparent that there is a strong contingent that would like to get together for a more formal dinner with the potential for dancing to round off the weekend. We also believe that IF there is a good response, it may be possible to plan mini-reunions for certain classes, put together a golf or volleyball tournament, a wine-tasting tour, etc. Given the above, we are moving forward with some preliminary contacts and planning activities. However, the first thing that needs to be established is a proposed date. We have selected Friday, October 7th in 2011 through Monday, October 10th as the primary target date. This weekend is usually at the height of the fall color and in 2011, Monday, October 10th is a Federal Holiday (Columbus Day) so some of you may have that day off! Alternatively, we are suggesting two weeks earlier from Friday, September 23rd in 2011 through Monday, September 26th. In order to move this along, please give us some feedback with your thoughts and preferences on the dates as soon as possible. Thanks! Catherine Cole Janonis & Wayne Barto � Class of �71
40th Reunion
Reunion Committee
Invited Classmates
