On repeating with Weekend Wonderings for today's entry - yes, it's Monday, but since I took today off, it's still the weekend for me!
The grin actually started around 4:30 on Friday evening. I made a planned stop at the Post to check out the sound system before heading over to Karen's place. When I walked into the room and saw everything already set up, the whole thing became real for me. There it was, the eleven tables all set with blue and gold cloths - AND WE DIDN'T HAVE TO DO THE WORK FOR ONCE! Fast-forwarding a bit to the end of the night, and it was a pleasure leaving and not having to do the cleanup and breakdown either! Kudos to the entire Post staff for taking care of us while we were there.
Unlike rehearsals when no one would be there on time, I was surprised (OK, shocked) when some half-dozen folks were in the room far in advance of the 7 pm time recommended to the Reunion Committee. Many hands made quick work of the few details we needed to address. A special thanks go to Terry Chez for bravely facing all of the arriving members at the welcoming table - Peter, you are one lucky man to be married to a gem of a woman!
Around 8 pm, everyone settled in (temporarily, I assure you!) for some acknowledgements of those who joined us for the evening, the presentation of a small token of our appreciation to Rocky Chiocchi, and remembrances of those members of the Saints family who are no longer with us. Additionally, members of the Reception Committee (Jimmy Pic, Karen Parente, and Billy Meyer) shared some information about weekend actitivies planned for all to enjoy. Billy also shared some insights into how well respected the Saints are as a corps by those with whom he has had contact in the senior corps ranks over the years. Finally, Mike Wargo reminded us all how important Ray Chmieleski is to all of us, and let everyone know how age and the passage of time helps us to better appreciate those who have been instrumental in our lives.
Dinner consisted of salad, rolls, and a buffet of sausage and peppers, Italian stuffed shells, lemon herb chicken, and Shrimp Scampi. A cake which read The Saints 1967-1977 Happy Memories was served as dessert.
While the bulk of the entertainment for the evening was the chance to catch up (or just say welcome) to everyone present, a music mix of "regular" versions of corps numbers and guard music played in the background all evening. Attendees received a "mini mix" CD of the four hour-long set.
Also adding to the festivities for the evening were the many photographs displayed and the chance to enjoy memorabilia set up by several members. In addition, samples of the newly designed Alumni staff and T shirts were on display (contact Jimmy Pic for ordering info until we get it posted on the website).
I'll share some final thoughts and impressions on the weekend in tomorrow's Scribblings entry. In the meantime, here are just a few photos temporarily here for you to enjoy until Rocky gets a chance to start posting what will be hundreds of shots out in the galleries on www.saintsdrumcorps.com.
The grin actually started around 4:30 on Friday evening. I made a planned stop at the Post to check out the sound system before heading over to Karen's place. When I walked into the room and saw everything already set up, the whole thing became real for me. There it was, the eleven tables all set with blue and gold cloths - AND WE DIDN'T HAVE TO DO THE WORK FOR ONCE! Fast-forwarding a bit to the end of the night, and it was a pleasure leaving and not having to do the cleanup and breakdown either! Kudos to the entire Post staff for taking care of us while we were there.
Unlike rehearsals when no one would be there on time, I was surprised (OK, shocked) when some half-dozen folks were in the room far in advance of the 7 pm time recommended to the Reunion Committee. Many hands made quick work of the few details we needed to address. A special thanks go to Terry Chez for bravely facing all of the arriving members at the welcoming table - Peter, you are one lucky man to be married to a gem of a woman!
Around 8 pm, everyone settled in (temporarily, I assure you!) for some acknowledgements of those who joined us for the evening, the presentation of a small token of our appreciation to Rocky Chiocchi, and remembrances of those members of the Saints family who are no longer with us. Additionally, members of the Reception Committee (Jimmy Pic, Karen Parente, and Billy Meyer) shared some information about weekend actitivies planned for all to enjoy. Billy also shared some insights into how well respected the Saints are as a corps by those with whom he has had contact in the senior corps ranks over the years. Finally, Mike Wargo reminded us all how important Ray Chmieleski is to all of us, and let everyone know how age and the passage of time helps us to better appreciate those who have been instrumental in our lives.
Dinner consisted of salad, rolls, and a buffet of sausage and peppers, Italian stuffed shells, lemon herb chicken, and Shrimp Scampi. A cake which read The Saints 1967-1977 Happy Memories was served as dessert.
While the bulk of the entertainment for the evening was the chance to catch up (or just say welcome) to everyone present, a music mix of "regular" versions of corps numbers and guard music played in the background all evening. Attendees received a "mini mix" CD of the four hour-long set.
Also adding to the festivities for the evening were the many photographs displayed and the chance to enjoy memorabilia set up by several members. In addition, samples of the newly designed Alumni staff and T shirts were on display (contact Jimmy Pic for ordering info until we get it posted on the website).
I'll share some final thoughts and impressions on the weekend in tomorrow's Scribblings entry. In the meantime, here are just a few photos temporarily here for you to enjoy until Rocky gets a chance to start posting what will be hundreds of shots out in the galleries on www.saintsdrumcorps.com.
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