Dear Fellow Alconburians:

Memories of the Alconbury Silver Anniversary Reunion in Denver, Colorado still have me smiling. So do the photos catching moments during the reunion weekend when we once again came together and realized that time may pass, but our bonds only grow stronger.

 

If you were at the reunion, don't forget to post your photos at the web site, www.alconburyreunion.com, and also on Facebook on the Molesworth/Alconbury 1969-1975 page.

 

Which brings me to my next point: We are now defining the Alconbury Reunion as those who attended MJH or LHS while stationed at Alconbury between the 1960s-1970s, as opposed to limiting it to just 1969-1975. The reason for this is that our group actually has two groups that overlap: those who were there from around 1967-1971 and those who were there from 1971-1975. Some of us -- like me -- fell in the middle (1969-1973), and knew people from each group. We are hoping that this increases our numbers and makes those who would like to attend from the earlier years feel welcomed.

 

If you missed the reunion, the next one is scheduled for 2013! Location? That has yet to be determined. Suggestions so far include the following:

 

New Orleans, LA  http://www.neworleanscvb.com/

Pros: Mystical city full of rich history. Could be affordable.

Cons: Will be extremely hot in July, so we'd want to consider October if this one is picked.

 

Dallas, TX  http://www.visitdallas.com/

Pros: Easy and affordable to get to, hotels in the past have offered us great deals, centrally located, lots of alumni live in or near Texas so the Dallas reunions have always been well attended.

Cons: We've had three reunions here and it is hot in July. Again, may want to change our reunion dates to October.

 

Las Vegas, NV  http://visitlasvegas.com

Pros: Again, easy to get to, gives the western side of the country a chance, since no reunions have been west of CO, tends to offer affordable deals.

Cons: the group will be easily scattered and distracted due to the casinos and shows, so it may be difficult to get everyone to come together again.

 

England

Pros: Well, it's England!

Cons: Could be expensive or difficult for some on the western side of the country to get to, although sometimes there are deals with flights. This could diminish our numbers. May want to consider England as a mini-reunion spot in between reunions.

 

A Cabin or Resort in the Mountains: http://www.hiddenmountain.com,  http://www.lakecabin4rent.com  
This link gives you an idea of what the cabin or resort could look like, but these cabins and resorts are located in several locations across the country, including TN, CO, CA, VA.

Pros: This would be a different kind of weekend, simply relaxing together in one spot. Depending on the location and what kind of weekend format we decide on, there are restaurants and other amenities at the site or nearby. If chosen, then the location would be decided on by the group.

Cons: Some have expressed concern about being secluded. Others have mentioned that they have no desire to have a "physical" reunion or such a casual format.

 

Chicago, IL  http://www.explorechicago.org/city/en.html

Pros: Centrally located, major airport hub, lots to do, an exciting and easy to get around city

Cons: May be expensive, but this would have to be determined with further investigation.

 

Charlottesville, VA  http://www.visitcharlottesville.org/

Pros: Thomas Jefferson lived nearby in Monticello, one of the cleanest cities in America, gorgeous landscape, as is the Shenandoah Mountains if we decide to go west of Charlottesville
Cons: We've already had a reunion in Virginia; would need to find out how difficult it is to get in and out of Charlottesville.

Memphis or Nashville, TN  http://memphistn.gov/framework.aspx?page=555, http://www.nashville.com/
Pros: Beautiful area, lots to do, Elvis!
Cons: Could be hot in July; may have to move this to March or October.

Austin, TX http://www.austintexas.org/
Pros: Centrally located, like Dallas, and a beautiful location.
Cons: We might want to have a reunion here in October, rather than the summer due to the scorching temperatures!

San Antonio, TX  http://www.visitsanantonio.com/index.aspx
Pros: Centrally located, and the Riverwalk is beautiful and fun!
Cons: Ditto on the hot temps in the summer.

San Francisco, CA  http://www.onlyinsanfrancisco.com
Pros: We've never had a reunion on the west coast, it's a gorgeous locale, and the temperatures are mild.
Cons: May be expensive to travel to for most of our alumni. Also, very foggy in summer, so we'd want to consider Sept. or Oct. for this choice.
 

Remember to vote only ONCE. Also, email me your choice at alconbury_reunion@yahoo.com.

 

Another decision that needs to be made: when to have the reunion in 2013? Do we want it to continue to be on July 4th weekend, some other non holiday weekend in the summer, Labor Day weekend, or a non holiday weekend in October? Let me know or vote on the "Poll Page."

 

In addition, please give me your feedback on the type of venue and format you want. Do you want to keep the traditional Friday Welcome Reception, Saturday Banquet and Sunday Brunch, or would you prefer a more casual weekend -- either eating at a restaurant, spending the entire weekend in the Hospitality Suite, or spending it cooking for ourselves at a more casual location? Again, vote on the "Poll Page" or send me your feedback.

 

In closing, I'd like to thank all those who attended the Silver Anniversary Reunion. A special thanks goes to Steve Imburgia, Shawn O'Neill and Scott Kocijan-Weinstein for sponsoring the Hospitality Suite; to Jamie Hudson for bringing a car load of memorabilia and for printing up fantastic reunion t-shirts; and to Michael Stevens for being our DJ and bringing four suitcases full of stereo equipment! Thanks too for all those who donated to the reunion and offered to help with the Hospitality Suite. Oh, and last but not least, thanks to Wayne Sullivan, Debbie Prudhome-Belew and Jeffrey Metz for going shopping with me to stock the Hospitality Suite with supplies!

 

One more thing: The next reunion's theme is "Bring a Buddy." If each person could get one other person to come, we might have a record attendance!

 

Until next time,