Happy New Year 68er's!
Class of 1968 – Fortieth Reunion Update
January 9, 2008

We apologize for the relative quietness over the past several weeks. It has not been due to the fact that nothing is going on. Quite the contrary as there has been quite a bit going on. Part of this has been the "normal" Christmas and other Holiday activities but part of it has been reunion related stuff. The committee has exchanged many emails and met again in person on Friday, December 28. We must tell you that things are really getting exciting as the countdown to the Gala weekend has now officially begun.

In ancient civilizations, most notably those in biblical times, the number 8 is representative of new beginnings. Well, here we are in 2008 and it's time for a new beginning for all of us. Many of us can use a new beginning on a personal level, relational level or on some other level but decide now that you will begin anew by doing whatever it takes to get rid of the old.

You can help the reunion effort by deciding right now that you will follow through with your desire to attend the reunion Gala by going ahead and verifying that you will attend. The most tangible way to verify that and to assist us in making sure we have ample space reserved is to purchase your tickets. We would be remiss if we didn't express our appreciation to those of you who have already made your purchase so..............THANK YOU.

In keeping with the idea of new beginnings, we would like to announce that we have done something new to make it more convenient for you to complete your ticket purchases. There is now a way for you to do this electronically. We added a "Buy Now" feature to the home page of the reunion website. With all the activity there has been on the other websites such as the discussion group, tribute pages and the classreport site you may have not visited the original reunion website recently. It can be found at http://www.phs40reunion1968.com/. Simply click on the Add to Cart button, select the number of tickets you need, and follow the prompts. It's so easy to do even Glen Rice can do it. If you have any difficulty while attempting to complete your purchase just give him or any of the committee members a call. All the numbers are listed on the website.

Although this is a very secure way of making payments as all information is encrypted, we understand some of you may still have concerns about security and possible identity theft. We do have another option for those of you who still reside in or frequently pass through the general Pasadena/Deer Park/La Porte area. Our own Sue (Walker) Floyd has graciously volunteered to accept credit card payments at her husbands office. Dr. Ronald Floyd is a Chiropractor located at 108 W Pasadena Blvd at Center Street, Deer Park, TX 77536, phone 281-476-0700. This would have to be done during the hours Sue works, which are Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9-12 and 3-6. You can charge or debit your reunion tickets using the Clinics charge card and debit card system. The charge will show up as Dr. Ronald Floyd or something close to that! Ronnie and Sue will absorb the fees associated with the charge. Sue will give you a receipt and/or ticket showing the purchase is for the reunion event, date, etc. They will then write a check from the business to the Reunion. This is another example of the teamwork that is going on as we move forward toward the reunion.

Of course you can still print out the ticket order form on the website, write a check and mail it in. However you want to do it is fine as all we want to do is make sure we reserve adequate space for the many of you whom we have heard are excited about reuniting. Those of you who have had the opportunity to attend one of the smaller gatherings can testify to how great it is to see one another after all these years. Even those who have not been fortunate enough to attend one of these have been able to re-connect via the discussion board. We know that one weekend in June is going to be a significant event and we look forward to what will happen then and beyond. We feel fortunate to be an integral part of what has happened and what is yet to come.

It's hard to believe that it is six months from today that the Gala will take place. It's less than six months before the festivities begin with the Friday night mixer. Some are even planning on arriving a day or so earlier in order to not miss a minute of what is going on and to also avail themselves of some of the area attractions. Tomorrow is the first new moon of the new year. Don't you just love a new moon on a clear night? We're looking forward to finalizing the reunion plans as this new year unfolds. You can help us finalize these plans while also helping yourselves save money by making your purchases prior to March 5 as ticket prices increase from $60 each to $70 each on that date. Don't forget to reserve your room at South Shore Harbour Resort if you plan on staying there during the festivities.

It's hard to believe that it was approximately 2 years ago when this whole thing was started by Randy Hayes. They say time flies when you're having fun and this saying has never been more true than it is now for us, your reunion committee. It truly has been a joy working together and watching the evolution of things. Please help us be good stewards as we make plans to insure adequate space is available for the many of you who we know want to truly re-unite and in some cases actually unite for the first time. This is indeed the time for new beginnings. We truly love each and every one of you and can't wait for June.