Alvin High 1974 Alumni

CALL FOR PHOTOS AND HOME MOVIES!!

2011-02-03T12:49:00.003-06:00

Hello, Classmates!! Hope you're all staying warm this winter! Cate Neilson--yes, she DID change her name again, but it's still pronounced 'Nelson'--is working on a short film for a competition about growing up in Alvin. She would love for you to share any photos and/or home movies from elementary school through high school. She's looking for pictures of schools, classmates, neighborhoods, and places about town. If anyone has anything, please send them to her on Facebook at Cate A. Neilson or email to:

Romancingthepast@sbcglobal.net

Many Thanks, and you WILL see the finished project, even if it doesn't win anything!!!

Further Recap Tales...

2009-10-27T15:33:00.011-05:00

(Apologies as I know more than a week has passed…but I’ve been under the weather. I’m on the mend now and ready to continue with the recap…)

Saturday morning dawned bright and early with a group of 20 or so meeting at AHS for a tour led by Shirley Brothers. I think it’s safe to say this is not the Alvin High School we remember! It’s big, beautiful, and from what I could tell, seemed to be equipped with the all the latest in technology! Retired government teacher Charles McCauley joined us—he has

slightly less hair but it was great to find him alive and well in spite of having a building on campus named for him! Mr. McCauley spends a portion of his leisurely retirement as a member of the School Board, and other portions attending former student reunion events like ours. According to Shirley, he also takes care of his VERY mean dog! We met at the Rotunda, located about where the old North Annex used to be, now shading a wonderful array of commemorative bricks purchased by citizens and former students. (I’d love for our class to buy one for each of our departed classmates. I’m thinking of setting up a PayPal account for this, so let me know your thoughts on the idea!)

Some highlights of our tour included picture-taking at the Wall of

Honor, citing the accomplishments of former classmates and instructors. A few of us took turns having our photos snapped next to it--Terry Penner here--previewing hopes about placement of our own names there someday!

Those of us who were in choir and/or band gazed in pure envy at the size of the new practice facilities--unfortunately the drama department didn't fare as well—those classes are hidden under the old gym in what used to be the sub cafeteria! A really nice security guard who’s name I’ve forgotten took us through some back doors around to the auditorium where, after we found the lights, we had a blast taking photos of ourselves on stage and as a group. Most of us remember hours and hours of pure high school ‘entertainment’ there, and one of our favorite stories was about climbing up a very steep and skinny ladder to the 'light loft.' Who knows what we did while we were up there?!!

We ended the tour near what used to be our ‘new’ cafeteria, talking about the trees they saved and the ones they lost, including the really BIG one that used to be toward one end of the old administration building—a spot where many of us spent lounging, making out, or just daydreaming. Shirley talked to us about programs the school participates in and we enjoyed hearing about the diversity of the student population, another big difference from our tenure there. Many thanks to Shirley for an enjoyable and informative morning, and also to Mr. McCauley for his good cheer--and especially for sharing with us that the ‘older classes’ like ours brought to mind some of his fondest memories!

After the tour a small group of us met for lunch at Joe’s BBQ—that’s us clowning

around in the photo with a bunch of REAL clowns. Having a chance to visit one-on-one was great, and we hope to build in more time for this kind of interaction during our next reunion. (As well as naps—several of us headed home after lunch to take naps!!) ;) We needed them, however, because those of us involved in planning only had a bit of a break before gathering at Haak’s Winery to set up the tables for the big evening. Stay tuned…

Belatedly: A Reunion Recap

2009-10-05T16:12:00.016-05:00

Recounted by Cathy (Cate) Nelson Richard...

If you weren't there, I'm sure you've been on pins and needles for the past month! I think once the reunion was over, those of us involved with it pretty much flat-fined—especially the wonderful ladies in Texas who actually did the real legwork. Thanks again to our amazing steering committee—Lu Anne, Nettie, Debbie, Jody, Teresa, and Pat! (Can you pick out who's who in the photo to the right?!) Anyway...waiting a month for an update isn’t nearly as bad as waiting 20 years to have another reunion—we are all determined that will NOT happen again!

So, let's start at the beginning...with Friday night's 'Your Alvin Yellow Jackets' football game! The steering committee, decked out in black Ts with glittery orange yellow jackets on front, greeted reunion attendees at the gate with orange Mardi Gras beads and 1974 Alumni ribbons. Bombarded with the faces of former classmates—most of whom you haven’t seen in 20 years—was what we’d have called 'a real trip' back in the 70s! It took a minute (or two in some cases!) to add ‘the years’, but once 'old' friends opened their mouths, the voice took you right back to high school. The years simply melted away like butter on a Texas sidewalk--ok, couldn't resist a Texas heat metaphor!

Somewhere around 30 of us attended the game--which had several highlights beyond just reconnecting with our old friends. Tom Menefee, recently returned from military duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, returned with an American flag flown over his military base for the Class of '74 to present to the school during half-time. All classmates who wanted to were asked to join him on the field for the presentation, honoring all military men and women around the world.

Besides just talking and catching up with each other, we DID actually watch the football game, which was fast-paced and fun. (This from someone who truly hates football!) Our Alvin Yellow Jackets lost in the last 25 seconds of play—big bummer!!

The after-game mingle at my folks house up from the stadium turned into a bit of a wash—half the folks were starving and needed to go find some food, and the other half couldn’t find the house! (I’ve explained to my parents that leaving porch lights on is a good idea when you’re expecting company!) ;) Next time I vote for a mix-and-mingle (with FOOD!) before the game!

Check back next week for another installment of the weekend events--Saturday's tour of our alma mater Alvin High School! And feel free to post your own reunion stories here, too!! Photos from all events are available at http://www. alanamoser.com.

Order Memory Books or Prints

2009-09-10T17:55:00.004-05:00

Alana Moser, who captured many pictures Saturday evening, has our pictures posted and ready for you to view. She creates marvelous memory books and prints.

You will find her pricing guidelines and a link to her web site in the fabulous program Teresa Williams Brown created for us. The pictures are currently posted at this web site for viewing and purchase.

http://www.alanamoser.com

Bring Cash for the raffle baskets

2009-09-01T20:31:00.000-05:00

Saturday night at 9:00 we will be raffling off some truly awesome gift baskets. Tickets will be 6 for $5. There are several baskets you can bid on: some of the baskets are a bed and breakfast basket, a coffee basket, a car supplies basket, and the greatest Shop Alvin basket you could imagine.

Debbie Briggs Vaughn and Jody Norman Moore did a remarkable job and collected the most fabulous donations and gift certificates from all over Alvin. Some of these are in the raffle baskets and many will be given out as door prizes.

We are counting on the raffle to help give us a profit on our event and funds to begin planning our next reunion. Please support our class in this effort and bring those extra dollars along for tickets.

What to wear, what to wear?

2009-08-24T19:38:00.000-05:00

The Saturday event at Haak will be an outdoor event. We will be in the patio and pavillion area. The pavillion does have ceiling fans but do consider this as you plan your attire for this September evening in Texas. We had said we would dress in "snappy casual". What does that mean? Well, just something casual, comfortable, and nice.

The Steering Committee

Mix and Mingle: 8:00-10:00 at Haak

2009-08-24T19:08:00.002-05:00

The Mix and Mingle time at the reunion will be from 8:00-10:00 Saturday evening.

Please join the reunion group at that time. The cash bar will be open along with the wine tasting room and gift shop. At 8:00 we will begin the program with our class song and our class messages.

You still have time!!!! 100+ people are attending...are you?

2009-08-18T21:12:00.002-05:00

If you are still considering attending you can. Tickets at the door will be $20 but will not include dinner. Dinner reservations can still be made if your check is in by August 21. That is a quick turn around so if you want to come to dinner you can put your check in the mail and reply to this mail to let us know to count you in our dinner count. We meet with the chef next week to turn in our dinner count.

More details:
Reunion Hotel Special: The Holiday Inn Express has reserved a block of rooms for us. The Holiday Inn Express is newly opened this summer. We have special pricing for our Alvin High Class of 1974. Call this reservation number and mention our group name.
Reservations: 281-331-8800
Prices: $89 per night for King, $99 per night for Double Queen
Address: 900 South Loop 35, Alvin
Here is our special link for reservations:
http://events.ichotelsgroup.com/DPRD-7UEV4R/HOUJJ/website/

Friday night football: Alvin vs. Texas City: 7:00 PM
· Pick up your ticket at the stadium gate.
· Game starts at 7:00.
· Look for our Class of 1974 banner and table as you arrive.
· This is home game for us but not the Homecoming game.
· We will all sit together in a designated seat and be recognized during the game.

Saturday morning: Tour of the high school and driving tour: 10:00 AM
· Meet by the old North Annex building rotunda.
· We will be given a guided tour of the campus
· After this you can take your own driving tour. A map will be provided on the web site and through email to guide you.
· All American Festival is going on this day. Check it out along the way. http://www.alvintexas.org/all_american_festival/

Saturday evening: Haak Winery and Vineyard, Avenue T, Sante Fe, 6:00–10:00 PM
· Federal Law: no outside alcohol can be on the Haak property
· Mix and Mingle cover charge ($20) at the door if not eating dinner
· 5:00 last vineyard tour of the day
· 6:00 cheese and crackers, cash wine bar open until 10:00 PM
· 7:00–8:00 dinner is served
· Our evening ends at 10:00 PM.
· Bring a bit of extra cash with you.
Class fund raiser: During the evening you will have the chance to purchase $1 tickets on the many gift baskets we have to raffle
Purchase memorial bricks to have placed at the school rotunda,
Shop in the vineyard gift shop
Sign up for the Alvin High Alumni Association ($10 fee)

Sunday evening: Haak Winery evening concert: 6:00–10:00 PM
· A regular Haak Sunday evening event is a free concert
· This is an informal event for those who would like to return and visit before the weekend is over

News can also be found at our web site http://alvinhigh1974.blogspot.com

Reunion Updates, New Haak Option, and Hotel Information

2009-07-29T17:14:00.004-05:00

The time is nigh….are your dinner reservations in the mail?
We meet with the chef in mid August to turn in our dinner count and will base this on the checks we have received. If you plan to have dinner with us, please put your check the mail. $60 per ticket. Dinner served from 7-8
We must have all dinner reservation checks by August 20.

Want to attend but not eat dinner?
We have heard from several folks and know that some would like to just come to visit and not eat dinner. So, here is an option for you:
$20 cover charge at the door at Haak Winery.
There will be a cash wine/drink bar. No outside for or drink can be brought into the winery.

Were you one of the Class of ‘74’s teachers?
We would love to have you join us. Teachers tickets for dinner are $30 and cover charge to just come and visit is $10.

Want to sit with our class at the Friday night Homecoming Game?
Send your $5 game ticket check in. We have to let the stadium organizers know the Monday before the game how many of us will be there so they can block out our seats.

Do you need a hotel in Alvin?
The Holiday Inn Express is newly opened this summer. We have special pricing for our Alvin High Class of 1974. Call this reservation number and mention our groups name.
Reservations: 281-331-8800
Prices: $89 per night for King, $99 per night for Double Queen
Address: 900 South Loop 35, Alvin

Wondering what else to do with your time on Saturday and Sunday?
Saturday morning at 10:00 we will meet at the old Rotunda by the North Annex building. We will have a guided walking tour of the campus to see all of the old and new sights. You will also have a chance for a self guided driving tour around town for the area highlights.

Sunday evening will be a free concert at Haak Winery and a lovely way to wind down and visit before we all head back home.

Have more questions?
Email questions to alvinhigh1974@gmail.com and Cathy Nelson Dodson or Nettie McDonald Briggs will get back in touch.
Rather make a phone call:
Nettie McDonald Briggs - 713-202-4770
Lu Anne Glardon - 281-352-6836
Jody Norman Moore - 281-455-6045
Cathy Nelson Richard - 310-936-9918

Reserve your place by July 31, 2009

2009-05-25T20:41:00.006-05:00

Please help spread the word of our reunion to our class and others.

Send your dinner and game reservations in the mail, by July 31.
Mail payment to: PO Box 314, Sante Fe, TX 77510.
Make checks payable to Lu Anne Glardon or Jody Moore.

Homecoming game tickets are $5 each and will be picked up the Friday night of the game at the stadium. We will have a special area to sit in the stands.
Dinner tickets are $60 each. The ticket funds will pay for the dinner and the cost of the venue. It is going to be a lovely evening and meal.

Friday, September 4
Meet before the home game and sit in the stands together for the Alvin vs. Texas City game. You can buy tickets early by sending in a payment to the address above.

Saturday, September 5
10:00 AM: meet at The Gazebo for a guided walking tour of AHS, continue on your own with a self guided driving tour of three Alvin museums and stops at our favorite places like the Dairyland and Stantons.

Saturday, September 5 Reservation and ticket required by July 31.
5:00 PM join the free final tour of Haak Vinyards & Winery, Avenue T, Sante Fe, Texas
6:00 PM meet and mingle at the Haak's pavillion for wine tasting, music we loved, and chances to visit the various booths for raffles, memorials, networking, and more.
7:00-8:00 PM dinner is served. Join us for a lovely meal prepared by Haak's in house chef.

Sunday, September 6
6:00 PM Sunday concert at Haak Winery. Music by Pee Wee Bowen. This is a regular Sunday event at Haaks but an opportunity for an informal chance to meet again.

Dinner at 7:00, Haak Vineyards and Winery, 9/5/2009

2009-04-09T21:47:00.007-05:00

Appetizer tray of various cheeses and breads
Chicken Madeira
Black Peppercorn and Garlic Crusted Pork Loin
Sugar Snap Peas
Garlic and Daikon Smashed Potatoes
Spring Mix Salad
Fresh French Bread
Chocolate Crusted Cheesecake with Salted Caramel Topping
Iced Tea and Water
One Glass of wine chosen from the following:

Blanc du Bois Dry
Blanc du Bois Semi Sweet
Syrah
Pink Pelican
Purple Porpoise
Cabernet Sauvignon
Tempranillo
Tres Tintos
Sangria Wine Cocktail
There will be an cash bar with wine Haak wine selections and mixers.
No outside alchohol is allowed on the property.

Initial planning meeting

2009-03-11T14:08:00.007-05:00

On March 1st a few of us met at Joe's BBQ to start planning the 35th. Thanks to Cathy Nelson Richard for talking us into this. Robyn Kohlhaas mentioned Haak Vineyard and Winery as a venue and everything else began to fall in place once we were able to secure it for Saturday, September 5, 2009....Labor Day weekend. Steering committee members in the photo: Lu Anne Lee Glardon, Jody Norman Moore, Nettie McDonald Briggs, Robyn Kohlhaas Bradford

Friends Remembered

2009-03-10T11:01:00.002-05:00

Please post the names of friends who will be with us in memory this Labor Day.