Current Reunion Plans
Below
is a Message Board where you may share your COMMENTS, IDEAS OR SUGGESTIONS
on the year 2000 reunion. Please post your reactions to the
proposed Exes BAND and the Costume Event for
the game.
Haven't heard about it yet? Click
Here for info.
Messageboard
for Your Input--Click Here
Thank You!
MINUTES OF MEETING - MAY 7, 2000
Jal High School Y2K Reunion meeting was held Sunday, May 7, 2000 at Jal Woolworth Library.
Eighteen attended the meeting and those were: Pat Sinclair ‘56, Billie Jean Beckham ‘61, Micki Jones ‘58, Stean Kemp ‘61, Milton Tharp ‘67, Glena Tharp ‘69, Teresa Bentle ‘74, Brian Norwood ‘75, Betty Kemper ‘50, Minnie Hedgpeth, Fay Palmer ‘73, Melba Ellison ‘61, Johnny Brooks ‘68, Mary Grayce Weathers ‘63, Sandra Tuten ‘58, Stephen Aldridge ‘72, Roxie Swain ‘67.
THE NEXT MEETING IS SCHEDULED FOR SUNDAY, JULY 9, 2000.
Pat Sinclair reported that there was a total of $11,717.82 in the account. Expenses are $570.49. 224 exes have registered, a total of 374 people have registered. Three people said they are bringing arts and crafts and 8 people are staying in the gym.
Milton and Glena said that they are getting an average of about 15 tee shirt orders a week.
Sandra has sold three “class” ads for the directory; Willard Lewis, Otis Pharr, and Betty Wink Kemper. The class of ‘74 reserved the Elementary school band room for their class gathering. Micki Jones volunteered to help Sandra with the ads as Sandra will be out of town for an extended period of time this summer.
Roxie reported for Harold Swain that the Saturday afternoon golf scramble was nearly filled up. There is a lot of room for Saturday and Sunday mornings. Very few Jal people have signed up and they need to if they are going to play.
If a representative receives a combined registration for their own classmate and their spouse who might be in another class be sure and let the proper class rep. know so they can count them with their respective class, get name tags made for them, etc. It is imperative to do this because when people get to the reunion and sign in there will be packets with individual names and class years on them. EX: Harold Swain will have a packet with his information and name tag made by his class rep. in the 1963 stack and Roxie McMahan Swain will have a packet with her information and name tag made by her class rep. in the 1967 stack.
Everyone was reminded to notify Jerry when they receive registrations so he can post it on the “Who’s A Comin?” page on the website.
As of May 1, Bert Cooper had entered 1,971 names into the database for the directories. He still lacks the following classes: 40,45,61,70,72,73,75,76,78,79,80,81,82,83,84,85,86,88,89,90,91,92,93,94,95,96,97,
98,99 If the classes don’t get their address lists in they will not be included in the directory. If you snail mail him information please send him a stamped self addressed envelope so he can snail mail you a copy of your class list to proof.
Suggestions made for class ads were: Class motto, song, flower, play; claim to fame - ex: first/last class at Burke Jr. High; first class at new elementary; won state in whatever; last class to have senior trip; largest/smallest graduating class; in memory of deceased class mates. Question of who pays for class ads - suggested that the person who calls and says “what can I do to help since I don’t live close enough to do anything?” Tell them they can contribute $15-$25 for a class ad or have several people go together to pay for one.
Johnny and Mary Grayce volunteered to make various posters that will be used during the reunion. Fay Palmer said she would check on providing doughnuts for the Sunday morning continental breakfast. Fay owns a doughnut shop in Kermit.
It was decided it would be a good idea to run an article in the Jal Record listing the class representatives so if people haven’t received information they can contact their respective rep.
It was decided that the amount of donations to various groups, churches, organizations or individuals, who help during the reunion, would be determined after the work has been done.
Claydean said city employees would take care of emptying the polycart trash receptacles.
We need to get permission from the City for placement of the tents.
Rick Ferguson needs to be contacted about allowing more time for the pep rally.
Brian reported that Jerry wanted to put a page on the website giving information about ordering homecoming corsages from Kelly’s Flowers.
Debbie Cervantes who is in charge of Jal’s 4-H club said they would like to do something to help during the reunion. Her group is 13 and under.
Johnny Brooks said that he thought Kwik Kopy had better prices on their printing than Kinkos so Roxie is going to check that out.
It was suggested in the next mail out to include a copy of the “Who’s A Comin” list on the website. This might encourage someone to attend who hadn’t planned on it.
Roxie said she would talk with Helen Shelton about helping with the teachers. No correspondence has been sent to teachers at this time. If anyone knows the whereabouts or addresses of any teachers please contact Roxie.
Roxie said she would check with Coca Cola, Pepsi, etc. about buying ads for the directory.
Roxie is going to check on having a Y2K reunion quilt made to be raffled.
It was decided that the two food wagons, one from Hobbs and one from Odessa would be enough combined with the food booths that various organizations will have. It was also mentioned that the new state food inspector from Hobbs was really strict.
Roxie is going to contact Terry Savoie about being the MC for the general assembly.
NOTES FROM ROXIE:
Updated Reunion Plans from Last Meeting.
The following is the text of a letter which was sent out to Class Reps.
April 2, 2000
The next meeting is set for Sunday, May 7.
Thanks to those who were able to attend the last meeting. We had 22 in attendance and that is great. I understand the responses are slow in coming in but I think it is still early. People have been asking me about various classes who haven’t received letters. I give them the reps name and tell them to contact them.
Note these schedule changes: Chamber of Commerce Auction is on Thursday, Jal will be playing Cloudcroft Bears at Jal on Friday, Cowboy Sculpture Dedication is on Sunday.
I talked with Bert Cooper yesterday and he said he has entered 1691 names into the database for the directory. He has entered everything he has received. So if you haven’t sent me your address list you can email it to him at BERTCOOP@aol.com or mail it to him at - 368 Heimbaugh Rd, Mogadore, OH 44260-9525 Be sure and send me a copy too, I need one for my files. If we don’t receive your class addresses, the directory will have “information not available” by your class year and we don’t want to leave you out so ple-e-e-e-e-se don’t forget to get them in.
After he has entered your class he is going to email or snailmail it back to you so you can proof it, make changes, additions or deletions. This will be much easier on him and probably more accurate as you will just be checking a few people as opposed to him proofing hundreds of names.
The directory will be 8-1/2 by 11 and about 90 pages front and back with 21 names on each side of paper. It could contain as many as 3000 names and the deceased people will be included in it. It will have a plastic spiral binder with a plastic front and back. To help defray cost we are selling ads for it. The ads are as follows: $100 - full page; $50 - half page; $25 - quarter page; $15 - business card size/10 to a page. If you are interested in an ad or know of anyone who might be contact Sandra Tuten: 505-395-2602 or P.O. Box 645, Jal, NM 88252
I think a neat thing to do would be to buy class ads. Maybe if you know your class motto, song, flower, an interesting bit of trivia about your class such as first in new high school, last class to have senior trip, won state in something, etc. you could put that on there. I am sure if you don’t know this info right off the top of your head you could go directly to a scrap book and find it. Who would pay for this you ask. The rich classmate who says, “What can I do to help?” tell them they can fork over $15-$25 for a class ad. This is not mandatory, just food for thought. As of now the plans are to have Kinkos in Midland to print them. If you have a favorite great uncle who is in the printing business please let me know.
If you receive any registration for a husband, wife, significant other who was in a Jal class other than yours would you please notify the class representative for that class so they can keep a record for their class, ex: I receive registration form and money for Joe in my class and his wife Sue who in in Class ‘68. I contact Class’68 rep to let them know that Sue will be here and that she is already paid for. I don’t know how the majority of people are sending their money in, it is simpler for them to send one check in one envelope but easier for us if it were kept separate. But who said it was going to be easy for us. I am sending a revised class rep list so you will know how to contact everyone. I think about 45 reps have email so that should make it easier.
Another tool to make your job easier is the Location List on the Jal Website. I sound like a broken record telling you that but it is such an easy way to find some people. Put it as one of your favorites and you can go directly to it and not have to download the entire Jal Website. If you find a classmate on the Location List, then go to the Address Book and get their address and phone number. Or you can email them if they have an email address. Jerry tries to keep it updated regularly. And as time gets closer and more people receive information about the reunion and the website more people will get on it. Encourage your group to sign up on the Location List.
The registration fee went up April 1, to $35 per person which DOES INCLUDE the BBQ. I am sending a new and improved registration form (dated 03-00) that shouldn’t leave any questions about what to pay. Again if you are a representative you don’t have to pay anything (you do need to send in a registration form with “representative” written on the comments line) but your spouse pays $35 if it hasn’t already been paid. If you happen to receive a check from someone for $30 after April 1, don’t worry about it. Or if you want to worry about it and have the time, dun them for another $5. That is too much bookkeeping for me. Be sure and note at the bottom of the new form the place to add your name and address for remittance.
I am also sending a revised golf registration form dated 03-00. Make sure you use these for next mailing,
These questions have come up..........”If I just come to eat and don’t stay for dance........If I just come for my class reunion part and only stay a few hours...........If I just come for part of it..........If I am just passing through town..........do I have to pay the full amount?” The answer to all of those is “yes”. They are still sitting on rental chairs, at rental tables, under rental awnings, and using rental porta-potties. They probably received 2-3 correspondences about the reunion which cost postage for each one. There is no way we can break that down or monitor when people come and go or how long they stay. It is a package deal for the weekend and how long they stay or what they participate in is up to them. The people who pay only $7 and not the entire $35 are guests you bring with you such as parents or children who weren’t Jal students.
NAME TAGS - in the beginning.........when the adrenaline was pumping double time and this was just a small project nearly two years away I think I made some silly statement to the effect that it would be nice if all the name tags were alike and I thought a couple of us could do them and that way we would know that they would be here on location Friday noon, September 1, 2000. Change of Plans!! We are going to order 4”x3” plastic sleeves with pins on the back. They come with inserts that are laser or ink jet compatible. We will get them to you and you can take care of your class. Several of you have already sent me your annual photos so I will send them back to you so you don’t have to run copies again. I am sorry for the inconvenience. Maybe you can recruit a creative classmate who has no money for an ad but is willing to work to help you. Or maybe some of the reps who are still enthusiastic and like doing that sort of thing might help you with yours. Be thinking about how many you will need.....the spouse/sig. other gets one too.
Mailing tip: If everything will fit in just a regular size envelope use it instead of large manilla envelope which weighs more, can mean the difference in $.55 as opposed to $.77. Or just fold and staple to save envelope.
At the present time the following food booths are to be on Main Street. TNT Barbeque from Jal; Rita Morales selling fajita burritos, watermelon, drinks; Jal sorority selling Ikey’s Chili Deals, chips, drinks; and a food wagon that sells hamburgers, barbecue burgers, roasted turkey legs, roasted corn, drinks.
That is all I can think of for now. If you have any questions please
Email Roxie
let me know and I will try and answer them. Thank you so much
for your hard work. I know this has become more involved than you bargained
for but we do appreciate it and know the end results will be rewarding.
Sincerely, Roxie
Subject: Reunion Plans Date: Tue, 25 May 1999 00:21:27 -0600 From: "B. G. Norwood" <bgnorwood@leaco.net>
The Y2K Reunion Planning Committee met Sunday, May 16, at the Jal Teen Center--a fitting place to discuss a return to the days when we were teens ourselves. Attending the meeting were Roxie Swain, Melba Ellison, Pat Sinclair, Brian Norwood, Teresa Bentle, Rhonda Watson, Jessica Ramirez, Jeri Osborn, Norma Crawford, Lori Samaniego, Mickey Jones, Sandra Tuten, Milton Tharp, Glena Allen, Jaqutea Crawford, Nell Addison, Mary Grayce Weathers, Johnny Brooks, Stean Kemp, and Jerry Dyer.
Pat Sinclair reported that the $500 donation to the JAL Cowboy Sculpture Project has been made and postage in the amount of $63 was paid for a class mail-out. That leaves a balance of $1967.69 in the Reunion Fund and $1812.15 in the Alumni Fund.
Roxie noted that the sculpture project is getting closer to becoming a reality. With the July 24 deadline for obtaining the $5000 matching donation still two months away, the Jal Chamber of Commerce continues to receive contributions and it appears that this goal can be met. If so, the estimated funds necessary to complete the sculpture will be in hand. Brian thanked those present for their contributions to this project.
Currently, the list of scheduled events for the reunion looks something like this:
FRIDAY, SEPT. 1, 2000 12:00 p.m.--Registration in the New Gym ??:?? --Pep Rally at Panther Stadium ??:?? --Tailgate Party. Meet at the Jal Lake Park and bring a picnic for your family. ??:?? --Caravan to Eunice for the big game ??:?? --Continued registration and visitation at the New Gym for those not going to the game After the game--more visitation at the New Gym
SATURDAY, SEPT. 2, 2000 7:30 a.m.--9hole, 4 person golf scramble (for bragging rights only) at Jal Country Club--limited to first 14 teams to sign up 9:00 a.m.--Registration at the New Gym 11:00 a.m.--Welcoming ceremonies at Panther Stadium (will be moved to the auditorium in case of inclement weather) 12:00 p.m.--Barbecue at the north end of Main Street 1:30 p.m.--9 hole, 4 person golf scramble (still for bragging rights only) at the Country Club--limited to first 14 teams to sign up 2:00 p.m. until ??--Individual class reunions 8:00 p.m. until 12:00 a.m.--Street dances at each end of Main Street (live band and D.J.)
SUNDAY, SEPT. 3, 2000 8:00 a.m.--9 hole, 4 person golf scramble (for--you guessed it--bragging rights) at Jal CC--limited to first 14 teams to sign up 9:00 a.m. until 2 p.m.--Visitation at the New Gym
This schedule is strictly limited to the main Y2K Reunion events and does not take into consideration events which might be put on by the City of Jal, Jal Chamber of Commerce, the schools, or other organizations in the week leading up to the reunion. Also, times and places of individual class or other group get-togethers will be left to class representatives.
Various events are being planned and we will provide more details as they become available. There will be a number of things happening on Main Street throughout the weekend, such as an arts and crafts fair, to keep everyone busy and entertained. Jackie Ford will contact churches, organizations, clubs, schools, etc. which might want to sponsor food booths. An effort will be made to insure that a variety of booths are provided.
Registration fees were set at $35 per person until June 1, 2000. After that date, fees will increase to $50 per person. This includes registration, the barbecue on Saturday, dances and--possibly--a directory of names and addresses of Jal grads. Parents, family members and friends who did not attend school in Jal are welcome to attend and the same fee schedule will apply. Meals for children under 12 will be $7 per plate. There will be no refunds. The fees are necessary to take care of various expenses, including postage, name tags,catering, a directory of names and addresses, tents, tables, chairs, porta-johns, waste management, clean-up, etc. Mail-outs with all the pertinent information on fees and dates should be sent out by class representatives in approximately six weeks. Class representatives will have the option of waiving the fees for themselves as compensation for their help in putting on the reunion.
Roxie is checking on a caterer for the barbecue on Saturday. At this time, Johnny's Barbecue in Odessa is favored, provided they guarantee to serve the throng of hungry reunion-goers in a reasonable amount of time, and their prices remain near the current level.
Glena Allen has gotten names and phone numbers for hotels and motels in surrounding towns. The Holiday Inn in Odessa may provide special group rates and has offered to check with the Odessa Chamber of Commerce about providing transportation to and from Jal. Also, Triple S Trailer Park in Jal has RV spaces with full hook-ups and a dump station. Contact information for hotels/motels, Triple S and other possible parking spaces for RV's will be provided in a future mail-out.
There will be two dances--one on either end of Main Street. One will feature a live band, while the other will offer music from a D.J. Mary Grayce is checking on bands and D.J.'s for the entertainment on Saturday evening. Rhonda Watson will check with the city about a possible waiver of the noise ordinance, since it seems there is no way the city jail can accommodate 1500 noisy reunion-goers.
It was decided to use two of the largest tent awnings, which measure 60' wide by 120' long, to provide shelter during the meal and for the band and D.J. Cost of the tents is $.25 per square foot, which comes to $3600 for the two. Gene Armstrong will check with the city about blocking off areas of Main Street as necessary, in order to put up the tents. Gene has also gathered price information on tables and chairs. Six foot tables are $4.50 each and 8' tables are $6.50 each. Folding chairs are $.50 each. The porta-johns are $15 each and it has been estimated that 50 will be needed, for a total of $750.
Jessica Ramirez suggested having a first aid station. Rhonda will contact the Jal EMT's about providing this service.
Milton Tharp is going to check on the cost of polo shirts, caps and visors with a Jal Reunion 2000 logo printed on them. Forms and payment for these items will be sent directly to Milton. Some extras will be printed and should be available at registration.
Memorabilia will be set up in the New Gym for viewing during registration and at other times during the weekend. Additional items of interest will be placed in other locations throughout town.
A number of other items were discussed and a great many more plans are yet to be finalized. You can expect to see more definite information in upcoming class mail-outs and on this website.
The next planning committee meeting is scheduled for August.
Subject: Y2K Reunion Update Date: Mon, 15 Mar 1999 21:19:37 From: "B. G. Norwood" <bgnorwood@leaco.net>
The Y2K Reunion Committee met Sunday, March 14 at the Woolworth Community Library in Jal. Attending the meeting were Roxie (McMahan) Swain, Kate (Null) Asbill, Brian Norwood, Jerry Dyer, Mary Grace (Wright) Weathers, Johnny Brooks, Jerri (Bryant) Osborn, Glena Allen, Milton Tharp, Jere and Darlyne (Miller) Galle, Stean Kemp, Gene Armstrong, Rhonda (Burrus) Watson, Melba (Webb) Ellison and Alice Sappington. Classes represented ranged from 1952 to 1976.
A variety of topics was discussed, including selecting a representative for each class. Roxie has begun a list of classes (65 in all) and is looking for someone from each to be responsible for seeing that class members are contacted. Other responsibilities of class representatives will include registration and collecting advance payment of registration fees. If your class was not represented at the meeting and you wish to volunteer as class rep., please get in touch with Roxie.
The Y2K Reunion is scheduled for Labor Day
Weekend of the year 2000. That's Friday, September 1st, through Monday,
Sept. 4th.
The plans below are still VERY TENTATIVE,
leaving quite a bit of room for individual classes and other smaller groups
to plan their own activities. At this point, planned events are being kept
to a minimum, allowing everyone more
time for VISITING.
A tentative schedule of events was proposed, beginning on Saturday
morning with registration and a golf tournament. A welcome meeting is scheduled
for 11 a.m., most likely in the gymnasium, which has been chosen as the
site for most of the group gatherings. A catered lunch will follow, with
individual class meetings and more golf on tap for the afternoon. A
Saturday arts and crafts bazaar, and one or more street dances are
planned, with Mary Grace checking on availability and prices of area D.J.'s.
Sunday has been left open, allowing for church services, class meetings
and other activities.
The Jal-Eunice football game is scheduled for Friday night. Unfortunately, the schedule was already set and the game will be played in Eunice. It seems that no amount of begging or pleading could make the folks in Eunice change their minds and allow the game to be played in Jal. So be ready to make the trip and blow their minds when they see a thousand or more Panthers coming their way! The idea of taking buses was mentioned and we'll let you know more about that as it develops.
Lodging is a big question, and Glena Allen has volunteered to check area hotels and motels, RV Parks, etc. and report on available options at the next meeting. One idea put forth was the creation of the "Jal Bed and Breakfast"--opening up the old and new gyms for what may well be the world's biggest slumber party, followed by breakfast in the high school cafeteria. This idea had Roxie verrry excited and making plans to attend (but don't plan on taking over Roxie's house for the night. Johnny Brooks has already tried--unsuccessfully--to make reservations!).
In an attempt to see that as much business as possible is done locally, Jal restaurants and other businesses will be contacted to give them the opportunity to adjust their schedules to meet the needs of the visiting hordes.
Gene Armstrong has volunteered to check on tents--along with tables and chairs to go under them--to be set up on Main Street. Most of Saturday's activities will be held there, with both ends of the street blocked off to allow only foot traffic. Tentative plans call for the Saturday meal to be held on Main Street along with a craft fair and various street vendors. The idea of designating a certain area of the street for each class to gather was also discussed.
Other ideas brought up included setting up a schedule for class pictures to be made, a contest to create a design for souvenir t-shirts, providing transportation for the handicapped and elderly, providing drinking water, and recruiting local organizations to provide continuous cleanup and other necessary services. Using a school building or the library to display memorabilia is also being considered.
Additional jobs and the brave souls who volunteered to tackle them included: Finding a caterer--Roxie Swain; Porta Potties--Gene Armstrong and Glena Allen; Finding a Photographer--Rhonda Watson; Contacting local organizations and The Jal Record--Rhonda and Roxie; Trash containers and trash removal--Stean Kemp; Contacting former teachers--Jerry Dyer.
In financial matters, fees for the various events were discussed and will be decided on as more info becomes available. Roxie reported that there is $2,528.87 in the account from the last reunion and $1,801.15 from dues for the Alumni Association. It was suggested that $500 from the reunion fund be donated to the JAL Cowboy Sculpture Project. Gene Armstrong made a motion to do so and Johnny Brooks seconded. The vote to accept was unanimous.
The next meeting has been scheduled for Sunday, May 16 and everyone is invited to attend. If you have suggestions or help to offer, contact one of the people listed above.
It was a fun meeting and a good time was had by all. If you weren't there--well, YOU MISSED IT!
--------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------_
Past Bulletins concerning reunion plans:
-----------------
(Old News)
10/11/98: (from the Sept. 24th Jal Record)
JHS Reunion 2000 Gets Organized
The first organizational meeting for the Jal High School Reunion 2000
committee was held Sunday, Sept. 13 in the home of Claydean Elkins. The
purpose of the meeting was to set a date for the reunion and make some
preliminary plans. Any student who has ever attended
Jal schools is invited to attend this reunion and participate in the planning
process.
The reunion will be held on Labor Day weekend, Sept. 1-3, 2000. Preliminary
plans include a Eunice-Jal football game on Friday; a catered lunch, an
arts and crafts bazaar and a street dance on Saturday; and individual class
get-togethers on Sunday.
Attending the meeting were Mary Grayce Weathers, Claydene Elkins, Roxie Swain, Rick Ferguson, Nell Addison, Jerry Dyer, Bill Dyer, Rhonda Watson, Julia Arzate and Pearl Burress.
Class representatives are needed for every graduating class. Anyone interested in helping out should contact one of the above-mentioned people.
Bill Dyer tells me that the current plans are to have the next reunion
on
labor day weekend in the year 2000.
Over four-hundred people attended the last reunion.
"We had a golf tournament, bus tours, individual class meetings, and
the
infamous dance. (everyone is still showing off their prowess as
boot scooters)"