It’s time to get ready for the reunion. Bennie posted a final announcement which you can find on the reunion website.

It’s not too late to decide to come. You can find the schedule here.

I’m really looking forward to it.

Hello reunion people (former classmates). A week away. Wow. I can’t believe we’ve made it this far. I just checked and I’ve done 102 posts on the blog. There’s 88 comments so far. That’s pretty good activity.

Right now I’m doing one of my favorite things, besides blog posts. I’m making supper and I’ve got my Sirius radio cranking. I love the Vault (channel 16) and highly recommend it. Great music. Stuff that wasn’t always top 40. BTW I’m cooking some petite ribeye steaks with lots of garlic/onions, homemade garden salad and tater tots and lots of fresh brewed iced tea.

Thanks for you recent emails. Interesting stories coming in. I’ve got to figure out how to put this all together by next week. I know what I’ll be doing this weekend.

We’re getting real close to reunion time and now that I have been volunteered to be the emcee I’m seeking some material. Actually, I always like the emcee who doesn’t say much. Just does the introductions, shuts up and let’s you get on with your socializing.

But, I thought I’d solicit your thoughts and ideas. For example, could you write some things about what you remember the most about high school, your most fun time, things that make you laugh when you remember it.

For example, one I can still see very clearly was when a group of us rebels who were hanging out “across the street” before school started all stormed into school at the bell after we had been threatened with some kind of severe punishment and torture if we didn’t quit loitering. Actually about all I remember of that was a crowd of us hauling booty onto campus and right past a couple teachers, the principal, etc. who were trying in vain to get our names down on a list. I don’t remember getting into trouble over that one.

There are some other things I remember which I hope you have forgotten so I’m not about to bring those up.

Feel free to use the comment feature or just email me.

Okay. Since Mary Kinney made the comment I’ve got to post this.

After Bennie dared me to post the picture he had of me I cropped it and put it on my AgWired blog. Numerous commenters and friends wrote how much I resembled a young Eric Stoltz. Actually I kind of think he resembles me.

So for whatever that’s worth . . .

I just found out that Riverview High School has an entry in Wikipedia.

It looks like the Highlander Drum Corps folks have been pretty busy online. They’ve got most of the information in the listing. If anyone’s motivated enough you can add to and edit any entry on Wikipedia.

It takes a while to get pictures here. But finally, another picture of our reunion leader Nancy Tatom with Pat Cronin, looking over some of Pat’s pics.

I guess Pat has donated some pictures for Bennie to use (against) us. I wonder what he’s got up his sleeve. I’m sure we’ll see.

The reunion committee is meeting tonight and I’ll get any updates from them for you. Earlier this afternoon I interviewed Nancy via phone (Skype on my end). It’s kind of a long interview but I thought you might be interested to listen. So without further ado, here’s Nancy (and me): Nancy Tatom Interview (20 min MP3)

Since Bennie triple dog dared me to post these pictures, well . . .

Apparently Pat Cronin has given Bennie a box of photos he took during high school and Bennie is busy scanning them to God only knows what he’s going to do with them. He already circulated these to the planning committee so what’s a few more eyeballs on this gorgeous bod?

I put the one with a hat first to tease you so you’d be prepared for this next one. I don’t know where it was taken. Pat, can you help jog my memory?

All I can say is I’ve got some extra working out to do to get back to this weight. Although the picture was taken before I could flex those pythons there’s strenth there. You can see it in the eyes anyway.

All right Bennie. Are you satisfied?

Please read Bennie’s latest update if you haven’t already. We’ve got 3 weeks left to the reunion and that should give you enough time to read this one (just joking Bennie!).

Ok, you really need to pay attention here please…

This final broadcast email is going out to everyone who has supplied us with their email address. It has a two-fold purpose.

1. To give you some more details on the events themselves for those of you who are coming, and

2. To make one last shameless plea for sign-ups, missing people info and money!

Here goes the fun stuff for all you attendees…

If you have signed up and paid your money we are going to send you a personal email within the next 10 days just so you have a confirmation of your attendance. We are not sending out tickets, but will have you listed on sign-in sheets at the events.

The details of times and locations are on the web site…

www.rhsspiritof76.com (more…)

I’m sure you all still have this memorized. Me, I’m still trying to. That’s why we write these things down. So we don’t have to. I was just surfing the school website and saw it. Thought you might be interested.

Hail Riverview! To thee we sing
Our Alma Mater, let it ring
In every heart there is a song
Of pride and spirit ever strong
Our hopes and dreams, Our destiny of thee
We’ll guard the memory.

As we prepare for futures bright
We know that you have been a light
To guide our paths along the way
A light that will not fade away
A light to which we’ll always cling
Hail Riverview to thee we sing!

Here’s a recent update from Bennie on pre-registrations. If you haven’t done so, please go ahead and if you have, make sure you get your payment in.

As to your question about registrations, we have approximately 135 for Friday, 133 for Sat and 60 for Sunday. Definitely less than the 20 year but way, way more than some other recent 30 year classes. Sharon says we should be prepared for lots of last minute sign-ups so we expect in excess of 150 for each of the two main events.

Bennie also mentioned something about master of ceremonies. I don’t know what he’s talking about. I’m way too shy and bashful don’t you think?

I reaaly think I’d have more posted here lately but the travel just won’t let up. I thought you might enjoy seeing KISS co-founder, Gene Simmons, getting interviewed here by yours truly at Chicagoland Speedway yesterday.

Gene was on hand for the Indy Racing League re-affirmation annoucement about moving to 100 percent ethanol fuel next season. I’m here for the last race of the season (weather permitting) and covering the activities on my Domestic Fuel site. Here’s a sound bite from my interview with Gene talking about ethanol and why it’s a good fuel alternative: Gene Simmons On Ethanol (1 min MP3)

I hope you’re having a great weekend!

Just over a month to go. Now’s the time to email in any thoughts, news, announcements, pictures, stories, etc.

My travel schedule slows down a little bit so I should have more time to post here. So feel free to email me whatever’s on your mind that you’d like to share.

Here’s a now and then with Robert Thompson.

All I can say is, “wow” Robert. You’re looking relaxed.

On the Reunion Website Robert says, “It was fun to look through your now and then photo’s. Most of you look better now!” Yeah Robert, same at you buddy!

He continues:

Hope everyone is having a good life. I just spent the month of july on siesta key with my lovely family. A wonderland of sun and water with the smell and feel of my childhood…

I graduated from FSU in 1982 and have since traveled to over 40 countries, living in Denmark the last 20 years. Have a great reunion- and “let the good times roll” If you get the time, drop by my brothers new restaurant, “Mattisons Siesta Grille” just off stickney point bridge on the key.

Since no one is sending me pictures I’ve had to go trolling on the Reunion Website. Here’s Gary Antonellis back then.

Gary and I go way back, back into the early, early years.

Here’s Gary and family today. After Riverview we went to U of F and had the joy of living together in the dorms and then an off-campus house. I remember most of it. How about you Gary?

Some things probably should be forgotten but we have a lot of memories that are really good too. I hope to see you and Fran there!

While I’m posting locations, here’s where our Sunday event will be.

Oscar Scherer State Park is still a wonderful piece of Florida scrubby pine flatwoods. Fifteen miles of trails through these beautiful natural areas provide opportunities for hiking, bicycling, and wildlife viewing. Canoeists and kayakers can paddle along South Creek, a blackwater stream that flows to the Gulf of Mexico. We’ll have some good old-fashioned BBQ and fun for the whole family, so be sure to bring any kids you still have in the nest!

Here’s where our Saturday party is going to be.

Our Main Event is going to be a smashing party with great food, lively entertainment and a hot dance floor. Our facility is the beautiful Club House at Palm Aire Country Club. We’ll have the place decked out in the true Spirit of 76′. We’ve got a great 5-Piece band by the name of “True Pseudo” that will have you on the dance floor all night long!

I hope you have your plans made since we’re just over a month away!