updated as of : 07/20/2008 07:34 AM

 

 

1. Tell us about you ...

Number of Survey Responses 91
       91 from class of 1980
       0  from another class

 

2. Reunion Dates...

Our 25th Reunion -- Would you attend? If so, when?

Assuming that you are not otherwise committed for the time that 25th reunion events are held, are you interested in attending a reunion held in the Rochester area?

 

29 Absolutely! I can't wait.
36 Most Probably
16 Possibly
7 I can't say for certain
1 It's not likely
1 Most Probably Not
1 No Way! Not gonna happen.

 

 

Please check each of the following dates to indicate that you would be able to attend a reunion at that time:

 

 

37 July 4th Weekend (7/1-7/5)
39 Labor Day Weekend  (9/2-9/5)
46 Columbus Day Weekend (10/7-10/10)
34 Thanksgiving Weekend (11/24-11/27)
6 None of these dates work for me
1 Other
  other:
  • 8/5
  • Does not need to be a long weekend
  • some later July or August date
  • Maybe sometime in July or August.
  • some other weekend in July or August
  • An off holiday weekend in the summer
  • non-holiday summer weekend
  • depends on other commitments
    •

 

Comments on question 2:

 

I like July 4th the best but would attend any of the dates listed
I am planning to go out of the country in July so I would need to know soon
any date you have-i will come
October/November in Rochester? BRRRRRR!
summer best for me
Summer would allow us to have a family picnic (of course, with our weather, that may not exactly be true)

Depends on when, where and how much $ it costs. Like the idea of a park picnic reunion like second day at 20th.
My husband's class reunion is the July 4th also. (FHS 1975 -- 30 years!)
You guys do a great job! I am impressed with your years of dedication to us all! Thank You!
Holiday weekends are tough for me because there are always family events going on in my family.

I can be flexible. Summer vacation dates are being set for many families, it may be tough to find dates that families aren't already busy.
Spring or summer is best. Warm weather is a must, then again lousy weather is one of the many reasons I moved from Fairport.
Like me, some folks will need to make travel arrangements and accommodations. I'm okay w/ reunion activities taking place on a non-holiday weekend too.
As I live abroad (in the Sultanate of Oman) and am usually only in Rochester from mid-July to mid-August, any of those weekends would be preferable.
Can we make the Homecoming parade?
Warmer weather's better, warmer weather's better, warmer weather's better - Oh! Sorry, I was lost in my daily chant.
Best to have it no on a holiday weekend as people have family commitments. It's easier for people to travel from far away on non holidays.
I'm selling my house and moving to north carolina. I can make it if the reunion is prior to September. Thanks!
I am not sure on this day which weekend would be good as I don't have a work vacation schedule with me. I would have to view that schedule before I could make a choice.
Holiday weekends are difficult to schedule, a non-holiday weekend might work better.
Holiday weekends are hard for travel, even though 3 day weekends are good for days off, hotels and air are usually expensive.
Summer is a better time for outdoor activities

If you are unlikely to attend, please tell us why:

1) I did not really keep in touch with anyone 2) I am self-employed and holidays are my busiest times.
time, don't really socialize much due to family obligations, last reunion was too expensive
Not sure what's going on that far ahead
out of town plans for July 4th and late August
Only would not attend if I had other commitments w/ my kids (all 3 play travel sports)
Will not be able to attend if I'm out of the country in the autumn.
just not interested
It depends first upon my work schedule - whether I'll be free to travel or otherwise committed.
Family commitments on holidays
If I don't attend it would be due to coming in from Vegas
I haven't been to Fairport in years, as my family no longer lives there. I somehow doubt that I would convince my husband to drive that distance with our two small children, but you never know, the timing may coincide with another reason to travel.

 

3. Reunion days & events :

a. As far as the reunion activities are concerned, would you prefer ...

41 a single event -- one day or one evening
40 several events over the course of one three-day or four-day weekend
  several events spread over the course of several months

 

b. If the Reunion were held over the course of a long weekend, which days would you be most likely to attend? Please check all that apply.

40 Friday
63 Saturday
47

Sunday
14 Monday
28

It depends on the events offered on a particular day

 

Comments on question 3:

I liked the 20th reunion. One main event and then a family picnic. Local people will fill in the rest with house parties, I believe/hope.
I think an informal Friday gathering at a local establishment and a Saturday picnic (for family) is perfect!
This actually depends on which long weekend you are considering. It is getting more difficult as our children get older to pull them out of school. Therefore, it is not easy to travel to Rochester for a Friday evening event during the school year. Friday evenings are great during the summer!

On part "a" I'm in between the first two. More than one single event but probably four days is so spread out that you may not get to see folks you want to see (different folks will attend different events). I think two events would be great.
family events?
It (one weekend) would make scheduling around other activities easier, making it more likely we would attend.

Whatever the main event, make it comfortable for everyone. Many people shy away from formal events for personal reasons or cost. I know that is a concern for us at time$.
Prefer the gathering at the park with the families. Cooking on the BBQ and drinking cold beverages.
I prefer not to pay for an open bar as I don't drink.
I probably wouldn't go to everything, and most likely would only go to the dinner-type thing. While I am delighted that everyone wants to do family things, it is so hard to catch up with people (which would be my primary interest). I wouldn't go to a picnic, for example.
I probably wouldn't attend anything formal or semi-formal, I get hives just thinking about this! Gotta keep it casual.
hold the party Sat night and an outdoor event Sunday
The last reunion was good with dinner then the family picnic.
Travel day to Rochester would be a Friday, otherwise need to arrive on Thursday.

 

 

4. If there were to be multiple events, which events are you most likely to attend? Please check all that apply.

28

High School Tour
23

Golf Tournament
60

Adult Semi-Formal Evening (dinner & dancing)
70

Family Picnic
31

Concert(s)
24

Beach-related events
27

Sports-related events (volleyball, Frisbee, basketball, etc.)
9

70's theme / costume party
28

Fast Ferry day-trip to Toronto

 

Suggest an event:

Informal evening at a local establishment.
Perhaps do away with the sit down dinner. It seems that most people want to mingle and the time seems to go by so fast. What about a wine tasting/hors d'oeuvre party? (Of course we'd have to have other alcoholic beverages, too!) Has anyone looked into the winery in Perinton? I think the 70's theme party is a great idea!
Golfing is a must. We all had a great time out at the last reunion. The turnout was excellent.
low-key family friendly best, altho' my wife and kids will be pains anyway!
Colonial Bell trip or Canandaigua Lady
Suggested location for Family picnic: either Perinton park or Powder Mill. Lots of good memories.
Nothing too formal.
Historic walking tour of Fairport; canal cruise; attend Fairport's Independence Day parade (& have a picnic?); attend fireworks display (& have a picnic?); if I lived in Rochester I would consider having a pot luck byob kick back event at my home or cottage ... maybe someone has such a place and inclination? I would expect them to have reimbursable expenses and co-hosts to assist them before AND after the event.
Red Wings game could be fun (if you drink enough beer)
I would be glad to host\sponsor a bicycle event. I'm the owner of Trailblazers Bike Shop in Victor

Comments on question 4:

Keep it simple. If you provide the venue things will happen on their own. These things take a lot of time so I would suggest keeping it as simple as possible. This has the added benefit of being less costly.
The semi-formal thing did not appeal to many people last time and they didn't attend. I think informal events draw more people.
Family picnic would be GREAT!

green lantern inn -fairport

reasonable priced - good food

if you make people spend too much money - they won't go. have a cash bar only

Informal events are preferred. I went to the '79 reunion and the night out at The Landing was a great way to see a bunch of old friends.

NOT an event, but a thought : At the last reunion, we tried to collect for a local cause, and I think that is worthwhile, but we did not have a big response. Perhaps if we decide ahead of time, and people know of the charity, we would collect more funds. I think it is one way '80 can give back. A suggestion to this effect would be to have an option to donate along with fees collected for whatever main event we decide to host :), but let's be big and seriously keep the $$ separate.
My family would be less likely to attend with me unless I know months in advance days and activities.
I think yours (proposed activities) are great!
LOL at the last one!
Rochester has a beach? At the 20yr reunion everyone wanted to TALK, not dance. It would be a waste of money to go to a big venue or hire a band if we want to talk. I'm not interested in a semi-formal event although I wld attend if that was my only option to see folks. There shld be a balance of ADULT ONLY and family-friendly activites.
depends on the beach
I'd do the golf, but my team mates would hate me. Definitely NOT the fast ferry, you can't leave when you want to!
Any event prior to the party where people who have not seen each other could get together and catch up first. Some of us have been away a long time.

 

5. Would you be willing and able to share any digital photos that you take?

(This would mean that you are willing and able to burn them to CD-Rom and mail them to the webmaster)

33 You Bet!
30 Possibly
7 Not Likely
8 No

 

 

6. Would you be willing and able to help organize a reunion event?

 

7 Absolutely!
28 Depends on the event
44 No, thanks.

 

7. This reunion should be open to ...

7

Grads : Only people who graduated with the class in 1980
44

Classmates : Anyone who was in our class at any time whether they graduated with us or not
4

80 & 79 : Members of our class and the class of 1979
1

80 & 81 : Members of our class and the class of 1981
19

79 - 81 : Members of our class and members of both classes 1979 and 1981
8

Any Class : Members of any FHS class

 

8. Should our teachers, staff and administrators be invited?

52

Yes -- Great Idea!
4

No -- Yikes, bad idea!
30

whatever -- no preference

 

Comments on question 8:

there was no comment space for 5 or 6 but i would take a lot of photos but i am computer illiterate so if i can get someone else to burn them i will gladly share them, and on #7 i wanted to say yes to 2 categories but couldn't so i think all of our classmates should be able to come even if they didn't graduate with us.

I won't recognize (or remember) too many people, so as long as we have nametags I might be able to tell staff from students
BUT! One persons' cool teach, may have been another's' nightmare. There is never one favorite.
Someone mentioned photo/name tags - very good idea.
Locate any teachers no longer teaching today but where there in 80???
As a teacher I know that I enjoy talking with former students.

 

9. If you could send a message to the organizers of the reunion, what would you say?

Can't let this time slip away, even if it's a one day event. The class of 79 did an event at the Water Street Music Hall, I went and it was great.
Thanks for your time and efforts...much appreciated. I would be more willing and able to help if I was local. In the end, just put out the word and whoever shows up is great for those able to make it.
I don't think we need anything too formal. Let's just get together, talk, eat, drink and have a good time. Once with adults only, once with families. A long week-end is good, then people could get together on their own again if they wanted too.
Thank you for taking the time to do this!
I'd love to see a 25th reunion and will help if I can. Thanks!
Great Idea - I have lots going on like going to South Africa in July...
My main interest is checking in w/former classmates. Doesn't have to be anything fancy.
I can't organize an event but would be willing to help!

thank you thank you thank you!!!

let me know how i can help. tracy
THANKS!
Thanks for organizing. Haven't seen anyone since the 5 year reunion.
why didn't you invite me last time? are you sure you want me? kidding. let me know, I might be able to help
Good luck!!

thanks for all of the work you guys continue to do even though we graduated 25 years ago - my hat goes off to you!

Please arrange things with plenty of advance notice and do not arrange any activity that is highly expensive since it will deter many people, especially those where you are paying for spouse and self at say $50 or so each.
Keep it simple, and comfortable for everyone.
amazing!!

Reserve a pavilion for a Saturday or Sunday picnic now, instead of waiting for the class to respond. I think we need to start a traditional gathering at some park during the same weekend every year so if people happen to be visiting Fairport/Roch, they know where to go to see some classmates.

Better hurry and plan! booking a place, a pavilion, etc, for this summer will be tougher as each day passes!!
Keep it fun and friendly. I prefer not to attend any Sunday activities.

Thank you, thank you for thinking of us all. I can help in a limited capacity due to long work days and a teenage daughter.

Stay away from the formal aspects of the event and make it more casual for everyone. The family event at Fellows Rd park was a lot more fun than the formal dinner. Maybe a cocktail party at shorts / tanglefoots to begin the night and a buffet style dinner somewhere close by with a band (I'm sure there's bands for hire or we could create a band with the class. Lots of people play instruments including myself on guitar that may be able to play something together)

Maybe there's a recreational facility with a pool and tennis, basketball, softball and other activities that the whole family could participate in. I'm not familiar with things in Rochester anymore but that could be fun.

Have someone be a guest speaker or an MC spokesperson for the event to offer up funny stories or call people up to share their stories. There were a lot of them in those days.

I can't think of anything else right now but definitely keep it casual.

Sorry I have not seen everybody in so long. Distance has made it hard to get back for the last couple of reunions. Planning on coming home in June because Mom & Dad are selling the house and I have to get my "stuff" out. (I think the Neil Young albums are still in the attic!) Also would like to know who is on the committee for organizers (if possible?)
Thank you for your time and effort, I realize what you put into this to make it happen.
Let's get the party rolling!
Thank You! I appreciate your willingness to create an opportunity for everyone to see each other again. Remember, the events are for those who WANT to participate and WANT to reconnect. Don't lose sleep about those who don't care or don't respond. I'd rather be with a half dozen 1980 grads who want to be with each other than 500 people who don't give a damn.
Not sure if I can attend but I applaud those of you who are making the time and providing the energy to plan it.
If I'm available to help, I'll be happy to. As a matter of fact, it will help me over my fear of reunions!
I'd like to help in some way?? - living in Utah prohibits me from jumping into the the action, but e-mail, phone calls , etc I can do. I'm going to forward this survey onto some classmates, so hopefully you'll get their response.
Thanks for organizing this and all your doing.
Make it casual, make it fun, and have lots to eat and drink.
The fairport1980.com web site remains comparatively slim on profiles. Perhaps someone could use classmates.com and good ol' Google to actively track down the MIAs and invite them to submit at least basic info?
regarding questions #5 & 6, I am not that computer literate so don't know how to burn cds and I'm in Florida so don't know how to help from here.
Make the event less formal then the 20th. Don't make it downtown if possible, maybe in Fairport, at the school? More planned events during the night. Get people involved, who is there, what are they doing, make it interactive. At the 20th, it was good for people who kept in touch but others who had been gone for years found it hard to find people.
Thanks, I hope I can make it.
All of your hard work is greatly appreciated!
Let me know if there is anything I can do.

 

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