September 27, 2004

Dear Classmates:

The months are flying by and those of us working on our 50th Reunion are becoming more and more excited about seeing our old high school friends. Response had been good so far --- about 160 accepts --- and we're hoping for it to get much better!

Plans for the Friday and Saturday night parties are complete. Depending on the interest, we may have a bus leaving from the Marriott to take folks to and from both parties.

Friday night: 6:30PM, Green Pastures, 811 West Live Oak, in South Austin. Go out South First Street until you reach Live Oak; turn right and go a few blocks. As you may remember, Green Pastures is a charming old Victorian house, known for its excellent food. We have reserved the entire place, including the lovely grounds. We'll have an hour of visiting, then a wonderful dinner at 7:30. For those interested, there will be a cash bar. Dress is casual, nice.

Saturday night: 6:30PM, Manchaca Fire Hall, 1310 FM 1626 West. FM 1626 runs off IH 35 South; turn right and go several miles. Beer and wine may be purchased there or BYOB. We'll visit, and at 7:30 will have the Famous All You Can Eat Catfish Buffet! It is truly delicious, but if you have a problem with fish please let us know. Dress is very casual.

Because of logistics, most of our brief program will be on Saturday night and we'll also have a jukebox (remember those??) playing some of our '50s favorites.

Cost for both evenings will be $50 per person, $100 per couple. For Friday night only, the cost is $30.00 per person; for Saturday night is is $20.00 per person. Many of you have sent us advance payments for which we are very appreciative. When you return the enclosed form, it would be helpful if you would send a check for any difference owed. If a refund is due you, please let us know. If you prefer, bookkeeping can be settled up on Friday night.

As we said in our first mailing, we truly want everyone to come to the reunion and we don't want it to be a financial hardship for anyone. We have money left over from past reunions which may be used for complimentary tickets. Please notify anyone on the committee if you or anyone you know is in this category. Let's all celebrate our 50th Anniversary!

Jim Prentice is looking for any teachers who still may be around. We'll hope to have them on Friday evening. Also any of your parents who are able and would like to attend are welcome.

The Golf Tournament for Saturday morning is being planned by our experienced Sonny Rhodes. If you want to play, please let us know. We think it will be at Municipal Golf Course at 10:00 Saturday morning. Green fees are $18.00. if you walk, $28.00 with a cart. Those signing up will be contacted directly about specifics. We did not get enough interest to have a tennis tournament.

Several of you would like a Saturday bus tour of Austin: The Wildflower Center, LBJ Library, Bullock Texas History Museum, old and new Austin High, etc. We have contracted a tour company and we nee a minimum of 40 people willing to pay $25.00 each in advance (nonrefundable). Please check on the form below how many people in your group want to do this.

MOST IMPORTANT! We will have a directory the cost of which will be included with the price of your attendance at both nights of the reunion. If you are attending only one night, or are not able to attend at all, a directory may be purchased for $10.00.

We want our directory to be as correct as possible. If you have not previously sent in a form, please fill out a sheet giving us your name, the name of your spouse or guest, address, phone number and email address. WE NEED A HEAD-COUNT for both nights so mark how many in your party Friday and Saturday nights. The committee also voted to include a VERY BRIEF (2 or 3 sentences) paragraph about each one of us, something about your life in general or what your life is like today. These will be edited so keep it short. You may FAX your form to us at: 453-3232.

We plan to have a photo exhibit. If any of you have photos from our high school days you are willing to lend for the weekend, please put your name, address and phone number on the back and mail to Danya Biggs, 3228 Tarryhollow Place, Austin, TX 78703 (Ph: 512-453-2277)

If you requested a hotel reservation at Marriott Courtyard, 4533 South IH 35, you should have received a form. If not, please let us know. You should make your reservation directly saying you are with the Austin High Reunion. The price is $69 per night. Speak with Debra Bailey if possible.

We hope to have the information on our Web site updated regularly with lists of deceased, still missing folks, who will be attending, etc.

Ron Rogers, Carol B. Hellums Bryant, Co-Chairs