October 12, 2009

Hi Invaders!  The 35th reunion took place on Saturday, October 10, 2009 and it truly lived up to advance billing as "The Party of the Century!"  Thanks to the 200+ classmates who turned out and came ready for fun!   The food, the music, the open bar, the atmosphere, the Invader mascot...they were all great, but nothing topped the genuine excitement that we all felt seeing each other again after so many years.  The Normandy Class of 1974 is the BEST class in the history of high school!  Once again we proved it. 

Please take advantage of the directories that were distributed so you can stay in touch with each other going forward.  Also, if your information changes, please send an email to normandy_1974@yahoo.com.  We want to keep our data current for future events.  If you run into anyone who did not attend the reunion, have them send their information as well so they don't get left out next time. 

Check out our photo gallery tabs for some great shots from the event. 

Go Invaders!

Thanks to those of you who took time to complete our survey regarding the reunion.  Your answers helped us to make important decisions regarding our big event.  Nearly 80 people responded and nearly all of them plan to attend the reunion, many from well beyond Northeast Ohio. 

We are creating a directory to distribute at the event.  If you haven't taken time to fill out the survey, please send your name (including maiden name if applicable), address, phone number, and preferred email address to normandy_1974@yahoo.com. 

Santo's Italian Restaurant has been selected by the Reunion Committee to provide the food for our October 10th reunion.  Run by old friend and classmate Raymond Santosuosso and his family, Santo's has been serving up delicious cuisine for more than 30 years. 

The committee met with several caterers before finalizing its decision -- based on a taste test performed by Keith Pickering and his wife Gayle, Bill Lenart and Rick Green.  Not only was the food great, but very affordable as well.

Santo's is located at 7565 Pearl Road in Middleburg Heights, Ohio.  The phone number is 440-234-6480.  Click here to visit Ray's website.

The "Party of the Century" is booked!   After evaluating many possible locations, Rick Green and Keith Pickering narrowed it down to the Middleburg Heights Community Center.  While there was one location the Committee preferred, we couldn't negotiate an affordable deal.  However, the Community Center is an excellent facility with many advantages:

• It can accommodate a large or even very large turnout
• It is affordable
• It is convenient to both the Parma area and to the airport for the many classmates who will be flying home for the event.
• Hotel accommodations are just a mile away (we have made special arrangements with the Residence Inn on Rosbough Drive in Middleburg Heights on a block of rooms at special pricing.  See the news item below for a link to book your room.  They are available on a first come first serve basis.  Don't delay!

We are buttoning down final details.  Keep checking back for the latest information!

We have reserved a block of rooms at preferred rates at the Residence Inn in Middleburgh Heights.  Click on the logo to make your reservation.  Shuttle service will be available for a small fee to and from the reunion from the hotel.

We are pleased to report that we are making real progress in tracking down former classmates from the Class of 1974.  We have now obtained nearly 200 email addresses from our old friends.  We have taken several actions to try and find people including:

1. Creating this website
2. Putting a link on the Normandy Alumni website
3. Placing an announcement in the Parma Sun Post
4. Sending a mailing to 225 people listed in an old Alumni Directory
5. Tapping into Classmates.com
6. Posting an announcement on the Normandy High School sign

WE MUST FIND MORE PEOPLE! The most important resource going forward is going to be YOU!  Please, keep spreading the word.