2019 SoCal Gathering Emails

Below you can view each general email sent to students on this website since plans for the 2019 SoCal Gathering were first announced on April 18, 2019:

1) "Annoucement" email sent on April 18, 2019:

SoCal AC Gathering 2019
When: July 27, 2019 – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: AC Student Center
www.acpasadenareunion.com

ANNOUNCEMENT!

Attention please - especially those in the SoCal Region: With the experience and assistance of our AC website Guru Bob Gerringer, we have secured a venue for a gathering, a “mini-reunion,” on Saturday, July 27, 2019. The official name is SoCal AC Gathering 2019, and your name tag will carry this title. We are very pleased to have been able to rent the former Ambassador College Student Center (which is now Maranatha High School). Those interested will be able to spend a day of fellowship with other alumni at the campus that drew us together in the first place.

We have the building from 10 am to 6 pm. We will arrange for a tour of the other two campus buildings (Grove Terrace and the Gymnasium) of Maranatha High School. We may be able to arrange a visit to the Ambassador Auditorium that Harvest Rock Church manages. If so, Roman Borek has agreed to share his famous insights into this classic structure. We’ll have time to freely stroll around the grounds of the original main campus.

My original thought for a small scale, local in-home get-together has escalated into a broader social program, a “mini-reunion,” at our former campus site. It is still limited in scope with the main intention of gathering local AC classmates for a day, but it is open for AC classmates and guests from anywhere. Watch for posts on the AC website’s General Message Forum, but for more detailed updates we will use the website’s email feature. You may ask me questions or provide input via the private message feature on the website, or email me at jrrocknut7@gmail.com.

More information will be forthcoming, but for now, let me summarize briefly and in general what this gathering IS and what it IS NOT.

First the “is nots”:

It is not a full-blown multi-day reunion such as the 2015 Reunion in Pasadena or the 2017 All-Campus Reunion in Las Vegas.
It will not feature hotel accommodations or transportation.
There will be no sponsored off-campus activities.
There will not be many extensive formal programs or multiple speakers, so we can keep emphasis on conversation and enjoyment of the campus.

Now for what it is:

The intention is to become personally acquainted or better acquainted with those we have encountered through the website, or to renew previous friendships.
It is mostly to hang out and visit, converse, reminisce and laugh together.
It is to enjoy a fine mid-day meal together with snacks and drinks also provided (no alcohol permitted on campus).
It is to allow us to again experience the campus and its current buildings and grounds.
It is to refresh our memories with a complete set of Envoys and other memorabilia which will be on display.
It is hoped that SoCal alumni will establish connecting points for ongoing relationships, and beyond SoCal where possible.

The above is not intended to be exhaustive, but to give the overall impression of what this opportunity is about. As the instigator I will act as coordinator and facilitator. And I am absolutely open to input and ideas to help make the day more attractive and enjoyable, as long as we keep it simple and stay focused on fellowship and relationships. For those in the greater Pasadena area, there will be opportunities to help with planning and execution. I’m pleased to say that several veterans of reunion leadership are participating: Bob Gerringer, Jean Updegraff, Eileen McKinley and Carol Taylor, so far.

We will provide both lunch and late afternoon snacks in the Student Center, and the per person registration/meal charge will be in the neighborhood of $50. How many times have you paid more than $50 per person for a couple hours at a restaurant? (Just realize that if you come from other regions, you are on your own for overnight accommodations and expenses.)

Without major reunions scheduled in the foreseeable future, I hope regional gatherings like this can be worked out so our growing relationships can be carried beyond communication through the website alone. Some already have accomplished this, and may our effort here serve as a catalyst of thought for others.

Soon there will be tabs added to the website’s homepage, including registration and payment info. In the meantime, stay tuned, and we hope to see as many of you as possible in July.

In Warmest Anticipation,
JR (Jim Roberts) [entered AC Pasadena in 1967]
jrrocknut7@gmail.com

2) "Registration Open" email sent on May 20, 2019:

SoCal AC Gathering 2019
When: July 27, 2019 – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: AC Student Center
www.acpasadenareunion.com

Registration Open!

Registration is now open on the AC Pasadena Reunion website for our “SoCal Gathering 2019” on Saturday, July 27! The cost for everything is $45 which includes renting the venue, a catered lunch, snacks, name tags and other expenses. You are now able to reserve your spot for the all-day event. To register, click on "July 2019 SoCal AC Gathering" at the top of the Home Page. The window which opens will allow you to reserve your spot and pay for your registration and a guest. We are excited at the prospect of sharing the day with many of you from the SoCal Region and from numerous areas beyond.

We have rented the former Ambassador College Student Center (which is now Maranatha High School) as the venue for a “mini-reunion,” on Saturday, July 27, 2019. The official name is SoCal AC Gathering 2019, and your name tag will carry this title. Those interested will be able to spend a day of socializing with other alumni at the campus that drew us together in the first place.

We have the building from 10 am to 6 pm. A delicious catered lunch will be served along with late-afternoon snacks. We will be able to visit the other two campus buildings (Grove Terrace and the Gymnasium) of Maranatha High School. Roman Borek will share his famous insights into the Auditorium, and AC memorabilia will be available to peruse. We’ll have time to freely stroll around the grounds of the former AC campus. The day is essentially yours to spend time enjoying your fellow classmates.

The original announcement email, sent April 18, can be reviewed by clicking “2019 SoCal Gathering Emails” on the left side of the Home Page; it describes the objectives we had in mind for this one-day gathering. I will post some information on the General Message Forum and will also send periodic emails keeping everyone informed leading up to July 27. And, also on the left side of the Home Page, you can click on “2019 SoCal Gathering Attendees” to view a frequently updated list of those who have registered to attend.

You may ask me questions or provide input via the private message feature on the website, or email me at jrrocknut7@gmail.com. I am absolutely open to input and ideas to help make the day more attractive and enjoyable, as long as we keep it simple and stay focused on conversation and relationships.

I’m delighted that several veterans of reunion leadership are serving on the planning committee: Bob Gerringer, Jean Updegraff, Eileen McKinley and Carol Taylor, so far. If you can also help us with any of the various aspects of our planning and implementation, please contact me soon -- I would appreciate your participation.

Without major reunions scheduled in the foreseeable future, I hope regional gatherings like this can be worked out so our growing relationships can be carried beyond just communication on the website. Some already have accomplished this, and may our effort here serve as a catalyst of thought for others.

In Warmest Anticipation,
JR (Jim Roberts) [entered AC Pasadena in 1967]
jrrocknut7@gmail.com

3) "Registration Underway" email sent on May 26, 2019:

SoCal AC Gathering 2019
When: July 27, 2019 – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: AC Student Center
www.acpasadenareunion.com

Registration Underway!

Registration continues to be open on the AC Pasadena Reunion website for our “SoCal Gathering 2019” on Saturday, July 27! The cost for everything is $45 which includes renting the venue, a catered lunch, snacks, name tags and other expenses. As I write, 33 have registered from six states. To join them, click on "July 2019 SoCal AC Gathering" at the top of the Home Page. The window which opens will allow you to reserve your spot and pay for your registration and a guest. We are excited to share a grand day with many of our classmates on our former campus.

We have rented the former Ambassador College Student Center (which is now Maranatha High School) as the venue for our “mini-reunion.” The official name is SoCal AC Gathering 2019, and your name tag will carry this title. We have the building from 10 am to 6 pm. A delicious lunch, catered by Stonefire Grill, will be served along with late-afternoon snacks. We will include a specific time to visit the other two campus buildings (Grove Terrace and the Gymnasium) of Maranatha High School. Roman Borek will share his famous insights into the Auditorium, and AC memorabilia and some historical documents will be available to peruse. Although a schedule will soon be made available, the day will essentially be yours to spend time enjoying your fellow classmates, plus you will have plenty of time to freely stroll around the grounds of the campus.

The original announcement email, plus each following one, can be reviewed by clicking “2019 SoCal Gathering Emails” on the left side of the Home Page. Watch for informational posts on the General Message Forum, and there will be periodic emails with more details to keep you informed leading up to July 27. Also on the left side of the Home Page, you can click on “2019 SoCal Gathering Attendees” to view a frequently updated list of those who have registered to attend.

You may ask me questions or provide input via the private message feature on the website, or email me at jrrocknut7@gmail.com. I am absolutely open to input and ideas to help make the day more attractive and enjoyable, as long as we keep it simple and stay focused on conversation and relationships. The planning committee is busy preparing a memorable day for you, but anyone else wishing to assist beforehand or during the actual day is welcome to do so.

We are glad to hold the registration cost to $45 per person until July 1 -- after that date the price will increase $5. The earlier you register, the sooner we can begin name tag creation and arrive at closer estimates for the number to be served for the main meal and snacks. Remember that you who travel from more distant areas are on your own for overnight accommodations. Many will remember the Pasadena Hilton, among other hotels and motels of varying quality and cost near the campus; a Google search should turn up a suitable location. We truly look forward to seeing you!

In Warmest Anticipation,
JR (Jim Roberts) [entered AC Pasadena in 1967]
jrrocknut7@gmail.com

4) Ambassador Auditorium Available email sent on May 31, 2019

SoCal AC Gathering 2019
When: July 27, 2019 – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: AC Student Center
www.acpasadenareunion.com

Ambassador Auditorium Available!

Registration continues on the AC Pasadena Reunion website for our “SoCal AC Gathering 2019” on Saturday, July 27! The cost for everything is $45 which includes renting the venue, a catered lunch, snacks, name tags and other expenses. As I write, 37 have now registered from seven states. And with a registrant from Victoria, B.C., we are now an International event! To participate in the grand day, click on "July 2019 SoCal AC Gathering" at the top of the Home Page. The window which opens will allow you to reserve your spot and pay for your registration and a guest.

Along with the former Ambassador College Student Center (which is now Maranatha High School) as the main venue, we are now delighted to report that the magnificent Ambassador Auditorium has become available for a tour and for Roman Borek's address! Roman is excited to share his insights and experience within the walls of this sensational structure. During the event hours of 10 am to 6 pm, we’ll begin with check-in in the Student Center, then all interested can go to the Auditorium at 10:30 for a tour and Rioman's address. After a delicious 12:30 lunch, catered by Stonefire Grill, we have arranged for visits to the other two campus buildings (Grove Terrace and the Gymnasium) of Maranatha High School. With snacks available afterwards, you can check out AC memorabilia and a historical brochure prepared by Kirk Myers. You’ll receive a schedule when you check in, but the day will essentially be yours to spend time enjoying your fellow classmates, plus you will have plenty of time to freely stroll around the grounds of the campus.

The original announcement email, plus each following one, can be reviewed by clicking “2019 SoCal Gathering Emails” on the left side of the Home Page. We’ll repeat the essentials in following emails, plus new developments. We’ll post highlights on the General Message Forum. Also on the left side of the Home Page, you can click on “2019 SoCal Gathering Attendees” to view a frequently updated list of those who have registered to attend.

You may ask me questions or provide input via the private message feature on the website, or email me at jrrocknut7@gmail.com. I am absolutely open to input and ideas to help make the day more attractive and enjoyable, as long as we keep it simple and stay focused on conversation and relationships. Thanks to the planning committee which is busy preparing a memorable day for you, but anyone else wishing to assist beforehand or during the actual day is welcome to do so. We appreciate those who have volunteered their services. And, thank you to those who have made generous donations, from which we are able to add quality!

In Warmest Anticipation,
JR (Jim Roberts) [entered AC Pasadena in 1967]
jrrocknut7@gmail.com

5: Updates - send June 24, 2019

SoCal AC Gathering 2019
When: July 27, 2019 – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: AC Student Center
www.acpasadenareunion.com

Great response so far – July 1 $5 late fee approaching!

We are grateful for the 61 (as of this writing) who have registered on the AC Pasadena Reunion website for our “SoCal AC Gathering 2019” on Saturday, July 27! Those folks have paid the announced fee of $45 to cover all expenses. You can too if you register by July 1. To repeat a line from previous emails: “We are glad to hold the registration cost to $45 per person until July 1 -- after that date the price will increase $5.” So you have about six days left to take advantage of the early bird rate, and to help us plan accurately. After July 1, the cost will be $50.

Two countries and eight states are represented among the attendees. To participate in the grand day, click on "July 2019 SoCal AC Gathering" at the top of the Home Page. The window which opens will allow you to reserve your spot and pay for your registration and a guest.

We receive input and suggestions from some of those coming, and implement ideas of broad interest. One from Mike Cooney is to provide an area where each of us can place cards, brochures or other items that can serve to inform classmates of our profession or area of service or interest. Another cool idea that can be helpful came from Bill Damm. He suggests that those of us who live in Southern California, particularly those in the Pasadena area, might offer lodging to alumni who wish to visit from out of town. This would make participation more affordable to visitors, and provide opportunity to rebuild closer ties. That's something for us locals to think about; I’ll be housing four overnight. You may provide input via the private message feature on the website, or email me at jrrocknut7@gmail.com.

Remember that you will have opportunity to experience the campus and four of the structures: the former Ambassador College Student Center, the magnificent Ambassador Auditorium (with Roman Borek's expert guidance), Grove Terrace and the Gymnasium. We have embellished the lunch, catered by Stonefire Grill, with their “Heavenly Cheesecake.” While you enjoy snacks and conversation, you can check out AC memorabilia and the several documents you’ll receive in a folder when you check in. It will include a schedule, but I emphasize that you are totally free to decide how you want to enjoy the day with your fellow classmate (just don’t be late for the lunch at 12:30!).

All emails sent to those connected to the website can be reviewed by clicking “2019 SoCal Gathering Emails” on the left side of the Home Page. There also you can click on “2019 SoCal Gathering Attendees” to view a frequently updated list of those who have registered to attend. The planning committee is busy preparing a memorable day for you, but anyone else wishing to assist beforehand or during the actual day is welcome to do so. Thanks to the committee and those who have volunteered their services. And, thank you to those who have made generous donations, from which we are able to add quality, like “Heavenly Cheesecake"!

To reiterate, we hold the registration cost to $45 per person until July 1 -- after that date the price will increase to $50. The earlier you register, the sooner we can begin name tag creation and arrive at closer estimates for the number to be served at the main meal, and snacks. Remember that you who travel from more distant areas are on your own for overnight accommodations. We are excited about seeing all of you in about 32 days, from all eight states and Canada!

With High Expectancy
JR (Jim Roberts) [entered AC Pasadena in 1967]
jrrocknut7@gmail.com

http://www.acpasadenareunion.com/

6) Reminder of price increast - sent Jun 28, 2019

SoCal AC Gathering 2019
When: July 27, 2019 – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: AC Student Center
www.acpasadenareunion.com

Reminder –$5 price increase on July 1

Classmates, this is a courtesy message as a reminder that the price to register for our July 27 Gathering will increase from $45 to $50 on Monday, July 1. This weekend may be an ideal time for you to register and join the 70 who are signed up to share in the gala event on July 27 at the former Ambassador College Student Center and Campus. Early registration helps us order the appropriate number of supplies. Remember that the registration fee covers everything for the day including, by the way, parking. There will be plenty of space in the underground structure adjacent to the Student Center. There is also an entry way for handicapped on the south side of the building. Thanks to all who have registered and for those who made donations. We will see you here in Pasadena in less than a month!

Excitement is Building
JR (Jim Roberts) [entered AC Pasadena in 1967]
jrrocknut7@gmail.com

http://www.acpasadenareunion.com/

7) Details - sent July 13, 2019

SoCal AC Gathering 2019
When: July 27, 2019 – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: AC Student Center
www.acpasadenareunion.com

A more specific foretaste!

With just two weeks remaining before the Gathering here in Pasadena, it’s time to give you a few more details and reminders about the event. Whether you are registered or are still thinking about it, perhaps we can whet your appetite a bit with a schedule for the day and a look at menu items from Stonefire Grill. You will receive a copy of the schedule along with some other documents and your name tag when you check in on July 27. Dress is, of course, casual.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

WELCOME to our SoCal AC Gathering! This day is yours to use as you see fit. While there is no obligation to participate in specific activities, the committee has made available the following list of opportunities for all who wish to take advantage:

10:00 - 10:30:        Arrive at Student Center, check in, receive name tag and folder
10:30 - 12: 00:       Ambassador Auditorium tour and Roman Borek’s talk
12:00 - 12:30:        Reassemble in Student Center for short program and meal
12:30 - 2:00: Stonefire Grill meal served
3:00 - 4:00: Tours of Gymnasium and Grove Terrace
4:00 - 6:00: Free time for conversation and snacks
6:00: Clean-up begins; vacate building by 7:00 p.m.
7:00 on: Consider gathering in the local area for dinner with classmates

The entire former AC campus is open for free strolling and enjoyment throughout the day!

Here is a list of the main menu items for our lunch:

Boneless Chicken Breast + Tri Tip Combination Meal, consisting of:
§ Lemon Garlic Chicken Breast § Mesquite BBQ Tri Tip § Greek Salad § Tomesto Pasta § Freshly Baked Breadsticks § Dessert: Heavenly Cheesecake

There will be plenty of hot Starbucks coffee, iced tea, cold water, and La Croix carbonated drinks. Afternoon snacks will include a variety of finger-type goodies. But the most anticipated feature of the day is our opportunity for a great classmate reunion and conversation! Come to enjoy one another and to share.

A quick reminder: There will be plenty of free parking space in the underground structure adjacent to the Student Center. There is also handicapped parking available in the parking lot east of the Student Center and a ramp on the south side of the building.

Thanks to all who have registered and to those who made donations. You can see our list of the attendees so far on our AC website on the tab on the left of the Home Page. You may still register by clicking on "July 2019 SoCal AC Gathering" at the top of the Home Page. The window which opens will allow you to reserve your spot and pay for your registration and a guest. We will see you here in Pasadena very soon!

Waiting Anxiously,
JR (Jim Roberts) [entered AC Pasadena in 1967]
jrrocknut7@gmail.com

http://www.acpasadenareunion.com/