Do’s and don’ts of attending a class reunion

The Ely All Class Reunion will begin on Saturday, June 29 and run through Sunday, July 7. My wife and I both plan to attend and have registered.

If you are thinking about attending, it is not too late. Don’t talk yourself out of it.

You can get registered on the All-Class website at: www.elyallclassreunion. com This is also a good source for checking schedules, updates and event descriptions.

I always get a little anxious before attending class reunions. This being an All-Class Reunion and a celebration of Ely Memorial High School’s 100 Year Anniversary and spanning over a weeks’ time, the anxiety and anticipation are at a peak level.

I have also been blessed to play a small role on the Reunion Planning Committee, which has been doing an outstanding job for about a year now.

To prepare, I decided to research some of the etiquette of attending a class reunion so I can be on my best behavior during the reunion.

Here are some of the Do’s & Don’ts I found.

From Reunions Magazine: (Yes there is such a thing).

DON’T: Assume the reunion committee has contacted everyone in your class. Contact classmates you have stayed in contact with and check with them.

DON’T: Complain about registration costs. The reunion committee has a lot of expenses to pull off the reunion.

DO: Call special friends before the reunion to arrange extra time to catch up.

DON’T: Try to lose weight to impress anyone else. Sometimes dropping a few pounds genuinely boosts confidence but when it is all said and done, others will only remember if you seemed happy.

DO: Go shopping for something to wear that makes you feel attractive. Look for something that is flattering, comfortable and is appropriate for the event. Make shoes comfortable, you will be doing a lot of standing and maybe some dancing.

DON’T: Wear electric blue frost eye shadow unless your reunion is around Halloween.

DO: Think in advance about answers to questions you will inevitably be asked.

DON’T: Try to memorize your yearbook. Name tags will tell you who you are looking at and you can exclaim, “Is that really you? You have not changed a bit.”

DO: Take your significant other if; 1. You are planning on observing and not doing any prolonged reminiscing with old friends.

2. She/he is able to entertain themselves.

3. You know for certain your old boy/girlfriend is not going to be there.

4. They are a classmate. DO: Indulge yourself in recollection. Bring yearbooks and scrapbooks.

DO: Make a real effort to thank the people who organized the reunion.

From Ugur Akinci, Owner Technical Communication Center DO’S: 1. Greet with enthusiasm. 2. Ask about updates. Show interest in classmates by asking about their lives, recent events and well-being.

3. Share school memories. 4. Compliment and praise. 5. Catch up. 6. Discuss shared interests.

7. Ask about classmates families.

8. Celebrate ca reer achievements.

9. Respect everyone. 10. Discuss future plans. DON’TS: 1. Avoid controversy. Politics, Religion, heated debates.

2. Personal criticism. 3. Overwhelming negativity. Focus on positive interaction.

4. Gossip. 5. Comparisons between classmates.

6. Intrusive questions. Avoid overly personal questions.

7. Be inclusive, no cliques.

8. Disrespectful humor. 9. Ignoring boundaries. Respect personal boundaries and the privacy of classmates.

10. Overindulgence. Moderation is key.

From Stenzel Clinical Services: 5 DON’TS of School Reunions 1. Don’t go to impress someone.

2. Don’t freak about where you are in life.

3. Don’t ditch significant other.

4. Don’t flirt with your ex. 5. Don’t forget what year it is.

From Victoria Flores: DO’S 1. Realize that when you get there, everyone is having the same thought you are. “How did everyone get so old?”

2. Do resume old friendships without blaming each other for not staying in touch. You will be amazed how quickly you will feel comfortable with old friends.

3. Talk with people you weren’t familiar with in school you might make a new friend.

4. Take pictures and send to those who couldn’t make it.

DON’TS 1. Dress too young. 2. Pretend to remember someone. It is completely okay not to remember someone.

3. Don’t be embarrassed by divorce. The divorce rate is over 50%. Most people won’t think twice about it.

4. Don’t worry too much. Once you get there and start catching up with old friends your worries will disappear.

From “The Girlfriend” from AARP DO’S 1. Think about what you will say before you go.

2. Ask people about current lives.

3. Wear your name tag. 4. Talk to everyone you can.

5. Bring business cards. DON’TS 1. Boast about your life. 2. Get wasted. 3. Assume people are like they were in high school.

In closing, I would like to add my own DO’S and DON’TS for attending the Ely All-Class Reunion June 29 through July 7.

DON’T: 1. Shame people for not being on Facebook, Instagram, X, etc… 2. Not go.

3. If you haven’t been in town in a while, don’t be too disappointed when you find out the Steakhouse and Sir G’s are closed.

DO’S 1. Buy Sir G’s or the Steakhouse and reopen them.

2. Wear name tags! I am sure I am not the only one terrible with names.

3. If all else fails when trying to talk to classmates at a crowded venue, just nod and smile.

4. Check out the Rock the Park Concerts in Whiteside Park. If you have never been you are in for a treat.

5. Comport yourself with dignity when the Zup’s Grocery Vans/Float show up at the 4th of July Parade. No elbows or pushing.

6. Support as many businesses as possible while in town.

7. Attend as many Reunion events as possible.

8. Have a great time! www.elyallclassreunion.

com