2008 Reunion Chatter Late March 2008 ... So this brings to mind the question, where and when is the next Cyberzahm golf tournament? I might start searching for my golf clubs. Seems like a reunion should be getting discussed. Mags ---------- I'd be happy to host in Myrtle/Sunset. I would even arrange for a fishing trip for those who are nautically inclined. But Andy was interested in doing a weekend at ND.... And I haven't been out there in a long time. So I'm flexible. If we do ND, I want to re-visit BlackThorn (?). We got rained out many years ago... I'd love to get back. I also have never played the new ND course... Got rained out THERE as well the only time I tried. Come to think of it... Why the F do we want to go to a place where it always f-ing rains? Al ---------- Next reunion should be at ND. Golf(s) and a game. That way we can invite Gabes' buddy BFFFFFF to play with us. Jack ---------- Jack, That's a great idea. And if we make it late enough in the season, he may have nothing else to do that Saturday. Andy ---------- Do it early enough in the season... get me on Blackthorn and Warren... I'm cool with that. Even if ND is on the road that week. Hey, might be easier to get tee times! Al ---------- Actually there's some merit to this idea .. a reunion IN South Bend on a Fall non-football weekend? Fox ---------- Fox, Think about it. Why would we go to South Bend for a reunion without a football game? The weather? The food? The women? Because it's so accessible? I like a reunion around a football game. But a non-football weekend? Don't understand why. Sobo ---------- Affordable hotel rooms and available golf courses, a beautiful campus to walk around without being crowded, ditto with the College football hall of fame, no traffic problems, hit Roccos without a mob scene, maybe dinner on campus .. Just a thought. My memories of ND do not all revolve around football. Fox ---------- I've got plenty of non-football memories, but just don't think that's the best venue unless we're talking August-September. Anything after that we have a weather risk which isn't worth it. Actually, the best time for a SB reunion would be May-June. That might be fun. Sobo ---------- Sep or early OCT in Michiana is lovely. Logistics are so much easier w/o a game, and it makes it all about US. I sent that original note as a flippant thought... But I'll go on record as saying that a FB weekend is not a pre-req to a ND based reunion for me. Al ---------- I don't need the football game either. I could probably skip it even if there was a home game. In fact, I would prefer that. Mags ---------- The more I think about it, the more I like the idea of a visit to ND in Sep or early Oct SANS football. Who amongst us hasn't seen enough FB games? The logistics of the weekend are so much simpler without the congestion of a FB weekend. Imagine browsing the bookstore at your leisure... Parking on campus... Available tee times... Restaurant availability... Al ---------- The weekend of 9/20 is first away game (Mich St)- those who can't live without it could go up to East Lansing instead of having real fun with the guys. It would be good to do it sooner rather than later in the autumn. Mags ---------- Mags, You're a genius! Weekend at ND with OPTIONAL road trip to East Lansing for the game. You are one smart fucker! Count me in for the weekend... I'll defer on the road trip and am more likely to play golf that am and watch the game in an ND bar that pm. Al ---------- The Cubs play at home on Thursday, 9/18. If that is one of the weekends being considered, I might try to take in the game before heading to South Bend. If I drive down, I would have room for 3 or 4 others from and to Chicago. Prep ---------- I could do the same. Son Kevin lives a few blocks from Wrigley Field. Keep it up Prep, we need your mind Jack ---------- ooh, I've never been to Wrigley- sounds tempting. Mags ---------- Count me in .. I could fly into Chicago Thursday morning and out on Sunday afternoon. Fox ---------- Me too. Sobo ---------- If I went, I would probably drive. John (or any else who might find it cheaper) could fly to KC and ride along if desired. Probably 550 miles to Chicago. For those of you on FloMax, I'll bring a couple of quart jars. --T ---------- A few blocks from Wrigley Field. Yes. That has a nice ring to it. I am thinking a blues club Wednesday evening and brunch near Wrigley Thursday morning. Perhaps he can offer recommendations. ---------- A blues club? With a designated driver? An offer I can't refuse. Mags ---------- > Maybe we can stay at Cousin Kevin's house? He has a pretty big one. Great idea. And he'll be "away" with the team right? Do you know where he hides the key? I sense a classic reunion blow out! Let's get Hawley there to capture it all in a novel. If it becomes a movie we can audition for parts. I claim the "Fox" role .. although maybe not, I don't want to get typecast for the rest of my career. Besides, I might not be handsome enough. Fox ---------- I think Fox should be played by Terry. I'm auditioning for the role as Willo. I think I can capture his essence. A ---------- We need to organize Cubs tickets early - unlike other years, it is possible Cubbies would be in a pennant run. I'll call Ferris - see if he can get us into Bartman's old seats down the left field line. Or maybe a roof top across Waveland Ave.?????? Jack ---------- Either vantage point would be very special as far as I’m concerned. Very special, indeed. But Cubbies in the hunt at that point? Excuse me while I reach for my barf bag. Go Twinkies! Prep ---------- [Late April 2008] I met w/ Hans this weekend, and promoted the idea of a fall reunion at ND WITHOUT a FB weekend. The more I think of it, the more I like the idea. Hans agrees... Anj agrees... Me, you, Prep. I really love the idea of enjoying ND w/o the hassle of a FB weekend. Or I am happy to host at Myrtle/Sunset Beach Al ---------- Have we firmed up the idea of going back to ND in late Sep/early Oct for a reunion during a ROAD FB weekend? I thought that was a terrific idea... Mags pointed out that the MSU game is early in the season, 9-20, and allows those who would want to go to East Lansing the oppty. With others catching the game in a local bar after golf or fishing. Al ---------- I agree, and I agree on the weekend. If anyone is serious about seeing the Cubbies, we should look into getting tickets now while their fans are still fantasizing about being in the hunt after the All Star break. Mags, you have to go. We have a wager. Prep ---------- I think it a great idea also. I plan to attend and can provide transportation to South Bend. Kevin L and Brian H live together in Chicago and can handle the task of procuring tickets for desired Cubs game. I agree we should work on this now. Of course, as the Cubs are probably sold out, it might be worthwhile to see if there are any corporate linkages we could tug at to procure some really good seats. We know some law firms, etc. Let's get a count on who and when and put together an agenda so we can plan. Here is a stab Cubs game - Thursday afternoon - game time 1:20pm versus Brewers Dinner in Chicago (Mystic Celt or some other pub) - or travel to South Bend Travel to South Bend - Friday morning Golf in South Bend - Friday- Dinner at Rocco's Golf in South Bend - Saturday - Game Watch Saturday - MSU game time is still listed as TBA - Gabes, call your buddy CW and let us know if he knows game time Mass at the Basilica - Sunday am Back to Chicago - or depart from South Bend - Sunday Jack ---------- Jack – great plan. I’m in and will gladly help organize the Chicago – as well as the South Bend activities. Hans ---------- I could likely get us on Morris Park if we want. Sobo ---------- [mid May 2008] My business partners nephew played in a Hooter's tournament at Blackthorn this week and I had the chance to follow him for the first nine on Friday (I was in South Bend to pick up Amy after she finished her sophomore year). I had forgotten about the undulation of the course and the contours of the greens and the 7,125 yardage from the tips. It will be fun to play in September. Let's start to get a firm count for planning per the proposed itinerary I sent out. Jack Jack, Al, Sobo, Fox, Hans, Mags, Billy, Andy (I think) all replied affirmative for the MSU in East Lansing weekend. Gabes replied that he can attend the Chicago portion of things. Ike replied that he could not make it. ---------- [mid July 2008] Jack, Hans, et al, I just checked on Expedia. I can get a round trip that arrives in Chicago (ORD) at 8 AM Thursday Sept 18 and leaves same at 8 PM Sunday Sept 21. Should I book it? Is it a go? Fox ---------- Yes, from me. I have the dates blocked out and will drive to Chicago on Thursday AM. My contact in Chicago confirms we have twelve tickets together at face value for the Cubs Brewers game which begins at 1:20pm. We cannot book golf in South Bend less than two weeks ahead of time, a task Hans and I will work out. I am not aware that a time has been set for the ND-MSU game on Saturday. Jack ---------- I booked it. $258 including taxes and fees. Don't think I can do much better than that by waiting. So, I'll be in O'Hare early Thursday morning and will need to be back there by around 6 pm Sunday. In between .. well, what happens in the Midwest, stays in the Midwest. Fox ---------- I think I can get four plus me comfortably in my van. I'm assuming Mags will be riding with me. Who else needs transportation to blues clubs, Cubs and whore houses? I should be in Chicago by early Wednesday evening at the latest. Prep ---------- Boys, We've had some family issues come up this past week that are going to force me to cancel my plans to be with you in September. Drink a few for me. Buzzard Bill ---------- [late July 2008] Bums, Hans and I spoke yesterday concerning September. Here is what we know/have planned: Thursday - September 18th • Cubs play the Brewhas at 1:20pm at Wrigley. I have secured 12 tickets together and a reservation in the Cubs Club for lunch. • After the game we have a few options. Brian H and Kevin L live together not far from Wrigley. They have a back yard and a grill! The low cost budget would suggest we use their backyard for a relaxing cookout and beerfest/winefest. We could also drop in on a local pub - aka the Mystic Celt - for a few before the cookout. • Sleeping arrangements in Chitown still need to be arranged. Perhaps we should leave this to Fox?? Actually, Hans can house a few and a few may need to go together on a room or two near the boys place. There may even be a couch or two for flopping with the boys. Friday - September 19th • Leave for South Bend • Golf at Blackthorn teeing off at about 1pm • Dinner at Rocco's • After dinner - TBD • Sleeping arrangements to be confirmed - probably the Waterford?? Saturday - September 20th • Golf at Warren • Game watch - TBD • Dinner - TBD Sunday - September 21st • Mass • Homeward bound. I will drive to Chicago on Thursday morning and have room for three or four (SUV). I would prefer to leave for Indy from SB but could drive to Chicago if needed Hans will drive. I think Prep will drive. Comments??????? ----------- Awesome. I like the idea of the cook out at the boys place assuming weather cooperates and the stop at the local local. I know there's been talk of a blues/jazz bar hop kinda thing, which would be OK too ... maybe that could be arranged on Wed night instead though I won't be in until Thursday morning. I can flop on a couch or whatever. At any rate it all sounds great. Of course we'll want some time to just roam around campus a little and it looks like that should be no problem. I've been posting the ongoing plans on the CZ site under reunions under 2008 .. I'll post this latest schedule there soon and I'll continue to post stuff there as the plans develop. Fox ------------- Outstanding plan shaping up. If anyone is up for it, I would be interested in coming into Chitown on Wednesday night for some blues clubbing. Thursday night is also a possibility for that. I will be driving my van. Mags has reserved a seat and I think Fox is also on board. I think I could get 5-6 besides me back to Chicago on Sunday. I may look for a hotel near Wrigley for Thursday night. Or maybe a campground. Prep ------------ Jack, As of right now, I will be there for all Thursday activities and would like to plan to go to South Bend for the Friday activities. I would return home on Saturday morning. Gabes ------------ Jack-- Re: sleeping arrangements, will probably find a hotel w/ easy access to Wrigley on foot or via the el train. Friend coming along is riding on his old man's money and intends to buy 1/2 of Chicago. --TMac ------------- Leroy Boy, My couch flopping days are through. There's only one thing left that we can do: Please advise nearby hotel potential (Hilton/Hampton if possible. I can probably use mileage points to further reduce overall costs.) convenient to the area where we will be and I will make plans from there. Right now, my plan is to fly into ORD Thursday morning, hook up with whomever else might be doing the same, and making the Cubs game by noonish for lunch. Thursday night grill sounds great to me, as does the rest of the weekend festivities loosely planned as they are for now. I would plan to fly back to Ra Cha Cha Sunday about 6 PM. Car rental needs to be determined. Mr. 28 HDCP (who happens to currently own the CZ low net title). Ps. Does anybody mind if I skip mass Sunday morning? There may be an early tee time involved ....even if not, I worship at the altar of hot black coffee ... Terry understands ... --------------- I'm working on hotel options. One priority is to find a place that has at least one decent size suite so we can all watch the game together. We could go to a bar, fight for space and pay bar prices, but I thought most would prefer this option. I see that Andy would like a Hampton or Hilton property for the option of using points. The Residence Inn, a Marriott property, has rooms / suites. The Morris Inn is sold out, as is the Hilton Garden Inn at SMC. I'll be checking others today and will report back. I'm assuming we'll share rooms. So far, we have the following commitments: Jack Hans Al Andy Fox Prep Sobo Mags Terry Gabes for one night that is 10 - requiring 5 rooms. Looking forward to the weekend. Hans ----------------------------------------- [late August 2008] Jack/Hans/Prep- I arrive Thurs morning at Midway, ~ 9am, plenty of time to get to the game. Will one of you be picking me up? Never been to Wrigley- looking forward to it. Shall I wear a Yankees cap? Returning flight Sunday *pm via Midway. Prep, don't forget the Blues club. Looks like maybe you'll be forking up the sidebet. Mags ---------------------------------- 5 weeks and counting. Late last week I firmed up hotels in Chicago and South Bend for everyone, and have spoken with Jack and Sobo who have given their OK. Thursday - arrival in the AM. Please confirm your plans. Prep - driving in. Arriving Wednesday(?) Al - flying into O'hare time? Andy - flying into O'hare 9:30 ? Fox - flying - ? Mags - flying into Midway arriving about 9:30. Jack - driving in from Indy Sobo - here, also driving Gabes - driving down Hans - driving Terry - driving in, I think, with others from KC Jack has the Cubs tickets in hand, as well as passes to have lunch in a special dining room. Meeting time and location will be determined as we get closer to 9-18. After the game, we will go to the apartment shared by Kevin L and Brian H. I'll have steaks, etc, for grilling, along with beer. The apartment is about 15 blocks from Wrigley. We'll figure out the parking, etc. later. Thursday evening hotel - I checked a couple of hotels near the apartment - the cost is no bargain and the hotels are sketchy, so I looked in the city, figuring most out of towners would like the hotel close to the nightlife. Looking at many options led me to the Fairfield Inn and Suites on Ontario St, just off Michigan Ave. Two doubles for one night is $229.63 including taxes. This is roughly $40 to hundreds less than options in the area. I have made 4 reservations here (all cancelable), figuring the following need a place to stay: Prep, Mags, Jack, Fox, Al, Andy (6 for 3 rooms) and one room for Terry. I will b e staying in Western Springs, Sobo is staying at his local 'apartment' and I assume Gabes will be in Kenosha. Friday - Jack and Sobo were in South Bend this weekend and will find out how early we can make tee times at Blackthorn on Friday and the Warren course for Saturday. We'll lose a hour going to South Bend, so tee times at 2 - 3 PM will enable us to depart Chicago as late as 10 AM. South Bend hotel - Checking many options led me to the Hilton Garden Inn - one year old, next door to the Inn of St Mary's. Rooms with 2 double beds are $129.00 plus tax $15.98 = $144.58 per night - or the expected cost per person based on 2 to a room. Andy, if you want to book a room with your Honors Points - go right ahead. Despite what the person at the hotel told me a couple of weeks ago regarding a wedding filling the place, I had no problem making reservations. Jack suggests dinner Friday at Rocco's - which sounds excellent. Saturday - we'll try to play before 10 AM, with the game starting at 3:30. Options for viewing the game are many, including one of the rooms at the hotel, or Legends (a.k.a, the Senior Bar) - among others. 5 hotel rooms are reserved for both nights, - with the ability to cancel up to the day. I seem to recall that Gabes will not be spending the night - but if that changes, we'll get him a room, or at least a bed. Many have requested golf for Sunday, including a suggestion that we again try our skills at Edgewood Valley. That may be the best idea, giving us maximum flexibility for those trying to catch flights home from Midway and O'Hare. If we leave South Bend by 9:00 on Sunday, we'll be at EVCC by 10 AM local time. This time of year, there is little play on Sunday AM, so getting on the course would not be a problem. If we play in South Bend, we may find ourselves rushing to make flights, not knowing how the traffic will be at the south end of Lake Michigan. In addition to the participants of the roto baseball league mentioned earlier, I have included John A in this email. He emailed me this past week that a return trip to Chicago may be coordinated with this reunion. John, we hope you can make it! Regarding vehicles - we'll have Prep, Sobo and Hans driving to and from South Bend from Chicago. Jack, I'm guessing, will head back to Indy on Sunday AM. Could be a Colts home game.... Assuming Terry is driving with others, they can caravan down with one of us. This should be enough wheels to accomodate those flying in. I probably forgot something - but wanted to get this out so everyone knew about the hotel reservations. Go Irish! Hans ------------------------- Outstanding effort, Hans. I hope to arrive by mid-morning Thursday. I will head to O'Hare first and then Midway if necessary. Let me know if that makes sense. Prep ------------------------- Hans- Great job pulling everything together. And yes, I'll be available for chauffer service. One thing we might want to re-think is the SB lodgings. Jack and I just got back from Chris B's wedding and stayed at the Waterford Estates (the old Ramada completely renovated. Rooms are nice, similar to the Hilton Gardens plus a nice plat panel TV. Rack rate is $119, and I'd expect Maura can get them for $99 or maybe better. The biggest difference is their bar, Bridget's. Very nice, very good food and reasonably priced beverages. Several large screen TV's at one end which would be great for watching the game as well as hanging out in the evenings without worrying about driving. Jack, add anything that I missed. If folks are interested, I'll check on the rates next week when the honeymooners return. Sobo ------------------------ Hans, You are THE MAN! Great coordination, I LOVE a take charge man! All sounds great, I quibble with little, especially $$$. All sounds great. FYI, I arrive ORD 9:02 am Thur, and depart Sun at 6:05. Not sure what the travel time from EVCC to ORD is... Or Blackthorn if we stay in SB for Sunday golf... but will need to plan around that departure. Andy's is similar, BTW A ------------------------ Sobo - if we can get a rate of $99 or less per night, sounds like a good deal. Andy did request a Hilton property to use Honors points. I would either use Honors points or collect them by staying at the Hilton Garden Inn. The HGI opened less than a year ago. I have not stayed in the Waterford Estates, but do remember the tired Ramada. You have more up to date input - so check out the rates when Mrs. Barth gets back from the honeymoon and let us know. Hans ------------------------ Hans- I've got HHonors points I could use as well. But I don't think the price is the big issue. Waterford is less than 2 years old- bears no resemblance to the Ramada other than the address. If we do get a better deal than $119 it makes it a no brainer, but even at that price it makes sense to consider. I think the bar on property is a big plus. No driving, no need to worry about stocking our own bar, and if this Hilton Gardens is like those I've stayed in previously it doesn't have a place where we can get rowdy while watching the games. In any event I'll check with Maura when they get back on the price and report back to the group then. Sobo ----------------------- Hans, I arrive ORD at 9:02 AM Thursday, the 18th, on United 0769. All other plans as outlined above are noted. Will advise on hotel reservation status regarding HH Inn. Andy ----------------------- This is really shaping up! My flights are Arrive ORD Thursday at 8:00 AM on UA0759 Depart ORD Sunday at 9:13 PM on UA0470 Fox ----------------------- More progress on the reunion. Tee times have been made at Blackthorn in South Bend for Friday Sept 19th. 2:21 pm and 2:29 pm. Sunset is not until nearly 8 PM. You can leave Chicago at 10:30 AM and arrive at Blackthorn by 1:30 PM South Bend time. The cost is $39 per person, including the cart. If Gabes decides to play, they told me we could do 3 threesomes. Golfers expected: Sobo, Hans, Jack, Al, Andy, Prep, Fox and Mags. It is now time to send in your Index or golf handicap, if you have one. If not, tell us what score you've been shooting and a handicap will be assigned. Al, if you arrive early, there is a excellent practice facility. Hans ------------------------ Golf on Saturday 9-20 at the Warren Golf Course is set. $67 per person incl cart. 9:36 and 9:45. This will work out well - not too early, yet should get us back to watch the game with time to spare. The game starts at 3:30. I'm heading to South Bend now. More reunion details next week. Hans ------------------------- September 14 Fortunately, we head into reunion weekend with a big win over Michigan. Blue made alot of mistakes, but the Irish did take advantage scoring early and often. An improvement over week one. We'll see how well they do at Michigan State next Saturday. OK, on to the weekend plans: First, the weather is supposed to be perfect, unlike the crap we've had this weekend. right Fox? Airport pickup: Midway - Mags arrives at 9 AM. I will pick him up. O'Hare - Fox arrives at 8:00, Andy and Al both at 9:00. Gabes has agreed to pick up the O'hare group, assuming Anne Marie's van is ready. Driving - Jack, Prep, Sobo and Terry, in addition to Gabes and me. The Cub - Brewer game 1st pitch is 1:20. This gives us enough time to stop at the Fairfield Inn, drop off bags and at least check in - assuming they will not give us rooms at that early hour. Talking with Jack - we will meet at one of the better Wrigleyville watering holes - the Cubby Bear, Clark and Addison St, kiddy corner from the main gate. Noon should be plenty of time to have a burger, beer and relax prior to the game. If anyone wants to go early for batting practice - go right ahead. Jack has all the tickets and will be in Chicago early enough on Thursday to provide back up pick up service at Midway if needed. Terry - there may be 2 available tickets. We'll know from Brian and Kevin by Monday night if they will be using the last two. Would you like these for your two buddies if available? Parking - we could park near Brian's apartment. you need a special permit to park more than a couple of hours, and the police do check. Brian has offered to get permits for us. I'll email everyone on Tuesday how we're handling this, as well as Google Maps showing the various places we'll be on Thursday. After the game, Brian has offered to cook steaks and bring in beer, etc. I will reimburse him and make it part of the cost of the weekend. Thursday night hotel: Fairfield Inn & Suites There are 3 rooms reserved. Let me know if there are any changes so I can adjust before 6 PM on Thursday. Terry and his buddies can use the second confirmation #. The other three rooms have 7 staying: Fox, Andy, Al, Gabes, Prep, Jack and Mags. Sobo and I will be staying in the burbs. I'm sure you 7 can work it out which room will have three. Tee times on Friday at Blackthorn are 2:21 and 2:29 EASTERN (which is an hour ahead of Chicago) $39 per person, including carts. We'll need to leave the hotel by 10 AM to arrive in South Bend by 1 pm Eastern. Blackthorn is right behind the SB Airport. I'll have maps for anyone who needs one. Gabes informs me he will not be going to South Bend - which is unfortunate, but understood.. With golf clubs and luggage, Sobo and I will come to the hotel in the morning and each pick up someone for the ride. Sobo has the South Bend hotel reservations. The Waterford Estates is on the site of the old Ramada Inn on 31, just north of the tollroad, for those of you with good memories. Terry, you and your buddies can meet us there. Rocco's for pizza Friday night sounds great to me. Golf on Saturday is at the Warren course. 9:30 and 9:45 I believe. I need Jack's index in order to set up the games. There'll be plenty of action. on Sunday, we can play Edgewood Valley if everyone wants. The Bears play at home at noon, so the course should be open. We'll discuss this when we're together. two of the 8 players are not playing Sunday - Prep is heading back to Minny and Jack to Indy. I'd like to get cell phone #'s from everyone. Not sure what I've forgotten. Looking forward to seeing everyone. Hans End of File