Who's Interested?

In a pre holiday party. I talked to Deb this morning and we were thinking that November would probably be the best month to plan this in. We'll stick to a neutral town like we did last year. Any ideas for a place, date, etc???? Maggie

Hi Maggie, Sounds like fun! I don't have any ideas as to where since I am in southeastern CT (as you know) and I don't know anyplace except the Hartford area. Just let me know where and the date (I am on vacation for part of November so it will depend on the date), and if I can do anything to help. Hope your feeling better! Hugs, Nancy K

Wow! Planning parties while recouping. I'm so happy you're feeling better. I'm such a drama mama I'd be whining after all you've been through. Keep up those positive energies. You're aan inspiration to all of us, Maggie! Take Care, Stacey

I am!! the first weekend is bad for me too! The Berlin Turnpike is pretty centrally located. There are a ton of places on the turnpike. Off the subject Maggie - can you send me the link for your MK webpage. I saw a lipstick on someone the other day and I have to have it!! Hope you are feeling better! Phyllis

That sounds like a lovely idea! It would be great if it were nearby, (the New Haven area) but thats just me being selfish. lol But I would love to come wherever it is held and would bring a dish. I wonder what the perfect WLS food would be? What is the one thing that everyone at every stage could eat and that no one dumps from? It looks like I'll be bringing room temp. water! Keep us posted!

Hi, Maggie! Last year's pre-holiday party was on the Saturday before Thanksgiving and it was held at On the Border in Orange. Since we have people on this board from southeastern CT, southwestern CT, RI, New Haven county, Middlesex county, Hartford county, northern CT and western CT (forgive me if I left out any applicable regions), maybe something on I-91 south of Hartford (like Rocky Hill or Meriden) might be somewhat centrally located and relatively easy to get to from all parts of the state? What does everyone else think? And how's the Saturday before Thanksgiving (Nov. 19th)? Also, last year Linda Wasserman organized a gift exchange. I don't remember what it was called, but each person who wanted to participate brought a wrapped gift costing up to $10. Each participant was given a number. #1 chose from all of the gifts and opened it. Then #2 chose a gift, opened it and then was able to either keep it or force #1 to trade. #3 picked a gift, opened it and then could choose to either keep it or force #1 or #2 to trade. This went on until the last person opened the last gift. Then #1 had the opportunity to trade with anyone else. Some gifts were more popular than others and it was fun watching them being traded over and over. Do people want to do that again? BTW, for anyone who wasn't around last year, the party was for both pre- and post-ops, along with family members or interested friends. If I remember correctly, last year we had about 50 people. It was a buffet (of mostly protein items, with some veggies and carbs) set up in a private room. Because it was a private buffet, everything served was ours to either eat or take home, so it worked out pretty well. I was a pre-op then and ate my fill, while post-ops did the same (with a much smaller quantity, of course) and then a number of them took "doggie bags" home, so it seemed fair that we evenly split the total cost. The price per person was calculated based on the total number who RSVP'd. We paid when we arrived at the party. Unfortunately, some people who were supposed to be there weren't able to come at the last minute, so those of us who were there each chipped in some more money to cover the shortfall. I guess the only way to avoid that situation would be to require sending a designated "collection person" checks in advance. Does anyone have any other ideas on how to handle the money in a way that's fair to all? Debby

Hi Maggie Guess you are feeling better..planning parties--you go girl! A holiday party is a great idea. Someone mentioned the Berlin Tpke as a central meeting place..I agree that it would ideal for most everyone in the area. Let me know if you need any help. I have some nametag stuff from last year when Phyllis and I did it for that party. Joanie

I live in Newington, which is pretty central. I have access to Healthtrax, after hours, for a minimal if any cost (we could set up conference room tables and have a nice spread) or I could check on the rental of the Polish American Club right next to my house. I think it's a great idea, wherever anyone would like to have it! Tammy P.S. Maggie - so nice to see you posting. I'm hoping that means you are up and around!

Hi, Tammy! You mentioned Healthtrax, after hours, as a possibility. Do they have a kitchen? What time on a Saturday is "after hours"? Hugs, Debby

Hi, Tammy! You mentioned Healthtrax, after hours, as a possibility. Do they have a kitchen? What time on a Saturday is "after hours"? Hugs, Debby