MCHS 2015 ’60s Reunion on Oct. 17 at Old Mill Toronto will feature round tables

I was in Chengdu, China with my wife and daughter in the summer of 2014 for a family wedding; it was a great place to visit and the wedding (with all of the traditions, such as the groom turning up at the home of the bride and demonstrating that he has sufficient means – e.g., by throwing money around – to embark upon the marriage) was a lot of fun.

The MCHS 2016 ’60s Reunion will feature round tables. The photo shows some round tables in the Humber Room, where the reunion will take place. The tables will have tablecloths, along with candles courtesy of Old Mill Toronto, and centrepieces that Nancy Renz has kindly sent to us by Federal Express from Naples, Florida. Nancy has also provided MCHS embroidered crests, for each attendee, waiting for them in their individualized Grab Bag. We owe Nancy many thanks for her great contribution to a great cause. We want to add as well that Old Mill Toronto has been wonderful to work with, on every aspect of the reunion planning process. We much appreciate the help from the Sales Executive and the Director of Catering what we have been working with over the past several months, as the date of the event, Oct. 17, 2015, approaches. Jaan Pill photo

One of the key events before the wedding was a luncheon at a round, rotating table at a Chengdu resort booked for the occasion, a table where people could easily talk to each other across the table.

That’s in contrast to a setting where there’s a long, narrow rectangular table and people get to speak primarily only to people sitting to the left and right of them.

Another view of the Humber Room, set up for a small meeting held in September 2015. Jaan Pill photo

The latter is a standard way in Toronto for large groups to get together.

Whenever I have any influence on arrangements, I advocate on behalf of having a round table, such as at a Chinese restaurant.

For the MCHS ‘60s Reunion, we’ve made a point of having round tables.

It’s always good to see these kinds of details being addressed.

Let us know if you want to join is for Brunch at 11:00 am on Oct. 18; it will cost you $35

Please remember, as well, that we will have an informal get-together (BYOB) at the Stay Inn, at 560 Evans Ave., where a number of reunion attendees are staying, at 7:30 pm on Friday, Oct. 16.  If you are driving, please ensure you will have a Designated Driver with you, in the event you plan to sample the BYOB.

View of Humber Room, September 2015. Jaan Pill photo

As well, at 10:30 am on Sunday, Oct. 18, the day after the reunion, we will be having a 30-minute Humber River Walk.

The walk begins at the bridge that crosses the Humber River, just east of Old Mill Toronto, which is where the reunion takes place starting at 6:00 pm on Saturday, Oct. 17.

All attendees will have received parking passes to enable free parking at the Old Mill parking lot on Oct. 17. However, for parking the next day, you will need to pay for the parking out of your own pocket, unless you are staying at the Old Mill.

If you plan to attend the reunion by paying cash at the door (there’s an ATM machine downstairs), you need to let is know by Oct. 12 that you plan to attend. In that case, we’ll send you the parking pass beforehand by email.

We need to know the number of attendees by Oct. 12 because the hotel needs to know the attendee numbers, so that the appropriate number of Humber Dinner Buffet meals can be prepared.

View of foyer of Humber Room, September, 2015. Jaan Pill photo

Mixing and mingling

We’re having a buffet because that is conducive to mixing and mingling, which is the chief purpose of the reunion. We will NOT be having loud music on during the buffet because, again, we want people to be able to have conversations without having to strain to hear what the other person is saying.

As well, we are free to wander anywhere around and through the hotel, in order to find a quiet place for conversation, at any point during the evening, which ends at 1:00 am.

We will also have a Business Card Game at the start of the event, as an ice-breaker and to ensure that as many people get to know each other, as is possible. The get-together at the Stay Inn serves the same purpose: To enable at least some people to get acquainted, before the main event proceeds.

Directional signs on first floor near the Humber Room, which is on the second floor. Jaan Pill photo

The walk on Oct. 18 does not require reservations, but the Brunch which starts at 11:00 am on Sunday, Oct. 18 does require reservations. Please let Jaan Pill know, by Oct. 11 – at jpill@preservedstories.com of by text or phone at 416-722-6630 – if you are planning to join us at the Brunch, in the event you have not yet let us know. If you have any questions, about any topic, please contact Jaan Pill by email or at the number noted above.

See you soon.