Whither weather

Hi, friends: it's been very cold here at night the past few weeks, but it looks like the atmospheric tide is turning and we're in for a scorcher this weekend. I still say, pack warm jammies just in case, but it looks like no one will be in danger of freezing overnight whilst on campus--but maybe overheating instead.

Pack a little fan, if you can.

I'll be at headquarters tonight from 8-9pm if you want to swing by and say "hello."

xxoo
Naomi

Will there be Wi-Fi?

A classmate wrote today and asked me if there would be Wi-Fi available on campus during our reunion. In case you were wondering the same thing, here's my reply:

>>I'm not entirely sure what the Wi-Fi situation is on campus, but I
think there are hotspots in at least some houses and some academic
buildings.

There's free also Wi-Fi at Forbes library, adjacent to campus (closed Sunday). And
both pay-for and free options at in-town businesses.

On campus, I think you need a Novell account to get access. More on
that here: http://www.smith.edu/its/tara/account_forms.html

There are computers available to the public in the campus center and
athletic facility, but not good options for secure data or prolonged
work sessions.

Verizon Wireless offers a $15/day access fee for it's mobile broadband
data service, although you also have to buy a USB wireless modem for
about $200, if you don't already have one. It may actually be more affordable to buy a whole month from them, instead...

More on Smith Wi-Fi here: http://www.smith.edu/its/tara/macintosh/iphone.html

You may be able to contact IT and fax in an application form--or
something--to get a Novell account set up by Thursday or Friday. I
used to have one, so I know that alumnae are eligible--at least, they
used to be. They may have some accommodations for visiting alumnae, as
well. Perhaps a generic temp username and password for everyone?>>

If anyone finds out something concrete and helpful, please let me know and I'll try to post!

Cheers,

Naomi

Rent a bike while on campus

The student-run Bicycle Kitchen, which is located (I think) at the boat house, is renting bikes and helmets during our reunion weekend. I met the student who started this a few years ago and she's wonderful.

Read about the Bicycle Kitchen here.

Directions to our memorial service

On Friday afternoon at 4:45, we will gather by the pond to honor our connection to one another and remember the seven members of our class who have passed on.

To get to the memorial service, go down the stairs to the boat house. At the bottom of the stairs, turn left and walk along the shady path behind the crew house. After a few yards, you'll enter a clearing. We will gather at the far end, near the benches.

Directions to Yoga

Our Groove is in the Heart yoga class will take place Friday, 2:30-4pm at Studio Helix, which is downtown on the top floor of Thornes. You can walk from campus, rent a bike, or drive and park downtown.

The parking garage is attached to Thornes and I believe the first hour is free, which makes it a good option.

Studio Helix
100 Main St
Northampton, MA 01060
(413) 584-9942
Get directions.

For more class details, click here.

Be Present for the Class Photo

On Saturday morning, as we line up for the alumnae parade, a photographer will come by to shoot our class photo. Copies of the photo will be available for purchase through the AASC. We'll have more details at Class Headquarters (in Comstock House).

Remember to where your whites!

Illumination, Rain or Shine?

Many an illumination night has been ruined by rainstorms. Illumination is maybe my favorite part of reunion/commencement weekends, so I was glad to hear today that Smith has finally invested in waterproof lanterns. I wonder if they'll look the same...

Come One, Come All: Reunion is Nearly Here

This e-mail went out today to 413 members of the Class of 1994. If you didn't receive it, visit the AASC Web site to update your e-mail address.

My dearest classmates,

Reunion is fast approaching and I know how busy you all are, so I’ll just wish you a happy spring and then cut right to the chase.

Happy spring!

The chase

Reunion takes place May 21-May 24, 2009. If you haven’t registered yet, it’s not too late! Register online here: http://alumnae.smith.edu/reunion2009/. Find out who else has registered here: http://alumnae.smith.edu/reunion2009/attending.php.

Special events

Reunion is jam-packed with activities. In addition to the college’s schedule of events, we have some very special things planned, as well.

Friday, 2:30-4:00. “Groove is in the Heart” Anusara-inspired yoga class with Amy Reed ’05. Free to members of the Class of 1994 and their guests. More details here.

Friday, 4:45-5:15. “In Memoriam,” an open-air memorial service for the seven members of our class who have passed away since we arrived on campus in 1990. For more information, including the names of those who will be remembered, visit the blog.

Friday, 5:30-6:30 pm. Reunion Class Social Hour/Dinner/Family Fun Night. Mwangi Center, Davis/Davis Ballroom. We’ve designed our Friday night dinner event to provide a forum where Smithies can meet each others’ families and/or significant others, who are so much a part of our friends’ lives. There will be games and music, and the simple yet delicious barbecue fare aims to please all! Event will be outdoors, weather permitting. We apologize for the extremely expensive menu; we tried very hard to lower it, but the college sets the prices and they say it was the best they could do. Some relief is available for those bringing children: kids ages four to ten are $10; those under four are free). More details here.

Saturday, 1:30-2:30. Class Meeting. Everyone is encouraged to swing by the Class Headquarters (in Comstock House) to enjoy tea and conversation, and to elect our new slate of class officers. If you wish to stand for office, please be sure to arrive by 1:30. The election will commence at 1:45. Learn more at the blog.

Saturday, 5:30-6:30 pm. Reunion Class Social Hour/Dinner Campus Center, Wilson Atrium, Campus Center Carroll Room. Featuring a slide show set to music from our college years.

Take a load off

We’re still in need of volunteers to staff class headquarters. If you’ve got an hour and can help out (pretty, please!), drop Kirse a note at smithreunion1994@gmail.com. Sign up with a friend and you can kick back and relax at headquarters, and meet and greet your classmates as they arrive.

For more details about what to bring, child care, meals, etc., visit the class blog at www.graychase.com/Smith94.htm. To stay up-to-date, check the blog often and/or follow me on Twitter @graychase.

As always, if you have questions, drop me a line any time.

Hope to see you on campus soon.

Warmest wishes,

Naomi

Naomi Graychase
Alumnae Class President, 1994
Graychase@gmail.com

Plan for the Weather

“It’s New England: wait five minutes, the weather will change”

Spring weather in New England is generally in flux. It may be warm one day and near freezing the next. And raining the day after that.

The college suggests packing layers and being prepared for varying conditions.

You can check the weather forecast for Reunion weekend at The Weather Channel. Obviously, checking as close as possible to your departure date is best since things can change quickly.

If you are staying on campus, keep in mind that the rooms are minimally furnished. There will be no heat, one thin blanket, and no fans or A/C. You may recall that the day of our graduation was brutally hot. In contrast, last year's reunion weekend was uncomfortably cold and saw alumnae scrounging around Houses looking for extra blankets.

Sleeping in warm jammies and socks--or even a hat!--can help. Bringing extra blankets is wise--and a small portable fan in case it's very warm. You can also buy a fan downtown at CVS.

If you find yourself cold (or hot) and desperate, there is a Wal*Mart in Northampton, which might be the cheapest source of blankets or fans. It's several miles out King Street. There's also a Goodwill at the corner of King St. and Damon Road, near the big CVS. I can't think of a source of blankets that is within walking distance, although there is a store downtown that sells Mexican yoga blankets and a store where you could get a tapestry--or a sweater!

If you get cold enough, I'm sure you'll get creative. Just consider yourself warned. :-)

Remember your whites!

The Alumnae Parade, while smaller than at commencement, is still poignant in its multigenerational celebration of Smith sisterhood. As always, it is, according to the college, "made especially striking by a continuous line of white, highlighted by the various accents each class wears (hats, scarves, and the like)."

Please be sure to pack a white outfit and white shoes.

Thinking ahead, I bought a cute little white dress at a thrift store three years ago. I got it out to try on last weekend, though, and discovered that I have expanded beyond the capacity of its seams since then. Alas...I was able to find a suitable pair of white capris at Salvation Army. I'm hoping the white blouse and jacket I'm planning to wear still fit. Eeek. Guess I ought to try them on...

If you find yourself like me with a wardrobe sorely lacking in white clothes (that fit), I highly recommend a quick trip to your local Goodwill or Salv Arm. They color-code their clothes and shoes making it easy to hone in on the white gear that will fit you. (The hardest part is finding something clean.) And you won't waste a bunch of cash on white things you may never wear, again since a few bucks can outfit you at a thrift store.

Commencement speaker, 2009

Tammy Baldwin, a Smith College alumna and the first woman to serve in the House of Representatives from her native Wisconsin, will be the speaker at the college’s 131st commencement ceremony at 10 a.m. Sunday, May 17, at the Quadrangle. Honorary degrees will be awarded to Baldwin, installation artist Jenny Holzer, international journalist Charlayne Hunter-Gault and microbiologist Claire Fraser-Liggett. More at the Smith Web site...

There’s still time to register

Registration for reunion can be done online at http://alumnae.smith.edu/reunion2009/.

To see who’s already registered from our class, click here and scroll down to 1994.

Class Meeting, Elect New Officers

At the class meeting, we'll elect our new slate of officers. Thus far, we only have one person who has said she'd like to hold office next term--Bert Ritvo would like to stay on as Treasurer. If you would like to hold an Executive Committee office, please drop me a note. If the spirit moves you during reunion, you may also just show up ready to run at the meeting on Saturday.

For more details on the duties of each class officer, go here and read the Class Officers Handbook (in .pdf).

1:30-2:30 pm, Saturday, May 23rd, Class Meeting. Everyone is encouraged to swing by the Class Headquarters (in Comstock House) to enjoy tea and conversation, and to elect our new slate of class officers. If you wish to stand for office, please be sure to arrive by 1:30. The election will commence at 1:45.

Virtual Yard Sale

I'm clearing out some of my books, DVDs, and CDs. If any Smithies are interested in these, I can bring them to you at reunion. Or ship, of course. Buy through Half.com or check inventory there and e-mail me directly. Happy to accept alternate offers.

Here's the link to my Half.com store: http://shops.half.ebay.com/graychase_W0QQ

Cheers!

In Memoriam: Class of 1994 Memorial Service

Since we arrived on campus in the fall of 1990, we have lost seven members of our class:

• Jennifer DelVecchio Gustafson, who lived in Wilson House, majored in Government, and passed away 8/1/2007.
• Deirdre Flaherty, who lived off campus, majored in Spanish, and passed away 8/12/2004.
• Carol Boyer who lived at 150 Elm Street, majored in Government, and passed away 4/17/2001.
• Laura Swymer-Clancy who lived in Wilson House, majored in Art: History, and passed away 10/21/2001.
• Judith Grubbs, who lived off campus, majored in Economics, and passed away 11/20/2000.
• Linda Miller who passed away 10/15/1995.
  
• And Kimberly Tyler who passed away 2/11/1991.

On the exact 15-year anniversary of our commencement, Friday, May 22nd, 2009, we will gather by Paradise Pond to celebrate the lives of these women and to honor their passing.

"In Memoriam," an open-air memorial service will be held 4:45-5:15 p.m. (rain or shine) in a quiet pond-side clearing tucked away on the other side of the crew house. Head to the Boathouse and look for signs.

Anyone wishing to offer remembrance of their loved ones, or of friends or family from other classes who have passed away is welcome. We will also take a moment to honor Bob Nylen, a guest lecturer in the American Studies department who died in December 2008 after a valiant battle with cancer.

Please send questions or requests to Naomi Graychase at graychase@gmail.com.

Child Care at Reunion

The college sent out this e-mail today to registered attendees:

Having your children with you at Reunion can be lots of fun. There is plenty to do and lots of places to explore on campus, from the banks of Paradise Pond to the botanic garden and the playing fields. But Reunion is really about you and your Smith friends. The Alumnae Association understands that and has contracted with an excellent child-care company so that you can take a night off and enjoy the campus and the company of friends.

Children’s Conference Care Inc. (CCCI) has been working with the Alumnae Association for seven consecutive years. It’s the only company in New England that specializes in child care for reunions and conferences. Staff are trained professionals who create a camp-like experience for children. They offer games, indoor/outdoor sports, movies, crafts, and board games.

CCCI will be on campus Friday and Saturday evenings from 5–10, offering a fun-filled program for children ages 3 and up. The cost is $20 per child and includes dinner.

Space fills up quickly and pre-registration is encouraged, so click here if you’re interested in signing up for this service.

More information about CCCI is available at www.childrensconferencecare.com. If you require additional forms or have any questions, e-mail us at info@childrensconferencecare.com, or call 617-492-6925.

We’re looking forward to seeing you on campus!