What to wear, what to wear...

I've gotten several questions about clothes for the reunion. Apparently, no one wants to look like the jackass who shows up wearing the equivalent of a prom dress when everyone else is wearing shorts and t-shirts (although I think it would be hilarious to actually dig out a prom dress and wear it... but I'll leave that option open for someone else).

Ericka, Lindsay and I talked about this when we got together at Ericka's to make the invitations, and we all agreed that it should be somewhat casual... less dressy than, say, going to a wedding, but more dressy than, say, a Saturday afternoon bumming around the house in sweats. I know everyone probably will think about wanting to look as super-fabulous as possible (I mean, come on. It's been ten years. We gotta look hot.), but let's be real. We're all pretty chill, so be comfortable. Be sure not to look like a slob, though, or you'll have to wait another ten years to correct it (haha!).

Okay, so there have been several questions and comments posted that deserve some response. First, we thought that having the tour and picnic earlier on Saturday would be good in case people want to get back to wherever they're coming from Saturday night. Also, getting the tour of the school with bleary eyes and sweatpants is probably acceptable. :)

I agree that Chub Lake is not necessarily the coolest, but it's easier for kids to swim there than in Lake Superior, and if Esko is our focal point, it's actually closer to go to Chub. I personally don't care because I live in Duluth, but we thought people might stay with their parents who might still be in Esko, soo... yeah. Chub it is.

We don't have anything planned for Friday during the day. Might I suggest a sightseeing cruise on the Vista Fleet? It's kind of fun learning about the harbor and what happens in it. I know I didn't pay attention to that at all when I was in high school.

As for Saturday night, we wanted to leave that open for people to make their own plans. I would like to pick a spot to meet up if people want (Mr. D's? The Red Star?), but that can be determined.

If everyone would send a few pictures, that would be great, especially if they're pictures taken during school hours. Be sure to put your names on the back of them so after Pelof scans them in we can return them to you. I think Andy Kulas has a copy of the senior film that we're planning on showing.

Okay, I think that covers it. Get those RSVPs in the Ericka, and keep those comments and questions coming!

Hey all,

Here's a message from Crissy Hubbard (Hanson) about Anna that she wanted me to pass on. Check it out:

Hi Everyone!

It's been a long time since I've talked to most of you but I'm looking forward to catching up this August. I wanted to update you all on a recent sadness that has hit my family as some of you are already aware. Anna (Hubbard) Lovaas and her husband Chad welcomed a baby boy, Samuel Eric, into the world this past June 8. The following day, Sam started having seizures and was rushed to Rochester to try and identify what was causing them. After several stressful days of test coming back with nothing to report, they finally found the cause. Sam had been born with a rare genetic disorder (so rare the doctor in Rochester who's been practicing for 15 years has only seen one other case). His case was so severe that he blessed us with his presence for only 5 days. Sam passed away on June 14. Anna wanted me to let you all know about this ahead of time. If you are curious about his life (or want to see pictures of the handsome guy) we did set up a website that explained a lot more about his disorder and gave a day by day, somtimes multiple times a day, update through a journal. The website is www.caringbridge.org/visit/samuellovaas and there is even a guestbook for people to leave messages as some of you have already done. Anna was and is comforted to read all of the kind words and blessings everyone has already sent their way. She and Chad are both doing very well and focusing on the joy he brought for the few days he was with us. As all of us with children know, those little ones become a permanent part of your heart from the moment you find out you are expecting one and never leave. She and Chad will always cherish the memories they had but are also looking to the future to welcome more children into their family.

Looking forward to seeing my fellow graduates in August!
Crissy (Hubbard) Hanson
Ceese04@hotmail.com (if you have any questions)

The Next Planning Meeting

Well, Ericka, Lindsay, Steve Pelofske and I met a couple of weeks ago to help finalize plans for the reunion in August. Among a round of beers and food, things seemed to actually get ironed out pretty well. We're looking at the major get-together at the Buffalo House, of course, and then a tour of the school Saturday morning around 11, followed by a picnic at Chub Lake. We wanted to get the park in Esko, but it was already taken--can you believe it? No one's ever using that thing!! Oh well. We figured Chub will be good for the kids to go swimming (and the adults, too).

I'm getting together next week with Ericka to get the invites out; be on the lookout for yours in the mail.

By the way, if anyone has any imput or suggestions, please let us know. Feedback is good!

Missing persons....

Okay, so they're not ACTUALLY missing, but we can't find 'em. Ericka posted these names in a comment on the first posting, but they deserve front page news. We're on the hunt for these people. Know where they are? Let us know!

-Dan Konczak
-James Thompson
-Suguar Queen
-Joe Rhunke
-Tom Johnson
-Amy Granholm
-Aaron Baxley

Ten years is indeed a long time...

Yeah! It's great to see responses from people; it's been a long time, yet reconnecting with folks brings me right back. What's really crazy about all of it is that ever since I started thinking about the reunion, I've been seeing Esko people left and right. I've seen Kim Elving, Melina Knase, Crissy Hubbard and Chris Hella, for example. (Sorry about not doing the married names, ladies. I'm just not used to it.) It's been fun being back in Duluth seeing these folks, and it makes me even more excited for the ruinion. Keep those comments coming!

Welcome, Class of 1997!

Hey everyone!

Welcome to the official Esko Class of 1997 reunion blog. A group of us have been talking, and I thought it would be nice to have a place where you can see updates on the plans as they're being made. I met with Ericka Vekich, Lindsay Gaffke, and Andy Kulas at the Buffalo House last Friday, and between beers and reminiscing, I think we've decided that the reunion dates will be August 3rd and 4th, so save that date and keep watching for updates!