Thank you, Gary, for the very kind words!
For newbies, we will have mentors, an ice-breaker, an orientation, and members with "stars" on their name tags who know many of the other members and can introduce. A special meeting for newbies would be a grand idea!
Often new people have questions they are embarrassed to ask. PLEASE don't hesitate to ask either Gary or me anything you want to know, in private mesage or email, of you wish. More than likely, there are several people with the same question who will be glad you asked. There WILL be other new people at the party. Some have already signed up. You won't be alone.
A couple of other things:
We had to set a deadline for registration. The hotel will only guarantee the room rates though March 13th, so if I don't RECEIVE your registration forms and fees by then, you'll be on your own with regard to rooms. That means SEND YOUR REGISTRATION FORMS EARLY so you won't end up paying the full room price.
Second, please do NOT give out the hotel information. That is confidential. I will take a VERY strong hard line with party-crashers. Not only is it a security measure, but it is plain old bad manners, selfish, and dishonest. Sorry to be so blunt, but there are a load of good people working very hard for this party, and their efforts should not be shortchanged by somebody who is simply too cheap to pay his or her share. As big parties go, it is a very inexpensive one. We don't make a penny of profit. (In fact, two years ago, we LOST $500.)
Sorry about that, but I had reason to mention it.
Finally, I will be at the January 24th Bottoms Up party here in Dallas if anybody wants to join us. You can also fill out your forms and pay your fees there, if that's more convenient. If anybody wants information about the BU Party, just write me at
tubaman2020@aol.com or IM me here.
Again, my apologies for the rough commnents about party-crashers. Just burns me. I know you guys don't do that. No accusation was intended.
Love you guys!
Paul (Tubaman)