2020 = 40 Year Reunion!

2020 = 40!

MHS Class of 80 / 40 Year Reunion - SAVE THESE DATES!

It's coming up fast folks! The Meridian High School Class of 1980 Forty Year Reunion is this summer.


Please follow our facebook page for up to date details (coming soon) at: facebook.com/mhs80

Here's what it's looking like so far:

FRIDAY NIGHT:

Friday, 8/21/2020, 6:00 – 10:30pm

Price: $15 per person, day of event, cash only

The event is at the Meridian Speedway Dairy Barns on north side of Speedway. There is an awning and then directly connected to the Speedway is a lounge that is reserved for our class. It is a no-host bar that serves alcohol and soft drinks. We will be providing small sub sandwiches, fruit & veggie trays, chips along with bottled waters.

This night is a meet and greet to see classmates that some of us have not seen since the last reunion or maybe even graduation. The attire is casual and should be a warm evening. The hours are 6:00 PM until 10:30 PM. When it gets to dusk we will do a scaled down version of a “Burning of The M” just like homecoming. Hopefully a good number of MHS Class of ’80 are there and maybe even a few of classes close to our graduating class too.

Any questions please contact Jenny Gugin-Schmeckpeper or Eddie Godsey.

Jenny 208-283-2950 jschmeck62@gmail.com

Eddie 208-995-4127 eddie@ymcinc.com

SATURDAY NIGHT:

Saturday night, 8/22/2020, 5:00-10:00pm

Price:    $35.00 per person, paid in advance

                Payment due no later than August 13 for planning purposes

                Casual attire

Location:             Barber Event Center

                                4049 S. Eckert Rd.

                                Boise, ID 83716

Time:                    5:00pm Gather / Mingle

                                6:00pm Dinner

                                10:00pm Event End

Parking:               $6.00 per vehicle (as available due to Barber Park river floaters)

Drinks:                  No-Host Bar (soft drinks available for purchase)

                                Free:  Iced Tea, Lemonade, Water

Dinner Choices - Entree:               - Creamy Artichoke Chicken

                                                                - Peppered Herbed Beef

                                 Sides:                 - Sliced Bread with Honey Butter

                                                                - Salad

                                                                - Parmesan Crusted Broccoli

                                                                - Baked Potato

                                Dessert:              - Cookies, Brownies, Raspberry or Lemon Bars

We are working on setting up our PayPal account and will post links to purchase tickets here soon. Please bookmark:

www.mhs80.com

"WARRIORS! COME OUT AND PLAY!"

We now interrupt your regularly scheduled web browsing....

For a word from our class president - Brad Campbell:

We interrupt your regularly scheduled Facebook browsing to bring you this special report......
Posted by MHS Class of 80 Reunion (Meridian, Idaho) on Thursday, April 16, 2015

It's about...TIME

We worry about the choices we've made and how other's might perceive us. We fear that, if we run into someone from our past, they might look younger than us or have more successful lives than we do - some do, some don't. That anxiety darkens our outlook. We become lost in that darkness of self doubt, regret, and self-judgement. Many tend to do the opposite of what will dispel that darkness - they disconnect and isolate. It becomes a depressing cycle. The truth will set you free! Come out of your comfort zone. These beautiful souls that we grew up with ALL have stories of regret, embarrassment, and failure. They also stories of gratitude, pride and joy....just like you. Nothing lightens a burden of heavy memories quite like hearing one of your peers say, "I know what you mean...that happened to me, too." or "You think THAT was bad? Listen to THIS!..."

Does any of this resonate with you? Isn't it about time to do something different? You can be anything you want at any time... This year I invite you to be bold and you can start by coming out, connecting with your classmates, sharing your story and listening to ours. I know you have always wanted to and now...it's time.

"Don't you think it's about time?" - Eugene Boyle

Posted by MHS Class of 80 Reunion (Meridian, Idaho) on Monday, April 20, 2015

SAVE THE DATE: JULY 25th, 2015

Tonight's meeting at Mickey Rays Bar-B-Q in Boise was both productive and FUN! Our host from Mickey Ray's was Ryan who provided us with samples of most of their menu family style. I can verify that it was delicious!

Attending was Brad Campbell, Janice McGehee, Eddie Godsey, Lori Larrondo Harris, Roger Smith and his wife Bridget (and her sister Jennifer Malone), J. Dana Cowan, and of course yours truly (Eugene Boyle) and my wife, Dori Lee Boyle.

Much business was discussed:

1. Firm date of July 25th, 2015, a Saturday (time and place still TBD)
2. Open to all classes before and after ours and to all who attended MHS for any amount of time regardless of whether they graduated with us or not.
3. Dress and atmosphere is to be casual.
4. Possible No Host Social the night before (Friday) at a location TBD.
5. Research regarding venues and activities is ongoing and final information will be submitted to Brad Campbell NLT than Monday, April 19th. Brad will email the rest of the committee with results and then set a date for our next meeting (location TBD, but possibly The Reef / Downtown Boise 6th and Main).
6. Food for the meeting was provided by Mickey Ray's as a sample of possible catering options.
7. We discussed ways and means of reaching out to the greatest number of classmates and helping them overcome any objections or obstacles that might hinder them from attending. We agreed that at this late date, social media was probably the best bet.
8. We talked briefly about classmates we have lost since the 30 year reunion.
9. We had everyone in attendance talk about aspects of our class and the upcoming reunion on film to be uploaded and shared my yours truly (Eugene Boyle)

A feeling of optimism and joy seemed to be shared by everyone as the night adjourned.

We are hoping for your support and input on our facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/mhs80
and on our website: http://www.mhs80.com.

More than that we hope to see as many of your bright shining faces on the weekend of July 25th as possible.

It is agreed this is not a major reunion and don't expect the numbers that we had at our 30th; however, we are looking forward to seeing some faces we didn't see in 2010 and we are counting on seeing a number of those we did.

Warriors! Come Out and Play!

Sincerely,

Eugene Boyle

35 YEAR REUNION - JULY 25, 2015!

Has it already been 5 years since our epic 30 year reunion? 

Indeed, it seems the years are rolling by faster and faster.

"AARP Recruiting Poster"

Last night the MHS Class of 80 Reunion Committee met at Pinnacle Sports Grill in Meridian to discuss the upcoming 35 Year Reunion. Present were yours truly (Eugene Boyle) and my date (and wife - Dori), Brad Campbell, Janice McGehee, Dana Cowan, Roger Smith and the lovely Bridget, and Todd Kirk.

Items that were discussed:

1. Creating a 'low  key'' affordable one day 35 year reunion event.  Currently set as July 25, 2015

2. Inviting all classmates to participate in the planning and preparations for the event.

3. Assigning /  Volunteering for various roles:

• Eugene  Boyle: Social Networking / Media
• Dana Cowan: Treasurer
• Todd  Kirk: Communications / Event Co-ordinator
• Roger Smith: Event Co-ordinator
• Janice  McGehee: Dinner

4. We discussed possible venues and caterers (nothing was decided) and possible activities such as golf, trap shooting, river rafting, river tubing (The Boise).

5. Opening up our Reunion to all MHS classes and classmates (regardless of how long they attended or if they actually graduated with us)

We are hoping for a great turnout and participation for both the Reunion and for the get-togethers / meeting leading up to July 25th. We always have fun and look forward to old friends popping in to join us.

Please help us get the word out: Suggest this website (http://www..mhs80.com) and our class Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/mhs80.

***NOTE: Todd was kind enough to snap the pic above with my phone. Here's the same group with him in pic and me behind the lens:

"Everybody lean back so our guts look flatter!"

New MHS Class of 80 Website

Our new website is nearing completion and you will soon be able to set up an account and make payments on the activities you chose to participate in during the reunion this year. Our next reunion planning / social hour is this Wednesday (Feb 3rd) 6:00PM at the studios of Viral Intermedia Production.

As usual - anyone and everyone is invited to attend. If you haven't attended one our meetings yet, now would be a good time to start. Most of the grunt work is done and we tend to emphasize the social aspect of the whole thing :)

See the new site at MHS80.COM

Minutes 8/3/2009 MHS Class of 1980

General:

• We still need more volunteers! Leads?
• Pay Pal account status: Dana
• Cheryl investigating classmates that have passed away

Friday (Casual gathering): Leads – Jennifer and Eddie

• Waterfront suggested by Eugene, free, decision?
• Event specificications

Saturday day (Multiple options): Lead – Todd

• Golf – Boise Ranch or Warm Springs – approx. $35
• Rafting – ¾ of a day excursion, $70 to $100. 3-hour $35 to $40

• Day Spa – Janice & Tricia to talk to Panache owner for a deal. (Discount + referral)
• Trap Shooting – Boise Gun Club - $20 to $30 per person.
• Tour-train - Tricia

Saturday night (Stueckle Sky Center): Leads – Diane and Janice

• 10% discount received with Steve’s patronage ($2,050-205 disc.+111+74 taxes = $2,030)
• 50% paid by Diane, contract sent to BSU last week
• Liquor permit owned by BSU, special permission bestowed by President Kustra
• Will need liability insurance
• Pilot Error – was anyone able to attend?
• Cheryl to check into souvenirs – pending.
• Eugene to check out a photographer and CD/DVD – pending.

Sunday (Settlers Park in Meridian): Leads – Tricia and Julie

• Updates from Tricia and Julie
• BYO option proposed by Brad to minimize costs

Next steps:

Next meeting: Monday 3 Aug 2009

6:00 p.m. 1121 N Cole Rd.

7-13-09 MHS Class of 1980

-13-09 MHS Class of 1980

Meeting Notes

Attending:  Julie, Steve, Tricia, Eugene, Eddie, Janice, Brad

General:

·         We still need more volunteers!  Everyone is welcome!

·         A date has been selected!  July 23^rd to 25^th, 2010.

·         Dana is in the process of setting up a PayPal account.  Eugene offered his assistance too.

·         Pilot Error (potential band for Saturday night activity) is playing this Saturday night at The Reef if you want to check them out.  There will be other opportunities to hear them in the near future. Contact Eugene for more info.

·         Cheryl to check into souvenirs – pending.

·         Eugene to check out a photographer and CD/DVD – pending.

·         Cheryl agreed to take the lead on investigating classmates that have passed away.  Please contact her with any information you might have.

Friday:  Leads – Jennifer and Eddie – casual check-in and get together.

No decisions made.  Eugene suggested The Waterfront and it would be free – every liked the idea.  Leads to propose event specifics next meeting.

Saturday day:  Lead – Todd – Couple of activity choices.

Todd had some great suggestions. 

·         Golf – Boise Ranch or Warm Springs – around $35.  Proposal for next meeting.

·         Rafting – ¾ of a day excursion, $70 to $100.  3-hour $35 to $40 prob a better option.  Proposal for next meeting.

·         Day Spa –   Janice & Tricia to talk to Panache owner for a deal.  (Discount + referral). Proposal for next meeting.

·         Trap Shooting – Boise Gun Club - $20 to $30 per person.  Proposal for next meeting.

·         Golf & Trap – Prob too much…

·         Tricia also suggested a tour-train option and will talk to Todd.

Saturday night:  Leads – Diane and Janice

Made a decision!  Stueckle Center it is!  Janice & Diane to discuss with Steve Sells for discount. (Thanks, Steve!) Janice to confirm that liquor insurance is included in proposed rates of ~ $35 pp. D & J can go over specifics next meeting.

Sunday:  Leads – Tricia and Julie

Made another decision!  Going to try for Settler’s Park in Meridian.  T & J to provide specifics and propose a catering option next meeting.

Thank you to everyone for pitching in!  The next meeting will be: August 3^rd, 6:00 p.m. 1121 N Cole Rd.

Minutes 13 July 2009 "We Need More People Showing Up!"

 Just a quick update to let everyone know that the Reunion Committee Meeting this past Monday here at my office on N. Cole was a success in many ways except one: we had less people show up than the first meeting.

In and of itself, that is not an indicator of how successful our reunion will be but I must admit, I am concerned. Although I was not a part of the 10 year (I was living in New York) and did not attend; I did go to the 20 and I will share with you that I thought it was fantastic. So much so that I have often felt a little curious as to who and how many people it took to pull off such a well planned event that served our classmates from all over the country so well.

Brad Campbell (our senior class president and head of the current reunion committee) shared with me a little after this last meeting that he was hesitant about being too involved this year. He felt that he and the others from previous committee's were relatively unsupported. The time, energy and responsibility that the former committees put in paid off well for those that attended but cut into their family lives, resources and busy schedules. Brad was not complaining; in fact he sharing that this endeavor felt unlike the previous years. I was excited that he thought this project seemed more inclusive than ever before with people willing to help us reach out and folks reaching back.

We do have busy lives but we also have nearly a year to pull off a spectacular and memorable event. The committee intends to have an event that we will both enjoy and that takes into consideration where we all might be at this stage of our lives. For instance, we expect that Family Day (Sunday) we might see more folks bringing their grandkids in addition to or perhaps instead of their adult kids.

Please get on board with your classmates and become a part of your reunion planning team. We want you and we need you.

A date has been selected! July 23rd - 25th, 2010 - mark it on your calenders now.

Click here to read the rest of meeting minutes.

Warriors! Come Out and Play!

Current Class List

Gathering together an updated and useful list of our class mates along with their contact information is a daunting challenge to say the least. Brad Campbell provided a list with 643 names. You will probably recall we were the largest graduating class in Idaho in 1980.

Today we have available free and easy to use technology to assist in our quest to reconnect with each and everyone of our classmates and to provide them with updates, information, and the opportunity to help with our reunion planning process and most importantly to attend our Thirty Year Reunion in person or at least in spirit. In spirit? Yes, as disappointing as it may be, some of us may not be able to attend the reunion for a number of reasons: other obligations, finances, distance, etc. If you think that you may not attend, we still invite you to connect with us and contribute to the planning, fund raising, and brainstorming. We are looking into creating a yearbook, multimedia slideshow DVD and perhaps even a 'livestream' over the internet for those of you who are just not able to make it for whatever reason.

Those of us who have already joined the planning committee are doing our level best to make this event the most memorable, inclusive and affordable reunion yet; to date we have had two: the ten year and the twenty year. I was surprised to find that a couple of people were not aware of one or the other. I am personally committing to getting the word out to every living classmate that attended Meridian High School as a member of our class (1980), graduate or not, whether they attended all three years or a day.

It's a challenge, to be sure; but many of you have offered to help and I am accepting your offer! We still need folks to join our planning committee in person, via e-mail or by phone. Additionally, we have a number of tools in place to support our reconnecting process:

1. If you are on facebook, please connect with me personally (eugeboy[at]gmail[dot]com) and I will invite you to our facebook page where you can read and contribute to the discussion regarding the reunion. If you are not currently on facebook, please consider starting a free account as it is probably the easiest way to communicate.

2. We have a blog website that you can subscribe to at www.mhs80.com (you may be reading this here already). Please subscribe to this page so that updates are automatically emailed to you. You can submit your thoughts by starting a new topic or click comment under any article to comment on the article topic.

3. I have started a Plaxo Group in order to allow anyone to update their own contact information. Plaxo is a free and useful tool that updates everyone when you change e-mail addresses, phone numbers or snail mail address. It is also useful to anyone wanting to backup their own contacts online regardless of what email client you use (ie: Outlook, Yahoo, Hotmail, Gmail, etc.) Once you start your free Plaxo account at Meridian High School Class of 80, you will be sure to be included in our database.

4. Finally, please consider starting a free (or paid) account at classmates.com, reunion.com or any of a number of alumni related sites. Many of us may not be members but you can assist us by looking for others that are registered there and making them aware of the 2010 Reunion and this website.

Our next planning committee meeting is July 13th at my office here in Boise (1121 N. Cole Rd / 83704)
Please join us any way you can. If you need to speak to me personally (Eugene Boyle) you can call me at 208-779-0080. I would love to hear from you.


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MHS Class of 1980 Thirty Year Reunion

With our own domain (mhs80.com and .net) we should be able to create a simple yet effective tool to keep our class informed, updated and connected. Please feel free to give us your input as to what types of features you would like to see available going forward.

I will take on the administrator/ webmaster role for the site unless one of you does this sort of thing for a living and can make it pretty AND functional; or would like to take it on or help for whatever reason.

Although many of us have connected on FaceBook, Classmates, Reunion and LinkedIn; this particular website offers some attractive advantages. This website is built on a blogger platform and therefore all posts are available to anyone looking for information about our reunion with out having to 'join' another social network. One can simply find information without giving out any. However we do encourage you to do two things: #1. Post and Comment - this will let the rest of us know that you are here and that you are interested in our reunion and reconnecting with our class. #2 Subcribe - please consider subscribing to this blog so that each time information is put out, it gets e-mailed to you rather than counting on coming back and checking the site manually. We all have busy lives and distractions that keep can keep us from our best intentions. Make it easy - subscribe.

In addition to the requests above, I would like to personally invite you all to share. Share your thoughts about the reunion, share your memories about you and your days at Meridan, even the less than pleasant memories. I have come to discover that even 30 years later, some of us still harbor resentments and suffer anxiety about the 'kids' we went to high school with. I have also found how easily (now that we are, ugh!, ADULTS) those old wounds are quickly and finally healed by sharing, disclosing and confessing them. Sometimes a small apology is all that is needed but most times the best medicine is laughter! You know that as a 47 year old man or woman you would not likely hold a grudge against a 16 or 17 year old kid (unless they were your own!).

We are not, none of us, the same person we were 30 years ago; and yet... we are. We all wanted and still want to be accepted, loved and cherished by our family, our friends and ...our peers. Here is a secret that I hope we have all learned since graduation: Give what you yearn to receive.

This class reunion is the only 'Thirty Year' reunion that you will ever have the opporunity to be a part of. It belongs to you and it depends on you showing up and participating in some way; even if that is to say, "Sorry, Gang, I can't make it back on that weekend but I will be there in spirit and I will help in whatever way I can until then."

This reunion is about Joy and Celebration. It is not about (as I said on facebook) comparing checkbooks, home size, hairlines or waistlines. Joy that we have survived as a group nearly a third of a century since June 1980. Celebration of what we have accomplished not as individuals, but as a group of people connected by a now thin strand of common thread: at one time the federal government, the State if Idaho, our community and our families forced us to go to a building at 1900 W Pine Ave, Meridian, ID‎ and spend the majority of our day, 5 days a week with a nearly 650 people not of our choosing! If you were like me; during those 1095 days you experienced: laughter, tears, hope, dissapointment, joy, anger, friendship, rejection, love, connection, isolation, anxiety, dispair, growth, understanding, self discovery, self acceptance and probably back to...laughter.

Many of you know I was born in the Philippines and attended many schools before my folks retired to the Treasure Valley. Shortly after graduation, I joined the army mainly to get away from Idaho and to see the world. After serving overseas I still thought that Boise was to 'small' for me so I chose New York for my home. Although I loved my 6 years on the East Coast, it wasn't until I married a girl from our ole alma mater that I came to realize that Idaho had always been the home in my heart. Once I had kids and a family to think of, I high tailed it back as fast as I could. I discovered that even though I had been away in body, I had carried Idaho in my heart and my extended family and community was still here to welcome me back.

They say that you can pick your freinds and you can pick your nose; but you can't pick your friend's nose - or your family. We, the Meridian High School Class of 1980, are part of your 'extended' family. Love us or hate us; we are here to welcome YOU back. In the summer of 2010 we are having a family reunion. You are wanted, welcome, and invited to come home to visit and celebrate with your family - no excuses!

I look forward to seeing all your bright shiny faces both at the reunion in 2010 and through out the next year both in person and online as we plan our 30 year extravaganza!

"Warriors, Come Out and Play!"

Meridian High School Class of 1980

Click the link above to go to our online photo album.

We would like you upload your photos of Then and Now.