2019 Portland, Oregon... Not-a-Reunion

Dates: September 12 - 16, 2019

Email from Gene Borstel...

Richie and I attempted to organize a class reunion in Portland, Oregon the weekend of September 13th. We encountered a number of obstacles which made organizing an “official” class reunion very difficult. It was mutually decided to discontinue our efforts and not to host a 2019 MHS ’63 class reunion.

However, a small group of classmates independently decided they still would like to travel to Portland about the same time period. At this time, these include Carl and Janet, Tom and Sheila, Gene and Sandy, Kathy and Gary, Marianne, Richie and Harriet. Each of these classmates have their own agenda of activities such as going to the coast, visiting Oregon State, going to Skamania Lodge, shooting sporting clays etc. These classmates will most likely get together for some meals and will have the opportunity to tour the Portland Rose Test Gardens led by Master Gardener, Harriet Ottaviano. However, mutual meals and Harriet’s tour has not yet been planned. Also, each person will be responsible for making their own hotel and transportation reservations. Sandy and I plan to stay at The Benson Hotel.

Gene

All of us who know the Portland area agree that there is just too much to see, to much to do and to enjoy aside from being together again to fit into a typical three day reunion. This is especially evident in that so many of us that are familiar with the area want more time there to revisit places we already know well. This is a unique situation and where does this leave class members who have never visited? Over the years many of us have extended our stays at our reunion locations. Considering this, this reunion will need be planned around many of us extending our stays to focus on one or more features of the Portland Area that are just alittle further afield from the core focus of the Reunion.

	Accordingly, our Portland Reunion will have core reunion based in downtown Portland and three extended areas of focus which can occur either before or after the core reunion... These can be done on your own or with fellow class mates but will not be the reunions focus. The following is a model of how this can be structured. The calendar below displays the dates of the core reunion.
September 2019 Calendar	Who Is Comming and What and Where

Portland Downtown - Three days This would be the CORE of this "Not-a-Reunion". The Metro trolley system can serve as your primary means of transportation even from the airport. Staying downtown will allow you to enjoy the city, its museums and shopping and easy transportation to close in attractions such as the Rose Garden. This venue will also offer a more social time together and easy walks to everything in Downtown Portland especially the restaurants. Portland Downtown

Columbia River Gorge and Mt. Hood - Two Days This "Not-a-Reunion" feature features the Skamania Lodge. You will need a car. Here you can explore the Cascade Parkway scenic overlooks, Take a trip on a Columbia River Steamer and a car trip to Mount Hood and the historic Timberline Lodge. Again, you can just enjoy being together and relaxing at the Lodge. This would be two day event after the Portland Downtown "Not a Reunion". Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood

McMinnville and the Wine Country A Day trip from our base on the westside of Portland. Mcminville is home to the Evergreen Air and Space Museum and the town of Mcminville which is the home of the region's wine country. McMinnville and the Wine Country

Pacific Coastal - Two Days There is much to see from the mid coast area north to Astoria. This is at least a two - three day Pre Portland Dwontown "Not-a-Reunion". Never miss a stop at the Tillamook Creamery or waliking Newports's harbor. If the timing is right you might spot a whaleNot-a-. Pacific Coastal