Hello Smiley Class of 1980,
I’m reaching out regarding our upcoming 45th Class Reunion, scheduled for October 3–5, 2025. As you know, the reunion was announced as a joint event with Forest Brook High School’s Class of 1980. From the very beginning, many of us—including myself—expressed strong concerns about this decision. Despite our objections, the reunion committee moved forward.
Our request was simple: we wanted a Smiley-only 45th Reunion. When we raised this, we were told by Pam Hudson that it was “too late” because an agreement with Forest Brook had already been made and a hotel location secured. I found this troubling, since the reunion was still months away—plenty of time to make adjustments if the will of the class had been respected.
Initially, the committee planned only a Saturday banquet and a “bring your own bag lunch” picnic at Duessen Park. Those of us in disagreement pushed for a Friday night event just for Smiley classmates. At one of our regular Saturday breakfast gatherings at the Toasted Yolk, we were assured that a “Smiley-only” Friday mixer had been secured at a nearby venue. However, just last week, an urgent message from Karen Jones revealed that no such arrangement was ever made. Simply put—we were misled.
Thankfully, when the truth came out, Rhonda Tatum stepped up. Within two days, she secured Piggy’s Kitchen & Bar as a venue and created a flyer for the “Smiley Only” Friday night event. Karen visited Piggy’s herself, gave it high marks, and posted the flyer to our class Facebook page.
But this morning, I woke up to see yet another flyer—this time from Pam Hudson—announcing two Friday night events: Piggy’s (Smiley) and The Ice House (Smiley + Forest Brook). Let’s be honest: this is nothing more than an attempt to override what we as a class asked for. No one asked for another night with Forest Brook. They already had a cruise with them last weekend and will be with them again on Saturday night. What we want—and have consistently asked for—is time to celebrate with our classmates only: the people we walked the halls with, shared lunches with, cheered at pep rallies with, and graduated alongside.
So let me be clear: Smiley’s Friday night at Piggy’s Kitchen & Bar stands. If Pam and Roy wish to attend Forest Brook’s event at The Ice House, that’s their choice—but please leave the Smiley-only gathering as it was intended. This isn’t personal—it’s about honoring our class, our wishes, and keeping things free from confusion and unnecessary conflict.
Respectfully,
G. Pace
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