TCI grads of 1983 set to meet again

Transcona

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 20/09/2023 (1086 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Calling all 1983 Transcona Collegiate Institute (TCI) alumni and teachers…

An informal reunion will take place on Saturday, Sept. 30 at 7 p.m.in the lounge at Tavern United (826 Regent Ave. West). Graduates from years close to 1983 are also welcome, as well as those who attended Murdoch MacKay Collegiate. Admission is free, so just drop in. The lounge holds about 70 people.

At times, the term “class reunion” brings up feelings of trepidation and fear for some people. I’d like to offer some tips that may make for a successful and fun-filled evening.

Firstly, what happened in the ’80s was 40 years ago (my, how time has flown), so any uncomfortable situations you may have experienced back in school are hopefully long forgotten or forgiven by now. As teenagers, we certainly did not have the maturity we have now.

You may or may not recognize your former classmates or their names. A quick review of your yearbook may help. I suggest wearing name tags to avoid the awkwardness of having somebody say to you, “hey, nice to see you,” only to greet them with a look that says, “I haven’t a clue who you are.” Let’s face it, some of us have gained a bit of weight since we were in phys-ed class. We’ve lost hair or have gone grey; not to mention the wrinkles that come with life experience.

Are you shy, or afraid of running out of conversation? Make some notes for yourself of fond high school memories, and highlights of what’s been going on in your life such as your career, children, and grandchildren, as well as news of the people you’ve kept in touch with.

On the opposite spectrum, if you are a talker, be cognizant that the people you are talking to may want to make their way around the room, so don’t hog their time. Keep in mind, too, that not everybody is a hugger. If you get a vibe that a person would be receptive, go for it, but generally keep a bit of distance.

Food and drinks will be available to purchase. By all means, have a drink to enjoy your evening, but do not get drunk. I don’t think I have to explain why that’s a bad idea.

Most important, just be yourself. If you want to go out and buy a new outfit, that’s fine, but make sure it’s not out of your comfort zone.

The committee behind this event — Lisa Rand, Connie Johannson, Rosanna Dieleman, Wendy Koekkoek and Karen Holland — want to stress that it is intended to be more of a casual get-together to hear what everybody has been up to and to say hello to friends you may have lost contact with over the years.

So come on out and be prepared to have a fun time!