SAHS D.C. Ghettogether Reunion

WASHINGTON, D.C.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. "I'll be flying in for the Ghettogether from out of town, what airport should I plan to fly into?"

A. That all depends. The best airport to fly into that will put you close to the Doubletree Crystal City Hotel (a three-minute drive) and Bolling Air Force Base is Reagan-National Airport. Two additional airports also serve Washington, D.C., and they are Dulles International and Baltimore-Washington International Airports.

Q. "Is the "Ghettogether Reunion" really held in the ghetto ... I mean, like, I'm not going to get robbed or killed, am I?"

A. No, silly! This is a simple play on words; the name is strictly for the humor-factor. There's no way we would put you or anyone else in harms way.

Q. "What's the weather like in D.C. during the summer?"

A. I can describe the weather in D.C. during the summer with three simple words; hazy, hot and humid. The temperature ranges from the low- to mid-80s, to the mid- to high-90s. D.C. is notorious for its humidity which frequently kicks the temperature up one to eight degrees.

Q. "Besides all the national monuments, what else is there to do in D.C.?"

A. What's there to do in Washington, D.C.? This is a trick question, right? There's a lot to do! D.C. and its surrounding area has many shopping districts, sports and recreation venues, theater and entertainment venues, performing arts centers, pubs, clubs, and coffee bars galore! Lets not foget that D.C. also stands for "Dining Capital". You can visit Georgetown, Chinatown, Adams Morgan, Capitol Hill, U Street, Downtown, Dupont Circle, Embassy Row, Foggy Bottom, Pentagon City, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Olde Town Alexandria, PHEW! I can go on, and on, and on. Whatever you're into, D.C. has it!

Q. "What about the crime rate in D.C.? Is it really as bad as those of us out here in Anywhere, U.S.A. hear?"

A. No. D.C. continues to get a really bad rap when it comes to this issue. The bottom line is this; if you're not involved in any drug activity, you're not in harms way. More than 90% of the crimes and murders committed in D.C. last year were drug related. Additionally, those crimes were centralized in a particular section of the city. Put it this way, you can walk the streets of D.C. at night just as easy as you can walk the streets of Great Bend, Kansas ... wherever that is. And as far as terrorism goes, D.C. is by far THE safest city in the world since the tragic events of September 11, 2001.

Q. "Are there going to be any activities for children?"

A. Yes. This was one of the not-so-sweet points with Ghettogether 2002. We are feverishly working to rectify (cool word, huh?) this and make sure that there's plenty to keep the kids happy and busy. Some of the things we're planning include a moonbounce, clowns, puppet show, face painting, etc. If you have any suggestions, please don't hesitate to e-mail us what's on your mind.

Q. "Can I bring a guest who didn't attend SAHS?"

A. Yes, but please understand that you MUST PAY for your guest to attend any Ghettogether functions. Absolutely, NO FREELOADERS! We regrettably did have them at Ghettogether 2002, but have taken steps to monitor this for 2003. Bottom line; if you bring a guest to the picnic, social or any one of the other planned events, you MUST PAY for your guest.

Q. "I'm an '82 grad and my brother is a graduate of '78. From what I understand, the SAHS D.C. Ghettogether Reunion is traditionally an 80s & 90s reunion, but can those from other graduating classes attend?"

A. By all means! We won't shut the stable doors on any Stallions who have attended or graduated from SAHS! Yes, the Ghettogether is traditionally for those who graduated in the 80s and 90s, but all SAHS alumni are welcomed to attend. Keep in mind, they will pay the appropriate 'alumni' fee.

Q. "What's the deal with the "traditional burning" at the Ghettogether?"

A. The "traditional burning" of a grilled food (ie. wurst, sausage, fish, hamburger, hot dog, etc.) started at the first Ghettogether and continues today. Why? We don't know, but it's tradition and you're not supposed to mess with or question tradition ... even if you don't know why it started and continues. If you have any further questions, feel free to e-mail the subject matter experts; Jake Hamilton '84, Marco Ocadiz '84, or Bill "Buzz" Buzinski '89.

Q. "I'll be attending the reunion by myself. Can we double-up in the hotel rooms to split the cost?"

A. Shhhhhhhh! Yes you can but you don't have to give away our secret! We would suggest that you get in touch with friends or others you know who plan to attend and make plans to room with them. Heck! If you can get two or three friends to room with, that's less money out of your pocket. Many of our attendees from last year roomed with others and it worked out great for all. Hey, we don't want you to go broke coming out here; if you can save a buck, do it!

Q. "Whatever happen to the last keg of beer from the Ghettogether 2002 Picnic?"

A. Ask Rick Ray '84 ... next question!

Q. "I know SAHS faculty have attended the Ghettogether in the past. What are the chances that we'll see the likes of Mr. Bernie O'Neil, Mrs. Bourland, Mrs. Jane Bockman, or Coach Palmer at Ghettogether 2005?"

A. Well, little one, if you close your eyes and make a wish, you never know who who will show up. Check the website for those who have registered to find out if your fave teach will be here! Keep your fingers crossed.

Q. "Is there any connection between the Ghettogether and the SAHS Alumni Association All-Year Reunions?"

A. No. Well, yes. Then again, no. Well, there is one little connection; all who attend both reunions have either attended or graduated from SAHS. There. How's that for an answer? That's the only connection, but the SAHS D.C. Ghettogether Reunion Committee strongly encourages ALL to try to make it to the next SAHS Alumni Association All-Year Reunion scheduled for July 2007 in a city yet to be determined. Visit the SAHS Alumni Association website for more on future SAHS All-Year Reunions. Many of us attended the 2004 San Antonio Reunion and we had a #$@*&!*" ball!

Q. "I attended Ghettogether 2002 and wasn't too happy with the music played at the evening social. Is anything going to be done as far as the music played for 2003?

A. Yes, this has already been discussed in detail at previous committe meetings and we are taking the necessary steps to make sure that the DJ we hire and pay plays a wide variety of music for all to enjoy. We want everyone to be happy with what they hear and boogie to ... right J.D. (Dorman '82)?

If you have any questions that you'd like to ask us about Ghettogether 2005, please feel free to drop us an e-mail at Ghett2gether@Yahoo.com . You may have a question that's on the minds of many who are hesitant to ask it ... step up and speak up!