2009 Herzo Reunion
2009 Herzo Reunion
LET’S PLAY AUGUSTA! This year’s Reunion will be held in Augusta, GA from September 18-20, 2009. The hosting Hotel is the Augusta Marriott Hotel and Suites located at: 2 10th Street (Two Tenth Street)
Augusta, GA 30901
Make your Reservations via telephone at:
1-800-868-5354 or 706-722-8900 and identify yourself as a Herzo Survivor.
Discounted Survivor room rates are $109 (versus regular rate of $179) per night plus GA Tax of 13% and Local Transportation fee of $1 totaling $124.17. The Herzo rate is available 3 days before 9/18 and 3 days after 9/20. A limited number of handicapped rooms are available, two with roll-in showers. Handicapped Survivors, who think they might attend the Reunion, are urged to make a reservation immediately, recognizing that rooms can be canceled up to 9/xx. The Hotel and Suites comprise two separate, but attached buildings. The rate for a standard Hotel room and a Suites room is the same. The Suites room will be somewhat larger, but the standard Hotel room is good size. Attendees who have some mobility issues are advised to book a standard Hotel room as the Reception, Banquet, and Brunch will be held on the 2nd floor of the Hotel. While all under cover, it may be necessary to walk a quarter mile, or more, to move from the Suites to the Hotel activities.
Self parking is complimentary and Valet parking is $10 per day. Getting from the parking area into the Hotel or Suites is not complicated.
Deposit: A deposit (non-refundable at the option of the Committee if the Reunion is held) is required in the amount of $90 double/$60 single, which covers 2 Drink Tickets per person, Reception, Brunch, and an updated Directory.
The cost of the dinner buffet (including fish, chicken, and beef) will be $36 and includes a 19% Service Charge and 7% GA Sales Tax. Note these prices are lower than last year. If you desire a vegetarian entree or a diabetic dessert, please note same on the sign-up form. (Also, to assist us with the special order for German beer, you will be asked to indicate an approximate number of bottles of Becks and/or Warsteiner beer you will purchase with Drink Tickets or otherwise. )
A Dinner- Show is planned for Saturday evening at Fort Gordon (Dinner 7-8, Show 8-10). Based on attendee response, it is possible we will tie in a Tour of Fort Gordon on the bus trip to the Dinner/Show. Instead of the Tour, we could do a hour Cash Bar prior to Dinner. Bus transportation will be provided with boarding time at the Hotel dependent on whether we have a Base Tour, Cash Bar, or not. Return to the Hotel should approximate 10:30 PM. The dinner will be buffet style with 3 entrees, salad and dessert. The Show Director is experiencing some legal problems with the originally planned show, but advises the show will be a Comedy, regardless.
As we all know full well, the US economy is not good. A fair number of Survivors have been adversely impacted financially. We have tried to assess, but have some concerns regarding the implications the economic situation holds for Reunion attendance. Accordingly, for the first time, we have included an Escape Clause in our contract with the Hotel. This Escape Clause permits us to cancel the Reunion up to June 1st, without penalty. While we now feel relatively confident we can make the requisite numbers, we are protected financially. To make this work most successfully, we need your cooperation in responding promptly upon receipt of this announcement. If you ask, “Will it mean I cannot attend, if I do not respond promptly?”, the answer is, “It depends on whether we get sufficient positive responses to move forward with the Reunion. Rest assured that if you send us money and the Reunion is canceled, your money will be refunded promptly. Madoff is not involved in this operation.
There is much to see and do in Augusta. The Visitor and Convention Center advises that The Arts in the Heart Festival is scheduled the week-end of our planned Reunion. It is advertised as Augusta’s best festival and they have festivals on a regular basis during the summer. This Festival starts on Friday and runs through Sunday, costs $7 as a one-time charge, and features music, crafts, and food. It is accessible via the Riverwalk, about two scenic blocks from the Hotel. See also for information on Artists Row, blocks 700-1200 on Broad Street.
You are encouraged to view the following websites for information, hours, and costs for some very interesting sites to see and things to do:
– The Augusta Museum of History
- Features an exhibit on James Brown, the Godfather of Soul
– Fort Gordon, US Army Signal Center
- - Signal Corps Museum
– The Boyhood Home of Pres. Woodrow Wilson
– Morris Museum of Art – Smithsonian Affiliated
- Sacred Heart Cultural Center
– Augusta’s Riverwalk
– Augusta Canal and Interpretive Center
– For the ladies, shops within walking distance on Broad Street or in the Mall, less than 20 minutes away via auto.
– Overall information on Augusta and information on Historic Tours of Augusta.
Because of the other scheduled events and limited time, we have not scheduled any of the above. Based on your feedback and input, we will consider scheduling a short Canal Boat Tour if you show sufficient interest. It may also be possible to acquire ticket discounts by showing your Herzo ID Badge at some attractions, such as the Augusta Museum.
There is also a privately owned Patriot Tour Boat that departs from a dock adjacent to the Marriott Hotel. This 51 foot, enclosed boat seats 60 people. It has 2 restrooms, but you need to bring your own food. One hour public tours are scheduled Tue. – Sat. 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM, They do not have a website, but you can get more information or schedule your Tour by calling 803-730-9739 or via e-mail to .
Finally, Joe Connelly has volunteered to lead a 5 mile hike with 40 pound backpack leading to a bivouac. Contact Joe for details and cost. Again, no website.
We urge all of you to seriously consider attending this Reunion, as we are not getting any younger. Please complete the form provided and mail required monies in check form payable to REUNION ACCOUNT to :
Ed Geisler
8509 Ashgrove Plantation Circle
Vienna, VA 22182
If you have questions, feel free to contact Ed at 703-847-1409 or via e-mail --
Draft Form (Carl and Darrell –feel free to jump all over this)
Survivor Name: ______Spouse/Guest Name:______
Address: ______City:______St:____ ZIP:______
Telephone: ______E-Mail Address: ______
Amt. Included
Deposit: $90 Double ______
$60 Single ______
Banquet: $72 Double ______
$36 Single ______
Dinner/Show at Fort GordonFt. Gordon Tour
$70 DoubleYes ___ No ______
$35 SingleYes ___ NO______
Total______
Augusta Canal Boat (Show of Interest Only)
If you would be interested in a one hour Tour of the Canal on Saturday at 11:30 AM, please indicate below along with number of passengers. This Tour would be on an open canal boat that seats 49. It is bring your own food/drink and there are no restrooms. See website noted above for more information.
Interested in Canal Tour – Yes ____, Number of Passengers ____
Vegetarian Entrée (s):
I would like ______(#) for ______(Name)
Diabetic Dessert (s):
I would like ______(#) for ______(Name.
German Beer (May not need)