Pre-Holiday Party -- Respond ASAP

Hi, All! Since some people have told me that they didn't see the last party post, I've cut and pasted part of it here, so if what you read below looks familiar, that's why, but I've edited and added to it, so please read on... When we posted asking for opinions about where we should hold our party, most of you voted to have it at Healthtrax in Newington (where our own Tammy L. works). It's off the Berlin Turnpike (Rt. 15), so it's in Central CT and is easy to get to from I-91 or Rt. 9. Since last year's party was in Orange and our summer picnic was in Waterford, it seems fair to have this function in that part of the state. It will be Sat. night, Nov. 19th (the Sat. before Thanksgiving, which somehow is only 2 weeks from Sat.!). The club closes at 6 p.m. on Saturdays, but Tammy said that those of us who'll be setting up will be able to get there earlier to do so, so we can start the party at 6. We can stay as late as we want (or as Tammy wants). We'll have the run of the place, including the pool, hot tub and sauna. There's a large refridgerator/freezer that Tammy said is mostly unused, so we won't need coolers. They do want a rental fee of $100 (which Tammy and I both think is reasonable). Rather than waiting till everyone RSVP's and then dividing the $100 by the number attending, and then, if some don't show up, having to collect a little more from each person there, Tammy suggested that we set an amount per person up front and donate any extra money collected to charity. Maybe the Red Cross Hurricane Relief Fund? We're thinking of $5 per person. Peter Ligas told me that he has catered various parties in the past (for other groups), so we had a couple of choices. Peter has all sorts of equipment and supplies that we can borrow (if we promise that everything he brings will go home with him at the end of the night) to make a potluck dinner go more smoothly. Or we can hire Peter to cater the party. After the last post, most people voted to have Peter cater. Now that he's back in CT, we spoke about the party last night. He isn't looking to make any money off of us; he's just going to charge enough to cover his expenses. So our menu selection will determine what the per-person charge will be. We can have anything we want (except for Mexican food, per Peter), but certain foods are more expensive, for example, shrimp costs more than chicken. Also, fat-free and reduced-fat items generally cost more than full-fat ones, but that's a more necessary choice than shrimp. So here's what Peter's thinking of for the menu (and keep in mind that there will be some non-ops (friends, spouses, etc.) there): Veggie platter with fat-free dip Low-fat cheese platter with low-fat crackers Salad with fat-free dressing Chicken wings Meatballs in fat-free gravy Kielbasa with sauerkraut Low-fat chicken parmesan Spaghetti with meatballs Dessert (to be determined...probably some with sugar and some sugar-free) Coffee and tea (decaf, of course) Since everyone has different likes and dislikes in terms of cold beverages, we thought we'd allow for that and keep the cost down somewhat by asking everyone to bring their own cold beverage (if they want one). But don't forget that there's NO alcohol allowed at Healthtrax. Please post a reply here within the next couple of days giving your opinion of the menu and any additions/substitutions you'd like to see. Then Peter will be able to give us a price, I'll be able to post and you can submit RSVP's and mail checks. There will be a cut-off date for receipt of checks of Mon., Nov. 14th (2 wks. from today) to allow time for shopping and food preparation. Obviously any members of this message board are invited, along with spouses/significant others. Feel free to bring along friends and/or relatives who are pre- or post-ops or are maybe just considering WLS. Besides fitness-related entertainment, and possibly dancing (which if done quickly enough and long enough is also fitness-related), we'll have a gift exchange for those who wish to participate. I don't remember what it's called, but we had one at the party last year and it was fun. This is how it works: Each person brings a wrapped gift worth up to $10 and in exchange receives a piece of paper with a number on it. When it's time to choose the gifts, the person with #1 chooses any gift he/she wants and unwraps it. Then #2 chooses a gift, unwraps it and decides whether to keep it or force #1 to exchange with him/her. Next #3 chooses a gift, unwraps it and decides whether to keep it or force #1 or #2 to exchange with him/her. That keeps going on until the last person unwraps the last gift. Finally #1 gets to force anyone else to exchange with him/her if he/she doesn't want to keep the gift that he/she ended up with. Debby

Hi Debby- Happy Halloween! Isn't it nice that we no longer consider dressing up as a pumpkin offensive?!?! I would love to attend the holiday party. I also am available for asny assitance Peter needs or if there is anything I can do to help. I work in Newington, right down the street from Healthtrax, actually. Please add me to the "yes" list, and keep us posted on any funding needed. Thanks -Erica

I would love to come...and help whereever I can. Please let me know if you need $$ ahead of time. Not sure hubby can get the night off..but count me in. Thanks Debby..for putting this together. Also..I have name tags somehwere from last year..I just need to buy inserts..so if you think we need them..let me know. XO Joanie

You can count me in too! And let me know if I can help at all with the food. I'll be here early that day to help set up!! Tammy

Count Mike and I in as well. Hugs, Maggie

Count me in Debby....My husband too..although I'd like to put in my two cents worth for the shrimp....It is a great source of protein and it would be great if it could be part of the menu.........Looking forward to see you all at the party, Love, Dorota

I think the shrimp wouold be worth a few extra bucks. Its a very low calorie source of protein- and there are some of us pre-ops that are on South Beach....low fat isn't my need- it's low carb- so meatballs, (carbs in the bread crumbs) chicken parmesean (breaded chicken) spaghetti, fat free dressing/dip has more carbs than non fat free, all have carbs- I need something I can eat....especially since I will be arriving after having just pulled a 12 hour shift of nursing. If Peter wants a few South Beach friendly recipies I can provide I am a member of the website

Sadly, I will not be able to make the party! I had already agreed to another party for that same night. But I hope everyone has a great time. Happy Pre-Holidays!

Hey Debby, You can count me and Tom in too. You called me the other night when I was out and I missed your call. Let me know what you need from me. I think having Peter cater is a wonderful idea, he sounds like he knows what he is doing and would do a great job. I think its a great menu and the price is very reasonable. I will send my check to you as soon as you let me know where to mail it. Can't wait to see everyone. Kim

I CAN'T believe that I can't come!!! This is the day that my honey comes home from active duty and I can't NOT be there when he gets home! Man- I'm bummed. How can I miss the party that I had SO much fun at last year??? And I wouldn't have had to drive all over creation to get there. Boo hoo. I'm off to sulk now...