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October 16, 2009
 

Calling all Dommerich Chiefs,

      The Dommerich Elementary Reunion last May was a wonderful event for all.  For one day we got to revisit the site of so many memories, reconnected with former classmates and honored the teachers and staff that made our time at Dommerich Elementary so special.  Then, it was over.  Many regretted that the time had passed too quickly, while others, due to prior commitments and inflexible work schedules, had to miss it.  With the impending demolition of “Our School” it looked like that day was gone forever.

      Well, maybe not.  While we won’t be able to repeat the excitement of the reunion, there is a chance for an encore.  Sometime next spring, the PTA and school administration will be holding a dedication day for the new Dommerich Elementary.  Though the date has not been set, it will include tours of the school and events that celebrate Dommerich’s past.  For those who missed it the first time, or those who didn’t want the day to end on May 2, 2009, this may be the chance to get together again to celebrate the past and future of the greatest elementary school in Florida. 

     While the dedication won’t be built around the alumni, the alumni will certainly be welcome to attend.  The Dommerich Reunion web site (www.DommerichReunion.org) will continue to serve as a meeting place for Dommerich alumni and teachers, and will periodically send out emails with information about Dommerich events of interest.  As school dedication plans become available, we will forward that information to you.  So, be thinking about where you want to be next spring, and let your Dommerich friends know that if they’ve been kicking themselves for missing the reunion, it may be time to stop.

 Go Chiefs!       





April 27, 2009

  • Just five days left until the Dommerich Elementary Reunion. – May 2, 2009.  10:00 AM until 2:00PM.  The Dommerich Elementary PTA will host free self-guided tours.  This will be your last chance to walk the halls of Dommerich with your former classmates.  Take advantage of it! 
  • BBQ dinner reception ticket sales end at 3:00 PM on Wednesday April 29. -  If you’d like to attend the BBQ reception, please take the time to sign up at www.Dommerichreunion.org, under the “Reception Tickets” tab.  In order to provide an accurate count to the caterer, ticket sales will end at 3:00 PM on Wednesday April 29th.  There will be no tickets available on May 2. 
  • Schedule of events – The Dommerich PTA has given us a preliminary schedule of events to be held at the school.  Beginning at 11:00 AM, there will be speeches by Principal Robin Matthes and Maitland Mayor Doug Kinson, as well as entertainment by the Dommerich Elementary school choir.  Class pictures will be taken at the school and distributed free-of-charge to those registered for the BBQ.  Make sure to check the posted schedule at the school to determine when your class picture will be taken.  More details will be available at the reunion.
  • Help the PTA – The Dommerich PTA works hard all year to see that today’s “Chiefs” get the same great opportunities we had.  A large portion of their time is devoted to fundraising activities to cover expenses not provided for in the school budget.  On Saturday they will be offering many Dommerich Elementary items for sale in the school lobby.  Each item they sell will help them with their goal of providing the best education for their students.  Please help their cause by making a purchase.       
  • A parking reminder – Take note of the words of Sgt. Pete Stephens of the Maitland Police Department when you park your car: 

 

PLEASE BE ADVISED: There is no parking on Mojave (north to Shawnee), Choctaw (at the entrance to the school) and if you do park on Seneca, be kind and keep it to the school side of the street. No parking in the Dommerich school driveways or along the construction fences.
     Due to problems in the past with parents, the entire grass right of way on the Thistle side is OFF LIMITS TO PARKING. Officers will issue tickets and tow cars (at $125 a pop) if there are any problems.  I know this will be a great event for all.”
 
Sgt Pete Stephens (class of '76)
 

  • Is this Heaven? – Fourteen months of planning are about to end.  We hope you will enjoy the day, reconnect with old friends and teachers and take a long, last look at the finest elementary school in Florida.  When you roam the halls on Saturday we’re sure a lot of very good images will come to mind.  Savor them.  Dommerich Elementary is our “Field of Dreams”, and will always be just a memory away.            

 

The Dommerich Elementary Reunion Committee



April 24, 2009

Hello Dommerich Alumni,

With 8 days left until our big Reunion Day, we still have a few tickets left for the reception.  They will be on sale until 4pm on Wednesday April 29, 2009.   At that time, the page will be turned off and there ticket sales will stop.  As previously advertised, there will not be tickets available at the door to the reception, but remember, the 1st half of the day at the school is free to all past students and teachers.  The committee members have worked hard to provide every Dommerich Alumni with a fantastic day.  See you there.

The Dommerich Reunion Committee


April 14, 2009
Dommerich Reunion Newsletter

 


Only eighteen days left until the Dommerich Elementary Reunion. – Fourteen months of planning will come to an end on May 2, 2009 when the Dommerich Elementary Reunion begins at 10:00 AM.  Are you going to be there?   

 

  • The Hallowed Halls of Dommerich – Dommerich Elementary is still a working school, and we’re just there for a visit.  During the tours, please keep in mind that the kids will be back to work on Monday morning.  We owe it to them, as former “Chiefs”, to leave the school in good condition when we leave.  Please do your best to see that this happens.
  • “Where are we gonna park?” – Finding a parking space on reunion day could be tough.  Due to on-going construction, parking at Dommerich Elementary and Maitland Middle School will be impossible.  Since everyone is familiar with the neighborhood, use your best judgment when parking on the streets near the school. The Maitland Police Department will have officers in the vicinity, but we could quickly create gridlock if we’re not considerate.  Please park in such a way as to allow room for local traffic to move freely. 
  • BBQ dinner reception tickets are still available - Please take the time to sign up at www.Dommerichreunion.org, under the “Reception Tickets” tab.  We have about 100 tickets left, and ticket sales will end on April 30.  There will be no tickets available on May 2.  Prices for the reception will be going up in mid-April, so order your tickets now and save!

 

  • Keep telling your friends! -  It’s one thing to tour Dommerich by yourself, but a lot more fun to do it with your former classmates. If you know a former Dommerich Chief, tell them about the reunion, and encourage them to sign up at  www.Dommerichreunion.org.

 

  • We’d like to see you - We are still looking for pictures of activities associated with the “Dommerich Years”.  These pictures will be assembled into a slide-show presentation to be shown at the school on May 2, 2009.  Photos taken on the school grounds and the Maitland area are welcome.  Scanned pictures that can be emailed are preferred.  Contact Webmaster Marianne Wittlels at Pictkr99@aol.com if you can help.

 

 

 

The Dommerich Elementary Reunion Committee

 


 March 24, 2009


Dommerich Reunion Newsletter

 

Here’s the latest news about the Dommerich Elementary Reunion.

 

  • TICKETS FOR BBQ!

Tickets are now being sold for the BBQ dinner reception, to be held after the free school tours have concluded on May 2.  This event will require a paid ticket.  Please sign up at www.Dommerichreunion.org, under the “Reception Tickets” tab.  Prices have been reduced to make the reception affordable for all, but you must sign-up to participate.  Prices for the reception will be going up in April, so order your tickets now and save!

 

  • PICTURES NEEDED!

We are currently looking for any former classmates or teachers that can provide pictures of activities associated with the “Dommerich Years”.   Class pictures, individual shots, classroom scenes…anything!  These pictures will be assembled into a slide-show presentation to be shown at the school on May 2, 2009.  Scanned pictures that can be emailed are preferred.  Contact Webmaster Marianne Wittlels at Pictkr99@aol.com if you can help.

 

  • SEEKING VOLUNTEERS!

We are seeking volunteers that wish to assist us with the BBQ function.  If you would like to help out the Committee in any way, please contact Kevin McKechnie at kebrmck@sbcglobal.net.

 

  • SPONSORS NEEDED!

Do you know of a local business that would like a tremendous amount of positive publicity for little cost?  Sponsors enable us to do things that BBQ ticket sales alone cannot provide.  Remember, the school on-site event is largely to the benefit of the PTA and is essentially free to attend.  If you know of a way to help our efforts accordingly, please contact Kevin McKechnie at kebrmck@sbcglobal.net.

 

  • SPREAD THE NEWS!

Want to help make the reunion a success?  Keep telling your friends!  We’ve got almost 500 former classmates registered on the web site to-date, and estimate that this is less than 10% of all students who have graduated from Dommerich Elementary.  The Class of ’74 leads the way, with 49 classmates signed in, while some classes only have a single person registered, or none at all.  With six weeks to go, everyone is responsible for making the reunion a success.  If you know a former Dommerich “Chief”, tell them about the reunion, then get them to register at www.Dommerichreunion.org.

 

Thank you,

 

The Dommerich Elementary Reunion Committee


February 28, 2009
Dommerich Reunion News


During a recent committee meeting, we looked for ways to we are cutting ticket prices to encourage more participation.  Here are the details.

 

Reception Ticket Prices make the reception more attractive, not only to the older alumni, but also to the families with children still at Dommerich.  As always, price was an issue.  Because this is a reception for all Dommerich Chiefs, and our last chance to celebrate “Our School” together,

 

·         Effective immediately, reception ticket prices are now $15.00 each for those over 18, and $10.00 each for those under 18.  This is a 50% discount of the adult ticket price and a 33% discount of the former 13 to 18 price.  For those who have purchased tickets at the higher price, refund checks will be sent to you for the price difference.  The reunion web site has been updated to reflect the new pricing.

·         Alternate payment methods – If you’d prefer to purchase reception tickets without using a credit card, money orders are acceptable. Please contact reception committee leader Sue Macchiarella at Suem@jesusatcovenant.org to get the details.  Due to the geographic distribution of alumni, personal checks cannot be accepted.    

·         Ticket sales will be limited – To insure that the capacity of the church facilities are not exceeded, ticket sales will be limited to 250.  All tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis.

·         We could use some help – If you’d like to help with the planning and organizing of the reception, please contact Sue at the email address listed above.  More volunteers will be needed as reunion day approaches.

·         Sponsors are always welcome – If you’d like to help sponsor the reception financially, or assist with needed goods or services, please contact Dean Harisis at tmottbg@earthlink.net or Kevin McKechnie at Kevin@onlineresourcesinc.com for a list of needed items. 

 

       

Mrs. Cassady Is Retiring After 30 Years At Dommerich Elementary

 

      Recently we received an email from Jennifer Reichardt, a room representative for Mrs. Cassady’s class at Dommerich.  Jennifer wrote,

 

“This is Mrs. Cassady's last year of teaching. She has taught at Dommerich for roughly 30 years and has a 45 year career in this profession!! To celebrate her tremendous dedication to the field of teaching and Dommerich, I was hoping that through your website and the reunion, I could get word out to some of the students she has taught at Dommerich over the years.
 
I wanted to ask her former students to send me an email describing their memories with her as their teacher. I was hoping to put together a book of these students' quotes as an end of the year gift for her.”

 

If you’d like to share your memories of a teacher who gave so much to Dommerich, please contact Jennifer at parkscole@msn.com.



February 5, 2009

Subject:  Less than 90 days away!

 

Dear Dommerich Chiefs,

 

Once again, thank you for registering on the Dommerich Reunion web site.  The Reunion Planning Committee continues to be amazed at the response thus far, and we appreciate all that you are doing to help us get the word out.  Equally important is to get other alumni to register here so that everyone has opportunities to reach out to old friends and begin planning various get-togethers around the May 2nd events.

 

We have a LOT to update you on, so please read all of this carefully:

 

- We now have two separate events slated for May 2nd.  The free self-guided school tours will be available from 10am-2pm, and will be hosted by the Dommerich PTA.  They have reminded us that legal requirements and protocols set forth by the State and the Orange County School Board rule that, prior to reunion day, personal visits to the school are not allowed unless cleared in advance through the school administration.  This policy includes the media, and has been put in place to ensure the safety of the children.  We thank you for your cooperation and support of this essential policy.

 

-A fully catered BBQ reception has been added to the day’s festivities.  It will be held from 2-6pm on the grounds of the First Baptist Church of Maitland, just up the street from the school (it’s adjacent to the original quad of Little League baseball fields just north of the Middle School).  Tickets are now available for secure purchase online through our web site, and will be sold on a first come, first served basis.  Seating is limited, so once they are sold there will be no provisions to accept more guests!

 

-Want to help support the reunion?  Become a sponsor!  We’re actively seeking people or groups to assist reunion efforts with sponsorship.  If you’re interested, please contact reunion committee members Kevin McKechnie at Kevin@onlineresourcesinc.com or Dean Harisis at tmottbg@earthlink.net.    

 

- Don’t forget to buy your customized bricks!   Proceeds will directly benefit the PTA and today’s students!  We have also established a separate link for Dommerich apparel sales.  The PTA receives rebates on each item purchased, so show your Chiefs pride and check out the vast selection.   An apparel display booth will be at the school on May 2, and orders will be accepted in person.  However, no actual inventory will be available that day so please be aware of that.

 

- We need old photographs!  Several static and motion displays will be established at the school on May 2nd and we need more content to create some great memories.  Dig through those shoe boxes and share with other alumni your photos from your “Dommerich Days!”  Class pictures, school plays, choruses, playground pics…anything that you can find and share!   Please forward scanned copies in either .jpg format to Marianne Wittels at Pictkr99@aol.com.

 

Keep checking the web site regularly for more updates and news!

Your Dommerich Reunion Committee



Charlie Clayton at Dommerich Reunion Planning Meeting 2008
Charlie Clayton at Dommerich Reunion Planning Meeting 2008

January 12, 2009

                          Charlie Clayton
      May 24, 1921 – January 9, 2009

  “Dommerich World” lost a good friend on January 9, 2009, when Charles Clayton passed away.  Known to everyone as “Charlie”, he and his cousin, Malcolm, built over 5000 homes in their fifty-year career, including all of them in Dommerich Hills, Dommerich Estates, Dommerich Woods and The Cove.  In addition, the land on which both Dommerich Elementary and Maitland Middle School sit was donated by the Claytons for that purpose.  It’s accurate to say that without Charlie and Malcolm Clayton, there might not have been a Dommerich Elementary.
     Shortly after the Orlando Sentinel published an article about the reunion last July, reunion committee members Dean Harisis and Kevin McKechnie each received a letter from “Charles W. Clayton, Jr.”.  Inside was an offer to help us with the reunion in any way he could.  For our infant reunion plans, this was stunning news.  We thought he’d long since retired after a successful career and had faded from view.  We were wrong.
     At our first meeting with the Dommerich Elementary PTA, Charlie was there, and you couldn’t miss him.  Picture an 87 year-old man dressed in a seersucker suit, pink shirt and a Stetson hat dropped into a place where the average age is somewhere south of twelve.  During the next two hours Charlie walked the school with us, talking and joking with everyone, and as eager to see what was around the next corner as we were.  During lunch in the cafeteria he sat there happily eating Dommerich’s finest, and seemed very content to do so.
    During a short conversation I asked him about his career, and he replied, “I wish I could do it all again.”  Think about that.  Most people would take the money and run, but Charlie’s aim was different.  He wanted to help the community and help others.  It’s obvious he achieved his goal when you read the comments of the alumni on this web site.  There’s a universal love for the school and the neighborhood present, and that’s as much a tribute to Charlie and Malcolm as it is to the family and friends we grew up with.  We’ll miss seeing him at the reunion in May, but are honored that he wanted to be a part of it.  There’s no doubt, he was a “Dommerich Chief”.


_______________________________________________________

12/31/2008
WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO MAKE THE REUNION A SUCCESS?

As we turn the page on 2008 (thank you!) and move eagerly into a brand new year, we are all reminded that the Dommerich Elementary Reunion event is barely four (4) months away.  You younger Dommerich grads might view that as a long ways off, but let me tell you that the older grads in the crowd know all too well that May 2nd will be upon us faster than we all realize!

So, on the eve of the New Year, I ask you this:  What are you personally doing to make the reunion a success?  Have you been attempting to contact your former classmates?  Have you been Googling names and looking on MySpace and FaceBook?  Have you encouraged your former classmates to register here?  More importantly, have you been planning any kind of get-together or "plan" to walk the hallowed halls of Dommerich as one group?  And, considering how many teachers have registered so far, have you taken the time to write them a note?

The Reunion Committee can only create so many sparks.  The flame is YOU!  We need everyone's help in getting the word out.  Tell your neighbors about it,.  Post a thread in various online forums and chat rooms ("Off Topic" sections are great for this sort of thing).  The sad reality about most reunions is that many people that would have liked to attend were never informed about it!  I've seen this happen at the high school level too many times.

So if you're thinking about your New Years resolutions, please add one more to them. 
How about pledging to do whatever is in your power to elevate the awareness of this ONE TIME ONLY event to as many people as you can?

Thank you for your efforts and for participating in this awesome affair! 

Best regards,

Dean Harisis
Class of 1974

P.S.  DON'T FORGET TO CONSIDER BUYING A BRICK!  The link is now to the left and not only will it help the PTA with current student needs, but it will create a "legacy stamp" on the new campus for either you, a favorite teacher or a loved one.  Orders received by February 1 will be included in the initial campus construction (all bricks will be layed no matter when they are bought)!