What is The Connector Newsletter and Web Site?

A Chronological History

The Idea: While attending a wedding with several fellow graduates, I said to myself "wouldn't it be nice to have a way to keep my class (the class of 1983) in touch in between each reunion". The gears turned inside my head, and I came up with the idea for a newsletter. I approached several other classmates about the idea. While many though it was a good idea, they didn't know if I would receive enough support to keep the project going. My response was "we won't know unless we try". I decided to publish the newsletter semi-annually in June and December of each year, with the December issue coming out early enough to be enclosed in holiday cards.

The Newsletter: I published the first issue of the newsletter, now called The Connector, in December of 1995. Armed with a re-print about a fellow graduate from a local newspaper, a few autobiographies from some people that I kept in touch with, and a mission to spread the word about the newsletter, I printed my first issue. The distribution was limited. I sent copies to the 20 or so people (of a graduating class of 672) with whom I kept in touch, hoping that they, in turn, would send copies to more people. I was relying on a pyramid distribution, which just didn't seem to be there.

The Web Site: Because I was publishing the newsletter as a volunteer effort using my own funds, I knew that I had to keep costs down while attempting to reach more people. With the Internet becoming more popular, I decided that a web site would be the perfect way. Thus, I published my second issue in June 1996 in print format, as well as on this web site. Through The Connector web site, I have reached many people from my own class, as well as other William Allen High School classes. The list of contacts keeps growing.

June 1998 Issue: While I originally designed The Connector to be a tool to help William Allen Class of 1983 graduates keep in touch and network, through the years I have received many comments from graduates of other class years. With this issue and web site revision, I have introduced some features that cater to all of William Allen High School's class years. I now allow people from all class years to submit their contact information and post names, class years, and e-mail addresses on this site. In addition, I now have a page that allows reunion organizers to submit their reunion information. The issues themselves will still continue to include news about Allentown, William Allen High School, and graduates of the Class of 1983; articles authored by Class of 1983 graduates; and information about the businesses of Class of 1983 graduates.

August 2007: After a taking a break from updating the site between 2003 and today because of personal issues related to a divorce, it's back -- just in time for our 25-year reunion! It's been over 10 years since I started this site, and the Internet has grown tremendously. For that reason, this site is now dedicated solely to the Class of 1983 once again. Maintaining lists for all class years just got overwhelming. I stopped producing the newsletter issues awhile back for the same reason that I stopped updating the site, and it may come back. Or I may expand this site in the future. There are so many cool web technologies that can make it really fun and interactive. It's on my project list for when I have some spare time. Until then, for those of you new to the site, enjoy reading the old issues, and for those of you regular visitors, please be sure you submit your most recent contact information. See you at the reunion in 2008!