Diane F. Update on Nelson's Dedication 8-21-2003

 

Hello all,

I had a very productive conversation this evening with Sharon Rich of MacEddy toward pinning down the particulars for the agenda and program for the Nelson Eddy Drive dedication.

We need YOUR help now to cement some of these plans!!
If you are planning to attend, get your reservations made at the Roosevelt Hotel without delay.  reserve@hollywoodroosevelt.com
They need to know how many rooms to hold.  We must fill the rooms we asked to hold or be charged for them.  Let me know if you are attending.

We are planning to go to the Cinegrill in the lobby of the Roosevelt Hotel on Friday, Sept. 26, the night before the dedication.  If you want to join us, please let me know so we can verify reservations.  Remember it will probably cost about $75/person for cover charge, dinner and drinks.  Jane Monheit will perform old MGM songs that night.

We need to know if you are interested in driving by Nelson-owned homes on Sunday, Sept. 28.  Sharon has invited us to join her caravan of private cars driving to the various houses after breakfast.  If you have "must see" homes on your list, please let us know, as Nelson owned many homes and we cannot drive by every one of them.  The tour would end with lunch.  We are considering The Sand Castle, a nice restaurant that was a "favorite of Blossom's and visited by Nelson and Jeanette" or Gladstones in Malibu which is Oceanside.  This "tour" would start about 10am on Sunday.

We expect the dedication to begin at noon and last a couple of hours.  After the dedication, we thought we could have lunch nearby at Louise's (I've been there and it is wonderful).
Helen and I invite you to cocktails between 5-7pm in our suite.  Sharon Rich is also hosting an "open suite" with an opportunity to meet her and get her autograph.  You could visit both suites and mix and mingle.

Dinner could be at a variety of Hollywood spots.  What is your vote??  We are thinking about Musso and Franks, an old Hollywood hangout, or the Japanese restaurant at the top of the hill.  Lovely view of LA!  (can't tell I forgot the name of this spot??)  Get your vote in soon!

On Friday,  late afternoon or early evening, the videographer wishes to interview and tape those willing, telling why they are loyal Nelson fans.
This would probably take place in the hotel lobby.  If you want to share your stories, you may want to have some thoughts prepared.

I know this all sounds confusing, but pinning down the arrangements needs to be finished soon!  We need your input!  Below is the updated agenda and program.  This is still a work in progress, so let us know your thoughts.  Don't forget to contact me if you plan to attend.  We need a "head count" for a variety of reasons. 

Please remember that carts will be provided at the cemetery to travel from graveside to chapel.

I am taking a collection for flowers for those wanting to contribute, or you can FTD through your own florist or contact the cemetery at the link below:
http://www.forevernetwork.com/flowersandgifts/showitems.cfm?CategoryID=6
If you send me flower money, please indicate if you wish your own arrangement or want to add to the NEAS tribute.  Also list what type of flowers you prefer if possible.  Send money to:
Diane Flaherty
3265 Palm-Aire Drive
Rochester Hills, MI  48309-1016

Agenda and program follows:  (this is still a work in progress)

                                               Agenda

Friday, 9/26
-Interviewing and taping of fans in Roosevelt Hotel lobby (probably in late afternoon or early evening

-Dinner at the Cinegrill in hotel lobby

Saturday, 9/27
Noon-Greeting of all guests present by cemetery representatives
Introduction of Mayor Johnny Grant, Mr. Cassity and Mr. Martinez

-Unveiling and dedication of Nelson Eddy Drive

-Proceed to tented graveside for poetry, prayers and personal comments by guests

-Proceed to Chapel where Mr. Cassity will introduce Linda Foster and Annette Lloyd, who will introduce our celebrity guests.  Time for remarks by celebrities.

-Viewing of the Nelson Eddy Biography video

-Presentation of awards for Perry Pickering and Rachanee Clovis

-Time for all other speakers and singers.  Sharon hopes to have an organist and a soprano and baritone appear (keyboard willing).  We may have some university vocal students appear

-Champagne and finger sandwiches social hour reception


After the dedication, about 2pm:

-Lunch at Louise's Restaurant near the cemetery

-5-7pm-Cocktails in Helen and Diane's suite and/or meet Sharon Rich in her suite

Later-Dinner at a Hollywood restaurant like Musso and Franks or the Japanese spot on the hilltop overlooking LA (can't think of its name!)

Sunday, 9/28

Breakfast-possibly at the Roosevelt dining room as it is a good place to all gather to prepare for the houses tour

10am-Tour of Nelson-owned homes via private car

Lunch-at a place like The Sand Castle or Oceanside at Gladstones (get your vote in soon!)


Well, it is still a work in progress, but we need help to pin down the plans.  So now it is your turn to update us!
 

Fondly, Diane