In this announcement:

1- Rooms, Rooms Everywhere...
2- Getting There is the Fun Part.
3-A Note from an Actual Ashevillian
4- Get Yer Raffle Tickets Here!
5- Pictures, pictures, pictures.

---

1- Rooms, Rooms Everywhere... We have noticed that there are a lot of brats who have hotel reservations but have not yet registered for the reunion. Those of you that are holding those precious hotel rooms but have not yet registered for the reunion, we strongly urge you to either register for the reunion or release the rooms to those who are anxiously sitting on the waiting list for the main hotel. It is so much easier for everyone involved if we can iron these things out now rather than in the days immediately preceding the reunion. Shukran!

2- Getting There is the Fun Part. Don't miss the opportunity to be at the reunion! If the cost of getting to Asheville?s airport is holding you back, get creative. Go to the website, then ?Reunion? under Getting There for other nearby airports and driving directions. Use BratBoard to share rides, rooms, ask for babysitting - whatever is needed to get you to the reunion! AND don't forget to register! Here are all of the links: http://www.aramco-brats.com/gettingthere.html http://www.aramco-brats.com/BratBoard http://www.aramco-brats.com/reunion_registration.html

3-A Note from an Actual Ashevillian It's offical. The reunion shuttle is all set up and ready to go. You can find info about this service in two places on http://www.aramco-brats.com. In the reunion area under "ways to get around" and also there is a link on the page when you pay for the reunion online. Or just go to: http://www.desert-reflections.com/aramco/shuttle-bus.html I am very excited that the reunion is in my home town this year. It has allowed me the opportunity to attend. I am very much looking forward to spending time with folks I have not seen in a very long time. -Tres Hundertmark RT'83

4- Get Yer Raffle Tickets Here! If you would like to pre-purchase raffle tickets this year, you can do so online at http://www.aramco-brats.com/raffle.html before the reunion . If you do elect to pre-purchase, your tickets will be waiting for you upon registration check-in at the reunion. The online tickets are offered at a discounted rate. Packets of 5 tickets are $15.00 or packets of 10 are $25.00. You will still be able to purchase them at the reunion, at a cost of $5.00 per ticket,or $10.00 for 3. We figured you wouldn't want to buy tickets not knowing what items are being raffled, so there is a link on the same page where you can see images of some of them. Not all items will be shown, since not all items are in our possession (some are already in NC), and more images will be uploaded as time progresses. This section will only be up until May 21st. Dawn heads down to Asheville on the 22nd, so she'll need time to get the tickets together before she leaves.

5- Pictures, pictures, pictures. The North Carolina Reunion Committee has asked me to remind everyone that they are still looking for photos to use in a continuously running slideshow at the reunion. Here is the submission info: Email a digital image to Pam Branch at pbranch1@triad.rr.com, or send photos to Pam at 3211 Kinnamon Road Winston-Salem, NC 27104. Please include names of any folks in the pictures, and make sure you include your name on the back of each photo. They will be returned to you!

In this announcement:

1-Register Now or Else.
2-Just When You Thought You Couldn't Fly.
3-The B Board is Back and so is the Reunion FAQ.
4-Getting Around Asheville (as if you'd ever want to leave the reunion hotel)
4a-Party with Class. Yours that is.
5-No Reunion for You? Please Remember the ABI Anyway.
6-Please Don't Bogart Those Rooms

---

1-Register Now or Else. Time's almost up! Don?t forget that registrations (and payments) must be received (either online or postmarked) by 3/31 to avoid late fees! The reunion committee will be basing goodie bag and t-shirt orders off registration numbers, so we need to get a good headcount soon! Late registrants and walk-ups will not be guaranteed goodie bags, so please register before the deadline so you don?t miss out. You can register and pay online or use the hard copy form that arrived in your recent newsletter. To register online, go to http://www.aramco-brats.com/reunion_registration.html. The online payment option is secure and very convenient. It's so much easier than finding and addressing an envelope, writing a check, finding a stamp, putting on pants then walking all the way to the mailbox. We're exhausted just thinking about it!

2-Just When You Thought You Couldn't Fly. We have arranged for group discount fares to the reunion in Asheville with Continental Airlines. For discounts, call your travel agent or Continental MeetingWorks at 1-800-468-7022 or book your reservations online at http://www.continental.com. Use Z Code ZURD and Agreement Code AZ3JHT when making your reservations. Discounts are valid for travel between 5/20/07 and 6/2/07.

3-The B Board is Back and so is the Reunion FAQ. The BratBoard, Reunion Announcements and Reunion FAQ are back! Have a question for the Reunion Committee? Want to know see the latest reunion-related announcements? Find a ride? Find a roommate? Visit the ABI Reunion forums at http://www.aramco-brats.com/BratBoard/index.php.

4-Getting Around Asheville (as if you'd ever want to leave the reunion hotel) 4a-Party with Class. Yours that is. There are several ways to get from the hotel to Asheville?s lovely downtown area and other popular destinations and restaurants, including a Brat Party Bus organized privately by Brat restaurateur and Asheville local, Tres Hundertmark. Asheville is a very popular destination, so expect restaurants to be busy over the holiday weekend. Accordingly, Class Representatives are advised to make any off-site class party plans well in advance to avoid lines and long waits. For more information and tips on class party planning, see "Getting Around Asheville" (http://www.aramco-brats.com/gettingaround.html) on the reunion site.

5-No Reunion for You? Please Remember the ABI Anyway. Even while we reluctantly forgive you for not making the reunion -- you know who you are -- we still humbly beseach you to not forget to pay your AdBak. Your payment will ensure that you receive the 2007 Aramcobrat Directory and will enable us to continue to bring all Brats newsletters, websites and reunions. We do everything we can to keep our operational costs in line, but there's that whole thing about squeezing blood from a turnip. Paying your biennial Adbak is simple by going to http://www.aramco-brats.com/adbak.html where you have the option of paying the modest sum by either check or credit card. The Brats will love you for it.

6-Please Don't Bogart Those Rooms There is quite a growing waiting list for rooms at the Crown Plaza for the reunion while at the same time there are more than a few people who have reservations but have yet to register for the reunion. If you are someone who has reserved a Crown Plaza room but have since found that your circumstances have changed and you are not able to attend, please oh please call the hotel and release your rooms so that folks who are coming can get a theirs. These folks are waiting in line patiently, please help them out.

Finally! The moment for which you have all been waiting patiently!

Online registration for the upcoming AramcoBrats Reunion in Asheville, NC is now open. You'll find the link to the online registration on the main page of the website (http://www.aramco-brats.com) in the Quick Links section.

Want to hear something even better? You can pay with a credit card!!

Just in case you're wondering, the current newsletter is at the printer and will be mailed out at the end of next week, so be sure to check your mailboxes for all the latest information on the reunion.

See you in Asheville,
ABI Board of Directors
NC Reunion Committee

Brats,

In this announcement:
_________________________________

1- How Would You Like to Pay for That?
2- Election Time!
3- Room At The Inn
4- A Ghutra By Any Other Name
5- So Long, Farewell...
6- Shuffleboard Anyone?
7- You're Probably Tired of Hearing This
8- A Picture is Worth...

_________________________________

1-How Would You Like To Pay For That?

Great news. We finally have our merchant account set up with Paypal, so you can now pay your AdBak and make donations to the ABI with your credit card or Paypal account online. You need not have a Paypal account to use this method of payment. This has been many years in the coming and we are thrilled to be able to offer this option to everyone. Reunion registrations will also be payable using this method as soon as registration opens up. So, whip out your plastic and support the ABI today!

2- Election Time!

Elections are quickly approaching for the ABI board. If you have been thinking about getting involved with the ABI, now is the time to throw your hat into the ring. All positions are open each election period, so if you know you are the one to fill one of the elected positions, let Gary Barnes DH'70 (gary@aramco-brats.com) know immediately. In addition to the four elected positions on the board (President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer) there are a variety of appointed positions to be filled after the election. If you think you might like to fill one of those posts for two years of fun-filled ABI action, also let Gary know right away. We need to wrap this up very soon in order to get candidate statements and ballot information put together so the deadline is March 5 to get on the ballot.

3- Room At The Inn

We have been informed that the Crowne Plaza in Asheville (the reunion hotel) is sold out. As in the past, many people will cancel their reservations as they find they are unable to attend the reunion. The hotel informed us that when calls come in for a reservation at the Crowne Plaza they are suggesting the caller make reservations at the Best Western (overflow hotel). At that time they also take your information and place you on the wait list. IMPORTANT: We are recommending that you not call the 800 number for reservations as the folks at that number don't have access to the wait list. Instead, call the Crowne Plaza Asheville directly between the hours of 7am and 11pm at 828-254-3211 and *ask for in-house reservations*. That last bit is really important if you want to get on the wait list for a room. If a room becomes available, the hotel will call the wait-listed people and let them know they have changed their reservations from the Best Western to the Crowne Plaza. There is always a chance on any given day, that there is no wait list and rooms are available when you call to make reservations. One just never knows. If you run into difficulty or have questions regarding the room situation, feel free to contact diana@aramco-brats.com

4- A Ghutra By Any Other Name

The North Carolina Reunion Committee is still asking for any donations of ghutras. Check your linen closets again and if you have any extras to donate to a good cause (the reunion), let the committee know by e-mailing reunion2007@aramco-brats.com. Let's not make them grovel any more than they have to.

5- So Long, Farewell...

After many years of service to the ABI, first as Secretary and then as E-mail Director and Birthday Lady, Doral Zadorkin-Allen DH'66 has decided to move on. Doral has always been good for a lift even when things were looking down for the ABI Board. We will miss her sharp mind and perpetually cheery disposition. But most of all, we'll miss that scintillating, hair-raising laugh of hers.

6-Shuffleboard Anyone

With Doral's departure, the ABI board has shuffled some duties and responsibilities around a bit. Class Rep Director Dawn Kolb DH'92 and Webmaster Gretchen Connally DH'91 have taken on Doral's work. The two like working together so much that they also have split up some of the day-to-day drudgery as well as some redesign work on the website. Webmaster@aramco-brats.com will get a message to both of them.

7- You're Probably Tired of Hearing This

...But we're still looking for items for the reunion raffle and auctions. If you have any Aramco/Saudi/Middle Eastern stuff taking up room in your attic or garage, why not see if the ABI can hawk it at the reunion? The raffle and auctions are a major source of funding for the ABI, so your clutter can make a big difference. If you have something that you think might fit the bill or have any questions, send a note off to raffleauction@aramco-brats.com.

and

8- A Picture Is Worth...

Give something back to your brat family by loaning an image to the reunion slide show for all to see and enjoy! How? Email a digital image (formats listed below) to Pam Branch at pbranch1@triad.rr.com, or send photos to Pam at 3211 Kinnamon Road Winston-Salem, NC 27104. Please include names of any folks in the pictures, and make sure you include your name on the back of each photo. They will be returned to you!

Digital Image Formats: Reasonably High Resolution JPEG or GIF files, made at 72 dots per inch at least...or 300 dpi if available.

For Photo Formats: 35mm slides or negatives, or photo prints up to 8x10 size

The ABI board and I wish you and your families the very best for the
holidays.  May you all find peace and renewal in this special time.
Our best and most fervent wishes to you and yours for a happy and
prosperous new year as well.

As you sit with family and friends in the coming days, lift a glass to
yourselves and to the new year.  It is, after all, that which we most
treasure as Aramco Brats -- a Reunion Year!

Mike Simms AB'78
ABI President

Brats,

The ABI board and I wish you and your families the very best for the
holidays.  May you all find peace and renewal in this special time.
Our best and most fervent wishes to you and yours for a happy and
prosperous new year as well.

As you sit with family and friends in the coming days, lift a glass to
yourselves and to the new year.  It is, after all, that which we most
treasure as Aramco Brats -- a Reunion Year!

Mike Simms AB'78
ABI President

Brats,
In this announcement:
_________________________________
1- Coming to a Mailbox Near You
2-A Little Shameless Groveling
3- Plastic Anyone?
4- Shameless Groveling Revistited
5- Time to Polish The Gold
6- Attractive Headware Required
7- One Big, Happy Family
8- 'Tis the Season
_________________________________

1- Coming to a Mailbox Near You
The next edition of BratNews is nearing completion.  This issue will
be packed with business stuff like election information, reunion news
and the long-anticipated reunion registration information.  It's hard
to believe but Asheville is only six months away. We'll also have
updates on the database upgrade project, the ABI audit and the credit
card project.  In addition, look for important information on
anticipated information sharing with Aramco Services Company as well
as all the other regular columns, reports and features you've come to
expect from the ABI's flagship publication.

2-A Little Shameless Groveling
As the year draws to a close, please add paying your AdBak
(Administrative Baksheesh) to your list of things to do. If you are
doing your budget for '07 don't forget this all-important line item.
It's just $18(US)and $23(international).  And that's for two years, a
directory and that special good feeling that you've done your part to
keep the ABI going into the future.  The AdBak is used for ABI
operations which include reunion planning, newsletters, website
hosting and management, professional fees (accounting, legal,
etc.),postage and shipping... in short, all the stuff we need to do to
keep the organization viable. For a complete listing see the ABI
Budget at http://www.aramco-brats.com/ .
We are an all-volunteer organization and that spirit of volunteerism
extends to our fundraising as well.  The AdBak is completely
voluntary, but we depend on it to keep the doors open and the
newsletters and website going.  The only caveat is that those folks
registering for the reunion will be required to pay their AdBak to
complete their registration.  AramcoBrats, Inc. is classified by the
IRS as a 501(c) 7 Social Organization so, while we are a non-profit,
your donations are not tax deductible.  Sorry about that, but the
cause is a good one so don't let it deter you from participating. Go
to http://www.aramco-brats.com/adbak.htm for more information on how
to pay your Adminstrative Baksheesh

3- Plastic Anyone?
After years of talking about it, the Brats voting in favor of it and
months of research and deliberation, the ABI board has elected to
begin taking credit cards as a form of payment for AdBaks,
registrations, and other purchases from our various fund-raising
programs.  This was not an easy decision as the world of credit cards
and merchant services is a very messy place. It's basically a jungle
out there and we needed to make sure we were selecting the most
cost-effective, reliable and secure program possible. After much
floor-writhing and gnashing of teeth we settled on PayPal as the best
option to start with.  Future boards may wish to reevaluate the
options, but PayPal's much-improved service really is the best for us
to use at least initially until we can really measure the costs and
benefits of a credit card program.  The service allows for the
processing of payments with or without a PayPal account and allows the
ABI to offer the payment option without paying truly exorbitant fees
for the many months of the year when we simply don't have any
financial activity.  Look for more information on this exciting new
option in the very near future.

4- Shameless Groveling Revistited
Another critical component of our fundraising activity has always been
the very popular raffle and auctions at the reunions.  In order to
keep those happening, we need things to raffle and auction.  If you
have Saudi or Aramco-related items taking up space in you attic or
garage, why not consider donating them to this worthwhile effort.
You'll be using your stuff to make other Brats happy and will be
funding the ABI at the same time.  Beats having that stuff taking up
storage space.  Contact raffleauction@aramco-brats.com to offload your
stuff to a good cause.

5- Time to Polish the Gold
I've said it above, but I'll say it again: Asheville is only six
months away!  Better polish those bangles and name rings.
Registration forms are coming out in the newsletter and there will be
an online registration option once the newsletter hits also. In the
meantime, though you definitely need to make your travel and
accommodation arrangements right now.  There is information on that at
http://www.aramco-brats.com/navreunion.htm

6- Attractive Headware Required
Speaking of Asheville, the North Carolina Reunion Committee is still
looking for ghutras of any color or variety.  If you have any of these
tucked away in the linen closet that you can part with to enhance the
reunion experience for everyone, shoot an e-mail off to
reunion2007@aramco-brats.com

7- One Big, Happy Family
The database upgrade, another long-anticipated project, has progressed
by leaps and bounds thanks to some very dedicated hard work by two
Brat volunteers.  Jay Crawford and Mark Rines have put their database
and IT genius together to work out the consolidation of the ABI's many
databases into one comprehensive system that will allow the various
functional entities (Database Director, E-mail Director, Webmaster,
Treasurer, Reunion Registration) within the organization to work with
the same data in real time. It may not sound like much, but it is a
huge step forward and a project that could have cost the Brats
thousands of dollars if not for the able and generous help of our Brat
volunteers.  A parallel system is being set up and the project is
entering the test phase.  We anticipate several months of testing
before we finally flip the switch and go live with the new system.

8- 'Tis the Season
 Avoid those crowded stores, long lines, and other things that make
you go ?bah, humbug!?  Pick out something fun and a little closer to
home for your favorite Brat or family member from the ABI Suq.  To see
what?s available, just click ?ABI Suq? under Quick Links on the ABI
home page ( http://www.aramco-brats.com/ ).  What better stocking
stuffer than an Aramco Brat t-shirt or lapel pin?  Questions?  Just
drop us a line ? suq@aramco-brats.com

Mike Simms AB'78
ABI President

1- The Secret Zip Code
2- Newsletter at aramco-brats.com
3- World Series, Dhahran Style
4- Musical Reunion Chairs

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Secret Zip Code

Those of you who have received your newsletter and dutifully attempted
to fill out and mail in your AdBak for the term, have most likely
noticed the missing zip code for our esteemed treasurer.  The complete
address for AdBaks is:

AramcoBrats, Inc.
c/o Doug Webb
P.O. Box 270931
San Diego, CA  92128-2931

We apologize for any inconvenience the omission may have caused.  AdBaks
are very important to keeping the ABI going, so we hope you can forgive
us and send in yours today.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Newsletter at aramco-brats.com

Speaking of newsletters.  In case you didn't receive yours or it got
thrown out with all the other junk mail, you can view the latest edition
of BratNews in all its glory on at http://www.aramco-brats.com . We have
received some returns due to invalid addresses, so make sure you update
us with your new address if you have moved.  You can also do that on the
website.

Make sure you check out the outstanding article on Brat bands and be
sure to take note of the call for board candidates.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
World Series, Dhahran Style

Transatlantic Division Little League Champions, Arabian American LL from
Dhahran, Saudi Arabia make their way to the Little League Baseball World
Series tournament once again.  From the looks of the stats from the
Transatlantic tournament, these kids are good.  The team is set to begin
their tournament play Friday, August 18, 2006 against Canadian champs,
Whalley Little League from Surrey, British Colombia.  Tune in to ESPN2
at 6:00pm ET (currently GMT -4:00) for all the action and to cheer on our
home team.  Better yet, grab a couple of other Brats and have a party to
watch the game. For complete listings of the schedule and to follow the
standings as the tournament progresses go to
http://www.littleleague.org/series/2006divisions/llbb/series.htm

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Musical Reunion Chairs

The 2007 Reunion Committee has a new chairperson.  Amelia Knight-Sutton
has graciously agreed to step into the leadership spot vacated by Mary
Martin-Venker.  Mary has stepped aside for personal and family reasons
but will continue to serve on the committee. Since the  team is still
all together, and the reorganization is internal to the committee, we
anticipate that the planning of the best reunion ever will continue
without a hiccough.  Please welcome Amelia as your new 2007 Reunion Chair.

Brats,

We've got some new information to share and some old stuff that just
bears repeating, so read on for an ABI update.

Brand new financial reports reflecting activity through the second
quarter of 2006 have been posted to the AramcoBrats website. Take a
look if numbers are your thing. Even if they're not, take a look
anyway to get a picture of the financial health of the ABI. It's your
money and we want you to know that we're taking good care of it. Also,
read on below for a discussion and primer of sorts on the report from
Doug Webb, ABI Treasurer.

Also, Asheville, NC has been in the news lately and we thought you
might like to take a closer look at the home of the 2007 reunion.  If
that inspires you, we've included instructions for making reservations
at the reunion hotel.

And finally, there is stuff we need to get rid of and stuff we need to
get, so take a close look at the last two items in this update. Each
describes an excellent way to support the ABI and it's work.

Mike Simms AB'78
ABI President


In this update:

1- Financial Reports Posted on aramco-brats.com
2- Information on Asheville, NC -- Home of the 2007 Reunion
3- Make Your Reservations for 2007
4- Past Reunion Swag for Sale
5- Raffe/Auction Donations Needed

------------------------------------------------

Financial Reports Posted on aramco-brats.com

Financial Report by Doug Webb
As someone who has benefited greatly from the dedicated efforts of the
ABI, primarily as a result of having more fun than humans should be
allowed to have at several Reunions, I've always wanted to find a way
to contribute to the Aramco-Brats. So when I was approached last
summer and asked whether I would like to help out and fill in as
Treasurer, naturally I said, "Are you out of your mind?!".

Eight months later, here I sit with binders of correspondence,
statements, and receipts, not to mention a 1982 edition of Managerial
Accounting on my desk. To be honest, the job of ABI Treasurer has
been a learning experience for me; much of this due to getting
familiar with using a Quicken program that tracks all the financial
activity and the corresponding chart of accounts that creates a
category for all expenses and receipts.

Most of the categories you see in this report are also broken down
into sub-categories. For instance, the Publications expense account
contains sub-accounts for newsletter, directories and election
ballots, and each of those has categories for printing, and mailing
costs. AdBaks are divided between a category to offset costs of
printing the directory and a donation category. So, when the Treasurer
writes a check for something or processes a receipt, in many cases
they have to be apportioned into different sub-categories. Certainly,
I have a new found admiration for those who preceded me in the job.
And I can hear Cathie and Kathy saying, "Just wait until the Reunion."!

For those of you keeping score at home, the numbers in certain
categories may change on occasion due to modifications to past
activity; a good example being the few Brats who are due refunds as a
result of overpaying their reunion fees, and checks that were written
to Brats that were never cashed. Some may opt for a refund; others may
want to have the money applied to 2006-2007 AdBaks. Others still, may
be feeling generous and will donate all or a portion of their refund
to the ABI. And believe it or not, we do have some bad debt: checks
received from Brats that bounced a while ago, and have yet to be
replaced. Currently, this amount is less than $300, but if never
-----------------

Information on Asheville, NC -- Home of the 2007 Reunion

Check the Reunion pages at www.aramco-brats.com to find out more about
Asheville. The 2007 Reunion Committee has provided a list of ?Things
to do in Asheville? which includes links to some interesting area
restaurants, architectural and outdoor interests, historic attractions
and museums, as well as shopping areas. For more ideas or just to get
you daydreaming about the next reunion location, read the travel
article from the Sunday San Diego Tribune, ?Blue Ridge Mountains a
haven for the handmade in a soothing setting,? at
",1] ); //--> recovered, will have to be written off the books. Finally, we are
still in the process of having our books audited - a task that must be
completed at the end of each Board Term. All of these activities may
result in changes to the posted numbers.

Many of you have expressed a desire to pay for your AdBaks and Reunion
fees with a credit or debit card. Yes, we have a committee for that
(!), and it is exploring a variety of solutions that will allow us to
incorporate credit card processing to our bank account and website.
The service is not free and normally involves a flat monthly fee and a
nominal charge for each transaction. In addition to being
cost-effective, we also want to be sure that our chosen solution is
one that protects both you and the ABI from fraudulent activity. It is
our goal to have this feature available by the end of the year.

If you have any questions, concerns or suggestions, please don't
hesitate to write me at doug@aramco-brats.com.

Until next time, ma'a sallaamah!

-----------------------------------------------

Information on Asheville, NC -- Home of the 2007 Reunion

Check the Reunion pages at www.aramco-brats.com to find out more about
Asheville. The 2007 Reunion Committee has provided a list of "Things
to do in Asheville" which includes links to some interesting area
restaurants, architectural and outdoor interests, historic attractions
and museums, as well as shopping areas. For more ideas or just to get
you daydreaming about the next reunion location, read the travel
article from the Sunday San Diego Tribune, "Blue Ridge Mountains a
haven for the handmade in a soothing setting," at
-----------------

Make Your Asheville Reservations

Reservations at the Crowne Plaza must be made by May 10, 2007. To make
your reservations, go to http://www.ashevillecp.com) and click on
?reserve online?. You will be prompted to enter dates needed and
number of people. At the very bottom of the screen there will be a box
for ?group booking code?. Enter ABR to get the group rate. For those
who prefer to make their reservations by telephone, dial the toll-free
reservation number for the Crowne Plaza in Asheville - (800)733-3211.
Don?t forget to give them our group code to ensure you receive the
group rate. For those of you who are planning a longer vacation around
the reunion dates, our group rates will be valid for an additional 3
days before and 3 days after the event.

Suites cannot be reserved directly at this time. If you would like a
suite, please send an email to suiterequest@aramco-brats.com and
request to be added to the waiting list. Suites will be offered to
those on the wait list on a first come,first-served basis closer to
the reunion.

------------------------------------------------

Past Reunion Swag for Sale

2005 ABI reunion merchandise is available at the AramcoBrats Online
Store. For those of you who were unable to attend the reunion but
inquired about purchasing reunion t-shirts and goodie bags, we?ve made
an entire goodie bag ?bundle? including a t-shirt and AramcoBrat pin,
available for a special price. To order, visit the ABI Suq at
",1] ); //--> http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20060716/news_lz1t16blue.html.

-----------------------------------------------

Make Your Asheville Reservations

Reservations at the Crowne Plaza must be made by May 10, 2007. To make
your reservations, go to http://www.ashevillecp.com) and click on
"reserve online". You will be prompted to enter dates needed and
number of people. At the very bottom of the screen there will be a box
for "group booking code". Enter ABR to get the group rate. For those
who prefer to make their reservations by telephone, dial the toll-free
reservation number for the Crowne Plaza in Asheville - (800)733-3211.
Don't forget to give them our group code to ensure you receive the
group rate. For those of you who are planning a longer vacation around
the reunion dates, our group rates will be valid for an additional 3
days before and 3 days after the event.

Suites cannot be reserved directly at this time. If you would like a
suite, please send an email to suiterequest@aramco-brats.com and
request to be added to the waiting list. Suites will be offered to
those on the wait list on a first come,first-served basis closer to
the reunion.

------------------------------------------------

Past Reunion Swag for Sale

2005 ABI reunion merchandise is available at the AramcoBrats Online
Store. For those of you who were unable to attend the reunion but
inquired about purchasing reunion t-shirts and goodie bags, we've made
an entire goodie bag "bundle" including a t-shirt and AramcoBrat pin,
available for a special price. To order, visit the ABI Suq at
-------------------

Raffe/Auction Donations Needed

We are extremely fortunate that our now-famous (and highly
anticipated) reunion raffle and auction is totally supported by
generous donations of much sought-after treasures from our days in the
Middle East.  The items are donated by Brats, parents, teachers, and
other friends of AramcoBrats, Inc.  Last year this event raised over
$5,000.  If you have items you would like to donate to the upcoming
raffle/auction in Asheville, please send a note to
raffleauction@aramco-brats.com.

",0] ); D(["ce"]); //--> www.aramco-brats.com (select AramcoBrats from the top menu). Goodie
bags, t-shirts and pins may also be purchased separately. Sorry, only
XL t-shirts remain!

-------------------------------------------------

Raffe/Auction Donations Needed

We are extremely fortunate that our now-famous (and highly
anticipated) reunion raffle and auction is totally supported by
generous donations of much sought-after treasures from our days in the
Middle East.  The items are donated by Brats, parents, teachers, and
other friends of AramcoBrats, Inc.  Last year this event raised over
$5,000.  If you have items you would like to donate to the upcoming
raffle/auction in Asheville, please send a note to
raffleauction@aramco-brats.com.

Brats,

We're back. We realize we've been kind of quiet for awhile, but we're back now. There has been much going on with the ABI. We've been wrapping up finances from last term, creating a viable budget for this term, negotiating hotel contracts for the 2007 reunion (see item 2 if you just can't wait any longer), and getting to know each other on the new board. There's a lot to talk about and we'll be sending out these e-mail updates regularly again at a rate of about one per month.

Mike Simms AB'78
ABI President

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In This Update:

1- Who's on the ABI board?
2- Are we going to have reunion or what?
3- Who are those party people?
4- Where is that newsletter anyway?

---------------------------------------------------------------

Who's on the ABI board?

Please welcome your ABI board for the 2005-2007 term. There are some new faces on board as well as a number of old hands who have returned for the fun. This organization depends on the time and effort of these dedicated volunteers. If you want to put a face with the name, you can always go to http://www.aramco-brats.com/board.htm. Please take a moment to buy these hard-working folk a glass of something at the next reunion in...umm... oh, yeah, that's the next item.

Mike Simms AB'78 -- President
Diane Knipfel-Adams AB'75 -- Vice President
Doug Webb DH'72 -- Treasurer
Pat Meadors-Desormeau RT'60 -- Secretary
Marie Littlejohn-Dunn DH'77 -- Reunion Oversight Director
Diana Ryrholm-Geerdes RT'62 -- Director at Large - Contracts
Gretchen Connally DH'91 -- Website Director
Nominations - Gary Barnes DH'70 -- Director at Large
Penny Dougharty-Maher DH'72 -- Database Director
Doral Zadorkin-Allen DH'66 -- E-mail Director
Dean Barnes DH'67 -- Publications Director
Dawn Kolb DH'92 -- Class Representative Director

E-mail addressses are posted on the website, so feel free to drop any one of us a note if you have a question or need something.

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“In My Mind I’m Going to Carolina…….”

Finally ! The announcement for which you have all been so patiently waiting! We are very excited to announce that the 2007 ABI Reunion will be held at the Crowne Plaza Resort Asheville in beautiful Asheville, North Carolina. Just off the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville is a wonderful blend of art, history and nature and was voted one of the “10 Great Adventure Towns” by National Geographic Adventure. There is something for everyone in our Brat family, old or young, from strolling around historic downtown Asheville to hiking and river rafting. The area around Asheville offers many different things to do. The Biltmore Estate, Chimney Rock Park, Lake Lure and the Blue Ridge Parkway, one of the most scenic drives in the country, are just a few.

The Crowne Plaza Resort Asheville sits on 125 acres nestled against the Blue Ridge Mountains, just minutes from downtown Asheville. Surrounded with verandas loaded with rocking chairs for enjoying the spectacular views, the property has some other inviting gathering spots, including Mulligan’s Bar and Grille, with its overstuffed furniture and large, stone fireplace ; an outdoor pool and patio, and the aptly named Overlook Room and adjoining Overlook Terrace, which offer spectacular views of the 18-hole golf course against a mountain backdrop – perfect settings for late night reminiscences, rekindling friendships and starting new ones! All guest rooms include private patios or balconies with mountain or golf course views, and additional accommodations in the form of vacation villas are tucked in the woods along the golf course.

The Crowne Plaza will only take reservations *after* June 10,2006. Keep your eye on the ABI website for more information as June rolls around.

Please be on the look out for an upcoming newsletter, and check the ABI website often for more details on Reunion 2007 and tips on getting to Asheville. Be sure to check out http://www.exploreasheville.com for details on local and area attractions.

The stage and crew are set for another great ABI reunion. We’re just waiting for the cast of Aramco Brats to arrive and bring the party to life. Mark your calendars for Memorial Day weekend (May 25-28) 2007, make your reservations, then pull up a rocking chair on the veranda and join us! See you there!
---------------------------------------------------------------

Who's giving this party?

Your most excellent volunteer 2007 reunion committee consists of:

Mary Martin-Venker DH'73 - Chair
Pam Branch AB'79
Sherri Dent-Moxley DH'77
Kathleen Hines-Reardon DH'71
April Jones-Morris RT'87
---------------------------------

Where is that newsletter anyway?

The Spring 2006 newsletter is in progress and just waiting for a few
final bits of information before we put it to bed. Dean has done another
great job with the layout and art as well as an excellent article on
Brat bands over the years. This issue will be packed with information on
the ABI, Photos and reminicenses about the Houston Reunion, the upcoming
Asheville reunion and more. Look for it in your mailbox in May.

# # #


",1] ); //--> Kim Kirkwood-Knox RT'73
Amelia Knight-Sutton DH'77
Mark Lameier DH'68

A picture of this great team is also available on the ABI website. These folks are the ones who really need you to buy them a drink in Asheville.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Where is that newsletter anyway?

The Spring 2006 newsletter is in progress and just waiting for a few final bits of information before we put it to bed. Dean has done another great job with the layout and art as well as an excellent article on Brat bands over the years. This issue will be packed with information on the ABI, Photos and reminicenses about the Houston Reunion, the upcoming Asheville reunion and more. Look for it in your mailbox in May.