In this age of social media and instant communication, why drive 6000 miles? The easy answer is that nothing will ever replace face-to-face and personal contact however useful and needed are electronic connections. I want to shake some hands, get some hugs and hold some babies. Seeing the passions displayed while people talk about Roeper isn't quite the same on Skype. I'm planning on getting animated and passionate discussions going and those are best when humans are nose-to-nose and can experience each other's body language and facial expressions.
In addition, we will be bringing yearbooks and Roeper swag for you all. You can send back anything you want displayed at Annemarie's memorial on August 25. Artworks, essays, photos, whatever will be on display that day.
In terms of why drive, it is a matter of economics. Flying two of us to a city and then another and then another and so on is a lot more expensive. And it doesn't lets us stop in smaller cities which might have one or two Roeperians.
Which brings me another point - are there individuals not in large cities who want the Grand Tour to come to your hamlet. The Bistaks in Lawrence are a perfect example. If you live anywhere along the route (Chicago to Twin Cities across N.Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Seattle, Portland, Bay Area, SoCal, Phoenix, Santa-Fe, Denver, St. Louis, Detroit) and you just can't make to the already established gathering sites, why not request we stop and see you. It might not work but it might.
Be sure to watch the FB Roeper alumni page to stay informed of Grand Tour news.
If you need to contact me, I do best with phone 248-230-0466 and email emery.pence@roeper.org
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