#5 - You Don't Have to Run from Security!

Some important deadlines are just around the corner!

-- Online reunion registration will close at midnight Sunday, May 17th.  You will still be able to register on site at the reunion.

-- Final day to cancel reunion registration (partial refund) is Sunday, May 17th!

-- Final day to cancel golf for full refund is Friday, May 15th.  No refunds after that date, but a new player may pay you directly to take your spot.

-- Online raffle ticket pre-sales will also close at midnight (CDT) Sunday, May 17th. Purchase now to enjoy the pre-reunion discount and have them waiting for you at the registration desk.

All deadlines are midnight CDT.

Hammi-hammi, y'all!

# 4 (Araba'a): “Suq” 'Til  You Drop 

The always popular Brat Suq will be open for business, so you can close your eyes and pretend for a moment that you are back in Khobar again!  OK…not really that authentic -- we won’t provide the prayer call or shut down during prayer time -- but Suq vendors will be selling merchandise Brats will love: Shamak sandals, exotic jewelry, arabesque knick-knacks, art and other great items you won’t want to miss.  We'll even have a henna artiste on hand! Our suq will be open every day in the hotel…no bus schedule or conservative dress necessary. (Check your reunion program or hotel info kiosks for hours.)

In addition, Houston really is a shopping “Mecca” in its own right.  A free shuttle to the award-winning Galleria will be provided from the Omni and the Royal Sonesta hotels.  Other great shopping venues are only a short ride away and within 8 miles of the hotels.  

• Rice Village
   
   
  http://thericevillage.org
• Uptown Park
   
   
   
   
   
  http://www.uptownparkhouston.com
  
• West Avenue at River Oaks http://www.westaveriveroaks.com/ 
  
• Highland Village http://www.shophighlandvillage.com/shopping/  

So suq 'til you drop!    

Pre-sale for the reunion raffle tickets is now available!  Why wait until you are in Houston? Save some money and pre-purchase your raffle tickets.  Put your order in now, and they will be ready and waiting for you when you check-in at the registration desk.  This offer is good until May 17th (midnight CST).

You may not realize it, but Aramco Brats, Inc. (ABI)  is run by Brats just like you. The General Election is right around the corner. The Board of Directors needs volunteers with the following skill sets for the next term:

- Legal background

- Meeting planning experience

- Project management expertise

- Graphics design

- Web design

- Finance

ABI Board members participate in approximately 12 conference calls and one in-person meeting per year. Most work is done via email. To volunteer or run for an elected position, please fill out a Nominations Form online by April 17. 

Up to 4 complimentary room nights at the Omni Hotel - Kathy Neally-Dunsmore

$150 Mokara Spa gift certificate - Kimberly Mosley-Kotara

$100 Omni gift card - Richard B. Owen

Congratulations and enjoy!

In the event one of the prize recipients must cancel their plans to attend the reunion and/or stay at the Omni Hotel, we will draw more names.

Commissary Highlights Bulletin for April 1, 1979 - The Greek Easter edition which includes a recipe for Greek Easter Cookies or Koulouria. Make you some!

March 31, 2015 - Last day to cancel and receive FULL refund of registration fees.

**If you registered and only want to cancel a sporting event:

Bowling:

April 19, 2015 (CDT) - Final day to cancel for a full refund

After April 19, 2015 - 90% refund or substitutions can be arranged.

Golf:

May 15, 2015 (CDT) - Final day to cancel for a full refund

After May 15, 2015 (CDT) - NO REFUNDS, you may find someone to replace and reimburse you directly.

# 3: Lions, Tigers, Rhinos -- Ernst, Picasso, Monet, Matisse -- Oh MY!

Still on the fence about visiting Houston for the Brat reunion?  We have even more reasons to entice you to book those flights and register ASAP.

There are over 150 museums and cultural institutions in the Greater Houston area, including a world-renowned zoo, many within 9 miles of the Omni and Royal Sonesta Hotels!  Check out this link for a compete list of the Houston museums and sightseeing venues available while visiting the Bayou City.  

One of the most amazing museums in Houston is FREE and should not be missed if you are seeking some culture and education while at the reunion.  Spanning the prehistoric era to the present day, the Menil Collection includes European art, Surrealist works, Abstract Expressionism, Pop Art and Minimalism.  The museum is open Wednesday-Sunday from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM and ALWAYS FREE!  (Don’t you love that word?)  

The Houston Zoo is situated amongst acres of outdoor spaces including: a train ride throughout Hermann Park, an amphitheater, botanical gardens, Chinese gardens, installation artwork, jogging/biking trails, a golf course and several museums – all within walking distance of one another. 

There is a reason why Houston is ranked amongst the best cities to visit and live in by Forbes, the New York Times and other prestigious media sources!

So make this reunion a vacation.  Get culture.  Bring the kids.  Oh….and have we mentioned the great weather you can probably expect in May?