In playing with notification some more, I understand better.  Appears that whoever creates the event determines if notifications can be sent and how far ahead.  To allow users to get notification, the person creating the event checks the Send Reminder box and sets the time in advance the notice should be sent.  Then when others view the event, there is an option to have a notification sent by filling in our e-mail address (actually it is already filled in...).  

Since the notify me field is already filled in, does everyone get notified of an event if notification is on or do they have to visit the event at least once to get notified?  Seems like they should have to enable it in some way, not all users will want to get notified of every event that has notification enabled.

If they do not want notication, I am guessing they have to clear the Notify Me for this Event field?

Just a suggestion...  But the amount of time before the event for notification is very much a personal preference and there is no way the creator of the event can know how much advance notice everyone needs.  It would see that the best approach would be to include the advance time on the Event screen along with the e-mail address.  I realize this would mean more reminder events you would need to track, but would improve usability signficantly.