Stardate 2009.302 - Region 1 Fall Frolic

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Early flight to Manchester - another 3AM schedule - Denise was there to pick me up and we headed to Kennebunkport. We checked into the hotel and did not see any other early arrivals so we went to the Pilot House for dinner as it was recommended by the hotel staff. I had no choice but to order a whole Maine lobster and was it good - and only $14.95 to boot. We returned to the hotel, had a cup of decaf coffee, watched a bit of the telly and went to sleep.

Friday, October 30, 2009

Our morning view from the hotel was spectacular - looking out to the inlet with the local fishing boats in the calm waters was picture perfect. We had breakfast at the hotel as it was included in the room cost - it was one of the best breakfast buffets I have had with REAL beef hash (not canned). There were a few other early arrivals at breakfast and everyone seemed to have differing plans for the day. Denise and I drove along the coast, north to Portland. We stopped in Ocean City which was pretty quiet at this time of the year but I expect that it is bustling during the tourist season. All the rides were quiet and many of the shops and stores were closed. We walked a bit along the beach and picked up some shells. We found some very large clam shells and even some with the critters still inside so they ended back in the surf. We ended up in Portland for lunch at Amatos Original Italian Sandwich shop where we did partake of their specialty. I had planned to have a local beer but I could not drink it in the cafe since they had a license to sell beer but not to consume on the premises. We visited a few other beaches and a small lighthouse converted into a lighthouse museum. We returned to the hotel in time for the opening of the hospitality room.

We spent the late afternoon meeting those present and those that were arriving. Lots of hospitality, cocktails and snacks. All the elected officers were there and we went out to dinner as a group accompanied by a few other Senate friends, seafood of course. I assembled the officers for a short meeting to discuss possible discussions at the Joint Boards meeting at the World Congress in Tunisia. We also had a discussion on a variety of issues before returning to the hospitality room until time to retire - around midnight.


Saturday, October 31, 2009

Breakfast in the hotel again followed by a presidents to presidents meeting where I had the opportunity to meet with the Region 1 state presidents from Maine, Vermont, Rhode Island and regional VP, Sue Zetoff. I presented those presidents with their pips, and pin. The memorial service was begun where I delivered a short message then led the creed.

The Region 1 meeting then was convened where I had another opportunity to address the membership explaining the meaning behind the logo, hospitality and the scholarship program. Since I would be speaking again at the Banquet I reserved discussing the RTF program until then. I presented Sue with her pin and flag set as Regional VP - The first VP to get the set. After the Regional meeting was adjourned we had some time to spend in the hospitality room prior to meeting for the trolley tour of Kennebunk and Kennebunkport.

We saw many of the old "Grand Hotels" that were still in operation, the Bush compound, both old and new homes in the area, a Buddhist temple and some wonderful scenery while being entertained with the stories of our driver and tour guide. Returning to the hotel and hospitality before getting into our costumes for the Banquet.

The Banquet was a hoot as the vast majority of Senators were in costume, some very ingenious. I. of course, was Captain Picard while Denise was really Wanda the Witch. I was introduced by Maine president Denis Pratt then I spoke on the priority of the RTF program, our relationship with the US Jaycees and some of the goals of Jeff Lank, incoming president of the Jaycees.

I was presented with a coffee mug, homemade jelly and a nice framed nautical picture from Denis and a very decorative blanket from Sue. I presented Denis his pip, pin and flag set in appreciation of the Maine Senate's hospitality. The MC and featured speaker was Wayne Mitchell who did a great job in describing some of the activities of the Jaycees in the past and what could be possible with the Jaycees of the future. I had a very nice conversation with him after the meeting and was quite impressed. I began saying my goodbyes through the banquet room and dance then retired to pack and catch a few winks before heading to the Airport early next morning.
















Sunday, November 1, 2009

We left the hotel just after 6Am for our hour plus drive to Manchester airport, returned the rental car and caught a plane to BWI. We had lunch during our layover then on the plane back to Oakland

I have been attending the Fall Frolic for a number of years and this is perhaps one of the best. Thanks to President Denis and the Maine Senate for a great time.