Thursday February 25, 2010
Joined up with Joe A and Margaret Souza at the Oakland Airport for an easy flight to Nashville. Picked up our rental car and drove three plus hours to Pigeon Forge. Of Course we had to stop at the Cracker Barrel for dinner. We arrived a bit after 10PM and after dropping our bags in the room proceeded to the Hospitality room for a much needed drink of adult beverage. We socialized with the other early arrivals but soon it was time for bed as we had been awake for most of a 24 hour day.
Friday, February 26, 2010
I spent the morning visiting in the breakfast room while Joe and Margaret set off to see what they could of the Smokey Mountains. Weather was a bit brisk and snow had covered many of the roads but they had a great time visiting the areas that were open. I ventured out for a while in the afternoon and it was nice in the sunshine but in the shade it froze your nose.
That evening we were off to the dinner show. We had a large buffet and it was pretty good at that. the show was very entertaining. The troupe was very talented and sang some familiar country and older rock and roll tunes. They proceeded to get into impersonations of hit entertainers of the 50's, 60's and some of the 70's. Songs our group grew up with and were very familiar. After dinner it was back to the hospitality room and the costume was western!. Some very ingenious costumes and much dancing and singing. I lost two games of screw your neighbor in a row so I called it a night around midnight.
Saturday, February, 27, 2010
The first of the days meetings was the Tennessee Senate meeting I spoke briefly and presented Tennessee president Reggie Lawrence one of my flag sets for hosting me this weekend. The Region 7 meeting followed where I again had the honor of addressing the Region 7 Senators. This was the first meeting where my successors banner was prominently displayed.
The National Corps of Corps meeting was called next where after some initial tomfoolery I was selected to lead the rest of the meeting. Seems that since the California Tigers were hosting the next meeting that I as Hexable took over this meeting. We made a few bucks on fines, inducted a few folks and adjourned the meeting.
There was an hour or so where I was able to get my feet up for a short rest. Then it was dress for the evenings Banquet. We were welcomed by the Mayor of Pigeon Forge, had a great meal and some short speeches. I was responsible for one of those speeches. The rest of the night was traditional Tennessee hospitality before saying our goodbyes and heading to bed.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Up and had breakfast with the remaining Senators before loading the car for the trek back to the Nashville Airport and our flight home.
Thanks to the Tennessee Senate for a great weekend.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Friday, February 19, 2010
Stardate 2010.078 California Jaycees Installation
Friday, February 19, 2010
Friday was the only trip this year where I could drive rather than catch an airplane. I met past JCI Senate president Joe A in Santa Nella and we headed for Long Beach and the Senate/Jaycees meeting. We checked into the hotel and found that the Hospitality room was not available yet. Joe and I went to the hotel bar for a drink and were joined by Denise and Greg Conrad. As folks arrived and found the same hospitality situation joined us until it was time for dinner. We all gathered in the lobby and dispersed everyone into automobiles for the short drive to the restaurant. There was a large group of Senators at dinner, the food was good and served by some very "sweet" waiters.
Service was slow so by the time we finished dinner it was past time for the Senate Board Meeting. We rushed back to the hotel and gathered in the board room for the Senate meeting. This was the same room that the Tiger Board was to use so there was a bit of an issue. The Senate started late which inconvenienced the Tiger Corps as they would then be starting late as well. After these two meetings I had to find Jaycee Chief of Staff, Debbie Holbrook to get her the Year End Sponsorship Thank you letters for president Claudia's signature.
The hospitality room was now open so I spent a brief time there before retiring for the night.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
The day began with the Senate Breakfast meeting presided over by president Karen KT Talamantes. This was the meeting wherein we invite the new Chapter presidents to breakfast to let them meet the Senators and find out what we can do to assist their local chapters. I had the honor of being the keynote speaker and spoke to them about communication and our Return the Favor program.
There was a 10 minute break between the conclusion of the Senate breakfast and the Foundation meeting. The major topic of conversation was the sale/rental of the building and the issues surrounding the right away through the Kentucky Fried parking lot.
The next meeting was conducted in the hospitality room for the Concord2010 convention committee. Each committee chair presented a status of their responsibility and discussion concerning issues were covered. Still much to do.
We had a short time to socialize then it was back to the room to dress for the Jaycee installation and awards dinner. We walked the block to the restaurant where the banquet was to be held OUTDOORS. Many of the ladies were not dressed for such a venue but soon the heaters were fired up and it became comfortable. The meal was good and outgoing president Claudia Sheridan did a great job in mentioning the Senate sponsor for each of her awards. I was honored to Install the new Jaycee president, Paul Farmer and the Jaycee officers for the 2010 year. I might mention that many of the ladies were dressed for a banquet I was the only one in a Tuxedo.
We returned to the hotel and the hospitality room where the theme was the 90's and everyone was appropriately dressed. As has been tradition this year there was a Jeopardy game with 90's era trivia. Much competition between teams.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Joe and I left before breakfast to drive home trying to beat the forecasted rainstorm. We managed to reach Santa Nella with only sprinkles. As Joe and I parted and I headed north the rain hit. This slowed my progress considerable but I arrived home safely.
Next time perhaps I will fly.
Friday was the only trip this year where I could drive rather than catch an airplane. I met past JCI Senate president Joe A in Santa Nella and we headed for Long Beach and the Senate/Jaycees meeting. We checked into the hotel and found that the Hospitality room was not available yet. Joe and I went to the hotel bar for a drink and were joined by Denise and Greg Conrad. As folks arrived and found the same hospitality situation joined us until it was time for dinner. We all gathered in the lobby and dispersed everyone into automobiles for the short drive to the restaurant. There was a large group of Senators at dinner, the food was good and served by some very "sweet" waiters.
Service was slow so by the time we finished dinner it was past time for the Senate Board Meeting. We rushed back to the hotel and gathered in the board room for the Senate meeting. This was the same room that the Tiger Board was to use so there was a bit of an issue. The Senate started late which inconvenienced the Tiger Corps as they would then be starting late as well. After these two meetings I had to find Jaycee Chief of Staff, Debbie Holbrook to get her the Year End Sponsorship Thank you letters for president Claudia's signature.
The hospitality room was now open so I spent a brief time there before retiring for the night.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
The day began with the Senate Breakfast meeting presided over by president Karen KT Talamantes. This was the meeting wherein we invite the new Chapter presidents to breakfast to let them meet the Senators and find out what we can do to assist their local chapters. I had the honor of being the keynote speaker and spoke to them about communication and our Return the Favor program.
There was a 10 minute break between the conclusion of the Senate breakfast and the Foundation meeting. The major topic of conversation was the sale/rental of the building and the issues surrounding the right away through the Kentucky Fried parking lot.
The next meeting was conducted in the hospitality room for the Concord2010 convention committee. Each committee chair presented a status of their responsibility and discussion concerning issues were covered. Still much to do.
We had a short time to socialize then it was back to the room to dress for the Jaycee installation and awards dinner. We walked the block to the restaurant where the banquet was to be held OUTDOORS. Many of the ladies were not dressed for such a venue but soon the heaters were fired up and it became comfortable. The meal was good and outgoing president Claudia Sheridan did a great job in mentioning the Senate sponsor for each of her awards. I was honored to Install the new Jaycee president, Paul Farmer and the Jaycee officers for the 2010 year. I might mention that many of the ladies were dressed for a banquet I was the only one in a Tuxedo.
We returned to the hotel and the hospitality room where the theme was the 90's and everyone was appropriately dressed. As has been tradition this year there was a Jeopardy game with 90's era trivia. Much competition between teams.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Joe and I left before breakfast to drive home trying to beat the forecasted rainstorm. We managed to reach Santa Nella with only sprinkles. As Joe and I parted and I headed north the rain hit. This slowed my progress considerable but I arrived home safely.
Next time perhaps I will fly.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Stardate 2010.043 Florida Senate 40th Anniversary
Friday, February 12, 2010
Florida Senate President Randy Windham met me at the airport and shuttle me to the hotel. After checking in I joined the group in the hospitality room where there were many faces that I had not seen in quite a while. Past President Allen and Connie Pierce were a nice sight as well as many familiar faces. I met Senator 21024 Jan-Arild Knutsen from Norway who travels extensively and has joined the Florida Senate for this celebration. We had an interesting conversation about all his travels.
I attended president Randy's Board Meeting and gave a short talk on the state of the US JCI Senate. The evening continued with greetings and friendship in the hospitality room.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
I had breakfast in the hotel restaurant with some of the Florida Senators. We then moved into the hospitality room and shared experiences until noon when lunch was served.
After lunch, president Randy convened his membership meeting which was informative and efficient. Past US JCI Senate president Bubba Hunt was the "fine Director" and did a humorous job of assessing fines for a variety of acts or events whether true or not. I was given the floor to speak briefly to the members of the Florida Senate.
After the meeting a had a brief time to do some initial packing and a short rest. I donned my formal duds and joined the reception in the hospitality room. It was Valentines weekend and most of the ladies and some of the men wore RED to celebrate. There was a fine display of Lasses in the room, I might add.
We then moved into the Banquet room where I had the pleasure of sitting between Arwyn Pritchett, 86th president of the Florida Jaycees and Randy Avon #8283, first president of the Florida Senate. I had a pleasant conversation with Arwyn on the status of the Florida Senate and found Randy quite fascinating.
President Randy called the meeting to order with a welcome, invocation and Pledge of Allegiance to our Flag. There was a lengthy but efficient memorial service to remember those friend that we have lost. Introductions and dinner followed.
Florida Jaycees president Arwyn spoke to the group about the status of the Florida Jaycees and how the Senate has been of assistance to their chapters. I followed Arwyn and spoke about the US JCI Senate and in particular our Return the Favor Program and my vision of the Senate and Jaycees crossing the bridge to the future Together.
Randy Avon, Charter president of the Florida JCI Senate did a great job as Keynote speaker. His delivery was humorous although filled with great memories as well as some serious issues on areas to improve the impact of the Junior Chamber. He also spoke on how the Senate should take more of a lead on serious issues.
Randy was presented with the Homer Shepherd Memorial Award. This was followed by the special presentation of a JCI Senatorship. This was a presentation and honor that was long overdue. She has remained active after aging out of the Jaycees and always assists the Senate in setting up the Senate Hospitality room. Many Senators, in fact, assume that she has always been a Senator as she is always helping where she can.
The 40th Anniversary Banquet and celebration concluded with the Jaycee Creed led by newest Senator.
Everyone retired to the hospitality room which became very crowded but joyful conversations abounded throughout the room. I said my goodbyes and headed to bed around midnight.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
I arose at 5 AM to catch the shuttle to the airport. I arrived and made it to the gate with about an hour to spare so I found a Starbucks and got my morning caffeine before boarding my flight home.
Thanks you Florida Senate for a wonderful weekend and congratulations of your 40 years.
Florida Senate President Randy Windham met me at the airport and shuttle me to the hotel. After checking in I joined the group in the hospitality room where there were many faces that I had not seen in quite a while. Past President Allen and Connie Pierce were a nice sight as well as many familiar faces. I met Senator 21024 Jan-Arild Knutsen from Norway who travels extensively and has joined the Florida Senate for this celebration. We had an interesting conversation about all his travels.
I attended president Randy's Board Meeting and gave a short talk on the state of the US JCI Senate. The evening continued with greetings and friendship in the hospitality room.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
I had breakfast in the hotel restaurant with some of the Florida Senators. We then moved into the hospitality room and shared experiences until noon when lunch was served.
After lunch, president Randy convened his membership meeting which was informative and efficient. Past US JCI Senate president Bubba Hunt was the "fine Director" and did a humorous job of assessing fines for a variety of acts or events whether true or not. I was given the floor to speak briefly to the members of the Florida Senate.
After the meeting a had a brief time to do some initial packing and a short rest. I donned my formal duds and joined the reception in the hospitality room. It was Valentines weekend and most of the ladies and some of the men wore RED to celebrate. There was a fine display of Lasses in the room, I might add.
We then moved into the Banquet room where I had the pleasure of sitting between Arwyn Pritchett, 86th president of the Florida Jaycees and Randy Avon #8283, first president of the Florida Senate. I had a pleasant conversation with Arwyn on the status of the Florida Senate and found Randy quite fascinating.
President Randy called the meeting to order with a welcome, invocation and Pledge of Allegiance to our Flag. There was a lengthy but efficient memorial service to remember those friend that we have lost. Introductions and dinner followed.
Florida Jaycees president Arwyn spoke to the group about the status of the Florida Jaycees and how the Senate has been of assistance to their chapters. I followed Arwyn and spoke about the US JCI Senate and in particular our Return the Favor Program and my vision of the Senate and Jaycees crossing the bridge to the future Together.
Randy Avon, Charter president of the Florida JCI Senate did a great job as Keynote speaker. His delivery was humorous although filled with great memories as well as some serious issues on areas to improve the impact of the Junior Chamber. He also spoke on how the Senate should take more of a lead on serious issues.
Randy was presented with the Homer Shepherd Memorial Award. This was followed by the special presentation of a JCI Senatorship. This was a presentation and honor that was long overdue. She has remained active after aging out of the Jaycees and always assists the Senate in setting up the Senate Hospitality room. Many Senators, in fact, assume that she has always been a Senator as she is always helping where she can.
The 40th Anniversary Banquet and celebration concluded with the Jaycee Creed led by newest Senator.
Everyone retired to the hospitality room which became very crowded but joyful conversations abounded throughout the room. I said my goodbyes and headed to bed around midnight.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
I arose at 5 AM to catch the shuttle to the airport. I arrived and made it to the gate with about an hour to spare so I found a Starbucks and got my morning caffeine before boarding my flight home.
Thanks you Florida Senate for a wonderful weekend and congratulations of your 40 years.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Stardate 2010.035 Hawaii Oldtimers weekend
Thursday, February 4, 2010
I had a small challenge when leaving my home for the airport. My BART ticket was rejected when I attempted to enter the train station - it seems that it had become demagnetized. The agent was kind enough to give me two passes which closely matched what the amount of the ticket. I arrived at the airport in time to have a cup of coffee before boarding. It was an easy flight although we were fighting a headwind all the way and arrived in Honolulu about an hour late.
Ben Makaea had checked the arrival time so he arrived to pick me up just as the plane touched down. We shuttled over to Ono's Hawaiian Food where we met up with Wayne Ishihara and I had my yearly fix of Lau Lau and Poi. Ben then delivered me to the Pagoda Hotel and I checked in. We then joined a small group of Hawaiian Senators/Oldtimers in the hospitality room where Mike Fujioka and Big Al Lewis greeted everyone. Soon Katherine arrived and had Fats and Unda in tow after picking them up at the airport.
It was soon time to go to the Karaoke room which is becoming an annual event for the early arrivals. The Hawaii Senators have some pretty impressive voices and many a song was belted out during the evening. I gave everyone a break and DID NOT sing. There was plenty of food and drink but after being up for over 20 hours I beamed out early for some much needed sleep.
Friday, February 5, 2010
First item of business was to iron my shirts before cleaning up and taking a walk along the beach. I stopped in at Ala Moana Center for some gift shopping then returned to spend some time with my Hawaiian friends in the hospitality room until time to dress for the Oldtimers Recognition Banquet.
The room was filled with a good showing of Hawaii Jaycees as well as the Oldtimers/Senators to honor Ray Graulty. Ray is a past Jaycee and Judge on Oahu. He gave a great presentation on his Jaycee career and it's effect on his participation in politics. I had the honor and privilege to participate in a very special Senatorship presentation. Henry Chang is one of the "forgotten" Jaycees. He was actually nominated in the late 1970's but the chapter never funded the application and after a few years and changing leadership in the chapter the nomination was forgotten. Ed Hasagawa led the effort to rectify that error. A very special honor for a deserving Jaycee.
Mainland Senators attending in addition to myself were, Region X VP Caroline Smith, California Senators Dave and Katina Repp and transplanted California Senator Mark Gardner.
After dinner we returned to the Pagoda Hospitality room for more outstanding Hawaiian hospitality.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
I again took a walk in fantastic weather along the beach and around that area before returning to the hospitality room for some talk story until time to leave for the Chinese New Year Celebration and parade. We parked close to Chinatown and walked to the celebration area where the streets were closed and vendors lined each side. We bought a plate lunch from the Honolulu Chinese Jaycees. We wandered around scoping out the wares of the street vendors as well as the permanent businesses in the area. We selected a great spot next to the stage to watch the new years parade.
We returned to the hospitality room where more folks were gathering to go to the Mongoose Corps dinner.
The usual Chinese buffet was closed this time so we went to a Korean style BBQ restaurant were you select your meats and vegetables (uncooked) from a large buffet. Each table has a propane grill built into the center of the table and you cook your foods to your liking. There were 6 people to a table and we shared the cooking. Mongoose commander Mark Nakashima went through his agenda and was re-elected for another year. I might mention that he is also a Hawaii District congressman in the House of Representatives of Hawaii.
After dinner we again returned to the hospitality room for more talk story as we continued to renew friendships and meet a few new friends. I said my goodbyes to all my friends and off to bed.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
I packed and checked out of my room and went over to the hospitality room to wait for my pilot, Ben, to arrive. We went to breakfast at the Like Like Restaurant and then to the Airport where I had an easy flight home. As always it is difficult to leave paradise but be assured I will be back next year.
I had a small challenge when leaving my home for the airport. My BART ticket was rejected when I attempted to enter the train station - it seems that it had become demagnetized. The agent was kind enough to give me two passes which closely matched what the amount of the ticket. I arrived at the airport in time to have a cup of coffee before boarding. It was an easy flight although we were fighting a headwind all the way and arrived in Honolulu about an hour late.
Ben Makaea had checked the arrival time so he arrived to pick me up just as the plane touched down. We shuttled over to Ono's Hawaiian Food where we met up with Wayne Ishihara and I had my yearly fix of Lau Lau and Poi. Ben then delivered me to the Pagoda Hotel and I checked in. We then joined a small group of Hawaiian Senators/Oldtimers in the hospitality room where Mike Fujioka and Big Al Lewis greeted everyone. Soon Katherine arrived and had Fats and Unda in tow after picking them up at the airport.
It was soon time to go to the Karaoke room which is becoming an annual event for the early arrivals. The Hawaii Senators have some pretty impressive voices and many a song was belted out during the evening. I gave everyone a break and DID NOT sing. There was plenty of food and drink but after being up for over 20 hours I beamed out early for some much needed sleep.
Friday, February 5, 2010
First item of business was to iron my shirts before cleaning up and taking a walk along the beach. I stopped in at Ala Moana Center for some gift shopping then returned to spend some time with my Hawaiian friends in the hospitality room until time to dress for the Oldtimers Recognition Banquet.
The room was filled with a good showing of Hawaii Jaycees as well as the Oldtimers/Senators to honor Ray Graulty. Ray is a past Jaycee and Judge on Oahu. He gave a great presentation on his Jaycee career and it's effect on his participation in politics. I had the honor and privilege to participate in a very special Senatorship presentation. Henry Chang is one of the "forgotten" Jaycees. He was actually nominated in the late 1970's but the chapter never funded the application and after a few years and changing leadership in the chapter the nomination was forgotten. Ed Hasagawa led the effort to rectify that error. A very special honor for a deserving Jaycee.
Mainland Senators attending in addition to myself were, Region X VP Caroline Smith, California Senators Dave and Katina Repp and transplanted California Senator Mark Gardner.
After dinner we returned to the Pagoda Hospitality room for more outstanding Hawaiian hospitality.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
I again took a walk in fantastic weather along the beach and around that area before returning to the hospitality room for some talk story until time to leave for the Chinese New Year Celebration and parade. We parked close to Chinatown and walked to the celebration area where the streets were closed and vendors lined each side. We bought a plate lunch from the Honolulu Chinese Jaycees. We wandered around scoping out the wares of the street vendors as well as the permanent businesses in the area. We selected a great spot next to the stage to watch the new years parade.
We returned to the hospitality room where more folks were gathering to go to the Mongoose Corps dinner.
The usual Chinese buffet was closed this time so we went to a Korean style BBQ restaurant were you select your meats and vegetables (uncooked) from a large buffet. Each table has a propane grill built into the center of the table and you cook your foods to your liking. There were 6 people to a table and we shared the cooking. Mongoose commander Mark Nakashima went through his agenda and was re-elected for another year. I might mention that he is also a Hawaii District congressman in the House of Representatives of Hawaii.
After dinner we again returned to the hospitality room for more talk story as we continued to renew friendships and meet a few new friends. I said my goodbyes to all my friends and off to bed.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
I packed and checked out of my room and went over to the hospitality room to wait for my pilot, Ben, to arrive. We went to breakfast at the Like Like Restaurant and then to the Airport where I had an easy flight home. As always it is difficult to leave paradise but be assured I will be back next year.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
