Stardate, 2010.071 Region 6 Meeting

Friday, March 12, 2010

We were greeted at the Omaha airport by Regional VP Randy Young's smiling face and he successfully shuttled Denise and me to the hotel. The rest of the "Bridge Officers" were already there. Two groups were in different areas of the lobby/breakfast as there were not enough seating in any one area. I spent some time with one group and them moved on the the other group until the hospitality room opened just before 5PM.

At 5:15 some of us gathered in the lobby to load up for the trek to a local Steak and Seafood restaurant where Randy had made reservations. Present for dinner was VP Randy and Debbie Young, Myself and Denise, Pat and Skip Hoelker, Steve and Dawne Sutherland, Nebraska president Mike Francis and his lady Robin. There was a special treat at each setting , a post card size Refrigerator magnet with VP Randy's logo that had been made for him by one of his clients. There was also a delicious caramel candy wrapped with his logo as well. We all enjoyed a delicious dinner and great camaraderie for the evening. We then returned to the hotel and ten forward (hospitality) for an evening of renewing friendships and pleasant conversation.

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Breakfast was served in the hospitality room where chairman Marilyn had made up some special "Star Trek" waffles. The official proceedings began with a memorial service to remember our friends that have been taken from our family. The Region 6 business meeting was conducted efficiently with many reports given on the events and activities throughout the year.

Lunch was served in ten forward where Randy presented his final comments and gifts to the crew that has been instrumental in having a successful year in Region 6. The program ended with a slide show of the years activities and events.

At 3PM the Nebraska Senate 35th anniversary program began with a wine tasting from a local winery owned and operated by a Nebraska Senator. Most of the wines were a bit sweet for my palette but were thoroughly enjoyed by most. I did find an interesting Red Wine that I stuck with for the afternoon. Each of the past Nebraska Senate presidents were introduced and given a gift of a bottle of wine. The national guests were also introduced to the assembly.

ten Forward was closed for a short time to prepare for the Chili cook off at 6PM. There were many fine chili recipes to evaluate by each of the guests. Of secondary importance was the Hot dogs and appropriate toppings with chips, of course. There was plenty to go around and this also served as dinner for most of us.

The foundation silent auction was set up for folks to inspect while other meetings were being conducted. The States party committee met although I was barred from attending - for good reason, many of the ladies retired to the Red Hat Society meeting. The Foundation raffle and auction was conducted later that evening and, taking the time change into consideration, I got to bed around 1AM.

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Sleep did not come very easy as there was also many Wrestling teams in the hotel and they partied in rooms and the hallways all night sometimes very loudly. They subsided around 3 in the morning and sleep came easier. THEN, around 4:30 they started again. Denise and I had an early flight so we had to be up at 5AM anyway so we packed and met our pilot Randy in the lobby and were delivered to the airport in plenty of time to catch our flight home.

Region 6 is always unbeatable for their hospitality, My thanks to all.