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.