Wednesday,June 2, 2010
I met Joe A in Oakland on Wednesday evening where we would stay in a local park and fly hotel to catch an early flight to New Orleans. We called Herb Pike and met to have a leisurely dinner together
Thursday, June 3, 2010
We were up at 4Am (getting to be a habit).caught our flight through Denver to New Orleans. Mark Conti picked us up and delivered us to the Intercontinental hotel. We met Newton as we checked in and after unloading our luggage into our room we joined the Jaycees on the third floor. We met many Jaycees and the first timers were anxious to get my signature. We then sat in on the US JCC Board meeting where we found that the Jaycees had changed their meeting dates for next June when we planned to meet together. After the first shock we determined that it would still allow us to meet although we would not share meeting days. The Jaycees would meet from Wednesday through TOYA on Saturday while the Senate early hospitality would start on Sunday. Something we can probably work out. The hotel restaurant did not have much interesting on the menu and the prices were pretty steep. We heard about a local establishment and walked to Mothers restaurant. It was local food and very good - price was also right. Returning to the hotel we changed into our formal gear for the Awards ceremony where I had the opportunity to join 2009 president John Webber in presenting the RTF Award.
After the ceremonies we had a drink in our room with Newton and Carol then to John Webber's suite for his reception. We then changed into casual wear for the 2011 onto Chicago party - $9 for a drink (gulp) needless to say we only had one drink before retreating to bed.
Friday, June 4, 2010
We slept in a bit and I did not get to the Jaycee meeting when I was expected to speak. Newton covered my butt and thanked the Jaycees for a great reception. He then called me and I scooted down just in time to hear Joanie's election speech and see her elected as the 91st president. President Jeff spotted me and invited me to speak to the Jaycee membership. I was certainly honored to do so. I remained in the area after the meeti8ng and visited with many Jaycees. It was an honor to have so many other Senators visible for the Jaycees to visit with. Newton and Carol Standridge, Joe A Souza, Mike Sawyer, Travis Boatright, Ron Whitmore, Steve Sutherland, Kim Newlin and myself.
We had lunch at a local deli and I had to have a Mufletta sandwich for which New Orleans is famous. We returned to the hotel and met up with Travis who had the supplies for our reception for the Jaycees. He had forgotten the wine at home so he and I headed off to WalMart to correct that oversight. I had to get to the 3rd floor as I was supposed to meet Raj and go over the US JCC Foundation but he did not show up. I did have the opportunity while waiting to visit with more Jaycees. At 2:30 Newton and I met with past president John Webber, Current President Jeff Lank and President elect Joanie Cramer to brainstorm areas where we can be of mutual assistance and improve communications. I cam away with confidence that we can assist the turnaround in membership..
Back to the Crew Suite provided by Kim Newlin for the US Senate reception for the Jaycee Executive teams for 2009 as well as 2010. Carol Standridge and Becky Newlin did an outstanding job arranging food trays and serving wine, soft drinks, beer and water to our guests. We had a grand showing of Jaycee officers attend. I gave out my coin gifts and Jeff presented me with a nice gift as well. The Ladies closed our reception while I went to President Jeff's suite for his reception. We then met with the Iowa Jaycees and walked to Gordon Bierch for dinner together. We returned to the hotel and my first Crew meeting where I was introduced as a new member. We enjoyed the comradeship until time for bed.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
I joined the other Crew members for breakfast in the hotel restaurant and we had a great discussion of the Crew's history. We adjourned to a meeting room where our discussion centered on better communication between the Jaycees and the Senate. There was about an hour of free time then I attended my first meeting of the US JCC Foundation for which I will serve as a trustee for the next year. Raj rode president Jeff pretty badly during his presentation to the foundation. The meeting went a bit longer than anticipated and I missed Joanie's election celebration. I again donned my penguin suit and visited the Crew suite for a cocktail or two before heading down to the TOYA Banquet.
We were assigned to a VIP Table which we shared by past TOYA Recipient and son of Nevada Senator Chris Mumm. It was an impressive ceremony with 8 of the 10 awardees present. There was entertainment by a local singing group delivering many do-wop songs of the 50's and 60's. I remained in the area to visit with some of the Jaycees before changing into more comfortable garb and again visiting the Crew Suite to say our goodbyes. A short visit to the Jaycees dance then to bed.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Off early in the morning to the airport and my final voyage away from home as president of the US JCI Senate
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