Stardate 2010.163 Concord Annual Convention

Saturday, June 12, 2010

I spent the week getting the house and yard ready for my reception for the officers and appointed members of my team. Herb and Lannie came over and we set up the sunshades, tables, bar and anything else we needed to do to get ready. Greg arrived with the refrigerator truck and we loaded the water on board for the hospitality room. Greg and Lannie then set off to deliver the truck to the hotel and get the power set up. Sisters Sandy and Linda arrived and cut vegetables, melons, sliced meats. Linda busied herself scrubbing walls and cleaning up where my ineptness in housecleaning was most obvious. Wendy joined us and the preparation was completed. Wendy left for the hotel and I planned to follow but Sandy and Linda decided that we should rearrange the setup of the backyard and we rearranged the layout.

I left for the hotel just after 6PM with a trailer full of supplies and items for the hospitality room as well s my clothing for the week. There were many Early arrivals at the hotel and photos just had to be taken of the "working president" - still in sweat pants and a dirty T Shirt. We had some help unloading the trailer then I slinked away to my room for a shower. I felt mush better (and probably smelled better as well) and headed down to the lobby area to meet and greet early guests.

I had forgotten the printed directions to my house as well as my regular glasses so I headed back home to retrieve them and decided to leave the trailer there even though I would need it the following day. While there Trever called and we arranged to meet a the hotel so he could deliver the keyboard. I then worked with Dave Repp to download the U-tube videos for the banquet. Finally went to bed about 1AM.

Sunday, June 13, 2010

I woke at 5AM (damn), showered and ready for the big day and the reception at my house. I first drove out to the Susie Irvine Golf tournament to greet the hackers then back to the hotel for the Corps of Corps meeting. I started the meeting as Hexible then turned the meeting over to Claude Nelson before heading home. I picked up my trailer and then to Wally's Rental for the chairs for the reception. Linda and Sandy were the first to arrive followed by Wendy and Denise. Everything was in place by 2:30 PM so we had a short time to relax a bit before the first guests began to arrive. We quickly filled the back yard and everyone had a rousing time. I did interrupt the frivolity for a short time and presented my year end Coins to all the officers and appointees present, thanking them for their service to the US Senate this year. Most folks left just before 6PM and a few remaining folks helped to load the chairs into the trailer and generally clean up, wash serving utensils and get ready to leave for the hotel and early hospitality. We had a taco bar and what a great meal that was, snacks and pies followed and the bar was busy as usual. Another late night.

Monday, June 14, 2010

Denise and I made the rounds of the early committee meetings then met with US JCC President Elect Joanie Cramer who joined us at the Presidents meeting and first time Senators meeting. After lunch I attended the Future Directions committee then scooted into my final Executive committee meeting with the outgoing officers and appointees. We had a short time to visit the hospitality room then lingered in the hotel lobby when walked in a Klingon Warrior and the Duras Sisters - my you should have seen the looks on the faces of the hotel staff and some of the guests in the lobby. They were associated with a fan club and were there to judge the Regional booths. I quickly went upstairs to get dressed for the States Party. And what a party it was. I was in awe of the ingenuity of the regions. There were transporters, the bridge of the enterprise complete with crew, even the original Captain Pike was there.


-->We had Romulin Ales, Klingon Blood Wine, Cardassian Kanar, Saurian Brandy, Aldorian Ale, Gorn Balls, Tribbles and many other out of this world treats and everyone got into the act. I even won a purse and shawl in the raffle. Considering the number of raffle tickets I bought I figure they cost me around three hundred bars of latinum - but all for a good cause. After the party I went back to the room to change and was waylaid by the Region 8 folks who lured me into their lair where I was served voluminous quantities of champagne and left over Cardassian Kanar. I finally escaped and joined the folks for a game of screw your neighbor. Then some much needed sleep.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

I rose early and had breakfast with the Krekorian crew. I followed them to the Golf course to "Bless the Balls" and helped the ladies set up the lunch room for the hackers return. My next task was to return home and retrieve the trailer of chairs for return to Wally's rental. Then a stop at the Trophy shop for the Awards before heading back to the hotel. I arrived in time to attend President Elect Joanie's first training at 11:00 am and we were joined by an impressive group of Senators. She was very open with the current state of the Jaycees and some positive steps to improve the membership. There was much discussion on what would be the most effective ways for the Senate to help. I attended part of the Foundation meeting and presented Earl with one of my flag stanchions holding the American and Missouri Flags. That evening I participated in the Foundation Auction where I purchased an old Star Trek Phaser game. Of course the evening continued in the hospitality room with conversation and games until the wee hours.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010 I awoke for a busy day. Showered and dressed then went down for breakfast before attending the Memorial Service at 8:00 AM. In addition to honoring our departed Senate friends there was a special memorial to Past President Allen Pierce. Quite moving especially since his wife Connie was there with us. The Business meeting followed and as happens with the best laid plans we did not finish before lunch so I recessed the meeting at noon to be reconvened at 1:30PM. We reconvened and I presented my year end awards before the elections of the 2010-2011 Executive Officers. Elected this day was Mike O'Connell as president, Steve Sutherland as Administrative Vice President, Dawna Gruver as Secretary and Bruce Geddes as Treasurer. The meeting was adjourned before three PM. Joanies second seminar convened at 3:00 PM and was very well attended - she again was very open and many ideas were discussed. The final item on the days schedule was the Incoming Executive Committee meeting where I attended as C.O.B.. The evening was free and many Regions and/or States went out for dinner together. The California Group, of Course, remained and manned the hospitality room.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

I and Wendy picked up incoming president Mike and First Lady Kathy and escorted them to their first breakfast meeting. Kathy was escorted by first lady Wendy to the First Spouses breakfast while I escorted Mike to the Past Presidents breakfast. I supplied him with the appropriate footwear and he performed his tasks well serving the past presidents. I delivered Champagne to both breakfasts although there was a bottle of Bailey's that magically appeared at the Past Presidents breakfast.

I attended Joanie's final discussion at 12:30 on Thursday where we again had a good turnout. These discussion meetings were a last minute idea and we managed to schedule them in so most everyone would have the opportunity to attend. I was very pleased with the number of folks that attended and participated. We did not solve the ills of the Jaycee organization but those that attended came away with a better understanding of the current status and the steps being taken to reverse the decline. There was also many good ideas on the best course of action for the Senate and Senators.

My sisters and friends joined my presidential assistants to prepare for the reception in the Hospitality room and continued serving champagne to all the guests. I and Wendy stood at the start and had the honor of greeting every guest as they entered. It took quite a bit of time and not everyone was able to sit and enjoy the food and drink before having to get to the banquet room. I should have allowed at least an hour and a half for the reception. I had planned to give my special gifts to my traveling companions at the reception but ran out of time.

We all then lined up for the introductions into the banquet and I donned the Presidential "Chain of Office" that Earl Sawyer had made for us just before the introduction of Wendy and Myself. Jaws fell as folks noticed the chain. We took our place at the head table amid resounding applause. Do I feel worthy - not really - but do humbly appreciate the love displayed.

I was so honored to have Dave Hood there to sing the National Anthem for us, what a great voice he has. He also sang a couple of songs while desert was being served - one "If I had a Brain" as a spoof on why in the world would anyone want to do this!. The second was "If I were King" Again what an Honor. Denise and Joe A were the Masters of Ceremony and did a terrific job of planning the script interspersed with humor and a few good natured digs. We were honored to have Rene Jacobs, president of the Canadian Senate and Barney Ziola, Treasurer of the Canadian Senate with us. Our Friend from the UK, Chris Read who is also ambassador to the Americas from the European Senate also joined us for the weeks activities. The Ambassador to the Americas from ASAC, Ray Bratwaite honored with his presence as well. Special guest US JCC President elect Joanie Cramer and husband Tom honored us with their presence as Joanie led us in the Pledge of Allegiance to the US Flag of freedom.

I did have a chance, although not in the script, to present a few special gifts, To Joe A, a Jack Daniels flask with a nip of JD Reserve and a collection of uncirculated states quarters. To Jeannie, Denise and Wendy Necklaces that I actually picked out myself which were just a small token of my appreciation for their travels over the last four years. Words cannot fully express my appreciation for all they have done for me.

On to the Memorial Awards. These were the most difficult decisions I have ever had to make. Even worse that choosing who to let go when I was a manager of a large staff. By the reaction of the crowd, I think I made the right decisions. I did manage to surprise a few folks.

Katina Repp did a wonderful job for the slide show covering the years events in a short 20 minute presentation. It was time for my last address to the US JCI Senate as president and I was over whelmed by the audience as they applauded after my conclusion. I am not sure if it was what I said or the closing - I had a video of the "fat Lady Singing" before pronouncing that "it is now over" - it did bring a laugh to many right away and some after they realized what had been done. A memory that will stay with me forever. C.O.B. Pat Hoelker presented me with flags from the US as well as California that had been flown over the capital. Star Trek memorabilia and my very special [past presidents ring and pin.

California Senate president CJ Jorif then served me with a divorce summons issued by Sandy McManus concerning the irreconcilable differences between myself and Wendy Bell. I did retain custody of Denise although Wendy had visiting rights. Well done by all.

I then administered the oath of office to newly elected president Mike O'Connell with Kathy by his side. Mike then gave his incoming speech and inducted his officers and Vice Presidents. The Vice presidents then came forward (again not in the script), joined me in a circle around Angie Struttmann while she sand "Proud to be an American". A moving song and the entire audience stood and swayed to the music. WOW!!!

The meeting closed with Kathy O'Connell leading us in the Jaycee Creed. The decommissioning of the Starship USJCI38 is complete. Another non scripted event was the first "Passing of the Chain". Where two chairs were placed in front of the head table for myself and Mike. All the past presidents came forward and "passed" the chain of the office of president from my shoulders onto the shoulders of Mike O'connell. Thus a new tradition for the US JCI Senate was born.

It was now time to don the Shirts for the new administration and join everyone in the hospitality room for our last night together before heading home. Our next meeting will be in September in Blomington.