Dear Shipmates & Friends,
Well another reunion in the books and I must again thank Nick and Mary Morstad for their outstanding job in coordinating this event. It surely was one of the very best. It is through organization like they provided that makes not only the reunion fun for all but it sure makes the duties of the officers much easier also. It was indeed a real treat.
The weather in Colorado was just about perfect. Never too hot or too cold and what views. From the hotel rooms you could almost reach out and touch Pike's Peak. What a spectacular view. The trip to the top was not on the tour schedule but many of the group in our free time made the pilgrimage to the 14,110 summit. Some were really sucking in what little air there was. Everyone took lost of photos, so watch the web site for all those in the near future.
Thanks to Chip, Roy and Bill, my fellow officers, for their efforts in the hospitality suite. Can not forget the ladies either who helped maintain, stock and clean up the room every night. We appreciate all the ladies do in our behalf. The room was just the right size so everyone could socialize, review cruise books and laugh about all the hair we use to have.
Dustin, our webmaster, is already working on the numerous request we asked be updates on the web site. Posting the new arrivals to the roster, adding the Ladies and Friends contact area, listing Lifetime Members, updating both our sick call list and departed shipmates along with a private "Association Members Only" area for sensitive issues such as the financial report are in the works.
We finalized our scholarship procedures and they too will be on the web. We will be giving one $1,000 scholarship away for the 2010-11 school year. The scholarship is available to Association members direct descendants and the forms needed to apply again will be on the web site. When the amount was approved, it was also voted to take all the money generated by the annual auction and apply it to the scholarship fund. Shipmate and true friend of the Associaiton, Larry Nelson, personally added to the fund $1,500 and in just one day our scholarship fund grew to over $4,000. It is truly people like Larry and many others who make being a part of this Association such a joy. Larry never ceases to amaze me and all our attendees, as he brings that special something out by just being in the room. His humor, his kindness and the love he shows and shares with this organization is nothing less than remarkable. Thanks for everything Larry and thanks to all from over the years who have donated so generously to the Associaiton so we could continue to grow.
Branson, MO, was the runaway choice for 2010 by the membership. We started with six potential cities and were down to Memphis and Branson in the final vote. Poor Memphis got just three votes. With so many members familiar with that Branson I am positive we will have all the bases covered. Thanks to Roy and Betty Hoffman, along with Bernie and Christine Hilderbrand for volunteering to coordinate the reunion and taking on that challenging responsibility. Special thanks to Tom Weaver, who having been in Branson for other ship's reunions, is sharing all of his contact info.
I challenged the attendees to find one other shipmate and see if you can convince them to attend the Branson reunion. If you have never been to a reunion I hope you will seriously consider coming to Branson. We offer partial registration so if you can only come for a day or two that perfectly OK. We encourage you to bring family members or friends as well. No date has been set but it will likely be after Labor Day in 2010. We will keep you posted as details are firmed up.
Bill Biller our Treasurer is from Tiffin, OH and I, from Eaton, OH, have talked about hosting a weekend Mini-Midwest Meeting for shipmates in Columbus, Ohio and invite all members from the neighboring states. No one has done this for Goldy, however other ships seem to make it work. It would likely be in March or April and I will keep you all posted as to any progress. So if you live in PA, MI, IN, or KY keep watching the web site for details. Of course, if you are from Florida and happen to be in the area, you sure are welcome too.
Branson will be my last official reunion as President and my eight years in office has been a labor of love. I look forward to passing the gavel (bell) on to another shipmate and we have quit a few members who will do this Associaiton proud. We have had some rough spots, some disagreements and of course some controversy. However, I feel those are the norm for any organization as if we were all of the same mind, what surprises would life hold. Progress comes hard to many and change is not always readily accepted. However, our core group of regulars has see us forge ahead in striving to make the Associaiton the best it can be. Personally, I feel we get stronger with each reunion as we tweak the things we do and hopefully make it a better time for all. I am proud of where we have been, where we are and where the future will take us. I deeply appreciate the efforts of all who have contributed and trust me when I say that even coming to the reunions is a major contribution in itself.
As the holiday season approaches, I am very thankful for all I have been given and the opportunity to serve this great organization. I wish you all Peace on Earth, a safe, healthy and happy new year and may God Bless you and your family!
Pat Taylor,
President USS Goldsborough Association