Together,
Again, In The Mountains-2007
by
staff reporter , E. Gardner Harshman
It was drizzling rain. Not hard, just a drizzle. I mention that because rain seems to be the only weather constant when we get together in the mountains for our fall reunion. We didn’t mind, however. It wasn’t enough to keep anyone away and those in the know, knew that the rain was sorely needed.
Nearly 200 retirees, spouses and guests drove the mountainous trek to the lofty town of Highlands in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina. Homing in on the Civic Center Recreation Park, coming from locations in Florida, Georgia and North Carolina, our attendees gathered enthusiastically for this annual function and enjoyed the fellowship and camaraderie of longtime workmates and friends.
Phil Hill, Irene Schoetker, Dick Bellmer and Gardner Harshman put together another winner of a reunion. From the welcome to Highlands given by Mr. Bob Kieltyka, Executive Director of Highlands Chamber of Commerce, through the beautiful and moving invocation given by Maurice Phillips who reminded us that spouses also played a major role in supporting us workers who built Florida Power, to the food catered by Prime Sirloin of Cherokee, NC, we enjoyed a great day. Although the location was not new, the caterer was and no one was disappointed. The food was good and plentiful.
Phil Hill has some fun in choosing which table should approach the buffet table first. He tossed out the question, “What is the hairiest side of a horse?” The first table answering correctly would be next up in line. Fortunately, I was at the table with his wife who blurted out the answer and put us next in the food line. Phil is a great emcee, using humor to keep things moving.
Following lunch, Irene Schoetker, Registrar for our reunions and Membership Chair for our Association, brought a message from Andy Hines. She read it to the group, as follows:
“I had hoped and planned to be with you today but circumstances prevent it. I just haven’t mastered the art of being in two places at one time. No bad reasons to miss. It’s another commitment involving out of state guests.
Since I couldn’t come personally, I thought I’d let my pen speak for me. As many of know, I’ve been writing poetry for a long, long time. You are receiving a booklet containing some of my favorites. I hope that you enjoy them.
Thanks for the many kindnesses you have shown to me for the years we worked together and the busy, challenging, sunrise/sunsets since. I’ll be thinking about you and know that you will have a wonderful occasion.”....Andy Hines.“
Each retiree received a copy of the booklet with Andy’s poems.
Big winners of the 50/50 (which is actually split three ways) were Jim McGowan and Eulalie Jones. It certainly pays to attend! Discretion prevents me from telling you how much.
Gardner Harshman was next on the agenda with a brief update on the activities of the Retirees Association and encouraged those present to become dues paying members. He talked briefly about communications with the Company and an improved financial status of the Association. He specifically acknowledged the efforts of both Ocala and the Mountain Reunion attendees to raise funds through raffles to enhance the FPCRA general coffers. Gardner asked those present to share information with other retirees about their activities by submitting articles to Donna Hicks for our Newsletter. He gave examples of stories he recently heard regarding how company sponsored BC/BS insurance has helped individual retirees. Items of mutual interest, happenings by the retirees and descriptions of travels are always enjoyed by our readers. Yes, your fellow retirees are interested in what you’re doing.
Then, on to the ever exciting door prize drawings — we raffled a gorgeous red, white and blue afghan handcrafted by Frances Marshall, wife of retiree Bill Marshall. Unfortunately, Frances could not be there. She was undergoing chemotherapy. Bill was happy to bring and display the afghan in her absence. The raffle raised $130.00 for the Association treasury and was won by Charlie Williams. Many, many thanks and best wishes to Frances for her generosity.
Door prizes included, among many, many things, a DVD player, painted rocks, original oil paintings, birdhouses, a walking stick from the state of Alaska, blueberry jam, an antique electric meter, Florida Power coffee mugs and shirts and a huge pair of baggy drawers. (See the picture of Bill Reed accompanying this article.) The drawers keep appearing at both Ocala and Mountain reunions and is quickly becoming a tradition, compliments of Fran Webb Farrell.
It was a wonderful day for renewing friendships, greeting old and new friends and having a great time in general. Together, again, in the mountains. Consider joining us next year on October 21st and sharing in the beauty of the fall season. By the way, the hairiest side of a horse is the outside.
Photos to come....
Phil Hill & Irene Schoetker
welcome Bob Kieltyka,
Executive Director of Highland Chamber of Commerce
Registration Desk: Moonie
Harshman, Irene Schoetker,
Norma Stallard & Minnie Goodson
Cliff Bilger contributes
to door prizes
Gene Baker sells 50/50
tickets to Dick Sanborn
An overall view of the
group
Bill Marshall displays afghan made by spouse Frances
Phil Hill & helpers distribute door prizes
Bill Reed gets ‘baggy drawers’ door prize