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Incoming Florida 2001
We had a jam-packed week of activities with 51 people attending the Welcoming Luncheon at the Governor’s Mansion after touring the State Capitol. The highlight of the week for the Floridians was the two-day trip to Northeast Nebraska. 40 people caravaned in eight cars, overnighting at Niobrara State Park. Everyone pitched in and helped prepare baked potatoes, tossed salad, fruit, French bread and steaks grilled to order by John Hudgins, Ron Kilgore, and Rich Britton. The panoramic view of the Missouri River seen from the lodge was impressive to our Florida guests. They observed that not all of Nebraska was flat. Other favorite activities of the Florida ambassadors included Ashfall Fossil Beds, State Capitol, Governor’s Mansion, St. Benedict Center at Schuyler where Claire and Jerry Ehernberger provided refreshments for us and Claire delighted us with a display of her unique weaving. The Farewell Dinner at Forest Lake Club House was attended by 51 people. Dorothy Applebee entertained us with her “Hats” or “London Bridges” program. She is one funny lady! The Florida ambassadors received medallions representing Lincoln. The Friendship Force of Suncoast, represented by Dave and Viv Grimm, and The Friendship Force of Spring Hill, represented by Ron and Elwyn Kilgore, were presented with Keys to the City by our president, Dr. Charles Godwin. A huge thanks goes out to the host families: Marcia & Cecil Moreland, Pat King, Grace Varney, Imogene Bruce, Dale & Marjorie Anderson, Amy Birky & Ri ch Britton, Art & Mary Bryant, Vern & Elaine Riensche, Myra Meints, Ardiss Cederholm, and Leona & Brice Braziel who get special kudos for stepping in and hosting two couples at the last minute. Day hosts, Art & Fran Bates, Barb Boettcher, Lois Parrott, Dick Allen & Mary Rabenberg, also deserve recognition for their time and help. Favorite non-group activities shared with their hosts or day-hosts were; attending a Nebraska football game, Farmer’s Market, Morrill Hall, water aerobics, trip to Nebraska City, Homestead National Monument, Sac Museum, Hay Market area, antique shopping, William Jennings Bryan House, Art Tour & Craft Show, and J. Sterling Morton Mansion. Many favorable comments were heard about the small group dinners. Thanks to the following members who hosted them: Marilyn & Loyde Adams, Marilue & Gaylord Becker, Cay & Jim Ecklund, Jan Lingren, Richard Spencer, Marilyn Paolini, Ardiss Cederholm, and Judy & Wayne Strickler. Last, and de€nitely not least, I wish to acknowledge the hours of work and planning put in by my committee: Vern & Elaine Riensche, Lois Parrott, Sue Young, Mary Bryant, Finance Chair and Advisor. A special thanks to June Simpson who organized the setting up, decorating, and serving of the Farewell Dinner. June and Barb Boettcher did a super job of greeting members and guests for the Welcoming Luncheon at the Governor’s Mansion. It takes the efforts of many members working together to have a successful exchange. Elwyn Kilgore, Florida ED, said she was going back home and tell all those people who asked what on earth they were going to do in Nebraska, that there was a lot to see and they had had a marvelous time. In fact, each one of us who hosted ambassadors from Florida was issued invitations to visit them again next winter. |
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nly nine days after the terrorist attack on our country and much concern over their arrival, all 21 ambassadors arrived as scheduled on September 20. 14 of the ambassadors had hosted members of The Friendship Force of Lincoln last January so it was a special time to greet and renew acquaintances.