Caloosa Winnies

March 2009 Outing

March 5 – 8, 2009 were the dates for the Florida State Winnie Gators State Club Rally. The Caloosa Winnies began arriving early on Monday March 2^nd to prepare for our job of Registration and assembling Goody Bags. Charlie Zucker, Vice President, did a great job getting our 32 coaches parked, along with assistance from Pete Wightman and others in the group. Nancy Miller was in charge of vendors and seminars and was assisted by Corinne Wightman. Tuesday we assembled Goody Bags with the direction of Al & Cathy Goebel. The registration tables were set up and decorated, Al & Cathy had a schedule of workers and explained our procedures. Later that evening we shared a Potluck Dinner with great food and friendship!

Wednesday morning we were ready for registration and the process went very smoothly. With 324 coaches registered for the rally the tables were kept busy with several different tasks. Most of the group went out for dinner in the evening to Orlando Ale House and had a great meal!

Thursday morning Opening Ceremonies were led by Winnie Gators Presidents Linda & Dan Tuzzolo. Rich Cook was Master of Ceremonies. Guests included Doug & Pat Formanek, Dick & Mikki Dodge, and several speakers. Lunch followed the ceremonies and all the activities began! Jane O’Neill and Lois Hogan were in charge of the Door Prize Tables and did an outstanding job keeping it organized. Thursday at 4:00pm was the “Chapter Row Party” in the main hall with each chapter providing food and friendship! the Caloosas had a great arrangement of food and invited rally participants to share our tables. Later in the evening Bingo games were played with some of our group attending.

Friday morning was the Pet Parade which the Caloosas organized. About 50 pets were in the parade and the judges were the vendors! THANKS to Ellen Zucker for heading up the event and all those workers who pitched in to help! Congratulations to Gail & Gary Darner for 1^st prize for Best Costumes for “Tyler & Missy”. Also winning awards were Bob Coy, 1^st place and Kathryn Griffin, 3^rd place for “Most Unusual Pet”. Congratulations to all the winners!  Friday evening dinner was served at 5:30pm followed with entertainment from “Las Vegas Revue”. This duo did a great job with their music and impersonations! Many door prizes were given away to conclude the evening.

Saturday there were more activities and seminars, including the Games in which several of our members had the fun of participating. Dinner was served at 5:30pm. Winnie Gators Installation of Officers ceremony was handled by Doug Formanek. Nancy Miller was installed as President for 2009-2010, Jerry Miller was again installed as Treasurer, Kathryn Griffin was installed as Secretary. The entertainment began at 7:00pm. The “Entertainment Revue” is a group of young ladies ranging in age from 4 years to teenage were absolutely outstanding with their singing and dancing! The audience was so receptive and gave them standing ovations! At the end of the performance door prizes were again awarded.

Sunday morning was the conclusion of the Rally with a continental breakfast and membership meetings. The Rally was deemed a HUGE success and the Caloosas were proud to be a part of it and offer their assistance!

Nancy Miller   239-565-3115