Joe & Jean Adamcik, Marcia & Ron Good, Virginia & Dr. Jim Johnston
45 members and guests of the Western Reserve Section gathered in the awe-inspiring “Chapel” of the Glenmoor Country Club in Canton. Cocktails and hors D’Oeuvres were served at 6:30 followed by a delicious dinner. The facility had at one time been a seminary and a boy’s school for high school aged boys planning to be priests or brothers. Therefore, the Chapel had truly been the chapel for the facility. The beautiful room was breathtaking with its ornate ceilings, tile floors, stone fireplace, and alcoves with high back chairs and tables for visiting. Member Rod Tucker brought his DJ equipment for background music and had it going the entire evening. Two years ago, the board had decided to not hire a DJ or band because no one would dance. People were more interested in mingling and catching up with old friends. Well, there was plenty of that going on, but there also was lots of dancing! Whatever Rod did, it was the right formula!
As the group finished dinner, each table was visited by Matt Neidermeyer, an outstanding magician found by Brian and Tracy DiPasquale. He performed card tricks, tricks with foam balls that multiplied with no help, and other tricks that left his audience gasping with surprise and asking for more. He even stayed longer than the contract and did another round of the tables. MBCA Director at Large Mary Alice Cozza gave membership anniversary pins to Ron Good, 5 years, Jean Adamcik, 15 years, and Dr. Jim Johnston, former section president , 35 years. President Gary Goodman emceed, passed out door prizes, and explained the crossword puzzle competition. (Crossword puzzles were at each couple’s place). Gary also presented commemorative glasses to new members Bob & Sue Young, acknowledged section member of the year Priscilla Gwinn, and thanked members Tom Barratt and Kim McConnell for their contributions to our section during 2009.
Glenmoor had graciously provided a picnic basket complete with service for two of plates, cups, silverware, a corkscrew, a blanket, and two tickets to the Glenmoor Gathering held in September. The first ticket drawn was put into Gary’s pocket as other door prizes were passed out. The excitement grew as the names were called and yours had not been. That meant you were still in the running for the basket. When all other door prizes were distributed, Gary pulled out the winner of the basket, and the winner was Ted Gottfried (who also provided some door prizes) Cincinnati member (and second section Western Reserve member), Eric Goodrich brought 3 wonderful door prizes to be added to the table, too. They were snatched up quickly! The guests were having such a good time dancing and visiting that most were unaware of the time. We finally had to close down and call it a night.
The next morning, a plated breakfast was served in another dining room followed by a power point presentation of the history and structure of Glenmoor by Dan Kirby, director of security (at the suggestion of member Priscilla Gwinn). Many of the attendees had already realized that they needed to drop corn when traveling from one place to another because of the number of turns, etc. Dan explained that we had only seen a small portion of the building. His presentation lasted about a half hour, but people lingered and asked questions for at least another half hour. His presentation was so interesting. The facts and figures about the history and the construction were amazing!
Mary Alice Cozza and Sue Morrison had made the initial contact with Glenmoor and did the planning with their coordinator. Gary Goodman reviewed contracts and added input as well as emceeing the evening. As you can see, the list of contributions by members is long. One of the exceptional qualities of our section is the cooperation and sharing of responsibilities. Details were discussed in board meetings with the input of all members considered, respected, and implemented. The result was a well-planned, fun, unique weekend that appears to have been enjoyed by all. Submitted by Sue Morrison; Frank Cozza photos.