November 2004

Hospitality for the first night was provided by the West Coast Ramp Rats and wives,especially their wives. Smoked salmon, oysters, canapés, and a variety of liquid refreshments were on the menu and it was all great. The help persisted through the entire reunion period. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank all who contributed time and money.

Tuesday we'd planned to take, and did take the afternoon cruise on the Showboat Branson Belle so that we could enjoy the fall foliage on the hills surrounding Table Rock Lake. Wouldn't you know that rain, clouds and fog were present so you couldn't see the hills. Wouldn't you know, mechanical problems kept the ship tied up at the dock. The show was as good as the preceding year. Where last year Marion Cassidy was called on stage and was good, Delpha Lucka was her replacement this year, and a great one as she performed as the ventriloquist's puppet and did a fine job.

Wednesday was Golf Day and we all went to The White House in the evening for dinner and a stage show. The whole time we were in Branson it rained with the exception of while the golf was being played and the sun shone brightly. Apparently Chief had done his "Don't Rain Dance" and it worked. That man amazes us. Oh, yes, the dinner and show were excellent.

Thursday we had out association meeting in the afternoon and a buffet dinner that night in the motel.
We elected to have the next reunion in Puerto Rico, on the western end of the island. It will be about May or June in the year 2006 and Dick Cantrell will be in charge. More abort the 2006 reunion in the future newsletters. Hail to the Chief, Chief "Topper" LaCroix that is, for the effort and money he puts forth to make the golf tournaments a success. He is worthy of a standing ovation, and I, for one am standing and applauding!

The attendees at the 2004 reunion saw the magnificent work of art created by Don McDaniel and presented to Mozelle and me. Thank you once again, Don. I now have to figure out how I will get it to Puerto Rico for the 2006 reunion. The association dues for 2005 will be $20 for a family and $15 for an individual. Dues will be due by March 31, 2005 for past members and Dec. 31, 2004 for those who are presently not members. This is the last newsletter for nonmembers.

We have at this time a balance of $2,314.89 in our checking account and estimate revenues not yet received from 2005 memberships will be an additional $1200. Our estimated expenditures will be $1700, broken down as follows: web $500, newsletters $300, postage $150 and memorial fund of $750 This will leave a contingency fund of approximately $1800. We are solvent.

Our official photographer was Delpha Lucka, You can order your own CD of the photos from us for only $2.00 postpaid. Thanks to Del for taking pictures the night of our banquet.

A video was made by Richard Canthell of some of the happenings at the 2004 reunion. We enjoyed the copy he sent to us and will forward a copy he sent to us and will forward a copy to you for $5.00 postpaid. a dvd of Richard's video will be sent for $2.00.

Thanks to Richard for sharing this and to so many others who contributed: Nancy Hardy, who graced us with songs; Buck Burnham, who gave the golf balls imprinted RAMEY RAMP RATS; to the group for the gift of wind chimes to Mozelle and me; to all who shared their memorabilia and photos; and also to those who helped in all the unsaid and untold ways. And a special appreciation to all who have offered us support and encouragement these past two years.