2011 Minneapolis Reunion and BeyondOur 2011 regional reunion was held in downtown Minneapolis in mid-August. Centered at the lovely Hotel Minneapolis, the campers and staph and some assorted family members enjoyed the abundant cultural offerings of this vibrant city. Whether touring the Metrodome, strolling through the Walker Art Museum and sculpture garden, taking in the view from the incredible Guthrie Theater balcony or exploring the Mill City Museum, our crowd took keen delight in the ambience of the city and the fun of greeting old friends and new. We dined like gourmands at Spoonriver, the Mill City Farmers Market, Hell's Kitchen, and Gasthof zur Gemutlichkeit. Our activities also included a river boat ride, a free-wheeling bike tour of the trails along and across the mighty Mississippi, and a tour of the locks at St. Anthony Falls. One to two dozen folks participated in each of the planned events but often folks would strike out on their own for impromptu forays to local coffee bars and general street life. Our business meeting, chaired by Past President Kirby Lee, included brain-teasing lectures from Steve Blasberg and Dave Hackleman; NYSC Executive Director Andy Blackwood presented the latest plans of the new camp in Davis WV. Other business covered included projects completed in the past year by the NYSCAA board and officers, suggestions for the 2012 regional reunion in the South, and exciting plans for the 50th reunion in West Virginia in 2013. Everyone agreed that great plans made great reunions but that the keys to significant attendance were early decisions on time and place, expansive communication paths, and a reunion champion for each camp year. A core group of party animals were up late on the last night round the Pictionary table in the sleek lobby, reminiscent of the last night at camp before the fly-outs. Here's to Nashville in 2012! All those campers and staph who wish to be involved at any level in the 2012 and 2013 reunions should contact Marjorie Varner as soon as possible at marjorie [dot] varner @ gmail [dot] com. – Marjorie Varner, NYSCAA President  Reunion 2011 Group Photo in Minneapolis, Minnesota (August 2011) |
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