The reunion this year was held at the Sheraton Minneapolis South Bloomington,Minnesota.
The hotel was minutes away from airport for those who flew in and there was ample parking
for those who drove. Many thanks for those who helped Joyce Bell with the sign-ins at the
main lobby. Badges, key chains, list of restaurants, shopping info were in our packets.
A special thanks for the Itinerary and packets prepared by Lowell's daughter Lisa.
The recovery room was located adjacent to the indoor swimming pool but few took advantage
of taking a dip. The recovery room was a buzz almost all of the time because of new members
and many returning shipmates. Each morning there was a continental breakfast with lots
of scuttlebutt and raffle ticket sales. It sure was great to see new and old shipmates again.
Thursday morning the recovery room was open at 0700 for continental breakfast and eye
openers. It was a good day to visit with new and returning shipmates. Each year we
look for our shipmates and ask about those who are missing and of their whereabouts.
Aboard the Happy Valley we were all young sailors growing up at the same time. We can
now say we sailed with the greatest sailors we know and the comradery still continues.
If you have never come to a reunion or haven't been for along time the 2010 reunion will
be for you.
At 1600 the recovery room closed for those shipmates going on the dinner bus trip.
At 1700 we gathered in the main lobby to board the buses at 1730 for the Chanhassen
Dinner Theater. The cast was very talented and the show was very enjoyable. Everyone
enjoyed the delicious dinners with a choice of steak, shrimp and local wall eyed pike.
The show was Joseph and the Amazing Dream Coat a modern version of the Bible story of
Joseph which was excellent.
Friday morning the recovery room was open once again at 0700 for continental breakfast
and eye openers. It was also a free day for the shoppers and sight seers and your own
adventures. Many of the shipmates went to the MOA Mall of America which was just a short
ride away by car or hotel shuttle. There were great opportunities for shopping. Some of
those who took the hotel shuttle didn't wish to wait for the return shuttle and figured
out how to return by using the airport shuttle without the long wait. Leave it to the
Navy. Many shipmates and wives continued with a trip on the light rail system to
downtown Minneapolis, and stopping to see Minnehaha Falls home of the Song of Hiawatha
by Longfellow. The ships store was open with hats, shirts, jackets and to take
orders. Dinner was at the hotel's dinning rooms or there were many local restaurants within
walking distance. The recovery room was open all day for those who preferred to stay close.
Saturday morning started off at a fast pace as always. 0800 was the steering committee
meeting followed by the business meeting at 1000 for all hands. There was a formal opening
with the pledge and introduction of all hands. Each year we get new shipmates and
this was no exception. WELCOME ABOARD SHIPMATES. One of the more important topics of
business was that you should sign up for VA benefits because of new pending health care
policy plans. Another issue was e-mail addresses. Leroy Holzwarth maintains an e-mail
listing for the reunion group, so e-mail Leroy at hvrcst@charter.net and tell him you are
confirming your e-mail address. Exchanging e-mail addresses with your shipmates has
proven helpful in time of need. The Ship Store was open for a short time to sell out
and the recovery room was closed at 1630 in preparation for the Banquet and Dinner Dance.
Cocktail hour was 1800 to 1900 with last chances for raffle tickets. At each banquet we take
the time to honor our deceased with the ringing of the bell for each member when the roll
call mentions their name. The Banquet was served buffet style and all you could eat with
splendid deserts.
We continued with our customary raffle and danced to the music of the Disk Jockey
We missed Ron Anderson our singing barber who couldn't be with us this year. There were
a few farewells for those who were leaving early in the morning.
On Sunday morning the recovery room was open early to get a quick bite to eat and to
say our good-byes till we meet in Boston, Mass. September 8, 2010 with God's
help. We especially want to thank Joyce and Lowell Bell for hosting such a fine reunion.
Many thanks also go to their helpers for making this a special success.
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