TAMPA RALLY March 2006

From March 21 to March 25, 2006 Tampa was alive with the Eastern Zones Spring Rally. 22 families attended events and RVF'rs Jim and Becky Jones provided the opening program with an interesting and educational discussion of their recent tour of Russia. Although the Jones had other commitments they took the time to be with us on our Tuesday opening. As usual the heavy hors d’ouvres were more than needed but thoroughly enjoyed.

We all caravanned Wednesday to The Circles Bristo in New Tampa for our make-up Rotary meeting. The club’s program was a talk by the commissioner of elections for Hillsborough County. With the history of voting in Florida his subject was topical. He gave everyone the feeling that his county will not be one in question in any future election. All the visiting RVF’rs were introduced at the meeting. If any of you are in the Tampa area on a Wednesday be sure to make this club meeting. The Bristo is owned by a Rotarian Donna Sinudom and her husband. The lunch, with a choice of 3 entrée/s, was exceptional.

A real plus to the rally was having Walter Axelson, now 90 years young, and his aid Shelia as a part of the group and making all the optional events. Another young in spirit attendee was Doris Hiester, widow of General Hiester, and her daughter Darrell with husband Brookman making the luncheon cruise on the ship Star Lite Majesty on Thursday. The cruising Rotarians were also joined by Chris Butler, widow of Bill. As you can well imagine there were many welcome back hugs and well wishes. We hope this signals a trend of returning friends to the Fellowship. The cruise was just great. The Rotarians almost had the boat to ourselves. By all feedback the sit down luncheon menu, service and entertainment were exceptional. The weather was perfect, as it was for the complete rally.

 Friday we toured The Florida Aquarium. Featuring the aquatic population of the Florida waters this unique facility makes one feel they are in the true homes of the lake, forests and reefs of the state. There are not many aquariums that you watch swimmers frolic with sharks and view and touch Sting Rays in shallow waters just as if you were wadding off shore.

Transportation to the cruise and the aquarium was by Anywhere Tours of Florida. Although smaller buses were contracted, the Anywhere people provided our group with the full 40 plus seat air conditioned buses so we reached our destinations and back in comfort and with ease of travel.

The catered meal on Thursday, main course for the pot luck and the break-a-way breakfast was catered by the local Cracker Barrel who did a great job. At Rally Park all breakfasts and lunches are provided at Lazy Days RV.. Rally Park runs shuttles to Lazy Days which is just a 10 minute walk away.
 

Friday’s gift game replaced the usual raffle and everyone received a gift (some the same gift many times as with this game a gift can be claimed by a future person whose name is called). The final night was made better by the use of a private room. Luckily on the Jones presentation Tuesday the hall was quiet for the most part. Noise in this Rally Park hall can be a problem.

The rally was another fine fellowship event.