Picnic Summary for 2008
The 38th Annual Picnic was held at the Riverbend Park in Smithville, Texas again this year with 53 people attending the BBQ at 4 PM and several others that came and went. We had a new caterer this year and everyone seemed to enjoy the brisket and chicken, at least there was no meat left. Tom W5UFO cranked ten gallons of ice cream with his homemade ice cream machine and we ate all but two gallons. Thanks Tom, it was good as usual!
The Net recognizes one person every year at the picnic that has distinguished themselves with their unselfish service to the Net and to Ham Radio. The recipient is chosen by the previous recipients in a silent vote with Archie WB5NCK being the chairman this year. This year George Bobo K5BMR was selected to receive the Whitney Nugget. Congratulations George. His name will be added to the perpetual plaque (a picture is on the Whitney Nugget page) and he will receive a plaque to keep.
This years picnic was dedicated to Archie WB5NCK for all his help with relays and support of the Net. Thanks for all you do Archie.
We welcomed three other nets that also participated in the picnic. Net Manager Lou WA5LOU represented the Texas Traffic Net and gave several appreciation certificates to the net controls. Net Manager Sam WA5DTY represented the Daytime Texas Traffic Net giving information about the net. Net Manager Steve K6JT represented the Texas CW Net and filled in for Net Manager Scott W5ESE of the Texas Slow Net who could not be present. Steve presented their annual Pfeiffer Pfist Award. This year the Award was presented to Pat Allison KD5TXD. Congratulations Pat.
We had three tables of door prizes this year with everyone attending receiving something of their choice. My thanks to everyone that brought donations for the door prizes.
The Saturday Net was called from the park with Norman AD5EF filling in for JW W5AYX who was ill. Norman reported 75 check ins for the morning. Norman also took our group picture again this year. Thanks Norman!
Since W5AYX was ill and could not attend and N5XID hurt his back and could not attend, Lucky KA5SUR filled in for them saying the prayer after the Silent Key reading and grace before dinner. Thanks Lucky.
Our thanks to Sam WA5DTY for doing the refreshment table, it was a popular place.
Also a big thanks to Jodie K8KP and his xyl Alice for keeping up with the BBQ tickets. Jodie also made two beautiful stained glass call signs for K5BMR and W5UFO as a thank you for all they do for the Net.
Thanks to Bill W5ZH for bringing the digital projector so we could watch a picture show of past picnics.
And a thank you to Darryl WA5AAO for 2 Meter talk in .
Eleven of us got together Friday evening at the Chilli's in Bastrop for dinner. We had a very nice dinner and enjoyed visiting, we enjoyed it so much that it was decided to make it an annual prelude to the picnic. We will try a different restaurant yearly and hope more will join us next year.
???Next Year????
There seemed to be an interest among the ladies in attendance, of a guided tour for a ladies day out. We will see what can be arranged for that.
And of course our Friday night dinner will be arranged for next year and everyone is welcome.
If there are any other suggestions for next year, please contact one of the officers with your idea.
A date for next year's picnic is being worked on and will be announced on the net and be in Net News as soon as it is arranged. Everyone seems to enjoy the Riverbend Park so we will try again for the same site.
My thanks to everyone that attended the picnic and all that helped with putting it together and to those that helped setting up and cleaning up afterwards. I look forward to seeing all of you again next year.
Jo Ann KA5AZK Net Manager | 
