275 ATTEND HOUSTON RETIRED OFFICERS REUNION
By D. A. Miller, Entertainment Committee Chairman
The Houston Police Retired Officers Association held its annual Houston area reunion, Saturday, February 28, 2009 at the Police Academy. This was the ninth Houston area reunion hosted by Albert Nichols and his wife Mary. This was the first time the event was held at the Police Academy which proved to be an excellent location. There were many attending a retired officer's reunion for the first time. We had a record-breaking attendance of 275.
Furnishing tables and chairs to accommodate 200 was contracted through Any Occasion Party Rental. Rental included set-up and tear down. The set-up took place Friday afternoon. The western theme decor was provided by our hosts in recognition of Go Texan day in Houston. Myself, my wife Myrna, and The Nichols arranged tables and chairs and decorated on Friday evening.
Arrangements had been made to accommodate 200 guests based upon past reunions, so there were some inconveniences when that number was exceeded. Many in attendance generously helped move more tables from other Academy areas. With great cooperation our good problem of more guests than expected was solved. Everyone affected is to be complimented for their help and patience.
Mary did have trouble keeping up with the demand for coffee as the early birds started arriving at 8:00 a.m. Although the event was scheduled to start at 10:00 a.m., by 10:20 a.m. she was brewing the sixth urn of coffee. Then the breaker blew. Barbara Cotten stepped up and volunteered to help with the inconsolable coffee craving crowd. Few, if any, noticed that water had to be toted from another building to fill the coffee urns. Max Langford inherited this job when Albert and I were otherwise occupied. Max also generously made a trip to Sam's Club to purchase more coffee. The breaker would flip a few more times that day as a total of 545 cups of coffee were brewed.
Ceremonies began with the traditional "Pledge of Allegiance" led by H.P.R.O.A. Director Steve Rayne. President Jack Miller welcomed those in attendance. Jack commented on the outstanding participation and complemented those in attendance. Executive Director, Bill Elkin addressed the group regarding insurance, retirement, and legislative matters. Bill then introduced John Lawson, Executive Director of our pension system. John was very informative addressing our pension stability and state of the U.S. economy. John was optimistic about the future. Attendees were introduced to Dr. Verdi Lethermon, Director of H.P.D. Psychological Services, services that are available to active and retired officers and families. She can be contacted at 281-877-1985. Her brief explanation of the services provided was very informative. W. G. Eickenhorst gave the invocation and the meal was served.
This was the ninth time Kuntry Katfish of Conroe catered this event for us. At our request, they prepare a country style meal of boneless chicken fried chicken breast, field peas, mashed potatoes and gravy, rolls, iced tea and peach cobbler for dessert. If we mention changing the menu, we get a resounding "no!" Everyone loves Clint's cooking. When he informed us he only had enough food with him to feed maybe 220 people, Albert ordered sixty Bar-b-Que dinners from nearby Brown Sugar's restaurant to be ready to be picked up in half an hour. He recruited Frank Vanvolkom to go with him. He borrowed my wife, Myrna's Passport, her vehicle not her papers, and off they went. Mary recruited Don Cotten to help Clint serve and then abandoned Barbara at the coffee to pass out the Bar-B-Que dinners. Thanks to some quick action, everyone got something to eat. Following the meal door prizes and drawings were conducted.
Silent Auction Coordinator Myrna Miller, with the help of Marcia Maddox and Paulette Vanvolkom, collected in excess of $600 which will go to the H.P.R.O.A. Family Assistance Fund. Those who donated auction items and those who bid and purchased items are all commended on their generosity.
The Police Museum Curator, Officer James Chatman, conducted tours of the museum. Many favorable comments were received. Officer Debra Allee assisted with operational and technical concerns as they arose during the event. I would also like to recognize Academy personnel; Captain Mary Lentschke, Lieutenant J. D. Torres and Sergeant Steve Simmons for their assistance in making this reunion the success it was.
Cathy Buckles, H.P.R.O.A. Office Secretary, and her husband, Richard handled registration. This is not an easy task as the meal was complimentary for association member and spouse upon verification of membership; all others were to pay ten dollars. Door prize tickets had be given out and registration recorded which provided us with attendee information and a much needed head count. Their assistance was invaluable, necessary and very much appreciated.
At the close of the reunion, tables that had been borrowed from other Academy areas had to be returned. Thank you to all who helped carry the tables. My personal thanks go out to all those who assisted in making this reunion a great success. You know who you are! Success does not just happen. It takes a lot of dedication and cooperation.
The H.P.R.O.A. holds three reunions each year. Our goal is to hold all the reunions on the last Saturday of the month in February, June and October; however, we must be flexible as to when the venue is available for use. In East Texas there is the Crockett reunion, the grandfather of all the reunions, which will be held June 27, 2009 at the Crockett Civic Center. It is never too early to make reservations for the Hill Country reunion which will take place in the Pioneer Pavilion at Lady Bird Park in Fredericksburg on October 17, 2009. There are many events that take place in the Hill Country in October; area rooms and camping sites go early. The association also sponsors an annual Surviving Spouse's Luncheon which is coming up on March 18, 2009 at the Walden Yacht Club on Lake Conroe.
The next Houston area reunion will be held on February 27, 2010 at the Police Academy. The Nichols have agreed to host for their tenth time. They will be looking for several volunteers to help Cathy and Richard with registration; additional volunteers to serve at each station of the food line and others at two separate beverage stations. If you want to work, and we do mean WORK, at the next Houston reunion please contact Albert Nichols at 281-923-9207 or Mary Nichols at 281-723-9207. We are already planning the next one!
Let me emphasize you do not have to be a member of the H.P.R.O.A. to attend any or all of the reunions. ALL H.P.D. RETIREES ARE WELCOME!
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