ALBG BANQUET - MARCH 19, 2010

More than ninety LBGs and Associates along with their spouses / significant others convened in the Abigail Adams ballroom of the Dobbin House for a joint business meeting and social/banquet.  The crowd began to assemble promptly at 6 PM and soon the walls were reverberating with the sounds of conversation and laughter. Anyone who has had the priviledge of listening to a handful of guides jabber on can imagine the cacaphony of sound from this number!  Many met and greeted our new Superintendent, Mr. Bob Kirby.


Scott Hartwig talking about the High Water Mark

President Roy Frampton calmed the assembly down at 7 PM so the banquet could begin. After dinner Roy introduced Superintendent Kirby who spoke on his interesting and extensive background with the National Park Service and other federal agencies throughout this country and indeed the world. The Superintendent briefly outlined some of his goals for the job.  Our other guest of honor, Mr. Elliott Gruber was also asked to say a few words.

At this point President Frampton called to order what certainly ranks as one of the shortest business meetings in the long history of the organization. The highlight was the membership report of Treasurer Phil Lechak who has tabulated the ages of all 151 present guides ranging from the baby of the group Christina Moon (still in her 20's) to the dean of all battlefield guides, Jim Tate - well over 90!!!!  Both were asked to stand and accepted the applause of the audience.  Our two newest guides were also introduced and asked to stand - Chris Brenneman and Phil Muskett.  The lone item of business was a motion by Jim Hueting, passed by acclamation - to thank Mr. and Mrs. Tony Delacy for their tremendous efforts at pulling this together so quickly.  Following adjournment long-time National Park Service Ranger and Historian Scott Harwig delivered a talk on the development of the High Water Mark / Angle area entitled "The High Water Mark: Heroes, Myth and Memory."