ASSOCIATION
ACTIVITIES
Annual Meeting and Banquet
The Association endeavors to
foster good relationships and comradely among all
retirees by offering many opportunities for all
retirees to associate with one another. Quarterly
luncheon meetings are held to foster association and
handle the business of The Association.
Each year in the Fall, following the
lead of the founders of The Association, the annual
meeting and banquet is held. This meeting provides a time
for carrying out the business of The Association,
socializing with retirees and spouses from all areas
of the state, and enjoying a fine meal together. It
is customary for the current Patrol Superintendent
and spouse, or a designated representative, to be
the guests of The Association at the banquet.
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"Bean Day"
In addition to the quarterly
meetings, many other retiree activities occur
throughout the year. On the first Wednesday of each
month the Highway Patrol Training Academy hosts
"Bean Day" and serves the traditional ham and beans
for lunch. Ham and beans were a tradition
established at the old Hartman Farms Academy. All
retirees are invited to lunch at the academy on
those days. The group is provided a special place in
the cafeteria to lunch together and socialize. All
retirees cannot attend every month and the size of
the group varies, however, those who attend enjoy
themselves.
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Florida Snowbird Reunion
In 1987, a group of OSHP retirees
who lived or spent their winters in Florida planned
a get-together in the Venice, Florida area. Earl
Reich, Frank Blackstone and Cliff Reich were
instrumental in planning this event. Since there are
numerous retirees who are in Florida during the
winter, the turnout was surprisingly good.
The following year, the event was
aptly named the "Snowbird" and information was
distributed to all retirees. The response was
outstanding, with retirees and active personnel
attending from Florida, Ohio, the Carolinas and
other areas. As a result of this success, the annual
"Florida Snowbird Reunion" has been held each year
since, with attendance growing to well over 100
retirees, spouses and friends.
Each year, the Snowbird is hosted
by different retirees in Florida and has moved
around to different locations in the state. It has
been held in Venice, Ft. Myers, Lehigh Acres
Lakeland and Cocoa Beach. The hosts plan the event
and organize the event with the support of The
Association. The formal Snowbird event generally
begins on Thursday evening with an optional meal
together. On Friday, golf, shopping, tours, fishing
trips, and other activities are planned and made
available to the group. A Friday evening "poolside
party" has become a tradition and is a highlight of
each reunion. On Saturday, a luncheon and
program is held. Most attendees stay the weekend or
longer and spend a great deal of time relaxing
poolside socializing, reminiscing and exchanging
"war stories."
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Late Lunch Get-Together
The first Late Lunch
Get-Together was held October 11, 2007 at the Brown
Jug Restaurant in Delaware OH. It was the consensus
of everyone in attendance that this function should
continue on a quarterly basis. All who are
associated with the Ohio State Highway Patrol
including active and retired troopers, professional
staff i.e. (DX, Civilians, Motor Carrier, MVI)
former Troopers, auxiliary officers, widows, and any
other friends and spouses are invited to attend.
Each attendee orders and pays for his/her own meal.
Special thanks are in order to Retired Sergeant Ted
Wurm for organizing this affair.
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North Coast Sunbird Reunion
In 1998, a group of retirees who
spend summers or summer weekends on the Lake Erie
coast planned a picnic in the Port Clinton, Ohio
area, inviting retirees whom they knew to be in the
area. Ray & Phyl Yingling and Wendell & Irene Webb
planned and spearheaded the first event.
Approximately 40 attended and a great time was had
by all.
The following year, all retirees
were invited to the 1999 North Coast Sunbird Reunion
in August. An island cruise to Kelly's Island and
Put-In-Bay was held on Friday, and a picnic at the
Ohio Veteran's Home in Sandusky was held on
Saturday. The turnout for both events was large. In
August of each year since, the association has
sponsored and supported the annual North Coast
Sunbird Reunion along the shores of Lake Erie.
Attendance at the Saturday picnic exceeds 200 each
year.
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District 3 Gabfest
District 3 Retiree Gabfest was
started by Harold Wheeler and has become a
tradition. The Gabfest is held in the Hartville area
and is attended by retirees from all over the state.
It is extremely popular because of its relaxed
informal atmosphere, great food and "entertainment."
Our Retirees' do a great job of planning and organizing this outstanding event with
the support and assistance of The Association.
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