Post by Deleted on Jul 31, 2008 14:10:48 GMT -5
At the risk of redundancy, I would like to take this new space-- calm and uncluttered-- and tell those of you who want to know, something about a first-timer's experiences with the LBHA, its board of directors, its old-timers, its members.
Because of certain things, I was asked to attend the conference. I discussed it with my wife and because of a coincidence in timing, we agreed to go. I thought about it a lot and decided I would like to make some sort of effort to meet certain people. I wanted to meet Bill Blake; Bruce Liddic; Myron Steves; Father Vincent Heier; Bill Boyes; John Mackintosh; Mike Nunnally; Sandy Barnard; Dale Kosman; Colleen Shea; Bill Seritella; Don Schwarck; and Don Horn (who I had met previously in one of our NYC round-table events). There were a couple of others, as well, but these were the main people, and I met them all except Mike Nunnally, who I guess, wasn't there. (I also knew "rch" and "keogh" would be there and they alone presented me with the excuse of attending.)
I had read the post by "Hunk Papa" on Mrs. Merkel's boards regarding the conference and while I thought the post was just another example of the rabble-rousing I have grown to detest, Gordon Richard had some good points. There was also something of a cloud overhanging the whole thing, primarily because of the events of 2007 which so bitterly divided some members from long-time friendships. While that did not particularly fall into the realm of my business, I still had some questions I thought needed to be answered, primarily questions brought up in one of "Hunk's" thoughtful posts.
The first event I went to was the board meeting on Thursday night. I cannot remember if I met Blake just prior to the meeting-- I probably did, for he certainly knew who I was. I was impressed by the openness of things and the fact that anyone could interrupt at any time-- and some frequently did. Every question was answered and every question was answered in a civil, reasonable tone. Joan Croy read every line of the financials-- I think-- and fielded every question. Other board members interjected when the questions called their particular area into view. Yes, the LBHA's assets decreased, year-over-year, but there were reasons, and the reasons were valid. I was invited to peruse those financials if I so desired. All of "Hunk's" concerns-- at least those I remembered to discuss-- were answered positively and those answers would allay any fears arising about this organization.
Other questions and issues arose, some of them a bit heart-wrenching, for relationships-- built over many, many years-- had suddenly ended for reasons that seem ludicrous now. The "formal" meeting lasted several hours, and afterwards, Mr. Blake, myself, and several others sat around talking. Issues remain from some of these old associations and if any of you knew exactly what they were and the problems involved, you would walk away shaking your head and the sheer stupidity of it. I guess the truth makes me a "good old boy."
Friday entailed a trip to Antietam, and I merely tagged along in my car, stopping to gab during lunch. I tried making the auction on Friday, but got way-layed for several hours-- in the book room, the bar, the hallway, and heaven only knows where else.
I made a few of the lectures on Saturday, particularly enjoying Dr. John Hart's discussion of Richard Fox' work, especially since it gave me a chance to open my mouth and refute some of Dr. Hart's suggestions, all in good nature.
I missed the Saturday lunch, but made the banquet, probably the highlight of the whole event because it gave me chance to talk to so many people.
For those of you who missed it, it was a marvelous time, a time of new associations, of new friendships, of new discussions; all between mature, intelligent people, all with a marvelous passion.
And I missed seeing some of you who should have been there.
Best wishes,
Fred.
Because of certain things, I was asked to attend the conference. I discussed it with my wife and because of a coincidence in timing, we agreed to go. I thought about it a lot and decided I would like to make some sort of effort to meet certain people. I wanted to meet Bill Blake; Bruce Liddic; Myron Steves; Father Vincent Heier; Bill Boyes; John Mackintosh; Mike Nunnally; Sandy Barnard; Dale Kosman; Colleen Shea; Bill Seritella; Don Schwarck; and Don Horn (who I had met previously in one of our NYC round-table events). There were a couple of others, as well, but these were the main people, and I met them all except Mike Nunnally, who I guess, wasn't there. (I also knew "rch" and "keogh" would be there and they alone presented me with the excuse of attending.)
I had read the post by "Hunk Papa" on Mrs. Merkel's boards regarding the conference and while I thought the post was just another example of the rabble-rousing I have grown to detest, Gordon Richard had some good points. There was also something of a cloud overhanging the whole thing, primarily because of the events of 2007 which so bitterly divided some members from long-time friendships. While that did not particularly fall into the realm of my business, I still had some questions I thought needed to be answered, primarily questions brought up in one of "Hunk's" thoughtful posts.
The first event I went to was the board meeting on Thursday night. I cannot remember if I met Blake just prior to the meeting-- I probably did, for he certainly knew who I was. I was impressed by the openness of things and the fact that anyone could interrupt at any time-- and some frequently did. Every question was answered and every question was answered in a civil, reasonable tone. Joan Croy read every line of the financials-- I think-- and fielded every question. Other board members interjected when the questions called their particular area into view. Yes, the LBHA's assets decreased, year-over-year, but there were reasons, and the reasons were valid. I was invited to peruse those financials if I so desired. All of "Hunk's" concerns-- at least those I remembered to discuss-- were answered positively and those answers would allay any fears arising about this organization.
Other questions and issues arose, some of them a bit heart-wrenching, for relationships-- built over many, many years-- had suddenly ended for reasons that seem ludicrous now. The "formal" meeting lasted several hours, and afterwards, Mr. Blake, myself, and several others sat around talking. Issues remain from some of these old associations and if any of you knew exactly what they were and the problems involved, you would walk away shaking your head and the sheer stupidity of it. I guess the truth makes me a "good old boy."
Friday entailed a trip to Antietam, and I merely tagged along in my car, stopping to gab during lunch. I tried making the auction on Friday, but got way-layed for several hours-- in the book room, the bar, the hallway, and heaven only knows where else.
I made a few of the lectures on Saturday, particularly enjoying Dr. John Hart's discussion of Richard Fox' work, especially since it gave me a chance to open my mouth and refute some of Dr. Hart's suggestions, all in good nature.
I missed the Saturday lunch, but made the banquet, probably the highlight of the whole event because it gave me chance to talk to so many people.
For those of you who missed it, it was a marvelous time, a time of new associations, of new friendships, of new discussions; all between mature, intelligent people, all with a marvelous passion.
And I missed seeing some of you who should have been there.
Best wishes,
Fred.
