The Right Honourable Ben Grussendort - Speaker of the House
Ben served as House Speaker during much of the 1980's - the only person to serve as Speaker of the Alaska House of Representatives for three legislatures. It was an exciting time - for much of his tenure we were rolling in dough. This did not NECESSARILY make it easier to be Speaker.
During this era I worked for Al Adams, Chairman of the House Finance Committee. Ben and Al pretty much ran the show - two very talented pols. And they were aided and abetted by some pretty good staff - many of whom were able to attend this weekend's events.
A number of us arrived around 11 AM and checked-in at the hotel where we met up with others who had journeyed from near and far. The first order of business for some was breakfast - bloody mary's and beer for the most part.
Former legislative staff assemble for breakfast at the Westmark
Other serious business was also conducted - a pool for the Kentucky Derby was hastily put together. Then we headed out for a little sightseeing.
Doug, Alison and I made reservations for the Pioneer's Home - with a 2041 check-in date
We returned to the Westmark in time for the running of the derby. I had high hopes for my horse, Pants on Fire; but alas it was not to be...
And then it was time for the main event, supper at the Channel Club. Ben had been kept in the dark about this little get together until earlier that morning. Fortunately, in a moment of weakness, he decided to attend anyway despite what must have been some serious misgivings.
Ben greets his former Chief of Staff, Jerry Schilz
Some quality meet and greet time during cocktail hour...
"Who invited that son-of-a-bitch?"
And, of course, there had to be a group picture...
Thirty years ago we were all young!
After supper the Grussendorfs foolishly invited us all over to their beautiful home on the beach for further consultation.
Not a bad view from your front window, eh? Mt. Edgecumbe.
And what reunion could be complete without a community sing?
Terry Tibbett and Kate Tesar lead us in a rousing chorus of "You are my Sunshine."
I left the party around 10 PM feeling mighty satisfied with the day's proceedings. Rumor has it that several of our party were spotted at the Pioneer Bar around 2 AM. However I can honestly and gratefully report that to the best of my knowledge none of my colleagues were admitted to either the community hospital or the local hoosegow as a result of the festivities. Another legislative staff job well done...
Well, that's it for now, gang. I have many, many, many more "action" shots of the Sitka proceedings which I hope to post on my Kodak Gallery site in the next couple of days. I think I've got some good pics - notwithstanding the subject matter (or perhaps more accurately - the subjects of this matter); but given our advancing years they will require a fair amount of photoshop work as well as careful cropping to eliminate even a hint of any high crimes or misdemeanors.
So...check back in a couple of days for a link to the gallery.
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