The final coming together in Tucson of the AWON family.
The traditional banquet on the last night of the conference began with a toast to the late Jack Forgy. President Judy Hoffman then made two special dedications to two absent members who have been and continue to be so important to AWON, Webmaster Rik Peirson and Financial Officer Doni Troglio. Neither were able to attend this conference and they were missed by all who know them. Sam Tannenebaum and Walt Linne gave moving tributes to Jack Forgy, to whom the conference was dedicated.
Emceed by Bonnie Hellums, the Monday night Banquet was a bittersweet event as it always is. The Missing Man table, with Roger Connor's reading of its many meanings is always moving. Walt Linne then took over for the awards and raffle portion of the event. The good byes at the end are always difficult for everyone.
Emcee, Judge Bonnie Blackford Hellums with her husband, Carel Stith,
who served as faciltator of the family sharing circle.
President, Judy Hoffman, proposed a toast to Jack Forgy
in memory of all he did for so many of us. To see Jack's Memorial Page, Click Here!
There were two special awards given in thanks to Doni Morrison Troglio and Rik Peirson
for their many years of service to AWON. Each were toasted in gratitude by the members present.
The framed awards were mailed to Doni and Rik following the conference.
The Missing Man table, whose traditional elements were described by Roger Connor,
was a solemn reminder of our Fathers, 227 of whom were included on the digital frame
sent to the conference by Rik and Dianna Peirson.
Emcee Walt Linne donned protective head gear to tell the "boy toy" story again. Barb said she would
slap him upside the head if he repeated it again at this conference so, of course, he did just that.
AWON granddaughters Melissa Beard and Coy Decker keep the tradition alive.
Dianne Baczynski, Pat Armstrong, Lois Klein and Rondy Elliott share a laugh together.
Andy Mannering and Gail Eisenhauer share a moment.
Joan Marlowe and former AWON president, Gloria Layne, share a table.
For one more page of Banquet pictures, Click Here!
or to go back, Click Here!