Photos by:

Marty Wilkes

Photos by:

Ray Hartmann

Diane S, Emcee

Kay S, Ole Commitee Chair

Barb C, "Ever Present PREZ"

Presenter: Judy C

14 Glitzy ULLRs with their centerpieces

ULLR 2009 Spring Awards Banquet

On the evening of April 25th, 107 ULLRs gathered at the Minnesota Valley Country Club to celebrate their 59th Annual Spring Awards Banquet.  Our theme was “Puttin’ on the Glitz” and glitzy garbed party-goers began arriving at 5:30 for an hour of socializing.  A glitzy setting greeted us with festive bright orange and gold tulips in tall bud vases encircled with bright golden bows.

Dinner was served promptly at 6:30 p.m.  Meal choices were broiled salmon, sautéed chicken breast, and peppercorn-crusted beef.  Everyone was pleased with their dinner choice---all meals were proclaimed superb.

Following dinner, Dianne S took to the podium as Mistress of Ceremonies.  Dianne informed us that the legendary “Lena” was en-route to the Twin Cities via Amtrak---we all hoped she would make it!  The program began with Brian J announcing ski awards.  Following Brian, Joan R, ULLR Foundation President, spoke giving us information about the Foundation’s charitable activities during the past year and also about the Foundation’s upcoming 25th Anniversary celebration in June.  Next on the Agenda, was Kay S, chair of the Ole committee.  Ole’s, our recognition for meritorious service this past year, were awarded to Jan S (Woman For All Seasons), Gus B (Super Swede), Margie S (Swinging Single), Ali K (Happy Chef), and Barb C (Ever Present Prez).  The grand award for the evening was given to our 2009 ULLR Of The Year, Joan R.

Following the passing out of awards, Barb C thanked her current Board and handed out lovely yellow roses to each member.  She then introduced the new Board that takes over their new jobs on May 1.  Jan S, Ski VP, announced the 2009-2010 winter ski trips--one in February to Utah, and the second in March to Big Sky.

Wrapping up the evening, Carol B commented on the glitz, the glam, the chic and the dazzlin’!!!  Groups talked over glitz at their table and decided on the glitziest of all!  Each glitzy winner got the centerpiece to take home.  And then - guess what?  Lena arrived!  What a smash she was - said she’d bought herself a new dress to join in the glitzy festivities and then regaled us with stories about herself, Ole, and Sven in days gone by.  What fun it was to listen to her!!!

The American Flyer Band took to the floor a bit later than originally planned and the floor was soon crowded with ULLR dancers.  Ray and I (sore feet!) left about 11 o’clock but there was a group still going strong on the dance floor at that time, and I’m sure they didn’t stop until the band stopped---a wonderful ending to a wonderful evening.

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