Boston - 2011

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9

Boston Convention

The 42nd annual World Wings International convention was held in at the Boston Park Plaza, a former Pan Am layover hotel, on October 6-9, 2011.

Photos by Robert A. Genna

Beautiful, sunny, warm weather greeted our arrival in Boston as we gathered for the convention hosted by the Boston chapter.  The hotel, The Boston Park Plaza, was once a crew hotel but ownership had changed and the hotel lobby had been modernized but was still welcoming.  As members and guests arrived the excitement grew and the Welcome Cocktail Party on Thursday evening was a great success with chatter and renewing friendships at the top of the list.  The buffet tables held ample hor d’oeuvres for all to enjoy.
Friday began with the annual meeting.   Interesting videos and a talk by guest speaker, Monte Allen, Senior Director of CARE, Boston offered more insight into CARE and our relationship with CARE.   Revised/updated Bylaws were voted on and approved.  Questions and comments from the floor were offered and then the installation of officers for the 2011-2014 term was held.  There are seven new members to the Board and four remaining from the previous board.  As always, the drawing of prize winners held lots of excitement.
After the meeting members enjoyed being in Boston and/or taking one of the offered tours for the day, a tour of  Fenway Park or Boston Duck Tour.
 
Friday night  found many at the Skywalk Observatory atop the Prudential Tower for a Dine in the Sky event with wonderful views of Boston from on high.  The Mayor of Boston, the Honorable Thomas Menino welcomed World Wings to Boston. 
 
Saturday was a “free” day offering opportunities for everyone to enjoy the historic sites of Boston as they wished or to join offered tours of the JFK Library and Museum or a Complete Coach Tour of Boston.  Again, the weather was warm and beautiful and even set a record high temperature for the date!
 
In the evening was a fabulous Clambake held in the hotel’s beautiful ballroom.  The buffet line held something for everyone!  In addition to very fresh, delicious lobster, there were steamed clams, beef and an wide assortment of other dishes to please anyone’s taste buds.  Then came the entertainment.  The Harvard Men’s Acappella Chorus offered lively songs and ditties which everyone enjoyed.  Afterward a DJ played music that had attendees filling the dance floor until it was time to call it a night.