MEETING IN RESORTS

by Sidney Siller, PDC, Department Adjutant

As we enter our 85th year, as DAV-New York, the State Executive Committee, and the Department's Annual Convention Hotel will be different. After thirteen years, we have decided that is was time to leave the Friar Tuck Inn and engage the Hudson Valley Resort in Kerhonkson, New York.

Fifty (50) years ago, we held our last Department Convention in Rochester New York. I remember the convention quite clearly, since it was the convention that elected me Department Commander in 1956.

What a great time it was for me personally; and I know it must have been for Mary Anne Cesta, who was elected as the DAVA-NY Commander.

The size of the aggregate delegates attending our 37th Annual Convention in Rochester, NY was lost even in a city the size of Rochester. In those days, cities were classified by political scientists by population. New York City and Buffalo were considered "first class cities" having populations of a million or more people.

So it was not brain surgery for me to have recommended that our conventions be held at a resort; a place where we could convene, have fun, eat and be merry; all at the same time.

The next convention in 1957 was held at the wonderful Scaroon Manor, Schroon Lake, Warren County. Many of you will recall that the entertaining movie, "Marjorie Morning Star" with the late Natalie Wood was filmed there.

The convention itself was wonderful. National Commander Joe Burke from Bayonne, New Jersey was with us, and Pete Petropulous, the Chesterfield's Ambassador to Veterans, gave everyone souvenirs. They were silver money clips, zippo lighters, and other wonderful gizmos. The only thing missing was our DAVA State Commander - Mary Anne Cesta, who had a few days earlier given birth to her only daughter. What timing!

But, here it is, fifty years later and our Department is still going to a new convention site.

You have already received your reservation forms for our SEC meeting March 10th, 11th and 12th.

Hudson Valley Resort is a beautiful place. The rooms are outstanding; the dining rooms are beautiful, and the amenities outstanding. There are indoor and outdoor pools; a golf course on the back of the hotel; and an outstanding array of meeting rooms. I believe this will prove to be a great place for the DAV-NY.

The price for your stay is comparable to what you have paid for past conventions. The food and accommodations are excellent. There are large elevators and gorgeous views. An outstanding spa; and a great lobby and lounge.

All of this and your many comrades. What a deal!

We are urging you to make your reservations early. Reservations are on a first come first served basis. We anticipate overflow request to be in the new hotel, so don't wait until the last minute. It's really a great place.

The only real question is, will Mary Anne Cesta show up a half-century later? I wonder?

Hudson Valley Resort, site of this year's DAVNY Annual Convention
90 Minutes from NYC
400 Granite Road • Kerhonkson, NY 12446
Toll free: 888-9HUDSON • Phone: 845-626-8888 • Fax: 845-626-2595 • e-mail: info@hudsonvalleyresort.com

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