PPU 2007 - Pen Pals UnitedBy Rosie Tholl, MI,PPU Founder and Co-Coordinator (Mary Kugel, WI, is her PPU Partner)It's hard to believe that PPU is already a couple of weeks behind us now, but the pictures and e-mails and phone calls and memories are as strong and alive now as they will be in weeks and months ahead.
Somehow it hardly seems fair that nearly 3 years of planning should be over with in a blink of the eye and yet, while my heart is wanting to relive PPU 07 over and over again, my body and body are thankful it's over with and there's some down time now for me.
Check out the PPU photos here!
I've only been to the 4 PPU's that have been held in the USA, but I can honestly say that I think this was the best and the smoothest running PPU that Mary and I have done (and we've done 3 out of the 4). I certainly won't take away the wonderful job and week we had with PPU 02 when Norma and Dennis did it because they did a superb job. I'm only comparing the ones that Mary and I have done in 1992, 1996 and 2007.
The Ramada Plaza hotel where PPU 07 was held turned out to be an excellent choice for our venue and the staff bent over backwards and went out of their way to see that all our needs were met (and then some!). They were short staffed in the set-up area and we usually had 2-3 PPU functions running daily that required setting up and tearing down and setting up again, and believe me, there were people from the hotel working to get everything done in a timely fashion, including employees who normally didn't work in the catering and set-up. It was a blessing that we had PPU at this hotel. Bernie and I took our walkie-talkies to use that week and what a life saver that was for us!
If I had to say anything negative about PPU, it would only be that the hospitality room was quite a ways away from the main part of the hotel where our functions were held, but the room itself was quite large so we had plenty of room for everything we had planned to do in there. It didn't take long for most of us to find the short cut to get to this room (thru the pool area). Everyone seemed to enjoy the freebie table and snack table along with the functions that were held there daily. There was a Who's Who poster on an easel whereby about 40 people sent in pictures of them when they were a teen. The names of those people were on the board and you were asked to see if you could identify the pictures of the teens to what they looked like now. Such fun and some surprises in seeing the "then" pictures with the now people!
The theme for this final PPU was "Lighting the Pathway to Friendship" and the "mascot" was the lighthouse.
People began arriving Friday evening. Saturday evening there were 17 of us who went out to eat and by Sunday evening there were over 50 who ate together. I had it catered from the attached Old Chicago restaurant and they brought it to the hotel where we ate in the hospitality room. Excellent food! The rest of that evening was spent in there visiting and looking over everything that was there to look at - the things on the freebie tables (there were 3 long tables chock full of things that people brought to set on there), the table with all the photo albums, magazine and newspaper articles of past PPU's and then the food table where people were overly generous with bringing finger foods and snack items to munch on during the week. (God forbid anyone should go hungry that week which none of us did!).
PPU 02 officially started Monday morning, July 23 with morning devotions. Carol Lawyer, and her daughter, Sandra Rightmire, did such a meaningful job doing this each morning and by the third day, even staff of the hotel were putting in their own prayer requests into the prayer box. There were several people who said that going to the morning devotions affected them deeply. Carol and Sandy had lots of handouts that were graciously donated by people, not only coming to PPU but by those who were unable to make it but still wanted to contribute in some way.
DAY ONE
Registration began at 11:30 that day and excitement was all around as people began to line up in the lobby. The decorating team for Monday did such a nice job of decorating the tables to give it a truly Michigan look with nautical rope and life preservers across the fronts of the tables and lighthouses in the center of each table. The Visitors and Convention Bureau had a table set up with lots of brochures and were available to answer any questions about the area that anyone had. There were lots of handouts and one of the things most notable and appreciated as part of those handouts were the beautifully quilted bags that Mary O'Daffer made by hand for everyone. Even the kids (and there were 16 present from 10 mos. to 15 y.o.) got their own special goodie bags.
At another table sat Bev Neuzil of Iowa and Sue Washegesic of MI. Bev came up with the idea of giving each person a small bag of beads and a large safety pin with smaller pins hanging from it. Each state represented a different color of bead. The idea was to go around and exchange your beads with other pals to fill the pins and create a PPU Friendship Pin. You wanted to make sure you kept your beads with you because everyone wanted to exchange. Great idea Bev!
Sue was sponsor of the Secret Pal club so people who had signed up for this could stop by and draw their name of who they'd have for that week. The idea was to give a card and small gift daily that could be delivered by someone else or taken to the hospitality room to be picked up.
Still, another table was where people could sign up for the President Gerald R. Ford Museum and the Van Andel Museum tours on Tuesday that Bernie Tholl was sponsoring. These museums were only about 5 miles from the hotel and about 22 people went.
Because there was a Pick-A-Prize to be held that evening, there was a drop off table for people to leave their prize donations and then these were taken into the ballroom where volunteers set up it all up. Everything really did run like clockwork and I was deeply appreciative of how everyone stepped up to the plate to help.
One of the exciting times of this first day was the local ABC affiliate, WZZM13, coming to the hotel to interview pen pals and do live news coverage of PPU. They interviewed Mary Kugel (this has always been Mary's job to do this because "I don't do interviews"), Denise Moody of New Zealand, Barbara Wear of MA, 3 generation of pen palers with Carol Lawyer and her daughter, Sandra Rightmire and Sandra's daughter, Renee (all of IL), and then they caught the surprise reunion between Lana Ayala (IN) and Sara Finley (MA). Lana had no idea Sara was coming. It was a surprise that only Rosie and Sara knew about. The look on Lana's face was worth the 24 hour bus ride for Sara! The news station also panned around the lobby area where registration was taking place and just filmed randomly as well. That afternoon we gathered to watch the piece on TV, and it was pretty lengthy and just an excellent piece of coverage. That afternoon we had a luncheon.
The decorating team of the Lautenschlaeger Family (MI) did an awesome job of putting together centerpieces representing summers in MI by having (on each table) a large fish bowl partially filled with sand, setting on fish netting. In the bowls were miniature umbrellas, beach chair, beach ball, sandals and seashells and then seashells were scattered on the fish netting as well. All centerpieces at each meal function were available to anyone who wanted to take it for a souvenir. There was also a small picture frame magnet with a lighthouse on it at each place setting.
Several people from the same state or region went together and made up beautiful state/area gift baskets. We had 10 to give away so gave a few away each day and there was a different winner for each basket. Also, birthday helium balloons were given to Karen Booth (TX) and Doris Kelterborn (MI) for having celebrated their birthdays on Sunday, July 22. Birthday twins and they didn't even know it!
Monday evening was Pleasures and Treasures evening. There were 14 vendor tables and those pen palers brought crafts and new items to set up and sell. It created a lot of interest with everyone. Scott Lautenschlaeger dressed as a clown and distributed helium balloons to the kids while Bernie walked around handing out mardi gras beads to the adults. There were hot and cold finger foods and beverages available that evening and then the many, MANNNNNNNY prizes were drawn for. It was a full, jam-packed evening with lots of fun and chatter taking place. The late night gathering spot for those who enjoyed playing Trivial Pursuit seemed to be in Suite 400 - O'Daffer's Hangout. Some people took advantage of the restaurant and went there after P&T had finished and still others (particularly those with kids) headed for the pool where there was a 4 story water slide to enjoy. And some adults headed for the hot tub.
DAY TWO
Tuesday opened with breakfast and morning devotionals again and then the workshops began at 8:30 and continued through until noon. There were 10 workshops given and everyone truly seemed to enjoy the ones they took. All of the craft ones allowed the participants to take home a finished product.
There was Dishtowel Crafting (made a cute bunny and an angel), Genealogy, Envelope Making, Fleece Blanket Making, Gift Wrapping Ideas, Card Making with rubber stamps, Make and Take Crafting, Jewelry Making (Beading), Scrapbooking and Tote Bag Embellishment.
Bernie and his group left by 9 and went to the 2 museums and didn't return until 4 p.m. and everyone said how much they enjoyed going to the museums. At noon was the 1939er's Luncheon held in the Legends room. Jan Stephan (MO) sponsored this. From 2-3:30 was the PPU Letter and E-mail robin gathering in the hospitality room. Everyone brought 2 wrapped gifts for games that were played. What fun this was!
Afterwards, all the robin groups posed for pictures of their robin group. Louise Hale (MA) and Rosie Tholl (MI) were the sponsors of this project and these robins began about 2 years ago so people who were planning to attend PPU could get to know each other better. It was a huge success.
Joellen Resare (CA) was the decorator for today. Everyone was asked to wear something tropical or brightly colored and they sure did! What fun to see what people were wearing, even the kids. The centerpieces for this meal function was a round piece of fabric in tropical print with a vase filled with red flowers on each table. Very attractive and fitting for the evening. The display table where I kept the state baskets also had tropical material draping the front as did the podium. This evening's entertainment were the HoKu Lea Dance Troup from near Detroit. There were 5 dancers (4 women and 1 man) who entertained us for nearly an hour with Polynesian dancing and then stayed and posed for pictures with PPU members afterwards. I think everyone enjoyed this entertainment, even the kids. There was a lot of clapping and whistling at the end when they finished their finale number.
My 4 y.o. grand daughter, Emily, now wants to be a Polynesian dancer when she grows up! Because the evening ended by 8:30, there was still lots of time to enjoy the pool, hot tub, bar, restaurant, hospitality room and O'Daffer's Trivial Pursuit Hangout!
DAY THREE
Wednesday started, as usual, with breakfast and devotionals for anyone wanting to attend the devotions. It was an "off premises" day for anyone wanting a free day to go shop, tour or whatever they wanted. This was also the bus tour day where 46 of us took a tour bus (state of the art with an elevator lift that was put to good use) to nearby Holland. We had a Dutch dressed tour guide who gave us an hour tour of the city along with some Dutch cookies, and then after we dropped her off we went to Windmill Island where we got to see the only authentic, working Dutch windmill in the USA, along with the Klomper Dancers (they dance in wooden shoes and Dutch costumes) and view the grounds and flowers. Barbara Wear (MA) and I opted not to take the walk so we sat on a bench overlooking the canal and the windmill and could see the dancers from where we were. We had a wonderful visit between us and then Erma Kern (NY) came back from the windmill and sat and joined us for a visit as well. I enjoyed this time with them a lot and since it was the first time of meeting Erma, it was nice to get to know her better. From there we went to Russ's to eat lunch and after that, because it was starting to rain, we passed on going to the state park where "Big Red", the lighthouse sits, along the beach shores of Lake Michigan. I know some were disappointed at not going there but with it raining, I knew nobody would be able to get out and walk down the boardwalk to the lighthouse. So, we went to Dutch Village instead, where we were greeted by a Dutch dressed village representative and told a little about the village. We had 2 male tour guides so went in 2 groups (although some of us went off on our own to do some shopping in the shops). First stop, though was to see how wooden shoes are made (interesting). We also went to the theater and watched the village Klompers entertain us for about a half hour and then got some of our group to get up and dance with them. Bev Neuzil of IA is always a sucker for these kinds of things and didn't disappoint us when she volunteered to go up on stage! The rain did let up some, but one of the shops sold nearly everyone of us a rain poncho so they were happy to see our bus come in, I'm sure! We spent about 1 1/2 hours there and some got ice cream in the shop before we left to head back to Grand Rapids and our hotel.
Wednesday evening was our Starshine Spectacular evening. Joellen again was in charge of tonight's decorating and when I walked into the room after I returned to see how the decorating was going, I was speechless at the beauty of the room. One person said later on that evening that she truly felt as though she was walking into the prom that she wasn't able to go to in high school. It was spectacular!
The entire room had ceiling to floor little white lights. The tables had floor length black tablecloths and black napkins. There was a gold, engraved invitation at each place setting for a souvenir. The chairs were covered in black covering with a gold tie back and big bow behind. The centerpieces were very tall clear, crystal like vases with a gorgeous arrangement of fresh cut flowers of many kinds (including big, large roses) and greenery with a large gold star embedded into the top. The fresh flower arrangements were given as a door prize to one person at each table. Lights were lowered somewhat and the ambiance was perfect.
That evening's entertainment was Starshine entertainment, meaning that some "of our own" from those attending PPU got up to entertain. Their were 10 "acts" and each one was different and very entertaining. Those participating in this was Mary Lou Webster (MI) who did a "Miss Lulu from the TN hills" act and finished by singing the song Precious Memories (special version). I had no idea she had such a beautiful voice. Then we had several members participating in the Funky Fashion Revue. This is where people wore clothes that represented a fad but in a funky kind of way and the audience had to guess what the fad was. For instance, Helen Jahnke was a "ball gown" and she wore a long nightgown with balls attached to it. Vic Ayala wore a "straw hat" which was a hat with straws attached. You get the idea. There was Grandpa Tholl (Bernie) with his 2 grand daughters, Emily and Megan Foster (4 y.o. and 3 y.o.) who came out dressed in Railroad gear and sang I've Been Working On the Railroad. I know who the next American Idols will be with those 2 little gals. They sang their hearts out and Emily added a few extra expressions of her own between words which cracked everyone up. Mary Kugel did a roast on Bernie and Rosie (more on Bernie) of their camping days. Darlene McCarty (WA) dressed in her Native American dress and explained about her culture and then did 2 cultural dances. The second dance involved volunteers from the audience so adults and kids alike joined in. I truly enjoyed watching her dance. Bev Neuzil (IA) did a musical "horn" segment dedicated to seals! Funny. Then she sang and played the guitar and she also has a lovely voice. She and Karen Booth (TX) also sang a song which was a spoof about turning 60, to the tune of These Are A Few of my Favorite Things. Lots of laughing on that one. Joyce Kelly (CT) and her "lovely assistant Gail Seffens (CA) did the story of Billy Goat's Gruff (I think that's right and apologize if I'm wrong) with "props." Was cute. Rosie "roasted" Lana Ayala (IN) and Sara Finley (MA) and revealed some deep, hidden secrets of those 2 by putting pictures up on the screen to share with everyone. And then Rosie and Lana closed the evening by sharing some of their travel stories. All in all, it was a fun (and funny) evening that went until 10 p.m. It had been a long day for some. By the way, if you happen to be talking to Lana Ayala, be sure to ask her about the American Eagle she was so excited to spot that day while she and Vic and Mary Kugel and Mary Rampenthal were out driving for the day!
DAY FOUR
Oh my gosh, it's Thursday already! Where has the week gone?! But isn't is always like this?
As in past days, the day started with breakfast (complimentary) and devotionals. The day was pretty much free for most people with only a couple of specific events planned for that day. At noon was the Red Hatters Luncheon in Legends, hosted by Mary Kugel, who just happens to be the Queen of Purple! My goodness, all the red and purple that came out of the woodwork just before it was time to go to the luncheon was amazing! There were red feathered boas, every kind of red hat imaginable, lots of purple clothes and everyone was excited about going. They took a wrapped prize for a game Mary was playing. I offered to take some of those prizes off their hands even tho I wasn't going to the luncheon but didn't get any takers.
From 2 to 3:30 was the Secret Pal Revealing party. Everyone was excited to find out who had them during the week. Some were surprised. Some had figured it out. Everyone had a lot of fun and it was enjoyable seeing what everyone got. I had Cheri Metteer of WA for the week and Mary Rampenthal (WI) had my name (and spoiled me rotten with gifts!). I believe it was this afternoon that a birthday party was held for Maddy Reidl (Mary and Orley's grand daughter) who turned 7 I think. This was so much fun for the kids who were at PPU and were invited to the party. I heard it was great fun and the parents enjoyed it as much.
For this evening's closing banquet, the Lautenschlaegers were in charge of decorating and what a great job they did. Scott spent hours making origami boxes from lighthouse calendar pictures and then filled them with candy. There was one on each table. Ed Madar made by hand (and a new lathe tool) beautiful wooden lighthouses (all one piece) for each place setting as a special souvenir of the week's events. The centerpiece for each table was a mirror tile with hurricane lamp and candle sitting in the middle and then various shades of blue clear stones surrounding the lamp on the mirror tile. The reflection was very pretty and the tables were elegant looking for the final evening. Before we ate, I called Maddy to the front so we could all sing happy birthday to her and then I gave her a special birthday helium balloon. She was beaming! The evening ended with thank yous all around and recognition gifts handed out (and I did just what I hoped I wouldn't do and I forgot to thank Sue Washegesic for doing a fantastic job sponsoring the Secret Pal activity and I left Mary Lynne and Jennifer's thank you gifts for decorating at home...sigh...).
The hotel staff was thanked publicly and a huge thank you and recognition went to all the kids who were present at PPU for the week and to their parents. They were very well behaved and never gave anyone any problems at all. It was truly a pleasure having them present and watching them and talking to them.
It was an emotional evening for a lot of people, especially for Mary and I as we presented each other with a personal, special gift. As Mary and I have said, we've never been pen pals. We've always had a working relationship with PPU, but yet there's a friendship bond there that will last a lifetime and we have traveled all the way across Iowa together in a car (just the 2 of us) and never said a word to each other and yet it was one of the best times we've ever spent together. We're now looking forward to just being good friends and not working partners (although that worked out very well, also).
GOING HOME
Friday morning was hustle and bustle in the lobby area as people were packing cars and saying goodbyes and taking last minute pictures. I was downstairs in the lobby by 6:30 to make sure I didn't miss anyone leaving early. Because we only had a 2 hour drive to get home, we were able to linger around until about 11 and say goodbye to most of the people leaving that day. There were a small handful of people who were staying until Saturday or not leaving until much later on Friday.
If I had to sum up PPU 07 in one word, it would have to be "lasting." I think that word is self explanatory. Everyone said they hated to see this be the last one. Well, it'll be the last gathering known as Pen Pals United and it'll be the last gathering that Mary and I will do. We're retired (for sure this time!). If someone wants to do something like this, they're welcome to do it, but please remember, you'll need to come up with a new name for it. Pen Pals United is now officially retired.
P.S. We had Denise and Robin Moody staying with us from July 16 until Aug. 4. People kept saying they didn't know how I did it, what with all the PPU things I had to do before hand and then doing PPU with Mary and the having company for another week after PPU. I made sure I had all the PPU stuff done a week before they arrived so I could have a week to get ready for them and some "down time" from doing the PPU work. The week of PPU we hardly saw them at all because they were busy spending time with other people and doing things since they knew they'd be with us the following week (and we'd told them not to worry about spending time with us that week because we would be busy). The week after PPU we took them to northern MI and explored some of the UP and then spent some time in Mackinaw City before coming home. Everything went very nicely and we had a wonderful visit with our dear friends. Denise and I have been pen pals for 32 years.
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