How I spent the first day of summer: at FNGLA’s annual convention. Robert Olinger, his wife Mary and I enjoyed two days of activities at the Marriott Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach (north of St. Augustine, south-east of Jacksonville, Florida). The first business meeting went smoothly with our organization ending the year with a surplus. Robert (our new State Representative) will be meeting with the board next month to decide on spending decisions and direction.
After the meeting we toured the Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens. That evening the Frontrunners Chapter opened their hospitality suite, stocked with plenty of food and drinks.
The next day we enjoyed applauding the winners of FNGLA’s awards. There we gave our annual donation to FNGLA’s Political Action Committee (PAC) and to the University of Florida Research Endowment Fund.
That evening concluded with the President’s Gala reception and banquet.

Entry of Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens.

Color everywhere.

Oriental garden, floating water cleaning plants.

Welcome reception scavenger hunt.

Awards ceremony and induction banquet.

Bob giving donation from Royal Palm Chapter to U.F. SHARE.

Other donors to U.F. SHARE fund.

Ben Bolusky, Mike Marshall, Sandy Stein.

Carolann and Dennis Mahr celebrating.

President Mike Marshall giving big shoes to fill to new President, Sandy Stein.

Paul Polomsky and daughter.

Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam.