2004 Annuitants Reunion - Day 3

Visiting with Friends in the Pinehurst Lobby

With talk of hurricanes headed towards the south-east coast, it was not surprising that the weather was spotty at best. But with some stroke of luck, Monday's weather made way for both the golf and tennis tournaments.

A total of 73 golfers ( 16 women and 57 men ) competed in a Captains Choice format, coordinated by Curtis Wideman, on Course Number 1. Women and men played separately as is the tradition at Pinehurst. Curtis explains that a Captains Choice, or Scramble, "is where everyone in a foursome tees off then selects the best ball and all four hit from there until holed out--however to be interesting and have everyone be involved they must use each persons tee shot at least 3 times on Par 4 and Par 5 holes. There are no handicaps involved and only one score for each hole." Team prizes were issued as well as prizes for longest drives and closest to pins on Par 3 holes.

Indoors, the registration desk welcomed newcomers to the reunion. Next door at the Sideline Exhibit, more Aramcons visited booths and many people signed up for the Aramco ExPats raffle. Monday was a popular day to watch the video presented as part of the "Bridging East and West: Saudi Aramco World 1949-Present" Aramco Services Company exhibit. Bridge tournaments also continued across the hall.

Some Aramcons chose Monday to visit The Spa at Pinehurst. With over 28 treatment rooms, a lap pool, cascading whirlpools and over 40 treatments, from baths to body wraps, the options for pure pampering were endless. The Spa also offered a fitness center and professionals who would "work magic on your hair and toes". Surely this was just the way to spend the day prior to the Gala dinner and dance planned for Monday evening.

Enjoying a walk and ice cream

A few Aramcons were spotted around the village of Pinehurst, or walking the brick paths around the grounds of Pinehurst, shopping or indulging in ice cream cones. Some ventured to nearby towns such as Southern Pines to check out the sites or visit places of interest, while others went in search of collectibles.

By Monday afternoon, everyone seemed relaxed and very much on vacation. It was difficult to imagine that the evening celebration would bring the festivities to an end.

By 5:30 p.m., Aramcons began emerging from their rooms dressed in their finest attire. A social gathering and group photos were planned prior to dinner. A formal sit down dinner was scheduled for 7 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom.

Dinner was by reservation only with assigned seating. Many people had requested to sit by dear friends to insure one last chance for a visit as some guests would begin their departure as early as 5:30 a.m. the next morning.

Wilma Haggard, Kay and Mike Waneka

Curt Wideman Presenting a Gift to Roz Bowler; Brian Predmore in the Background

Following dinner, Curtis Wideman was given a round of applause for organizing the 2004 reunion - no small feat. Then Curtis announced winners of the golf tournament:

Following the announcement of tournament winners, Curits called out door prize winners. Among the prizes were caps, polos and mugs donated by Aramco ExPats as well as a couple of Wendy Cocker's photo albums on CD. Vicci Thompson also announced the first, second and third place winners of the Aramco ExPats raffle. First place, which included an Aramco ExPats necklace, went to Wiley McMinn.

Vicci Turner of Aramco ExPats Presents First Place Winner, Wiley McMinn, with an Aramco ExPats Necklace

Sevket and Patricia Torpis

Then the dance floor began to spin as Aramcons took to their feet for an evening of dance before the 2004 Annuitants Reunion came to a close.

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