Thank you all for a gift I will a;ways treasure

Today I recieved A gift I will treasure always part of it I will frame and hang in a conspicuous place the smaller part will stay with my lights.What I am refering to is a wacko tag from baltimore worn and autographed by many friends at the reunion and a letter signed by many others whom I will always consider my friends.seeing these two things really touched me to the core thank you all.BillO'Brien-oseabee

[This message has been edited by oseabee (edited 10-23-2001).]

Bill, we thought of you a lot at the reunion...we all wish you could have been there in person but felt that wearing the badge with your name on it you were at least there in spirit...


Ruthie

During the weeks leading up to the Reunion, Bill's health was such that his doctor told him he could not attend the Reunion. As orders began to come in for the special Connected Collector name tags, I decided I would make one for Bill, and ask that wackos take turns wearing it in Baltimore. Just a day or so after this decision, and having communicated it to no one, Gail Jumper asked if she could purchase a badge for Bill.

Just before the reunion, Tim Young (aka Torchbearer) let us know that he had to cancel his plans to attend. Tim is a broadcast engineer - he builds radio stations. During the time we would be in Baltimore having a grand time, Tim would be in NYC helping to get radio stations back on the air. I also decided to make a badge for Tim.

In Baltimore, I asked other connected collectors to take turns wearing the 2 name badges. Even if they could not be at the Reunion in person, they could be there in spirit - in our thoughts. I also made a "card" for folks to sign and add their notes to. During the weekend, many folks took the time to sign the cards for Bill and Tim. Many took the time to wear the nametags - Bill and Tim were at all the Reunion events, and there are pictures to prove it! Each person who wore the nametags was asked to sign the back of the badge when they passed it on to the next person. I also asked Bill, Nancy and Kim to sign the badges. (I would have asked Maureen too, but she was very busy doing all the behind the scenes work when I had the badges in hand.)

The cards and badges were delivered to Bill by Gail Jumper, and to Tim by Rick Mau. My thanks to these two collectors for their help in delivery. Also, a big thanks to each person who signed the cards and wore and signed the nametags. You pretty much showed what a family this group is!

Paul has some pictures of the cards and nametags that perhaps he can add. I know there are also some other interesting shots of the nametags making the rounds that perhaps can now be shared.

Dave

Thank you dave this just proves again what a great groupis out there and I appreciate all that has been done.I really missed going to the reunion to meet many of you in person but these two pieces(I got a frame for the letter )will be kept as precious memories as long as I am around.Bill O'Brien alias oseabee And a heartfelt THANKSto you all.

And a big THANKS to you Dave for thinking of this unique way for Bill and Tim to "attend" the reunion! Also to Gail and Rick!

I'm sure there were some others who had planned to attend and who were forced to cancel for one reason or another. We missed you too!

Bill the Florida Group had a ball wearing
you around.
DAVE a NAVY bROVO ZULU on the idea.Good work
CHIEF.

& I want to say thanks for giving me the privilege of delivering these smiles to Bill. I LOVE this family. You guys are TERRIFIC!!!!!!!!!

TGIFIF

having you give me a ride home from Pensicola and bringing me this letter really made my two week ends.Bill O'Brien