April 2010 Casino trip

On Wednesday, April 28th, 44 hopeful gamblers departed from the Barrister Gardens parking lot. With our usual driver, Walter, behind the wheel we headed into the rush hour traffic. After introducing our 6 first-timers and serenading Clyde Bender, Liz Huyghe, Gene Perye and Elena Roose, our Birthday celebrants, everyone seemed to relax or read the paper for awhile. The travelers also had juice and a Danish roll to nibble on. After about 1 ½ hours, a raffle was held and the winners were Connie Sorgeloos and Richard & Margaret Loosvelt. We arrived in West Branch at 9:15am at the Lumber Jack restaurant for breakfast. We were in and out in about an hour, which was very good time. Joe & Lucy Deckers met their good friends Bernie & Lucy Conn, who live in the area, for breakfast to enjoy each others company. We left West Branch at 10:30am and headed for Petoskey. Frank Baecke brought his horse race game along and for the next hour or so we all had fun with the game. There were 12 winners to share the pot. The hills and winding roads between Gaylord and Petoskey provided beautiful scenery as we travelled. We arrived at Petoskey at noon and were met by a representative from the casino who explained our packages. After this, everyone went their own. After 4 hours, we departed Petoskey and headed to St. Ignace on the bumpiest road that we drove on. We arrive at St. Ignace at 5:00pm. While I was getting everyone their rooms and package, my wife Anne, Roland & Maggie Deprez, Bill Meldrum and Diane Myny were busy setting up the hospitality room in my suite. Everyone was invited to come and share the goodies. By 7:00pm all had gone down to the casino. The rooms, as usual, were excellent with nice outside views; some even had balconies. On Thursday, after a complimentary breakfast, we headed to the Soo to the big casino where we were given another package plus another pack of tokens for Senior’s day. We were there for 3 hours, after which we headed back to St. Ignace to spend the night. Most everyone came back to our room to finish the goodies before heading back to the casino to try their luck. On Friday, after another complimentary breakfast, we departed St. Ignace and headed back to Petoskey on the bumpy road. We arrived at 11:30am, received another package to gamble with before leaving at 3:30pm. Frank Baecke must have been in a good mood because as he was heading for the bus, money was flying out of his pockets. Hotel security helped to retrieve it all. All in all, it was a great trip. There were quite a few winners, but also quite a few losers. I didn’t hear any complaints so I guess everyone enjoyed themselves. We stopped at a rest stop outside of West Branch so everyone could stretch their legs and use the facilities. We arrived home at 8:00pm, which was very good travel time. I want to thank my wife Anne, Roland & Maggie Deprez, Bill Meldrum, and Diane Myny for all of their work in setting up and maintaining the hospitality room along with everyone who brought a snack or dessert. The next trip is scheduled for September 22 – 24 to the same locations.

Respectfully Submitted,

Bob Putrycus
Recording Secretary