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Where do I begin when summarizing Dubuque’s Rollin’ on the River convention? Well, let’s start from the beginning. First, could the weather have been any better? I think not! The convention Gods and Goddesses were certainly giving us their best all week.

NCRA representative Rick Greenspan rolled into town Tuesday evening. Rick is a huge fan of the movie Field of Dreams, so Wednesday morning Phoebe Miller drove Rick and Teresa Kordick out to Dyersville where Karen Teig and I met them. We had a great time watching Rick recap-ture his youth, and later his breath, as he ran the bases at the original movie site. He was such a good sport! I was happy to share the experience with Rick. Rick said it was the se-cond greatest moment in his life. I can’t repeat the greatest moment he shared with us.

In case you viewed the photos on the mini website Rick created, the photo of Rick and the leg lamp was taken at Groovy Grounds where we went afterwards for coffee and conversation. Next we headed back to Dubuque for the board meeting and realtime contest.

We had a greater-than-expected turnout at both of our nighttime events. The number of early registrants who attended the winery function was most impressive. Owner Bob Smith educated us on growing and processing grapes for Stone Cliff wine. Thank you for showing up early to kick off the convention at Stone Cliff Winery with us. The only thing better than my glass of wine was the company I was keeping. I enjoyed sitting back and watching a great group of people mingle. It was so cool to see so many people truly enjoying themselves.

Thursday morning began with hypnotist Jim Wand. We had lots of volunteers on stage for Jim’s hypnosis segment. The laughter was nonstop! I hope you’ve taken the time to watch the hypnosis clips on YouTube that Rick Greenspan uploaded for us. My favorite parts of Jim’s presentation were the Kentucky Derby race, watching the participants create work tools out of balloons and also the Martian segment. Isn’t the mind amazing? Thank you to the members on stage who entertained us all morning. We’d all like to know if your personal goal was attained through hypnosis, whether it be eating healthier or writing better. Drop a line and share with us if hypnosis worked for you.

At Thursday’s luncheon lobbyist Bill Wimmer brought us up to date on issues important to our profession. We also got reports from various ICRA committees on how the association is doing.

Thursday after lunch Jim Romagna reminded us we have no excuse not to exercise. Living in a world of instant gratification, I personally wish it really was that easy. Paul Sodders wrapped up the convention Thursday with his powerful presentation on organ donation. I hope you all take the time to think about what a wonderful gift you could leave behind by simply checking “Yes” to being an organ donor when you renew your driver’s license. Iowa should be so proud to lead the pack in organ donation.

Thursday night we all had a blast aboard the American Lady. We were treated like royalty with great appetizers and beverages. Again, what a truly perfect evening! The wind was calm and the temperature was just right. Mississippi River Lockmaster William Hainstock enjoyed our company before and after his educational presentation on lock and dam procedures and navigating the Mighty Mississippi. I think we entertained him as much as he entertained us. And in true river style, we got a good look at a couple of full moons.

Friday morning Kelly McMahon shared lots of great information with us on what to expect as we age with pride. Besides learning how Mazola corn oil can enhance my life, the other important thing I took away from her presentation was the message to trust my instincts. If your healthcare pro-vider brushes your health concerns off, you need to find a new healthcare provider. Chuck Goddard and Bev Wagner educated us on ways to make our homes and neighborhoods greener. Some of their suggestions were so simple. Chuck and Bev will be happy to know that my coworker and I pur-chased reusable tote bags for grocery shopping and other errands. That’s two less people putting plastic grocery bags in the landfill. Hope you’re find-ing ways to help Mother Earth as well.

At Friday’s luncheon, outgoing president Sylvia Kreamalmyer gave a heartfelt goodbye. Rick Greenspan kept us laughing during his installation of new officers. Karen Teig was installed as our president and Sheryl Culver as our president-elect. Lou Ann Parker is vice president. Cindy Miller remains treasurer and Cathy Penniston secretary. Sylvia, of course, is now immediate past president.

Karen Teig followed a friend’s ad-vice and kicked off her shoes to get comfortable while she gave us her welcome speech. Deb Thornburg was announced the realtime contest winner. I listened to the test while it was being administered, and to me it sounded faster than 180 wpm and longer than five minutes. Good job, Deb!

Friday afternoon KWWL meteorologist Eileen Loan shared many breathtaking slides with us that showed the devastating aftermath of the Parkersburg tornado and the Mid-west flooding. The day ended with survivor Jane Bahl giving examples on how to lead a safer life. Remember, we don’t have to change our lifestyles to be safe. We just need to be more aware of our surroundings while we keep doing what we’re doing.

The silent auction was a huge success. We raised nearly $1500 for the Mary L. Brown scholarship fund. I want to share with you again that over 20 percent of our convention registrants donated $15 to student lunches for future conventions and we took in $1500 from sponsors to help offset the cost of convention. GREAT JOB, MEMBERS!! Like Paul Sodders said, Iowans are generous people.

In closing, my experience on the convention committee was most rewarding. I have been inspired to dream big. I think you would all feel the same way I now do about our association if you would take the time to become involved. I encourage all of you to lend yourselves to ICRA in any way. It isn’t an association that runs single-handedly. While at times it may feel like it, you will never walk alone. ICRA is a collaboration of volunteers working together for the betterment of your profession, whatever your stenography profession may be.

On behalf of my fellow convention committee members — Phoebe Miller, Kelly Neyen and Jane Rife —THANK YOU for making Dubuque’s Rollin’ on the River convention a huge success and one that will be long remembered and often talked about. We’ve received many compliments and thank-yous from people who attended the convention. I’ve even heard from people who didn’t attend indicating they heard so much about it they wish they would have attended. Please know your compliments are the icing on the cake for us. Your kind words and thank-yous carry lot of power. It is so nice to hear so many of you had such a grand time. We enjoyed sharing Dubuque with you and we hope you come back to experience it again.