The Annual PHA Banquet was held Nov 4, 2023 at the Grantville Holiday Inn and it was a lot of fun. If you weren’t able to make it this year, you were missed (and you missed out on a fun event)!
As is usual, the PHA Critique Meeting was held before the banquet, and our members attended in person and remotely via Zoom. As previously reported, Dave Merritt stepped down. So as per our bylaws, Rich Rock appointed Eli Sharp as the interim PHA secretary, and Trevor Filipowicz as the interim PHA Vice President for the remainder of Dave’s term. We definitely wish Dave the best in all of his future endeavors, and he will be missed.
Note that both Eli and Trevor have indicated that they are willing to run for election next year.
Eli facilitated our meeting so well that it followed the schedule, and we actually finished up at the time we planned. She has clearly done this before!
But now onto the subject of this post — the banquet. If you’ve never been to one, it’s just a bunch of racers, workers, family members and crew relaxing and enjoying each others’ company.
Since each picture is worth a thousand words, I present to you first a selection of pictures from around the room.
Of course this was an awards banquet, and many awards were presented with Rich Rock hosting and Trevor Filipowicz presenting.
Here is a complete gallery of all of the awards winners:
For Worker of the Year, Diane Bower, Mary Anne Fieux and Chuck Christ were recognized. These three individuals have been working almost every event for the past “many” years, and their dedication (not to mention competence) is par none.
Rookie of the Year was awarded to James Swift.
And for Outstanding Contribution to the PHA, Mike Robinson, myself (Grace Huntzinger) and Nancy Lewis received awards.
Once the official banquet was over, a bunch of us retired to the hotel bar and continued the festivities. Rich Rock took the last known picture of the diehards around 1:00 AM.
