Henry's News

AAA at Second Harvest Food Bank

In mid-November, the AAA Corporate Affairs Team spent the day at Second Harvest Food Bank.  This is the third time we have volunteered for this worthy organization that collects and distributes donated food to more than 500 nonprofit partner agencies in six Central Florida counties.

AAA is a leader in the community in providing opportunities for its Associates to volunteer at numerous charitable organizations.  The 25 members of AAA Corporate Affairs worked hard, had some fun, and did something really worthwhile for those in need.  Click on SECOND HARVEST to enjoy the photos.  

The AAA Board met in Colorado Springs in September.  Two very unique and exclusive venues were attended. The first was held at a private property called "The Cooking Club."  It looks like a rustic hunting lodge that sits on the mountainside overlooking the Broadmore, and it was built in the early 1900's by Spencer Penrose.  Over the years, it's influential membership of forty has changed, but its rich history remains and continues.  Presidents, State and National legislators, and the principals of influential businesses have been members. The tradition of dining is that everyone assists in the food preparation and service.  All wear aprons and chefs hats.  Now the AAA Board did not prepare their dinner, but they did serve it. A fun evening was had by all.

The next evening, dinner was held at The Penrose House.  This was the original home of Spencer Penrose and his family.  It now serves as a meeting facility for non-profit organizations.  Spencer Penrose all purchased the The Manitou and Pike's Peak Railway in 1925 and operated it until his death in 1939.  Now owned by the El Pomar Foundation, the location of the Board dinner. Following dinner, the retirement of a AAA director was recognized. 

Both events were held near The Broadmoor, a beautiful Five Diamond rated AAA Hotel & Resort.  The LPGA hosted a tournament on the renowned East Course here earlier in the year.  The grounds of the hotel are beautiful and Henry was fortunate to photo some deer early one morning.  To view the photos, click on "THE COOKING CLUB" and enjoy.

AAA Directors Retire

This past April, three directors on the AAA National Board retired, and a new Board Chairman and Vice Chairman were elected.  While this may not seem of great news to the non AAA family, part of the recognition tribute to our retiring chairman more than likely will be of interest.

In recognition of service as chairman, a small token of appreciation is given.  Our retiring chairman is from Wisconsin and this being a Green Bay Super Bowl Championship year, he requested some memorabilia from the "green machine."  Through a wonderful "dealer" in Milwaukee, Henry located a portrait of Vince Lombardi and player's salary check for $500 that he signed in 1960.  Also given was an authentic Green Bay Packers helmet signed by the team's three Super Bowl winning Quarter Backs, Bart Starr, Brett Farve, and Arron Rogers.  Click on AAA DIRECTORS RETIRE to view the photos.

This year's annual Shred-a-thon was the most successful ever!  The weather was fantastic, there was no competing football, and promotions throughout the area were effective to help people fight identity theft and safely shred old records.  This is a "win/win" event.  Everyone loves the service and most everyone donates a little to help fund the programs offered by the Lake Mary Senior Center.

Shred-it Orlando provided five shred trucks and a sixth for all the boxes.  Between 8:30 AM and 1:00 PM, 711 cars drove through the drop site in front of the Senior Center.  Over 36,200 pounds or about 18 tons were shredded.  Many local companies helped sponsor the event including AAA, Lake Mary Rotary, Shred-it, Longwood Health Care, Synergy Health Care, and Park Jewelers. Thanks to everyone's generous support and the many volunteers that worked the event, Senior Programming will continue to be supported for the year.  To view the photos from this year's event, click on 2011 SHRED-A-THON.