2023 IPMS/USA National Convention, Part 1

My vacation this year took me to the 2023 National Convention of the International Plastic Modelers' Society/USA (IPMS/USA). This year's convention was held in San Marcos, Texas on 2-5 August. 

My trip started early on Wednesday, 2 August by driving to The Parking Spot 3, just west of St. Louis Lambert International Airport. I parked my car at the long-term lot just after 3:00 AM, then took a shuttle bus to the terminal to check in for my flight on Southwest Airlines. 

Just after 5:00 AM my Southwest flight departed St. Louis for Dallas Love Field. After landing there and changing planes, I caught another Southwest flight to Austin Bergstrom International Airport. Both flights went smoothly.

After arriving in Austin, I grabbed an iced turbo from Jo's Coffee in the terminal. This drink sure energized me after the early flights. Then, I was off to get my checked bag from baggage claim before walking over to the car rental center.

Arriving at the Enterprise counter, I checked in and had my reservation confirmed. After submitting my driver's license and credit card, I was directed to pick up my rental car (a Toyota Corolla). I checked out my car, put my luggage inside it, then drove off for San Marcos.

I arrived at the convention venue, the Embassy Suites and San Marcos Conference Center, around 10:15 AM. I entered the conference center and found the pre-registration check in line. I checked in and received my packet and the convention t-shirt. In this area, I chatted with a few people I know.

 

I walked over to the contest registration area to enter my one model in the contest. It was a 1:72 scale Alpha Jet I did a few years back. Having filled in the contest forms before I left home, my time in registration was short and I found the category table in the contest room to place my model.

I walked around the contest area to see the models placed there so far in the show. There were some, but many more would go in there by the time contest registration ended late Friday afternoon. Then, I waited for the three vendor rooms to open. Once open, I began to browse among the approximately 72 vendors present at this convention. One of the vendors, Tamiya, had a limited-edition t-shirt for the first 300 registrants who signed up for their email list. I was among those fortunate people who signed up and got the t-shirt. I also bought some tickets for the convention's raffle of model kits.

After spending the afternoon browsing among the contest entries and the vendors, it was time for me to leave the convention. I stopped by In-N-Out Burger for dinner before driving to the rental room approximately 10 minutes from the Conference Center. I had booked this place on Airbnb.

Arriving at the three-store residence, I entered the security code to unlock the door and made my way to the top floor, where my bedroom and bathroom were located. This accommodation was most suitable for me. After this long day, I went to bed. Day One in San Marcos was over.

To be continued...

Websites of Entities Mentioned in this Post:

International Plastic Modelers' Society/USA: IPMS/USA Home Page | By Modelers... For Modelers (ipmsusa.org)

The Parking Spot: St. Louis Airport Parking | The Parking Spot

St. Louis Lambert International Airport: St. Louis Lambert International Airport (flystl.com)

Southwest Airlines: Southwest Airlines | Book Flights, Make Reservations & Plan a Trip

Dallas Love Field: Dallas Love Field Airport | Home (dallas-lovefield.com)

Austin Bergstrom International Airport: Airport (AUS) | AustinTexas.gov

Jo's Coffee: Jo's Coffee (joscoffee.com)

Enterprise Rent-A-Car: Car Rental with Great Rates & Service | Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Embassy Suites and San Marcos Conference Center: Embassy Suites by Hilton San Marcos Hotel Conference Center

Tamiya: Tamiya USA

In-N-Out Burger: In-N-Out Burger

Airbnb: Find homes on Airbnb

Garden Visit and Soccer: My Weekend with Julie

Friday night (30 June), after a long and hot day of work, I drove to Julie's house in Florissant. There, I met her friends Mike and Sandy, who were in town for a weekend trip. Julie drove the four of us to the Missouri Botanical Garden for Chihuly Nights, an evening version of the Chihuly in the Garden exhibition currently at the Garden. This display has blown glass sculptures of artist Dale Chihuly placed among natural settings.

It rained slightly as the four of us entered the garden. After a brief stop in the gift shop, where Julie and Sandy bought umbrellas, we began our tour of the garden. Seeing these glass sculptures among the Garden's natural scenery was a real visual feast.

After we spent a wonderful time at the Garden, the four of us got into Julie's car and we returned to her home. There, we had a light dinner and conversation before I left for the night.

The next afternoon, I drove back to Julie's house to pick her up to go to that night's St. Louis CITY SC match against Colorado Rapids at CITYPARK. The drive to Downtown West St. Louis took longer than expected, though, due to a storm that had just blown through Metro St. Louis. (There was concern the match would be delayed due to the weather, but word came by 4:30 pm that it would go on time.) We had to get off I-170 at Olive as the Interstate Highway was closed. We drove east on Olive, seeing the results of the storm in downed trees and buildings without electrical power. After turning onto Skinker, Julie and I got on Forest Park Parkway and exited at 22nd Street. We found a curbside parking spot about three blocks northwest of CITYPARK, then walked towards the St. Louligans Street Party near Schlafly Tap Room. Julie and I arrived in time for the march into the stadium with the supporter groups.

The marchers entered CITYPARK through the Northwest Gate as usual. While Julie freshened up, I used the CITY app on my phone to order some popcorn from The Block, one of the dining concession stands. Not more than two minutes after placing the order, I picked up the popcorn in a reusuable souvenir box. (It was my first time using the app to get food at the stadium.)  After buying a bottle of Budweiser from another kiosk, I met up with Julie and we walked to our standing place in the North End.

We found a place high up in the section and under the roof, in case it started to rain again. It turned out there was no need to worry, as the weather was good the rest of the night.

After the teams came out on the pitch and the coin toss was held, the match was underway. CITY kicked off to the north, and we were able to see the action coming right for us. It didn't take long for things to get really interesting, as defender Tim Parker headed in a pass the fourth minute to score for CITY. Jared Stroud added a second tally seven minutes later.

CITY went on cruise control the rest of the way, as they ran out 2-0 winners. Roman Burki made three saves in posting his fifth shoutout of the season. (This past week, both Burker and Parker were named to the MLS All-Star team that will face Arsenal at Audi Field in Washington on 19 July.) The win gave CITY sole possession of first place in the MLS Western Conference. 

After watching CITY's players and coaches acknowledge the supporters, Julie and I walked out of CITYPARK and back to my car. Driving her home, we went west to I-270, rather than take the chance of I-170 still being closed. After dropping off Julie with hugs and kisses, I headed home a bit tired but most happy.

Later.

Websites of Entities Mentioned in this Post:

Missouri Botanical Garden: Missouri Botanical Garden

St. Louis CITY SC: St. Louis CITY SC (stlcitysc.com)

CITYPARK: CITYPARK | St. Louis CITY SC (stlcitysc.com)

The Block: The Block (theblockrestaurant.com)

Budweiser: Budweiser American-Style Lager | King of Beers since 1876 | Budweiser

Major League Soccer: MLSsoccer.com - The Official Site of Major League Soccer

Celebrating PrideFest 2023 with Some Colleagues

Yesterday morning (25 June), I drove to downtown St. Louis and parked in the Stadium Garage West. I then walked to Market Street just east of 7th Street. It was there that I met up with my Enterprise colleagues. Together, we would march in St. Louis' PrideFest parade.

This parade was the highlight of the annual PrideFest this past weekend, which celebrated the LBGTQ+ community. Many local companies and other organizations were represented in this parade. Most of the Enterprise contingent came from the Enterprise Holdings corporate office. I was the rare marcher who came from the rental branches.

Besides the approximately 100 marchers from our organization, there were three vehicles in the parade: a Ford Mustang convertible loaned from Enterprise Car Sales, and two trucks (stake beded and a box) from Enterprise Truck Rental. These vehicles were decorated in rainbow colors. Most of the marchers (including yours truly) wore green Enterprise t-shirts designed for this year's event. many of us added leis and beads for further decoration.

A few of us marchers wore bunches of balloons in assorted colors. They included my friend Melissa Maciorowski, who was just wonderful.

Many of us waited in the shade of a building while we waited for the parade to begin. I was one who took advantage of that shade and enjoyed a pre-parade drink of champagne with orange juice, which was welcome.

Just after 1:00 pm, we stepped off onto the parade, which went west on Market from 8th Street to 18th Street. Our group was early in the parade. It was hot under sunny skies, with the temperature of approximately 95 degrees F (35 degrees C), with a heat index of about 100 degrees F (38 degrees C). I had applied plenty of sunscreen before I left for the parade, which really helped me cope with the sunshine.

There were many units in this parade, including various companies, sports teams, labor unions, and social service organizations. Naturally, several LGBTQ+ organizations were present.

It was stop and start at times as our group headed down Market, pausing when units ahead of us stopped. Despite the heat, there was a great crowd along Market to watch the parade.

There was a reviewing stand just west of Tucker on the south side of Market, near City Hall. There, an announcer recognized each unit as it passed by it. We really appreciated the attention the announcer gave us and the applause from the audience along the street. 

I would tell the audience "Thank you all for coming!"  A few audience members told me thank you for marching. I felt much better when I heard that. I was not just marching to help support all LGBTQ+ people out there, but for a few people that I knew who are in the LGBTQ+ community. They know who they are.

After reaching Market and 18th, the parade ended for us. It was about 20 minutes of marching for us. We gathered for some photos by others in our group and I said my goodbyes. Then, I started walking east along Market towards my car. While walking along Market, I caught the rest of the parade as it passed me and the PrideFest grounds north of Market. I thought of stopping by those grounds for lunch but decided not to fight the crowds and headed to my car. 

I got to my car in the Stadium West garage and headed home. I did stop by a QuikTrip on the way home to get a light lunch--barbecue pork sandwich, iced tea, and cookies--before arriving home in mid-afternoon.

Later.

Websites of Entities Mentioned in This Post:

Enterprise Holdings: A Leader in Transportation & Mobility | Enterprise Holdings

Enterprise: Rental Cars at Low, Affordable Rates | Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Pride St. Louis: Pride St. Louis (pridestl.org)

QuikTrip: QuikTrip

2023 Memorial Day Weekend Soccer

It was pleasant Memorial Day weekend, with sunny skies. Saturday afternoon (27 May), I drove to Julie's house in Florissant. After picking her up, we headed to Schlafly Tap Room for the pre-match party. After parking on Washington Avenue, Julie and I walked to the party area.

The St. Louligans, St. Louis City Punks, Fleur de Noise, and No Nap City Ultras were there having fun before St. Louis CITY SC played Vancouver Whitecaps FC at CITYPARK that night. Julie and I mingled among the partygoers, had Schlafly beer, and dinner from the Dutchess Rose Royal Street Food truck. Julie and I chatted with friends who were there.

About an hour before kickoff, STL Santos led a drum-filled warm up chant session on the side street. This was followed a few minutes later by the march around CITYPARK and into the stadium itself.

It was another full house for the match. The crowd was in good spirits and ready to pull for CITY in the match. Julie and I were ready.

It didn't take long for CITY to take the lead, as Eduard Lowen scored off a free kick in the 10th minute. His shot found the upper corner of the net just past the Vancouver goalkeeper. Just before halftime, an own goal made it 2-0 CITY at the interval.

The Whitecaps pulled one back in the 83rd minute, but CITY's Miguel Perez--who graduated from high school just two days before--scored in second half stoppage time to make it 3-1 CITY at Full Time. We supporters were just so happy about the result. It wasn't a pretty match, but the result was what matters. After the match, the CITY players and coaches walked around the pitch to salute their supporters. When they came to the supporter section, the players and coaches joined hands to do a running salute to us.

After the celebration, Julie and I walked out of CITYPARK and headed for my car. We then headed back to her house, where she invited me in for a beverage and a chat. I had a cup of coffee and Julie had iced tea as we sat on her patio. She lit a fire in a brazier before we sat down to talk for a while. Just before 1:00 am Sunday, I left with a hug and a kiss with Julie and drove home.

After a short bit of sleep, I was up and getting ready for soccer refereeing. The Gateway Memorial Classic youth tournament was taking place and I had three matches at World Wide Technology Soccer Park: an under 12 boys group match, and two under 11 finals. My crew and I had a good set of matches, with no lingering incidents.

Off work today, but conscious of the meaning of Memorial Day. Let's not forget the sacrifices of our service people throughout this country's history.

Later.

Websites of Entiries Mentioned in this Post:

Schlafly Tap Room: Tap Room Brewpub - Schlafly Beer

St. Louligans: Saint Louligans – Supporting Soccer in the St. Louis Area – St. Louligans – Supporting St. Louis Soccer (stlouligans.com)

Fleur de Noise: Fleur De Noise

No Nap City Ultras: HOME (nonapcityultras.com)

STL Santos: Home | Home | STL Saints (stlsantos.com)

St. Louis CITY SC: St. Louis CITY SC (stlcitysc.com)

CITYPARK: CITYPARK | St. Louis CITY SC (stlcitysc.com)

Dutchess Rose Royal Street Food: (1) Duchess Rose Royal Treats | St. Louis MO | Facebook

Gateway Memorial Classic: St. Louis Scott Gallagher — Club Soccer in Saint Louis (slsgsoccer.com)

World Wide Technology Soccer Park: St. Louis Scott Gallagher — Club Soccer in Saint Louis (slsgsoccer.com)

 

Hitting the Pavement with Biz Dash 2023

I got off work early on Thursday (25 May) to head to downtown St. Louis. The 8th annual Biz Dash 5K run was taking place and I was among the runners taking part.

After finding a parking spot at Schlafly Tap Room, I walked to the Lou Fusz Plaza just east of CITYPARK to meet my St. Louis Sports Officials teammates. This group was put together by my friend and colleague George Gansner and was made up of soccer referees. At least seven of us took part in this event.

The Biz Dash 5K is an annual 5-kilometer (3.1-mile) run through downtown St. Louis organized by the St. Louis Sports Commission. Nicknamed "St. Louis' Healthiest Happy House," this event encourages promotes workplace health and wellness. Organizations form teams from their employees to run in this event. The 2023 Biz Dash had over 7000 participations and 224 companies. World Wide Technology was the presending sponsor, and I was so happy that my employer, Enterprise, is one of the other major sponsors of this event.

After changing from my work clothes to my running outfit--which included a referee jersey--I got my run number, which I pinned to the front of my shorts. Our group chatted and enjoyed complementary Michelob Ultra before we made our way to the start line on Market Street in front of St. Louis Union Station.

The run began at 7:00 pm and I ran as fast as I could to start off. I had not been able to train as much as I would have liked, and I haven't run in a 5K event in several years. As a result, I soon slowed down to a jog and ended up walking about half of the way. I would pick up the pace with a run now and then. 

Our run took us east towards Ballpark Village, south past Busch Stadium towards Soulard, then north past Busch Stadium and Ballpark Village, and west on Chestnut back to CITYPARK. When I saw the finish line in the distance, I began to run as fast as I could, intending to put in a finishing kick. I crossed the finish line with a time of 35 minutes 55 seconds, which works out to a 11:33 per mile pace. This was better than I expected; I would have been happy if I finished in 45 to 50 minutes.

After getting water and half a banana just past the finish line, I walked back to the St. Louis Sports Officials assembly area in Lou Fusz Plaza. My fellow referees gathered there to congratulate each other on finishing. While having a fast time was desirable, the most important part of this event was to finish and to have fun doing so.

The big winner of Biz Dash was the St. Louis Sports Foundation, which will receive the proceeds from the event. This Foundation--affiliated with the St. Louis Sports Commission--promotes sportsmanship in the community.

We had some more Michelob Ultra and got a free dinner from one of the food vendors on site: an Italian sub sandwich from Anthonino's Taverna. After eating, we chatted for a bit more before leaving the area. It was a great time with some colleagues off the pitch and I was very happy to have done this. I look forward to doing this again next year.

Later.

Websites of Entities Mentioned in This Post:

Biz Dash 5K: Home - Biz Dash 5K (stlbizdash.com)

CITYPARK: CITYPARK | St. Louis CITY SC (stlcitysc.com)

St. Louis Sports Commission: Home - St. Louis Sports Commission (stlsports.org)

St. Louis Sports Foundation: Home - St. Louis Sports Foundation (sportsmanship.org)

World Wide Technology: WWT

Enterprise: Car Rental with Great Rates & Service | Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Michelob Ultra: Superior Light Beer | It's Only Worth It If You Enjoy It | Michelob ULTRA

Anthonino's Taverna: Anthonino's Taverna | Italian & Greek Dining on The HIll (anthoninos.com)

Taste of Maplewood with Julie; CITY Beats Sporting KC

Yesterday morning (20 May), I drove to Julie's house in Florissant to pick her up. We then went to downtown Maplewood for the annual Taste of Maplewood street festival. I parked the car on a side street near Mystic Valley, a metaphysical gift shop. Julie wanted to shop there for a friend.

After checking out of Mystic Valley, we walked to the parking lot of Schnucks on Manchester Road, where several vendors had set up booths. She bought cookies from one vendor (she shared them with me), and items from two other vendors. After that, Julie and I walked to Sutton Street, where the Taste of Maplewood booths were set up. 

We walked among several food and information booths, before settling on Boogaloo, a Caribbean/Creole restaurant. Julie had jerk chicken and I had jambalaya. We found a table nearby to enjoy our lunch while listening to a cover band perform on a nearby stage. Our lunch was quite satisfying.

After lunch, Julie and I walked down Sutton to MAUHAUS Cat Cafe and Lounge. We sat in the lounge for about 20 or so minutes while we and a few other customers enjoyed the company of several cats. It was a different experience for Julie and I, yet we found it quite satisfying. We then had cake and beverages before leaving.

Julie and I admired some young dancers performing on a stage before we walked to the car. I then drove Julie home and we kissed each other goodbye.

I drove to Rally House in Richmond Heights to shop. After looking over some St. Louis CITY SC gear, I bought a City of St. Louis flag. This would be something I could fly at home or wear to a CITY SC  match.

Then, it was on to a CITY SC match at CITYPARK. Not just any match, but a regional rivalry match against Sporting Kansas City. After parking on Washington Avenue, I walked to Schlafly Tap Room for the pre-match party with the St. Louligans. I hung out with them and the St. Louis City Punks, buying one of the latter's scarves. I drank Schlafly beer and got dinner--gyro and Greek Salad--from the Go! Gyro! Go! food truck parked near the Tap Room.

Before the march into CITYPARK, I volunteered to carry a flag with the St Louligans. It was a hand-painted flag for LGBTQ+ rights. Our marchers circled CITYPARK before entering the stadium and finding our places in the Supporter Section. I found a place three rows up from the field from which I waved the flag throughout the match.

Prior to the teams entering the pitch, several St. Louis soccer legends were introduced to the crowd. That was exciting to see. The capacity crowd was in fever pitch when the teams came out.

CITY SC kicked off to the north, facing the Supporter Section. They scored twice in the opening half--an Eduard Lowen penalty kick in the 19th minute, and an Indiana Vassilev strike in the 25th minute. 

The home side kept up the pressure in the second half, scoring two more goals: Niko Gioacchini in the 55th minute and Vassilev in the 75th minute. Roman Burki made six saves to earn the clean sheet as CITY SC ran out 4-0 winners. 

We in the supporter section stayed around until the CITY SC players and staff came towards our section to acknowledge our support. After helping clean up the section by removing beer and soda cans, I left CITYPARK to walk to my car and drive home. It was around midnight when I pulled into my house. Yes, I was tired, but happy for this day.

Later.

Websites of Entities Mentioned in This Post:

Taste of Maplewood: Taste of Maplewood Street Festival - Mid County Chamber of Commerce

Mystic Valley: Mystic Valley - Mystic Valley (mysticvalleystl.com)

Boogaloo: Home, Maplewood, MO | Boogaloo (boogaloostlouis.com)

MAHHAUS Cat Cafe and Lounge: MAUHAUS Cat Cafe & Lounge (mauhauscafe.com)

Rally House: Rally House | Officially Licensed College, NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, and MLS apparel and gifts

Schlafly Tap Room: Tap Room Brewpub - Schlafly Beer

St. Louligans: Saint Louligans – Supporting Soccer in the St. Louis Area – St. Louligans – Supporting St. Louis Soccer (stlouligans.com)

St. Louis City Punks: SLCP Home (slcitypunks.com)

St. Louis CITY SC: St. Louis CITY SC (stlcitysc.com)

CITYPARK: CITYPARK | St. Louis CITY SC (stlcitysc.com)

Go! Gyro! Go!: Go Gyro Go | Greek and Mediterranean Gourmet Cuisine (gogyrogostl.com)

Receiving 2023 Honors from MPC

Saturday morning (13 May), I drove to Julie's house in Florissant to pick her up to take us to Mike Duffy's Pub and Grill in Kirkwood. We were there to attend the Missouri Professional Communicaitons (MPC) gathering for presentation of the 2023 Communications Contest awards for work MPC members performed in 2022. 

There were eight of us there--Julie was the only guest--and we had soft drinks and appetizers as we socialized early in the program. Then, MPC co-president Janice Denham announced the contest results. Most of the members present, plus two who could not make it, received awards for their work.

When my name came up, Denham said that I had really taken to heart the judges' comments from my submissions in previous years. I had won three First Place awards and one Second Place for my four 2022 submissions. One of my Firsts was for editing The Arch Scaler News, member newsletter of the Gateway Chapter of the International Plastic Modelers' Society (IPMS). The judges cited the consistency with styling job titles, phone numbers, dates, and times, as well as the close-up photos and the clean and clear layout. This entry was in Editing for Print or Online Publications; newsletter/other publication--nonprofit, government or educational.

The next First Place award was for running IPMS/Gateway's Facebook page, in the category of Web and Social Media: Social Media Presence; nonprofit, government or educational. The judges liked the good use of photos and the clear and informative writing.

The final First Place winner was for my press release announcing IPMS/Gateway's 2022 Invitational contest. This was entered under Information for the Media: News or Feature Release; single release. The judges mentioned that it received two very prominent placements and that it was clear and basic.

Additionally, this blog earned Second Place under Web and Social Media: Blog, personal. I submitted the post Grand Day in South St. Louis from last August. The judges liked the basic blog post, but wished I could pump up the writing.

My three First Place winners are eligible for awards from the National Federation of Press Women (NFPW) at its National Communication Contest. (MPC is a state affiliate of NFPW.) Those awards will be announced at the conclusion of NFPW's Communications Conference late in June in Cincinnati. They asked me this past week for my photo, which I sent them, as at least one of my entries may be a winner. That would be nice. (By the way, St. Louis hosts next year's NPFW Communications Conference.)

Denham then had a lucky number type drawing for a cloth book bag from the St. Louis Artists' Guild, and I had the lucky number. A nice added gift for the day. 

After the gathering broke up, I asked Julie to take my picture with the First Place awards, and she did.

I was most proud of my efforts, as you might expect, and very happy to receive these awards and the judges' comments, which I plan to take to heart in my work this year. Also, I was happy for my MPC colleagues with the honors they received for their work. Julie enjoyed the gathering and chatted with Denham and the other attendees.

After this gathering, I drove Julie back to her house, as she had an appointment that afternoon. We kissed and hugged, promising to see each other again soon.

On my way home, I stopped by Oberweis Dairy in Oakville for an ice cream cone, as a celebration for my awards, then drove to Schnucks in Oakville to shop for Mother's Day. I got a box of six cupcakes, a greeting card, and a gift card for Bob Evans Restaurants. After paying for my purchases, I waited inside as it was pouring rain. After the rain lightened up, I walked to my car and drove home.

Later.

Websites of Entities Mentioned in This Post:

Mike Duffy's Bar and Grill, Kirkwood:  Kirkwood | Mike Duffy's Pub & Grill (mikeduffys.com)

Missouri Professional Communicators: Missouri NFPW affiliate | Missouri Professional Communicators | Clayton (moprocommunicators.org)

IPMS/Gateway: IPMS Gateway Chapter (google.com)

National Federation of Press Women: Home (nfpw.org)

St. Louis Artists' Guild: St. Louis Artists' Guild (stlouisartistsguild.org)

Oberweis Dairy: Oberweis Dairy

Schnucks: Home | Schnucks

Bob Evans: Bob Evans | Breakfast Near Me Delivery | Breakfast Restaurants