Aramcons Reunite in Florida Aboard the Starlite Princess
- Community
- Aramco Annuitant Reunions
Author: Aramco ExPats
Released 28 May 2007
If Aramcons can endure the sandblasting effects of a summer shamal, what kind of threat is a little bit of wind? That was the attitude of Judy Butler and Anneliese Tedeschi who did a fabulous job organizing the Aramco mini-reunion in Florida last month. The forecast for the Saint Petersburg area on April 15, 2007 called for high winds and storm activity that morning, but this didn’t stop 101 former Aramcons from attending.
When one considers the venue, this kind of turn out is made all the more impressive. This reunion took place on the Starlite Princess Paddlewheel Riverboat. Though 122 individuals originally signed up for the event, there were 21 cancellations; not all of which were due to the weather. The 101 souls who did make their way aboard had nothing to fear, however, as the committee decided to enjoy the comforts of the Starlite Princess from the safety of the dock.
This did nothing to dampen spirits, though. A guest list sent out to attendees a few days prior to the event had many Aramcons bristling with the anticipation of seeing their old friends again. This created a joyous atmosphere of laughter and reminiscence. Some folks had not seen each other for many years. Everyone was lost in the moment. Nobody noticed the boat wasn’t moving. The main attraction at this reunion was not the Starlite Princess. It was friends and memories.
Attendees were so engrossed in catching up that they had to be reminded to take their seats for lunch. The meal opened with a champagne toast that was followed by a few words from the guest speaker, Deya Elyas, Director of Public Affairs at Aramco Services Company. The speech was well received as it was brimming with updates and company news. All in attendance appreciated the chance to reconnect with the current world of Saudi Aramco.
After lunch, Gene Stenov shared his personal accounts of the changing face of Aramco. Since retirement, he has paid annual visits to the Kingdom. Among other things, he spoke about the fortification of the camps, the green golf course, new office buildings, and the fancy shops popping up in Khobar. His incites were highlighted by the photos he provided for the table’s centerpiece.
Later, those aboard the Starlite Princess took time out for some fun and games as everyone engaged in a lively round of “Who’s Got the Lowest Badge Number?” Ninety-three-year-old Philip Rosarta was the winner. He arrived in Saudi Arabia in 1948, nearly 60 years ago. Rosarta proceeded to treat the reunion attendees with an impromptu description of life in the desert in the late 40s. Ann Kennedy then presented him with a Tee shirt imprinted with a poison box for rodents and insects which used to be attached to telephone poles around the camp in the olden days.
All the respective speeches generated lots of questions and answers. The event itself provided a much needed outlet for former Aramcons to catch up and share their fondest memories of a life most folks can never begin to imagine. At the end of the day, everyone departed feeling enthusiastic about the possibility of more reunions to come. For while we all must say goodbye to Aramco and the Kingdom eventually, both become a part of us forever.