2010 Convention: Portland

Invitational Letter & Program

Registration Form

Set against the backdrop of majestic Mount Hood, Portland combines a cosmopolitan atmosphere with friendly small town warmth making it inviting to all.  It is uniquely situated amid forests, rivers and mountains with the Pacific coastline not far away. Whether you are looking for fun and excitement or beauty and culture, Portland offers an array of attractions to fit everyone’s style.  The City of Roses presents the opportunity for us to once again come together to cultivate our common interest in scales.

The dates for the ISASC 2010 convention are May 20^th through May 24^th.  Convention Central will be the Monarch Hotel in Clackamas, Oregon.  A full service conference center, the hotel is located near regional shopping and area attractions.  The hotel offers a complimentary airport shuttle service and light rail service is available nearby to transport you to downtown Portland to enjoy all the city has to offer.

The Thursday night event is designed to introduce you to the pioneer heritage that is deeply rooted throughout the area.  We will be exploring the Museum of the Oregon Territory.  Located in Oregon City this was the official end of the Oregon Trail for pioneers heading west.  Dinner will be served in the impressive Tumwater Room with breathtaking 360° views overlooking the spectacular Willamette Falls, the second largest waterfall in the United States.

Aviation aficionados and history bluffs alike will be eager to get started on the Friday morning tour.  We will be heading to the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum in

 

McMinnville, OR.  This museum is home to over 88 aircraft, both military and civilian.  The crown jewel of the collection is the HK-1 Flying Boat, better known as the “Spruce Goose”.  It flew only once, a little over a mile, yet remains a marvel of engineering.  To begin with this monstrous plane, with its 318 feet wing span, was built entirely of wood, not spruce, but mostly birch, to conserve valuable metals during World War II.  The stories surrounding this aircraft, from its conception, to its building, to how it came to be at Evergreen, fill a fascinating chapter in aviation history. 

In recognition of the fact that some never tire of looking at airplanes and some folks like a little variety on their tours, two options will be offered for Friday.  Those who want more time at the aviation museum will head straight to Evergreen and return to the hotel earlier in the day.   The other bus will stop at the Pittock Mansion before heading to Evergreen.  This 16,000 square-foot mansion was home to Portland pioneers Henry and Georgiana Pittock from 1914 to 1919.  Situated on 46 lush acres with panoramic views overlooking Portland, the French renaissance château offers magnificent architectural design and a richly decorated interior filled with many of the family’s own furnishings.  For those going to both places the return time will be later in the day.

Saturday morning we will have several informative programs with scales and weights being the main topics of discussion.  The perennial favorites of convention goers, the Silent Auction and “Let’s make a Deal”, will round out the afternoon.  Already there is talk of several members bringing lots of great stuff to put into the auction boosting the selection measurably.  The pinnacle event will be the gala reception and banquet held Saturday night.  Sunday morning will continue with more scale talk.  The business meeting open to all members will finish out the morning followed by the farewell luncheon.

The optional Monday trip offers a change of pace from the last several conventions.  We will commemorate an anniversary!  On May 18, 1980, a major earthquake signaled the awakening of Mount St Helens from a 123 year slumber.  The subsequent eruption lasted nine hours, but within moments the surrounding landscape was dramatically changed forever.  

Most just read about it, but you will be able to experience the aftermath for yourself as we explore the area in our own tour bus.  We will retrace the chronology leading up to the main eruption and learn about the recovery of the area in the years since.  We will be spending some time at the Johnston Ridge Observatory located in the heart of the blast zone.  Lunch will be at the Fire Mountain Grill located at the Hoffstadt Bluffs Visitor Center.  This location offers stunning views of the mountain and the Toutle River Valley.

So whether you have a budding or blooming interest in scales come share some good times with us in Portland.  There is no better way to nurture your enthusiasm for scales than spending the weekend with fellow “scalies”.  Convention Chairman Dick Clark and his team have been hard at work arranging a terrific weekend.  They, along with President Peter Laycock and all the board members, offer you a personal invitation to join them for an unforgettable Pacific Northwest experience.  So pack your bag, put a rose in your lapel and head for Portland.  Meet you there!

Photos courtesy of the Portland Oregon Visitors Association, Oregon’s Mt Hood Territory,  Mount St Helens National Volcanic Monument,   Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum and Pittock Mansion.