New England charm and friendship were plentiful during the Ranger Rendezvous in Plymouth, Mass.

The 26th annual event attracted about 110 ANPR members Nov. 9-13, 2003, for a weeklong renewal of friendships, workshops and general camaraderie.

The cozy surroundings lent themselves well to meeting new people and discussing issues of mutual concern. With a theme of “What You Can Do for Stewardship,” Rendezvous participants attended workshops on a wide array of interests (see workshops).

For the third time in as many years, NPS Director Fran Mainella addressed the group and made an important announcement: that fee collectors and park guides no longer are subject to outsourcing studies.

The New England Park Ranger Association met concurrently with ANPR and this led to new fellowships and associations.

ANPR President Ken Mabery delivered his State of the Association speech to Rendezvous attendees on the opening day. The full text of comments are printed here. In addition,  ANPR member Deb Liggett provided a thought-provoking, inspiring closing keynote speech. Her full remarks are printed here.

Other annual Rendezvous traditions also were upheld:

• The National Parks Conservation Association, as it has for the past 17 years, announced the winner of the prestigious Mather Award during a general session. The honor went to Dave Uberuaga, superintendent of Mount Rainier.

• Eric Epstein of Harpers Ferry Center hosted the NPS Film Fest, a look at some of the best visitor-center films including ones from Acadia and Apostle Islands.

• Nearly 35 first-time attendees, the highest number in recent memory, joined the board for a newcomers’ breakfast.

• Members took part in a series of well-organized, informative field trips to NPS sites — behind-the-scenes looks at Minute Man, Lowell, Cape Cod and New Bedford Whaling. One evening a group visited the U.S.S. Constitution — “Old Ironsides” — and the nearby museum, followed by dinner in downtown Boston. Some people visited additional parks on their own before or after the Rendezvous, including Adams, Saugus Iron Works and Frederick Law Olmsted.

• Ken Mabery presented the ANPR President’s Award to Rick Smith for his longtime service to the group.

• The annual Super Raffle attracted interest on the final day.

• The annual photo contest highlighted members’ creative work.