Day 10

It’s so good to be back here today at the spectacular Milkweed Platform where the Finals in the Ant Pairs Competition is being held. Most of you have likely heard about the terrible tragedy which occurred during the Semifinal Round yesterday • Team Annette and Arnie had just walked onto the platform when Arnie tipped over backwards and fell to the ground. He was taken to the local hospital where he underwent emergence surgery. Clinging to life, doctors made a nationwide plea for aphid nectar as their nectar bank had been depleted. Through the expediency and generosity of Travelphotos Lab from California, aphid nectar was overnighted to Maine by Fed X Wasp. I’m so pleased to inform that after several infusions, Arnie has regained consciousness and is expected a full recovery! • In light of this unforeseen tragedy, AOG President dbifulco convened an emergency AOG Committee meeting overnight. The committee unanimously approved to allow Annette to compete in the Finals with a new partner • And here they are now, on the platform, getting into position. Let’s welcome Annette and her new partner, Wally, a Great Golden Digger Wasp! • Folks, this means so much more than a medal! It’s sportsmanship at it’s best. I do love a happy ending, don’t you? All our best to Arnie, and we hope to see Arnie return to the AOG in 2022!