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As your new president, I welcome you all to start our 52nd year of the Pasadena Wine and Food Society to enjoy wine tastings, food experiences and the camaraderie of our members.
But first, I want to recognize our out-going president, Dave Felton. He served six years as president leaving an imprint of new ideas and new direction of our society’s successful 50 year run. His leadership over the last 6 years directing our society will be missed but he has agreed to stay on as an active member of the board to continue sharing his knowledge to assist in purchasing wines for our society. His depth of the “grapes” is not to be ignored. This helps us to continue with a great wine inventory for all of us to share.
Joel Streng is a new board member and he has graciously accepted the job of Events Chairman. He will be organizing and calling upon our members to participate in organizing our various dinners and events.
Our 52nd season begins on Monday, November 13th. Other dinner dates are Monday, January 29th and Monday, March 19th. The member dinner is planned for Tuesday, May8th at the Huntington Ritz-Carlton. Alan Arora has agreed to serve as the dinner chairman. Our Summer 2007 member cook is planned for July 2007 at the home of Lynda and Dick Patton. He is reportedly planning a French Province style evening.
In reviewing Dave Felton’s letter of August 4, 2006:
As you no doubt personally have experienced the cost of dining out continues to rise. Your membership dues cover a mishmash of miscellaneous administrative costs plus subscription to our three “core” black tie dinners. But, in recognition of generally higher costs, the Board feels obliged to raise dues by $100, to $675, for the 2006-2007 season.
Much of the value of our member events has come from the appreciation of the wines we pull from our cellar. The wine list is attached for your review. You can also view the PW&FS wine inventory on our website, www.pasadenawineandfood.com. Please note that our cost for our current list is approximately $64,000. Dave Felton spent some time estimating the current retail price and arrived at a total of approximately $109,000 (or $2,180 per member).
In recognition of the wine inventory value, the Board has voted to increase the New Member initiation fee to $700, still a rather remarkable bargain to have access to these wines going forward.
I look forward to being your new President and am excited about the upcoming events.
Chuck Livingstone
President
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