President’s Message – December 2013

Greetings MASHers!

The holiday season is upon us and it’s time to celebrate.  We will be gathering on Saturday, December 14^th for our Annual Meeting and Winter Solstice Party (WSP) – or, as Matt Waldron so eloquently put it, “the hap-hap-happiest of MASH meetings”.  After a few false starts, we have locked in a location for the event.  We will be gathering at Daddy Brews (4427 SW 74th Avenue).  The festivities begin at Noon.  We’ll be there until 4:00 – or until Jacob kicks us out!  Please feel free to bring your spouse, significant other or the guy/gal down the street who wants to become a MASH member.

Bob Billany and Jacob were able to purchase an embarrassing amount of meat (burgers, pork loin, chicken, sausage) at wholesale prices.  Still, the WSP is a pot luck affair.  If you have not yet done so, please click on the Tracking Sheet and let us know what accompaniment you’ll be bringing.  Of course, samples of homebrew and/or interesting commercial beers are always welcome!

We’ll be setting up a couple of tents outdoors for those that would like to enjoy the South Florida winter.  (Only a 20% chance of rain!)  Jacob has secured plenty of chairs.  A few of you have volunteered to bring folding tables.  If you’ve got one, put it in your car now so you don’t forget!

There will be no cost for this event for paid members and their families.  We will request a $5 donation from guests.  Upon arrival, please be sure to check in with Rachel Billany.  She will be collecting updated membership applications and confirming your status (i.e., making sure your dues are paid!)

The bulk of our time on Saturday will be dedicated to merriment and frivolity, along with a few surprises.  However, we will need to conduct a short business meeting to wrap up the year.  Agenda items will include:

–          Coconut Cup Logistics

–          Election of Club Officers for 2014

–          Presentation of the Brewer of the Year Award

December also represents the first month of the 2014 BotY competition.  The scoreboard has been wiped clean and the 2014 honors are up for grabs.  This season promises to be quite competitive – and delicious.  We’ll kick off the competition year with English Brown Ales.

I am truly excited about the direction our club has taken.  The future looks bright for MASH!

I look forward to seeing you all on Saturday.

Cheers!

Dave