Fellow Skalleagues,
On January 11th we met at Salt Rock Grill (Indian Rocks Beach) hosted by Frank Chivas. At the Board Meeting it was decided we would reinstitute our “Member Spotlight” in future newsletters and work to promote the value of Skal membership. We are happy to report that the year ended with a small positive balance thanks to the successful Christmas Wine Pull and Auction. We have had an unfortunate glitch in the February 8th dinner planning and the location announcement will be made in the very near future.
Salt Rock Grill provided delicious shrimp cocktail, grilled chicken satay skewers and key lime oysters during the cocktail reception. Kim Brussow led the opening Skal toast. Mark Hubbard was asked to give a re-cap of his experience at the Skal International World Congress and his travels around Malaga, Spain. He was so impressed with the event that he is making plans to attend next October’s World Congress in Monaco, and encouraged other members to enjoy this special travel opportunity. We all gave Andy Brouillard special kudos for the wonderful Christmas experience at T Pepin last month!
Salt Rock presented a lovely salad followed by the entree’ of Petite Filet Mignon and Fresh Grilled Snapper accompanied by garlic mashed potatoes and grilled vegetables. It was finished with a scrumptious dessert.
I reminded members to please identify Young Skal candidates (classifications are on our website- take a look!) We will feature Young Skal at an upcoming dinner. Also, the cupboard is bare on raffle items to keep our 50/50 drawings exciting, donations are welcome! The membership approved the slate of officers for 2016 with Hoyt Hamilton-President, George Bentley- V.P., Ed Shaughnessy-Secretary, Colette Florido-Treasurer, George Hoch- Past Pres., Dan Peretz-SIUSA Rep. and Steven Rodriguez-EST. The leadership is joined by board members: Roberta Blum, Chuck Prather, Tim Coultas, Carol Eaves, Tom Haines, Rick Hamilton and Mike Gruendel. Any member is encouraged to come early to a dinner (4:30) and attend a board meeting to see that we really do conduct business! This is a great way to get more involved and perhaps serve on a committee. Our Incoming Board of Directors are invited to attend our Board meeting in February.
Winners of the 50/50 tonight were: Mike Gruendel- $50 Salt Rock Grill certificate, Kim Brussow- a Chivas Regal gift pack, Oliver Kugler- Belleair Country Club brunch certificate, and Steven Rodriguez and Tim Coultas split the 50/50 of $90!
The Salt Rock staff were saluted, special thanks to Garrick, Mike, Billy, Brittany and Chef Jake for their attention to detail and friendly service! We welcomed back Colette Florido from baby leave and she led our closing Skal toast.
Please watch for and sign up for our February 8th dinner! SKAL!
George
