NOVEMBER MEETING: Putting the Chump in Champagne, presented by Ted and Catherine Goshorn

Our openers were Fat Bastard Chardonnay 202 at $9.99 and Cornaro Veneto Pinot Grigio 2002 at $6.99. They always seem to be a nice set of sit back and relax wines.

For the presentation, we had French Heidsieck Monopole Champagne, which was  voted the best for the evening at at $22.99; one vote away was Virginia’s own Barboursville Brut at only $15.99; and also enjoyed were:

• Bomaine Chandon Blanc De Noirs from California at $19.9
• Jaume Serra Brut Cava Cristalino fron Spain at $7.99
• Cray Rose 2000 Cremant De Loire from France at $12.99.

DECEMBER MEETING:  Holiday Party, hosted by Guy & Jan Beakley 7743 Old Carters Mill Road, Marshall, Virginia; 6:30 p.m. until ??

Our holiday soiree on Saturday, December 13, will start at 6:30 p.m. and run until it ends. As in the past, wine will be provided by the chapter. This year we will be dividing the occasion into two parts. First, a social hour will include white wines with appetizers that are brought to share. Then, at 7:30 p.m., Mike Schlosser will make a very very short presentation. This will be followed by red wines, a roast, and other foods brought to share.

Revelers will be asked to bring a covered dish plus $10 to cover the beverages being offered. We have a nice selection of South African and Chilean red wines for our main course. We are still selecting whites for our appetizers. Jan asks that people coordinate the covered dishes with her so we don’t have 14 servings of Vienna sausage. Please call her at  540-364-3908 or email her at gbeakley@erols.com.

• Take I-66 west to the first Marshall exit (Route 17). Note that this is Exit 28, one exit past The Plains.
• Make a right and proceed 0.5 miles to Marshall and the intersection of Main Street (Route 55).
  
• When you cross over Main Street, the road becomes Rectortown Road.
  
• Continue on Rectortown Road for 4 miles, but drive slowly over the railroad tracks.
• After passing an elementary school on your left and a curve or two, turn right onto Atoka Road (Route 713).
  
• Take Atoka Road for 3 miles to Old Carter’s Mill Road (a gravel road that looks similar to Five Points Road, the road immediately before it).
• Make a right and drive 0.3 miles to the brick house on the right. 

OPPORTUNITIES:  Volunteers Needed

If you have ideas to improve the chapter and wish to lead it forward this coming year, then now is the time to step forward. Here are some of our expected needs:

• Chapter Chair:  Communicates with AWS National and Regional offices, manages chapter business needs, and plans programs with chapter officers.
  
• Location Liaison:  Coordinates chapter use of Grace Church, the John Marshall House, and other program locations.
  
• Program Chair:  Facilitates programs by opening doors, setting tables, introducing Program Hosts, and thanking participants. Often assisted by Chapter Chair.
  
• Program Hosts:  Select program theme, purchase wines, obtain presentation materials (e.g, maps, photos, histories, catalogs, posters, quizzes), present infromation, and answer questions.
  
• Food Coordinators:  Plan, purchase, serve, and clean plates of bread, cheese, fruit, and/or appetizers that enhance wine selections of Program Hosts.
• Treasurer:  Collects yearly dues and monthly tasting fees, plus reimburses costs for program locations, wines, and food. 
  
• Membership Chair:  Greets guests, collects contact information, answers membership questions, and coordinates member needs with other officers (e.g., Treasurer, Webmaster).
  
• Newsletter Editor:  Writes and distributes monthly newsletters describing the past meeting, future meeting(s), chapter business, plus national or regional wine industry news.
• Webmaster: Markets chapter's benefits to members by managing our online calendar and newsletters; photographs; articles and research; useful links; and membership roster.