Happy New Year! Happy New Decade! Here we go again for another trip around the sun.
Last month was our annual PTB Christmas Party and Fundraiser Charity Auction. We tried a new venue with the generosity of President Emeritus Eric Fouch and his whole Thornapple Brewing Company crew. Thank you very much to them for a successful event! The space worked well.
Another huge thanks to our club sponsors! They gave tons of great items. Some things like brewdays, mug clubs, grain, brewery swag, tours and tastings, beer pairing dinners, etc. What an awesome spread of good stuff. You can find our sponsor list at the end of this newsletter and on the PTB webpage.
Due to the generosity of our sponsors and all the attendees at the party we managed to raise $3,494 at our auction this year. That means we made a $1,800 donation to Feeding America: West Michigan. We are happy to give to them again to help feed the hungry in our town. They were even at the party to see what we do and answer questions. The balance of the proceeds will go to fund club events, support other brewing events, and maintain our club institutions.
Time for a little club civics lesson. With this new year comes some leadership elections. We alternate between officer elections every year. On one year it would be the President and the Secretary up for election, and on the next year it is the VP and the Treasurer. This year it is the Vice President, Ric Brown, and the Treasurer Greg Sanial, that are up for re-election. Ric has decided to step down as VP this year. He has served us well through some interesting times. Ric, we all thank you for your efforts, especially in better organizing and facilitating our Club Competitions. Thank you Sir! Greg Sanial has the distinction of being the only officer in recent memory to not be voted into office. He stepped up when his predecessor vacated the position last May. As such, he has faithfully and skillfully fullfilled the remainder of Mr. Moss’ term. Greg has opted to remain in office and seek election this month. Thank you Greg, and best of luck!
Similarly, the Steering committee also rotates every year. There are 4 spots on the steering committee that are filled by Presidential appointment (NOT AN ELECTED POSITION). The Steering Committee serves the membership as the ones that research, plan, and enact club events and programs as approved by the officers. Every other year 2 positions are eligible for appointment. Currently, the Steering Committee Roster is Paul Curran, Ian Purvis, Kathy Troxell, and Greg Sanial. This year Paul Curran has opted not to remain on the steering Committee as he is now the acting president of little brother club, the Brewsquitos. Congrats and Good Luck Paul! Ian is the other member whose term is up. That leaves 2 spots on the steering committee available to any paid member that wants to get more involved in the operation of the club. If this interests you, volunteer with President Thunder. Keep in mind that a higher level of commitment is expected from Steering Committee Members than that of the normal club member.
Be sure to be at our annual Business Meeting this January 15, at 7pm, at Jaden James Brewery (Cascade Winery). Come with your nominations and your votes. If you have any questions or issues with our sacred instituition, I refer you to the club Bylaws here: https://www.primetimebrewers.com/club-bylaws. Thanks for reading and I hope to see you all there at the meeting!--DT
