February Minutes
By Sue Smith
February's meeting came to order in the new house bought by Ray and Selina Badowski. Everyone was duly impressed by the spacious back yard, solarium, and room for mama downstairs. Some few of us stayed until very late (or early, whichever is your perspective) to be impressed by the hot tub. Congratulations on the new digs, Ray, and thanks for a great party.
Final results from the Medieval Faire were not in, but we grossed almost exactly the same as last year. Our expenses, however, were considerably more this year due to the two weekends and less provided by the beer distributors. It was decided that the club would purchase their own gas tanks for the future since rental was around half of the outright cost of owning and the city shares costs. There were six cases of Screaming Viking Mead left over which were offered for sale at one dollar over cost ( Eight dollars and change) and it was suggested and passed that one bottle would be opened at each meeting at the club's expense until it was all gone. The club purchased a large bundle of leather for costumes for next year and will pay for material to make tunics. Since we sold all the leftover glasses with the HB logo at the Faire, it was decided to buy more for next year.
Dues are past due. If you have not paid yours, do so ASAP.
If you have not written or called your representatives about the bottle law, please take some time and do so. It may not change much (The availability of Liberty ale in Florida is not making it available in Gainesville), but we will never know as long as this stupid law remains on the books.
For those interested in judgeing or stewarding at the Sunshine Challenge in Orlando, it is coming up in the middle of May. There is hope that the Orlando group will be able to get the AHA convention in the year 2002. They will need lots of help, but this is way loads of fun, and we won't have to go to Colorado or Michigan to participate. We will be able to make some money selling shirts and glasses on club night.
Discussion was held on what the club should do with it's money. Robert Riley proposed more equipment such as the counter-flow bottler, especially brewing items new brewers can use until they can set up their own system. Jason offered to loan out some of his equipment. If you know someone who would like to brew but can't afford it, bring them to a meeting and we will see what we can do to help set him up with help and equipment. Dave Williams suggested that the club pay to enter beers in the contests to increase participation. We will again have a canoe trip which Erin is organizing.
Next party will be at the Smith's. If you have a porter or stout for the competition, let Mark know now. The next one is Belgians and Lambics.
After the business was over, Robert Riley gave a great talk (yell?) on vegetable, fruit and spice beers. Among the fruit beers were Bulum Elderberry Black Ale, Grozet Gooseberry Wheat Ale, Alexander Rodenback Belgian Red with cherries, and Timmerman's Cherry Lambic. Among the spice beer samples were Alba Scots Pine Ale, Anchor Christmas Ale, Hoegaarden Belgian White and Shakemantle Cloudy White Ale with ginger. There were also two different rauchbiers, beers made with smoked malts. Thank you Robert for a great talk and tasting.