Perennial Jazz and Olive Festival chair Jim Lohnas gave a recap of the good and bad about last June's festival.  Despite the intense heat it was a big success. The twelfth success in a row.

 

The big change for next year will be the silent auction will be moving into the Grange. Declining attendance and difficulty getting chefs to commit then show up lead to the demise of the cooking demos. Setting up the auction in the parking area was always a hassle as was securing the sidewalk to Side's. Being able to start setting up Friday, air conditioning (no more 110 degree wine), and better security led to the decision.

 

There was some discussion about moving the event from the first Saturday in June, but the strong consensus is to keep it the same. Perhaps if Dunn moves its graduation back to that weekend, we will reconsider, but many people now plan to come back year after year on this weekend.

 

There are a few other changes planned and undoubtedly, there will be additional ones. The Little Club that Can and Does always adapts.

 

 

Rich Nagler, our International Service chair for this year, outlined his plans for the coming year. We will be supporting Dunn School with another trip to Antigua Guatemala to build housing for Constru Casa. Rich suggested club members might want to go as part of the team.  After he promised to find meaningful work that does not require carrying concrete blocks around, Penny indicated she would like to go. Talk to Rich and Penny if you are interested.

 

Most of the other international charities we have supported over the years will continue to get our support.

 

 

We had a big turnout this week.  It was great to see so many faces.  Some were just back from traveling, but President John thinks they all came out to hear about J&O from Jim.

 

Save the Date: October 15. Tri-tip barbecue at Los Olivos Day in the Country and District 5240 Conference in Westlake Village.

 

Dean is still looking for volunteers for the Tech Committee.  You don't have to be an expert; we can show you where the projector, microphone, amplifier and speaker are stored and how to set them up.  The plan is to always have at least one member present who can set everything up and assist the speaker with his program if needed. Contact Dean if you would like to help him, Steve and Peter.  A couple more names would be great.

 

As always, there is room here for your comments and announcements about events you would like to share with our members.  Let Dean know by Sunday evening for the next Olive Branch.

 

Saturday, November 5 at the Vets Building in Solvang. 5:00-10:30. Dinner by Pam Gnekow's Country Garden Catering. Dancing to the Big Band sounds of the Rose Gard Dance Band.  Tickets $55 from Dean or online at www.syvalleyvets.org