All Pacific Gravity news.

Firestone Brewery Visit

One of our club members, David Lasdon, recently met Brooks and Kate Firestone and they’ve invited the club to come up to Paso Robles to visit Firestone Walker Brewing Company. Firestone was GABF 2011 Mid-size brewery of the year and they’ve promised to treat us to some of their rarer beers.

Dave is planning a trip Saturday March 24th and will most likely be staying overnight at the Melody Ranch Motel, which is only about 2 miles from the brewery.  The club is not organizing this event or renting a bus, but all members are welcome to make the trip, carpooling encouraged and you can even make a weekend of it in beautiful Paso Robles.

If you’re interested in joining Dave and checking out Firestone, please email him directly at [email protected]

Firestone Walker Brewing Company
1400 Ramada Drive
Paso Robles
(805) 238-2556

www.firestonebeer.com

February 2012 Board Meeting Minutes

February 2th 2012

In attendance: Audrey Hill-Lindsay, Dave Mauceli, Craig Corley, Carl Townsend, Victor Macias.

Not in attendance: Kurt Periolat, Terry Molloy, Dave Stickel, Dan Hakes as new By-Laws Committee chair

A. PresidentAudrey

1. New Board Structure: Any more support or distribution of duties needed?  Treasury- asset management might need more assistance.

2. Transparency: Publishing of board meeting minutes each month is well received thus far.  Recommend making available to only active club members though, and for things like by-laws or budget- need password or member login.

3. By-Laws: Received feedback from current board & a couple other past board members.  Committee requested & in process of being set-up, Dan Hakes appointed new chair.  First meeting scheduled Sun 2/12, 4pm @ Dan’s house.  Other committee members: Craig, Carl, Ian, Tim, Tom R., Luis, Mimi, Victor, Audrey & Dave (as Pres & VP).  Dan drafting letter to general membership to announce committee & call for other volunteers to join process.  Audrey sent Dan all drafts, sample by-laws (Tom R gave us his by-laws & articles of incorporation) & will send any other feedback received.  Email is set-up ([email protected]) and currently forwards to Audrey & Dan.  Tom Rierson proposed separating by-laws & more detailed club procedures- need to discuss at first meeting.  Goal- prepare draft for general membership review. Board set timeline for committee to follow: progress report @ March board meeting & draft ready for general membership review at April board meeting.  General membership to review in April with feedback due at end of April, only members with current dues will receive email.  Final draft published to membership by May club meeting for review & vote at June club meeting.
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January 5th, 2012 Board Meeting Minutes

Pacific Gravity Board Meeting Minutes from January 5th 2011

If you have questions, concerns, or any other feedback, please either post your comments after this article or send an email to any of our Board Members individually or to the board as a whole ([email protected]).

I.  Call to Order

  • In attendance: Audrey Hill-Lindsay, Dave Mauceli, Craig Corley, Carl Townsend, Victor Macias, Terry Malloy, Kurt Periolat, Dave Stickel

II.  Discussion & Approval of New Board

  • New structure & positions (see addendum). Create new position: Communications Director (Duties include: oversee website & its re-design, newsletter/pamphlets, social networking, activities calendar, photo sharing). Unfilled/Hiatus positions: Activities Director (Duties divided up among other board members for balanced sharing of duties. Create committees for events- food, supplies, transportation, shopping).  New Appointees: Communications Director- Victor Macias.
  • Reactions & Concerns to changes: Ability to make these changes? No formal procedures or by-laws to dictate this process (Elected board members (Pres, VP, Treasurer) appoint other board members as part of their “cabinet.” Past precedent- no consistent manner based upon review of past practices (previous board meeting agendas/minutes). Sometimes discussion has taken place at end of year within out-going board, voting may have occurred at times, past presidents have been able to create fill or not fill positions.  Concerns presented by previous board members: Requested 2011 board to vote on proposed changes- did not take place.  Concerns that past precedent not followed: that out-going board must vote upon proposed structural changes to board.  One request to attend board meeting to discuss this point- all membership not notified directly yet & therefore not all allowed fair opportunity to present approval or concerns.  Plan to post in minutes to general membership for feedback, concerns or objections as best practice of fairness & revisit at February board meeting as necessary
  • Consensus vs. voting: Board members in attendance will work to come to consensus regarding decisions, if consensus cannot be reached, a vote will be taken; however, attempts will be made at compromise prior to a vote.
  • Consensus was arrived at regarding structural changes to board positions: 1) “Appointed Board” is at discretion of Elected Board Members in the absence of formalized procedures & by-laws, 2) New:  Communications Director (Victor), 3) Continuing: Competitions Coordinator (Carl), Road Trip Coordinator (Kurt), Fundraiser (Terry), Webmaster (Dave S.), 4) Unfilled: Activities Director
  • Club Email Addresses- minor changes to shorten length, but all forward to old addresses, will post with 2012 Board Members on website.

 

III.  Reports of Board Members

President- Audrey

  • Transparency & Communications with general membership: 1) Publish summary of board meeting minutes each month with at least quarterly treasury summary, then general membership can review & submit feedback so that minutes can be approved by board at subsequent board meeting.  2) Nels Brown comment on PG website: Addressed transparency issues with monthly minutes publication, board holiday party cost $350, for board members who have served the club during course of year (2011- other attendees included Tom Rierson & Neil Saund for their great contributions, board members who resigned before end of year were not included).  Plan to remove comment from “About” section per his approval: questions like this can be directed to the board, posted to website in response to specific posts or in soon-to-be-developed “Discussion Forum.”  3) Tom Rierson’s AHA Notes re: Homebrew Club Construction- will include with by-laws drafts
  • Club Legal Status: necessary in terms of tax purposes, liability for club & board members, and formalization of club procedures (Non-Profit status & TIN- Legal status procedure after by-laws ratified- Kurt to look into, Audrey will also investigate).
  • By-Laws: Current draft includes comments from 2011 meeting.  Who to include in review process- all past board members and Tom Rierson due to past involvement with club and by-laws process. Timeline: 1)Send out draft, feedback due by end of January, 2)Compile feedback & resend for review, feedback due end of Feb, 3)Compile feedback for general membership review in March, 4)Send to membership for review in April & vote at May club meeting.
  • 2012 Calendar of Events– discussed potential activities & dates
  • Club Meeting Agenda: Food for meeting- alternate each month (board members & volunteers).  Other option: El Rincon- Victor to look into

Vice President- Dave

  • Club meeting kegs– sign-up sheets- put near kegs & walk around with.  Voting process – utilize white board.
  • Style Tasting Schedule (on website): Procedure & setup – directly after announcements, pairs to help with pouring.  “Guidelines for volunteers” handout available (from Dean Sussman).
  • Anchor Trip-( Kurt):Details- sent in emails, need to promote on website (Audrey in Pres message 7 Jan meeting announcement).  Payment options ($85)- leave cash/check & CCHBS.  Kurt not @ Jan meeting- promote ahead & collect $ for him.  Cost: $2,900- bus, $250- bus driver lodging, tip (need at least 40 people to break even make $).  Liability- modify “PG Rules of Conduct” from by-laws draft to utilize as liability waiver for this trip to protect club (Audrey).  Contact Bruce Joseph @ Anchor ([email protected] or [email protected]) for details of CPY party- Audrey

Treasury- Craig

  • Expenses: Submit any outstanding expenses to Craig via email – can provide receipts at meeting.  Need to add up all expenses & provide some breakdown of expense categories- required if you want a check!
  • Current Balance: $4884.92 as of 1/5/12. 
  • 2011 Holiday Party actuals as of 1/5/12: Expenses- $1125 ( vs $3200 budgeted), Income- $0
  • Annual Budget: 2012 Budget – March 2012 to Feb 2013.  Draft at Feb 2012 and approve at March 2012 board meeting based on previous years income/expenses & proposed calendar.  Budget requests beyond normal planning (equipment, etc)- need to submit and discuss these in Jan / Feb timeframe.  Basic budget plan (very rough draft): Income = $7800 (60 new members = $1800, 140 dues renewals = $4200, Raffle = $1800, Fund Raisers = ?, Other = ?), Expenses = $7800 (Admin / Supplies = $400, Awards = $400, Board = $250, Club Brews = 3 X $200 = $600 {Food = $150, Supplies = $50}, Club Meetings = 10 X $250 = $2500 {Food/Supplies = $50, Beer = $150, Raffle/Awards = $50}, Competitions = $300, Equipment = ?, Parties {Summer = $2000, Holiday = $1200}, Road Trips = $0, Website = $150, Storage = ?
  • Storage – need for club assets, plan to obtain by March, Craig & Terry to continue research of cost.  Inventory needs to be taken (much @ Neil’s house), Craig will send out email to assess assets.
  • PayPal: Need Tax ID ASAP for reported income for 2011 pending. Audrey will give info to Craig who will apply for TAX ID & be contact (must attach personal SSN & address, hope to transfer TIN to legal club entity later).
  • Membership: 233 members including 4 lifetime members as of 1/5/12.  New Members: 6 new members in Dec 2011 ( $180), 61 new members in 2011 ( $1792.67 ) – target 78 new members.  Current Members: 14 members due or past due in Dec 2011 ( $207.50), 3 members due Jan 2012 to Feb 2012 ( $10), 205 members paid thru March 2012.  Membership Dues Collection: 2011 Annual DuesCollected – 155 renewals for $4280 as of 1/5/12, 2012 Dues Collection- start promoting in Feb 2012, send renewal notices & start collection – March 2012, plan to include “PG Rules of Conduct” from by-laws draft as liability waiver with renewal & new members.
  • Name tags / membership cards: Craig will send latest batch to Audrey by Friday before monthly meeting w/new board ID tags, remind members to get these in meeting announcements – Audrey (new hole-punch for ID tags?).  Board business cards- Craig to work on. 
  • Membership Database Update (Craig): Still need to update for couples membership, maybe I’ll finish this before I retire!  Terry interested in Treasury next year…
  • Fundraising– (Terry) We have raffle items for January meeting & will continue to work on for future meetings.
  • Merchandise: 1) COY shirts- order ½ gross by end of January (Terry & Craig), Long sleeve @ $25 each, Promote & Pre-pay/order w/size @ January club meeting, Receive by & sell @ Feb club meeting & in SF that weekend. 2) New glasses- plan to order in March, Contest for new “glass design,” Promote after Jan club meeting (Audrey). 3) Leashes- plan to make more in March & for SCHBF (Audrey). 4) Hats- requested, could do pre-order in spring? 5) Shirts inventory- still need sell

Competitions- Carl

  • 2012 Tasting Schedule– posted to website
  • COC Schedule– place on club calendar (Carl), 1) January 19th– Dark Lagers (Carl won’t be at meeting- need to pick up entries for him). 2) February 16th– Stouts. 3) April 19th– Scottish & Irish Ales. 4) July or August- TBD, depends on AHA & Summer Party. 5) August or September- TBD, depends on AHA & Summer Party.  6) October 18th– Old Ales.
  • 2012 Competition Schedule– place due date/place on club calendar (Carl), 1) February- America’s Finest City- 1st wk March, due mid-Feb, Drop off @ CCHBS, Audrey’s parents drop off @ Alesmith? 2) April- AHA Nationals. 3) April- Mayfaire. 4) May- California State Fair. 5) June- AHA Finals. 6) July- Los Angeles County Fair. 7) September- Pacific Brewers Cup- Strand Brewers hosting this year. 8)October- California State Homebrew Competition.
  • Big Brews: Last Year- Feb, May, Aug, Nov. This year: Sun 1/29/12 @ Neil’s, March/April in preparation for SCHBF?
  • Monster Brew: Tustin- will conflict with Anchor Trip, Carl will talk to Jon Porter.  El Segundo Brewing- suggested Monster Brew opportunity, Terry will do after Tustin- maybe in April?
  • AHA Conference: Seattle June 21-23, Anyone going?- Carl

Communications- Victor

  • Website– (Dave S.) Re-design: already in progress.  Intend to dress-up the site considerably: More color, more engaging content (articles and posts with photos), Front “landing” page will be static (like PBC page) with old and very colorful PG “wave” logo & include updated COY info and a short intro / bio, along with other pertinent info, Menu buttons and links will enable navigation from this static page and give the front page a less “bloggy” look and functionality, Menu buttons at top need readjustment in order & content, Changing “Officers” page to “Board Members” to be  consistent with wording in potential by-laws draft, Need to update 2012 Board Members, keeping all history on website, need to emphasize how to “sign-up” to receive emails/posts, Possible member login section- discussion forum, event RSVP & sign-ups, Include “Privacy Policy” with limitations & expectations, Newsletter Archives & Board Meeting Minutes- pdf upload capability (ftp site?).
  • Social Networking: Twitter and Facebook syndication already in effect, Yahoo Group is more complicated- if we can create a “message board” type functionality on the PG site, we may be able to steer folks away from Yahoo Group.  Creating “Discussion Forum” on website (Dave S.).
  • Photo sharing – Flickr page can be reinstated- In the interest of appropriateness/privacy, there should be some oversight to posting of pix.
  • Access: WordPress- current board members, Admin of website- Dave S., need to include Victor
  • Email– change hosting? Security?- need to look into further
  • Newsletter: Frequency/Content/Purpose – announce “landmark” and big events or club news, coordinating publication to those events may be prudent, monthly events can be “bundled” each issue – meetings & FFs, quarterly or bimonthly. 1st Publication date – landing early during week of monthly meeting could help alert members to upcoming events and improve sign-ups at meeting, Articles can be submitted / approved / added on an individual basis, Emphasis on homebrewing for these articles? Event recaps can be posted on the website with a new emphasis on photos for recaps, Deadlines for all submissions would be 2-3 weeks out from pub date.  Editing – If I’m to continue in that role, I would request that workflow be as follows:  Article / piece is submitted, I proofread all submissions and lay out newsletter, Approval proof would then be sent to interested parties for review / approval.
  • Pamphlets:1 page handouts of events @ club meetings a possibility, also for handout new members in CCHBS.

IV.  Upcoming Events

  • First Fridays: January 6th– Four Points Sheraton, February 3rd– Overland Café?, March 2nd– ?, Dan’s Carriage House FF?, Pub Crawls or Road Trips in place of FF sometimes- April First Sat- OC Road Trip
  • SCHBF: (Victor) Cost: previously $50 (w/food), $25 (w/o food), consider $40- food & $20- no food? Sign-up begin in Feb- indicate Veg/Allergies.  Committees for transportation, supplies, food:  Transportation of all necessary equipment / CDS – Past and ever-reliable Gear Haulers, additional recruitment, if necessary, will follow; Food – to be executed organized by the “Captains of Food” for each meal- directing crew and helping with preparation of meals.  “KP” duty will also be assigned for all eaters, Friday night- potluck as it was in the distant past, Coffee for both mornings – me again? Saturday Breakfast – Captains: Dave, Kurt, Me?  – simple but substantial, Saturday Dinner – Captains: Beth, Noelle, Michael, Dianne? – Burgers & other grilling items, Carbonnades/Chili/Crockpot, Sunday breakfast – Captains: TBD – keep it simple
  • Summer Party: Location- Sent email to Dean to assess possibility of his house, will explore possibilities of parks that allow beer/CDS, alternately- X-Mas in July @ Neil’s?  Plan to do fundraiser- Need to select local Culver City charity- Senior Center? Raffle-off club brew system in store, Carnival games- “Dunk The Durnk” tank?

V. Unfinished Business

  • Holiday Party Recap- article for website with pics?

VI. New Business

  • Club Brew & Style Tastings: Select BJCP Category to demonstrate brewing & style tasting for
  • “Thank You” parties 3-4x/year for recent volunteers, may be alternative to only Board Holiday Party

VII. Announcements

VIII. Adjourn

IX. Addendums

 

So. Cal Homebrew Fest Art Contest – on NOW.

Greetings, all.  Just got word from the CHA that they are now accepting entries for the artwork contest for the 2012 Brewfest.  Winner receives 2 free memberships (i.e. tickets) to the fest, as well as having their design on the Fest t-shirts and tasting glasses, among other cool stuff (like 3 crisp Benjamins).

Here are the details:

Official rules for the artwork contest for the 22nd Annual Southern California Homebrewers Festival.

1)  All members and their beer-drinking friends are invited to submit and are eligible to win!

2)  The winner will receive a $300.00 prize, two complimentary memberships and two t-shirts bearing their artwork.

3)  All entries become the property of the California Homebrewers Association.

4)  All entries must be received by January 28, 2012.  Entries can be sent via e-mail to brewchick@…  in PDF or JPG.

5)  All entries must be camera-ready.  Pencil drawings will not be deemed eligible.

6)  The decision of the CHA Board is final.

7)  The CHA Board reserves the right to use commercial art if none of the entries are considered to be of adequate quality.

8)  For examples of prior year’s winning artwork, visit www.calhomebrewers.org  and view the “History” section accessed from the left banner.

Thanks all.

— Victor Macias
SCHF Organizer, 2012

Pacific Gravity Holiday Party December 10

Don’t forget, all you Graviteers-Tomorrow is our annual Holiday Party, hosted by Pacific Gravity and Neil Saund. Party begins at 6pm and ends when you go home. We’ll have lots of good food and beer, thanks to the club and all of you who will be bringing snacks, appetizers, side dishes, and desserts.

The weather promises to be good, but a bit cool. We have patio heaters, outdoor fire pit, and lots of warm bodies to go around, but bring a jacket.
Be sure to have enough money for a cab ride home, or a designated driver.

Most of all, be ready to have a great time.

See you all Saturday.

Michael Steinberg, President

December First SUNDAY & Holiday Party Set-up December 4th

We’re mixing it up in December and moving First Friday to First Sunday as part of our pre-Holiday Party set-up.  We will be transforming Neil’s house with twinkling lights, furnishings, a Christmas tree and kegs a plenty.  Weekends may become busier as we get deeper into the holiday season, but please come join us for as long or as little as you like, sample some beer and lend a hand at decorating! 

 Beer: Our ever gracious host, Neil Saund, will undoubtedly have a sampling of his beers on tap for us, but please bring beer to share especially those of a holiday nature!  Since we will be in need of jockey boxes for the Holiday Party, please bring them along and any kegs to go with them.

 Food: Any munchies or holiday snacks are encouraged.  We may also order pizza for those interested in chipping in a few dollars.

 Bring: As part of our party set-up we will be decorating our annual PG Christmas tree, so any beer you can bring in cans that can then become ornaments are encouraged! Keep an eye on the pre-Holiday Party Announcements for any other decorations or supplies needed that day.

 Time: We’ll begin about 12pm on Sunday December 4th 

 Address: Neil Saund’s House @ 12966 Rubens Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90066

 Come out and welcome in the holiday season with great beer and cheer!

********************************************************************
And, please help with contributions of food & beer at your holiday party on December 10th!

PLEASE SIGN UP FOR POTLUCK & BEER Donations to YOUR Holiday Party!

All Potluck dishes welcome:

  • Appetizers
  • Side Dishes
  • Mains
  • Desserts
  • Your homemade specialties & favorites!

** Suggestions for Potluck**

Mains/ Meats:

  • Turkey
  • Beef
  • Ham

* Sides / Holiday staples:

  • Stuffing
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Yams/Sweet Potatoes
  • Veggies
  • Salads

And, don’t forget the beer!  All beverages are welcome, including non-alcoholic beverages.

  • Kegs
  • CO2 tanks
  • Jockey Boxes
  • Your Bottled Treasures

 

Please contact: Mimi & Audrey at [email protected] for FOOD contributions.

************************
Please contact: Carl at  [email protected] 
for BEER & equipment contributions
.

 

 

 
 

 

 

RIP Dave Farnworth

For those of us who have spent hours, or days, at Lucky Baldwin’s or the Delirium Cafe,  we all have our memories of  talking to Dave. He could be curt, at times appearing to be a bit annoyed by some of the questions we asked or requests we made. However, he could also be quite generous, as he once was when he gifted us with a 1.5 litre bottle of Belgian beer (I believe it was Chimay Reserve), at the end of one of our road trips. He ran one of the premier Belgian beer bars in SoCal, but also had time for IPA, and Barleywine Festivals, most of which we attended as a club, or on our own.

Dave came early to the local beer scene, and many of the local establishments we now patronize owe a debt of gratitude to him for paving the way. He will be sorely missed. Thanks for all the outstanding beer, Dave.

Michael Steinberg, President

 

President’s Message


It’s November again, time for brewing those cool weather fermenters, draining the last of your October fests and Bocks, and getting ready for those malty and high powered Christmas Ales and  Winter Warmers.

As I write this, it looks like Fall outside with a bright sun shining in the heavens, and temperatures in the mid 70’s. Brrrrrrr.  Where’s that cold Kolsch when I need it?

November brings us to new events, as well as some old repeats. We’re going to Naja’s for First Friday on the 4th, brewing on the 5th at Neil Saund’s duplex, taking a road trip to the Northern Territories on the 12th, and holding elections at the club meeting on the 17th. That represents a lot of beer drinking in 3 weeks, doesn’t it? Luckily, you can partake of these activities with a great group of people-Pacific Gravity Members! Please read all of the other articles posted on the website, or in the newsletter for details.

At the next meeting, besides elections, we will be soliciting your help in setting up the Holiday Party, as well as asking for beer and food commitments. Sign-up sheets will be available. Please offer your help, and favorite party food. If you won’t be attending the November Club Meeting, you can send an E-mail to me, VP Reed Wilson, or Activities Directors, Audrey Hill-Lindsay and Mimi Bardet letting us know what you’d like to bring.

For those of you who have never been to the Holiday Party, here’s the deal: PG supplies the main courses-Ham, Turkey, Carbonnades, as well as a few other “large” foods. The membership brings snacks, appetizers, sides, salads, and desserts. This event is your chance to show off your culinary skills, and accept the adulation of your fellow beer drinkers.

That’s all for now.

See you soon.

 

Michael

PG Election Update

Fellow members,

1. There is still time to nominate people for the following positions:
President, Vice President, and Treasurer.
So far we have only 1 candidate for each position.
President: Audrey Hill-Lindsay
Vice President-Dave Mauceli
Treasurer-Craig Corley

If you would like to run for office, just get someone to nominate you and write a short paragraph on your behalf.

2. Candidates for PG Club Member of the Year are the following:
Carl Townsend, Audrey Hill-Lindsay, Dean Sussman, Neil Saund, and Tom Rierson.
If you wish to add a nominee to the list, please send the name to me, along with a short statement of support.

Submit any nominations to [email protected]

Please submit any new names by November 11th, earlier if possible.

ELECTIONS: Will be conducted at the November 17th meeting. Ballots will be available for Club Officers, and Member of the Year. Each voter is asked to choose 2 people in the MOY (aka Club Member of the Year-CMY) election.
If you cannot come to the meeting, you may vote by E-mail until Nov. 18th.

Election results will be announced at the Holiday Party on December 10th.

Send E-mail ballots to [email protected]

 

Michael Steinberg, President

PG Club Meeting Sept. 15

Hey PG’ers. it’s that time of the month again!
The club will meet at 7:30 PM a behind Culver City Home Brew Supply.

This month the styles are English Brown (Cat. 10) and English and Scottish Strong Ales (Cat. 11).
Please welcome our latest style hosts, Kyle and Lindsay Suta, who will be leading the commercial beer tasting following announcements.

In addition to the monthly style tasting, there will be a BHCP Club Only Competition judging. The style is Specialty Beers (Cat. 23). The style includes any beer which does not fit into any other category. Examples are ice beers, use of unusual fermentables or adjuncts, such as molasses, agave, or honey, oats, buckwheat, potatoes, Imperial or low gravity beers which do not fit anywhere else (got an Imperial Mild, or Belgian Table Beer?). Overhopped, underhopped, historical, or experimental beers also fit into the category. See the BJCP style guidelines for details. Bring a few bottles and see if your “failed experiment” is good enough to go to the COC in BJCP Land.

Third Thursday comes as early in the month as it possibly can, so don’t forget to come on 9/15, NOT 9/22.

One other note, if you think you may be up to the task of hosting a monthly style please see one of the Club Offficers, or send an E-mail to me, Veep Reed Wilson, or our Activities Directors, Audrey Hill-Lindsay or Mimi Bardet and let us know of your interest.