Post by Bob McGill on Aug 21, 2011 19:13:53 GMT -5
I know that I have gained the reputation as the club troublemaker and this post will reinforce that (every club needs someone willing to question proposals). At the last meeting, I was the only one opposing the club paying for entries to the Louisana Beerfest in Lake Charles, and the one who questioned our entry of a club beer at that event. Ira was not present at the meeting and I was soundly voted down because of Ira’s contribution to the club. Since then I contacted Ira for the purpose of offering help; but what I learned reinforces my comments. I treat the club’s money, much like mine; I oppose giving it away to events that do not benefit the club. During the last few days, I have talked to Ira about the Lake Charles event and looked at the web site for this event. Most club members assume that Ira is a lead person in that event; the opposite is true. An entertainment organization from Lake Charles organized this event and ask Ira to help in getting homebrewers interested by offering a competition. Ira did that, but Ira does not even have the authority to give any help a free ticket, including those that bring the beer we brewed for the event. Unlike the charity beer events in Houston, Galveston, and Beaumont (all charity events), this event is for profit- and Ira is not included. The club agreed at the last meeting – with one dissenting vote – to pay for one entry from each club member. I plan on entering a beer, and hope other members will also do so. This is a local competition and I hope Ira will involve us more next year. I hope members will agree that the club beer we brewed might be better used. I wish Ira luck, but without the ability to offer incentives to those in our club willing to help, he has big problems with judges and help in the homebrew event. I talked with Dean and Ray after the last meeting and we all agreed to help Ira; I assume all are still willing to help, even with out incentives. You can get entry forms and info at louisianabeerfest.com/
