1. Aided by a fortuitous eddy in the time continuum, the hardy Northern Pioneers utilized the services of Pathfinder Shadow to arrive at the Hoffman House HVBS Command Center at 11:17 AM. Geronimo, uncharacteristically early, was awaiting our appearance. After some good-hearted recriminations the group, met by owner Pat Bradley, made the decision to use the inside dining facilities. Pat, showing us to our near corner table, mentioned that he hoped the meeting would not be too raucous. Official Waitress Kristin (second stint [May 2002 meeting ] with our crusty group) greeted us cheerfully and took orders for two Killian Reds and "splits" of Merlot for Shadow and the Deliberator.
2. With Shadow’s mention of the one year – 2 ½ hour anniversary of his broken shoulder, members toasted to good health and, on prompting by PC Wiz, happy birthday to Geronimo. Members engaged in a serious "gabfest" after our cordial hostess, Ginny, stopped to greet us and Shadow gave her his business card. It was brought to Geronimo’s attention that Deliberator had received a mysterious cell-phone call in the car. Apparently a woman wanted to hire "John" for his services but it turned out to be a "wrong number" call for a yard maintenance man. Whew!! Geronimo passed around photos of Shadow sacked out on his couch to Shadow’s complete surprise. Shadow then brought up a recent volunteer flight by Randy and his partner Don to fly a blind woman and her companion from Syracuse to Boston for an eye operation. Geronimo stated that he had heard of the flying group that sponsored these humanitarian efforts.
3. Questioned by Geronimo, PC Wiz reiterated that he had indeed raised the logo issue. Shadow heatedly argued that the issue had been settled permanently in a 3-1 ballot. Deliberator opined that the issue could always be re-voted to change the logo if members wished. PC Wiz displayed a sample logo for suggestions and has been instructed to rework it for our next meeting. Deliberator proposed, Geronimo seconding, that a new photo be taken for a possible logo at our Christmas meeting. Passed 3-1. Shadow suggested putting the word "temporary" on the present logo.
4. War in Iraq came up and Geronimo raised the issue of whether President Bush has the power without a declaration of war by Congress. PC Wiz maintained that he does and Shadow clarified it by explaining that a resolution passed for Desert Storm is still valid since the conflict never ended. PC Wiz raised the issue of mandatory reading, for freshmen, of a book on the Koran at the University of North Carolina. It has since been placed on the "recommended" list. Geronimo asked if members had heard of the proposed Bill Clinton talk show. They had and thought, if it happens, will not be very successful. PC Wiz mentioned that the new Donahue program had just received the lowest rating possible at an audience share of 0.1!
5. In the Financial Folderol section the problems of the airlines was raised. Geronimo had not realized that several airlines were bankrupt and that American had eliminated jet service from Albany. Shadow explained that we had lost connections with the American hub in Chicago. He also updated us on the road construction to connect the airport to Route 7 by a new divided highway behind the Albany County jail.
6. Concerning the looming baseball strike: Shadow hoped they went on strike since they are all big business. Even Little League generates millions of dollars. Deliberator thought the struggling teams should, if they received money from a "luxury tax" or other source, be required to invest it in their team instead of pocketing it. Geronimo mentioned the statement by Jim Kaat that when he was playing, although the pay was lower, the benefits were great and they all hoped to be able to keep them. Of course, the salary of Alex Rodriguez came up with his $252 million dollars over 10 years. If the business-men owners can afford these contracts they should also help the poorer franchises. PC Wiz asked for an explanation of the proposed "luxury" tax and it was clearly elucidated, especially by the Shadow. He also said although they are overpaid and it bothers him to say it, that Jeter is a special case. Deliberator commented that he liked Soriano who has the second most strike-outs in the league. On the question of major league baseball’s survival if there is a strike Geronimo was sure it would survive. Shadow agreed although it would take time to recover. Geronimo related that he had finally heard the complete retirement speech of Lou Gehrig and how moving it was (his record was broken by Cal Ripken). There is no affection in the membership for Bonds who has now broken Mark McGwire’s home run record. Members unanimously supported Sammy Sosa in opposition to Bonds. Shadow told the story of his acquiring Stan Musial’s autograph on the menu of the hotel he owned in Clearwater, Florida. Members thought it valuable.
7. Quoting from the agenda Deliberator asked for predictions for the Giant season. Shadow said if the Giants win 4 (6 tops) they should celebrate. Final prediction was 8-8; we’ll see. On the issue of Tiger Woods, Geronimo said he is a great player but not yet a "legend in his own time". Deliberator commented he had not been around long enough but had great potential. Geronimo’s favorite was Ben Hogan which resulted in agreement of the best historical golfers as Palmer, Hogan and Nicklaus. Geronimo and Deliberator professed to be in "Arnie’s Army". Shadow added that he admired Earl Anthony as the greatest bowler to which Deliberator interjected they had "something in common" by both admiring Anthony and Palmer.
8. With the arrival of Official Waitress Kristin to remove the plates, members ordered coffee and opted for a moment to decide on dessert. Deliberator noted the phrase "desserts for the fortunate" in the agenda and commented that none of us was really "fortunate". Regardless, with the exception of Geronimo, members ordered luscious desserts. Kristin, engaging the reluctant Geronimo, tempted him with a special item not on the menu. He cheerfully succumbed to an order of Coconut Cream Pie. Arrival of the desserts resulted in a very cacophonous moment that caused the restaurant’s guests to pause: PC Wiz had recounted how the raspberry syrup on his dessert at the last meeting had spread to his notes, hands, pen – just everywhere. Assured there was no decoration on the desserts, they duly appeared with chocolate syrup on PC Wiz’s Amaretto Cheesecake (no problem) and, to uproarious laughter, raspberry syrup on Geronimo’s plate.
9. The date for our next meeting was proposed by our Official Scheduler, Deliberator. After some discussion, it was set for Wednesday October 16, 2002. Being so close to our last meeting of the year, a tentative date of Wednesday December 11, 2002 was proposed. The dates were duly ratified and this truly momentous HVBS meeting was adjourned.

Thanks to Geronimo and Deliberator for corrections and comments.

Members are invited to visit the Hoffman House web site: http://www.hoffmanhousetavern.com/

HVBS Official Scribe PC Wiz