Official Minutes – HVBS Meeting on Wednesday, June 22, 2005
Plunging through scattered showers, the Terrific Trio from Upstate New York, ably chauffeured by PC Wiz, arrived at Roudigan's at 11:19 AM. Our resolute Southern Anchor, Geronimo, arrived on his usual tight schedule at 11:27 AM. HVBS members heartily greeted each other and entered the premises. Our Official Waitress, Jessica, was not in sight as a young, pretty Shawna informed us that Jessica would be present in "about 10 minutes". Shawna took our beverage orders - a Beck's dark for Shadow, a glass of cabernet for Deliberator and the usual Diet Pepsi for Geronimo. PC Wiz's Killian's Red did not arrive with the order - not available, so a draft Sam Adams duly appeared. Members toasted to good health.
Deliberator
, referring to the Agenda, asked Shadow and PC Wiz details of their impending trip to Maryland, West Virginia and Virginia. Shadow explained that he was going to show PC Wiz the world's largest radio telescope and they were going to ride in the cab of 1916 Baldwin steam locomotive #734. Deliberator incisively asked if the cab was limited to two plus the crew (yes) and if we would have seats or had to stand for the entire trip. Shadow volunteered he would shovel coal, if necessary, and be glad to help out by taking the engineer's seat. Members were glad to hear Associate Member Kay is doing quite well after her arthroscopic surgery to repair the cartilage in her knee. She still limps slightly (perhaps a habit from the previous pain) and has some difficulty going down stairs. Which brought up and impending tour to the West coast by Geronimo and Kay on June 27. They are flying out of Albany to San Francisco with side bus trips to the Napa Valley wine country and Yosemite National Park. Then by bus to Los Angeles, Amtrak Coast Liner to San Diego and home. We expect a comprehensive report from Geronimo (and pictures - Shadow) at our next meeting.
Deliberator
then asked PC Wiz for his report on the pending Rotterdam full-assessment revaluation. It will cost $800,000 (or possibly a $1 million bond issue) to assess 13,000 parcels with the State giving $5 a parcel (essentially the cost) to re-appraise regularly. Geronimo said, with a smile, he had already gone through the painful process and that , in Dutchess County, $200,000 was the "bottom of the barrel" for a house. Deliberator stated that the properties are presently at 4% of true value - with an older house he expects a big increase and PC Wiz will fare far worse. No sympathy from Geronimo who opined we have not been paying "our share". Official Waitress Jessica arrived to take our orders. She is currently taking some summer classes - one of which is "biology of nature". We all had a good laugh when she mentioned that Shawna had told her "those fellows from the band" were at her table 23 (our usual spot).
HVBS
members attention then turned to the Yankees performance this year. After losing 3 out of 4 games to Lou Piniella's lowly Devil Rays Shadow repeated his prognostication of continued bad news for Yankee fans especially noting high-priced Randy Johnson's 7 run inning. Geronimo noted that he is 42 years of age and reported a rumor, not supported by Shadow and Deliberator, of Clemens returning to NY. Shadow also noted that Jason Giambi "should be gone" since he can't run or throw. Deliberator also opined that Tino Martinez is an excellent fielder but not a great hitter: back in a slump after a great week or so - Shadow noted that Dwight Gooden's nephew, Gary Sheffield, had been a former Dodger. To which Geronimo responded that Bernie Williams is a good hitter but a fair fielder. Shadow supported Robinson Cano as a "magician" in double plays. To PC Wiz's question on a new Yankee stadium in the Bronx, Geronimo was astounded that they were not going to have a roof over the facility but grateful the organization was going to pay for the stadium. Deliberator and Geronimo agreed that the Olympics don't care if NY has a new stadium. Geronimo, mentioning Wayne Gretsky was optimistic, asked HVBS hockey authority Shadow if there was any news for the coming season. Shadow replied that it is a marginal sport and there is nothing new to report. In golf, members think Annika Sorenstam is a marvelous steady golfer and, as Deliberator stated, "Tiger blew the Open". Geronimo's opinion was that Tiger Wood's game was affected by probably having "too much blond".
On the issue of the "runaway bride" the HVBS table exploded into laughter when Deliberator, to general disapproval of Katie Couric's performance, said her attraction is that she has "great legs". He mentioned Katie Couric interviewed the bride and "sucked up" to Jack Welch on The Today Show, with the TV cameras focussed on her legs. Geronimo asked members to guess the "top quote of the century". No one guessed "I don't give a damn" by Clark Gable in "Gone with the Wind". Number two was from the "Godfather" by Marlon Brando - "I'll make an offer he can't refuse". Deliberator also highly recommended the movie "The Cinderella Man" - the story of heavy-weight boxed Jim Braddock. Deliberator admitted a problem with his computer - it is constantly showing three viruses even after running the AVG Anti-Virus program. Geronimo asked Deliberator and PC Wiz for information on the AVG anti-virus program that they both use. Deliberator admitted to using an adapter for his computer because he only has grounding outlets in the kitchen and bathrooms. PC Wiz strongly urged installing a new line and Shadow mentioned he had a dedicated grounded line only for the computer. In a change of pace, Deliberator asked PC Wiz what kind of conservative he considered himself to be. At the pause that followed, Deliberator laughed and accused PC Wiz of "having to think". A philosophical discussion ensued and most members agreed with "moderate conservative".
Official Waitress Jessica
brought final coffees and PC Wiz, in a weak moment, ordered a lemon meringue pie (others abstained). HVBS Official Scheduler Deliberator proposed Wednesday, August 3, 2005 (with a backup date of August 10) for our next meeting. The date was approved and HVBS fourth meeting of 2005 entered the record books. In the hallway Jessica shook hands with Deliberator and PC Wiz and thanked them for patronizing Roudigan's.
Thanks to Shadow, Geronimo and Deliberator for corrections.
