1. Reflecting the importance of the meeting, Northern HVBS members chauffeured by Deliberator and Geronimo arrived at Roudigan's Steak House promptly at 11:20 AM. Congratulating Geronimo on his 50^th Wedding Anniversary, members quickly assembled and entered the premises. Deliberator, remembering the Agenda's first item, asked Geronimo if he had his glasses. After he retrieved them, the young hostess objected to our table selection ("set up for lunch"). She was firmly overruled and we took our usual seats. Our latest waitress, Megan, welcomed us and, after taking photos, took our beverage orders. In honor of the occasion, Shadow opted for a Beck's, PC Wiz a Merlot, Deliberator a Sam Adams and Geronimo ordered a draft Killian's Red. HVBS members toasted to Geronimo and Kay's Golden Anniversary and wished them health and happiness.
2. Geronimo informed us that his family had a congratulatory dinner where Dan, Chaco and Sharon gifted them with a tour of Greece. They will be leaving JFK on September 9 via Delta for 20 days. Since our next meeting is scheduled before that date, we will wish them bon voyage at that time. In our Personal Review section, PC Wiz recounted his and Shadow's visit to Russell in Virginia. The Williamsburg Winery wine tasting was grand as was our trip to Busch Gardens where the group enjoyed a new park feature - beer history and taste comparisons (soda for young Alex) in a small reserved group. At which point PC Wiz referred to the attachment to the Agenda; it being a photo of a sighting at Busch Gardens of a distant relative of HVBS Geronimo --- Geronimo the Alaskan eagle. Also in agenda item 2 is a reference to the death of Dick Jenkins, Randy's father-in-law. Shadow outlined his medical problems culminating in only one chemotherapy treatment. Asked by PC Wiz which type of camera he intended to use on the Greek trip, digital or film, Geronimo stated that he was interested in purchasing a digital SLR. Since Dick Jenkins virtually new Canon Rebel EOS camera and equipment is for sale, PC Wiz offered to connect him to Randy.
3. In local news, Geronimo informed us that 9 of 11 school budgets had been defeated in Dutchess County. One school adopted a contingency budget, one re-submitted the same budget with the others revising their finances. Shadow observed that teachers and administrators pad the budgets - they will be "paid until they die"; "wolves in sheep's clothing". At Geronimo's statement that Mayor Bloomberg has banned cell phones from the public schools, Shadow commented on his tour of grandson Alex's private school: the Hampton Roads Academy. Asking how many requests they were getting from parents of public school children, he was informed "a lot of applications". In the 2006 class of 71 students, 100% were continuing to college - some to prestigious institutions. Deliberator stated that it was important what you were trying to accomplish. Geronimo lamented that there are a large number of Westchester and Putnam County people coming to the Poughkeepsie area; used to high taxes they are having a great influence on the region. He believes a small 2,500 sq. ft. house will be the house of the future because of the taxes. In the governor's race, Geronimo is convinced Democrat Spitzer will raise taxes while Deliberator opines he is committed to cutting taxes to improve the New York business environment.
4. After a refreshing pause for very funny jokes from Geronimo, the discussion moved to sports. Deliberator stated that he doesn't follow pro basketball until the finals and was glad the Miami team won. He said he never roots for a Texas team and was impressed that Miami Heat Coach Pat Riley went home when his mother died; "he was good to do that". Geronimo re-stated his dislike for Shaq O'Neill and said the Dallas Maverick's owner, Mark Cuban, is terrible. Shadow brought up that he has been fined $250,000 for an insulting remark. PC Wiz pontificated on the terrible calls by baseball umpires with the TV networks evidently unwilling to show the overhead home plate camera shots. Geronimo commented that the "Mets are going crazy" and that the umps have "rabbit ears". Deliberator opined that Yankee pitching "stinks" and that Rivera needs more time to prepare. Concerning hockey, Shadow informed us that he didn't watch the finals. In the agenda item on the motorcycle accident of Steeler QB Ben Roethlisberger PC Wiz showed a USAToday photo of the remains of his motorcycle. Members were surprised that Pennsylvania had repealed their helmet law in 2003; Roethlisberger intends to wear one in the future!
5. Waitress Megan served us coffee and PC Wiz and Shadow opted for desserts (with spare forks for tasting). HVBS members Deliberator, Shadow and PC Wiz picked up the tab for Geronimo's lunch and drinks in honor of his Golden Anniversary celebration. After some discussion, HVBS Official Scheduler Deliberator's proposal of Wednesday August 23, 2006 for our fifth session was approved. Shadow, the Northern group's driver, proposed Poughkeepsie as our destination with a restaurant to be determined. The HVBS fabulous-fourth session was adjourned to the jelly bean dispenser.

Thanks to Geronimo for correcting the dessert error; Deliberator and Shadow for proofing the notes.

HVBS Official Scribe Laureate PC Wiz

June 28, 2006