1. The fifth HVBS meeting of 2009 was assembled at Meeting Central, Deliberator's home. Geronimo and Shadow arrived before PC Wiz, who came bearing gifts - the food and a bottle of Robert Mondavi's finest cabernet sauvignon. Members loudly approved the arrival of the provisions. After a short bull session in the living room, members retired to the dining room table. The wine was opened to "air" and Geronimo offered mugs of the premium Belgian beer he had brought. Our vittles, from the Center Stage Deli, were of a wide variety (members had ordered four different entrees) and of a generous quantity. HVBS members toasted our honored member, Geronimo, on the celebration of his 80^th birthday.
2. One of our first topics related to the latest news event - the Senate vote to stop funding Acorn, subject of criminal prosecutions and corruption. Only 7 senators voted to continue funding - including our own Kirsten Gillibrand (but not Senator "Chuck" Schumer). Upon PC Wiz's offhand remark that Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont was a self-proclaimed socialist Deliberator expounded on the definition of "socialism". It is a theory of organization of society, public or worker ownership of the means of production and the distribution of resources. Marxism views socialism as a step toward communism. Deliberator's point, opposing forms of socialist government such as dictatorships, was that we already have socialism in many respects and we have a responsibility to help others; "we are our brother's keeper". Members objected to the idea of such a broad obligation - Geronimo specifically citing how, looking to the future, he had reduced his income by signing up for additional deductions for retirement while others did not. Should he be responsible for them not planning for the future?
3. Naturally, being the HVBS, we then proceeded to another "hot-button" topic. Deliberator took exception to Geronimo's statement that our Nation is founded on "Judeo-Christian" principles. He stated, quoting in particular Thomas Paine's "Common Sense", the fact that the founding fathers' were actually not "Christians" but "Deists", believing in God but not necessarily Christ. Not being able to settle this argument, members found out that Deliberator has been able to attend Church services using his folding wheelchair. By not walking into the church he has been able to keep his oxygen down to the 3 or 4 level instead of 10 which gives him 3 hours on a tank of gas. Geronimo noted that he has been getting Seventh Day Adventists at the door and doesn't have the heart to turn them away abruptly. He is especially impressed by their civilized behavior. PC Wiz and Deliberator observed they get Jehovah's Witness visits.
4. In our sports section Geronimo attended a Yankee game in the new Yankee Stadium with Danny. In reply to a question by Shadow, Geronimo confirmed they traveled by Metro North which, very conveniently, went to a station right by the stadium. They were on the "main level" sheltered from the sun by the next level facing first base. Geronimo said watching TV was better but the ambiance of being present in the stadium was very special. Food prices in the "Food Court" were, not surprisingly, quite high with a hot dog going for $6.75, bottle beer (only Heineken or Bud Light) for $8.50 and a 24 ounce draft for $10.00, a Boar's Head sandwich at $12.00. Geronimo remarked that the ramps in the old stadium are gone, replaced by large, modern fast elevators, very convenient. Also that they enjoyed a nice breeze in the shade during the game to which Shadow offered the observation that the breeze will change when the old stadium is razed. They enjoyed watching a good game and the ride on the Metro North trains.
5. Members debated the merits of the NY Giants, winning the first game of the season. Shadow noted that it was the typical Giant game in which they repeatedly couldn't score in the red zone, ending with a final 23-17 score. Geronimo questioned whether QB Eli Manning was a truly "great" QB, suggesting he was good but not great. Shadow replied that he was not as good as his brother Peyton. Geronimo stated that, in his opinion, the last truly great QB was the Denver Broncos John Elway.
6. There was good natured ribbing of Deliberator when it became known that he is being visited by his long-time lady friend from Atlanta. They had a pleasant sojourn last in Washington DC visiting the sights of our Nation's capitol. Shadow then inquired how Ryan is doing in school and Deliberator replied that he didn't really know but assumed he is doing well in his hotel management course. Which led PC Wiz to ask about the truck stop where Mark's Dunkin' Donuts is located. Driving past it recently, PC Wiz noted the company which bought the facility and renovated it is "Pilot". He had never seen this brand but Shadow, and Deliberator, said it is a major supplier at truck stops.
7. Geronimo informed us that he is considering a "property management" firm that takes care of all outside maintenance since he does not wish to do yard work any more. Shadow said he had recently had his roof power-washed to remove algae and lichens. The lichens actually burrow into the roof, breaking down the limestone granules and shortening the life of the roof drastically. The result of the cleaning, he said, was phenomenal - it literally looks like new. Deliberator said he is speculating on how much it would cost to renovate his house for sale, estimating in the range of $15,000 to $20,000. He mentioned some paneling in the basement, a new septic leach field ($5,000) and some general repairs. Concerning the "out-dated" paneling in the dining room, HVBS members agreed that was "up to the purchaser" if they wished to change the decor.
8. Having brought only two desserts, a slice of cherry crumb pie and a slice of apple pie, PC Wiz sliced them lengthwise for four portions. Deliberator filled the cups with coffee and we had a delightful conclusion to our meal. Members commented on the good, but too generously large, sandwiches from the Center Stage Deli. HVBS members Shadow and Deliberator paid their share to PC Wiz for the food since Geronimo was entitled to a pass on the celebration of his birthday as provided in our bylaws. As we were preparing to leave, Shadow remembered that we needed to approve a date for our next confab. HVBS Official Scheduler Deliberator then pulled out a set of calendars, selecting Wednesday October 28, 2009. It is six weeks and will leave time for a final HVBS meeting in December, weather permitting. The trash was then collected and deposited in Deliberator's outside container as we left the house.

Thanks to Deliberator, Shadow and Geronimo for their reviews of the preliminary minutes.

HVBS Official Scribe Laureate PC Wiz