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2021 Annual Delegates Meeting
Supreme Lady Supreme Lady Merrill Bonarrigo and Merrill Bonarrigo and Supreme Knight Paul Supreme Knight Paul Bonarrigo founders of Bonarrigo founders of Messina Hof Winery Messina Hof Winery BY GRAND ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER TOM WEBB
After a year of Covid lockdown and many members now having gotten their vaccinations, the Grand Council made the decision to move the annual meeting of delegates from Santa Rosa, California to Houston, Texas to be held on Saturday, April 10, 2021. The Houston Chapter had many plans already in place for their Assemblage and easily accommodated this request from the National Office. Invitations went out to all KOV members as this meeting is open to all and we encourage members to make plans to attend each year. In addition to the Delegates’ Meeting that is a requirement under our By-Laws, the host chapter always plans some additional events that are sure to be enjoyed by all. attendance and fourteen participating via Zoom. Those chapters in attendance in person were Los Angeles, Houston, Tennessee, Gulf Coast and Lodi. The remaining chapters were represented on the Zoom event. The business of the brotherhood was conducted with reports by all the national officers.
This year, Grand Commander Buddy Hagner and Master Lady Trish Hagner hosted all the out of towners along with Houston chapter members and guests at their home on Friday evening to spread out around their pool and yard and enjoy great wines, appetizers and a buffet dinner. It was the first time many had ventured into a crowd in a year or more. It was a beautiful and fun evening.
Saturday morning, having sworn off wine for a short period, we gathered at the Messina Hof Harvest Green Winery in Richmond, Texas for the 2021 Annual Meeting of Delegates. There were several delegates in Buddy began by thanking all those who have participated in the virtual wine tastings held by the national organization including one with Gina Gallo. Attendance has been very good and there will be more to come. Grand Treasurer Don Bade reviewed the financials which had been emailed out in advance of the meeting and took questions from those present or on Zoom. International Emissary Pat Pingitore laid out the FICB
plans for the next three years. There are a number of exciting opportunities and members are encouraged to begin making their plans to participate as these events are always exceptional! Jerry Gatlin continues to refine the chapter database software he developed for chapters to manage not only their contacts, but as a tool for event planning and management. A number of chapters are utilizing this great tool and those that are not should investigate getting started. Jerry developed it specifically for KOV and made it available free of charge and offers chapters support in installing and using it.
Next up were Provost reports followed by our election of directors. Don Bade, Ken Levy and Tom Webb were all re-elected to the Board of Directors by unanimous vote.
Finally, we heard from the Chapter Commanders who shared their methods of keeping their members in touch and any unique opportunities to hold chapter events. These varied but included emails, Zoom calls and KOV national virtual wine tastings.
After the meeting adjourned, our hosts, Paul and Merrill Bonarrigo, founders of Messina Hof Winery, talked about the wines that were carefully paired with a delicious lunch served in the Barrel Room. It was a great time together and we enjoyed having Paul and Merrill with us to talk about their decision to start Messina Hof Winery in 1977.
That evening, delegates joined with Houston chapter members and guests at the Royal Sonesta Hotel to induct new members, to eat and drink well, and to dance and party, as Houston does so well.
We hope to see you at our next National Meeting hosted by the Lodi Chapter and planned for April 7 – April 10 in Lodi and Murphys, California. Be watching for news as those plans are finalized.
2022
Plans are in the early stages and details will be shared as soon as possible. We can, however, share the dates and the locations so you can start making your plans now! The Lodi Chapter will host our next Annual Meeting. This meeting is open to all members in good standing. A part of the plans will include the Delegates’ Meeting on Saturday morning, April 9. This meeting is open to all, but only delegates may participate and vote. On Thursday evening, Chapter Commander and Gentle Lady Gordon and Annette MacKay will host a reception at their home in Lodi. KOV member wineries will welcome visitors to the Lodi area during the weekend. The Friday evening and Saturday night events will be held at Ironstone Winery in Murphys, California and will celebrate new members to their chapter and the raising of Gail Kautz to Supreme Lady. Please watch your email for more information and make your plans to join us!
