NOTHING’S GOING TO
By Trish Hagner
SLOW US DOWN (MUCH!)
Houston
Yes, 2020 was tough on everyone which made it all the more important that we maintain contact, take care of each other and be as creative as possible in finding ways to get together. Our Houston Chapter organized a virtual event with Supreme Knight Jack Galante and Master Lady Dawn Galante for Friday night BINGO on August 7! The invitation was shared with commanders who were encouraged to extend the invitation to their members. As a result, we welcomed 57 friends on Zoom to play, to laugh and to compete for prizes. Jack and Dawn were gracious with the gift of their time and prizes as well as the wine offers with special pricing for those who wanted to enjoy Galante and Dawn’s Dream wines. Next up … we joined with the Austin Chapter for a virtual tasting and “live” music on August 12. Led by Mark Rashap (CWE), nineteen Houston members participated in the tasting of four great wines. Austin Commander Jerry Gatlin hosted the Austin and Houston Chapters and worked with Master Knight David Jabour to offer a package of wines for the event through his company, Twin Liquors. Arrangements were even made to have the wines available in Houston and we were grateful for the sharing of the event and the wines! The Austin music scene is well known and the event was opened and closed by the Liz Morphis Trio. But wait .. there’s more! On August 15, we held our Annual Business Meeting in the Vintage Select Wines’ warehouse. Normally, this would be a potluck dinner. Given the health concerns this year, we decided to have it catered with a server so that everyone could feel more comfortable with fewer hands on the serving utensils. With 32 in attendance in person and others participating via Zoom, we went on with “business as usual”. Our chapter’s business was reviewed, officers and directors were elected and we were excited that night to receive new applications for membership from two future gentle ladies. We also, as usual, presented our check for $10,000 to Miguel Cabrera representing the University
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The Arbor
