2022 Report of the DOG & CHAIR
The 2022 DOG & CHAIR Annual Golf Outing, Team Dinner & Shareholders Meeting was held on May 7th, 2022 at the combined venues of Valhalla Golf Club and Churchill Downs Racetrack in beautiful Louisville, Kentucky. Present were most D&C with the notable exception of our (once again) wayward duo of D&C16's Brett "The Walrus" Matteo and Charlie "KandyKakes" Pizzi who, although not actually having been seen in three years have been in regular contact with fellow D&C16 and Finance Chair for LIfe, Al Thorell. While details remain a bit sketchy, it appears our intrepid travelers have somehow found their way to Nigeria where they have managed to come into a substantial fortune. Al reports that our friends will however require some minor funding from D&C coffers in order to repatriate their windfall to Flourtown and arrangements are presently in the works. Thank you Al, great job.
Following a memorable round at Valhalla featuring the usual & truly horrific assortment of duffs, chunks, tops, skulls & "others", the assembled masses were surprised to learn of a slight change of plans initiated by noted oenophile & Team Sommelier, D&C14 Steve Cherok who announced that he had learned via social media that nearby Churchill Downs was that very afternoon hosting a race known colloquially as the "Run for the Rose''. Although Stevie's own tastes run more to either the lighter Chablis & Chardonnay or heavier Burgundies & Bordeaux, our lover of the grape figured that given the Spring season Rose was a perfectly acceptable alternative and further, that "when in Rome" (forget it, he's rolling) we should endeavor to sample the local culture. More than a few skeptical D&C were quite vocal in pointing out that BOURBON was also part of the local culture and that they had plenty of it in the Valhalla bar, but in the end the ever-persuasive Stevie's infectious enthusiasm won out and after a suitable "pregame" of Makers Mark, Old Weller & Pappy Van Winkle Reserve 23 Year-Old our Band of Merry Men piled happily into the D&C Team Bus for the short trip across town.
Upon arriving at Churchill Downs our ever-oblivious crew was delighted to learn that what had caught Stevie's eye "on IG" was in fact the fabled KENTUCKY DERBY which not only was being held in Kentucky of all places but further, that it was perfectly acceptable & we daresay, encouraged, to drink and gamble as part of the festivities. As one might expect this revelation set off a truly epic display of sophomoric highjinx and questionable behavior by all D&C which was only briefly muted by an announcement from D&C20/21 Bob Yoshimura that we had all been invited to the Royal Suite of Japanese Emperor Naruhito, who we learned (and through the wonders of a recent Father's Day gift subscription to Ancestry.Com) was in fact Yoshi's distant & long-lost cousin and who further, had a horse racing in the Derby. And although our new friend's entry finished well back in the pack no one seemed to care as we were treated to a sumptuous repast featuring what all agreed was the best sushi, sashimi, tempura & Sapporo in all of Appalachia. Thank you, Yosh.
As the last maguro & hamachi were inhaled & the sun set over "The Downs" infield, all D&C loosened their belts, reflected on their good fortune, and got down to the semi-serious business of the D&C. After dispensing with old business, new business & D&C financials in the customary fashion the floor was presently opened for nominations to the one & only Unauthorized, Unofficial & Highly Irreverent Ross & Smith Invitational Hall of Fame. In due course and not without the usual bit of controversy, name-calling, eye rolling and shoulder-shrugging, the following worthies were duly selected for enshrinement.
Respectfully Submitted July 8, 2022
Dog & Chair Class of 2022
The DOG & Chair Class of 2022
Andrew Clayton
Brian Saxon
Scott Case
Patrick Dougherty
Bob Dupke
Jan Hoynaki
Gus Carey
Jim Muller
Rick Trudgeon
Dan Meersman
