The Hourglass
November 22, 2002
A Publication of the Connecticut Grey Rugby Football Club
Dean Jorgensen, Editor
LONG TIME NO HEAR
"The Hourglass" has been asleep since June but the Club hasn't. We're still recovering from the afterglow of an undefeated fall season. President Johnson, Captain Carr, and Vice Captain Kerr have been frequent correspondents throughout the summer and fall. That, combined with the timely updates to our web site, have made this publication a bit of a dinosaur. All the same, there's lots going on in the off-season so here you have it: a brand new Hourglass for your consideration...
NOVEMBER 16 EXEC COMMITTEE MEETING
Your Executive Committee met last Saturday to reflect on the fall season and plan for the future. They then set about the ritual fleecing of "Thurston" Jorgensen at the poker table. (But wait, did he really draw to an inside straight and walk away a winner?) Here's what was discussed:
FALL 2002 AWARDS BALLOT
You will remember (or maybe not) that we're registering our votes for the 2002 season in two ballots, one after the spring season and one after the fall. We'll combine the results and present the awards at the Annual Awards Banquet in January (more on that below). So take a moment to copy and paste the fall ballot into an e-mail message to Dean. Vote early and vote often.
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CGRFC Fall 2002 Awards Ballot
MVP - Forwards __________________________
MVP - Backs _____________________________
Rugger Hugger Award _____________________
John Falatyn Freight Train Award ____________
Founders' Award _________________________
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2002 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING -- SUNDAY 12/8
This year's AGM will take place at the home of Tony and Jan Johnson in Kensington. The meeting will be held on Sunday, December 8, at 12:30 in the afternoon. The club moved the AGM from the smoke-filled confines of Kenny G's to a club member's home a couple of years ago to encourage greater participation (and to encourage the ladies to come along). Unfortunately, participation has not met our hopes and expectations. El Presidente Johnson encourages you all to attend and promises to make the business meeting mercifully short. Those who met at the Bouviers' the last two years will tell you it's a great afternoon out. RSVP to Tony so we can be sure to have an adequate supply of beer. (The Club buys, so there's no excuse not to come.)
And keep in mind Tony's and Ed's recent appeals for nominations to the various offices on the Executive Committee. New blood keeps the Club fresh and spreads the load of both on- and off-field responsibilities. At press time, all incumbent officers have expressed a willingness to serve next year. (Just in case you've forgotten, that would be Tony Johnson, President; Ed Carr, Captain; John Kerr, Vice-Captain; Mike Guzzio, Fixture Secretary; Gary Tamburri, Treasurer; Tom Flynn and Jon Leone, Co-Social Secretaries; Dean Jorgensen, Corresponding Secretary.)
ANNUAL AWARDS BANQUET -- SATURDAY 1/25
It's back to the Waverly Tavern in Cheshire for the 2002 "AAB." We'll get dolled up and do the shoe dance the evening of Saturday, January 25 (Super Bowl Saturday). Details of time and price will be sent out closer to the day, but set the date aside now.
ANNUAL JAMMERS MATCH -- 1/11
As long as you've got your calendar out, pencil in our annual wheelchair rugby match with the Connecticut Jammers for Saturday, January 11. We'll get together for the customary rules clinic at noon and kick off at 12:30. It's always a great day out and we might actually score a few more tries this year now that we're getting the hang of the game. Directions will follow shortly.
BARBADOS TOUR
To date we have fifteen players and twelve supporters signed up for our 25th anniversary tour to Barbados (click here for details). The Executive Committee agreed to set January 25, the night of the Annual Awards Banquet, as the cut-off date for deposits to guarantee a spot on the tour. After that, we will probably open it up to over-35 players from other clubs. So sign up now. You are required to post a $250 deposit ($100 of which will be non-refundable) by January 25.
DUES PAST DUE
While we're talking money, it's sad to note that some sixteen players are delinquent in their dues payments. Come on, guys, don't count on your teammates to carry you. If you know you owe dues, send a check to Gary Tamburri at 13 Old Purdy Station Road, Newtown, CT 06470. If you're not sure and want to head off the dunning letter that's coming your way, e-mail Gary.
JOHN FALATYN AWARD
On Thursday, November 7, the Rip Van Winkle Council of the Boy Scouts of America honored the memory of John Falatyn by posthumously awarding him their 2002 Distinguished Citizen Award. They also presented the inaugural "John R. Falatyn Youth Leadership in Service Award" to one of their local Boy Scouts. Joe Scan reports that the dinner was well attended, with a strong contingent of Grey and Old Dogs. Plans are to travel back to Kingston in the Spring for a rematch against the Old Dogs.
UNICORNS HEADED DOWN UNDER
Bill Good, General Factotum of the Unicorns RFC announces that the Unicorns are headed to Australia for the 2003 Rugby World Cup. He writes, "I have had conversations with a number of you about planning an old boys/social tour to Australia to coincide with the World Cup in 2003. I had hoped to have information out a full 12 months in advance but there were some delays due to the squabbling over New Zealand stadiums and there still are not published ticket prices or “official” tour accommodations. Nevertheless, if this is to become a reality, we need to get moving. We will travel under the banner of Unicorns Rugby. Unicorns Rugby is a loosely organized old boys (and social) touring side with its base in the Boston RFC and Connecticut Grey. It has been to the New Zealand, the Caribbean, Ireland, England and Wales (for the 1999 World Cup) and around the US and Canada since 1987." Deposits are due December 20.
That is all.
