Meeting Recap for July 30, 2012

Jim Leet started the meeting with the Thought for the Day which was about Noah, and ten admonitions about the experience, the first was “don’t miss the boat”. Other points were also humorous in addition to good advice for everyday living. Following the flag salute, President Peter led the club in singing America (My Country, ‘Tis of Thee.)

During introductions, it was announced that today was the birthday for Diane Schachterle’ s eight year old granddaughter, and guest Lorelei Adams. The club sang Happy Birthday to her.
 
Fred Teichert and his father Henry Teichert celebrated their company, Teichert & Son’s 125th Anniversary by each donating $250 towards their Eddie Mulligans.  Brad Towne and his sister Cindy FitzGerald thanked the club for the well wishes and concern shown for their father, Ed Towne, who is still in the hospital, but doing better. Brad contributed $100 towards his Eddie Mulligan.

Past President Hal Bartholomew introduced the speaker noting that he had served on the selection committee for her selection as Executive Director of the UC Davis ROBERT MONDAVI INSTITUTE OF WINE AND FOOD SCIENCE.    Clare Hasler proceeded to tell about their modern lab facilities and their world leading status in several categories. The Universities start in Agricultural science was by a mandate in the 1880’s by the California Legislature.

As noted in the title, their research is in two separate but related fields and is directly responsible for many improvements in both fields. Research covers diseases, fertilization, improvements in production, taste and labeling standards to name only a few.

The Institute gives a course in Home Brewing. She said that there is good cooperation between them and other departments at the University. The lab also contracts with industry to do research as resources are available.

In the Q & A part, she pointed out that one of the hardest issues with wine is up and down temperatures. She also gave several tips to some of the wine drinking members to make their consumption more pleasant. MDN