By Carolyn Christian
It has been an incredible year for the Orange County Wine Society. On Aug. 2, OCWS graced the front page of the OC Register. What a truly proud moment to receive such recognition from our local newspaper. The headline read, “Afficianados Take Their Wine Seriously,” and the story covered many aspects of our organization including The Courtyard operations and Wine Seminars during the OC Fair, the Commercial Wine Competition, the OCWS Scholarship Fund and much more. While the article captured all the work we do, it was the photos that captured another aspect of our organization: all the joy we bring to people. Whether it is helping increase sales of the limited production and boutique wineries that enter our competition, to the students who benefit from our scholarships, to the general public who simply feel a sense of happiness when tasting the amazing California wines we serve. What we do truly pairs wine education and fun and binds us together.
The Courtyard
The Courtyard has been one of many success stories this year. While the wine industry continues to see a decline in sales across the country, our numbers have increased. We owe many thanks to Fred Heinecke, Fran Gitsham and all of those who helped make the The Courtyard at the OC Fair happen. We had a record-breaking year, raising funds and recruiting members. A special shout out to Liz and Lloyd Corbett and their team for the amazing Featured Winery Program to support our Scholarship Fund and to Ed Reyes and Sara Yeoman and their team for the incredible wine seminars.
Board Elections and Bylaw Changes
Each September, we have board elections to replace three outgoing board members and present any proposed bylaw changes to the membership for a vote. This year the terms are ending for Rich Skoczylas, Linda Flemins and John Lane. I would personally like to thank Rich, Linda and John for their years of service to the organization. Candidate statements are posted on our website, and you will have an opportunity to hear them speak at the Annual Business Meeting. Ballots will be emailed in September. Now is a good time to log on to your account to confirm your email address.
50th Anniversary
Next year marks our 50th anniversary as a nonprofit organization. We would appreciate your input and ask that you share your memories of the organization by going to OCWS.ws/50th and completing our survey. Look for more information next month on our 50th Anniversary Fund with your chance to donate to preserving the OCWS archives for the future and obtaining our 50th anniversary logo merchandise.
Closing
As I close this year as president of this remarkable organization, I am reminded of what an amazing group of people we have. Whatever our backgrounds or beliefs, we all share a common love of wine and the willingness to share our wine journey experiences with each other. It always astonishes me (and others) that this organization is made up of over 1,000 members who come together to put on such amazing events. or those new to the organization because of the OC Fair, I welcome you to this organization and wish you all a wonderful wine journey. Cheers to all!