By Fred Heinecke
It is with a heavy heart that I write this column as I have just learned we lost a decades-long member of the Orange County Wine Society: John Goodnight. He was a past president of OCWS (1987-1989, 1999-2000), recipient of the President’s Award (2002) and long-time volunteer.
John helped get The Wine Press started and most recently, John served as a Best of Show judge at the 2026 OC Fair Home Wine Competition. Our thoughts go out to Jane Goodnight. John was a great friend and great poker player.
The 2026 election for the OCWS Board of Directors is scheduled to take place after the September 11 annual business meeting. Prospective candidates must submit their declaration of candidacy to Greg Hagadorn no later than August 28.
Past President Carolyn Christian and I have completed our maximum two consecutive terms and cannot run for re-election. I urge dedicated OCWS members who have the time and interest to seek election to the board. For me, serving on the board has been a great honor and a truly rewarding experience. It is an opportunity to have a hand in the operation of an outstanding 501(c)3 organization.
The Orange County Fair is now in full swing after the July 17 opening. Leslie Hodowanec’s set-up crew was able to get everything in place for opening day despite delays and hiccups from the sign shop. Carolyn Christian put together a fantastic theme for the 2026 Courtyard with a look back over the five fabulous decades of the OCWS. Be sure to check out the OCWS history.
The fair has another 16 days to run, so if you haven’t had a chance to see The Courtyard and taste some of the award-winning wines from the Commercial Competition it is not too late.
Rich Skoczylas and Sue England have been working on The Courtyard schedule and put out the SOS (Save Our Shifts) alerts. There still may be a few opportunities to add some shifts, so watch for emails.
I hope you got to see Director CL Keedy on July 14 on the ABC7 morning news. He talked about our organization, the Commercial Competition, scholarships and The Courtyard.
See you at the fair.