Summer Potluck

Date:

Location: Howell Library 318 Old Tavern Rd, Howell,

Summer Potluck

Post Event Write-Up:

Organizers:  Groundhog Dave, Julia "Queen of Shark Tooth Shards" Chien, Ryan "Klock Man" Klockner

Activities:  Potluck dinner; Specimen Silent Auction; White Elephant Gift Exchange; "Collectionomics" board / card game

 

ATTENDEES:  Groundhog Dave, Ryan "Klock Man" Klockner, Julia "Queen of Shark Tooth Shards" Chien w Dave Roush; Kenny Jasko, WIll "Billy boy" Pazik, Bill and Kristine Fischer; Karenne Snow; Rob Rybnicky, John Salvi, John Montgomery, John Arsenault, Nik Caporossi, Eliz + Luca Pendrini; Desiree Popick, Lisa Soklaski w/ Mike Mullen; Stacey Carton w/ Dexter; Kristin Stine, Jennifer Strauss, Becca Horovitz w/ Steve Sorrel

INVITED GUEST:  Karenne Snow

HONORABLE MENTION:  Ray Sann, unfortunately was under the weather and couldn't attend

 

We had an outstanding cap-off to the Spring season, with our June Party - PotLuck event.  The unique event, packed with fun and frivolity and some spirited gamesmanship, brought together the aspects of a Potluck dinner, specimen Silent Auction, a Gift Exchange game, and a board / card game or 2.  Lots of camaraderie, great conversation and company was had throughout the evening inbetwixt the events.  The first order of business was the PotLuck dinner, which, in addition to some EXCELLENT member - contributed dishes, featured 1 catered tray of Sausage, Peppers and Onions Marinara, courtesy of Pizza Pasta Factory (the club covered this).  

 

** PLEASE VISIT this link to revisit the entire menu:   https://www.perfectpotluck.com/meals.php?t=WAUG1963&v=07811dc6c4 

 

Everyone got to share in this bounty, and no doubt had their favorites.  Groundhog Dave's favorites were most definitely Becca Horovitz' Chili, Kristine Fischer's Broccoli Salad, and the Pizza & Pasta Factory's Sausage, Peppers & Onions Marinara; and dessert - wise, definitely Julia Chien's Key Lime Pie.  Other tasty dishes the Groundhog enjoyed were Nik Cap's Pulled Pork, Rob Rybnicky's Weenie Tots / Pigs in blankets, and John Salvi's Shrimp cocktail.  Everyone really brought outstanding appetizers, entrees, sides and desserts and beverages !!!

 

The specimen Silent Auction went terrific, with no less than 36 specimens for everyone to be dazzled by and bid on !!  A vast array of NJ, tri-state area, US - wide and worldwide specimens were donated and made available.  Groundhog Dave, KC "Fluorite guy" Dalby, Mark Sloan, John Arsenault, Kristin Stine, and Luca Pendrini were the gracious donors of the rock, mineral and fossil specimens.  Julia Chien took the prize with Most Specimens won and Most $$ Spent ($ 199 total) and in a close second came Eliz + Luca Pendrini ($ 155 total).  Virtually everyone who partook in the auction, walked away with at least a specimen or 2.  When all was said and done,  the Club netted just shy of $ 800 on the Auctionis, so it was definitely a fruitful endeavor.  Julia was a huge help in documenting all of the winning bids and members, and customizing Win Receipts for everyone.  Groundhog Dave played to his strength (big mouth) and was the mouthpiece for announcing all of the winning bids and recipients.

 

Several of our members participated in the White Elephant Gift Exchange, which Julia coordinated and sent me the below info, on.  Once again, an assortment of creative and generous gifts were shared and won, with some crafty gamesmanship along the way.  WIth the White Elephant Gift Exchange game, it's not ALL about luck of the draw (LOL), but rather the journey through stealing, trading and bargaining.  

 

White Elephant Gift Exchange 

6 participants:  Julia Chien, Dave Roush, Kristen Stine, Dexter/Stacy Carton, Liz/Luca Prendini, Stephen Sorrel

6 gifts:  First aid kit (waterproof and regular size), bottle of wine, hydration backpack, 2 minerals + cave explorer cards, bocce balls, blow up beach lounger

 

During the evening, several folks partook in a creative board / card game "collectionomics", created and fashioned by Becca Horovitz.  The game is played by discussing, and sometimes making up, "facts" about items in each player's collection.  Based on how well each player argued their piece, points are awarded in each round.  If you are interested in learning more, click this link to be taken to the games kickstarter page: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1032918643/collectionomics