THE PRESIDENT’S CORNER

 

It may be a little bit early, but still -- I’m going to go out on a limb and predict fair weather for our 2010 Convention, August 28th in Madison.  Fair weather. Get it? Well, of course you do, because you know that the theme of this year’s Convention is “An All American CAS Celebration”. (In other words, a good old-fashioned county fair.)

 

Hmmm. Let’s see, what else can I come up with?  I know! You may think that I exhibit too much enthusiasm, but my feelings are so strong about this that man, I could ring a bell! And, believe me, this isn’t just pie in the sky because I know that this year we’ve once again developed a real prize-winning recipe for success.  Okay, all right. Time for me to stop. These puns aren’t going to win me any blue ribbons! (Uh-oh, there’s another one. So excited about the Convention, guess I just can’t help myself!)

 

All kidding aside, it’s easy to be enthusiastic about “An All-American CAS Celebration,” because we’re literally going to turn our meeting room at Madison’s Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel into a down-home county fairground. There’ll be cotton candy, balloons, games, and lots more!  We’ll kick back and have some fun, while at the same time remembering Betty Harrington, Reuben Sand, and the wonderful legacy of Ceramic Arts Studio.  

 

What’s that? You haven’t registered yet? Well, quit horse-ing around and do it today.  (Sorry, couldn’t resist!)

 

I hope you’ve also been thinking of some creative ideas for the annual “On Display Contest”, because our 2010 categories offer plenty of fun-filled possibilities.  And this year, everyone who enters has an even better chance of going home an award-winner! Submit at least one entry in the “On Display Contest”, and your name will be entered in a special prize drawing!

 

As reported in the last newsletter, our annual Auction is also shaping up nicely.  Among the participants already on board: club member Evelyn Boonenberg, who’ll be providing over 50 unique CAS lots. (Evelyn is also this issue’s featured “Chat Room” guest, so you’ll get to know her a little bit better elsewhere in this newsletter.)  Of course, we can always use more auction items to add to the excitement – so please, check your closets and attics and see if there are any CAS pieces that you can bring yourself to part with.  You’ll not only realize a little extra cash for yourself, but you’ll be helping your Club too! As always, our auctioneer Shirley Baumann promises to keep the auction moving along at a brisk, exciting pace! Remember: only those who attend the Convention can bid in the auction. 

 

And, don’t forget, each Convention attendee will receive a 2010 Convention Commemorative to add to their CAS Commemorative collection.  Rest assured, this year’s Commemorative once again ties in nicely with our theme. It’s amazing how our “Commemorative Queen”, Lisa Louis keeps coming up with fantastic ideas year after year!  Be sure to give her a big pat on the back when you see her at the Convention.

 

I’m also very excited about our first-ever CAS Collectors Raffle.  I hope this becomes a yearly tradition for us. We’re kicking it off with a beautiful CAS-themed quilt, created and donated by club member, June Behnke.  Raffle tickets will be sold only to those attending the Convention ($5 each, or 5 for $20). And guess what? All raffle proceeds benefit your club! Thanks, June!

 

Plus, there’s also the WPA Show and Sale during the day, and our delicious banquet Saturday evening. All this and still for just a $60 Convention registration fee. A pretty fair deal in this time of rising prices, wouldn’t you agree?  (Oops – there I go again. . .sorry!)

 

If you haven’t already, send in the registration form included with this newsletter today. Can’t wait to get together with all of you on August 28th for “An All-American CAS Celebration”!

 

See you on the Fairgrounds!

 

Hank Kuhlmann

President  

 

P.S. Want to come in costume? Hope so! There’ll be a prize for that, too!