Sunday, October 15, 2006

Stevo's Mystery Tour








The inspiration for the 2006 tour was actually 2 years old: during Chill VIII, Stevo decided to inadvertently burn a hole in his new Chill denim shirt, one of a set distributed to the gang as the memorobilia item for that year. Hanging it up while not looking (so he claims) on a hook in the closet, he closed the door. Later on he flicked on a light switch that didn't work. But it did...in the closet, to a light bulb that was acting as a hook. The rest is Chill history. In the past couple years, there were reports of other episodes of bipolar pyromania to which Stevo has fallen prey. How to help a good friend?

Claire Bazzano to the rescue: she suggested that Z use his political network ( more like notwork) and see if we could tour a firehouse on the Cape. A breakfast with the Meriden firefighter's union president, a referral, a call, and the next thing you know, Chatham Fire Department's bravest were in cahoots. (Not that Cahoots!). So, a surprise visit by the gang to the Chatham FD, an intervention for Stevo during Fire Prevention Month, and now we know he's safe with flames. Special thanks to Captain Matt Flynn and his crew for a fun (and educational!) hour, and Stevo even got a T-shirt! Next year we tour the waste management center for Baz...

Saturday, October 14, 2006

Chill 2006


Every year, we wonder if the next Chill could possibly be as good as the last one. This year, the Big Chill's 10th meeting, was no exception, and again, it exceeds expectations.

From gorgeous weather (truly top ten days in 2006), to unsuspected surprises ("FUSU," from the Mariner's desk man Josh to the late-arriving Zs; learning the Big Chill became plaque-worthy in the Gentle Heritage Billiard Room; an exercise in fire suppresion from the fashionably fire-attired Stevo), to great food and drink, superior gifts and memorabilia, and extreme crocquet...truly, a getaway weekend for 10 people that needed it, got it, and miss it already.

To Big Chill X! To Big Chill XI!!