The Chill Gang gathered for the 19th time since our first Chill Dinner at Apricot's in 1994, a couple years before the Big Chill was actually founded. The first dinner was memorialized in a nice tree ornament created and given by Claire Bazzano to each couple.
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| WinterChill 1994-Apricot's, Farmington |
This time, as a few times before, we met at Pazzo's in Glastonbury, maintaining our policy of bringing our own wine...better for our palates, and wallets.
After opening table prizes, donning paper crowns and pouring wine,
the Gang got down to business.
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| The Chill Men |
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| Pretty Ladies |
First order was a poem, in Haiku style, presented by noted laureate, Stevo.
Winter Chill Dinner
Stevo Rosenfield
1/26/13
How long will we be friends?
How long will we be special?
Winter Beach stones gleam in the moonlight.
The paparazzi were out in force to capture his dulcet words...
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| "Ooooo, isn't he handsome and ripped!!" |
While waiting for the main course (which was exceptional this year), the Gang actually stayed quiet and attentive while Historian Carrie reviewed the highlights of Chill gatherings in 2012:
- January 21: WinterChill 2012 at NuNu's
- March 17: St Patty's Dinner at Zs
- April 8: Sweeney Easter at Flamig Farm
- May 3: Supper at First & Last after Maria Levine's mother's wake
- May 5: Kentucky Derby Day at Brick's
- May 12: NEEC 5k Walk for Jason and Birth-a-Versary Dinner (Bazzano's)
- May 25-28: Jamestown RI
- June 23: Randy's 60th Birthday at West Hill Lake
- July 4: Fourth of July party at Rosenfields
- August 18: WineFest at West Hill Lake
- September 1: End of Summer Party at Bazzanos
- October 11-15: BIG CHILL XVI (new location-Chatham)
- November 4: Hawk's Nest Clean up after Superstorm Sandy (not to be repeated!)
- November 23: Pie-a-Palooza at the Zs
- December 30: 60th Birthday Party for Baz and Z at the Zs
All agreed it was a fabulous year (minus Storm Sandy) and an improvement over 2011. February was the only month the Chill did not convene, and perhaps that can be rectified this year with Super Bowl Sunday.
After a wonder repast, it was time for the annual Yankee Gift swap (preceded earlier in the evening by Claire cleaning out her closet and garage...). As usual, Vicki took the helm and managed the event.
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| Sergeant-at-Arms Vicki announcing rules. (Where's the Whammer?) |
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| Carol chose the garbage bag... |
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| 2 buck Chuck, or UpChuck? |
The evening drew to a close after a nice respite for dessert and coffee.
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| "I'll have the packet of Equal, please." |
Thus, another successful WinterChill dinner drew to a close. After many warm wishes, a subset of the Chill Gang repaired to a stayover at Chez Baz, and all are looking forward to a great Chill 2013, and the 20th WinterChill next year.
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| WinterChill 2013 |
