President’s Letter
October 18, 2016

I have been sitting here working on the revenue budget for the hotel for 2017, and it has reminded me just how close we are to saying “so long” to 2016 and welcoming in a brand new year. Where did the year go? It is almost depressing how quickly this year has sped by. THEN, I realize, this means we are that much closer to our fantastic Holiday Party and Auction at Benvenuto's...ah, I am feeling much better now. Mark your calendars for Wednesday December 14th and start practicing your moves for the dance floor. We now have confirmation that the incomparable James Hansen will again be our auctioneer extraordinaire. On that note, we are soliciting silent auction items, we're not shy in asking...so don't you be shy in donating. You will receive an email next week asking for your contributions including gift baskets, works of art, hotel stays, restaurant certificates, golf packages, theater tickets, sporting event tickets, holiday gift items – all will be gladly accepted and greatly appreciated.

Now let's get back to the present. We had a great dinner this past Tuesday and the Hilton West Palm Beach thanks to our friend Edd Karlan, Director of Sales & Marketing. The team at the Hilton did a wonderful job for us. The chef definitely put his best foot forward with a tasty menu very well prepared and the service was excellent from Fran and Luis.

We updated everyone on Paul Cook who is now recuperating with family in New York after having a brain tumor removed here at St. Mary's Hospital. Please keep him in your prayers and I am sure he would love to hear from you all.

Earlier this month you all received an email survey/questionnaire with some important questions YOUR Skal Club needs your thoughts and input on. We know the timing was bad because of the Matthew Hurricane scare so we will be sending it out again and ask if you were not able to respond earlier that you take just a couple of minutes to complete the survey and email it back to Dick.

We had some great news from the hotel world and that is that both the Chesterfield Hotel (Cecilia Hudnet) and the Brazilian Court Hotel (yours truly) made the Conde Nast Reader's Choice Awards list of the top twenty hotels in Florida for 2016. The teams of both hotels are very proud of receiving this recognition.

Our next meeting will be November 15th at the Doubletree Hotel Deerfield Beach. We have several topics that will be discussed that the members will need to vote on during the dinner meeting and I look forward to seeing you all there.

Best wishes to our members celebrating birthdays this month:

Remember to log onto our club's website http://www.skal-ftlauderdale-palmbeaches.org to get more information on our club, event pictures and the upcoming Skål Monthly Reception and Dinner Meetings.

Until we meet again may your travels be safe and all your journeys an adventure.

Skål,

Ian
Ian Black
President
Skål International Ft. Lauderdale & Palm Beaches