President’s Message:

Greetings, Fellow IACA Members:

This has been an eventful couple of months, weather-wise, since the last newsletter. Many of us experienced periodic severe thunderstorms, including flooding. In some cases, we lost power in our homes; I lost power for over 6 hours. Some people still reject climate change as contributing to our volatile weather conditions. I am not one of them!

Despite these conditions, we still scheduled our normal monthly socials, day trips, happy hour events, and Board meetings as planned.

July's social at St Michael's was particularly memorable. IACA served its main entree with delicious salads made by Board members and other members. Attendees received it well, and many requested that IACA repeat this offering at a future social event, with the Board in total agreement. I want to thank IACA member Paulette Ansello for her wonderful recommendation of serving salads as a main entree.

Another memorable moment at July's social for me was filling in for Fred Corritone, our entertainment director, while he was away. I realized that this was no easy task, supplying music, announcements, and the 50/50 drawing as well. I nervously got by as Freddy's substitute and will be happy to return the entertainment reins to him for future socials.

Our annual day-at-the-races get-together at Colonial Downs in New Kent, VA, took place on August 20th. Although it was very hot and humid, everyone who attended had a good time, as we were under an overhead covering and could cool off at the adjacent Rosie's casino.

Our next social event will be IACA's annual picnic at St. Michael's Lakehouse Pavilion, Sunday, September 20th. Incidentally, it will be my 80th birthday that day, and it will be my pleasure to celebrate it with all of you!

October's social at St. Michael's Lakehouse on the 18th will coincide with a fundraiser for the newly established Columbus Legacy Grant Program. It will feature a Bake Sale and a special 50/50 raffle. All proceeds that day will benefit the Grant Program. Please see details in this issue of the newsletter.

Happy Hour will resume in the fall on Wednesday, September 16th at Yaya's in Short Pump, 2-6 pm, and then at Sergio's in Brandermill on Thursday, October 22nd, 3-6:30 pm. A day trip to Monticello is scheduled for Thursday, October 15th, with details in this issue of the newsletter and a sign-up at the September picnic.

At this time, I would like to thank my fellow Board Members and express my sincere gratitude for their dedicated and ongoing work. I truly appreciate each and every one of your contributions.

Finally, I want to remind all members that it is imperative that you respond to phone-tree callers about your attendance at our social events. This helps us determine how much food to order or prepare and plan for setup on the day of the social. So please respond as soon as possible. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Best Regards,

Rick Gentile