April 2014 Meeting Minutes

ATF Homebrew Club

April 2014 Meeting Minutes

By Bryan Conway

Here’s the meeting minutes from the April gathering held at 7pm on April 17, 2014 at New Bern Homebrew Supply.

First of all, a thank you goes to Travis Watson for providing the location and pizza and Bryan Conway for supplying more pizza (there was not a shortage of pizza). 

Introduction of Officers and Guests

We introduced the officers, held a roll call and the following members and guests were present:

Bryan Conway

Jeremy Davis

Joe Stewart

Luke Dobbs

Pete Frye

Rob Jones

Ben Chapman

Terry Laurie

Tim Martin

Travis Watson

Troy Robinson (Joe Stewart’s guest)

If anyone was accidentally excluded or a mistake to the list noted, please let me know and I will correct the minutes.

Program Speaker/Tech Talk

Travis Watson gave us a sample as well as a discussion of sour beers.  He talked about the sour mash process versus the fermentation route using “bugs”.  Next month’s tech Talk will be presented by Luke Dobbs.

Scheduled tech talks:

• May talk – Luke Dobbs
• June talk – Terry Laurie.
• July talk – need a volunteer
• August – need a volunteer
• September – need a volunteer
• October – need a volunteer

Treasurer's Report

Ben Chapman announced that we have some money…

Committee updates

The Crystal Coast Brew Off Committee Chairman, Ben Chapman announced that the competition was open for entries and registration.  So far there have been no entrants but it has been open less than a week.  Bryan Conway gave a quick update of sponsors, most of which have already sent their donations.

The Monthly Club Competition Committee Chairman, Terry Laurie gave us an update for the next competition.  The next comp. will be at the June meeting and will be categories 6 and 15.  September will be categories 16 and 18.

It was brought up that attendees should discern at the beginning of the meeting whether they are bringing a beer for general sampling or whether they need some objective feedback.  If somebody really wants some discreet feedback, they should reserve that beer to be sampled by a separate group of members/judges off to the side.

Homebrew Festival Committee Chairman Rob Jones reported that research is still being conducted.  A recent report of unfriendly activity on the part of some State ABC and ALE Boards have given reason for concern.  Until this gets hashed out, a festival may not be feasable.

Old Business/Recent Events

None to really speak of.

New/Ongoing Business

Rob called for nominations for this month's "Brewer of the Month" page and Terry Laurie was selected.  Go to the website to see a quick bio on Terry.

May 3^rd is the AHA’s “Big Brew Day” and we will be meeting at about 0900 at Brewery 99.  We will help Pete mash in a sack of 2-row on his system and the runnings will be distributed between the participants to prepare as they see fit.  Hops and yeast will be user specific and up to each attendee.  Bring a mill if you have one.  I will arrange for the grain (1 sack) and the propane (two tanks).

Next Meeting will be at New Bern Home Brew Supply and will be held on a Sunday to be announced, most likely on the 18th.  After discussing the idea with numerous members, it has been decided to try holding meetings on Sunday.  The actual meeting will begin around noon with a happy hour beginning at 11 am while we get set up.  With the meeting loosely allotted to run until about 3 or 4, everyone should have enough time to stop in or duck out as necessary to accommodate their schedule.  If this turns out to be unpopular, we can always revert back to the Thursday night format.

Meeting sponsors:

·         May 2014 sponsor - Luke Dobbs

·         June 2014 sponsor - Terry Laurie

·         July 2014 sponsor - Phil Smith

·         August 2014 sponsor - Mike Dawson

·         September 2014 sponsor - need a volunteer

·         Oktoberfest 2014 sponsor - Dennis Overby

Motion passed to adjourn the meeting, drink some beer and eat some pizza.

April 2014 Meeting Agenda

Agents of the Bureau,

It is time for April’s gathering!

Now the details:
What: Monthly meeting and sampling of all fermented libations available.

Where: New Bern Homebrew Supply.

When: Thursday April 17^th, from 7pm until Travis kicks us out.

Here are the items on the agenda:

1. Tech talk – Travis Watson.
2. CCBO update.
3. Next club competition.
4. Vote for brewer of the month.
5. AHA’s “BIG BREW”, May 3^rd, at Brewery 99. 
6. Joe’s demonstration brew for Coastal Beverage.

Notes: We strongly encourage you to bring homebrew, even if you don't think it's the best beer that you have ever made (if it is then I demand you bring it!).  If you are going to sample, bring a designated driver or make arrangements to get home.  If you don't have any homebrew, try to bring some commercial beers. 

We hope to see you there,

Bryan

March 2014 Meeting Minutes

Here’s the meeting minutes from the March gathering held at 7pm on March 20th, 2014 at New Bern Homebrew Supply.

First of all, a thank you goes to Travis Watson for providing the location and Terry Laurie for supplying the vittles. 

We introduced the officers, held a roll call and the following members and guests were present:

Luke Dobbs

Rob Jones

Terry Laurie

Dennis Overby

Tim Martin

Joe Stewart

Pete Frey

Bryan Conway

Mike Dawson

Guests:

Allan Kornegay

Roderick Wade

If anyone was accidentally excluded or a mistake to the list noted, please let me know and I will correct the minutes.

The Treasurer's Report

Ben Chapman was unavailable.

                                                       

Tech Talk

Rob gave a powerpoint demonstration and brought an example of a easy to make stir plate for creating starters. The importance of using a starter was then discussed at length.

Old Business/Recent Events

Club membership cards were passed out thanks to Rob.

Committee updates

The Crystal Coast Brew Off Committee Chairman, Ben Chapman, was unavailable.

The Monthly Club Competition Committee Chairman, Terry Laurie gave us a rundown for next month’s comp.

Homebrew Festival Committee Chairman Rob Jones reported that research is still being conducted.

New/Old business:

Robs "Chi Cha" (sp?) was passed around to start the meeting. Everyone was confused and standoffish to this new libation but like good homebrewers/alcoholics, drank it anyway

Mothers/SCOBY's  were brought by Joe and Rob for members who are interested in starting a batch of Kombucha.

The Sexual Chocolate Release Party and tap takeover at the Silo's in Oriental on March 27th was mentioned as well

The possibility of ordering a newer & larger banner was touched upon, especially in light of the fact that Travis has made a donation toward the club obtaining a larger banner than the one we currently have.  This will be looked into later as we get closer to the Brew Off.

Next Meeting will be at New Bern Home Brew Supply at 7PM on April 17th and will be sponsored by Bryan Conway

Meeting sponsors:

·         April sponsor - Bryan Conway

·         May sponsor - Luke Dobbs

·         June sponsor - Terry Laurie

·         July sponsor - Phil Smith

·         August – Mike Dawson

·         September - need a volunteer

·         Oktoberfest - Dennis Overby

·         November - need a volunteer

Motion passed to adjourn the meeting, drink some beer.

March 2014 Meeting Agenda

Agents of the Bureau,

It is time for March’s gathering!

Now the details:
What: Monthly meeting and sampling of all fermented libations available.
Where: New Bern Homebrew Supply.
When: Thursday March 20th, from 7pm until.

Here are the items on the agenda:
1. Tech talk – Rob.
2. CCBO.
3. Club competition.

• Category 8 – English Pale Ale,
• Category 10 – American Ale,
• Category 14 – India Pale Ale.

4. Incorporation Project.
5. ID cards.
6. Mill Whistle brew day?
7. Vote for brewer of the month.
8. AHA’s “BIG BREW”, should be May 3rd this year?

Notes: We strongly encourage you to bring homebrew, even if you don't think it's the best beer that you have ever made (if it is then I demand you bring it!).  If you are going to sample, bring a designated driver or make arrangements to get home.  If you don't have any homebrew, try to bring some commercial beers.  Commercial examples can be found in the BJCP Guidelines here: http://www.bjcp.org/docs/2008_Guidelines.pdf
http://www.bjcp.org/docs/2008_Guidelines.pdf www.bjcp.org

We hope to see you there,
Bryan

February Meeting Minutes

ATF Homebrew Club

February 2014 Meeting Minutes

By Bryan Conway

Here’s the meeting minutes from the February gathering held at 7pm on February 20th, 2014 at New Bern Homebrew Supply.

First of all, a thank you goes to Travis Watson for providing the location and Greg Bergquist for supplying the vittles. 

We introduced the officers, held a roll call and the following members and guests were present:

Bryan Conway

Dennis Overby

Greg Bergquist

Jeff Brungard

Jeremy Davis

Joe Stewart

Mike Dawson

Pete Frye

Rob Jones

Steve Dunham (Ben Chapman's Guest)

Terry Laurie

Tim Martin

Travis Watson

If anyone was accidentally excluded or a mistake to the list noted, please let me know and I will correct the minutes.

The Treasurer's Report

Ben Chapman was absent due to illness and a report was unavailable.

Old Business/Recent Events

The logo has been modified to reflect a broader target group.  Instead of the logo stating “New Bern Brew Club” it now reads “ATF Homebrew Club”.

Business card were acquired and passed out for everyone present.  Everyone seems to like them.

We talked about Jolly Skull and how we finished all kegs taken.

Committee updates

The Crystal Coast Brew Off Committee Chairman, Ben Chapman, was unavailable but a quick synopsis of the sponsorship progress was given by Bryan Conway.

The Monthly Club Competition Committee Chairman, Terry Laurie gave us a rundown of the club competition guidelines.  There is now a webpage on the site dedicated to the club competition listing the rules and current schedule.  Until the level of interest in the club competition shows enough activity, Dennis is reserving judgment on the future of the judging committee.

Homebrew Festival Committee Chairman Rob Jones reported that research is still being conducted.

New/Old business:

Rob called for nominations for this month's "Brewer of the Month" page and Greg Bergquist was selected.  Go to the website to see a quick bio on Greg.

A discussion was started to find out more details about the Mill Whistle Brew Day offer (date, amount, cost...) and gauge an interest level.  There were several members that indicated they wish to participate:

• Steve Dunham
• Jeremy Davis
• Terry Laurie
• Dennis Overby
• Bryan Conway

More will be discussed about this with Travis, possibly on the forum, as to recipe formulation/date/time.

The possibility of ordering a newer & larger banner was touched upon, especially in light of the fact that Travis has made a donation toward the club obtaining a larger banner than the one we currently have.  This will be looked into later as we get closer to the Brew Off.

The subject of beginning a tech talk and discussion was brought up and a couple of volunteers stepped up to kick the play into motion.

• March – Rob Jones
• April – Travis Watson
• May - ?

Jeff wanted to mention that The Beer Army is offering a 10% discount to AHA members.  Nice!

A motion was passed to make up some membership ID cards, Rob took everyone’s picture.

Next Meeting will be at New Bern Home Brew Supply at 7PM on March 20th and will be sponsored by Ben Chapman

Meeting sponsors:

·         March sponsor - Ben Chapman

·         April sponsor - Bryan Conway

·         May sponsor - Luke Dobbs

·         June sponsor - Terry Laurie

·         July sponsor - Phil Smith

·         August – Mike Dawson

·         September - need a volunteer

·         Oktoberfest - Dennis Overby

·         November - need a volunteer

Motion passed to adjourn the meeting, drink some beer.

February 2014 Meeting Agenda

Agents of the Bureau,

February’s gathering is upon us!

Details:
What: Monthly meeting and sampling of all fermented libations available.

Where: New Bern Homebrew Supply.

When: Thursday February 20^th, from 7pm until Travis kicks us out.

Here are the items on the agenda:

1. Drink beer, discuss it.
2. Business cards.
3. New Logo.
4. CCBO – Ben.
5. Club competition – Terry.
6. Establishment of the judging committee and a preview of what this will entail – Dennis.
7. Examine glassware for leaks and refill appropriately.
8. Vote for brewer of the month.
9. Homebrew Festival – Rob.
10. Tech talk – Luke.  Luke is setting up a list of people to give quick technical/technique discussions during each meeting.
11. New banner for beer fests, etc.
12. Mill Whistle brew day.

Notes: We strongly encourage you to bring homebrew, even if you don't think it's the best beer that you have ever made (if it is then I demand you bring it!).  If you are going to sample, bring a designated driver or make arrangements to get home.  If you don't have any homebrew, try to bring some commercial beers.  Commercial examples can be found in the BJCP Guidelines here: http://www.bjcp.org/docs/2008_Guidelines.pdf

http://www.bjcp.org/docs/2008_Guidelines.pdf www.bjcp.org

We hope to see you there,

Bryan

January 2014 Meeting Minutes

January 2014 Meeting Minutes

Here are the meeting minutes from the January gathering held on January 16th, 2014.

First of all, a thank you goes to Tim Martin for hosting the meeting.  Stout and stogie night is always a huge hit and probably the most anticipated meeting of the year. 

We introduced the officers, held a roll call and the following members and guests were present:

Bryan Conway

Pete Frye

Greg Bergquist

Rob Jones

Dennis Overby

Ben Chapman

Jeremy Davis

Luke Dobbs

Tim Martin

Terry Laurie

Phil Smith

Mike Dawson

Brett (Mike Dawson's Guest)

Sam Lewis

Dick Smith

Dustin Canestorp

If anyone was accidentally excluded or a mistake to the list noted, please let me know and I will correct the minutes.

The Treasurer's Report revealed by Ben Chapman indicates that we have lots of money...  Around $1,500=/-?

Old Business/Recent Events:

A big thank you goes to Travis Watson for hosting the Christmas Party last month.  Everybody attending had a great time.  Thanks Travis! 

The members attending the Mill Whistle tasting gave a glowing account of the event,  Dennis and Jeremy were pleased to have been able to attend.  Looking forward to more events like this but most importantly, another brewery possibly starting in our local area.

Committee updates:

The Crystal Coast Brew Off Committee Chairman, Ben Chapman, reported that all is going well with the planning and preparations for this year's CCBO.  Dustin announced the Beer Army's extremely exciting contributions to this year's event.  On top of allowing us to continue having the event at the Combat Brewery, The Beer Army offered to:

·         Donate some assorted items such as glassware/tees/etc.

·         Pay for 5 double occupancy rooms (two judges/room=10 judges) at a local hotel for a night.  The rooms would be offered to judges as an incentive to travel here for the competition and would be reserved for judges travelling 200+ miles.

·         Allow the winner of the Best of Show award to brew their recipe on the Beer Army Combat Brewery's commercial system for distribution across the State of North Carolina.  NICE!

New/Old business:

Monthly Club Competition Committee was approved - Terry Laurie volunteered to chair Committee and Dennis Overby and Bryan Conway volunteered to assist.  One suggestion as to how this would be instituted is:  Pooled Money with entry fee and half of entry fees going to ATF.  Competition Committee will set up the guidelines for the monthly club competitions.

Incorporation Project - it's a go.  Bryan discussed his findings from his meeting with accountant Stephanie Phillips in Morehead City.  The basic premise is that once the incorporation and non-profit status is achieved, there will be minimal upkeep to maintain the non-profit status.  Only a postcard to the IRS will be required each year.  To obtain this status, we will have to file with the NC Secretary of State ($60.00+/-), re-write the by-laws to include some necessary language, then file with the IRS ($400.00+/-) not including any unavoidable attorney/accountant fees.  This will be a long process but will open the doors to many exciting opportunities in the future.  Motion was passed to proceed.

Web Site:  Webmaster Rob Jones reports that we have:

·         a Go Daddy account for the next 2 years, paid for: http://www.atfhomebrewclub.com.  

·         We have 5 email accounts, one of which will be used by the CCBO committee: ccbo@atfhomebrewclub.com.

·         QR code to add to advertising materials:  

Use of the yahoo email:  Discussed using the forum for most chatting and trying to get away from the yahoo group email.  Yahoo can still be used for important announcements, just keep it to a minimum.  We have a website now - use it.

Rob also called for nominations for this month's "Brewer of the Month" page and Dennis Overby was selected.  Go to the website to see a quick bio on Dennis.

Rob proposed looking into organizing a Home Brew Festival similar to what Brew Durham has become, to be held in conjunction with the CCBO.  The CCBO could be held on one night and the festival the next.  There seemed to be a lot of interest and he will begin studying the possibilities and requirements.  This could become a serious event on the calendar for all homebrewers in our region.  This may not be able to be done this year, but next year is plausible.

Jolly Skull - 5 members attending to man the booth.  A huge thanks to Dustin and the Beer Army for allowing us to do this again, Thanks Dustin!

Breathalyzer - Last meeting, the motion was passed to look into acquiring a commercial grade breathalyzer for use at the meetings.  Due to the inherent cost of such a piece of equipment, the need to retain liquidity of funds is more important in light of the upcoming year (incorporating, CCBO 2014).  The motion was passed to table the project at least until after CCBO 2014 is behind us.

Business Cards - Motion passed to get business cards produced for members to pass out.  Will have logo and website on front and QR tag on back.  Simple but effective.

ATF Logo - A motion was passed to make the club logo more appealing to a broader base of residents, the term "New Bern Brew Club" will be replaced with "ATF Home Brew Club" on the banner so as to have it more generic as to region and not alienate members outside of the New Bern area.  The rest of the logo will remain unchanged.

Next Meeting will be at New Bern Home Brew Supply at 7PM on February 20th and will be sponsored by Greg Bergquist.

A discussion was started to begin forming a judging committee.  This committee will be responsible for promoting a positive judging culture within the club and get some members involved into the process of becoming a BJCP certified judge.  The formation of the committee will be on next month's agenda.

A discussion was also started to find out any details (date, amount, cost...) and gauge an interest level on the Mill Whistle Brew day but Travis was unable to attend the meeting so not much could be determined other than what was in the original announcement.  There was several members that wish to participate.  More will be discussed about this later.

This year's meeting sponsors will be:

·         February-Greg Bergquist

·         March sponsor - Ben Chapman

·         April sponsor - Bryan Conway

·         May sponsor - Luke Dobbs

·         June sponsor - Terry Laurie

·         July sponsor - Phil Smith

·         August - need a volunteer

·         September - need a volunteer

·         Oktoberfest - Dennis Overby

·         November - need a volunteer

Motion passed to adjourn the meeting, drink some beer and smoke some stogies.