Summer is in full swing now. As I write my article I am watching the clock slip away on another summer solstice night. Yes it is a little sad to realize that in a few days we will be losing just a few seconds a day. And by the time you read this, our June campout at Eklutna Lake Campground will be in the bag. Too bad we can’t stop the clock just to give us a little more time to get all those summer projects done, all that fishing, and smoking, all that salmon so when the clock starts again we can enjoy our favorite pastime. Well I take most of that back; we could very easily enjoy a cold one while fishin’ or smokin’ up the catch. Not sure on the summer projects, at least I can speak from experience. The more I enjoy a fine cool one, the less work gets done around the house. I can hear that whip crackin’ already!

As I finish this month’s article I am thinking about all the good times the club membership will be having this coming weekend at Eklutna Lake Campground. Every year this is one of my favorite club events. There is enough room for all the kids to ride bikes, play in the woods and mud, while the adults cankick back and reminisce about all the past campouts and memorable club events. This is what summer is supposed to be. We put up all winter long for the chance of enjoying the midnight sun and all the activities that come with it. I want to thank Joe Michaels for volunteering to coordinate this year’s campout. He picked a wonderful theme, and maybe it will bring some of the warmer, sunnier weather our way also. All club members who attended please feel free to post some pictures on the GNBC’s Facebook page. This is our social site for up to the minute updates on everything beer related.

July is going to be another busy month for the homebrew club. For everyone looking for some beer related love we have three events lined up for everyone. Can’t attend all three? Try your best to make it too at least one. Our homebrew club survives on the backs of the membership as a whole. The first club event will be the July 14th picnic at Jeff Loughrey’s home. I contacted him on the details and he said go back to the past years info. Check out the details further in the newsletter. This will be on a Wednesday evening so clear your calendar. The next big event is the GNBC/Humpy’s Charity Golf Tournament.

That’s right; we co sponsor this very worthwhile event. The money raised is donated to First Tee, a nonprofit organization that not only teaches children how to golf, but more importantly teaches them life skills. I’m so proud that our club is able to partake in this wonderful event. A big thanks to Billy Opinsky and all the crew at Humpy’s for providing the engine behind this venture year after year. Most importantly thanks to Mike Hartman and Jason Distworth. They have assumed the chairman responsibilities and are requesting that club members in droves contact them and help volunteer at this event. If you wish to play in the tournament you can reserve your team spot and pay for it when you follow the link on the front page of our club website. We will need maximum participation for everything to come off without a hitch. I volunteered last year and had a blast. There are so many little things that must be accomplished in a very short time. Check out Mike and Jason’s article and give them a call to help volunteer. The date for this event is July 24th, so mark your calendar.

The next event will be the E.T. Barnette Homebrew Competition in Fox, Alaska. That’s right; it’s time for another road trip. This event will be July 31st. Check out Scott’s article in the newsletter for all the details. Every year members from the club venture north to help judge this small but worthwhile competition. The grand prize is $500.00 and is limited to only a few BJCP styles. All the details will be in his articles. If you judge and wish to enter, your beers can be hand delivered to the competition saving you a lot of money in shipping costs. My family will be road tripping and were thinking of staying a Pikes Waterfront Lodge. The lodging rates are cheaper than driving up in my truck with the camper. Check on the GNBC Facebook page for details, maybe we can reserve a block of rooms and have a blast.

Do you have that competition bug yet, because we have another one lined up? The 3rd Annual Anchortown Invitational is scheduled to be held Sunday August 15th. John Trapp is the event coordinator and has all the details to follow later in the newsletter. The categories that will garner points for this competition towards Homebrewer of the Year will be BJCP categories 7,10,13,15 and 27. Go to http://www.bjcp.org/2008styles/ catdex.php to find out all about beer styles for competition and go here, http:// www.bjcp.org/sitemap.php for entry forms. This website has a wealth of information about competitions and beer style guidelines.

On the Thursday the 27th of August we will take care of our club business and will be having a barbeque/picnic at my home in Eagle River. I know it might be out of your comfort zone driving so far to the north, but just think of it like this, Thursday is ladies night, bring the wife and kids and let’s have a fun filled evening. More details will be coming in the August newsletter.

I hope that everyone has a blast this month, come and visit with fellow club members and enjoy all the events that have been planned this month. If you are new to the club there is no better way to meet everyone, than anyone of these events. As a veteran member please make everyone feel welcome, show all the new members why the GNBC is the best homebrew club around. Till we meet again, enjoy the 4th, celebrate your freedom and show some love……….. homebrew style. Don’t forget to think before you drink, always plan for a safe return.

Brew On!