Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/438230
8 | Washington Athletic Club Magazine | JANUARY 2015 Memories: 1975 By Dee Sanwick, History Committee Chair EXOTIC GEMS One of the favorite talks of the spring season was that of Sidney Thal, owner of Fox's Gem Shop. A well-known gem expert, Thal's lecture discussed how to shop for gems and jewelry in foreign lands. And, yes, he did bring samples! A WONDERFUL WEEKEND April's Weekend at the WAC included gourmet dinner and dancing, a night at the Inn at the WAC, bus transportation to see actor- comedian Hans Conried on stage, and Sunday brunch in the Crystal Room, all for just $99 per couple! DRAMA KING The WAC Drama Group performed "The Women," and it was a runaway success. The performance featured 18 players, 28 roles, 12 sets, and more than 68 costumes—all on the Club's auditorium stage. The show played twice to a packed house. PRIVILEGED PARKING The WAC Garage had a special rate for members between the hours of 5 pm and 1:30 am, giving them the opportunity to enjoy themselves until the wee hours. Parking for eight hours was just $1.50. FANCY DANCING The men of the WAC got a special treat for their (stag) Jubilee: the exciting, colorful, swift-moving Las Vegas dance group The Tahitians, as well as other entertainment acts. { BUZZ } By Peter Christian 1997 Col Solare (84% Cabernet Sauvingnon, 13% Merlot, 3% Syrah) Columbia Valley, WA Tasting Notes: Rich black stone fruits combine to offer aromas of blackberry and black currant. Flavors are best described as dark coffee, mocha and vanilla, with hints of tobacco. Stylistically, Col Solare's wines are notable for their elegance. This vintage continues Col Solare's pattern of being approachable without long bottle aging, yet able to age gracefully. Discovery: Red Mountain is the smallest of Washington state's American Viticultural Areas. Its 4,000 acres, with about 1,000 currently planted in grapes, has attracted many notable winemakers. The tiny appellation is the warmest in the state and yields grapes with ripe fruit character, great aromatics, and full tannins. The growing area's nutrient-poor soils, low rainfall, and cool night temperatures combine with summer's daytime heat to produce wines with great structure and elegance. Col Solare's location dictated that the vineyard be planted in a radial pattern, like the rays of the sun. —Peter Christian is WAC Vice President Food & Beverage and a Level 1 Sommelier. For more on Col Solare wines, see page 14. SPORTS FANS, be on the lookout for an upcoming "30 for 30" special on ESPN. The mini-documentary, filmed in part at the WAC in the Voogd Library and Inn at the WAC, will focus on Seattle SuperSonics star player Shawn Kemp. The "Reign Man" played for the Sonics between 1989 and 1997 and was a six-time NBA All-Star. The "30 for 30" documentary series brings in noted directors to document and portray some of the greatest moments in sports history. Kemp's special is being directed by up-and-coming filmmaker Sarah McCarthy, whose most recent film was shown at the Toronto International Film Festival. Kemp remains an active member of the Seattle community. His son, Shawn Kemp Jr., is a forward for the University of Washington. ESPN special shot in Clubhouse J A N U A RY | 2 0 1 5 Sommelier's Selection WAC MEMBER JON SCHOLES has been appointed president and CEO of the Downtown Seattle Association, a nonprofit dedicated to improving the city of Seattle core. Jon previously served as the group's vice president of advocacy and economic development and as policy director. He joined the WAC this past August. Jon's career includes years of government service, including as former governor Christine Gregoire's director of research. Jon was also recently appointed to Seattle Mayor Ed Murray's housing affordability task force and to the emergency task force on unsheltered homelessness. Jon's new position enables him to continue improving downtown. Downtown booster K R I S TA S E R I A N N I Seattle sports personalities Wally Walker, Art Thiel, and Kevin Calabro, clockwise from left, were interviewed at the WAC for an ESPN special.