ahh 2009

As we turned to face the winds of change and 2009 — we got schooled. Happy New Year, how do you do; TARP, H1N1 and under-employment.

2010 should be the year we look for a change of attitude. Take comfort in the fact that coal is abundant; as are candidates for gift giving.

In the win column we can appreciate tea parties, transparancy, Iranian students on facebook, hwy 40/64, Susan Boyle, Cash for Clunkers, Laurie's alioli.

Morning Musings on Wine and Spirituality

Hi,

We had a great Friday night celebrating Charlie's birthday.
Saturday was a relaxing, romantic Valentines' with Darlene and Steve on the piano and guitar. Her skill on the piano was only surpassed by her extraordinary voice and Steve's guitar playing was skillful and passionate. We look forward to them being with us in the future.

Rhett is gone, way too soon. He found greener pastures very quickly. His passion for wine enthused us and his suggestions for expanding our menu are being taken seriously. We're presently looking to hire a bartender with great wine knowledge and experience.

Mardi Gras is coming up. A week from today! Celebrate before we cleanse our bodies and souls.
Priests get to drink wine during lent, so let's all be priests unto ourselves this lent and celebrate the priesthood of the people, a common theme in early Christianity, let our Lenten resolution be to form community better than we did the past, and perhaps wine and music can be a vehicle unto this end.

What a blatant pitch for business! Don't give up The Wine Press for Lent!

We do form a community of sorts here at The Wine Press — the beginnings of community, if you will. A chance to be listened to, a chance to hear others' stories, perhaps the beginnings of intimacy. Lent is about becoming more spiritual; I hold the position that one gets more spiritual as one gets closer to oneself and the self of others. Perhaps The Wine Press can facilitate our spiritual growth, what a notion.

Rhett Haynes is our new kid on the block between CWE & Gaslight

Welcome, Rhett Haynes.

Rhett comes to us with great enthusiasm and experience with people, wine and food.
Come by, say hello, and get acquainted.

John has moved to Truffles. He created our first wine and beer list, both of which are excellent.
His talented palate will be missed.

Music on Valentine's Day! Piano and Guitar by Darlene and Steve (7 to 10pm).

Taste of Choice

The Wine Press and FAITH ALOUD invite you to attend a
Taste of Choice — a wine tasting Valentines party for reproductive justice.
Monday, February 2, 2009 • 6-9 p.m.

Giving voice to choice, Faith Aloud incorporated in 1982 as a assembly of individuals with diverse religious beliefs, denominations, and practices. They promote reproductive justice through the moral power of religious and ethical communities.

As people of faith:
• they have been educating legislators to trust women to make important personal decisions.
• they train clergy to provide compassionate counseling and to be source of spiritual strength for women in crisis — during families' most difficult times.
• they are a resource for materials and programming to help congregations, of many faiths, discuss complex ethical issues surrounding sexuality and reproduction.
• they shape the public dialogue about sex, contraception, childbirth, and abortion at press conferences, media appearances, and special events.
• they are bringing spiritual young people to the movement through campus groups and internships students and give young professionals a place to develop leadership skills and take action.
• they help define the separation of religion and state knowing that religions disagree on matters regarding sex, reproduction, and termination and remind us that the government cannot legislate one religious view over another.

Space is limited for this private party. Reserve your wine glass now.
A $25 ($10 for students) donation benefiting FAITH ALOUD includes: hors d’oeuvres — a tasting course of premium wines — holiday gift basket auction — dessert — music and fun.

RSVP to FAITH ALOUD
By phone: (314) 531-5010
By email: outreach@FaithAloud.org

Unabashed Hope & Cautious Optimism

The world gives a collective sigh (and maybe rolls its eyes) as we greet our 44th president and his administration. Obama with 66,862,039 or 53 percent of the popular vote verses McCain with 58,319,442 or 47 percent of the popular vote gave us a decided outcome, but not a landslide.

This Inauguration Day is a momentous day to celebrate; an epoch of sorts. No one knows for sure where we are going and we may not even agree; so, it might do us good to consider these words from Ted Kennedy given during the eulogy for Robert F. Kennedy:

"... we can perhaps remember - even if only for a time - that those who live with us are our brothers; that they share with us the same short moment of life; that they seek - as we do - nothing but the chance to live out their lives in purpose and happiness, winning what satisfaction and fulfillment they can.

Surely this bond of common faith, this bond of common goal, can begin to teach us something. Surely, we can learn, at least, to look at those around us as fellow men. And surely we can begin to work a little harder to bind up the wounds among us and to become in our own hearts brothers and countrymen once again."

On Tuesday, January 20, 2009 we invite you to put on your formal wear and share with us a renewed hope of being a nation of brothers, sisters and countrymen held in high regard throughout the world. Let’s raise a glass, the roof and the bar.

2008 Draws to an End

Where did 2008 take you? It feels good to look back over the course of events in 2008, celebrate the milestones (reconnected phone and internet service) and recognize the contributions of friends.

Now, if you are looking for a little resolve turning over a new leaf, or just for fun — join us New Year's Eve. You will find Joe at the piano, warm regard and at midnight, a champagne toast to bring in the New Year.

Here's an optimistic "boo-yah," to holding on to fewer-trans-fats and managing a greener more neighborly mindset in a world where it is easier to behave decently (a bonus "hootie-hoo" for time spent in-the-moment). See you there.

Toasty

Over the Thanksgiving weekend The Wine Press offered comfort and marshmallows by the fire. It wasn't hard to fall victim to excess — it was the party potatoes and other starchy splendors.



The Taste of the Holidays for Our Little Haven served as the commencement of Christmas for us this year. On cue, the winter weather arrived and the luminaries were positively glowy in the mizzle.




Ever gracious somollier, Marco took care and perhaps some satisfaction ensuring everyone enjoyed the vintages A. Bommarito Wines selected for presentation.




At the piano, Joe helped melt the crowd. I didn't see anyone resist jumping into a spontaneous round of happy birthday for Scott. The accompaniment of wine and food with the warm regard of the crowd were persuasive.

Hosting our many good neighbors, friends and new acquaintances was a fitting way to jump-start the holiday season.

It was a great party; "toasty." A generous thank you to all who attended. A very special thanks to all of those who donated their talent, time and energy to get the party started.

Debbie Hanak, Pulaski Bank; Laura Locke, CWE Assn., Robin Baima, Pulaski Bank were part of a gregarious crowd. I it was fun to don some finery and sparkle with the twinkle lights. Next year mark your calendar early!



Greg and the Srs. from The Daughters of Charity; Roseann, Mary and Rose are champions for the families and children at Our Little Haven. A powerhouse combination to foster goodwill.






The wine press invites you back for more holiday fun. We have fresh coffee, hot soup and a cozy spot to go over your list.


photo credit: Sr. Rose, Ann Julian