Ceremony:  Grant Memorial Reflecting Pool, Capital Hill, Washington, DC
Dinner:  Caucus Room  •  401 9th Street, NW, Washington, DC

As the wind howled, the lightning streaked across the sky, the thunder crashed, and the rain pelted the Capital City, no doubt many members wondered what fool would hold an Assemblage outside in this weather.  He must be as possessed as King Lear howling at the wind.  Few realized that the Cadre of the KOV answers to a higher authority.  In this case, the roar of jets resuming take-offs at Ronald Reagan National Airport ― as fitting an all-clear signal as can be.

Russ Davis was elevated to the rank of Master Knight.  Long an enthusiastic support of our cause, no doubt Russ will perform the duties of office well.  Master Knight Vernon Danielsen performed the duties as Symbolic Knight with zest and skill.  As Chairman of the Virginia ABC, Vern is an enthusiastic supporter of the Virginia wine industry.  Gentle Lady Nancy Davis added her grace and charm to the ceremony.  She and Russ have graciously hosted several of our events in their home.

Gentle Lady K. C. Finn contributed her usual vigor and enthusiasm.  Many know her as the one who puts the Caviar into our Cruise.  Knight Del Konnor attended many of our events for several years.  Unable to attend assemblages in the past, now Del is finally one of us ― little does he know.

Knight Thomas Rodebaugh adds knowledge and manners to our group ― do we need them?  Tom is the Assistant General Manager of the Metropolitan Club where the Assemblage was held last year and he greatly contributed to that brilliant event.  Gentle Lady Dawn Swindells is a fountain of British wit and humor to an otherwise solemn (?) organization.  A charter member of the “Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence,” Dawn was concerned if, as a former subject of the British Crown, she could become a Gentle Lady without Her Majesty’s permission ― thus she was inducted as a Rough Gentle Lady.

After enduring the harrowing ordeal with the elements, we retired to the comfort of the Caucus Room and spent a splendid evening enjoying each other’s company and elaborately dining on foods and wine that challenged the palates of all.  

CALENDAR FOR REMAINDER OF 2004

Polo and Wine was cancelled this year due to circumstances beyond our control, and we usually take a break in July and start the fall schedule in August. Below is a preview of exciting events to come.

Event	Location	Date/Time	Description
Blessing of the Vines with Christendom College Choir	Oasis Vineyards Hume, VA	Saturday, August 21st 7 p.m.	Again we will enjoy this magnificent ceremony that has occurred since time immemorial.  We continue the tradition.  For additional information on the event, the menu, and the cost please visit the Oasis Vineyards website.  Make reservations directly with Oasis and be sure to state you are a member of the KOV.
Champagne, Salmon, and Caviar Cruise of the Memorials	Washington's Main Street, The Potomac River	Sunday, September 19th 6:45 p.m.	The good ship (?) Admiral Tilp will be exclusively ours to party and while enjoying the beauty of Washington’s Main Street – the artery on which the city was built.  The Redskins play away in the afternoon that day, so season ticket holders may appear without fear.
Thomas Jefferson Harvest Dinner, Karen Harper Fuog, Chef	Private Home Near Middleburg, VA,	Saturday, October 23rd	The ever imaginative Karen Harper Fuog is dreaming up ways to challenge our palates and our inventive food and wine pairings.  For those who “think out of the box” this will be the place to be.  The venue is not quite yet settled, but, most likely, will be a private home in or around Middleburg.
Christmas Party  and Children's Benefit	Ristorante Portofino,  Crystal City, VA	Friday, December 3rd 7  p.m.	This delightful event features a groaning board of excellent foods, a wonderful array of wines, good cheer, and the opportunity to donate presents to the less fortunate children in Anacostia (SE, DC) and Alexandria.

OTHER NEWS

Master Knight George Foote is now the National Wine Educator for Ste. Michelle Wine Estates.  We plan to spend an evening next spring with this superb wine educator.  If you cannot wait that long, George will be at the Bailiwick Inn in Fairfax on August 19th and September 17th.  For additional information, please contact the Inn: 703-691-2266 or theinn@bailiwickinn.com.