This should be a sad writing, but to the contrary, it is somehow a joyous event for me tonight. So many of you have not been impressed with my writing or what I have had to say over the years....maybe because I was too long saying it, or maybe it "hit home" and no one like to be "hit!" Which ever, or for what ever other reasons one might invent, this is MY MESSAGE: FOR THE LAST TIME...........

I will tell you, one and all, that I have so much enjoyed serving you and this ACF Chapter for many years from the bottom of my heart. I have harvested a great deal of pleasure and satisfaction seeing literally hundreds of you professionals (and not so professional cooks) go past the gate, so to speak. I have enjoyed watching all the successes unfold over the years, and I quietly shared the happy times with you successful men and women. Like wise, I have observed the unfair, the plagiarists, the cheats, thieves and failures, and learned what to look for in this unfortunate segment of our profession. I have seen the drunks, dope addicts, the job jumpers and, in my words, "the culinary debris" flow like sewer sludge, passing under the noses of the opposite kinds. But, you all know that I call the shots as I see them, no hold bared. I know I have probably hurt some feelings deeply along the way, but somebody had to say aloud and point out the strengths and weaknesses of the membership. Too often those who call themselves your friends, fall far short of that designation, if only because they are not truthful and up front with what they see or to politely criticize what the know is wrong.....glad I learned how to sort "friends" out of the crowd....as I said a sentence ago, I learned a lot over these many years observing the flow of humanity go past my subjective eyes. Now, I have come to the end of the criticism, finger pointing and vocalizations for good and/or bad. I am relieved of this unpleasant reality check, finally.

Very soon I will pass the gavel to a new Chapter President and a mostly new board. (January 2003) I will fade into the shadows of the Chairman's place....to advise and offer opinion only if asked. Finally, I will be able to select the meetings I want to attend, and stay away from all the others. I will be finally able to relax on the local level and concentrate my energies at the National Level....I will still be serving on important national ACF committees and offer what expertise I have garnered for the betterment of the whole Federation and thus, help the locals enjoy what ever comes out of the national initiatives. We'll see.

You have a job to do on November 26th. You have to select, by ballot, a new administration, one that will carry you and your ideas for the next 2 or 4 years. You will be asked to elect a Chef of the Year who will bring honor and class to the ACF Professionals of Rochester, NY. The field of candidates is excellent, all strong in one area or another, however, only one can win. It's up to you to make the wise choices with you vote. Mistakes have been made in the past, and we have all suffered as a result.. For those of you who remember the horror stories, beware, those of you who have merely heard the stories....you can't imagine how one negative spirit can taint what ever good can possibly come from an actively productive administration...how the President and his Board can be held back having to deal with unnecessary crap from a bad "pill or two!"

I offer good luck to each of the contestants being challenged.....a wise and level head to those running unopposed and many great years to follow for the entire membership you will lead and represent.

Many of you know, that depending on who prevails in the Chef of the Year race, I will or will not endorse a poor selection. Not that my endorsement amounts to a hill of beans....it doesn't! But, I will be saddened if I believe the election went to an individual because of his popularity rather than his contributions, skill, passion for cooking and integrity.......that would indeed be sad (again) for this Chapter. Go, Vote your conscience....not for your "friends" but the very best person for the job.......after all, you're reflected in their performance and representations.

Lastly, Reyhan and I wish each of you, and yours, the very best of the holidays, Thanksgiving, Chanukah, Christmas and Kwanza....and mostly a perfect New Year filled with everything good and healthy, prosperous and rewarding.....this is our prayer as well as our wish for all of you.

(there won't be a December Newsletter, thus, no message from me!)
so............
remember: Cooking's fun, and always a snap!
Chef Don
Chapter President (for a minute longer)