Ukulele Club of Silicon Valley Update from Dave Fichtner

“Well, it’s been 10 years…. Lynn and I have been through a lot of health issues this last year; and, my body seems to be wearing out…. 
Also, the labor market has been getting tougher and tougher with the economy. Last year Nick couldn’t get coverage for our jams in November and December; and, we had to cancel. He generally uses college kids; and that’s not just vacation time but also finals time. Plus wages keep going up in a competitive marketplace. 
Subsequently, the 2nd Monday in October will be the “last monthly jam and sing along” at Dana Street Coffee Roasting Co.
In 10 years, I don’t believe we’ve had a single event where we didn’t have someone new to the ukulele. Tonight we had 3 people new to the ukulele and at least another 4 new to the club. Lots of disappointment but, it’s time to move on. I guess one could say we’ve helped add a lot of fellow uke players to our community.
There’s lots of other ukulele playing in the area. If you’re interested, send me an email and I’ll clue you in.
But stay tuned! I expect to do our annual Christmas jam and sing along at the Alpine Inn; and, Nick has committed to opening up a night, during good weather, in the first quarter for a sayonara jam and sing along.
Plus, I expect to hold 3 or 4 events during next year, possibly at different locations. I’ve always wanted to see if we could get the different ukulele clubs to combine for a “giant” ukulele jam and sing along’. Who knows, maybe next year! I’ll also expect to do semi-regular Friday midday jams at the Alpine Inn, in good weather. They’ve redone the Alpine Inn; and, it’s now even better than before. They even have a chef; and over 12 beers on draft.
Over the years, we’ve added over 800 people to our mailing list; so, best wishes to you all; and I hope to see you in October. Maybe we’ll blow out Dana Street Roasting Coffee Co, with attendance. Many on the list have moved… we have members in Hawaii, Germany, other California cities, Oregon, and other places. But it’s still good to hear from you occasionally. 
Keep on strumming and especially singing together!”