Latest News On "bttw 2004" !!!!! Watch This Thread !!!!!!!!

[Balzy]

I thought I would start one thread this year to keep everyone informed of news and changes for BTTW for 2004. I will keep this thread updated as information comes in.
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Here is the tentative schedule and information from the original thread that announced the dates:

Our annual Midwest Charity Boating event dates are set. It will run from Thursday July 22nd through Sunday July 25th. We will be doing out usual tour of Mercury High Perf, Merc High Perf Merchandise sale, Poker Run, Charity Auction and dinner, Fryout at my place, etc like we have done in the past. We are working with Mercury to see what else we can dream up. They want to become even more involved !!!!!!!!!!! They have asked us for ideas on what they could do to become more involved. Anyone with ideas on what they would like to see, please post it here and I will take them to Merc.

One change we will be making this year is where the donation goes. We have been giving all (100%) of the proceeds to March of Dimes in the past. In the last 3 years we have donated appx $7200 to them. ($4200 last year alone) We appreciate their involvement and thank them for being part of our event for the last 3 years.

As some of you know, my father is not doing well. He has Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) along with Pulmonary Hypertension. (Not a good combination) Anyone that has dealt with a family member with AD knows what we are going through. AD is one of the worst diseases in the world to cope with. (For the patient and the family and friends) This has really hit home hard for our entire family. I have made the decision to change the charity to an Alzheimer’s organization. At this point, it is very important to me to make this the best donation year ever. The particular chapter has not been set in stone at this time but it will probably be a local chapter rather than a national organization.

This disease needs to be solved. If it keeps going at the rate it is, it will cost the economy $100,000,000,000.00 by the year 2030 in lost wages for patients and caregivers, and expenses to care for the patients. (Yep that’s right, 100 Billion dollars) As you can imagine, this will wipe out Medicare. Our current economy and government simply can't afford this. I am sure our donation will not solve the disease but everyone’s small part will help.

We will also be involving the Wisconsin Tavern League this year. With their involvement, they will match up to a $3000 donation. I am targeting a $10,000 donation this year. Anyone, businesses or people that would like to help with donations (cash, boating parts, props, or anything for the auction, please e-mail me at Mbalz@charter.net. Every little bit helps. Thanks in advance for your involvement.
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Things are moving along in many areas right now. The latest happenings are as follows:

(1) I am working with the Wisconsin Tavern League to see if they can schedule me to give a presentation to them next Monday at their monthly meeting. I will be presenting the event schedule to them, telling them the details of the donation, working with them on places we will be using that are Tavern League Members, asking them for a match of some sort for the donation, etc. (We will be relocating a few of the different activities of the event to enable us to use League members establishments as much as possible) I will update again after we have our meeting.

(2) We met with the owner of Fisherman’s Cove last night. This is where we will be having the charity dinner and half of the charity auction. He is not currently a member of the Tavern League. Before I even had to a chance to talk about it, he volunteered to join. Wow, that's great. That puts a big feather in our cap for the meeting with the Tavern League now that we recruited a new member for them in a county that they have been working hard to recruit more members.

(3) We received the letter from the Alzheimer’s Association that we have been waiting for. It spells out that they have accepted the event, tells you about the organization, and makes it easier to justify donation for businesses. I will try to post a copy of it on this thread. (Kappy, I will bring a signed hard copy on the 13th for Sara):D

(4) Talked to Rick Mackie at Merc Racing this morning and he is working on getting us a tour of the new VERADO manufacturing line at the production plant. I also left him a message later to see if they could have a boat in the water during prop testing or the Poker Run with a new Verado on it for all of us to see, touch, smell, and drool over. Maybe even some boat rides with it!

(5) We are working on a schedule to attend a City of Kiel Chamber of Commerce meeting to introduce the event and tell them that we will be pounding on every business door in town asking for donations.

(6) Donations have begun !!!!!!! As some of you know, Laker and his brother Sarge were kind enough to start a donation bucket at Sarge’s welcome home party. We have a good start for the year already. Thanks to everyone at the party for donating.

(7) We have the great Stacie Lake (artist extraordinare) working on a new logo and artwork for the T-shirts. You go Girl !!!!!!!!!!;)

(8) Last but certainly not least. We have one more big surprise for a charity auction item or as a donation. It’s bigger and better than any donation we have ever received. I can’t give out any more details until we get it finalized but I can tell you that this one is really close to my heart !!!!!!!!!! More on this one later. Thanks Mom.

Here is the letter from AD. Download it if you want and take it to your bosses or local businesses and start pimping them for donations please.:D ;) :)

[Scream And Fly]

Mike, do you want me to update the link on the left to point to this thread?

Greg

[Balzy]

I was still editing a few things and I have an e-mail started where I was going to ask you do just that. I was going to send it as soon as I had the link to this post. Here you are just waiting. LOL. You da man !!!!!!!!!!!

[Scream And Fly]

Glad to help - you're all set now!

Greg:)

[Balzy]

It's been 2 minutes now and the link still goes to the old thread. You are slack'in man !!!!!!!!!!!:eek: :eek: LOL

[Balzy]

after 3 minutes it was done. Thanks. :D :D :D

[lhovan49]

Mike, lookin good. I will take your letter and see what I can scrounge up, glad the Wisc. Taveren League worked out, great bunch of people, if there is anything else we can do let me know.

[SleeveA]

Oh-boy, Oh-boy!!! It’s time to start working on BTTW:D Wait, ya know how much work goes into this? (I know a few of you do) Balzy has been working in the background on this for some time now and is doing a great job of it. I've been there for all of BTTW's and did what I could to help out, like getting in the way and out bidding myself then re-selling it, ya know fun stuff. Mike really does go out of his way to make everyone who attends feel like their helping by being there. This year with the change of charity it makes it a bit more special and way to close to home for Mike.
It looks like the Charity Auction this year is going to bring some great stuff and a few REAL BIG items, no not T-man he’s not for sale, he makes to good of an auctioneer..
I’m going to do my best to dig deep this year and hope a few of you do too.
Here is the photo of Sarge Lake at his welcome home party drumming up donations for the Alzheimer’s Association. What a guy!!!!!!!
See ya there

[Laker]

ALL For AD!!!
MAN IM SOO JAZZED I CANT WAIT!!!!
Lets make this party ROCK!!!!!

[KaptainKirk]

Had 4 different branch executives over for saras excellent cooking tonight......maybe we can submit multiple times....looks like I have at least a little over a 1/4 of last years already....now its time ta let Sara go to work with your e-mail....give it time.....
Now time ta work on Dad and Mom and there prospective work places:)

What ya wanna bet...........I pull last years by pushing people I know!!!

I LOVE YA MAN......

[STVorHST?]

Mike,

Sorry to hear about your dad.

I know it is not boating related items but I am more than willing to donate a few hundred dollars worth of Swords & Daggers to auction off from our CastleSwords.com business if you are interested.

If you are interested send me an e-mail with an address to have them drop shipped to.

Hope it helps.

Mark Baumgart
Merrill, WI

www.CastleSwords.com

[Alz 4 U]

Hello,

Sounds like the plans are coming along very nicely. I am really getting spring fever and can't wait for the big event!!! I am working on a donation for your auction too. I will share more details later.

Thank you again to all of you... Can't wait to meet you all.

Tami

[Balzy]

Sleeve, you know you do more for the event than you admit. And are you sure we can't auction off Thumper? Welllllllllllllllllllll, nope, forget it, we wouldn't get chit for him anyway !!!!!!!!!!!!

Len, the Tavern League deal isn't signed and sealed yet. It's a little more involved than you or I were told in the initial stages. I will keep you updated as things happen. If it wasn't for you I wouldn't be going through all this work right now. LOL Seriously, thanks for the heads up on it. If it works out, it will really help.

Mark, good to see you post. We will gladly take your donations. It doesn't matter if the items are boat related, Thumper and I will shame people into buying anything !!!!!!!!!!:eek: :eek: :eek:

Tami, thanks for being part of this and following the threads. Good to see you on here. Talk to you soon.

Kappy, like I said, I will have copies of signed letters for you on the 13th. Guess I'll bring a pile of spares for everyone. It'll be good to see Mama and Papa Kappy !!!!!!

Laker, thanks again for all your support from the whole family. Stacie is our new art director and I can't wait to see what she comes up with. Sarg, if you read this, YOU DA MAN !!!!!!!!!!

[ProComp]

Looks like you might need a VISA set up for the auction!
Canuck donation coming with us.

ProComp

PS April 2nd still an OK night for you? 4 - 24's of Canuck Beer coming if anyone is interested. Email me. Thanks.

[Maureen M]

Originally posted by STVorHST?


www.CastleSwords.com

Mike -
You've got some cool stuff there! I'm just thinking that I'll have to ship it to NY if I fly out to BTTW- I don't think the airline would look too kindly on flying with a sword:p

Maureen

ps - That damn Accept song has been stuck in my head for weeks now - thanks a lot Balzy!!!

[STVorHST?]

Maureen,

For all who are planning on flying into BTTW don't worry about shipping the Swords & Daggers...They will come with individual shipping boxes that will allow you to just check them as luggage if you desire......By the way unless you like attention DO NOT put them in your carry on.

So go ahead and bid high to help out a great charity.

Sincerely.
Mark@CastleSwords.com

[AnthonySS]

Looking GREAT MIKE...keep up the good work:)

[specboatops]

I did not see where this is at and who do we contact about attending.

[SleeveA]

specboatops,

More info on Hotel and such will come out soon

[Balzy]

I just got off the telephone with the manager at the Baymont Inn and Suites in Fon du Lac. I have booked a block of rooms for everyone. We used this same hotel in other years. Large parking lot for the rigs, big rooms, clean, rights across the highway from Merc’s production plant, nice place.

This does NOT mean you have a reservation !!!!!!!!

You need to call in your own reservation. When you call, just ask for reservations, and tell them you want a room in the block for "Balz to the Wall Boating Event” This will get you a better rate. Normal prices are $82.95 per night for two people for a double room. We have negotiated a price of $65.00 a night for doubles or kings with as many people as you want in the room!!!!!! We have doubles and kings in the block, but suites are available for those who want to pamper themselves. The phone number is (920) 921-4000.

The cutoff date for the block is July 1st but please get you reservations in now so we have a better idea if we need more or less rooms in the block as we get closer to the event.

The address is:
Baymont Inn and Suites
77 Holiday Lane
Fon du Lac, WI 54937

You can see their Website for directions and amenities at: http://baymont.net/fonddulac/#Directions
http://www.baymontinns.com/common/images/baymontlogo.gif
http://www.baymontinns.com/images/Ext_Greendale_1.jpg

[SleeveA]

Ok, no one is to pee in the pool this year:rolleyes:

[John Dorn]

Mike,

As always it's looking better than last year!

This year I'm trying something new for BTTW. I will pack up my printing gear and have it at the event. I will be making as many prints as I can right at the event. Sizes from 8" x 10" to 13" x 19". All will be on high end paper and printed with archival inks so the prints should last 60 years without fading. I'm also looking into some mats and frames. I will try to have some made up so I can put the photo in the frame at the event. The prints will be top notch.

All the money raised from the photos will go into the kitty and you’ll all have something to hang on the wall.

[nelsoncat]

Boy, I can't wait for summer!!!!! I just hope it rains a good 1-2 inches the day before so I don't have to irrigate; that means I can be on the water instead of pumping water. Question; was there a BTTW2003 CD? I don't think there has been a day that I have missed being on the boards but don't recall seeing anything. Just thought I'd ask. Hope to see you all on the water soon, I think my field across from my house would float a boat right now!!!! The snows too wet to ride on with the ZL600.

Later,
Craig

[Balzy]

We have time set aside at the Kiel Area Chamber of Commerce meeting on April 7th to present our event and get the Chambers blessing. This will allow us to send letters to the local Kiel businesses asking for donations. It sounded very positive so far.

Also, waiting for a call right now to find out if we are scheduled for the Tavern League meeting next Monday.


nelsoncat, contact John Dorn about the 2003 stuff. He might be able to fix you up with something.

[Mrs. Laker]

Excited to get the art work rolling for this event!!!

BTTW is such a great event... your support and enthusiasm for helping these charitis alone, this year of course closer to your heart. Had a blast last year and 2004 bigger and better than ever!!! Honored to donate, help out and be a little part of BTTW. Thanks Mike.

[SleeveA]

I bet Stacie is going to come up with something really cool!!!

She knows her stuff!!!!!!

Good to hear from you Stacie and ya cant even tell I bumped into your house anymore...:eek:

[SGT LAKER]

can't wate to be there this year

[Balzy]

Cold rainy, snowy day in WI yeaterday so I thought I would build a BTTW site. It's just a start for now. I will add more when I have some time. Go here to see it :http://www.freewebs.com/balzy2/index.htm

[halveb]

What a good looking group of boaters (except that big one in the muscle shirt in the middle :eek: ) :D .

[Maureen M]

Site looks good! :D

Maureen

[SleeveA]

Balzy,

I see ya made a few changes to the site,, Looks good but need more pic's


:http://www.freewebs.com/balzy2/index.htm

[Balzy]

I just got the second establishment to join the Wisconsin Tavern League because of our involving them in the event. The Gravel Pit Bar and Grill in Kiel agreed to join the Tavern League because we offered to have the 2nd half of the charity auction there. (This is the part we normally did at my house) They have a huge indoor volleyball court area for us if the weather is bad. It's a real nice almost brand new place. It's a Sports bar with lots of TV's and a way for us to plug in all our camcorders and watch the footage we got from the Poker Run etc. We will have the food catered in by MC's Pub and Grill (Another Tavern League establishment) in Kiel. This is good news guys. This should pull some weight with the Tavern League donation match offer !!!!!!!!!!!

[Laker]

YAA HOO!!!
NICE Job Mike!!!

[Alz 4 U]

That is great news Mike! I am glad that things are coming along so well with your planning. If there is anything else you need, let me know.

Nice sunny day out there today, hopefully it will stick around!!!

Take Care,

T

[Balzy]

I just got off the phone with Dan at Fort Fremont. As some of you know, Fort Fremont was one of the largest dealers of Hydrostreams back in the Pipkorn days. They are again a dealer for Jim. They have been added as a stop on the Poker run and will be donating to the auction. :D :D They will have a Hydrostream or two in the water for us if they are not all sold at that time. ;) They will be joining us on the Poker run and as much of the rest of the event they can find time for. Thanks go out to Dan and the whole crew at Fort Fremont for your involvement !!!!!!! Thanks also to Wogi for helping put this together. :D

And as usual, Jay Smith looks like he will again be the first one to send a donation !!!!!!!!! Happens this way every year. :D :D Jay you rock, thanks buddy.

[Balzy]

Jay is gonna come in second this year on getting the first donation in. Sleeve Anderson beat him to it with a S&F Polo shirt. Now this has gotta be the first and only time Sleeve was quicker than anyone !!!!!!!!!! :eek: :eek: :eek:

Jay, you still ROCK !!!!!!!!!

Sleeve, ya made me do it !!!!!!!!!!

[SleeveA]

Do I need to say it??????



Oh-boy!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Balzy]

I messed up real bad here !!!!!!!!!! My bad for sure. Sarge and Laker get the honors of first donation in for the year. They are the ones that made up the donation bucket at Sarges coming home party. They are the best for doing that. We got about $200 in it because of Sarges natural ability to pimp people for cash !!!!!!!!! Sleeve comes in second, and Jay, sorry but ya slipped to third place this year. Guess if ya wanna be on top ya gotta get your chit here by the first of the year !!!!!!!! That's what I love about all you guys, the support you all give is unbelievable. Now Sleeve taking second I can believe, he's used to that behind me, but Sleeve beating Jay just still don't sound right. :eek: :eek: :eek:

THIS IS GOING TO BE THE BIGGEST, BEST YEAR EVER FOR BTTW!!!!!!!!!:D :D

Laker and Thumper, I guess this means we will see ya'll Friday night now, right? No damn excuses, ya hear?

;) :rolleyes: :confused:

[Laker]

:D Done Deal!
Stacie Committed to another painting and I have some new Hardware in the box ready to the auction!
I will call you from the road with an ETA friday.
I think this is going to hurt!

[Balzy]

Be waitin for your call. BTW, what were ya do'in, just sitt'in on this page hitt'in refresh, wait'in for it to change? LOL

[Laker]

uh huh:D :cool:

[SGT LAKER]

YOU NOW GOT IT IN THE RIGHT ORDER.
I WAS WONDERING HOW LONG IT WAS GOING TO TAKE YOU!
BTTW i CAN'T WAIT!:D

[Balzy]

Hey don't that boat look a little crooked to anyone else?

[Jay Smith]

Goodies left today Mike UPS.............

ENJOY !

Jay and Cathy

[Laker]

ohhh Man JSRE Fun stuff!
I love my JSRE Hat!
Now I just need you to do some OMC Hot rodding!
BTW if I haven’t told you before, your Seminar at the Rumble was the Chitz! Some of the most incredible Information regarding airflow, balance and 2 stroke theory I have heard. Real world Info and no BS!
THANKS Jay You’re the best!

[Balzy]

No Bull**** + Regular Nice Guy = Jay Smith

Thanks to you and Cathy, buddy.

[Balzy]

I have updated the website to include new ways to make donations. E-mails can now also be sent to BTTW@charter.net.

We have opened a PayPal account in the name of BTTW@charter.net. We have also have a new checking account in the name of "Balz to the Wall". We can also take Credit Cards now !!!!!!! Go to the website for the updates and links.

BTTW WEBSITE (http://www.freewebs.com/balzy2/)

[On Tap]

This sounds great! I'm in and will try to bring a few others w/boats also. Coming over from Central Wis.

I've got the dates, is there an itinerary so we know what's happening, where it's happening, and what day & time?

Is it similar to the Allison Rally's where we all left the hotel together every day or do you meet where ever that days events are taking place?

Thanks!

Keith

[Balzy]

for more detailed info. Click the link below:

BTTW Website (http://www.freewebs.com/balzy2/)

I just added a schedule of events page. A few things may change but it will be close.

Click the link below to go directly there:

Schedule of Events Page (http://www.freewebs.com/balzy2/scheduleofevents.htm)

I also added a link to the home page so you can now download the event Annoucment letter in a Microsft Word (.doc) format. You can then print it and take it to other people you think may be willing to help donate.

Remember guys, this is tax deductable !!!!!!!!!!!

I also just added the Hotel information there as a new page too.

On Tap, what part of the state are you coming from? How many boats do you think you will have? Will you need hotel rooms? Will you be here for the dinner Thursday night? Are you going to be here for the auction on Saturday? Sorry for all the questions, just trying to do some planning. This is gonna be big this year. Looks like 40+ boats right now !!!!!!!!

[halveb]

Hey I thought I had the first donation back on 2/4/04.

http://forums.screamandfly.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=52046&highlight=BTTW

Guess I don't rate. :p I know taxes ain't cool and they don't go fast but I personally guarantee these donated returns will bring in $300 (cause I ain't letting dem go for any less than that.) :D

Just for the record donations at the charity auction are only tax deductible to the extent they exceed the fair market value of the goods and services you bought. Kind of like when you order a CD from public tv for $40 you can only deduct $25 cause the value of the CD is $15. Noooowwww....I don't know who sets the value and I ain't asking. :eek:

Money donations on the other hand are fully deductible so go for it.

[Balzy]

your tax return donations. Sorry, I guess that moves Gimlet down another notch. LOL Now you just keep your little tax accountant mouth shut about what's a write of and what's not. :D :D Like you said "I don't know who sets the value and I ain't asking." Actually I was thinking along the lines of cash and check donations as deductable. I am gonna call you tonight. I have another deduction question for ya.

[On Tap]

Balzy,

Thanks for the event schedule.

Regarding your questions:
I'd estimate we will bring as many as six other boats or as few as three (a couple of these guys might leak out).

We will be coming from Plover in Central Wis.

I'll probably come over Thurs morning, not sure if the others will come thurs or if they will meet us in Fremont on Fri.

What's the plan for Saturday during the day?

Sounds great!

Keith

[nelsoncat]

Just wondering where you guys do your boating; Wis river? What are you running for boats? Nice to know there are more people close by that have something more sporty than a pontoon or deck boat!!!

Craig

[Balzy]

mostly consumed with the auction, fryout, socializing. We may be able to hit Lake Winnebago in the morning if the wind is right. Keep me informed on the number of people. And, what Craig said, what do you guys run for rigs?

[k-man]

GOT MY VACATION PLANNED AROUND IT :) cant wait 2 see all the rigs - i can tell all ready im going to be 1 of those big white refrigeratos in the black sea - runnen a 87' 225 johnny on a 375v ranger bb - any lists of times all this stuff starts at ?

[Balzy]

so far. It's a little early in the game to be laying down those kind of details. We usually start with things around 9:00 to 9:30 AM every day though.

[k-man]

yea i know but im think im going crazy just thinken about it - the boats in tomahawk and im here - cant touch it , cant look at it - cant even fire it up and suck on the exhaut - GOD i hate winter - come on global warming - i think i might take a ride up that way tommorow to check out the high cliff state park

[SleeveA]

I got the chance to see what Mrs. Laker has in the works and all I can say is COOL!!

Mrs. Laker rocks!!!!!!!

[Mrs. Laker]

Thanks Steve!!!! I'm excited about it myself :D And the t-shirts are going look COOL this year!!!

[On Tap]

Craig,

We run the Wis River and lake Du Bay mostly. We get down to Castle Rock for a poker run, Fremont for a run down to Winnebago once or twice, up north a couple times, and this year we will be adding the BTTW and Lenfest.

The people I run with have: Gambler/200xs, Champion/Mariner175, Crownline lpx, and various other io's. I run an Allison SS w/Merc 280.

You'll have to bring your STV over to Du Bay with us this summer. Those things are awsome.

Keith

[halveb]

Always wanted to get down to Castle Rock. We camp at Petenwell every Memorial Day weekend (fools that we are). It usually rains, last year it was like 38 degrees Thursday night.

Stop down Memorial day weekend if you get a chance. Last year we had several guys off the board and some that don't frequent the board but have hot boats.

[Balzy]

Mrs. Laker has been busting her butt designing this. She is the queen !!!!!!! Thanks so much for all the hard work Stacie. You rock. This logo will be used on the T-Shirts we are having made. We will be selling the T's at the event. If someone that can't make it to the event wants one we can ship them. All proceeds go tword the donation. I think this logo is the #$%& !!!!!!

WE WILL HELP BREAK THROUGH THIS WALL OF AD !!!!!!!!!!!!

[halveb]

Just glad that's not my HST smashing through your wall Balzy. :D

Looks awesome. It will be here sooner than we think. Summers always go so fast.

[AnthonySS]

NICE WORK Stacie

[Laker]

THATS MY GIRL!!

[Mach2]

Fantastic job on the logo Stacie. Looking forward to seeing it on the T-shirts.

Balzy-Will you be selling the shirts prior to BTTW?

[Balzy]

Now it's time to get approvals, quotes, etc. This stuff never ends.........

[lhovan49]

Great lookin logo Mike, let me know when they become available, got our reservations now we just need a couple of shirts:D See ya in June
Lenny

[Alz 4 U]

Finally had some time to check out the website. The logo looks awesome! I was wondering Mike if the t-shirts were going to be sold before the event or during. Just let me know, I have shared your logo with some of our staff. Great job!!! Thank you again. I love the optimism of the logo!!!!!!!

Take care!

T

[Balzy]

We will be getting shirts made up before the event. It looks like there is enough interest to start selling them soon.

[Laker]

I would like to order 5 now please!

[k-man]

il be wering mine with pride :)

[Mrs. Laker]

Thanks guys for all your great comments, appreciate it! Glad to see everyone's as excited about the logo and t-shirts as we are!!! Tami so glad you and your group like it too!

Of course I can’t take all the credit… with Mike’s persistence and motivation defiantly helped improve the end result... but boy he’s a pain in the you know
what…. Just kidding Mike, glad I can help!

It’s all worth it and anything goes for this event!!

[Balzy]

Mark Baumgart of Castle Swords for his donation. Never thought we would be auctioning off swords at BTTW but we will be !!!!!!!!! Thumper, now ya know ya can't be demonstrating with these while ya play auctioneer !!!!!!!!! Mark, thanks also for the link on your site. He's got some really neat stuff. Check it out.

www.castleswords.com

Thanks again Mark and it will be good to see you at BTTW !!!!!!!!!

[Balzy]

Just got a bigass box delivered today from Mark Buamgart of CastleSword LLC. Wow, are there a pile of swords in this box !!!!!! These are some really cool look'in blades !!!!!!!!

Bring lots of cash to the event this year boys and girls cause we are gonna have a ton of stuff at the auction. Thanks much Mark.

Here is a link to his site:
CastleSwords LLC (www.castleSwords.com)

[Balzy]

Wogi called me tonight and told me he moved to Fremont, right on the water. Lucky guy, you suck !!!!!!!!! :D :D :D

Anyway, he can see a resort from his new house. He went there and found out they have 9 cabins available the week of BTTW. He put a hold on all of them for now. I don't know much about these or how nice they are but they are right on the water and have in water parking for the boats. It would be a bit farther drive for most of the event but you could be right in the middle of it for the poker run day. If there is enough interest we will keep the hold on them, if not we will be letting them go. If anyone is interested, put a reply here. Otherwise get your reservations made at the Baymont (info above in a earlier reply). I need to know soon if we need more than the 20 rooms we have blocked there.

[Balzy]

To Clyde,

Thanks so much for the generous donation to the Alzheimer's association. It really helps. We really appreciate it. Looking forward to seeing the Venom at BTTW.

Balzy

[thaw ripper]

Baymont Inn let's get them booked!

Looks like everyone putting there heart into this GREAT EVENT!

I'M GETT'IN PUMPED UP!

[Balzy]

Thank you goes to Paul Reed for his generous donation. He's the first one to use the PayPal at Bttw@charter.net. It was great seeing you and the Canooks last Friday night. Thanks again Paul.:D :D :D

[Balzy]

No, not an AA meeting. :eek: :eek: LOL

I attended the monthly (KAAC) Kiel Are Association of Commerce meeting last evening. I presented the event to them and asked for their support. It was voted on and we have 100% support from them. I will be receiving a mailing list containing all their members. I will be mailing announcement letters to all the businesses on the list asking for donations.:D :D

I also got the first T-shirt sample last night. They look Freaking awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!! I will post a picture of them when I get a chance to take one. We will be selling T-shirts before the event for anyone that wants one. This would be a good way for people that can’t make it to the event to make a donation.

I should have more details tonight on the Tavern League involvement. I will post the news as we get it in.

[Alz 4 U]

Mike,

You are on a roll!!!! That is great that KAAC is going to support the event. I can't wait to see the T-shirts. I wanted to get some for our staff so let me know when they are available.

As always, let me know if you need any help with anything.

T

[SleeveA]

Hot off the Press's!!!!
:D :D

[Laker]

Oh man Oh man!!
STICKERS!!!!:D :D

[Balzy]

for even more add ons. They look great.

I should also have the final proof back from the T-shirt dude soon. We should have them by the end of the week I hope.

I will have an update on the Tavern League thing soon too. It sounds like they are going to run 3 to 5 of their own fundraisers and work them in with ours !!!!!!!!!!!!

[thaw ripper]

Cabin Rental any word on the prices?

[Balzy]

by the end of next week !!!!!!!!!!!!! Here is one of the proofs. This is the back. The front has the same logo but smaller. The AD Logo is on the left hand sleeve. We will be taking the "2004" year off the date and reversing the red and black in the date so not to take away from the logo so much. Anyway, this will give you an idea of what they will look like. I will post the price for them in a couple days. Get ready to buy !!!!!!!!!!!

[Balzy]

to the Sponsor page on the Website today. Click the link below and check em out !!!!!!!!!!!!!

[skidoo29]

stickers and shirts look awesome mike.
good to see this event growing.

great job everyone, hoep to see you there

warren

[Balzy]

other interest in the cabins so I don't think we will push it. Get hold of Wogi here on the board for the details. He can put you in touch with the people so you can get one.

[Mrs. Laker]

Can't wait to have mine!! :cool:

[thaw ripper]

I changed my mind, Baymont Inn is where we will be staying at, Where all the action will be at! :D

[SleeveA]

What’s the latest on the T-shirts? They in?



Book your hotel room's yet?

[Balzy]

Tonight !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I will post pics of them when I get a chance.

[Ripper]

I'm interested to attend... Where is it?

Ripper

[Balzy]

Click on the link in any of my posts. All the info is there.

Got the first batch of T-shirts tonight. They look frek'in great. Just too damn lazy and tired to take the camera down and get ya'll a pic tonight. Maybe tomorrow.

[Alz 4 U]

Hey Mike,

I can't wait to see the t-shirts!!! All the staff here is really interested in being part of the event, so just let me know when I could get a few t-shirts.

Talk with you soon. Hope all is well!

T

[Balzy]

Picked up half the T-shirt order last night. They look great. We have sizes M, L, XL, XXL. These are cool, they are 100% cotton on the inside and 100% polyester on the outside. That's so the cotton doesn't bleed into the printing. They were printed with some kind of "sumulation" (sp) process which I don't understand or really care to learn. I will let Laker explain it. He's into that stuff. Anyway, they told me the shirts would look the same 3 years from now as they do today. They weren’t cheap, but this stuff is high quality.

They are $25.00 each including the shipping. On multiple shirt orders take $2.00 off per shirt. That will give us about $8.50 per shirt profit. “ALL” of the money goes to the Alzheimer's donation.

Checks can be written to “Balz to the Wall”. It would be nice to sell a bunch of these before the event because right now I am funding all this stuff out of my own pocket until we get some money in. Send your checks, along with sizes, quantity, and your shipping address to:

Michael A. Balz
119 South First Street
Kiel, WI 53042

PS....... Alz 4 U, you don't have to pay shipping but there is a catch. You and your husband have to come to Kiel to pick them up, have dinner at my house, and meet some of the local people that are working hard on the event. Ok?

[Alz 4 U]

Hey Mike,

Well let me think, drive out to Keil for supper and get to meet some great people. Okay, I am in!!! We will pay the $25 per shirt also, remember it is a great cause!!!!!!!!

Let me know the details on dinner. Can't wait to meet you all, whether it is at Mike's or at BALZ TO THE WALL.

Talk to you later!

T

[Laker]

Dye Sublimation printing produces a vibrant color transfer that is unmatched by any other printing process. Special dyes are printed on paper and transferred using professional heat transfer equipment. The heat changes the dyes into a vapor which penetrate the material. Through the dyesublimation process the graphic actually becomes part of the material The result is brilliant dyesublimation printed colors that won't bleed, crack or flake - wash after wash. :cool:

[SleeveA]

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What the heck did Laker just say?

[Balzy]

That's why I let Laker explain it.

[Balzy]

with the schedule. Give me a while because I want to line up the locals that are involved. We will make it one big fryout at my place. I gotta grill that'll cook enough for an army.

[Balzy]

with PayPal (http://www.paypal.com) also.

You can use PayPal too. The only problem is if you have a PayPal account that uses a credit card we are getting clipped for a little over 4%. Not a big deal but its $1.05 less to the charity every time. Anyone wanting to use PayPal for the convenience please add a $2.00 on the price and we will make 95 cents for the Alzheimer's Association. Go ahead guys and gals, PayPal away at BTTW@charter.net. Or click on the link below and go to the BTTW Website. There is a "PayPal Donate" button right there on the home page.

[Balzy]

are gone. These run a bit big the way it looks to me. The XL's are pretty big I think.

[Balzy]

I attended the monthly Manitowoc County Tavern League meting yesterday afternoon. Presented the event, explained to them we have reorganized the event to include only "Tavern League Members", and asked them for their help. Well, we walked away with a check for $300.00 !!!!!!!!!!!!!! Then we went outside and took pictures for the local papers. After the article come out the "Tavern League of Wisconsin" will be matching the County's $300 with another $300. That's $600 bucks more for the Alzheimer's Association !!!!!!!!!!!! It's all been a pile of work but well worth it. I want to thank Darrel and Sherry at Trails End, Deb at MC's, and the Tavern League. Also thanks to everyone else that is helping with BTTW.

[Balzy]

We will be having a fundraiser Brat Fry at Trails End in Kiel WI on Sunday June 6th at 11:00 till ???? This is a "Pre BTTW" event. Brats, Beer, Burger, Beer, Raffles, Beer, Drawings, Beer. Anyone that can attend should be here. It's gonna be a lot of fun. John D, Laker, Thumper, Wogi, Sleeve, Thaw Ripper, anyone else within towing distance we need to get a few boats here to put on display. All proceeds will be donated to Alzheimer's Association at BTTW along with the rest of the donation.

Let me know who can make it.

Did I mention we are gonna have Beer?

[Alz 4 U]

Hey Mike and Gang,

Just wanted to let you know that I will be there for sure. I will try to get some of our staff to attend as well. I can't wait to finally get to meet some of you!!!

I just have one question though, will there be any beer there???

T

[SleeveA]

Alz 4 U,
Your right on the money when you said:

I can't wait to finally get to meet some of you!!!

SOME is the main word here:eek:

Kidding all the people but me are great and do much good!!!!;) ;)

[thaw ripper]

I'm working on some donations$$$$:) ~tr~

[thaw ripper]

Any new information on the biggest event of this summer?

[SleeveA]

LOL!!!!!!!! AND Oh-boy!!!!!!!


I'm sure Mike will do an update soon, has a lot on his plate right now....

[Balzy]

Just printed the last of the Announcement letters. These are the letters explaining the event and the charity and asking for donations.

About 245 letters @ 3 pages each. 735 pages total plus a few screw-ups here and there. A ream and a half of paper and a pile of ink cartridges later and they are done. Sent about 75 letters out today to Marine Industry Companies this morning. Another 170 of them will be sent to local businesses in the next week or so.

Now the question is....................who wants to help collate, staple, fold, stuff, stick on address and return labels, and worst of all lick 170 envelopes. LOL :D :D :D

Oh yea, before you ask, yes I did check into color printing of the letters and you wouldn’t believe the ridicules prices I was quoted. The best I found was 49 cents a page and then they charge extra for collating and stapling. It was about $400 with the tax to do them all. That’s nuts !!!!!!!!

[halveb]

Do you mean to tell me you bought envelopes that require licking. Balzy we need to sit down and have a talk about modern office supplies. :D

[Balzy]

a sponge. LOL. I didn't pick em up. Planet did it for me. Her fault !!!!!!!!!

[skidoo29]

that a boy blame it on the better half,
things are looking good mike, keep it up everybody

warren

[halveb]

Okay....I can see we will have remedial office supply purchasing class for Planet on Memorial Day weekend. :D

Bring those envelopes along Memorial Day and Vicki will do her level best to get 'em licked. :eek:

[Maureen M]

Balzy -
Go to Office Max/Staples and poke around. There are envelope-sealing things that look like little glue sticks but they are liquid and they work great. No licking required :)

Also, got the shirt today, thanks! It looks awesome - that screen printing process or whatever it was makes for a really nice looking shirt:D


Maureen

[Balzy]

Had the stuff so we used a sponge, not too bad. 225 letters out the door. Now we wait and see how many donations come in.

[Alz 4 U]

Lots changes in a week's time! You certainly sound busy, but I have a bone to pick with you Balzy, that was something that I totally could have helped out with. You promised you would let me help you out with some of this stuff so just give me a jingle and I can help out in anyway possible.

The brat fry is fast approaching and I will be there along with one of my co-workers. We are both getting so excited. Tonight we have a meeting with our local leadership council to let them know of this great event. Any materials you would like me to share Mike I would be happy to have.

Thank you again sooooo much for all you have done! I continue to keep you and your family in my thoughts!

Take Care,

T

[Scream And Fly]

Mike,

Maureen has some donation ideas from Scream And Fly that she wants to run by you!

BTTW will be awesome!

Greg

[Balzy]

some flyers on AD. We will set them out on the table for people to learn more about this disease. Bring your whole office with you !!!!!!!!!! I just ordered 400 brats and 300 burgers this morning !!!!!!!!!!! We need help buying all this food. God I hope it doesn't rain, that always slows down a Brat Fry.

Greg, tell her to bring on the ideas. Have e-mail or call me.

Oh yea, just ran my work printer out of ink printing "BRAT FRY" signs to put on all the intersections in town the morning of the 6th. :eek: :eek: :eek:

[Balzy]

along to BTTW for the auctions !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It looks like all the letters that went out announcing the charity event paid off. Well, at least one of them sure did so far. Jackie Schoenborn of Schoenborn Jewelers (our local small town of Kiel jeweler) stopped at the house last night to drop off a donation.

Get this !!!!!!!!!!!!!

It is a diamond necklace. 21 princess cut diamonds set in a white gold setting. Total of .5 carrots in weight. She framed the appraisal value sheet for it.

Are you ready for this ?????????????????????






Well ????????????????????????





Well ????????????????????????





The appraised value on this necklace is …………………………….

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$1,050.00

Looks like we have an item for the auction that we can start the bidding at a minimum of $500.00 now !!!!!!!!

Check out the sponsor page at the BTTW 2004 website to view Schoenborn’s website. I will be adding it this afternoon.

I want to thanks Lyle, Jackie, Bobby, and TJ at Schoenborn Jewelry for this wonderful donation. It rocks living in a small friendly community !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Alz 4 U]

I got chills when I read of that FANTASTIC donation. You know it is great to live in a small town. And think of what a huge donation that is coming from a small town jeweler! That is just fantastic the support that your event has been receiving. Again, chills went down my spine!

I will have my checkbook there FOR SURE!

Keep up the great work Mike!

T

[John Dorn]

Thats just great!!! Now you have the wife all fired up.

Now I need to sell the boat just to come up with the cash to go.

[Balzy]

We just had a great article written in the local paper announcing the donation the Manitowac County Tavern League donation along with the State Tavern Leauge match. I knew we were going to get an article but I didn't know it was going to be quite so centered on the event. I expected it to be more centered on the donation they made itself. We got great coverage from this. Plus the general public in Kiel, New Holstein, and Chilton will now have the donation information !!!!!!!!!!!!!! My scanner here at work is down so I will scan it tonight at home if I get a chance and post it here for all to read. This has been a good week for BTTW !!!!!!!!!!!

[Balzy]

Let's see how this turns out.

[AnthonySS]

Looking Good Mike,

Keep up the good work;)

[lhovan49]

Great writeup Mike, glad it is going soooo well, we will see you soon. Lenny

[SGT LAKER]

Mike can you say $10,000.00:cool:

[Alz 4 U]

Hey Mike,

What time does the brat fry kick off on Sunday?

T

[Balzy]

The official kick off time is 11:00. They do serve a damn good Bloody Mary for anyone with a thirst for a good Sunday morning drink. We will be starting set up and getting ready as the sun comes up. Well, maybe not quite that early cause all 3 Amigos will be together Saturday. LOL. Anyway, bring some cash, we have a bunch of good stuff to raffle off. Gift certificates for local places, (4) 18-hole rounds of golf @ Quit Que Oc, etc.

[SleeveA]

Hey Mike what time does the sun come up over there? I hope it's like noon....;) Should be a great time and so far the weather looks great!!!!!!!!!

The 3 Amigo's Saturday,,, working Sunday hmmmm

Am I going to be able to out bid myself again this year?

[Scream And Fly]

Why does Steve still have an Amigo avatar?:confused: :confused: :confused:

[SleeveA]

Watch out Greg or I'll have you banned :D:D

Just heard some not so good news:rolleyes: "Laker" will be there Saturday ,, my poor poor liver:eek: A work weekend thats going to be fun to boot!!!!!! yeeeeehaaaaaa
:D :D

[SGT LAKER]

Are you scared of Laker:eek:
bing ther early :confused:
Just wate until I get there:D

[Laker]

Sleeve...
You should be scared..
VERY scared!
:D :D :D

[thaw ripper]

:D

[Alz 4 U]

Hey There,

Just wanted to tell you all that we really enjoyed meeting all of you yesterday. It was so great to see so many of you there to give this wonderful support to Mike and his mom, Barb! I know they definately appreciate all of the love and support that you all provided and continue to provide to them. The Alzheimer's Association also appreciates all of your support in helping to increase the awareness of this disease.

We are all looking forward to the event, even more now after seeing all of the boats!!!!!

Well, back to work. See you later Care Bear ( you know who you are:p )

Have a great week!

T

[Balzy]

The numbers are in !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I don't believe in holding back the donation results like some events I have been to sooooooooooooo.......
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:D $1900.00 PROFIT :D
Not bad for a slightly smaller crowd because of graduation yesterday. This money will go in the pot for the final donation on the 24th of July. :D

[Alz 4 U]

That is so great Mike! I know you put a ton of time and energy into that event. I am so happy for you! Thank you for all of your efforts!!!!

T

[schiprec]

Hey Mike

It looks like your doing a fantastic job of running this event.I would really like to be involved. Already trying to get out of work but it looks like I could only do the poker run. Do you have more details about that such as start time and place?

Thanks
Keith

If you ever stop at the sandbar on Poygan look for a black and silver voyager

[Balzy]

In Fremont WI. Be at the ramp under the bridge at 10:00 Friday July 23rd.

[WARLOCK]

Way to go everyone involved. Imagine what the real event will bring in. Tami-I thought that was our little secret. I'm not changing my screen name yet though. It was nice meeting you. Later, Dave

[Balzy]

Type "Balz to the Wall" in Google and see what comes up as the first two matches. hee hee hee :D :D :D

[Balzy]

We have less than 6 weeks left. If we are going to make our 10K goal, we need all the auction items we can get. Click on the link below for info on where to ship.

Any bussiness donating will be added to the "Proud Sponsors" Page on the website.

[John Dorn]

Mike,
Do you want more prints???

If so who many?

I'll need time to make up the matts and frames.

[Balzy]

I am sure another one or two will go over. We had interest in the Lighthouse print at the Brat Fry but didn't think we had the right crowd to get what it's worth. The auctions at BTTW will be different.

[ProComp]

How about blowing one up of your boat with the Hooters girls! Ya gotta believe a bunch of drunk boaters would bid on that.

ProComp

[Mrs. Laker]

Mike, you saw a glimpse of the Stained Glass/Boat Painting piece I'm putting together. I will probably wait and deliver this myself on the day of the auction.

....If this was an item at a gallery or store it would be sold at about $300.

Hope you have more items being sent your way
:)

[KaptainKirk]

Sara and I will be checking in on wed. nite late and checking out sunday.

See ya'll then....K.K.

[Balzy]

Stacie is puttting together. Not gonna let the cat outa the bag yet but I saw what she has started here and all I can say is WOW !!!!!!! Somebody is gonna bid high on this one of a kind boating relic. This thing is sooooooo cool. Mrs Laker, you are the best. You put so much into this event, I don't know how to thank you !!!!!!!!!

[Alz 4 U]

I can't wait to see it now either and I don't have a clue when it comes to boating lingo. I have seen all the work that all of you have done and all we can say from the Association is THANK YOU!!!

T

[Mrs. Laker]

Glad I can help!!! It's also bringing great experiences to my plate :) And I've missed painting boats.

...Tami I'll describe what I'm making a little more for you..... It's a stain glass panel approx 17" x 13" with glass trees, lake, sun and boarder. There is one piece of glass in the middle which I'm painting a boat scene...... Well I guess you'll just have to see it! :D

[SleeveA]

Anyone who has seen her work know's!!:D

Anyone who hadn’t, should.. She does great work!!!
Check their web site and see for your self's.

BTTW is going to rock!!!!!
:D

[Alz 4 U]

That sounds so cool, I cannot wait to see it!!!

[Father Steve]

Sorry it took so long but I just got room booked . Jan and I and Katelyn will be in sometime late weds night. See you all then.

Steve

[Balzy]

Glad ya got your room.

We have 30 days left. Time is flying now. Anyone that wants to help, get your donations in soon.

[Laker]

Sarg and I are in too!:D

[KaptainKirk]

Amiiiislo's Father Steve and myself will have our leashes with us.....so maybe ya'll can win for once:):)

[SleeveA]

KK

That is some great news!!!!! I'm going to win!!!:D

Oh heck!!! I have the official Amigo photographer riding along with me so it looks like I'll be having a new and improved excuse for this year
:eek:


If ya havent booked you room,,, get er-done

[Balzy]

I have calls into the Winnebago and Waupaka County Sheriff Dept's to get an opinion on what they think is gonna happen here. I will update here when i know more.

This is from the Appleton Post Cresent on June 19th. I don't understand how they can guess it will take until July 19th to come back to safe levels. :confused: :confused:

If things don't open up for us we will have to go to plan "B" and boat somewhere else.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Winnebago grounds all water activity

Outagamie sheriff institutes no-wake order

By Ed Lowe
Post-Crescent staff writer

A ban on recreational use of Little Lake Butte des Morts and other Winnebago County waterways enacted Friday will please most lakefront property owners, a Town of Menasha official said.

“There had been several property owners who have approached us about damage to their docks and shoreline caused by the high (lake) water and wanted to know what we were going to do about it,” said Mike Kading, town parks director.

The concerns were directed to Winnebago County officials, who responded by banning recreational and commercial use of the lake until the threat of damage and danger subside.

Late Friday afternoon, Outagamie County Sheriff Brad Gehring instituted a “no wake” order on the Fox River. The “no wake” order means that boats must travel at speeds that do not create a wake that could damage the shoreline properties. The order will be re-evaluated Monday.

By unanimous voice vote, the Winnebago County Board created an emergency ordinance banning use on waterways within the county including Little Lake Butte des Morts, the Fox River west of U.S. 41 and the Wolf River excepting that portion within the Winneconne village limits.

The Winnebago ban, affecting boating, fishing, swimming, skiing, tubing and commercial functions on the affected water areas, will remain in effect until July 19, unless Sheriff Mike Brooks lifts it earlier because of receding water levels.

Brooks said the county is empowered to enforce the ban by virtue of the state of emergency declared in the county by Gov. Jim Doyle this week.

“We felt it would be prudent for us to do this to protect people’s lives and protect people’s property,” Brooks said.

Violations of the emergency ordinance, which also bans people fishing from private docks, can result in fines up to $500, he said.

However one business owner disagreed with the ban.

“To take all the river traffic off is way, way overkill,” said Gloria Mielke, co-owner of Party Doll Fleet Inc., a marina and boat rental company on the Wolf River in the northern part of the county.

The decision leaves 100 boats docked at the marina, rental boats idle and Fourth of July plans in jeopardy, she said.

“This will put us right out of business.”

Lakes Winnebago, Poygan, Winneconne and Butte des Morts are unaffected by the ordinance.

Three inches of rain drenched Omro Wednesday, Brooks said. Water levels on the upper Fox River are expected to rise through the weekend.

While the most seriously flooded areas in the county are found along the upper Fox River, damage was also prevalent along Little Lake Butte des Morts, Kading said.

“I would hope …that people would know not to drive their boats like maniacs at times like this, but I’ve seen people aren’t always that concerned about the damage their boats can cause.”

Brooks said he would continue to monitor water conditions and planned to work with localities planning events that could be affected by the ordinance.

Ed Lowe can be reached at 920-993-1000, ext. 293, or by e-mail at elowe@postcrescent.com The Associated Press contributed to this report.

[Mach2]

In Kenosha county we have been pounded by rains. My pier was underwater for 6 weeks. All of our local lakes were no wake until last week-end, however, they may go back due to the amount of rain we have had. The Fox River down here has been above flood stage since the end of April. The whole chain of lakes is back to no wake again (there go the Blarney races).:(

[Balzy]

I talked to Winnebago county sheriff's dept and things are looking better already. The Wolf will be opening up to traffic again this Friday but at SNW for now. They won't say anything for sure but it sounds to me like we will be fine by BTTW.

I also taked to the Waupaca County Water Patrol bossman, Brian Stelzner, super nice guy, (He was the guy that gave us safety deal during the drivers meeting last year) and he thinks things will be just fine also. He said if he were us he would just stay with the original plans and we should be fine.

All good news again so far !!!!!!!!!!! :D :D :D

Oh yea, I am also working on getting the fees for the ramp usage in Fremont and Oshkosh made eaiser. Hopefully we can just pay for everyone from the BTTW fund and give you all a window sticker to show the tow vehicle is with our group. That will save us time getting in the water.

[AnthonySS]

GUYS and GALS,

The SS family is proceeding in the direction of attending BTTW 2004.

Our plan is for Roslyn and I to attend (no kids).

We plan on driving out on Thursday July 22, Stay Friday July 23, then return trip home on Saturday the 24th

So we would appreciate your attention to some of the needs (prayers) we have in order to make it there.

First we need a sitter or family to take the kids in for 3days. (We are working on a family within our church)

We need A/C in our truck and new rear dif gears (scheduled to be replaced next week). Our Truck in its self is a LONG story …but these last two items should make the ole girl up for the journey.

Of course we would like to bring a boat…but we still don’t have Budget V6 Merc for the back (another long storey, that is part of the truck storey). We will attend …regardlessJ

Last but not least…we need financial resources…Roslyn and I are trusting we will make it there as we are looking forward to seeing some friends I have not seen since 2000. Also none of you have met Roslyn yet either…so she is excited about meeting you all.

THANKS in advance for the support

[Balzy]

That's great news. I can help you out in the financial area a bit. Like I told you guys a long time ago, I will save you the hotel costs. You guys are welcome to stay at my house. I have been saving a bedroon for you. I just told my brother last night that he would have to stay at my mom's house because I needed the room for you. LOL ;) ;)

Don't forget to leave room in your truck to take that 8' Hydroplane back with you. I hope you guys can stay for the auction and donation presentation on Saturday. That's what this whole thing is all about !!!!!!!!!!!! Again, glad you guys can swing the trip.

[Balzy]

We have a meeting scheduled with Merc Racing and Norscott for next Tuesday morning to discuss final details and scheduling for BTTW. Sleeve Anderson is working on the list of merchandise we figure you guys will want to buy from Mercury. I will present that to them at the meeting.

[AnthonySS]

THANKS Mike,

We would be happy just to park the truck in your driveway and sleep in the back...if need be...just need a place to shower and S---;)

We'll do waht we have to do to get there and appreciate your gesture.

Oh yeah...we are not forgetting the Minimax...we'll make it fit someway;)

[2springers26]

Mike...... I have a EMPTY.. upstairs apt.. that is open If any body need a place to stay... could sleep a few!! just need to bring air mattress.. It's empty... I"m In menasha 1/4 Mi from lake winnabago's north shore...& 20 min... from fremont.. 30min from keil... 40 min from fondulac... Lots of driveway room ....Kurt// 920 735 0965

[Balzy]

I have a meeting at Merc Racing tomorrow morning to discuss the final event schedule and details. It looks like it will go something like this:

Wednesday evening about 4:00 people will start meeting at the Baymont in Fon du Lac.

Thursday morning, prop testing at Rainbow Park in Oshkosh. Lunch at Fratello's across the river.

Thursday afternoon, Mercury tour. No definite time until after the meeting with Merc tomorrow. We may give people the choose of tours of Merc Racing or Merc production. We will end up back at Merc Racing sometime during that afternoon for Merc Racing Merchandise purchases.

We may be switching prop testing and the tours around. We will decide that tomorrow at the meeting.

Thursday Evening at about 5:00 to 6:00 will be the benefit dinner at Fisherman's Cove on Highway 151 north of Fon du Lac along with the first half of the auction.

Friday morning will be the Poker Run in Fremont. Be at the ramp under the main bridge in town at 10:00. This will finish up at about 4:00 at the Slipknot. It’s right on the river in town for dinner and Poke Run awards.

Saturday is all in Kiel. We will probably get started around 1:00 in the afternoon. Second half of the auction at The Gravel Pit Sports Bar with food and drinks supplied. We may do the presentation to AD there or we may shift over to my house for that. Not sure yet.

If people want to boat Saturday morning we can put a group together. The big pond, Lake Winnebago is right there.
13 miles wide and 37 miles long. Plenty of room to run.

That's the rough schedule for right now. I will post the
finalized schedule again on here on S&F after the meeting tomorrow.

Oh yea, we raced in Little Falls MN this last weekend and I think we have to make Jason Huber our new Marketing manager for BTTW. He is pumping everyone up for this thing !!!!! I am estimating over 50 to 60 boats right now !!!!!!!!!

[Balzy]

We have a group from your way so maybe someone can take ya up on that great offer.

[KaptainKirk]

fremont Bar where my Dad got into it with that lady bartender?

[Balzy]

That was at the "Bridge Bar" not the "Slipknot". We used the Bridge Bar for the drivers meeting last year seeing Papa Kappy wasn't there. I guess we will have to have it in the parking lot this year !!!!! LOL

[thumper]

Don't worry Kappy, I will be bringing a muzzle for the bartender in case she's still there. :D :D :D

[Balzy]

YOU CAN BRING ONE OF THEM LEASHES YA JUST BOUGHT THIS WEEKEND !!!!!!!!!!!

[KaptainKirk]

says she has Sleeve covered on the drinking part:):)

Damn Steve ya never gonna live down that watermelon deal:):)

[SleeveA]

Tell her sorry but I quit drinking;)

Kappy ya know damn well there are a lot of things I will never live down:eek: :D

Tell Sara it will be great to see her:)

[Jeff "Yammer"]

The watermellon !!!!!!!!!!!!! Lol

Hope to be there ourselves. What and where to book rooms ( havent read the whole post yet )

Jeff

[SleeveA]

Hey Jeff go here: http://www.freewebs.com/balzy2/hotelinformation.htm

Make sure ya tell them it's for BTTW, save a few buck's that way:)


Ya I'm sure the watermellon one will be around a few years after I pass:D


Everyone else get your room booked:p

[Balzy]

It would be great to see you and your better looking other half here at BTTW. We got pleanty boats to give ya guys a ride. I just gave ya crap on T-shirt thread about coming here to pick one up. Now I found this. That's great news. Hope you guys can make it. You will have a blast !!!!!!!!!!!

[PaulR]

Mike,

Do you still need stuff for the auction? I have my brother working on all the liquor salsmen too get me some things that I can give to you. So far I have some sunglasses and some T-shirts, but hope to get some mirrors and a few better things like that.

Maybe you should auction off your powerhead! I'll be the first one to bid. LOL!

Paul

[Balzy]

We got a pile of great stuff this year but more is better. Tell them liquor salesman BOOZE, BOOZE, BOOZE !!!!!!!!! That stuff always brings good money. LOL Seriously, all the booze we raffled off at the brat fry made us a pile of cash. The Booze basket that Trails End donated got us $390.00 !!!!!!!!!

Does it look like ya'll gonna have a powerhead for BTTW? I might be able to find you one to borrow........

[Balzy]

Wow Tony !!!!!!! I opened that box you sent for BTTW. Yee Ha !!!!!!!! Lots of really nice shirts, sunglasses, Cozies, and a certificate for the premo cleaning/flow testing. You rock buddy. Thanks for your support. I am adding you to the Sponsor page on the event website tonight !!!!!!!!!

[Jason Huber]

39,000!?!:eek: Is that nearly 39 THOUSAND!? :confused: WOW!!!:cool:

[Balzy]

believe it will break 40K before the event. it's because of PR guys like you out there.:D :D :D

[Jason Huber]

I know thats' just your kind way of saying spindoctor/ BULLSH!TTER!! LOL!! :D :D See-ya soon buddy!! :cool:

[SleeveA]

2 weeks to go for BTTW:D :D :D

If you have Two-Way Radios, bring them. We use them on the road and water.

[halveb]

I've got some two way radios I can loan out. Looks like I'll be boatless since Gohr hasn't finished my gearcase. I hope to hear from him this week as it has been several weeks since I have been able to reach him.

I think I will come with my car and a party attitude. At this point I am considering quiting Hi Perf boating as it is too difficult to get work done even when you are willing to pay for it. :(

See ya'll at BTTW.

[AnthonySS]

BOB...

Should I pack the guitar gear;)

Is there enuff boys to put together a JAM Nite:D

[halveb]

Anthony,

Sounds like you will be able to follow through on your threat to come to BTTW, that is excellent. :D

We wouldn't have a full out band situation but certainly we could do some acoustic jamming. Let me know and I can load up some gear as well to do whatever fits the situation. Laker puts out some excellent Van Halen stuff (and others too) and there is always guitar lurkers out there. Always take at least one guitar wherever you go cause you never know when you'll need it.

My 13 year old stepson is getting pretty good on drums and I he has finally come around to enjoying Led Zepplin, Lynard Skynard, The Doors, etc. He will be with his dad the week of BTTW though.

Two weeks and counting. :D

[thumper]

Well you guys know there's an potential probationary Amigo applicant that in order to make application HAS to be at BTTW for the application to even be considered that has made wild claims in the past of knowing which way to hold a pick, but of course it's all heresay at this point..........:eek: :eek: :eek:
just my .02


hehehehehe

[skydog]

I will make it! FRIDAY one day better than none!!

Skydog:D

[nelsoncat]

Maybe we can use Nicks pontoon! The way my first trip out with the STV went I may be boatless as well. Motor Problems plagued sundays boating. Well, there is always the Tiger Shark!!!!!!

Craig

[AnthonySS]

BOB,

Ok I will bring something....If Laker can shred...that's cool...and you and me can drool:D

We are still firming up plans so keep us in your thoughts folks....lots to work out especially with the 3 kids:eek:

[ChrisXS2003]

I have a Flame Top Les Paul Custom that's been my old friend for years. I'd like to bring it, but my amp/rack is too big. Will anyone have a small combo? If so, I'll bring my axe and rack.

I've been shredding since the early '80's and wouldn't have done it any other way.

Chris

[AnthonySS]

CHRIS...sounds cool...I say bring the rack and the stack.....I use a combo...but its all I got... for myself to use...it weighs as much as a stack tho:rolleyes:

[halveb]

I've got a little Marshall tube combo. Its only 40 watts but like most tubes it is a lot beefier than a solid state 40 watt amp. I am not much of a shredder though...more like a cheese grater. :D

I like mostly late 60s and 70s rock-n-roll. I would be glad to bring my Marshall if ya want to have some fun. The one thing I think we oughta think about is where this is gonna happen. It looks like we'll be at hotels (I will be camping at Thumpers to conserve money the whole week) and I'm not sure they would approve of a full blown concert complete with guitar amps etc. I'll let Balzy make the call on that since he is the head honcho.

I think the best bet for having a little jam session (other than a friendly acoustical type thing) would be on Saturday at Balzy's house. His neighbors don't like him as it is so what would the harm be. :D

Again I'll leave any of this up to Balzy since I don't want to start any trouble with the event locations especially in Balzy's back yard or cast a bad light on the event or the benefactor of the event (Alzheimer's).

[AnthonySS]

I'll just bring some gear and we'll just see what happens...like you said its' Balzy's Call....besides...I may only be there for Friday anyway...;)

[Alz 4 U]

Hey there,

Just wanted to check in Mike to see if there are any final preparations that we could be helping you out with as Balz to the Wall 2004 is getting very close.

If you need anything, just let me know!!! We are getting so excited to meet all of you.

Take Care,

T

[SleeveA]

Hey Tami,

Mike is on vacation this week; I guess he needed a get away before all the big last minuet pushes began for BTTW.

I on the other hand have been working on this for the past week non stop, good darn thing my job don’t care.;) :p

If anyone needs anything this week for BTTW post it here or give me a call 612-581-9281

And as far as the guitar Jam's go, Mike won’t mind a bit. Thumper and I have been known to play a tune or two there:eek: :D :rolleyes:

[nelsoncat]

OK, call me an ignorant old(er) fart but what the hell is shreading?I guess I'm in the same boat(no pun intended) as bob, 70's R@R

Craig

[halveb]

Craig,

When thinking shred think loud and fast 80s rock n roll. I can't wait for Steve to plug in. I'll even bring my flame top Heritage so he can get a real nice solo in. :D

[SGT LAKER]

Whats the count down?
I got one more day of work and I head to laker's on friday
YAHOOOO!!!!!:cool:

[SleeveA]

2 weeks from tonight and we'll be in the parking lot of the Baymont Inn:D

Going to be great to see everyone!!!!!!!

[Balzy]

Just got back from vacation, Well if you can call it that. Rain and cold almost every day. Oh well.

We will figure out somewhere for you guys to jam. Maybe in the parking lot at the Baymont Wednesday night for a bit. It's pretty far from any houses etc. If they cry, we stop. We can also go nuts Saturday night in the shop here. We can close the doors and you guys can go nuts. We will try to fit something in while Anthony is here too.

halveb, I have a real good Bob's cones CLE you can use if you need to. It's last years good case I was using. Now it's my spare. You can use it for the whole BTTW event if you need to as long as I don't snap a skeg again on the poker run like I did last year. :eek: :eek: :eek:

Anthony, I may have a small bit of help for you on the finance end of your long drive too. Still working on it but I think I can make it work. I'll let you in on it when I make sure I can make it happed. ;) ;) ;)

[AnthonySS]

Welcome back B.....

Hey I always say that a cool and rainy vacation is better then a Good day at work...I have had some of my best boating days in the in cool and rain....no one else is on the lake, so you have the whole lake to yourself....

THANKS...on what ever you are doing....its not expected...but is appreciated;) Your a good freind B:)

[halveb]

Mike,

Hope you had a restful vacation. Thanks for the offer of the gearcase I would have taken you up on it but Gohr came through and Scott Reierson was down by Bill's Thursday and brought it back so I now have a freshly rebuilt Sportmaster. :D

I am only waiting on one part for my shifter and then it is off to fire the old beast up again (hopefully this weekend).

Looking forward to BTTW and some relaxation. ;) I will bring my guitar amp and guitar along with the mini PA you need for Thumper to do his thing and we'll see what happens. It will be good to finally meet Anthony and I certainly want to see him do a little jamming if possible. :D

[AnthonySS]

THAT'S the Spirit BOB....

GREAT to hear things are coming together for ya...and cool on the PA....

...As I said too others it will be MY pleasure to meet you and others and great to see some old freinds again.

I'll Make up a song book and bring some extra copies of some hits most of us noodlers can play...

ya know the ones....

KEEP On Rockin...., 18, Wonderful Tonight, Wish You Here, Rocky Mountain Way etc. Etc...I'll Email you some Charts. I even got some newer stuff EASY by FooFighters.., Creed ect. that most of us can do after one pass

Don't forget GREG is coming too

Is your email at DOA stil valid?:D

[halveb]

Anthony,

Email is still the same. I should be able to pull off rhythm for most of those you mentioned (almost sounds like the Rumble set list:D ). This is gonna be fun. I may have to ask people to help store gear when not in use as I won't have a hotel room and don't want my stuff to melt. I did traded for a set off gigantic Yamaha powered speakers that I could bring if anyone feels like singing through 'em.

The mini PA is actually three Galaxy stage monitors that are about the size of shoe boxes and sit on mic stands. Not suitable for singing through but should work well for the auction. The main unit is powered and the other two are passive and feed off of it.

Greg will run circles around me but him and Laker should be able to show us some cool lead stuff. My fingers just turn to mush when I see those guys playing and I know it is time to sit down and sip a beverage and enjoy the show. :cool:

I will be at a rock n roll festival the week before BTTW so I won't be reachable after the 14th until I see everyone at BTTW.

[KaptainKirk]

the schedule for thursday and friday ?

your website is up in the air on whats up for thursday Balzy...need to know at least thursdays gig??

K.K.

[Balzy]

here is what happening for sure. We will be doing prop testing, Merc tour, and Merc merchandise buying of the Semi all on Thursday. Just not sure of the order yet. Then the charity dinner with half the auction Thursday night.

Poker run is for sure on Friday morning at 10:00 in Fremont.

Thumper and I ran the poker run yesterday to set it up and the water is perfect !!!!!!!!! Real pretty ride.

[Barefoot Bob]

I am a dealer for Lube Gard products http://www.lubegard.com/automotive/index.html and they sent me a few door prices to give away at you event. A few of us have been using there 2 cycle oil for a while now with great results. The company makes friction modifiers to reduce wear and oxidation.

[nelsoncat]

Wolf not slow no wake any more? Guess I lied to half B! Can you go(are we) all the way to New London this year???
Does prop testing include boating for lunch?
See you soon,

Craig

[KaptainKirk]

will be Hiperf. plant ?

[SleeveA]

KK.

Should know today if it’s going to be the Hi-Perf plant or the Production plant, looking like it will be the Hi-Perf plant again this year.

[Balzy]

Bob, that's great, we can use all the stuff we can get.

Nelsoncat, the river is perfect now. You could go all the way to New London easy right now. We won't be going that far because of time and fuel contraints. We will go all the way to Guth's resort though. The first group on the poker run will be heading straight from Fremont to Guth's to pick up a ticket as they drive by the dock. Guth's won't be open then but we can use their dock. From there they head straight to JW Stringer's for a 45 minute stop. That means a 1 1/2 hour boat ride without a potty stop. :eek: :eek: Better go before you leave the ramp. :D :D :D They will then go to Pine Grove for another 45 minute stop. The second group will make the same ride in a different order. They will be going to Pine Grove first, then Guth's, then Stringer's. After that both groups will meet back in Fremont. From there we will all run the river together, south to Lake Poygan. After gathering there we will do another drive by ticket deal at Fort Fremont. From there we load em up and have dinner at Slipknot. He will be have a full menu for us to choose from but will be running specials for us on his rack of ribs for I think $10 or 12 bucks. These ribs are to die for !!!!!!!!! Also 1/2 smoked chicken with potato and veggys for $5.50.

KK, like Sleeve said, not sure on the tour but if we do the High Perf tour again, you will have the choice to do the tour or just hang in the parking lot with all the boats and we will have the Merc Semi there with all the cloths, etc for sale.

[KaptainKirk]

TIME SCHEDULE FOR BTTW 2004

Wednesday Afternoon/Evening:
· 4:00pm - Welcome to BTTW gathering and sign-in at the Baymont Inn and Suites.

Thursday Morning:
· Working this time out yet

Thursday Afternoon:
· Working this time out yet

Thursday Evening:
· 6:00pm - Charity Dinner at Fisherman's Cove, Possible 1st half of the Charity Auction

Friday Morning / Afternoon:
· 10:00am - Poker Run in Fremont on the Wolf River

Friday Evening:
· 5:00pm - Friday Evening - Dinner at Slipknot on the river after the Poker Run

Saturday Morning:
· 9:00am - Possible boating on Lake Winnebago (Weather Permitting)

Saturday Afternoon:
2:00pm - Final Charity Auction with Free Food and Drinks at the Gravel Pit Sports Bar & Grill in Kiel. The best part of the event will also happen today, the Donation presentation to the Alzheimer's Association!!!! Thank you all!!!

[SKATER241]

QUESTION.WOULD IT BE WORTH WHILE COMING OUT JUST FOR THE WEEKEND?I CANT GET OUT OF WORK BEFORE FRIDAY NIGHT AND WOULD LIKE TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS EVENT BUT IT LOOKS LIKE MOST EVERYTHING IS HAPPENING DURING THE WEEK.

[WARLOCK]

I had the same question as skater. I don't think I can come up till Friday night or Sat. morning. Would it be worth it to bring the boat or just a coozie. Later, Dave

[Balzy]

Sorry guys but we need to do most of the event before the weekend. Mercury tours need to be done during their business hours and they are not working weekends right now. The prop testing and poker run need to be done during weekdays also. The river has a lot of slow no wake areas that are only in effect during weekends and holidays only. The river also gets excessively busy to run this many boats during the weekend. In addition, the Poker run stops get so full we would never be able to park our boats at the docks. That is why we need to run almost all of the on-water events during the week. We will try to go boating Saturday morning on the big lake, Lake Winnebago. Wind and weather permitting. There is plenty room to run there if it is not too windy. 13 miles wide and 37 miles long should give anyone the chance to stretch them out. Dave, you might wanna bring the boat for this. We can always go out Sunday too in your rig. I will play co-pilot.

It is also hard to do the charity dinner during a weekend. All the Supper Clubs get pretty busy.

The auction on Saturday will be a blast for those of you that can't make any of the other stuff. We will be having free beer and food at the Gravel Pit Sports Bar and Grill. We have lots of good stuff to auction. We will save a lot of good stuff for Saturday's auction but we will be running half the auction Thursday night.

[WARLOCK]

Thanks Mike, if I come up I'll bring the boat and I'll be in early to wake you drunks up! I'm really trying to get there, but work has been busy and we've been working alot of saturdays. If I have to work Sat. I'm just coming up to party. Later, Dave

[Balzy]

I just got off the phone with Rick Mackie at Merc High Perf. We will be confirming actual times this afternoon but here is what it looks like right now. We need to start the day early. It looks like a tour of the Verado line will happen around 9:00 in the morning. From there we pick up the boats at the hotel, go to Merc High Perf. The Semi will be set up with all the cloths and merchandise. You will be able to tour the High Perf plant at this time also. How’s that? You can tour both plants this year !!!!!!!!!!!! We want to be there at 1:00 to 1:30 because Fred Kiekhaefer. has a meeting until then and wants to come out to see all the rigs and shoot the bull with us all again. KK is now off the hook but Thumper can get teased again by the man himself !!!!! We will squeeze lunch in somewhere and head to Oshkosh for prop testing in the afternoon. From there it’s back to the hotel, clean up and be at Fisherman’s Cove for dinner and half the auction by 6:00. It’s gonna be a busy day and we need to keep on schedule to fit it all in but it’s gonna be fun. I will post details on times as soon as I get them.

[skidoo29]

Mike

email me your shipping addrress, I've got something for you


warren

wp-smartdie@rogers.com

[KaptainKirk]

are we asking for certain sizes or what ?

[Balzy]

Warren you have mail. In case it doesn't go through.

Michael A. Balz
119 South First Street
Kiel, WI 53042

KK, with the new personell in the prop dept we don't have a lot we can request. We should have a full line of ET's a few Cleavers to test. We may also have Hydromotive show up with a pile of props !!!!!!!!!!! I should also have 5 props fro Ron Hill to play with before we auction them off. He should be sending a couple of his new "PHONE HOME" props. Ya know, like "ET phone home".

[Balzy]

We have lift-off on the Verado tour !!!!!!!!!! Leave the hotel at 8:30 AM (Ouch) :eek: :eek: We will leave the boats at the hotel and car pool to plant 15. It's right across the highway but there may be some ramp closures due to construction so Sleeve and I will make a dry run early next week. Tour will be at 9:00 SHARP. 18 people at a time due to limited headsets. Should be done in 2 hours. Then go back to the hotel, pick up the boats and head to Mercury Racing plant. You will have the oppertunity to tour this plant too. If you want you can just hang by the boats in the parking lot and BS. If you haven't done the tour, I would suggest you do it!!!!!!!! The Merchandise Semi will be set up for us to buy cloths etc. We are working on a possible fryout (I know HalfB, you don't call it that) right at Merc Racing. The cost of the food and soda will be covered by BTTW. We will hang out there until 1:30 or so. We want to stay until Fred K. gets out of his meeting at 1:00. If the fryout doesn't work out we will have to grab some grub somewhere. After that we will head to prop testing. If the wind permits we may launch and test somewhere right in Fon du Lac to save the drive to Oshkosh. At about 4:30 to 5:00 we load em up and head back to the hotel, get cleaned up, and go to Fisherman's Cove for Dinner and first half of the auction. How is that for a full day of fun ??????????????:D :D :D

Oh yea, TJ dropped off the stuff for a Plaque we are making in Memory of Dennis Cavanaugh. Wait till you guys see this thing !!!!!! It's going up for auction. I want it BAD !!!!!!!

[Balzy]

We are trying to set a good example
Please follow these simple rules and BE SAFE !!!!!!!!!

Life Jackets and Tether Switches worn are MANDATORY
(Anyone not wearing a life jacket while underway will be DISQUALIFIED

Drivers Meeting @ 10:30 at Ramp
Water Patrol Safety Meeting @ 11:00
Boats Launch from 11:15 to Noon (Launch Fees are prepaid included)
Put your Launch Pass on the dash of your tow vehicle
Poker Run starts at Noon from Fremont
Entry fee is $15.00 (Multiple hands per boat are allowed, One hand per person)
Initially boats will be divided into two groups, Both Groups will meet and run second half together
Poker Run will be approximately 40 miles long (Should be 5 hours total)
First group leaves at 12:00 Sharp
Second group leaves at 12:05 Sharp
Everyone follows the lead boat in his or her prospective group
Anyone passing the lead boat in your group will be DISQUALIFIED
There are four card stops on the way and a fifth card at the destination (Slipknot)
Two decks (104 cards) will be available at each stop
Cards are handed to you at random at first four stops; final card can be drawn from card box by participant
Cards will be sealed in envelopes, Opening an Envelope gets you DISQUALIFIED
$600 total payout, $250, $150, $100, $50, $30, $20, T-shirts, hats, etc. (Payout subject to change)


Card stop order as follows:
First group

Fremont to Guth’s Resort (1 Hour ride) (Cards will be picked up at the dock, no need to get out of your boat)
Guth’s Resort to JW Stringers (30 Min. ride) (45 Minute Stop)
JW Stringers to Pine Grove (15 Min. Ride) (45 Minute Stop)
Pine Grove to Fremont (15 Min. Ride) (15 Minute Stop to Meet up with Second Group in Fremont)
Fremont to Lake Poygan (15 Min. Ride) (30 Minute Stop floating in boats to relax, take picture, videos, etc)
Lake Poygan to Fort Fremont (10 Min. Ride) (Cards will be picked up at the dock, no need to get out of your boat)
Fort Fremont to Ramp (15 Min. Ride) (Load your boat on the trailer and walk to Slipknot)
Final Card pick up at Slipknot (Prize Presentation, dinner, drinks)

Second group

Fremont to Pine Grove (15 Hour ride) (45 Minute Stop)
Pine Grove to Guth’s (45 Min. ride) (Cards will be picked up at the dock, no need to get out of your boat)
Guth’s Resort to JW Stringers (30 Min. Ride) (45 Minute Stop)
JW Stringers to Fremont (30 Min. Ride) (15 Minute Stop to Meet up with Second Group in Fremont)
Fremont to Lake Poygan (15 Min. Ride) (30 Minute Stop floating in boats to relax, take picture, videos, etc)
Lake Poygan to Fort Fremont (10 Min. Ride) (Cards will be picked up at the dock, no need to get out of your boat)
Fort Fremont to Ramp (15 Min. Ride) (Load your boat on the trailer and walk to Slipknot)
Final Card pick up at Slipknot (Prize Presentation, dinner, drinks)


Hands are ranked as follows (from high to low):
· Five of a Kind
· Straight Flush
· Four of a Kind
· Full House
· Flush
· Straight
· Three of a Kind
· Two Pair
· Pair
· High Card
Descriptions of Hand Ranks
Five of a Kind
A five of a kind (which is only possible when using wild cards) is the highest possible hand. If more than one hand has five of a kind, the higher card wins (Five Aces beats five kings, which beat five queens, and so on).
Straight Flush
A straight flush is the best natural hand. A straight flush is a straight (5 cards in order, such as 5-6-7-8-9) that are all of the same suit. As in a regular straight, you can have an ace either high (A-K-Q-J-T) or low (5-4-3-2-1). However, a straight may not 'wraparound'. (Such as K-A-2-3-4, which is not a straight). An Ace high straight-flush is called a Royal Flush and is the highest natural hand.
Four of a Kind
Four of a kind is simply four cards of the same rank. If there are two or more hands that qualify, the hand with the higher-rank four of a kind wins. If, in some bizarre game with many wild cards, there are two four of a kinds with the same rank, then the one with the high card outside the four of the kind wins. General Rule: When hands tie on the rank of a pair, three of a kind, etc, the cards outside break ties following the High Card rules.
Full House
A full house is a three of a kind and a pair, such as K-K-K-5-5. Ties are broken first by the three of a kind, then pair. So K-K-K-2-2 beats Q-Q-Q-A-A, which beats Q-Q-Q-J-J. (Obviously, the three of a kind can only be similiar if wild cards are used.)
Flush
A flush is a hand where all of the cards are the same suit, such as J-8-5-3-2, all of spades. When flushes ties, follow the rules for High Card.
Straight
A straight is 5 cards in order, such as 4-5-6-7-8. An ace may either be high (A-K-Q-J-T) or low (5-4-3-2-1). However, a straight may not 'wraparound'. (Such as Q-K-A-2-3, which is not a straight). When straights tie, the highest straight wins. (AKQJT beats KQJT9 down to 5432A). If two straights have the same value (AKQJT vs AKQJT) they split the pot.
Three of a Kind
Three cards of any rank, matched with two cards that are not a pair (otherwise it would be a Full House . Again, highest three of a kind wins. If both are the same rank, then the compare High Cards.
Two Pair
This is two distinct pairs of card and a 5th card. The highest pair wins ties. If both hands have the same high pair, the second pair wins. If both hands have the same pairs, the high card wins.
Pair
One pair with three distinct cards. High card breaks ties.
High Card
This is any hand which doesn't qualify as any one of the above hands. If nobody has a pair or better, then the highest card wins. If multiple people tie for the highest card, they look at the second highest, then the third highest etc. High card is also used to break ties when the high hands both have the same type of hand (pair, flush, straight, etc).

[KaptainKirk]

do you still have a job ??

Unbelievable all the time,effortand money that all of you put into this event !!

THANK YOU !!

[SleeveA]

Good darn thing we have job's that...... Wait" Hey, balzy do we work?:D

[Balzy]

Reminder: Anyone with 2-way radios, bring em to BTTW. They are real handy on the Poker Run.

[halveb]

Fry out baby...I don't care what ya call it but if I see a great big nickle plated grill in the middle of the parking lot I'm taking off. :D

I plan on winning the poker run. What color and type of cards were you gonna use again. ;)

Got my FRS radios ready to go but I warn you they are the type that beep after each transmission and you can't turn the beep off.

[nelsoncat]

Mike,
Do you have a map of the motel location and what time would I have to leave thurs morning to be on time?? Also where is the Fishermans cove? Oh yea did I understand Half B that he's going to rockfest this weekend???/ Lucky ****!!!!!!

Craig

[SleeveA]

I'll have a hammer to fix that beep Half B, or hey just dont talk:D

[nelsoncat]

Damn Mr Anderson, you beat me with the hammer comment!!!!!

craig

[Balzy]

Craig,
go the website. Link below. Hotel info there. Be at hotel at 8:00 to sign in. How do I know what time you gotta leave, I don't know where you might be coming from. LOL Maps addresses, contact numbers. schedule, etc will all be in your event booklet when you get signed in.

Guys and Gals, do us a favor and look at the website we built for information before you ask please. Just about everything you need to know will be there or it will be in the event booklets you will get when you sign in. Steve A does a great job putting these together every year. We go through a lot of work to make it easy to get the info you need. It gets completely nuts right about now with questions and we really are swamped with last minute details. Last night I was on my cell phone from 4:15 until 7:?? steady answering questions and returning calls. Damn near every one of them could have been answered with a click to the website. That's all before I got a chance to start doing e-mails. About 25 of them to answer last night too. Didn't get to go the Gravel Pit Sports Bar to iron out details for Saturday until 11:00 last night. Sorry if I sound rude but there is just way more work to this than people realize.

Craig, don't take this wrong, I'm not barking at you.:D:D:D

[SleeveA]

Craig,
Feel free to bring a hammer too, Half B has been known to move around a lot so more that one hammer will be a good thing:D


FYI all, Balzy has been working on BTTW 04 since oh lets say 2 weeks after 03 ended. Plus, his father is not doing so well right now.... so yeah I guess a bit of a vent is ok.

[nelsoncat]

Sorry Mike,
I hadn't checked the web site in a while. I'm sure your running 200mph tying up loose ends right now!!!!!!THIS IS GONNA BE FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Craig

[halveb]

Now lets see....honey where did you put my hammer proof suit after BTTW last year. I coulda swore I left it right here next to my HST which is still in the closet. :D

Hammer away guys!!!!:p

Sleeve, I'm trying to fix you up with a 30 gallon gimlet in the land of OZ and over here you're trying to hammer me. :eek:

One short week til BTTW. Got your dancing shoes?

[Balzy]

Just got off the phone with Ron Hill. He just sent a special 4-blade 24 yamaha drag with comments and a signature from Greg Foster on it. Anyone wanna guess who will be bidding on this one? Taco, perhaps you might be interested? Hmmmmm? Also Ron sent 24 and 26 3-blade Cloppers (ET/Chopper crossbread) and a 24 3-blade Yamacopy. He will be boxing up a couple of his new "Phone Home" props later this week. As in ET phone home !!!!!!! That gives us 6 props from Ron to try and sell in the auction. Ron is donating one and we give him a hun and a half for anything else we sell. AD gets the profits. How's that for support. Ron, You Da Man !!!!!!!!! Thanks for all your support again this year.

[Balzy]

Ken Warby Autographed WWSR Poster for Auction !!!!!!!!

Follow this link to the thread to place a bid.

http://forums.screamandfly.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=63612

[SleeveA]

TIME SCHEDULE FOR BTTW 2004

Wednesday Afternoon/Evening:
· 4:00pm - Welcome to BTTW gathering and sign-in at the Baymont Inn and Suites.

Thursday Morning:
· 8:30 leave hotel, 9:00 Sharp Verado Tour, 10:30 get boats from the Baymont and go to High Perf, High Perf Tour and Merchandise truck will be on hand, Chat With Fred Kiekhaefer, Maybe have lunch with Merc there

Thursday Afternoon:
· 2:00 Prop testing, Rainbow park or in Fon du Lac if the wind permits

Thursday Evening:
· 6:00pm - Charity Dinner at Fisherman's Cove, Possible 1st half of the Charity Auction

Friday Morning / Afternoon:
· 10:00am - Poker Run in Fremont on the Wolf River

Friday Evening:
· 5:00pm - Friday Evening - Dinner at Slipknot on the river after the Poker Run

Saturday Morning:
· 9:00am - Possible boating on Lake Winnebago (Weather Permitting)

Saturday Afternoon:
2:00pm - Final Charity Auction with Free Food and Drinks at the Gravel Pit Sports Bar & Grill in Kiel. The best part of the event will also happen today, the Donation presentation to the Alzheimer's Association!!!! Thank you all!!!

[Balzy]

Ok, we have the menu worked out for Saturdays auction at the Gravel Pit Sports Bar. As you may have read before we are working with as many Tavern League members as possible to swing some business back to them because they were kind enough to make a total $600 donation between Manitowac county and the state association. Anyway, MC's Pub abd Grill in Kiel will be catering the food for Sat. The Gravel Pit is donating the first half barrel of beer. If we need more the event kitty will buy one. All food and beer this day is FREE, ya FREE. Mixed drinks you buy yourself. The event is buying all the chow !!!!!!!!!! The food will be catered in at 3:00 and the menu is as follows:

Broasted Chicken and BBQ Chicken
Beef Tips in Gravy
Mashed Potatoes
Baked Beans
Corn
Cole Slaw
Rolls
Butter
Coffee
Milk
Carmel Cheesecake for Desert


How's that, gett'in hungry yet?

Oh yea, forgot, we have confirmed a real live auctioneer for Thursdays auction and he will probably be at Saturdays too. T-man, sorry but you've been outranked.

[SleeveA]

I'm out of here today and should make Balzy's by Sunday:eek: Ok maybe a stop or 2 along the way;)

Cant wait to see everyone and meet the new folk.

Everyone drive safe!!!!!!!!

[skidoo29]

MIKE

package is on the way, you should have it by tues at the latest

have fun guys



warren

[Balzy]

Didn't you trust Anthony to get em here? did ya figure he would put em all on his new Stream? LOL. Just kiddy Big A. Thanks again pal.

[skidoo29]

actually I forgot to ask him and since the fed ex guy was here anyway I just shipped them out, it's not like I was paying for it.


warren

[AnthonySS]

Sorry you can't make it Warren...yes I could have taken them ...but since shipping is free....no biggy, I guess.

New AC compressor is going in the truck today...so travel rig is almost ready

[Balzy]

We will be having lunch with all the Mercury employees at Merc Racing on Thursday !!!!!!!!!!! Thanks Rick and TJ. The event will be paying for it so ya'll get to eat for free again !!!!!!!!! This will save us a bunch of time and give us more time for prop testing. Cross your fingers for good weather. Like I said, if the wind id down we will launch at one of the ramps right in Fon du Lac and save even more time than driving to Oshkosh.

[B. Vruwink]

Need to keep on front page.

Pretty hard to beat the water on the river in Oshkosh for prop testing.

[thaw ripper]

Ken W. U are the MAN!;)

[jbf2002]

ttt

mike, see you and your twin brothers wed p.m.

jbf