17th Annual Deputy's Bash
On April 5, 2008, Deputy Pooh-Bah Dan Sipes hosted the 17th Annual Deputy's Bash. It was once again graciously hosted by Big Screen Land and his parents, Prognosticators Tom and Carol Land.
Prognosticator Caitlin Sipes accepts her 10 year service award from Benevolent Grand Pooh-Bah Gavin McCollam (right), while Deputy Pooh-Bah Dan Sipes looks on. Caitlin is smiling on the outside but crying on the inside because she doesn’t have one of those flashy tie-dyed ‘Ganza shirts. Hey Gavin, nice shirt!
Caja Sipes accepts her 10 year service award from the Benevolent Grand Pooh-Bah, while Deputy Pooh-Bah Dan Sipes looks on. Dan was chastised for posing in official ‘Ganza photos while covering up his ‘Ganza T-Shirt, even if it was with a sweatshirt of the Pooh-Bah’s favorite team. Hey Gavin, nice shirt!
Three junior prognosticators take a break from the bash festivities. From left to right, Derrick Sauer, Marissa Sipes, and Nathan Raatz. It appears Nathan just sent Derrick an amusing text message. Hey Marissa and Nathan, nice shirts!
Prognosticator Dan Asplund studies the Scoring Possibilities Matrix included in the critically acclaimed ‘Ganza Gazette. Hey Dan, nice shirt!
A group of junior prognosticators gather around the snack table. Clockwise from the top left, Tommy Raatz, Brianna Sipes, Robyn Patch, Joshua Sipes, Meg Raatz, and Ashlynn Sipes. As you can see, there weren’t any grapes left after Joshua got through the line. Hey Tommy and Brianna and Joshua and Meg and Ashlynn, nice shirts!
Prognosticators Dan Sipes Sr (left), Donalee Sipes, and Marissa Sipes
watch the game. Donalee and Marissa look rather despondent because
somebody snuck in during the dead of night and stole each and every hair
from Prognosticator Rob Sipes’ head. Hey Dan and Donalee and Marissa and
Rob, nice shirts!
Prognosticators Dan and Kathy Asplund are speculating on their top pick proficiencies while torturing Bella the Portuguese Water Dog with their chocolate chip cookies. Hey Dan, nice shirt!
Prognosticators Jessamyn McCollam (left), Caja Sipes, Katie Olson, and
Caitlin Sipes enjoy the pizza selection. Caja, Katie, and Caitlin have
trouble remembering their own names. Hey Jessamyn, nice shirt!
Prognosticator Austin Land could not attend the Deputy’s Bash, but
through the wizardry of modern technology, sent in this cell phone picture
from his college dorm taken during the final four games. He did a nice job
of hiding all the dirty laundry and empty pizza boxes before taking this
picture. Notice there’s not one textbook or study guide to be seen. Hey
Austin, nice shirt!
Here’s another
group of prognosticators discussing their ‘Ganza strategy. From left to
right, Caja Sipes, Caitlin Sipes, Tom Land,
Katie Olson, Deputy Pooh-Bah Dan Sipes, Jessamyn McCollam, Dan
Sipes, Sr., Coreen Redman, and Kathy Asplund. Coreen is making a point
during a spirited discussion with Kathy regarding the unique 'Ganza
scoring method. Hey Tom and Jessamyn and Dan Sr., nice shirts!
A group of happy 'Ganza Prognosticators are gathered
in the kitchen area to discuss how colorful they all look. From left to
right, Annie Raatz,
Deputy Pooh-Bah Dan Sipes (left) and Benevolent Grand Pooh-Bah discuss some important ‘Ganza business while puffing away on some fine imported pretzel sticks. Hey Dan and Gavin, nice shirts!
No, this is not one of those trick psychedelic posters where you try to see a soaring eagle hidden within an otherwise random grouping of colors. Rather, it’s the growing number of ‘Ganza Prognosticators who own the most fashionable contest attire in the country. Back row, from left; Tom Land, Dan Asplund, Jon Patch, Dan Sipes Sr., Rob Sipes, and Dave Raatz. Middle row, from left; Deputy Pooh-Bah Dan Sipes, Tammy Sipes, Cheryl Patch, Jessamyn McCollam, Benevolent Grand Pooh-Bah Gavin McCollam, Jason Sauer, Dawn Sauer, Donalee Sipes, and Annie Raatz. Front row, from left; Joshua Sipes, Marissa Sipes, Ashlynn Sipes, Robyn Patch, Tommy Raatz, Meg Raatz, and Nathan Raatz. Front and center, Brianna Sipes. Hey Tom and Dan and Jon and Dan and Rob and Dave and Dan and Tammy and Cheryl and Jessamyn and Gavin and Jason and Dawn and Donalee and Annie and Joshua and Marissa and Ashlynn and Robyn and Tommy and Meg and Nathan and Brianna, nice shirts!
Even wearing extremely colorful shirts does not help you when you realize you will not be winning the Coveted Ostertag Plaque.
This Ain't No Pool!
Prognosticators Carol and Tom Land are almost empty-nesters. While their three older sons are away at college, their youngest son Big Screen (right) keeps them company. The three of them were gracious hosts again for the 2008 Deputy’s Bash. Hey Carol and Tom, nice shirts!
One Monday, April 7th, the Pooh-Bah hosted his annual VIP Gathering, where the traditional fare of soda pop, chips, and hot wings was served.
Everyone was pleased that the Pooh-Bah's favorite team won the tournament. From left to right, Deputy Pooh-Bah Dan Sipes, Benevolent Grand Pooh-Bah Gavin McCollam, Dan Sipes Sr., Jason Sauer, Tom Land, and John Gallagher. Hey Dan and Gavin and Dan and Jason and Tom, nice shirts!