President’s Message to the CARMA Membership

September, 2023

 


terry
CARMA President - Terry Ricks


Dear CARMA Gentlemen,

BIDENOMICS STRIKES CARMA!!!  It is with extreme regret that CARMA announces that the 40% plus increase in restaurant wholesale food costs and Biden’s new $15.00 per hour minimum wage means effective with the September CARMA Luncheon, the cost of the luncheon meal will rise to $28.00 per person – tax and gratuities included.

The concern over inflation is not likely to go away as “Bidenomics” led to another uptick in inflation for the first time in 12 months. While some consumer prices are down considerably since hitting a 40-year high of 9.1 percent in 2022, inflation remains well above the Federal Reserve’s target rate of 2 percent. With gas and food prices rising, rent and housing up, and labor costs increasing, inflation will continue to be a drag on the economy. 

Restaurants have been especially hit hard. The National Restaurant Association has estimated that approximately 90,000 restaurants have closed, both temporary and permanent, which includes diners, cafes, chain outlets, taverns, bars and neighborhood restaurants. Just look around Williamsburg.

Our  2023 CARMA Bundling Project began on July 1st and has concluded.  It was successful with over $9,000 raised. Some extra funds were added from our Treasury.  This was our most important fund raising effort for five locally contested Republican candidates running in JCC.  They are Amanda Batten, Danny Diggs, Barbara Null, Michael Hosang and Marvin Franz. 

The next CARMA luncheon will be on Thursday, September 21st at Giuseppe s Restaurant.  Download your reservation form from www.CARMAgop.com and mail it with your $28 check (the new price) to the CARMA PO Box.  The three course meal is always delicious.

Our September 21st speakers will be Board Supervisor Sue Sadler (Stonehouse) and Art Garrison, our VP of Programs.  There will also be a review of Thomas Sowell by Steve Mains.

Future Events:
Thursday, Sept. 7th @ 8am Governor Youngkin and Delegate Batten at Colonial Heritage 757-741-7001;
Wednesday, Sept. 13th @ 6pm Dan Cavazos and Trevor Topping at Beck Residence 914-837-9500;
Thursday, Sept. 14th @ 5:30pm WJCCRC Party and Art Auction at Legacy Hall 202-494-8161.

The next WJCCRC monthly meeting will be Wednesday, September 27th at 6pm at the Norge Library (not the downtown Williamsburg Branch).
Visit www.wjccrc.org for information about joining.

Some History…America’s Founders lived in a classical era and studied ancient Greece, Rome and the Renaissance, while admiring science, reason, beauty, form, and balance.  They also read and quoted Machiavelli.  In addition to “The Prince,” he also wrote “Discourses on Livy,” which examines the benefits of a republican government that includes monarchical, aristocratic, and democratic institutions that balance and check each other with laws approved by the people.

Contact me anytime for more information at trix598@aol.com or 202-494-8161.
Please visit our great website:  www.carmagop.com
Thank you for your support.
  
Terry Ricks, CARMA President  

08/31/23