[SatNews] Cheers! Here is a wonderful way to enjoy a memorable event — the Gala 2011 — and support the Society of Satellite Professionals International all while honoring the memory of Dean Olmstead.
Before he passed away, Dean Olmstead, and his friend SSPI Vice President of Education Chris Stott (Space Isle/ManSat), purchased a specially prepared batch of extraordinary wine produced by Vintners Own Winery in Houston, Texas.
The wine was bottled for the Space Shuttle Discovery's crew and family and was blended by Simon Payne. Chris' wife, Nicole Stott, was one of the astronauts aboard STS-133 and the Discovery on its final tour of service. An elegantly engraved and hand painted label that is a replica of the patch of the STS 133 flight is emblazoned on this special 9-liter bottle of 2009 vintage Sonoma Valley Syrah The grapes were transported via refrigerated trucks to the custom crush facility in Houston and aged for 18 months in new French oak barrels. Here the careful blending occurred resulting in handcrafted wine that is sure to satisfy the most sophisticated palate.
Dean Olmstead's connection to Discovery dates to 1993 when the ACTS satellite that he was best associated with was placed in orbit by Discovery during STS-51. Dean and Chris had discussed donating the wine for auction sponsored by SSPI and the Arthur C. Clarke Foundation. Dean's wish has now come to fruition, and, the story is made that much richer with astronaut Nicole Stott being on board Discovery's historical last flight.
The Dean Olmstead Scholarship Fund was established by the Olmstead family and SSPI. The fund supports a student from the Rocky Mountain region who is pursuing the business/financial side of the satellite industry.
The reserve price for this exceptional wine is $1,000. For those attending Gala 2011 who wish to support and honor a colleage as well as support the fund's mission, you will find appropriately marked boxes at the Dessert & Cordials Buffet for your sealed bids. SSPI will then select the highest bidder or, in the case of a tie, the top bidders will be contacted and they will have the option of setting a higher bid.
