November is upon us and typically we associate this month with a time of giving thanks! Well, not being one to mess with tradition, I would like to share a few of the things that I am thankful for this November 2007.

Regarding the 2008 San Francisco Golden Gate Classic Tournament, I am very thankful that we have at long last finalized everything! The tournament is moving to Classic Bowl in Daly City the weekend of June 20 – 22, 2008. Classic Bowl has 60 wood lanes and has done major remodeling and will be a wonderful location for our 24th annual tournament. They have a fantastic bar with a huge lounge featuring 7 televisions, a larger snack bar area, a second service bar, and they are working with us to throw a great event!! I think most of us have forgotten what it is like to bowl on wooden lanes, so a trip to the SFGGC should definitely be on your travel plans!!

We will be using ‘The Handlery Hotel’ in beautiful downtown San Francisco as our new host hotel. They are only ½ block from Union Square, and only 3 blocks from the Powell Street BART station. Location, location, location! The new Westfield Centre with upscale shopping and brand new movie theatres are within walking distance. Want to go to Fisherman’s Wharf? Well, this is also where the world-famous cable cars start their “climb halfway to the stars”! Rooms will be $149 for two people in the historic section, and these are very nice rooms, if I do say so myself. King size bed or two queens, the usual amenities of TV, in-room safe, but wait! They also have the most important amenity of all – a refrigerator the perfect size for whatever it is you desire to keep cold – be it beer, vodka, soda, or a nice cold carton of milk. The upgraded section overlooking the pool with balconies on most rooms go for $179/night. Remember, this is downtown San Francisco and these are good prices. We are working on possible deals for those of you wanting to stay on through PRIDE WEEK!! I will update you with more information as it becomes available.

Finally, perhaps the biggest thing I am thankful for is that this past Sunday (November 4th) was my 50th birthday! It was also the 50th birthday of my twin brother back in Ohio. I am thankful to have my health, a good amount of T-cells, and my partner of almost 3 years, Kevin! Also included is Truman, our beautiful and loving cat!

So, let’s all take a moment and give thanks for the good things in life! I hope you all have a nice Thanksgiving holiday and once again, I look forward to seeing many familiar faces, as well as lots of new ones, come next June.

Marc Gottschall
Co-Director, 2008 SFGGC