Our Inaugural Chapitre

April 12, 2023

We welcomed many of our most distinguished leadership from Commandérie d'Amerique to Richmond to celebrate our Inaugural Chapitre and help induct 30 of our 38 candidates. 

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We started with a Welcome Paulée at the Yellow Umbrella for a fabulous dinner prepared by Chef Greg and his team. The ambiance was magical and the wine was so fine. 

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The next day, our guests enjoyed a guided tour of the American Collection at the VMFA followed by lunch at Amuse. We shared SCCV's wine with our guests. 

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At 6:00 pm sharp men and women carrying crimson robes walked from the Jefferson Hotel to the Commonwealth Club. Candidates, members, and guests enjoyed champagne on the patio until our trumpeter, Victor Haskins, played the announcement that the Ceremony was to begin. 

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The Central Virginians had no idea what to expect. But they soon saw a progression of crimson robes along with Victor playing Aida's procession. The group gathered on and in front of the stage. The ceremony was called to order. Each candidate came to the front, was knighted by our Grand Pilier Général, Peter Gleich, our Grand Connétable, Christy Brown, and our Délélgué Général, Ken Bramlett. Next our SCCV Grand Sénéchal, Ginny Parker, placed their crimson and gold ribbons and tastevins around their necks. 

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 After the ceremony, we enjoyed Chef Kaui's masterful menu for 80 guests. the delicacies were prepared perfectly down to the most subtle details. Our Cellier, Terry Shiple, described each of our wines. Our Connétable, David Frediani, served as our MC. Maria Jones coordinated the spectacular centerpieces and plants. Our most sincere apologies to the Presidents of the US and France, our GS forgot to toast them. At our next event, we shall toast them twice! A wonderful time was had by all. 

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