Greetings from the High Sierra Chefs Association, the local chapter of the American Culinary Federation. The High Sierra Chapter represents Reno, Sparks, Carson City, Lake Tahoe and all surrounding areas of Northern Nevada and Northeastern California.

Members of the ACF High Sierra Chapter,

It is time to honor our Founding Father, Chef Jon Greenwalt, CEC, AAC. Chef Jon organized our chapter many years ago, he came to Reno contacted local chefs and started our charter.
Since the beginning Jon has supported us in two regional conventions, many culinary shows and on many levels of the
American Academy of Chefs.
Many of you have known Jon as long or longer
than I have and without question know he is one of the
most dedicated chefs we have ever met.
Chef Greenwalt is not only dedicated to our profession,he is dedicated to his lovely wife Doris and to his many children and foster children;
Yes Jon and Doris still have 4 young boys living with them.
Jon also would take his vacation each year to work in Mexico
setting up kitchens to feed the volunteers who were building homes
for the local residents. Chef Greenwalt never stop giving to others.

Last year was devastating for Chef Greenwalt,he suffered a stroke.
I went to visit him with in the first week he was in the hospital
and even though he was in pain, was unable to walk and paralyzed on one side,he still had his sense of humor
and made remarks about the “hospital” food.

At our Regional conference this year,
Jon and Doris traveled to Salt Lake City and to the surprise of his family, friends and doctors Jon stood up and gave an incredible speech.
He was an inspiration to everyone.
Then after suffering another small stroke a week prior to National,
Jon and Doris drove by themselves to Las Vegas from Sacramento to attend the AAC dinner and other events at the National.
When I asked Doris why they would drive all the way down for a dinner she simply said, “This is Jon’s life and this may be his last”.

It is time for us to honor this legacy on September 29, 2008,
Chef Jon Greenwalt, CEC, AAC will receive
the American Academy of Chefs 2008 Lifetime Achievement Award
for his exemplary leadership, motivation and inspiration to colleagues and the youth of the culinary industry,
as well as having devoted significant time
to community service activities.
Chef Sal Campagna, CEC, HAAC,
will be dinner chair on behalf of the Academy.
The dinner will be at Lake Merced Golf Club, Daly City, Calif.
Tickets: $150.00 each.
Call the National Academy Office at (800) 624-9458 ext. 102.
The dinner is limited to 150 people.

Also there will be a silent auction and we need donations. I personally ask each member to please donate a bottle of wine,
gift certificates or whatever you can
to make this a very successful and profitable event.
I will be at our next meeting, I am on the planning committee
with Chef Campagna so please open your pockets and donate.
I am going to make a Northern Nevada “wine” basket
from the donations I receive and make sure that this basket
is from the members of the ACF High Sierra Chapter,
In honor of our Founding Father Chef Jon Geenwalt, CEC, AAC.

Eat well and stay healthy,
Joe Eidem, CEC, AAC

We are the High Sierra Chefs Association chapter of the American Culinary Federation.