Hail from
The Chief
By Kelly Armstrong
Well, it is that time of the year when we all think about what has happened
throughout the year. Some of us have lost love ones and some of us have had
new loved ones come into their lives. And we all count our blessings that
we as a club have friends that we can turn to in the time of need and sorrow
and of happiness and joy.
We had our Christmas party at the Relay Station
on the 9th of December and it was great to see everyone. About
48 people showed up. Everyone had a good time. We sat around and talked about
what we have accomplished throughout the year. One of the biggest accomplishments
was being able to help the families and seniors at Christmas.
That is our biggest goal. Christmas time is special for everyone and the
little kids are our next generation and we have to make sure that they are
taken care of and the tradition and the spirit of giving keeps on, no matter
how bad things seem. If you look at it this way, there is ALWAYS somebody
worse off than you are.
We decided to have the next meeting at the Press Box on January 11, 2001
at 7:00 p.m. This will also be the election, so if you do not want to be
president (Tom Wilson), you better show up for the meeting! Also, the new
President will be responsible for organizing the Sweetheart's Brunch on February
14, 2001 or somewhere close to that date. This is also when we will select
the Logo for the 2001 show. So, start getting your ideas on paper.
See you at the next meeting!! SAVE THE WAVE!!
Christmas Shopping
By Trish Bargman
Thirteen ladies, two special helpers, and two gentlemen met at
Shopko at 9 AM and shopped until we had spent $2800!!!
We had five families and four seniors to take care of this year. When we
say we do Christmas for these families, we do everything, including a tree
and decorations, (if needed), stockings, and as many 'extras' as we can.
We love to hear Debbie Morris say "we still have more money, so go back and
get some more."
We find these families in many different ways -- churches, school counselors,
service organizations, etc. We ask the contact person to get us a list of
what is needed and also some wants. It seems that coats, boots and gloves
are always needed. The 'wants' are usually pretty basic -- like two-year
old Samantha who wanted a soft towel, blanket, and pillow. We have made it
a habit to get each family a tin of popcorn with a puzzle.
We have used Shopko for the last three years because
they give us an extra 15% off the total amount we spend. I think it was Pat
Staffon that found a train set that was on sale, then marked down another
40% for clearance. With the extra 15% off,
Shopko practically gave it to us! They set up one
register that is just for us and after we have sent all the 'need' carts
through and the 'wants' that were listed, we get a subtotal. Then we wait
to see if Debbie gives the thumbs up to keep shopping.
We are very grateful to Shopko and the employees
that seem to get into the spirit with us.
After we have finished shopping we wrap everything. Bev Novak has let us
use her house the last two years and Mary Kay Bennett has also let us use
her home in the past. We unload our cars, take everything inside, wrap it,
and then load everything up again so we can deliver later. We do take a lunch
break for pizza. (You knew we had to eat -- we are the drive and eat club.)
Carol Merrell and her granddaughter Cassia delivered to the two Idaho Falls
families that same day. Egon took care of the seniors, and the next Friday
the Rexburg deliveries were made.
I want to thank everyone that helped shop, wrap, and deliver. We had 15 kids,
5 moms, 2 dads, and 4 seniors to shop for this year. Many hands made it easier
and lots of fun. I'm going to try to name everyone that helped. I sure hope
I don't leave anyone out.
Bev, Beverly, Linda O., Susan, Pam, Linda M., Lori, Debbie, Pat, Mary Kay,
Janet, Mary Lee, Carol, Judy, our two special helpers Cassia and Ashley,
and Marv and Egon. Those were our shoppers. Marv and Egon also did public
relations for us by contacting Channel 8 News. Maybe some of you saw Susan
Larsen that Sunday evening being interviewed. Egon wrote an article for the
Post Register, but so far it hasn't been published.
Our Rexburg deliveries were taken care of by Judy, Pam, and Ashley. Janet
and Mary Lee came also and talked Sam and Ted into helping us. They wore
their Santa hats and one of the little girls thought Sam was Santa (kind
of looks like him). She came out and gave her special Santa a big hug. Connie
Barton and her daughter Aubrey also helped do some of the shopping in Rexburg
that couldn't be done in Shopko.
One of the mothers needed a vacuum, so I called Vacuum Sales
& Service in Rexburg and asked if they had any rebuilt
vacuums that we could buy. After hearing the story the owner donated the
vacuum. If you get a chance to visit his shop, be sure to tell Blake Thomas
that you appreciate his generosity. Because he donated the vacuum we were
able to also buy a microwave oven for the mother.
We also thank everyone that came to West Yellowstone and helped and/or
participated in our Wild West Vette Fest 2000.
Without that event we would not be able to do our Christmas for Families
& Seniors. Lets make 2001 even more successful!
December Meeting Minutes
By Bev Novak
This meeting was our annual Christmas party. It was held at the
Relay Station in St. Anthony. We had a very good
turnout with 48 members in attendance. Two traveled all the way from California,
Ben and Claudia.
Trish Bargman gave the report on the families we adopted for Christmas. We
adopted five families and four seniors. There were a total of 17 kids we
purchased presents for. We had a good turnout for the shopping and we spent
$2,800 dollars. Shopko gave us 15% off all of the
items purchased. They bent over backwards to help us. Carol Merrill delivered
to the Idaho Falls families, and Pam, Trish, Janet, Sam, Judy, Ted, and Mary
Lee delivered to the Rexburg families. All the money spent is from our
Wild West Vette Fest. There will be a cheer for
the club in the Jeers & Cheers section of the Idaho Falls
Post Register. Susan and Egon did a good job talking to the
TV person. I hope I didn't leave any names out. I don't dare list all the
names that shopped because I'm sure I'd leave out someone.
Richard and Debbie Morris are the Chairpersons for the 2001 Wild West Vette
Fest. They want to let every one know we need logos in by February. They
need people for the committee chairs. It is a lot of hard work, but it is
well appreciated, especially by the families we adopt at Christmas. We need
to get the sponsors early this year.
Egon warned of the cold snap coming. It would be a good idea to start your
car up before it hits. The cold is hard on the batteries.
Elections will be held at the next meeting, which will be held Thursday the
11th at the Press Box at 7 p.m. Marvin
is good at getting people to run. He was asked to set up a committee.
We have had a lot of new members show up at the last couple of meetings.
The show could use some help from newer members. The money goes to adopting
families at Christmas. People ask for the smallest things.
Jim thought it would be good to get a picture of the cars in front of the
Relay Station; Trish has one already. He thought
a story should be written up and put in the local paper.
Nametags were handed out. Everyone thought they were a great idea.
Marvin and Mary Kay are planning our next big road trip. It will be in October
2001. We will be going to the balloon festival in New Mexico. It is held
the first two weekends in October. We will leave the 6th. Please
see Marvin and Mary Kay for the details.
Motorola Radios are on sale at Sam's Club. It is
the kind we use.
Farrell asked if anyone was planning to go on the Cruise that was in the
newsletter. He was asked to bring the details to the next meeting.
We concluded the meeting by passing around the presents with the right left
story read by Ben Sanchez.
Everyone have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Candidates for 2001
President:
Lynn McKinlay: Lynn and his wife Betty (we'll get to her
later) joined the club three years ago. Lynn is a teacher at West Jefferson,
teaching math, science, and PE to 7th and 8th graders.
He loves to ski and has been very active with the ski patrol. He received
one of only four Golden Ski Patrol Awards ever given at Grand Targhee. He
holds a National Ski Patrol number. He is officially retired from the patrol
now, but still helps with training. Lynn and Betty were in charge of the
poker run last summer at Wild West Vette Fest 2000.
Lynn and Betty have a white 1980.
Jack Larsen: Jack and wife Susan (again we'll get to her
later) are starting their second year with the club. Jack is a native of
Idaho and lived in this area all his life. Jack and Susan have had three
corvettes -- a 1972 coupe, a 1978 silver anniversary edition, and a red 2000
hardtop. Jack was co-owner of Yost Office Systems for a number of years but
now works for Western Bank as a Public Relations
Officer. Jack enjoys golf, hunting, fishing, boating, and snowmobiling. Jack
and Susan have gone on trips with the club and helped with Wild
West Vette Fest 2000 by manning a poker run stop.
Vice President:
Rick Stiles: Rick joined the club last summer after buying
his first Corvette -- a red 2000 coupe. Rick raced his 914 on road courses
and autocross. After years of expensive maintenance he finally saw the light
and bought his first Corvette. Rick is from Washington where he worked as
an engineer for the Department of Transportation for 28 years. Since retiring
he has moved to the basin and been busy building a house on property he bought
in 1992. He loves speed, and besides car racing he also raced motorcycles
on the Northwest Motorcycle Circuit. Rick brought his motorcycles with him
and just added a brand new 2001 Harley Davidson. Along with the Harley he
also has a 750 Honda Nighthawk and an 1100 Kawasaki. Rick has two kids and
one grandchild. Other interests include skiing of all kinds, fly fishing,
tying flies, and canoeing.
Wayne Valentine: Wayne and Pam joined the club two and a
half years ago after buying their first Corvette -- a teal 1992 coupe. Wayne
has been in auto sales for over 30 years, currently at Taylor
Chevrolet in Rexburg. He really enjoys going to the auto sales.
Wayne has been active in the Rotary Club. They have three children and two
grandchildren. Wayne likes to travel, and has been awarded quite a few trips
through his job for having the best sales record. Wayne and Pam have also
been able to take several trips with the club. They have a cabin in Island
Park and enjoy spending time there. Other interests include snowmobiling
and spending time with the family.
Secretary:
Betty McKinlay: Betty is married to Lynn; they have four
children with one still at home. She is the City Clerk for the City of Iona.
Betty loves music and has taught piano lessons for many years and served
as president of the Idaho Falls Music Club. She also enjoys crafts in her
spare time. Betty and Lynn like spending time with their family.
Linda Riggert: Linda comes to the club from Washington with Rick Stiles. She is currently working on setting up a web site to sell Native American and Harley Davidson collectibles. Linda likes anything to do with the outside, skiing, hiking, and gardening. Car racing is another of her passions -- watching, not actually racing. She and Rick have enjoyed going on the one road trip with the club that they were able go on.
Susan Larsen: Susan and Jack have four kids and nine
grandchildren. Susan loves music and plays the piano and the organ. She and
her family like to get together and sing. Susan worked part time in the business.
She likes to work in her yard, go boating, snowmobiling, fishing, and hunting
with Jack. Susan and Jack love the time they get to spend at their cabin
at Henry's Lake.
Treasurer:
Debbie Morris: Debbie has been in the club since 1994. Debbie
and her husband Richard have been very active over the years holding office
and working on the Wild West Vette Fest since it's
beginning. Debbie loves her horses, skiing, gardening, and taking short and
long trips with the club. Debbie has worked as a staff accountant for 12
years. She is the current treasurer. She is running unopposed.
Activities Chairman:
Be thinking of someone who would be good for this office. The person needs
to be motivated and good at being spontaneous. They will be responsible to
get the club out and going on fun drives and having fun get-togethers.
| Sam Miller | 2 |
| Karen Hansen | 2 |
| Debbie Morris | 5 |
| Richard Moore | 10 |
| Wayne Valentine | 12 |
| Claudia Sanchez | 16 |
| Wayne Ramsey | 28 |
Co-Chairs for Vette Fest 2001
Richard and Debbie Morris are the show-chairs for Wild West Vette
Fest 2001. They have been in the club since 1994. Richard is
a past president and Debbie has been the treasurer for the last three years.
As the chairs they will lead and coordinate the different committees in the
big job of putting on next years 2 ½ day event. Last year they were
the co-chairs and they have been committee chairs for the poker run and the
T-shirts. Wild West Vette Fest 2001 will be in
good hands.
Richard and Debbie bought their first Corvette in 1991, a 1958. Richard is
an expert body and fiberglass man and is currently doing a major restoration
to bring 'her' back to former glory. The '58 should be ready for the road
this summer.
Not wanting to be Vetteless while the '58 was off the road, and to take on
long trips, they bought a 1992 black rose coupe in 1998. Not that the '58
didn't do its share of long trips, and is sure to do more in the future.
The '58 went to the Black Hills in 1995, Route 66 in 1996, and Canada in
1997.
Richard has been an Irradiation Technician at the site for 17 years. He enjoys
car and boat racing, restoring his '58, and has a 1963 Avanti waiting in
the back of the shop to be restored!
Debbie has been a Staff Accountant at Post & Denney for 12 years. She
loves training and showing horses, trail riding with daughter Amy, gardening,
skiing, tennis, reading, and also does oil painting.
Richard and Debbie enjoy the friendships they have made in the club and going
on the many trips, long and short. They look forward to more of the same
in the future. Their only daughter Amy and husband Brian are also in the
club. They have a 1973 yellow coupe and have been on and headed up
Wild West Vette Fest committees. Brian
is currently the vice president.
For Richard and Debbie the club is a family affair.