Shopping for Toys

Along with Edie H., Ron C., Sharon & Bob L. went to Kmart and Penneys and purchased bikes and other items for the Salvation Army Christmas. That along with the other people who helped with the food and toy drive made this season a successful one in which a lot of families had a nicer holiday.

ENGINE RAFFLE COMMITTEE- Contact Ron N. if you can help selling engine raffle tickets at any of the upcoming events. 477-6077

If you are going to Autorama-stop by the Roamin Angels display and spend some time selling tickets. Give the folks who are there, a break.

The election is over and the new board is now elected (if not formally announced). Although there is no mystery as to who is elected this year due to the nature of the election (three people for three openings), we had a good slate of qualified people. I was pleased to hear that there were a lot of ballots returned. We also had the by-laws revision on the ballot, so it is good that people cared enough to place their ballots.

The first event on the horizon is Autorama. Since a main reason for being there is to sell engine raffle tickets, the club subsidized those putting their cars in the club exhibit. We also cut back dramatically (and I do mean DRAMATICALLY) on what we spent on the exhibit itself. We felt supporting our members was more important. That's what we've been hearing from the members and we acted accordingly.

There's a saying that goes, 'when there's free food, Roamin Angels will be there.' There will be free pizza at our Annual Meeting on the 12th, paid for by the club for all Roamin Angels. Those that have paid their dues, that is. But that isn't the only reason to be there. Each board member will give a brief synopsis of what he or she does and what happened during the year. There will also be a little entertainment. I will speak about the survey results. I read them all a couple of times and collated the information. Some ideas were interesting. But I don't think the Nevada City/ Grass Valley region really wants to change its name to The Grand Duchy of the Roamin Angels. The idea of a Hwy 49 'Hot Rods Only' lane has some merit, though. I hope everyone will attend the meeting. It's always popular and no one goes hungry.

The events planning session went well. At least, so I heard. My back prevented me from attending and sitting for that long. But there are a lot of events planned, so you should find something you will enjoy. There are a few open areas, so talk to Edie if you have an idea for an event you would like to organize. It can be very casual, so don't feel you have to spend hours getting it together. This is especially for short, day runs. They can be a lot of fun without any great effort. But someone has to start the ball rolling or it just sits there. Inertia, you know.

I do want to mention one thing a few people put on the survey: 'too many activities.' No one is expected (or should even try) to go to everything, but a wide choice makes it easier to find something you like. We did end up with a few conflicts on dates last year that we are going to try to avoid, but there can be two simultaneous events that are not originated by the club. Just pick what you want and avoid the rest. And have fun. That's what it's all about. Even the community stuff we do should be something you want to do. If not, put your ten hours of service to the club in some other area, like the car show. You're the boss, you know.

'Nuff said, I'm outta here.

General Meeting Minutes
Monday, January 28, 1998 • Salvation Army

The meeting was called to order at 7 p.m. by president, Ron C. All board members were present except Ralph B. 21 members/spouses were also in attendance. The minutes from the last meeting were approved with no changes (Larry E./Ron N.) Sheila A. read the treasurer's report, and it was accepted as submitted with no changes (Tom T./ Dave G.)

Correspondence: Pleasant Ridge Elementary at Lake of the pines would like us to participate in their upcoming 50's event on Saturday April 19. We would leave the district office in parade form at 10 a.m .and go to the field. Call Edie for more details if you're interested.

Other Board Member Reports:
Dave G. indicated he is having difficulty with the Autorama folks. He can't get a commitment on time/day etc. for set up. He is planning to set up on Wednesday–leave Grass Valley at 2 p.m. Contact him later in the week for more precise times.

Edie H. indicated that the Annual meeting will be held on Feb. 12, at the GRASS VALLEY Elks Lodge. This is a change! WE will NOT be meeting at the Nevada City Elks. Free Pizza and State of the Club reports from the board members. Plan to attend.

Ron N. thanked Bob M. for his lead in getting the engine ready to go for Autorama. We won't need to spend much money getting it ready this year. Sheila A. indicted that the Scholarship Account is like an escrow account. We need to keep finds in the account in anticipation of older scholarship recipients wanting their money. Effective 2007, we have a release time attached to the scholarships so it does not have to be held forever.

Larry E. commended Edie on the fantastic job she did on the Toy Drive. He indicated he was the one who had been adamantly opposed to spend a lot of unnecessary money on toys etc., and this year Edie came through–spending only about $3,500. We need to keep tight control on inventory. We will need to purchase more in 2008, as we have very little on hand.

Ron C. asked members to remember the merchants who gave us such great deals–JC Pennys and K-Mart in Auburn. The Grass Valley K-Mart would not accept a Roamin' Angel check for $300 to purchase gift cards. Deann B. indicated that the Salvation Army had sent thank you notes to these two merchants.

Larry E. also indicated there was a bylaws change regarding the time of this meeting on the ballot. A straw poll of tonight's membership resulted in a 50/50 decision to change the time. We'll see how the vote comes out. Larry E. also indicted that he had met with Ed Scofield, Mindy, and Thane A. regarding the grass situation (at the fairgrounds). It is the worst it has been in 4 or 5 years. Last year, the fairgrounds spent $3,500 on the green spray the day before the RA car show. Everyone agreed that the Music in the Mountains stage had caused the most damage, being under the stage for 30 days.

Sadly, this was Tom T.s last board meeting. He thanked everyone for their support he has been given on the car show over the years.

Old Business:
1) Survey - Ron C indicted the survey has been completed, and totaled. He will announce the results at the Annual meeting.
2) Autorama–As Dave G. indicated above we need to have help with the setup. Contact him for further information. And, Ron N. still needs sign ups for selling raffle engine tickets. Autorama is our biggest event for ticket sales. Last year we sold over 900 tickets.
3) Annual Meeting: Free Food. 2008 Board Members will be announced. Remember GRASS VALLEY Elks Lodge
4) Members only Website–We'll have a special meeting area for members only. Part of our Membership Has It's Privileges campaign.
5) Empire Mine Gas Pump Restoration-Edie asked that this item be tabled.

New Business
1)Events Calendar–In process– Went well at the meeting at the Garage Mahal. A few openings on the calendar so if you'd like to schedule an event, day time or overnighter, contact Edie. Remember, if you plan to attend an event, and sign up for that event, a $10 fee will be collected. When you meet to leave for the event, you will receive your $10 back. Too many people are signing up and then not participating for club events. Planners make reservations based on signups, and this fee is to 'guarantee' participation.
2)Roster–A new roster will be given out at the Annual meeting of February 12, at the GRASS VALLEY Elks Lodge. See everyone there!!

There being no further business to conduct, the meeting was adjourned at 8:02 p.m.