2007 Car Show co-chairs Larry E. and Tom T. present checks to Clare McDowell of Animal Save, Dr. Greg Porter of the Grass Valley Firefighters, Darren Chan representing the Nevada Union Girl's Softball Team, Madeline Helling of the Transportation Museum and Ranger Turner and Kenny Willer of the Boy Scouts of America.
Other photos from this presentation.

Since the 8th Annual Cruisin' the Pines Car Show, the Roamin Angels have given $18,306 to a number of groups in the community from the profits. We recently gave a total of $12,250 to Animal Save, the Grass Valley Firefighters, the Nevada Union Girl's Softball Team, the Transportation Museum, the Boy Scouts of America and the Community Center. Big Brothers and Big Sisters are scheduled to receive a donation of $1,256 from the proceeds of an auction at the car show as well. An additional $4800 of the club's funds went for purchasing both toys and basic necessities for families in need during the Christmas season that was distributed by club members under the auspices of the Salvation Army.

In November, Old Car Weekly sent out a request to "Share your memories of a favorite holiday automotive-related gift". The best stories were published in the Dec. 13th issue. Steve O. came in first and was awarded three very nice car books, three Hallmark car/truck ornaments, a one year subscription to Old Car Weekly, one of their calendars and some other small stuff. The list value for all that is just over $200. Read Steve's winning entry.

Club Service Awards by Ron C.
Every December the club gives seven awards for service to the club during the past year based upon membership input and board recommendations. Out of those seven, one will be chosen as member of the year. This year the board did not do that. It awarded eight. Even with an extra award, it was a difficult choice. Many have worked hard this year. But tough choices do have to be made. The award winners, with a very brief description of some of their service, are as follows:
Janene P.- worker on the car show raffle committee, sign designer and painter, helper with product sales.
Dick T.- The man behind Big Dick's Tours and the voice on the mike at the car show.
Ted C.- an idea man who took the car show major sponsor ball and ran with it.
Dan G.- a 'new guy' who jumped right in and helped, especially at the car show.
Diane B.- newsletter editor, webmaster, 'Craft Faire' organizer and much more.
Emilie R.- Autorama organizer for 2007.
Not pictured:
Ron O.- helps in a number of areas, but did great service for the scholarship engine program.
Pat G.- a quiet worker who is present and willing to help so many times over many years.

Photos and other stories about the Christmas party will be in the February newsletter.

I'm sitting here, changing calendars from 2007 to 2008 (at least that's an easy change when I forget while making out a check). Here it is, one more year gone. Is it just me or does time seem to accelerate each year? On the whole, it was a very good year for the club. Don't worry, I'm not going to give you a recap of all that happened last year. I will hit the highlights of December, though, but not necessarily chronologically. Then let's look to making next year even better. Yeah, a little 'Rah-Rah-We're-A-Great-Club,' but no pom-poms.

Let's start with the Christmas party. Wow! Can it get any more fun? I've heard some people say it is their favorite event. No wonder. The food was fine, the camaraderie cool, the music and the whole evening exceptional. Buzzards were in Basic Black (tuxes, that is) making the largest Penguin Squad on record. Way to go, guys. We had three Farmer John's (Dusty, Den and Ted) in their 'best bib and tucker,' I suppose. 'Course when you leave the tags on your overalls to return them the next day, it loses a little authenticity. Right, Dusty? The Choir of Angels was well received, with the 'original' Roamin Angel songs getting the best response. No, though, there is no CD in the offing. You've got to catch the performances live. The prizes were great. If you won one. Now you understand why I only eat or see a show at the Reno casinos. You've got to catch the performances live. When I left, the dancing to Mad Dash showed no signs of stopping. Party hardy. Fortunately a number of Angels were staying right across the street from the club house. It did eliminate the need for a designated driver. And I'm not talking about someone to tee off for them in the morning. It was a great night and Nancy J and her committee did a wonderful job, as usual.

Although the toy drive was down in number of toys, as reported last month, the cash donations were up. Combined with money from the club, we had enough for the needy kids. We also bought household goods like sheets, blankets and towels for the families. And Edie H. brought us in for under budget! Thanks go to K-Mart in Auburn for their discounts and especially to Penneys in Grass Valley for going all out to get us what we needed at an incredible price. Be sure and let them know when you shop there that we and the community appreciate it.

The turn out of Angels for the family sign-ups at the Salvation Army was great and we had a great showing of Angels for the food and toy distribution before Christmas. For the first time, clean up and storing what was left at the Salvation Army was not done by a few Angels, but a bevy of them. I was impressed. Everyone who helped deserves a big 'THANKS!' from me, the club and the whole community. Especially Edie. She did so much work, spent so much time and organized everything so well that it all went off like clockwork. She made it happen. Kudos plus to you, Edie.

In closing, I am going to hit on two events that are covered elsewhere (I hope): the January 12th event-planning session for the year at Sue & Dave G.'s and the February 12th Annual Meeting. These are 'must-do's' and the Annual meeting even has free pizza. That's FREE PIZZA! Make them if at all possible.

'Nuff said, I'm outta here.

General Meeting Minutes
There was no general meeting in December.