News Archive, January through February 2002

 After some last minute debating, we held to our schedule and a meeting took place on Valentine's Day.  Despite the 'holiday', there was a decent showing at the all too usual venue.  Our president was one of the members who could not attend.  So once again my limited knowledge of building a webpage was put the test as I had to conduct the meeting.  The topics included:

• New Vice President
• Public Relations
• IPF Driving lights raffle

Ryan Frost has graciously filled the long vacant VP position.  His enthusiasm for fourwheeling and willingness to put time in for the club made him a good candidate.  Since our president's employment situation changed some months ago, it was noted we needed more help with running the club.  And still being close the turn of the new year, the timing could not have been more convenient.  That, and the fact I completely lacked the ability to run an interesting meeting.

Recently various conversations have come up about land use, club sponsored events, and general public relation issues.  With some discussion at the meeting I got the feeling a lot of the members in the club, especially newer ones, seem to be energetic and motivated to be proactive on land use issues, or at least interested in doing more events to get our name out to the public in good light.  I suspect that there are local activities we as a club could offer our time towards, but I (and the other officers) lacked the time to research.  So I asked for someone to look for appropriate volunteer programs, parades etc. and inform the club officers of these events with contact information.  Nick William's wife Patty offered to take on that task.  So along with baker, Patty is now our unofficial PR representative.  Thanks Patty.  A reminder to the newer members, last year we adopted a park, and this spring will have to do some park clean-ups once again.

It was decided to postpone the raffle for the IPF 968 lights till the next meeting.  Tickets will be sold at the next meeting and the lights will then be raffled.  Remember, 5 dollars a ticket and the money goes to support the club.

Our next meeting is February 28, 2002.

The Members Rigs section got an update again.  The new additions are (in alphabetical order) Aaron, Brentt, and Matt.

Once again our fearless leader had a prior engagement, and members of the club, new and old, had to be subjected to another meeting led by a less than ostentatious stand in.

A large number of members were present for a winter meeting, even some faces that had not been seen since the summer.  I suppose some had assumed the runs had ceased and building had begun this winter, per usual.  But the lack of snow, and motivation of a few, has kept the wheeling fairly active.  Hence, the meetings are showing an unusual amount of activity as well (at least as far as attendance).

No topics were set on the agenda.  There was talk of a new venue for meeting, clearly some feel more strongly about the idea than others.  A possible club tee-shirt idea was demo'd.  A reminder was made that the Vice President/Treasurer position is vacant.

As the meeting concluded, members were treated to some delicious brownies before progressing to the habitual vehicle gossip.

The club is still selling raffle tickets for the set of IPF 968 Lights donated by Eddie Angel.  Remember proceeds from the raffle go to benefit the club.  Tickets will be on sale at the next meeting, at which time the raffle will be held.  In other words; if you haven't bought a ticket already, next meeting is your last chance. $5 per ticket.

Our next meeting is February 14, 2002.

The Members Rigs section has finally been updated.  The new additions are (in alphabetical order) Cody, Kristopher, Nathan, Nick, Ryan, and Willie.

Sometimes a person gets complacent.  Sometimes a person thinks to oneself, "Everyone else does it, why shouldn't I?"  Sometimes a person shows up to a club meeting really late.

Most recently, that person was me.  I strolled into the meeting expecting to see familiar faces just getting underway at the usual (late) time.  What I found was a meeting well under way, and in attendance were new and prospective members, as well as older members who had not graced our presence since the summer.  Over 25 people in all.  The meeting topics I was either present for or got notes on were:

• Winter 'get together' (again)
• New venue for meeting place
• IPF Driving lights raffle

There is to be a club get together, its scheduled for January 12th, 2002.  Any members wanting to attend should meet at noon at the Carrs Wasilla parking lot.  The location is on some property the Wininger's own, and would be difficult to find with directions.  Thus the meeting place, so that we can caravan together with a guide.  We still need volunteers to help prepare the bonfire, either to move pallet's from Ed Angle's place or to drag in dead trees at the property.  To offer help, email myself or Dave.  At the get together we plan to have beer and soft drinks provided by the club, a winch demonstration, and a time trial/obstacle course.

The topic of changing our meeting place was mentioned again.  Many members seem to agree a new location would be good, but no one at this time has any suggestions.  If you have any ideas or comments on a new meeting location, please bring mention them at the next meeting.

The club is going to be raffling off a set of IPF 968 Lights.  Proceeds from the raffle go to benefit the club.  Tickets will be on sale for the next few meetings at $5 per ticket.

Our next meeting is January 17, 2002.

A new gallery has been added, with pictures from some winter wheeling done at the end of the year.  Thanks to Nick Williams for providing the pictures.