NOTES FROM OUR PREZ

Once again we joined en masse for what I consider a very successful banquet I know that times are tuff, and for many it was difficult to come up with the money for tickets to this year’s event. Believe me, your board understands how tight things are, and we are very protective of your money.

This year we inducted a very special group of members into our Hall of Fame. These people are all true Trailblazers and are very deserving of the recognition placed upon them. Each year we face the difficult task of selecting those to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. It is difficult only because there are so many deserving people to choose from within our ranks. As I have said many times before, “we are all hall of famers, it’s just who are we going to highlight each year.”

I must say a few thank-yous to those who helped make this year’s event a success. First I must say thanks to my co-emcee Tom White. Tom makes the evening go very smooth and he also does a great job on the TOM CATES Memorial Motorcycle show. We have many sponsors who help without much fanfare or recognition. Each year Paul Puma quietly steps up with table center pieces and a check from General Electric. Paul is a regular rider and a true Trailblazer. We are grateful to him and GE for their contribution. As always, K&N Air Filters supported us by supplying trophies for the Tom Cates Memorial Bike show and ticket lanyards that are fast becoming collector items. Skip Van Leeuwen provides the printed banquet tickets along with providing himself for many of us to tease and make fun of during the evening. If it wasn’t for Skip talking me into coming to a “On Any Sunday” reunion many years ago, I wouldn’t be in contact with so people that I care so much about…thanks Skip! Don Emde, wow, what a friend! Don provided the programs for the event but more importantly he has found time to work with the board and oversee the website. His years of being president, and his knowledge base, are something I tap into on a regular basis. In short what that means is, I bug the crap out of Don and he doesn’t complain. How about those posters this year!!! Craig Vetter has made a good living doing design work. Well he hasn’t made a penny off of the Trailblazers! Craig donates all of his creative genius to the club and continually asks “what else do you need me to do”? Thanks Craig and remember, you said next years poster will even be better…I don’t know how! A few members sent extra funds to help those that can’t afford a ticket. They do not want to be recognized in public, but they need to know that their contribution was very much appreciated this year. There are so many more to thank and I hope to be able to thank you in person in the coming weeks.

I know it’s hard for you to believe, but in a few short weeks we start working on next year’s banquet. If you have any questions or suggestions please feel free to contact me through our Trailblazer website. I enjoy serving this great group of people.

Thanks very much,

Keith L. Mashburn