Diablo A`s Christmas Banquet 2007 Zio Fraedo`s

www.DiabloAs.com
Volume 40 Issue Number 12
General
Membership
MAFCA 2007 CERTIFICATE OF MERIT
December 2007
Diablo A’s Christmas Banquet 2007
Zio Fraedo’s
Friday,
January 18, 2007
8:00 p.m.
1st Lutheran Church
Hall,
Concord
Donna and Roger
Special Attractions
• Christmas Banquet
• Lodi Sandhill Crane Tour
• T’was the Night Before
Christmas
Paula and
Jerry Belden
• Very, Very Last Laugh
Inside Insights
Johnny’s Journey
3
Sunshine Report
4
Classified
4
Caught in the Headlights
5
The Garage
6
Technical Seminar
6
Era Notes
8
Upcoming Tours &
9
Meeting Minutes
10
Calendar
11
Lynn Grady
Deb Pugh
Donna Truesdell
Reyanne Freeman
VO LU ME 4 0 I S SU E N U MB E R 12
Barbara and Tom Shaman
Dee and Denny Desmond
Eileen and Rich Anderson
2
Cal Rose, Loretta Whitehurst and Florence Rose
Pete and Marianne Goodson
Ken and Elaine Matheson
2007 Board members, appointees, tour leaders and volunteers: President John Bailey, Melinda Hayes, Steve Mick, Cheryl
Pierce, Peggy English, Marilyn Neumann, Marianne Goodson, Barbara Sharman, Elsie Boarman, Roger Staggs, Bob
Rigor, Bob Grady, Bill Truesdell and Mrs. President, Claire Bailey
VO LU ME 4 0 I S SU E N U MB E R 12
Johnny’s Journey
How blessed Claire and I are. Our lives have been enriched in
ways that this column can’t possibly convey. As my term as President
comes to an end I want to start by thanking the Board.
Ron – always there to provide an encouraging word and to take charge
of things that needed attention. Ron volunteered to handle organizing
club history and seeing to it that raffle prizes are properly donated to
MAFCA events just to name a couple. Ron is returning as President after 24 years. What a dedicated soul.
Cheryl – who stepped up to the take the secretary job when it looked for
all the world that I would have to draft someone. It can be incredibly difficult to capture all that happens in a meeting and then put it into a concise record. Cheryl did so with ease.
Ruthie – who the heck would ever want to take on the responsibility of
payables, receivables, and balancing accounts? Well Ruthie has done
so for three years without fail.
Peggy – no other way to say it but….the Motometer looks great! I can
tell you for a fact that Peggy manages to meet deadlines that are completely unreasonable. The reason I know this is because I am usually
the cause of it. For instance this column is being submitted at least three
days late. Sorry Peggy, I know Ron will do better.
Marilyn – the detail and planning Marilyn put into organizing tours was
incredible. She took the role to a whole new level. I know her successor
will appreciate the model Marilyn developed and I am sure Marilyn will
be happy to share her expertise with him.
Marianne – I began my very first column with the words “Marianne, a
tough act to follow”, and I was right. Marianne is well organized, meticulous, and always well prepared. She has been a source of good advice.
I also owe Marianne a debt of gratitude for getting Claire and I involved
in the Diablo A’s.
Space will not permit me to provide the same detail for the committee
chairs and appointed positions, but needless to say they have all done a
remarkable job. Our club would not be what it is without them so thanks
go to:
Bob Rigor – PR&Advertising, Bob Grady & Alex Janke – Technical Seminars, Herb Neumann – ACCC Representative, Alex Janke – NCRG Representative, Elsie Boarman – Sunshine Lady, Marge Tait – Vests, Donna
& Roger Staggs – Refreshments, Barbara Sharman – Historian, Steve
Mick – Webmaster, Bill Truesdell – Raffle Czar & Video Coordinator.
Finally, thank you to all of the members, past and present, that have
kept this club vital and alive for forty years! Claire and I have enjoyed
ourselves and cherish the new friends and acquaintances we have
made.
John
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Moto-Meter
Elected Officials 2007
Board of Directors
President
John Bailey (707) 745-8251
Vice-President
Ron Accornero (510) 521-4846
Secretary
Cheryl Pierce (925) 798-9132
Treasurer
Ruth Janke (925) 689-0859
Tour Coordinator
Mariyln Neumann (925) 687-4691
Past President
Marianne Goodson (707) 745-8051
Editor
Peggy English
(925) 682-3759
clockman51@astound.net
Appointed Services
ACCC Representative
Herb Neumann
Historian
Barbara Sharman
Membership Services
Marianne Goodson
Refreshments Co-Coordinator
Donna Staggs
NCRG Representative
Alex Janke
Photographers
Wayne English & Bob Rigor
Public Relations
Bob Rigor
Sunshine Reporter
Elsie Boarman
Club Vests
Marge Tait
Video Czar
Bill Truesdell
WebCzar
Steve Mick
The Moto-Meter: The Moto-Meter is the official publication of the Diablo A’s Chapter of the Model A Ford
Club of America. The Moto-Meter is published once a
month and is mailed to each member in good standing
and other Model A Ford Clubs in exchange for their
publication. The Moto-Meter takes no responsibility for
the accuracy of materials, dates, places, etc. of its contents.
Permission to reproduce items in The MotoMeter is hereby granted provided credit is given to The
Moto-Meter. The Moto-Meter welcomes any article,
artwork or suggestions. Please submit all materials by
the Tuesday following the Board Meeting.
Meetings: Meetings are held on the third Friday of
the month at 8:00 PM at First Lutheran Church LCMS at
4000 Concord Blvd., in Concord unless otherwise indicated in the Calendar of Events. GUESTS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME.
Membership: Membership in the Model A Ford Club
is not a prerequisite to join The Diablo A’s. Both
MAFCA and The Diablo A’s membership commence on
January 1st, and expire on December 31st. MAFCA
dues are $30.00 (MAFCA, 250 Cypress Ave., La Habra,
CA 90631, www.MAFCA.com ). The Diablo A’s dues of
$45.00 per family is payable to the treasurer. Subscriptions to the Moto-Meter are $15.00 per year.
We thank the various clubs for the use of the many articles,
jokes, fashion and technical advice that we have used. We are
glad to share any articles that would be of interest to other clubs
providing proper credit is given.
VO LU ME 4 0 I S SU E N U MB E R 12
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Sunshine Report
Elsie Boarman
For Sale
1930 4 door Murray body sedan. Copra & Chicle w/
black wheels and a Kerry Keen trunk. Very good
original condition. $15,000.00
An old friend, Dale Dungan, called me. He
was a charter member and came to our first meeting in August 1968. Wow! Our club will be 40 years
old next August. Dale was asking about Nita Kissinger, June Gentry, Bob Reed and many others. He
and Irene still live in Vallejo. His sport coupe is in
Redding. They have a home there and attend the
Redding chapter when they can. Dale mentioned
there was an article in the Restorer Sept-Oct issue
celebrating MAFCA’s 50 years. He mentioned going to a national meet in Minnesota. Anyway, Dale
and Irene say Hi to all their old friends.
Mike DePietro is doing okay. Working in his
garage on “stuff”. He will be going for radiation the
first week in December. Alex Janke is taking it slow
and easy. Sounds good on the phone. He goes to
his doctor next week. Geneva Chiabotti is done
with her chemo and radiation. She is waiting for a
CAT scan.
Keep Jerry Hendrickson and John Dickson
in your thoughts and prayers. Please remember
them as you send your Christmas cards.
A sympathy card was sent to Randy and
Lea Stegman. Randy’s Mom passed away.
Looking forward to our Christmas Banquet.
Be sure and come to our January 2008
meeting to meet your new Board of Directors and to
support them. Participation is the name of the
game.
Happy Holidays to you and a Happy and
Healthy 2008 to us all!!!
Happy A’ing
Elsie
1930 Roadster. Recent restoration. Spare tire in
rear. French Gray with dark belt. Straw wheels. Directional lights and heater. Beautiful car.
$18,500.Cars are in San Leandro. Call Tom Murray,
510 351-7840.
1929 Roadster Pickup. 2 wheel wells, 6-volt. Call
Bill Duncan, 925 229-5576, for description and price.
1931 A-400. Asking $30,000.
Contact Peggy Goldey, 916 285-7777
1929 Model A Sport Coupe. Rose Beige & Seal
Brown. Beige Mohair interior. Good paint. Good interior. Good driver. Has stoneguard, wind wings,
luggage rack, turn signals and seat belts. Rebuilt 2tooth steering. Asking $10,000.00. Herb Neumann,
925 687-4691.
Fully restored Model A truck. Contact Dave
Rodriquez at 408 482-9117 for details.
VO LU ME 4 0 I S SU E N U MB E R 12
Caught in the Headlights
By Pete Goodson
Barbara & Tom Sharman
Marianne and I had another great day interviewing a
Diablo A’s family. We spent a lot of time laughing with the
Sharmans.
Both Tom and Barbara were born in San Francisco.
Although they actually attended the same elementary school
(Tom was two years ahead of Barbara) they didn’t know
each other. Tom graduated from Wilmerding High School
where he played football, basketball and baseball. He also
attended San Francisco City College. Barbara attended
Notre Dame Victories High School graduating in 1955.
In 1954 Tom and Barbara met at a teen dance at All
Hollows Church. Tom was Barbara’s Friday night date and
someone else had Saturday night. Tom said his yellow 1949
Chevrolet “won Barbara over.”
They married on October 6, 1956 at the same
church. They have 3 children, two boys and a girl and 4
grandchildren, 2 boys and 2 girls. No great-grandchildren
yet.
Before they moved to their present home, Tom built
two of their homes in the Bayview area of San Francisco.
Tom spent his working years in the construction
industry doing carpentry. In 1974 he started work for Contra
Costa County. He told us some great stories about his experiences working in the county jail which kept us in
stitches. I don’t have time to tell you them here, but one I
especially liked was when he got locked on the roof of the
jail and tried to get people on the sidewalk to let him out.
I’m sure I’d help someone on the roof of the jail!!! Be sure
to ask him about some of his other stories.
Barbara spent her life as a “domestic goddess” raising the kids and helping Tom restore their beautiful historic
house. As most of you know, they bought the John Swett
house and adobe in Martinez. At that time only one room in
the main house was being used.
When they first bought the house, Tom still worked
in the City and was only home on weekends. He and Barbara spent that time restoring the main house. Barbara and
the kids lived in the adobe behind the house with very little
electricity and virtually no kitchen – a city girl became a
country girl. She learned how to can, raise chickens and
rabbits, and from 1968-69 took care of Tom’s grandmother
who had a room in the main house. Tom also left her with a
1950 stick shift car – and she didn’t know how to drive a
stick. Some of Marianne’s favorite stories are about the bats
5
that lived in the house. When asked how she handled all of
this, Tom answered that “there were times I stopped her at the
door.” I wish we had more room to relate the story about the
history of this house – but ask Barbara and Tom, they love to
share it.
They purchased their first Model A in 1964 while in
San Francisco. It was a 1930 coupe. When driving it home it
overheated and “steamed all the way home.” They drove it to
church and it steamed to and from church. It was never driven
again.
In 1995 they purchased a 1928 Tudor. That’s when
they met Weldon Shore who invited them to join the club.
When I asked Tom what would be the one thing he
would like to do that he has never done – drive a steam locomotive was the answer. His other main hobby is doing HO
model railroads, so it seems somewhat appropriate that he
would actually like to drive one. Barbara, when asked the
same question, said she would like to learn to drive a Model A.
(Is it time for another driving lesson for the ladies?)
They both said that one of the most exciting things
they have done or experienced was buying and restoring the
Swett House. You can understand that response when you look
at what they’ve done. But Barbara also mentioned that one of
her great experiences was going back to her ancestral home in
Malta. Both she and Tom had a wonderful experience on that
trip.
Barbara has been the Historian in the club and has
been gracious to host 3 Ladies Tea tours to their beautiful
home.
Thank you both for an enjoyable afternoon.
Appointed Services
The members who have volunteered for appointed services
for 2008 are: ACCC Representative – Herb Neumann; Historian – not filled; Membership Services – John Bailey;
Refreshments Coordinators – Jeane James & Emogene
Thomas; NCRG Representative – Alex Janke; Photographers – Wayne English & Bob Rigor; Public Relations –
not filled; Sunshine Reporter – Elsie Boarman; Club Vests
– Marge Tait; Video Czar – not filled; Web Czar – assistant to Steve Mick not filled. As you can see, we had a
number of people from 2007 offer to continue. Thanks to
them for their willingness to continue.
Bill Truesdell and Steve Mick have both asked for someone to assist them on video sales and the website. Please
think about that and contact Ron Accornero if you could
offer to help out – these are very important services to the
Chapter. Video sales represent an important source of club
income and the expanded duties of the website as we try to
convert Chapter History from photo albums to digital are
more than one person can handle.
VO LU ME 4 0 I S SU E N U MB E R 12
The Garage ….… by Cal
6
TECHNICAL
SEMINARS
2007
The location of the Model A carburetor poses
a potential problem, ie Fire. Several factors come
into play here.
Firstly, consider the location of the gas tank,
high above the carb to provide a gravity flow,
Put The Bounce Back In
thereby eliminating the need for a fuel pump.
Secondly, the updraft method of bringing air
Your “A”
fuel mixture into the combustion chamber, soon
Rebuilding Model A
made obsolete by the ‘32 models. These had a relocated fuel tank as well as the addition of a fuel
Springs
pump and a down draft carburetor.
Spring 2008
This removed the potential danger of fire as
the intake of the carburetor was located near the
junction of the tail pipe and exhaust manifold. The
gravity flow poses the most obvious problem of a
continuous supply of gasoline to the carburetor even
if the car is not running. This necessitated the addition of a fuel shutoff valve located under the tank but
inside the cab. Because it sometimes leaked into
the cab, dripping on the passenger’s feet, it was
moved outside on the ‘31 models.
However, nothing yet has solved the problem
of gasoline in the bowl evaporating while the car is
RSVP
idle. A leaky shutoff valve dripping gas, trying to refill
Alex Janke (689-0859) or Bob Grady (933-1154)
the bowl, is not a problem unless there is a gas fired
hot water heater in your garage.
I have put auxiliary shutoff valves in the supply line that do indeed shut off. As the fuel in the
bowl evaporates, the float lowers, but as there is no
flow this eliminates the hazard.
I guess we will argue forever about what is
the best way to keep our treasures fire safe, but as
long as we are doing something I truly believe that
we are making progress.
However, how many of us have a fire extinguisher on board??? Better be safe than sorry...we
witnessed a burned up ’31 coupe that had caught
fire when over-choked. Bad timing caused a backSell Your Car on the Internet
fire that totally destroyed the car. And we all know
Why advertise it in the newspaper and have unknown people
“they don’t make them anymore”.
coming to your house to test drive your car or call you at all
hours of the day and night? Do it the easy way!
Well, that’s A’ing.
Let the TOWE AUTO MUSEUM sell it for you on the
Take care, have fun and keep ‘em runnig.
Internet and Ebay for a small fee and commission. Call:
(916) 442-6802
Towe Auto Museum
Cal
Sacramento
www.toweautomuseum.org
7
VO LU ME 4 0 I S SU E N U MB E R 12
Sandhill Crane Festival
In Lodi
On a beautiful sunny fall morning, 12 Model A Fords left Best Buy heading for Lodi. Those traveling included: Wayne & Peggy
English, Bob & Rose Estrella, Bob & Lynn Grady, Dave & Jan Granquist, Hal & Margaret Granquist, Ed James, Adell Kirk, Herb &
Marilyn Neumann, Bob & Sandi Rigor, John & Marge Tait, Bill & Donna Truesdell, and tour leaders Ruth & Alex Janke. Once
over the Antioch Bridge Bob Reed and Lynda joined the group.
We first stopped at the Consumnes River Preserve touring the Visitor’s Center and looking out at the marshes filled with Canada Geese, Mallards, Mud Hens, and various shore birds. Then back in the Model A’s to the Isenberg Sandhill Crane Preserve.
Hundreds of cranes were feeding, flying, and resting and all within easy viewing distance. These amazing birds winter in this
area and stand about 5 feet tall when fully erect with a wing span approaching 7 feet. The cranes were talking among them
selves with a musical cooing sound and several were dancing (actually a courtship ritual although this is not the season). Two
docents from the Department of Fish and Game were present giving talks and answering questions. It was a thrill for all to
see these magnificent birds up close and in ideal weather.
Leaving the birds behind we drove into Lodi and the Lodi Brewing Company for a fabulous lunch in this historic old setting.
The plates were all clean when the Diablo A’s had finished.
We then journeyed a few blocks to the Crane Festival Hall to see the various paintings, photographs, sculptures, and assorted
vendors. You could get flutes, t-shirt, toys, decoys, and jewelry to name a few.
We returned home through vineyards and across the Delta with all the little old Fords performing well. A good time was had
by all and the crane tour really did feature cranes!
Ruth & Alex
Dave Granquist, Bob Grady, Adell Kirk, Dee Desmond, Ruth Janke, Denny Desmond and Donna Truesdell and some of
the thousands of greater and lesser SandHill cranes that migrate through the Isenberg preserve near Lodi
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V O LU M E 4 0 ISSU E NU M BE R 1 2
What the Well-Dressed Santa is wearing for 1930
Linda Oliver
Bob Reed
Dee and Denny
Desmond
John and Marge Tait
Bob Grady
Adell Kirk
9
VO LU ME 4 0 I S SU E N U MB E R 12
UPCOMING TOURS & EVENTS
Friday, January 18, 2007 — General Membership Meeting
The doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the meeting begins
at 8:00 p.m. at First Lutheran Church, 4000 Concord
Blvd., Concord. Guests are welcome.
January 20—January brunch—Sierra Dinner Train—
Oakdale
January 26-27—Turlock Swap Meet, NCRG Mtg
February ?—TBD
May 23-25—NCRG Roundup, Auburn, CA
June 22-27—MARC/MAFCA World Model A Ford
Meet—Dallas, TX
Monday, Jan. 7, 2007—Board Meeting — The Board Meet
ing will be held at the home of John & Claire Bailey.
Please R.S.V.P..
Want to See the Canadian Maritime Provinces?
The Model A Touring Club will be driving through
the Canadian Maritime Provinces in 2008. If you
would like to see some of the most wonderful fall
colors in the world and drive your Model A as well,
this is the opportunity. From September 21 to October 10, 2008, the group will follow the historic
shorelines of Nova Scotia, part of New Brunswick
and Prince Edward Island. If you like great sea
food, antique hunting, visiting historic sites, attending festivals and viewing terrific scenery this is the
tour for you. Tour cost is $3,000 per person. For
more information, go to www.modelatouring.com
Sorry You Missed the Lighthouse Tour
SUNDAY BRUNCH TOUR
For the Thanksgiving week Adell was visiting her son and
daughter in the Seattle area and Wayne and Peggy were
visiting Wayne’s family on Vashon Island.
On November 20th, Adell, her daughter Debbie and Debbie’s three children made the trip to the island (which includes a car ferry ride) where, Royal, Wayne’s dad, gave all
a wonderful tour of the Point Robinson Lighthouse
JANUARY 20, 2008
BRUNCH TOUR AND TRAIN TRIP TO THE SIERRA
FOOTHILLS
SUNDAY JANUARY 20, 2008
MEET: CLAYTON STATION SHOPPING CENTER
KIRCKER PASS RD. & CLAYTON RD.
SAFEWAY PARKING LOT
TIME:
PROBABLY AROUND 8:15 AM – FINAL TIME
WILL BE IN JANUARY’S
MOTOMETER
RESERVATIONS NEED TO BE IN BY DECEMBER 20,
2007
CALL REYANNE FREEMAN AT 925-682-6819 IF YOU
HAVE ANY QUESTIONS
VO LU ME 4 0 I S SU E N U MB E R 12
10
DIABLO A’s Membership Meeting
Date: November 16, 2007
Called to Order: by John Bailey
Guests: New members Mike and Maria Marshall and visitor David Antkowiak
Secretary’s Report: read by Cheryl Pierce
Treasures Report: Provided by Lynn Grady
Club Correspondence: No report
Appointed Services and Committee Reports:
PR and Advertising: Trying something new, name tags and using a sign in sheet to identify guests and new
members.
Sunshine Report: Alex Janke is home from the hospital (Please read Elsie’s Column in MotoMeter).
Tour Coordinator: Watch for more information regarding the January Brunch.
Old Business: Ron-Accornero presented an update regarding the preservation of Chapter history.
New Business: A final call for ballots and incoming Board was announced
Announcements: Diablo A’s received a Website Award.
A special Nozzle Award was presented to Bob Estrella by John Bailey
A wonderful pie social was enjoyed by all which concluded the evening.
Respectfully Submitted Cheryl Pierce
Twas The Night Before Xmas
Twas the night before Christmas and the old Model A
Was resting and waiting to enjoy Christmas Day.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of "A" tours danced in their heads.
Then he gazed at the chassis, with wonder and joy,
Just like a child that had found a new toy.
He checked out the engine, the steering and clutch,
The starter, the brakes, the chrome plating and such.
He worked quietly and swiftly as this coupe he knew well,
He smiled, then turned and walked toward the shell.
Mamma in her cloche hat and I in my cap,
Had just settled down for a long winters nap.
He examined the doors, the rumble, the hood,
Checked out the floor boards and looked close at the
wood.
When in the garage there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.
He walked out the door, to his Vickie, he came,
He grinned, and he waved then he called them by name.
I ran to the door and unlocked the latch,
Switched on the light and tightened my sash.
On Roadster, on Coupe, on Phaeton, Sedan,
Cabriolet and Pick-up, Double A, it was grand.
What to my wondering eyes should appear,
But old Henry Ford, his face covered with cheer.
He ah-oog-ga'd his horn and as he drove out of sight,
I heard him exclaim, "Happy A'ing to all and to all
"A" good night..........
He was looking at fenders that I'd finished with pride,
And checking new panels welded on either side.
Jane Jens
with apologies to Clement Moore)
reprinted from Henry’s Horn
VO LU ME 4 0 I S SU E N U MB E R 12
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DECEMBER 2007
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Birthdays
Sat
1Worlds
Aids Awareness Day
2
3
4
5Hanukkah
6
7
Pearl Harbor
Day
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
Christmas
Day
26
27
28
29
30
31
THE LAST FOUR DIGITS
1
5
9
11
16
19
20
21
24
29
December
Sandi Rigor
Olivia Wraa
Tom Sharman
Nick Houmis
Gail Adair
Calvin Pierce
Pam Kraintz
Betty Glazier
Mary Kraintz
Richard Anderson
Anniversaries
1
10
25
31
December
Henry and Karen Haugse
Herb and Marilyn Neumann
Howard and Elsie Goines
Richard and Irma Overmyer
Something Cool That Xerox is Doing
Not So Secure After All
Check out a new doctor, add a
phone line or sign up at a website and you may be asked for
the last four digits of your Social
Security number to track your
files or verify your identity. Revealing the final four may not seem as unsafe as giving out
the full nine, but it's riskier than you think. Armed with these
and your name and address, unscrupulous folks can order
credit reports (which list your whole SSN) from companies
that act as liaisons to credit bureaus. Even if the ID thief
doesn't have access to the liaison companies, he may be
able to guess the first five, which are based on your place
and date of birth.
Demand an explanation whenever you're asked for any part
of your SSN; you're only legally obliged to give it to financial
institutions, employers and others who must report to the
IRS. And shred any papers that list even the last four.
ASA FITCH
Reprinted in part from the July issue of Money magazine
If you go to this web site,
www.LetsSayThanks.com you can pick out a
thank you card and Xerox will print it and it
will be sent to a soldier that is currently serving in Iraq . You can't pick out who gets it,
but it will go to some member of the armed
services.
This is a great site.
Please send a card. It is FREE and it only
takes a second.
Wouldn't it be wonderful if the soldiers received a bunch of these? Whether you are
for or against the war, our guys and gals
over there need to know we are behind them
...
SO SEND ONE!
THE VERY, VERY, VERY, LAST LAUGH
Why Do We Kiss Under the Mistletoe?
The innocuous mistletoe plant, now used to cop a friendly kiss or two was once considered to be a
sacred plant by the ancient Druids. They believed the mistletoe could cure sicknesses and shield
its owner from evil forces such as witches or ghosts. Druids gathered the plant at winter solstice,
just days before we now celebrate Christmas. With great solemnity and ritual, they cut the mistletoe
with a golden sickle reserved solely for this purpose.
So sacred was the mistletoe to the Druids that they never allowed the plant to touch the
ground, which probably explains why we still hang mistletoe over our doorways. The Druids
believed that by placing mistletoe over their doorways, they could not only protect the
health and safety of all who passed through but also promote romance and fertility. If a
boy kissed a girl under the mistletoe and gave one of the plant's white berries to the
"kissee", the ritual meant they would get married within
the year.
Ironically, although mistletoe is now associated with Christmas, the Christmas in Celtic
regions, ashamed of their pagan antecedents, did everything possible to disassociate themselves
from the belief in the power of mistletoe. But the practice took hold. And although a buss under
the mistletoe no longer promises marriage, at least we've retained the fun part of the ritual.
From 'Why Do Dogs Have Wet Noses?', by author David Feldman
Don’t Worry, Be Happy For The Holidays
NEW YORK (AP) In Dale Carnegie’s day, the keyword was “worry.” Today it is “stress.” But the remedy is the
same.
The organization he founded, Dale Carnegie & Associates, Inc. of Garden City, N.Y., offers tips to avoid being
strung out this holiday season;
♦ List holiday activities in order of importance and hold to that schedule.
♦ Remind yourself of the high price worry exacts in terms of health.
♦ Avoid fussing over trifles.
♦ Concentrating on today.
♦ Put enthusiasm into whatever you do, whether it’s gift shopping or addressing holiday greetings.
♦ Take a breather before you get tired.
♦ Give for the joy of giving. To expect gratitude is to court heartache.
♦ If holiday plans break down, accept graciously whatever is inevitable.
♦ Let a smile convey a message of your goodwill.
♦ Keep your outlook positive, reflecting the spirit that makes the holidays special.
General Meeting
January 18, 2008
8:00 p.m.
First Lutheran Church,
Concord
Tour: January Brunch
January 20
Membership expires December 31, 2007
Please remit dues, in the amount of $45.00 to
the chapter treasurer. Make checks payable to
the “Diablo A’s”. Add $5.00 for MAFCA membership.
Lest We Forget — 9/11/01
BRUNCH AND TRAIN TOUR
JANUARY 20, 2008
The annual brunch tour will be held on the Sierra Railroad Train going from Oakdale in to the Sierra foothills. The
historic railroad offers beautiful countryside and a range of entertainment while enjoying a delicious meal.
BRUNCH MENU
FIRST COURSE
Homemade Granola served with muffins and/or coffee cake
SECOND COURSE
CHOICE OF:
#1 Country Scramble - Buttermilk biscuit topped with scrambled eggs, fried potatoes and sausage gravy
and 2 slices of bacon
#2 South of the Border Breakfast Bowl Scrambled eggs topped with creamy chipotle sauce, fried potatoes,
salsa and sour cream & 2 slices of bacon
#3 Classic French Toast - served with maple butter and your choice of syrups & 2 slices of bacon (omitted
for vegetarians)
THIRD COURSE
Apple strudel with a Crème Anglaise Glaze
Cost : $54.32 per person which includes unlimited nonalcoholic drinks
Meeting place and start time of tour will be in the next MotorMeter
Please send reservations with check made out to the Diablo A's by December 20, 2007 to:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Brunch Reservation Form
Reyanne Freeman
1843 Jefferson St.
Concord, CA 94521
925-682-6819
Name : _______________________
Choice of Second Course: #1__________
#Attending:_____________
#2_____________ #3________________
# of brunches x $54.32 = $_________________________
The Sierra Railroad was formed in 1897 to connect the Central Valley to the Gold County. As the third oldest
railroad in North America, the Sierra continues to haul freight, carry passengers, make Hollywood movies, and
play an important role in California
With its unspoiled scenery, the Sierra Railroad is singled out by movie producers from around the world as a
preferred location for filming. Known as “The Movie Railroad, Sierra has been featured in over 300 motion
pictures, television programs and commercials. Such Hollywood movie stars as Clint Eastwood, Michael J.
Fox, John Wayne, Michael Landon, Errol Flynn, Gary Cooper, William S. Hart, and Drew Barrymore all played
a part in the Sierra Railroad's storied past.
The first movie filmed on the Sierra was The Red Glove in May 1919. Then came diverse and varied films
such as the first "talkie" filmed on the railroad, The Virginian (1927); Dodge City (1939); Oscar-winning High
Noon (1951) with Grace Kelly and Gary Cooper; The Great Race (1966); Finian's Rainbow (1969); The
World's Greatest Lover (1970); the IMAX movie To Fly (1975); 48 Hours (1982); Pale Rider (1985), Back
to the Future III (1989); and Unforgiven (1992). A more complete list is shown below.
The Sierra Railroad was used for a variety of television shows, including Petticoat Junction, The Lone
Ranger, The Wild Wild West, The Big Valley, Bonanza, Little House on the Prairie, The A Team, and
Monster Garage.
The Sierra has been used for a wide variety of commercials and photo shoots. Most recently, AFLAC’s
famous duck came to the railroad to film a “silent movie” style commercial.