During the Christmas / New Years trip we will have our New Year’s Eve spaghetti dinner on Friday night, December 31st. The club will provide pasta, sauce, and garlic bread so bring side dishes to share.

After New Years, the next trip is MLK, which is from January 14th-17th at wash 6.

The AED fundraising was success-ful, and with 60% of the amount pledged from each member and

60% of the club’s $500 maximum (which worked out to $300) we were able to order an AED. Fur-thermore, many club members do-nated the remainder of their pledge amount to cover the club’s $300 contribution. This means that the club actually raised money with the AED purchase. For more informa-tion and a list of contributors, see page 3.

Thanksgiving 2010 Hello to all of my adoring fans. It has been a long time since you’ve heard from me and I’ve done a lot of growing. I have lots of teeth now and I can walk all by myself. Mommy chases me all day long. We just spent 9 days in the “tin can” as Mommy has lovingly begun calling our trailer and I had so much fun I even remembered to bring my favorite movie. I got to see lots of my friends and got to visit them in their mo-torhomes and trailers. I also got to pet lots of puppies I love puppies. When we got out to the dunes it was late but my grandpas were already there, they musta drove really fast. On Saturday night we went to Mama

Jeannie’s for grilled cheese. It was sooo yummy and then she brought me out my very own bowl of spumoni icecream and I didn’t even have to share with Mommy or Daddy cause they got their own! Lots of people went home on Sunday but they for-got to pick up their toys so they had to come back out later. Some of my friends didn’t go home, they got all their work done before they came out to play. Mommy needed a Target

fix and we needed some stuff at the store so on Monday we drove into Yuma. Daddy was really excited because we got to have Rally’s for lunch. We found a new thrift store we hadn’t been to before and I got some clothes. At Target I got a new green wooden tow truck and I got to play with it the whole rest of the week. I also got a new book about Mickey Mouse. I love books and I really love Mickey Mouse and when you put the two together I can hardly contain myself. We got to go visit Don and Shirley in their mo-torhome and I got to climb up and watch their TV really close, have you ever seen a TV really close? It’s a whole different experi-ence, you should try it. A couple of the days at the dunes it was really windy Mommy kept calling me Toto and something about Kansas, I’m not so sure what that was about, maybe she needed a little fresh air. On Tuesday we went back to Mama Jeannie’s for

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The Rooster

December 24-January 3rd: Christmas / New Years at

Glamis, Wash 6. Spaghetti din-

ner on New Year’s Eve, Friday

the 31st.

January 12th: Annual election meeting

at the Denny’s in Redlands,

7PM.

January 14th-17th: MLK Dune Cleanup

Weekend at Glamis, Wash 6.

January 12th: Club meeting at the

Grossmanns’ home, 7PM.

February 11th-21st: Presidents Week dune

trip. Stay tuned as this may be

Glamis or Gordon’s Well.

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S M T W Th F Sa

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lunch because I just needed a grilled cheese sammich and Mommy and Daddy had to pick up some very important papers. They forgot them at home and I guess Mama Jeannie’s is the place to get important papers with your lunch. Did you know Jerry and Linda have a kitty cat in the dunes? It’s true I saw it with my very own eyes when we went in their motorhome. Jerry likes to play peekaboo a lot. I got to take baths in the kitchen sink in the trailer, I barely fit anymore and I did a good job of cleaning the counter top while I got clean. On Thursday I got to wear my turkey shirt Mommy made for me, it was for a special occasion being my second Thanksgiving and all. I just want to say that I’m thankful for all of the people that came out and celebrated it with me (even if I slept through dinner). I am also thank-ful for puppies, Mickey Mouse, my favor-ite blue bunny, grandmas and grandpas, aunts and uncles (even Uncle Scott), Mommy and Daddy, my left thumb, and last but certainly not least all of my ador-ing fans. On Friday everything was supposed to turn black. It didn’t, I’m confused as to why it was supposed to but I really prefer color so I’m glad it didn’t. Mommy, Daddy, me, and the puppies went into Brawley because we were out of food so we went to Wal-Mart. I also got to have breakfast at McDonalds but I think Mommy and Daddy are pretty sneaky cause I’m pretty sure they went to Rally’s for lunch while I was sleeping. When I was out walking with Grandma Anna and Aunt B we visited Janece and she gave me a present. I like presents and I really like the new one she gave me. I learned how to say two while mommy was counting with me. Thank you Chuck and Janece! Lots and lots happened on Satur-

day, it was a really pretty day. I got to go on a long walk outside with my Grandma Nancy and we walked over to make sure all of the lug nuts were on Don and Shirley’s big red truck. I also got to have coconut cream pie that Janece made and it was really really yummy. Grandpa John said not to say anything about the chili dogs so I won’t. We went to Mama Jeannie’s again for grilled cheese for dinner, I didn’t know everyone else liked grilled cheese as much as I do.

When we got back to camp from dinner I got to play at the campfire for a long time. I still like the campfire like I did last year except I don’t like to sit still as much. We had to go home on Sunday but before we left I got to play with Tara on Shirley’s Razor. I like her Razor a lot. I also got to show people how I sing row row your boat and what cow’s say. I can not believe how many people don’t know what cow’s say! I had a lot of fun this trip and I hope all of you did too. Until next time keep your thumb close but your sippy cup closer. -Allison

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The Rooster

As mentioned in last month’s newsletter, at the November club meeting, Melissa and I brought up the concept of the club members contributing to purchase an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) to keep in camp. After distributing pledge forms online and at the dunes over Thanksgiving, we were successfully able to raise more than enough to purchase the AED. We found the unit for $1410 with two sets of adult pads, two sets of children’s (under 8 years of age) pads, a carrying case, and a “ready kit” that includes scissors, a CPR mouth guard, and a shaver. This device will be kept accessible in camp in the shop trailer, and will be in a conven-ient location. It should prove very valuable should the need for CPR arise in camp. We will be showing a basic instructional video on the device and its use at the dunes during the New Years trip. For those of you interested in learning more about it, please visit: http://www.zoll.com/medical-products/automated-external-defibrillators/aed-plus/ Again, to clarify the pledge and fundraising process that we used, at the November meeting we brought up the concept and after looking at the club’s available funds decided that the club could contribute up to $500 without negatively affecting other club activi-ties. We were to contact club members and see if we could raise the remainder of the cost of the device, and if extra money was pledged we would reduce each pledge by the same percentage amount. Due to the overwhelmingly positive response, we raised $1840 in club member pledges! This means that the percentage required of each pledge was just 60%. This means that the club contribution would have been $300, but after discussion at the December meeting many members offered to donate the remainder of their pledges to reduce or eliminate the cost of the club’s contribution. Currently, this has resulted in completely eliminating the $300 cost to the club, and an additional $25 has been raised which will go into the club’s general fund. We would like to recognize the members who contributed to the purchase. Thank you all for your generosity and willingness to help make sure that we can do everything possible should a medical emergency occur during one of our trips.

Alonso Family Bacon Family Carver Family Cochran Family Cole, John, Anna, and Family Cole, Scott and Sandi Bain Fisher, Walt Ford Family

Grossmann Family Hagen Family Hohensee Family Huggard Family Kastle, Jim and Nancy Kastle, Paul and Melissa Kolbrek, Bruno Medlin, Dave

Oliver Family Porter Family Schellinger Family Tharp Family Tidball Family Trantham Family Wagner Family

The Rooster

Thanksgiving, 2010 by Jim Kastle I just spoke to P.J., and there’s just a little room in the December Newsletter for a Thanksgiving report. I arrived Friday night, November 19 to find about 7 rigs already in camp. We had a large circle started, with expectations of many more rigs coming during the next week. I’m not going to try to list everyone who was there and who arrived when. Suffice it to say there was a heck of a lot of great people in our camp, just like always, just this time there were more than on a typical weekend. We rode most everyday, with there usually being a morning and an afternoon ride. There was quite a bit of wind, but it seemed to usually be at night, so we had great riding conditions all week. It seems to me this Thanksgiving had more good riding con-ditions than usual. Some of us headed off to work for a few days after the first weekend, but many stayed the whole week. Thursday we had our annual Thanksgiving dinner. The weather forecast called for wind in the afternoon, so the Hagens again offered their trailer for a place to set up the food. Mona and Walt provided the turkeys, Nancy the ham, and as usual, everyone pitched in with everything to make a GREAT Thanksgiving dinner. I loved every bite, and I took several bites! I’m happy to offer my thanks to all the chefs. P.J. gave a short presentation about the AED, and despite it being rather cold, a good time was had by all. We sold raffle tickets for the Mama Jeannie’s pizza we forgot to include in the picnic raffle, with the drawing to be held at the campfire that night. The Tharps and the Wagners held the lucky tickets. Thanks to Jeannie, the club gained $50.00 from the raffle. It seems there was a well attended campfire every night. There was lots of camaraderie and fun. The heat was appreci-ated by all as it did seem to be cold most evenings.

Mechanically most of us did pretty well, except for Scott. He had quite a bit of bad luck, from the front end to the engine, but kept hanging in there while planning improvements. He did, however, realize bargain air filters are not a bargain and as I type this he is busy installing a new engine in his sandrail. John made club history with the first field repair of a Mendeola. A CV shaft pulled out of the side of his trans, necessi-tating a tow back to camp. But in true John style the car was running

that night. I’m just about out of room, but want to include my opinion that this was a super trip. Certainly the best Thanksgiving rides in a long time, and just a great group to be with. I really can’t wait for Christmas-New Years.

The Rooster

A Note From Jim Kastle Our club just had what I consider its finest moment, with the nearly unanimous decision of our members to commit over $1800 for the purchase of the AED, while hoping it will never be used, but wanting to be prepared if one of us needed it. The great support of our members is unequaled in my recollection of the club’s history. However, since the decision was finalized, some frustrating rumors have come to my and the board’s attention. I probably should just ignore them, but I want to clear up any misconceptions.

Rumor: There was no vote on the decision to spend $500 on the AED. Fact: The club hasn’t voted on any expenditure for at least ten years. Instead we come to consensus. If we needed a vote of the entire membership for every expenditure, we’d be so slowed down nothing would happen in a timely manner. The club as we know it would cease to exist.

Rumor: The club’s treasury would be severely strained by the $500 for the AED. Fact: The club would not have been affected nega-tively. All normal expenditures could be met with no problem. Our board wouldn’t have approved the expenditures if it would have affected our normal operations.

Rumor: We need a monthly treasurer’s report and a budget. Fact: The board feels financial information should be reserved for members, and not published on the internet. Any member can ask Walt what the current balance is. Our expenses vary little from year to year. This year’s expenditures will mirror last year’s expenditures. I’d be happy to discuss our financial situation face to face with any member.

Rumor: If you don’t pay to store the buggy night trailer “they” won’t work on your car. Fact: The trailer has no impact on whose car we’ll work on. I have never said “No” when asked to help with anyone’s car, and nearly always volunteer to help without being asked. I would much rather work on someone else’s stuff than mine. Why would that change now that it’s even more convenient? But, just to make it clear, the workbench has NEVER been part of the club. It, and the tools on it, belong to me, and are not part of club membership.

I’m extremely proud of our club and the tremendous value returned for our $35.00 annual dues. Our newsletter and website are first class; our trips go so smoothly that no one ever thinks of the effort to schedule and organize them. Our Thanksgiving dinner has become one of our family’s longest holiday traditions. We NEVER leave anyone in the dunes. And on top of it all, the club cares enough to provide the AED. None of this would happen without the hundreds of hours put in by our board each year with no com-pensation other than the satisfaction of a job well done. But clearly, the board does not operate in a vacuum. Please share your sug-gestions or concerns. Better yet, if someone is complaining about a board decision, ask that person if they’ve spoken to a board member about it. The present board has been in place for quite a while, and I’m proud of the club’s accomplishments under its leadership. But, if we are not doing what you think should be done, January is our election meeting. Get involved and make IEOR an even better club. We could use the help and some new ideas.

At the November meeting a discussion regarding the minimum age for members resulted in the suggestion that our bylaws be revised to lessen the chances of the club being put in the position of assuming liability for unsupervised minors. The bylaws provide for amending them in Article 8: ARTICLE VIII: AMENDMENTS TO BY-LAWS These By-Laws may be amended by a simple majority of the votes cast at a general meeting. The membership shall be notified of proposed By-law changes via the monthly newsletter at least four weeks prior to taking the vote. Amendments may be proposed by the Board of Directors or by petition signed by at least three members or by ten percent of the membership, whichever is the greater.

Proposed amendment to the club bylaws regarding membership by minors: Currently: ARTICLE III: MEMBERSHIP AND DUES 1)Membership is open to all persons interested in off road recreation. Suggested amendment: Section 1) of ARTICLE III shall be amended to read: 1) Membership is open to all persons of age 18 years of age or older interested in off road recreation.

This newsletter article is to provide the necessary notification to allow the bylaws to be amended at the February meeting.

This month we would like to thank Jim Kastle for contributing to this month’s newsletter, and everybody who contributed to the club AED. We would like to wish everybody a Merry Christmas and are looking for-ward to starting another new year in the dunes. - P.J. and Melissa Kastle

Two child’s hel-mets for sale: Both were pur-chased at Chapar-ral, 3 years ago. Both are full face with visors. Exte-rior is in good shape, minor

scratches. Inside is in perfect shape, foam intact, no tears. Black one is a child Small and the Yel-low one is a child Medium. $50 each Contact Pete Hagen at:

The Rooster

Matthew Cole 1/9 K.C. Hohensee 1/12 Jeannie Le Blanc 1/14 Walt Fisher 1/14

Steve Soto 1/15 Paul Kastle 1/22 Heather Beard 1/25

The Cochrans have their diesel pusher for sale.:

1995 Country Coach Intrigue 36' Motorhome - $34000 8.3 liter Cummins diesel pusher engine, 6speed Allison transmission. The interior has 2 pull out sofas and a rear queen bed which makes it better for sleeping more people than a lot of the diesel pushers. This coach is rated to tow 7000 pounds. It runs and drives extremely well . Contact Todd at: 909-965-2193

Inland Empire Offroad Association P.O. Box 132411

Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

Membership Application

Please Print Birthday

Name: _____________________________________ ____________________

Spouse: _____________________________________ ____________________

Child: _____________________________________ ____________________

Child: _____________________________________ ____________________

Child: _____________________________________ ____________________

Child: _____________________________________ ____________________

Address:____________________________________________

City: _______________________________ State:______ Zip Code:____________

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Would you like your name and address put into our club directory? (The directory is given to club members only)

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If you would like your business included in the directory please include the information below: Business Name: __________________________ Address: __________________________

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As with any organization there are guidelines we operate within. Please read and abide by the following: 1. NO FIREWORKS ALLOWED WITHIN CAMP BOUNDRIES 2. DOGS MUST BE KEPT UNDER CONTROL AT ALL TIMES (BLM law) 3. ON A RIDE, YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE VEHICLE AHEAD OF YOU AND THE VEHICLE BEHIND

YOU. If they stop, you stop and wait for the group to return to you. This prevents separation and in this manner we never leave a member in the dunes. Remember, it’s easier to find you if you stay still: “a moving target is harder to hit”

4. PLEASE OBSERVE THE “RIDE RATINGS” ON THE CLUB BOARD AND SELECT THOSE RIDES YOU WISH TO PARTICIPATE IN. If you wish to lead a ride, put the time and type of ride you want to lead on the board and then stick to that time. No passing on rides (except #6 rides). You can always change your place in line at a break or if you are waved on by the driver ahead of you.

5. REMEMBER, WE ARE A GROUP OF FRIENDS who share a common interest in riding in the desert. Always keep in mind how your actions affect the other members.

SIGNATURE:_________________________________________DATE:____________________

How did you hear about the club?___________________________________________________

Annual dues are $35 per family. Each 12 month membership includes a monthly newsletter. Send your check or money order to:

Inland Empire Offroad Association P.O. Box 132411

Big Bear Lake, CA 92315