October has come and gone as well as a fantastic Oktobefest.  Over 90 people came out to Rancho Seco to celebrate the founding of our Club.  We gathered around an epic fire ring, feasted on burgers and brats from Culinerdy, washed it down with cold beer, and then slept it all off a grassy campground.  It was great to with so many smiling people that lingered around the next morning for coffee and pastries.

We honored Alan, Carol, and Chris with 50 year plaques during the Members’ Meeting.  Those that didn’t get honored during the Meeting are the people that have volunteered in various positions throughout the Club’s history.  Many people have served through the years in various capacities: Board of Director positions, Chairs for all types of things, Newsletter Editors, Advertising coordinators, and just helping out whenever we call for help.  I apologize for not directly recognizing the efforts and contributions of all that have served the Club.  The work everyone has put into the Club makes it what it is, and for that, thank you.

I’d like to particularly thank the following people for helping with Oktoberfest: 

• Firewood:  Andy and Mike
• Drink transportation:  Mike
  
• Registration:  Barbara, Randy, April, and Rai
  
• Flyer:  Wynne

Our website has undergone a hosting change with the addition of a member management piece. Everyone in the club now has the ability to visit the club site and update your own contact information.  Doing this is a step in the direction of reducing the effort needed to keep our membership directory current.  Additional features will be added to the site as JV continues his project.

Tom O’Connell has taken on the task of ‘49er Chair for the 2016 Rally.  The Board of Directors tasked Tom with increasing the attendance of the ‘49er.  With a relatively early start and a foundation in place from the previous rallies, I believe 2016 will be a great event.  We’ll have several opportunities for volunteers to assist with the planning and advertising of our Rally very shortly.

The Newsletter now has a new editor.  John Ellis has taken over the position from Warren Barnes.  As a reminder, we are always looking for content for the Newsletter.  If you’ve been somewhere, ate something, bought a gadget, or done something fun or especially stupid, write a few lines about it and send it to our editor.

December marks the month of the Holiday Party which will be held at the Blue Pheasant.

Location:  Blue Pheasant 22100 Stevens Creek Blvd Cupertino, 95104

Date:  December 19th 6 PM.

Cost:  $30

White Elephant Gift exchange after dinner.  $20 is the recommended cost.  Cash bar before dinner.

Food options:

Pasta Primavera served with fresh seasonal vegetables sauteed with garlic, fresh herbs, and white wine severed over linguine

Broiled Salmon:  Fresh king salmon broiled to perfection and topped with a fresh dill sauce

Chicken Bouna Donna:  sautéed boneless Brest of chicken with prawns and roasted red peppers in a sherry wine sauce.

Prime Rib of Beef:  Au jus served with fresh horseradish

Dinners include mixed green garden salad, potatoes or rice, fresh vegetables, French bread, and a desert.