Peter Lebeck Chapter #1866

Brothers, It is with a heavy heart that I report the passing of two fellow Lebeckians -- Master Gunnery Sergeant Glenn Denton, USMC Retired, and Brother Harry "Mud" Pennington, who was both a dedicated Clamper and long time Elk.

On this Saturday, 27 January 2024, a memorial service and gathering will be held for Glenn, and all PXL members and those wishing to celebrate Glenn are invited. It will be held at Camp Hamilton Veterans Memorial Park located at 34999 Lerdo Highway, Bakersfield, CA 93308. The program will start at 1200 and will conclude at 1700. Knowing Camp Hamilton there will plenty of food and libations on hand.

Glenn Denton was an important PXL benefactor. He was the founder of Camp Hamilton Memorial Park, and he, along with the Camp Hamilton Board of Directors and Staff, made Camp Hamilton available to our chapter for several of our spring and fall Clampouts at no cost. Glenn also served as Bodfish Association past president in 1994, and taught in the School of Infantry, at Camp Pendleton, CA .

Tragically, Master Guns was killed in a solo car crash following the 2023 Thanksgiving Holiday while enroute from his Bakersfield home to his South Dakota residence. The cause of the accident was black ice which catapulted Glenn's pick-up off of a highway bridge. Sadly his wife Ester was following close behind in her own vehicle and witnessed the whole thing.

The Chamberlain McColley's Funeral Home in South Dakota has posted his obituary which you can view here.

For those of us Marines and FMF Corpsmen who new Glenn and who spent time in the early days at Camp Hamilton, we truly understood the importance and the meaning of each of those first trees that Glenn planted with his own hands. These trees represent the lives of our brother Marines who fought alongside Glenn in Vietnam, and paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving our great nation. Today, the hundreds of trees throughout the park represent the combat and non-combat servicemen and women from all our military branches who have served our nation with honor. It is sight to behold and a place to reflect on the sacrifices made by service personnel and their families.

It is with heavy heart that I also report the passing of fellow Clamper Harry "Mud" Pennington. Mud passed away sometime on Thursday, January 18, 2024, of an apparent heart attack. I have no further information at this time but will keep you all informed as I learn more. Harry "Mud" was a member of both Platrix and Peter Lebeck. He had also served as the Santa Clarita Elks Santa Claus for many years.

May both of these Brothers rest in peace.

Two other quick notes. Our Widders' Ball is sold out and the waiting list is closed. Also, don't forget that our annual corporate meeting reconvenes in the Homewood's meeting room at 1 p.m., Saturday, February 3rd, the same day as the ball. The presence of all PXL Graybeards and Redshirts in good standing is requested. Hospitality to follow at 3 p.m. where all guests are invited.

P.S - Master Guns, Save me a lower bunk.
     Dale "Top" Turner, Clamp Crier
XNGH/GDR -- USMC - Vietnam 67 - 68

ATTENTION BROTHERS! Our 2024 Western themed Widders' Ball has SOLD OUT! So if you are wondering why Brother Mikee hasn't gone all out to advertise our annual shindig, wonder no more. It's because we are out of space! If you missed out and would still like to attend, I have started a stand-by list. Just send me your and your Widder's name to GDR@ECV1866.org and I will add you to the cue. If a spot opens up I'll contact you. Currently we have two couples on stand-by.

Now Listen Up! If you've already signed-up and have completed your pre-registration form, it's time to send in your rub. Mikee has attached the flyer to this post along with the registration form, but if you pre-registered there's no need to do it again, I know who you are.

But to keep your reservation your payment must be received no later than the end of January 2024. It's only fair to others who may want to attend. For couples the rub is $100.00, and for singles $50.00.

Pay by check or Zelle. If you're paying by check make the check payable to, "PETER LEBECK CHAPTER 1866 - ECV." DO NOT use "PXL 1866" or make the check payable to me, Dale Turner, because the bank will not accept payment.

If you have a banking app, you can pay using Zelle. Send your rub to, "paypeter@ecv1866.org." In the notation include your name and that of your guest(s), and indicate that your payment is for the ball.

If you are staying over, discounted room rates are still available at the Homewood Suites, and they're much less expensive than a 502 or a trip to the hospital. Just call the Homewood at (661) 644-0400, and ask for Nicole. Mention that you're attending the PXL Widders' Ball.

Also, don't forget that our annual corporate meeting reconvenes in the Homewood's meeting room at 1 p.m., Saturday, February 3rd, the same day as the ball. The presence of all PXL Graybeards and Redshirts in good standing is requested. Hospitality to follow at 3 p.m. where all guests are invited.

Be well and Clamp On!
    Clamp Crier

Dale "Top" Turner, XNGH/GDR

Just quick, but important, editor's note from your Cloggite-in-chief: In this latest update I've added several significant posts, so you'll want to read down into the CLOG and beyond.

Grand Noble Humbug Al "The Quackster" Price has given us his closing remarks for I'd say was a successful, if at time trying, year. He picked up the reigns and volunteered to "rehumbug" (if that's even a word?), when the guy next in line proved himself not up to the job. Much thanks, Al, and good luck to the NFG, Humbug Erectus Kelvin "Dr. Klapper" Swanson who has already announced his plans for our Spring Doin's. So read on, and to both I say "QUACK!"

We also have important notes from XNGH, Gold Dust Receiver and Clamp Crier, Dale "Top' Turner, who comments on our recently convened annual corporate business meeting and who also has his eye on the ball -- THE PXL Widders' Ball, that is. The enthusiasm in the chapter is such that as of today there is already a waiting list for the Widders' Ball before I've even had a chance to shill it. So if you are already signed up or are interested in going, make sure you read his post or you could end up spending the weekend at home watching old Red Zone reruns. If you haven't signed up yet and still want to attend, sign-up now. As space becomes available, Top will move you up on the list. I will be posting a flyer, but expect that by that time all the reservations will be gone.

Top has also made clear that, having ironed out the wrinkles from our bookkeeping and financial reporting, and with solid procedures in place, he is ready to move on from his role as Gold Dust Receiver. He will be training others to step-up into his boots, and will serve as consultant to our incoming Grand Noble Recorder. Much thanks to Top for his service to the chapter. I'd say you could buy him a beer, but he doesn't drink, so if you want to celebrate you'll have to drink two yourself.

Last two points. Don't forget the Red Shirt Getaway resumes at noon Saturday, December 2nd, at the Elks Lodge in Santa Clarita. Join us for a dog, a brew and the usual pack of lies. Also the link to the photos from our business meeting is up on Peter's Picture Pages. I left out the compromising ones, so you'll just have to live with what's there. Further proof of life is available upon request in case your Widder was asking. Fortunately mine doesn't ask since I'm not in any of the pictures.

MGM, XNGH -- "Recording No Cyber Before Its Time."
...and remember to Love us on Facebook

 

 

 

QUACK - QUACK - QUACK !
From the Ugly Duckling, the Quackster.
Doesn't sound like a swan, but here's my Swan Song, (again).

Finally got my Ducks in a row, and now it's time to turn everything over to my vice, and your new Humbug-erectus, Kelvin "Dr. Klapper" Swanson and his crew. I'm sure you'll be in good hands!

There are always "challenges," but for the most part I think we did pretty well this year.

• The Widder's Ball weekend, with the main festivities on Feb 4, 2023, went quite well, and there were always many folks involved to make that happen. I especially want to thank my widder, Jayne, and Ptimbo's widder, Judi for all that they did for us, and all the time they spent preparing everything. And, a big thank you to XNGH's Dale "Top" Turner and Jim "Bullseye" Bailey for the Friday Night dinner.
•  
• The Whiskey Flat Days Parade, Feb. 16, 2023 --- Well, we tried to get a group together once again to march in the parade, but there were several conflicts, so only three Clampers and two widders showed up. I have my doubts about signing up again to march again any time soon.
•  

• The Spring Doin's, April 14 thru the 16th, came off really well, thanks to XNGH Dale "Top" Turner making all the arrangements months in advance. We dedicated three new picnic tables, and rededicated the plaque at Camp Hamilton. We had planned on dedicating a plaque at the Famoso Raceway/Dragstrip during this Doin's, but they are going through lease re-negotiations with the County Board of Supervisors, and want to hold off for a while. I've passed the contact information on to Dr. Klapper, "just in case", and want to thank XNGH Donny "Sawdust" Johnson for giving us the contact person information.
•  
• Grand Council May 19 thru 21, again, there was a conflict, and we had several brothers who went to attend the chartering of the Copper Queen Chapter. During the last Grand Council that I went to in 2019, it rained most of the time, so this time I stayed in a motel in town but made all the meetings. Many businesses in town were boarded up since the Covid.
•  

• July 14 to 16, Trash Trek to Henefer, Utah and the "Hastings Cutoff" (of Donner Party Fame) --- along with a trip to Fort Bridger. Had to miss this one. No electricity, no water hookups at the Weber Crossing campground, and this was the third "Trek" in a row out of state.
•  
• The Re-plaquing of Road's End, Sept. 16, 2023 --- I want to thank XXNGH, Charles Topping for all his help and guidance for getting this done. I met with the daughter of one of the last owners of Road's End, and then also met with the District Ranger for that portion of the Sequoia National Forest, to get the wording corrected, and get permission to replace the plaque that had been damaged, then totally disappeared. I also had to contact the Dr. Samuel Gregg George Chapter #1855 to let them know that we were replaquing in their territory. It was a Kern County business back in the 1800's, but was located in Tulare County. All went very well. We had representatives from both PXL and the DSGG chapters in attendance, along with family members who lived and worked at Road's End before it was destroyed by fire in July 2002. We even had several folks who had attended the first plaquing there in 2005!
•  

• The Fall Doin's at Fort Tejon, Sept. 21 thru 24 --- Again, another XXNGH stepped up and got these days reserved for us. I want to thank our brother, Mark "Pokey" Crawford for staying on top of everything so I didn't have to! We had originally wanted to do the clampout at Camp Whitsett (Boy Scout Camp) in Tulare County, near the Road's End plaquing site, but they changed their rules since the Covid, and now no longer allow alcohol on the property. So, camping at Fort Tejon meant a 2 ½ to 3 hour drive one-way, or 5 to 6 hours, just on the road. That's why we did it a week earlier. I'd like to say everything went off without a hitch at Ft. Tejon, but that would be a lie. Due to an equipment malfunction, WE LOST ALL THE SPECIAL BEANS XXXNGH Ptimbo Gillespie was cooking up for us. It was later told to me that "a screw was missing in one of the legs of the propane burner that the bean pot was heating up on"! Sans that, we had a very successful Fall Doin's! The weather couldn't have been better, and we had three very, very good PBC's!
•  

• The Annual Business Meeting at the La Sierra Mexican Restaurant & PXL Watering hole in Frazier Park, Nov.4, 2023 --- All went well. We had planned on 26 showing up, and actually had about 30 Redshirts in attendance. I proposed Kelvin "Dr. Klapper" Swanson as Humbug erectus, and he went over his planned corps of officers and functionaries for 2024. We look forward to this being made official at the Business Meeting just prior to the Widders' Ball, Sat. Feb. 3, 2024.
•  
• Other Good News from 2023 - -- We were able to replace our worn-out Cook Shack pop-ups with some really sturdy new ones and used them at Camp Hamilton. Thank you XNGH's Dale "Top" Turner and Mark "Pokey" Crawford for doing all the research and final ordering of these for us. We also were able to purchase a new propane BBQ and use it at our Fall Doins' at Ft. Tejon. I want to thank XXXNGH Tim "Ptimbo" Gillespie for handling the purchase of this new BBQ, and also for volunteering again during 2023 to serve as our temporary Clamp Chef!

It is really hard to believe that this Clamp year is almost over. I owe a special THANKS to MGM and Ptimbo for their support when things got kinda' tough for me around mid-year. I really mean that my brothers! Thank you for your support and not allowing me to throw in the towel.

I'm looking forward to another great year in 2024 with the new group of officers, and also looking forward to seeing many of you at the Widders' Ball on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024. Be sure and register early as we are limited to 80 participants. Our Gold Dust Receiver, XNGH Dale "Top" Turner asks that you not use Zelle, or pay for the Widder's Ball prior to Jan. 1, 2024. (It's a bookkeeping thing, and could mess up our year end IRS & State tax filings).

XNGH Al 'The Quackster' Price, PXL #1866
    Noble Grand Humbug 2023
    mailto:4_2_nat1@gmx.com
    (661) 867-2414

On behalf of the chapter, to those twenty-six PXL Clampers who signed-in at today's annual corporate business meeting, I want to thank you for a great and informative session. Our Grand Noble Recorder, Rick "Hardluck" Veiga will be sending out the minutes sometime next week.

Congratulations to Noble Grand Humbug Erectus Kelvin "Dr. Klapper" Swanson, our current Vice Noble Grand Humbug. Kelvin has submitted a fine list of officers and functionaries for Clamper Year 6029 (2024). He has also announced plans for his Spring and Fall Doin's, as well as a possible "Candlelight" initiation for the summer of 2024, along with his plaquing scheduled for the Springs Doin's at Willow Springs Raceway in Rosamond, California. So make sure to save Friday, April 11 through Sunday April 13, for our first Clampout of the year.

We look forward to confirming Dr. Klapper's nomination as Humbug when we reconvene our business meeting at 1000 hours, on 3 February 2024, the morning of our Widders' Ball in Bakersfield. All members are encouraged to attend.

Now, Speaking as the Gold Dust Receiver, I think I made it clear that for accounting and end of the year auditing I have asked all Brother's to hold off on making any donations for the remainder of 2023, or sending in their rub for the 2024 Widders Ball, until after 1 January 2024.

NOW ABOUT THE WIDDERS' BALL . . . As in the past, due to seating restrictions, the Widders' Ball is limited to 80 total partiers. I know you'll want to get signed up as soon as possible so I have linked a PXL 2024 Widders' Ball EARLY REGISTRATION FORM. This form will not replace the Widders Ball Flyer scheduled to be sent out at the end of December.

Please read the form carefully and mark the appropriate boxes. DO NOT mail or Zelle your rub until after 1 January 2024. We'll take your check, but don't expect us to cash it until after the first of the year.

BUT DO snail mail or Email the attached completed Early Registration form ASAP. I have started a Registration list and once it hits 80 guests it will be closed. We've already reserved seats for 70 attendees, so if you want to come, don't procrastinate!

Be well and Clamp On!

Dale "Top" Turner, XNGH/GDR

Click on this link to download a copy of the agenda for this Friday's annual corporate business meeting scheduled for Saturday, 10:00 am, November 3rd at La Sierra Mexican Restaurant, 3500 Mount Pinos Way Frazier Park, CA 93225. See you there!    - - MGM