Peter Lebeck Chapter #1866

There's lots of planning to do, and we're going to get it done on Saturday, March 20, 2010, at 12 Noon. The place is at Ft. Tejon State Historic Park. Our Noble Grand Humbug, "Ptomaine" Tim Gillespie, will provide food for lunch. But, you have to bring your own drinks and chairs. So, mark your calendars NOW. Tell the widow, orphans, neighbors, boss and anyone else who gives a damn that you're going to be busy on March 20.

We need to make some plans and arrangements for our upcoming spring doin's at Tehachapi (see the flyer), the Central Valley Tri-Chapter doin's in April, and Grand Council in May. Also, we'll discuss filling some positions in the chairs with all you anxious volunteers.

We also plan on a discussion of recent decisions by the Board of Proctors, what they mean to us and how we should deal with them. One item of consideration will be retreads (PBCs who are already Clampers). Another will be ideas for PBC treatment, plaque and Clampsite locations, interaction with other Chapters and organizations, and whatever else tickles your fancy.

As you know, our motto is "For the care of widows and orphans…." There is a women's shelter in Bakersfield to which Peter Lebeck Chapter has been donating for many years. At this shelter, women and their young children are housed and fed. But, it's a pretty subsistence-level existence. No frills or luxuries, just the basics of food, shelter and clothing.

We've been providing them with personal care items that they would otherwise never see. Things like shampoo, powder, hair conditioner, disposable razors, body lotion, etc. to give these ladies a sense of worth and dignity. Toys and learning supplies (pencils, crayons, construction paper and the like), for the kids also allow them some semblance of a childhood.

We know that the economy is in the s*****r and everyone has had to tighten their belts. Even some of our own Brothers are unemployed. But, none of us are getting skinnier. For what we spend on one super-sized lunch meal, a six-pack, a new CD or DVD or a carton of smokes, we could make several ladies and their kids feel human again. When you come to a PXL event, bring something with you as a donation for these less fortunate ones. If you don't know what to get, ask your widow or the store clerk for some help. Just bring SOMETHING! Please, no food items, just personal care items, toys and learning supplies.

A small, but good-looking, group of PXL guys and their ladies took part in the parade at Kernville over the President's Day weekend. Led by our NGH Timbo Gillespie, and organized by our Clapatriarch, XNGH Dale "DOC" Charter, we managed to walk the entire parade route without anyone slipping in the horse manure - a real miracle! While we didn't win any awards, we got a lot of notoriety and applause from the half-million parade viewers. It's not the Tournament of Roses, but it's a lot of fun. Plan on joining us next years -OK?

We have the best, and most underused, website in all Clamperdom! All the other ECV webmeisters say so. It's easy, fun, entertaining, informative, free and interactive. So, why aren't you using it on a daily basis? You're letting this miraculous resource go to waste. Just go to www.peterlebeckecv.com, sign up and sign in. Then, read the Clog, look at the pics, get involved in a discussion or start one of your own. It works even better if you have your favorite beverage at hand. Try it, you'll like it! OK, one more time - www.peterlebeckecv.com . There, wasn't that easy?

It was the biggest crowd and the best hospitality room in years. As usual, the ladies were fantastically beautiful! However, there seemed to be an underlying spirit of mischievous inebriation before, during and after the ball. Did anyone else notice that?

The winners of the best dressed widow contest were: for "period" costume -Peggy Horn, for saloon girl costume - Jennifer Painter, and for the most absurd costume - Carol Davidson. The best dressed Clamper was Jay Corlew, of Silver City Ghost Town fame.

Honored as Grand Noble Widow was Jeannie Johnson, beloved spouse of XNGH Don "Sawdust" Johnson. This was an honor long overdue. If every Clamper did half the work that Jeannie does for the Chapter, we could take over the world. At last year's Grand Council encampment, she worked from dawn 'til dusk cooking, cleaning, making jewelry, selling jewelry- work, work, work! It was tiring to watch her. Jeannie, we know it's not much, but we are SO thankful for all your efforts. How did Sawdust get so lucky?

Our Clampsite at the Benz-Visco Sports Park is just about in the middle of the place - where the "X" is on the map. Vehicles on the road and pavement ONLY!!!! Tents, tables, etc. are OK on the dirt/grass. Contained off-ground fires only, please. Water is available only for washing. It is non-potable agricultural water. So, don't drink it, unless you want lots of little varmints playing hell with your gut.

Normally, they don't allow alcohol at all. But, they've made an exception for us. They ask that no glass be used, however. Use cans, plastic, paper, whatever. Just keep the glass to a minimum, please. And, whatever you do, don't leave it on the ground! That also applies to your cigarette butts, candy wrappers, tin foil, cups, empties or any other garbage. We will have a dumpster there- USE IT!

These folks are letting us use their facilities for free because they appreciate what we are doing. Let's show them that we appreciate their kindness by taking care of the place. Maybe, we'll be allowed back.

This is at about 4000 feet altitude. And, there's a reason they have all those power-generating windmills in the area. Be prepared for cold nights and wind, lots of wind. But, at least it won't be 107, like it was in Inyokern.

Our monument and plaque (as of yet unwritten), are honoring the City of Tehachapi which just celebrated its centennial. The location of the monument is near the museum. Sunday's dedication ceremony should be short and sweet. So, let's have a good attendance from everyone at the doin's -OK? BTW, we expect some dignitaries, media and civilians there. Please strive for seemly decorum.

Everything should be just perfect for our Spring Clampout. This would be an optimum time for you to bring a PBC to join our merry band of misfits. Let his eyes be opened to the wonders of ECV the right way - the Peter Lebeck way. See y'all at the meeting on March 20, then onward to Tehachapi!