Peter Lebeck Chapter #1866

Our Golden Anniversary year is finally over, and what a year it's been. To start it off, a former member, who was elected to lead us as our Noble Grand Humbug, quit halfway through the year, leaving nothing done. Timbo Gillespie XNGH, being the fine Clamper that he is, agreed to come back as NGH to finish the asshole's term.

The task would have been difficult enough, but Tim broke his wrist at the Snake River Chartering in Idaho, virtually incapacitating him. Thankfully, he had a most capable Vice NGH in Mike Ramirez-Mares. Mike, along with other worthy Brothers, worked hard on our Fall Doin's at Minter Field.

Meanwhile, in the background of all this confusion, we were trying to complete the annual audit of our chapter's books. Considering that most of our financial records were destroyed in the big fire, the data was hard to come by. Little by little, we've been able to piece things together. So far, the audit has shown us to be totally legit and above board. When it's completed, we'll let everyone know if we will be "gloriously gilded or ignominiously gelded."

Murphy's Law wasn't finished with us yet. Just as everything looked great for a doin's and plaquing at Minter Field, government bureaucrats at Shafter pulled the rug from under us. We would not be allowed to camp at the KOA campgrounds across from Minter, and because of unsettled politics with the City of Shafter, the Minter Airport could no longer assure us that our monument would ever get built. According to the city all of this was due to "safety and health" reasons. Yeah, right! But, after scrambling for a new site, our stalwart officers got us into Bakersfield's Camp Okihi for the best Clampout location in a long, long time.

But wait, there's more. After almost 15 years of yeoman's service, our GDR/ Hawker/ General Roustabout and all around good guy, Joe Szot, needed a break. Joe did so much in the Chapter that it's going to take five guys to fill his shoes. "Dale "DOC" Charter XNGH agreed to be the Hawker with assistance from Don "Sawdust" Johnson, XNGH and Jim "Fury" Bailey. Gene "DH" Duncker, PXP stepped in as GDR. And supervising our Clampsite setup and acting as MC will be our new Clamps Hostrix, Kevin "Yeti" Oviatt.

In spite of all the setbacks, our Fall Doin's was spectacular! We had Brothers from all over, 11 PBCs received the enlightening of our Initiation, and fun was had by all. As usual, the food was the best in all Clamperdom, and I don't think there was much sobriety to be found anywhere in the park. Our HOCO was the best I've witnessed in 22 years of Clamping. Even the weather was beautiful.

We should be able to learn from this experience. When everyone co-operates and helps out, things get done and the Chapter is better for it. Now, on to 2012, with that thought in mind, read on, Brother.

These are the guys that will be getting stuff done this year. Contact them with suggestions, ideas or complaints. It would be best, however, if you contacted them to volunteer. Whether you are an XPBC or an XNGH, your help will be appreciated.

Just in case you haven't noticed, take a look at the list of Clampfunctionaries again. There are several of your Brothers doing "double duty" in YOUR Chapter. None of them are "workaholics". Nor are they double-dipping in the payroll. They are volunteers, who know that work needs to be done, and it won't get done unless somebody does it.

What's to be done? The by-laws need to be updated, as do the Articles of Incorporation. The Hawker needs help to go to other chapters' doin's, to bring in money for PXL. The cook needs help in the kitchen, and in the preparation for a function. We need someone to handle the raffle/auction at each doin's. The Hangman can always use help with the PBCs. We could use someone to step in doing this job, Clamp-Crier. Do I really need to go on?

This is not just my Chapter. This is not just their Chapter. This is YOUR Chapter! Have you helped set-up the tents and cook shed? Have you cleaned-up the pots and pans after each meal? Have you contributed any articles or information for Peter's Procs? Have you suggested any areas to plaque or Clampsites we can use? Have you researched any historical sites in Kern County? If not, why the f**k not?

If you expect this Chapter to run on its own, you're drinking and/or smoking some pretty powerful stuff. Maybe it's time you took some initiative, and put in a little effort to make it work. Whether you're an ex-PBC or an ex-Humbug, there's stuff for you to do.

You have the list of the Clampfunctionaries. Figure out where you can be of service, and then get to it.

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?