Message from the President May 2024
Fellow Pushrodders,
The 2024 car season is officially underway for the Pushrods! Warmer weather is giving everyone the incentive to get those cars out of the garage and start cruising around the neighborhood.
First Annual Pushrod Spaghetti Feed
Our First Annual Spaghetti Feed was held April 14 at the Hoquiam Elks Lodge, and I consider the event a success!
We had 70 guests show up, and everyone seemed to have a great time visiting with old friends while enjoying some great food.
My original pie-in-the-sky estimate was 300 people, so we ended up with plenty of leftovers!
Jim Daly saved the day by taking charge of the event. He did a marvelous job handling the cooking, organizing everything, and making sure we had all the supplies needed. A big thank-you to Jim for stepping up and making this happen.
As with any first-time event, we learned a few things along the way:
- The Elks bar: We probably don’t need to have the bar open next time. There was very little use, and we could have saved $319.
- Invitations: A great suggestion for next year is to invite our sponsors, their families, and employees.
- Making it an annual event: I suggest the Pushrods adopt this as an annual club tradition.
Although the meal was free for everyone, we put out a donation bucket and raised $322, plus another $108 from the 50/50 drawing.
Ray Pumphrey worked the crowd all day long to get those numbers up. Great job, Ray!
All in all, a successful first year and something we can build on.
A Personal Note
On a personal note, I’m spending most of my time in Olympia with my mother, who is currently at a rehabilitation center following her second stroke.
I’ll continue to do what I can for the club, and I appreciate everyone’s understanding.
Looking for Community Projects
The Pushrods of Hoquiam are looking for community projects where we can lend a hand and make a difference.
Three potential projects we’re considering are:
- Supporting Special Olympics.
- Building a ramp for the domestic violence center.
- Helping with painting and/or a roofing grant for the Aberdeen American Legion building.
A big thank-you to the members who have volunteered to head up committees for our current projects. Your willingness to take responsibility is what keeps this club moving forward.
Pushrod Committees & Volunteers
Here’s a look at our current committee assignments:
| Committee | Volunteer(s) |
|---|---|
| Car Show Chair | Denny Bickar |
| Charity Auction | Jim Daly |
| Spaghetti Feed | Wayne Cotton |
| Pushrod Picnic | Kelley Callaghan |
| Christmas Party | To be determined |
| Contribution Applications | Jim Daly |
Remember, you have all the resources available to make things happen. All you have to do is ask!
Club Officer Nominations
Nominations for Pushrod officers are on the agenda for this month.
If you’re interested in a position of immense authority, put your name in the hat! Who knows? You might actually like it.
Upcoming Car Shows & Activities
The Tractor Supply show is ready to go!
The cruise to Seabrook is also ready, with only the announcement of departure times and location remaining.
Hot Rods in Hoquiam is coming together as well. A BIG thank-you to everyone who is putting in the time and effort to make these events happen. We appreciate you!
May Calendar
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| May 1 | Pushrod Business Meeting – 6:30 PM |
| May 11 | Tractor Supply Car Show – 9:00 AM–2:00 PM |
| May 13 | Pushrod Lunch – Welcome Inn, Hoquiam – 12:00 PM |
| May 15 | Pushrod Board Meeting – Gil’s Shop – 12:00 PM |
| May 18–19 | Monroe Swap Meet |
| May 30 | Pushrod Dinner – Ranch House BBQ, McCleary – 6:30 PM |
The car season is here, and there’s plenty to look forward to. Whether you’re helping organize an event, attending a meeting, volunteering for a community project, or simply getting your car out for a cruise, there’s a place for you.
The more involved we are, the stronger our club becomes.
See you down the road!
