Message from the President Jan 2026
A New Year, A New Vision
This was a dark and stormy night. The rain was cold and coming down with a vengeance. I was running to where I thought it was safe. The year 2025 was fading fast. 2026 was ahead of me, and I felt an energy and optimism like never before.
I woke up suddenly and realized that my dream was a reality!
How many of you thought you would live this long? Think about it: 2026! If you were born in the ’30s, ’40s, or ’50s, 2026 seemed a long way off. My, how the years have gone by!
The past has defined who we are, and the future can show us who we can become. That’s why I have a vision for where the Pushrods of Hoquiam can go. There are new and exciting places ahead for us!
Remembering Our Members
We need to acknowledge the members who passed away this year:
- Don Hoffman
- Diane DeLaCruz
- Trish Halekakis
- John Livingston
- Walt and Barb Huffman
- Darrell Bell
Fred Scott and Steve Reames have spent a lot of time going through our past records and identifying former members of the Pushrods of Hoquiam. Fred has created a memorial to honor them.
Their names, along with those of future members who pass away, will be remembered. More than 40 names have been added to the memorial.
Thank you, Fred and Steve, for taking the time and making the effort to do this. It’s an important way to preserve our club’s history and remember those who helped make it what it is today.
Looking Back at 2025
Charity Auction
The 2025 Charity Auction was a huge success. Patty Rager headed up the effort, with plenty of help from Fred Scott and others. It’s something we can all be proud of and build on.
Great job, everyone!
Spaghetti Feed
Our spaghetti feed went well, but we need to reach out to more people. This could be a great opportunity to turn the event into a membership drive and introduce more people to the Pushrods.
Christmas Meeting and Party
Our annual Christmas meeting and party was another success. The Christmas committee did a great job putting everything together.
A special shout-out to Melanie Sorgenfrei, Bob Bush, and Paula Thompson for helping get everything in place.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to the toy drive. This is one of those feel-good moments that reminds us what being part of this club is all about.
Recognizing Our Officers and Volunteers
During the awards presentation, I forgot to give special recognition to some people who have stepped up and taken on important responsibilities:
- Todd Wilson – Vice President
- Ralph Cook – Treasurer
- Larry Stott – Secretary
- Jim Daly – Taking over cooking duties, helping with the newsletter, and doing so much more
All of them are doing great work for the club. Thank you!
Improving Our Property Next to the Elks
Our current Pushrod project is improving the property next to the Hoquiam Elks building.
We are making progress:
- We are working on getting a permit for the fill dirt.
- The City of Hoquiam has dirt available for us.
- Quigg Bros. has agreed to let us use their equipment.
- Our Timeless machine operator, Okie Thompson, has agreed to help get the land into shape.
The idea is to make this property available for use during our Hot Rods in Hoquiam car show.
It’s a big project, but with the help of our members and community partners, we can get it done!
Big News: RiverFest and Hot Rods in Hoquiam 2026!
Some exciting new developments are happening!
The City of Hoquiam has approached us about combining a city celebration with our Hot Rods in Hoquiam car show. RiverFest will take place on the same weekend as our show!
They’re discussing a number of activities that could make this a much bigger event, including:
- Carnival
- Kids’ activities
- Activities on the river
- Vendors
- A concert at Olympic Stadium
- Fireworks
- Other activities to enhance the show
We’ve already booked Danny Vernon for his Elvis show, and we’re talking with the Elks about becoming part of the festivities.
This year is especially significant because it’s the 250th anniversary of the United States of America!
We’re using that theme to give our show some added clout and set an ambitious goal: 250 cars at Hot Rods in Hoquiam!
That’s a big dream and a big task, but if you don’t put it out there, it won’t get done.
So let’s go for it!
2026 Charity Auction – February 15
Our 2026 Charity Auction will be held Sunday, February 15, at the Hoquiam Elks.
We need every member to contribute in some way to make this another success.
There are plenty of ways to help:
- Donate auction items.
- Volunteer your time and manpower.
- Help solicit donations.
- Contribute cash.
- Do whatever you can to support the effort.
This is an opportunity for every member to do something, however small, that makes us proud to belong to this club.
Time goes by so fast anymore, and February will be here before we know it.
Patty has set January 28 as the deadline to get everything together for the auction.
Get R Done!
Hot Rods in Hoquiam 2026 – What’s Changing?
We’re changing a few things up for the 2026 show.
- Show T-shirts: This will be the last year featuring a member’s car on the show shirt. Beginning next year, the Best of Show car will be featured on the T-shirt and dash plaque.
- Awards: We’re changing up the award categories.
- Award recognition: We’re considering stickers on the headlights of award-winning cars.
- Additional activities: We may add a car corral and swap meet.
- Registration: No preregistration this year.
- Advertising: We need to get posters out early!
We’re also looking at ways to bring younger people into the hobby. I’m talking with the Hoquiam schools about making a club presentation to students and possibly putting on one or two cruise-ins at the school.
We are also going to have more small get-togethers as a club at different locations. Nothing complicated—just get together, enjoy each other’s company, and have a hot dog or two!
Dinner Trip to Lake Quinault Lodge
On Friday, February 27, the Pushrods of Hoquiam will be taking the Five Star van to Lake Quinault Lodge for dinner.
I have eight spots still available.
If you’re interested, let me know ASAP!
Pushrod Parking Signs
I have Pushrod Parking Only signs available.
$20 each.
See me if you’d like one!
Let’s Make 2026 a Great Year!
I want every member of the Pushrods of Hoquiam to be excited about 2026.
HAVE FUN. PARTICIPATE. ENJOY WHAT WE HAVE AND ENJOY THE TIME WE HAVE LEFT.
— Denny
January and February Calendar
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| January 7, 6:30 PM | Business Meeting – Hoquiam Elks |
| January 13, 12:00 PM | Lunch – Welcome Inn, Hoquiam |
| January 21, 12:00 PM | Pushrod Board Meeting – Gil’s Shop |
| January 23, 6:00 PM | Dinner – Oriental Palace, Aberdeen |
| February 15 | Pushrod Charity Auction – Hoquiam Elks |
| February 27, Friday | Dinner at Lake Quinault Lodge – Five Star van |
More details about the February events will be announced as they become available.
