Chef De Gare's Corner

Monthly Comments from Howard Walter, Chef De Gare Voiture 1067

May has been a good month for the Voiture and the Post. We knocked them in the creek during Gator Wreck.

Brian Cecil did an outstanding job of organization and Cheryl Christopher brought forth a most professional program book and was an asset all week.

The Dames of Cabane 1067 were at their best and I believe they out performed the Dames of previous years. All in all, I think the performance of everyone was above and beyond the call of normal folks.

--- For the good of the Voiture, Howard Walter

OK, it’s here. The world famous Goose Creek “Gator Wreck”will be held on the 16th, 17th & 18th of May. Preparations are almost complete. “Choir practice” is Sunday the 4th at 1300 under the pavillion. “Turkey” Todd􀀀 will be putting the “PG’s” through their paces and the “Trials” will be on Friday the 16th at 1900. Bill Streuber has need of some help with the Veterans Hospital visits. If you have a couple of hours free on either of the first two Wednesdays of the month, at 6:15pm, please help him and yourself out. It is inspiring.

--- For the good of the Voiture, Howard Walter

The "Male-Beauty Contest" went over with much success and hilarity.  The ladies provided their most excellent corned beef and cabbage dinner.  The hospital visits were exhilarating and fruitful.  The Ritual and Wreck Committees are progressing nicely.  The Ritual Crew has a complete staff, however there are positions available for any volunteer who would like to help.  The Train went to Cleveland Tennessee and made it with no problems.  Inclement weather kept her from showing her stuff.  She almost had an opportunity to pull the Fulton County Train from the mud, but a longer chain could not be found.  Check the bulletin board for the latest photos.  There were a passel of drawing-tickets sold.  Good jobs by all.  Check with your Committee Chairman for this months meetings.  The up-coming Wreck is shaping up to be one of the greatest ever.  If anyone has some old overalls, (any color) we could sure use them.  Attend your Voiture and Post meetings and get involved.  Put another spike in the track to success.

--- For the good of La Societé, Howard Walter

During February, among other things, we held our annual "Bowl-a-Thon". Compared to previous events of bowling, this was a relatively poor showing. I plan to put some extra effort on this event so that its future success will be assured. This is a great money-making event. Thee must sow a bunch so that thee can reap a bunch.

We had some good hospital visits. The crew needs extra help in March because of the annual "Easter Bunny" delivery. Come on ! Get off that couch and come spend a couple of hours with the Vets at the hospital. It is an invigorating experience.

The plans for the "Gatorwreck" are going forward. Brian has some meetings scheduled as does Chuck and Todd.

Our program for sustaining contributors is gaining momentum. I firmly believe this is the future of fund-raising for our Voiture. If 50 members secure one sustaining contributor each and they entered at the $100 stage, we would be guaranteed $5000 per year. A good start for a small budget.

Later this month Charlene and I are going to Cleveland, Tennessee for the "Hillbilly Wreck", hosted by Voiture 735, Post 81. Frenchy is planning to take the train. The train... I think we should have a name for our engine. All the great locomotives have had a name. Maybe a "Naming Contest"???

The Post has a flag disposal ceremony on the 22nd and the "Male Beauty Contest" is later in the evening. This event is recommended for adults and all funny bones. Be sure you bring yours.

Put your "Chapeau" on and join in the fun this month and help make the events a success. It does not take much to contribute some time to your Post and Voiture. A couple of hours a week sometimes makes the difference between success and failure. Dig in and put another spike in the track to success.

--- For the good of La Societé, Howard Walter

Hendersonville and the Joint Carolinas Promenade was a success. The Gator Wrecking Crew and the Gator Ritual Crew performed flawlessly. Of course we had some mis-steps but they were the kind of mistakes that are noticed only by those who are trained. Todd Walker ran his part of the wreck with precision and Jerry Anderson handled the ritual like a fine tuned watch. The Voyageurs who participated do so with alacrity and selflessness. We are all proud of our Voiture.

February is preparation month. “The Gator Wreck” is looming and we have a lot to do. Brian and Todd have meetings scheduled and I am sure the Ritual Crew will be practicing also. The “Bowl-a-thon” is the 9th at noon. Get a team up and join in.

Congratulations to Todd Walker for winning the “Attaboy” award for January. His work with the Gator Wreck Crew and the Post 166's “Turkey Shoot” during the holidays were cited in the award.

Put another spike in the track, get committed.

--- For the good of the Voiture, Howard Walter

The 40 & 8 start the New Year with a new attitude. We resolve to thrive on the good times and successes we had and to learn from our mistakes and forget the animosities created during the year. A new leaf in the book of good deeds and service to the Post and community.

We are looking forward to the Joint Carolinas Promenade in Hendersonville, North Carolina 17th through the 20th of January. The Wreck Committee will meet on the 6th at 1400. The Ritual Committee will practice on the 9th of January at 1900. The Wrecking Crew is still looking for men’s pajamas, two-piece, any size, any color, new or used. You can give them to any officer of the 40 & 8.

Congratulations to Brian Cecil for receiving the "Attaboy" award for November 2007. Frenchy Gendron receives the "Round-tuit" for December. He and CMC Longtin have the train back on track. I understand that with a few minor adjustments, the train will make it to the Joint Carolinas. The "Round-tuit" or "Attaboy" award is given each month to the Voyager who best represents the spirit of the 40 & 8. They make my job look easy.

The next few months will require extra effort from everyone to finish with a good Wreck. Put another spike in the track.

--- For the good of the Voiture, Howard Walter

The “Elvis Show” turned out to be a raving success. Thanks to Jerry Anderson and his “Pacemakers” (Bill Small and Ralph Lange). Congratulations to Bill Strueber for receiving the “Round-tuit” - The Atta boy award for October. His devotion to duty is unparalleled. We are lucky to have him as a “Voyageur”. Lets not forget the Christmas party and the News Years party. Check the calendar for times and cost. We are using the month of December to prepare for the Promenade in Hendersonville in January ‘08. I have appointed a new ritual chairman and he is anxious to get started. Todd Walker has some time off from his duties as “Turkey Shoot” Chairman and is looking forward to taking inventory of the trailer. As “Wreck Captain” Todd is going to need a lot of help and so is the new ritual chairman. So fall in and line up. If you are going to Hendersonville please put your name on the list.

I am putting out a list of items we are going to need for our “Gator Wreck” in May. Its not complete yet however I do know one item that is at the top. We need men’s two-piece pajamas. They can be new or used and size is of no concern. If you have any please get them to Todd or me as soon as possible.

‘Tis that season again. Charlene and I hope you and yours have a Merry Christmas and a Joyous New Year.

--- For the good of the Voiture, Howard Walter

An excellent time was had in Duluth Georgia the weekend of October the 12th. There were many Voyagers and Dames at the annual "Hooch Wreck" Matt Perry and Bill Ahner were in their own "Train Wreck" Dennis McKay was wrecked and performed well and made everyone proud. He held up the reputation of "The Creek". Had we the vote, he would have been named "Iron Man" Plans are going forward for the "Joint Carolinas" in January. Since we are providing the wreck it will be necessary to enlist a lot of help. Plan to attend and contact Todd Walker (Wreck Captain) or Bob Schuessler (Ritual Chairman) to be assigned a job. The Christmas Party will be a "Joyous" affair. Plan to attend. Don't forget to recruit your replacement. The "website" is steadily being improved. Check it for more detailed information.

--- For the good of the Voiture, Howard Walter

This is THE Forty and Eight.

Another outstanding picnic was held at Short Stay and if you were not there.....shame on you....tsk...tsk. The mistake we made last year of not reserving the pavilion turned out to be a blessing in disguise. We used the “Club House” and all who attended voiced their approval. Thanks to Chef (Passé) Frenchy we have the “Club House” again next year. He donated half of the rental for the day. Entertainment by Frank and Doris with their karaoke equipment provided many laughs and good times. There were some who provided special help to me and the picnic. Namely; Bob Wilson, Brian Cecil, Bill Muzzey, Frenchy Gendron, and Don Pace for his perfect BBQ, et al. On the Friday evening before the picnic we had a BYOB and steak by the “roundettes” Entertainment was provided by “Crash” Lange and his “Concert of Flatulence”.  He has lived up to his title of “Master of Revels” and also has relieved “Crash Passé” Anderson of his “nom de guerre”.

Congratulations to Bill Muzzey for receiving the round “TUIT”, the “Atta-boy” award for September. Mark your calendars for the up-coming events and try to attend as many as possible. The Joint Carolinas Promenade in January at Hendersonville, NC is important because V-1067 is providing the “REKIN KREW”. Brian Cecil, Bob Schuessler and Todd Walker will need extra help in pulling this off. Those who plan to attend notify any of the “Krew” so they will be able to program the event. We need a member who is familiar with sound systems to help Bob and the Ritual Committee with our sound equipment. The “Elvis Show” is coming up. See Jerry Anderson for info and tickets. As a matter of interest, our web site is up and running. Thanks to “Web Master” Brian Cecil. I’m positive not all members will be satisfied with its contents, err go, please feel free to contact Brian with your input.

--- For the good of the Voiture, Howard Walter