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MiataTudes SACRAMENTO AREA MIATA OWNERS ASSOCIATION December 2010

Robin’s Nest Robin’s Nest Robin’s Nest Robin’s Nest By Robin George

Hello Everyone, Have you been good this year? I mean really good!!! Have you sent your letter to Santa with a list of all the good Miata parts you want Santa to bring you? Or did you just go to the Santa store and pick out a pile of parts all ready put together? Yes, it’s the time of year where club things are a little slow, the weather doesn’t cooperate and we are distracted by minor things such as, “the holidays”. No reason to slack off. There are meetings to attend, parties to go to, and its Miata prep-time. That’s right, get those buffers you won at meetings and get those containers of wax out you have been hiding all summer and shine those babies up. Get your vehicle ready for 2011. It’s going to be an exciting year. It’s time for you to plan, for the club; the places you would love to go to or share. Repeats are wonderful too. We have the resources and the energy to help you make any event a successful one. It doesn’t hurt. Honest!! We have the General-Business Meeting on December 9th.

It will be a jam packed extravaganza with our Treasurer reading from page to page the club’s books (just kidding), a complete house cleaning of any unfinished business, and of course the always anticipated elections. It is from this exercise we find out who or what is going to continue to move this club to new heights. We do have a slate of members who are running for an office this year and this group of devotees has promised to make our club even better. We are looking forward to their insight. It’s onward to 2011. Pay attention to your events page for next years docket. Per the tradition, members who added value to the club will be honored as well as those who didn’t. Plus we have our annual Christmas raffle. It will be a great meeting. Please plan to attend.

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Treasure Trove News Treasure Trove News Treasure Trove News Treasure Trove News By Jeanne George

HAPPY HOLIDAYSHAPPY HOLIDAYSHAPPY HOLIDAYSHAPPY HOLIDAYS

We welcome our Newest Members Thong Phan Drew Simpkin Richard Reinhardt Kari Arnold

Memberships renewed in November Somplack, Jon and Alice Correia, Denise Gingrich, Michael and Kristen Folsom, John Jurach, Tom and Anne

Memberships Expiring December 1st Paauwe, Bob and Genny Wierzba, Dennis

SAMOA stats: 148 Memberships, 240 members, 156 Miatas

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SAMOA 2010 ELECTIONSAMOA 2010 ELECTIONSAMOA 2010 ELECTIONSAMOA 2010 ELECTION

for thefor thefor thefor the

2011 BOARD OF OFFICERS2011 BOARD OF OFFICERS2011 BOARD OF OFFICERS2011 BOARD OF OFFICERS

Election Chair's ReportElection Chair's ReportElection Chair's ReportElection Chair's Report by Rod Gonzalez

Well, it’s December already which means it's time for our annual club elections. Of the seven (7) Board of Officers (BOO) positions up for election, the following members have stepped forward and accepted nomination as a slate of candidates for the 2011 SAMOA BOO: OFFICE CANDIDATES President ................................................ Robin George Vice President ........................................ Jennifer Sipe Treasurer ................................................ Jeanne George Secretary ................................................ Pam Hunt Events Coordinator ................................ Diana Loo Technical Advisor ................................... Ellen Frosch Media Director ........................................ Ron Petrich Of course, per Article 5, Section 5.02 of the bylaws, names may be placed in nomination at any time up to the actual casting of ballots at the annual business meeting which will be held this year on Thursday, December 9, 2010. For those interested, here are the candidate and voting eligibility requirements for elections per Article 3, Section 3.01(B) and Article 4, Section 4.06, respectively, of the club bylaws:

• Candidate Eligibility – Candidates shall be active members for the last six months prior to elections (membership began on or before June 9, 2010).

• Voting Eligibility – You must be an active member for three (3) months prior to the election date to be eligible to vote (membership began on or before September 9, 2010). Each membership is entitled to one vote. Individual memberships shall consist of one person, entitled to one vote. Combined memberships shall consist of all persons per household, entitled to one vote (per household).

Please contact me if you wish to add your name as a 2011 BOO candidate, or if you have any questions regarding this year’s club election. Thank you. Rod Gonzalez Election Chair Email: rodnoid@sbcglobal.net Phone: (916) 366-1670

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Holiday Hat Sale $6Holiday Hat Sale $6Holiday Hat Sale $6Holiday Hat Sale $6

After receiving discounts from our supplier, I was able to make a special purchase of SAMOA hats in various colors and they are going fast.

Remaining colors available: Black with white (2)

Khaki with hunter green (1) Khaki with navy (2) Red with black (1)

Navy with cream (1)

They will be available at the December 9th meeting. You can reserve yours now and I will set it aside for you. Call Jeanne at 916 359-2627 or

jeanne@winfirst.com

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Fellow SAMOANs, Here it is - my final Vice Presidential article. It’s been a great run serving with Robin and the rest of the Board of Officers for the last five years. The Board worked together really well and was always cooperative. We got to know each other so well we could almost finish each other’s sentences which is way scary because that means we even understood how Ron Petrich thinks! While everyone pulled their weight Robin and Jeanne have always done a lot of behind-the-scenes work – more than any of us will ever realize. The club would not be as much fun, nor would we have realized as many accomplishments, were it not for their unselfish efforts. When you combine SAMOA’s President and Vice President responsibilities it probably amounts to 1 ½ person’s effort. With Robin doing the “1” and me the “1/2” this worked out pretty good……for me! I’ll use my newly found free time developing events for next year and we actually have several that are in progress. I enjoy all of the civic and social organizations that I belong to but SAMOA is the one I most enjoy and that’s because all of you, even those that don’t own a 2000 SE Mahogany Mica (arguably the most beautiful color Miata ever created) are great to be associated with. Mike DeLaurentis

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SAMOA History: Part 12 SAMOA History: Part 12 SAMOA History: Part 12 SAMOA History: Part 12

Highlights and Challenges of 2005Highlights and Challenges of 2005Highlights and Challenges of 2005Highlights and Challenges of 2005 By Jeanne George

Back in January as part of our Club’s 20th Anniversary, I began writing monthly articles which reviewed the early years of SAMOA. You can find those articles in the February-November newsletters located on the web page. I was reading the SAMOA newsletters which Charter member Dennis Swaney provided to me. Dennis had saved all the newsletters since the first issue, February 1991. During the first 15 years there were over 700 new memberships; in 2010 only 34 of those remain with the Club. Now I am going to change the direction of my articles and report new or unusual things, different events, or changes of policy. Only 2 members that joined SAMOA during 2005 are still with the club in 2010: Toni Wilson joined in May and Margie Jurach joined in September. 2005 Officers are President: Cat Black, Vice President: Margaret Counter, Treasurer: Bob Carlson, Secretary: Gundi Bechthold, Technical: Ken Johnson, Events: Denise Correia, and Media Director: Clay Cowan. {The 2005 Officers made SAMOA history!! For the first time in 15 years of SAMOA Boards, all the elected individuals are still members in 2010.} The year began with the monthly meeting held at Rascal’s Pub. “Cat’s Corner” in the Miatatudes provided members with updates from President Cat. In February, she hosted a President’s Run with 8 Miatas and 14 people. Although the rain was a threat, the group enjoyed a dry drive to Foresthill and lunch at the Red Dirt Saloon.

Meeting Challenges: Due to the bar noise factor at Rascal’s Pub, the March meeting was moved to Cattlemen’s in Roseville. To accommodate complaints from members regarding the commuter traffic, the separate dining room was available at 6:30 pm for dinner and the meeting time was moved to 7:30 pm. 50 people attended the 1st meeting. After 2 months, the management changed their policy to the Club and offered only 5 menu choices at a price of $24 each. Because of short notice the BOO canceled the May meeting. There wasn’t a June newsletter but a notice indicated that the membership would be notified by email of a June meeting location. In July the meeting was held at Round Table’s Pizza on Howe Ave. and meeting time was moved back to 7 pm. In August the meetings were moved to Bakers Square at Fair Oaks Blvd. and Howe Ave. and were there until December. For early birds arriving before 6 they were able to get discounted meals. The management worked well with Cat and offered the full menu to the members.

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Adi Damania has been a constant contributor to the Miatatudes with many historical articles and pictures regarding cars of varying models and countries. He submitted the below item.

BREAKING NEWS!

These seatbelts will become standard on all Mazda Miatas (incl. MazdaSpeed Turbo) sold in California from 2006 according to directives of the CHP! Adi PS: Parvin does not approve and threatens to boycott!!

A Bocce Ball and Vino event was introduced to the Club and drew a crowd of 18 Miatas for a picnic at Windwalker Winery. 8 teams competed to a duel followed by a Sudden Death playoff. Past Presidents Mike DeLaurentis and Robin George ran the tournament and were open to bribes, Windwalker wines of course. A new feature: a photo from a recent event was displayed in the newsletter with the comment “Where is it?” The following month the editor published where the photo had been taken and a new one was presented. After September there wasn’t a newsletter published so details regarding business and events aren’t available. Cat was looking for a Nominating Committee and asking members to consider running for an Officer position for 2006. The last published calendar indicated a Scrabble Scramble September 24-25, the SAMOA picnic October 2 at Loomis Park, and Annual Ft. Bragg trip were planned. In addition Events person, Denise Correia was hosting a “Tea & Tail feathers” event and JoAnne and Ralph Gingrich was hosting the Holiday Party at the Lion’s Gate.

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SAMOA History: part 13SAMOA History: part 13SAMOA History: part 13SAMOA History: part 13

Highlights of 2006Highlights of 2006Highlights of 2006Highlights of 2006 By Jeanne George As I continue my SAMOA History series covering the years of 2006 through 2010, I am going to change the direction of my articles and report new or unusual things, different kinds of events, and changes of policy. Parts 1-12 are in the February to November newsletters on the web page. 2006 Officers: President: Robin George, Vice-president: Mike DeLaurentis, Secretary: Fran Rowell, Treasurer: Bob Carlson, Events: Ron Petrich, Technical: Jack Parker, and Media Director: NONE. New members in 2006 that are still members in 2010 were: Bob & Terri Bacon, Garry Dunne, Mike & Jenn Sipe, Pam & Randy Hunt, John Emelio, and Jon & Alice Somplack. 2006 got off to a rocky start. (1) Robin’s New Year Hangover Run was canceled on the day of the event due to severe flooding, rain, heavy winds and several toppled trees on the Garden Highway levee where the route was scheduled to travel. (2) There wasn’t a January Miatatudes published because no one ran for the Media Director position. As a result, new Events Officer Ron Petrich volunteered to cover the newsletter until someone stepped forward. His first attempt, the February issued received praises from the membership. {No one did step up, and Ron ended up doing both jobs throughout 2006. In mid 2006 the SAMOA web page designer & maintainer, Hugo Schmidt decided he no longer wanted to maintain the Club web page. Hugo volunteered his services for many years but was no longer a Miata owner or a SAMOA member. His job and raising his son were requiring more of his time. Hugo helped train Ron to take over the Club web page. Due to the high expense of the old web host provider, Ron searched a new company which cut SAMOA costs yet provided more web space. Previously the newsletter was displayed for one month then removed when the new issue was prepared. Ron redesigned a new Club web site and found a new provider to host it. With the new format he created a Pictures tab on the web page and has posted many SAMOA event photos from 2006 to 2010. Starting with 2006 all the published Miatatudes are available on the Club web page. If you would like more detail, you can find the information there.} **The 2006 Events Calendar opened with 22 events in addition to the monthly meetings. **The monthly meetings were moved to Coco’s Restaurant which provided a separate room and provided a group parking area for members. **The Board of Officers (BOO) decided to work on increasing SAMOA’s membership and two new committees were formed. Community Outreach: Rod Gonzalez became a liaison between SAMOA and the Miata dealerships in the area. The BOO decided to try a new program: SAMOA would provide a one-year Free Membership to new Miata purchasers from the authorized dealers. Rod prepared a brochure and asked the dealership managers to provide the information to new Miata owners.

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Rod approached the 4 dealerships, and 3 agreed to participate: Senator Mazda, AutoWest Mazda, and Folsom Mazda. A few months later, Great Valley Mazda also joined the program. Membership Committee: I was asked to chair this committee. December 2000 there were 198 memberships with over 300 members, in December 2005 there were 67 memberships of 110 members. The plan was to reach out to former members inviting them back. In addition, I began sending email renewal notices to members 2 weeks prior to their expiration date and a postcard reminder if they missed the date. We often found out there was a bad email address on record. {During 2006 both programs were a success and kept Treasurer Bob Carlson running to the bank and Secretary Fran Rowell updating records.} SAMOA Winter Olympic Games were held March 4th, hosted by Mike and Helen DeLaurentis.

Robin receives the Olympic torch from Helen Robin maneuvering Joe Rainbolt on the Bobsleigh course

Awards Ceremony, Clay Cowan, Joe Rainbolt, and ?

**In May it was announced that a password would be required monthly for current members to access the online newsletter. This was in reply to some members asking “what do I get for my $24 dues when anyone can read it and not join the club?”

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**May gasoline broke the $3.00 per gallon barrier for self-serve regular. Prices are expected to continue rising, although it’s not clear when and where they will peak. Despite the higher cost, members still continued to plan and attend events.

Coolest Sounding Miata Contest was hosted by Mike and Helen DeLaurentis. A contest was held to determine who had the best sound system in their Miata. Winners were: Ron Petrich winning 1st Place, Mac Wright winning 2nd, and Rod Gonzalez winning 3rd. Got Guts at Thunderhill Ron Petrich organized a track day at ThunderHill to benefit the Crohns and Colitis Foundation of America. 73 drivers signed up and members and others purchased tickets for a raffle. The proceeds of $10,050.50 were presented to CCFA at the SAMOA’s July meeting. Scrabble Scramble: Denise Correia and her team of volunteers hosted the event in Folsom. 16th SAMOA Birthday was held at Windwalker Vineyards. It included bocce ball tournament, BBQ picnic, and wine tasting. The Children’s Receiving Home of Sacramento was selected as the recipient of $585 of member donations collected.

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ImprImprImprImpromptu Trip to Calistoga omptu Trip to Calistoga omptu Trip to Calistoga omptu Trip to Calistoga by Ellen Frosch At the November club meeting, Skip Noyes asked “Would anyone would be interested in taking a quick drive to Calistoga for lunch? Nothing official, let's just get out and enjoy our cars and the scenery.” So on November 13 a handful of us met, where else but at the McDonald's on Chiles Road in Davis. Five Miatas in total, four solo drivers including Sally, Renee, Skip, and myself; plus Cat and Ken Black. Two NB models and three NC models. Skip led us through Davis, into Winters, around Lake Berryessa, through Pope Valley, over Howell Mountain Road and then onto Silverado Trail. The weather was so perfect, we could not have asked for a better day. Cool morning that transformed into comfortable sunshine without being too warm. At the start as we drove through the rural end of Davis we encountered a photo shoot in progress...a twenty-something woman in a black skimpy outfit (was that a negligee?) perched against a farm mailbox. Created a bit of a slow down but our leader managed to get back on track. Pope Valley was beautiful and we stopped at the summit to enjoy the view of the scenery below. Once at our destination we brunched al Fresco at the Calistoga Hotel. After ordering the omelet with goat cheese, sun dried tomatoes, and asparagus the waitress asked if I would care for something from the wine list. Absolutely! Oh wait.....does Cabernet go with omelets? “You know what, I don't care. A Cabernet, please.” (It's not the best pairing but I managed, for the sake of a good Cab.) After our leisurely brunch we made the return trip home via Hwy 128, for efficiency sake. Everyone agreed that is was a success; roads were twisty, scenery was colorful, food was delicious, weather was inviting, and the company was enjoyable. Skip, you gave us all a reminder of why we have these cars and this club. “Let's just get out and enjoy our cars and the scenery.” Thank you.

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Web DoingsWeb DoingsWeb DoingsWeb Doings by Ron Petrich

You may have noticed a poll appearing on the home page of our website in November. Well, at least 42 of you noticed it, as that is the number of members who responded to the poll. This and future polls are designed to gauge your interest in various topics relating to club activities, events, organization and other items of interest. Your replies are completely anonymous – you don’t even have to leave your name if you make a comment. They are unscientific at best, but they do provide the BOO with feedback that we can take to heart or, if we disagree, simply ignore. Just kidding… We really want to know what you the member wants from SAMOA, and, in addition, what you are willing to put back in the club to keep us as successful as we have been in recent years. So future polls may cover such topics as… 1. What is your favorite aftermarket improvement? 2. What should the next generation Miata emphasize (you will be able to pick multiple answers

for this poll)? 3. What office would you like to hold on the SAMOA BOO? 4. What maintenance/modifications would you like to do at a SAMOA tech day? 5. Who is the greatest SAMOA webmaster in the last 4 years? And of course we may also mix in a couple of yes/no polls at the same time, such as “Is mahogany really the most beautiful Miata color Mazda ever produced”? Each poll will be posted for a month, and we will publish the results in a future MiataTudes. Our next poll will be posted on December 1st. So if you have an idea for a future poll, please pass it on to your oh so humble webmaster. Our first poll appeared in November. The question posed was “What is your favorite type of Miata event”? The choices were 1) monthly meetings 2) leisurely drive 3) aggressive drive 4) autocross 5) track day, and 6) other. These choices don’t cover every possible contingency, but the other choice was available with room for comments and explanation. Here are the results.

Description Responses Percent

Monthly Meetings 2 5

Leisurely Drives 19 44

Aggressive Drives 7 17

Overnight Travel Outings 4 10

Autocross 5 12

Trackdays 3 7

Other 2 5

Totals 42 100

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Some of the comments left included the following…

• The best events are the ones that include drivers that can take care of themselves in all situations and road types. A run that includes drivers not being able to follow well written directions is always a chore for those who can follow said directions. All the runs on which I have been a participant have been well planned and expertly led.

• Have yet to join on a ride of any kind, but would love to at the next available opportunity. The monthly meetings are fun and informational; I enjoy the enthusiasm for this great little car.

• Actually, I don't think I have a favorite type of Miata event. Each event has it's own character that makes it an enjoyable experience. Although I prefer the more spirited runs, I've had just as much fun and enjoyment on leisurely drives. Autocross and track days (when I can get them in) are more demanding events and understandably not for everyone, but they're up there on my list. I guess it all boils down to the roads (or courses) you drive, the people you're with, and the times you have in one of the best sports cars ever made.

• Drives through the twisties, augmented by stops with interesting things to do and see, are my favority Miata activity. I like to finish the run feeling that the car was well-exercised and that I have added a new experience to my life -- examples of enjoyable actual Miata events include: cave exploration, interesting winery tours, beach walks, small town explorations, really interesting cafe visits, sailing, noteworthy track visits (e.g., Laguna Seca, Sears Point -- sorry, I like the old names), Yosemite full moon drives . . . that sort of thing.

• Gold Rush

• The monthly meetings are very well run and entertaining. The Board does a wonderful job (no telling who left this comment).

It appears there is a clear winner, as nearly half of the respondents prefer a leisurely drive somewhere, although there is still a significant group that prefers a somewhat faster pace. The rewarding thing about these results, however, is that SAMOA offers something for just about everyone in the club, young and old, track junkie or not.

1864 Bridge Creek Drive • Sacramento CA 95833 www.sacramentoareamiata.org

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Reflections On Veteran’s DayReflections On Veteran’s DayReflections On Veteran’s DayReflections On Veteran’s Day by Ron Petrich

The following comments and photos have recently been circulating on the internet. They were forwarded to me by Robin George. The following illustrates that America is not viewed as the Great Satan and Oppressor in all parts of the world. Some countries and cultures continue to remind us of the great sacrifices that the United States has made during its 235 year history to insure democracy and freedom throughout the world. The people of Pilsen and the Czech Republic remind us of who we are…

Have you ever wondered if anyone in Europe remembers America's sacrifice in World War II? There is an answer in a small town in the Czech Republic. The town called Pilsen (Plzen). Every five years Plzen conducts the Liberation Celebration of the City of Pilsen in the Czech Republic . The date was May 6th, 2010, and it marked the 65th anniversary of the liberation of Pilsen by General George Patton's 3rd Army. Pilsen is the town that every American should visit, because they love the American soldier. Even 65 years later, by the thousands the citizens of Pilsen came to say thank you,

lining the streets of their city for miles.

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Below, in a quiet, reflective moment, an American family has come to Pilsen to remember and honor their American hero. This is the crash site of Lt. Virgil P. Kirkham, the last American United States Army Air Corps (USAAC) pilot killed in Europe during World war II. It was Lt. Kirkham’s 82nd mission and one that he volunteered for.

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There are more chapters in this important story. The Czech people are teaching their children about America's sacrifice for their freedom. And American soldiers, young and old, are the rock stars that these children and their parents want autographs from. Yes, Rock Stars! As they patiently waited for his autograph, the respect this little Czech boy and his father have for our troops serving today is heartwarming and inspirational.

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The Brian LaViolette Foundation has established The Scholarship of Honor in tribute to General George S. Patton and the American Soldier, past and present. Each year, a different military hero will be honored in tribute to General Patton's memory and their mission to liberate Europe . This award will be presented to a graduating senior who will be entering the military or a form of community service such as fireman, policeman, teaching or nursing, a cause greater than self. The student will be from one of the five high schools in Pilsen , Czech Republic. The first award will be presented in May 2011 in honor of Lt. Virgil Kirkham, that young 20 year old P-47 pilot killed 65 years ago in the final days of WWII. Virgil's award will be presented to someone who knows the true meaning of service and sacrifice… someone who looks a lot like Virgil… Marion Kirkham, Virgil's brother, who himself served during WWII in the United States Army - Air Corps.

In closing, here is what the city of Pilsen thinks of General Patton's grandson. George Patton Waters (another Rock Star!) we're proud to say, serves on Brian's Foundation board. And it's front page news, not buried in the middle of the social section.

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So please join this amazing journey… Come visit Pilsen in the Czech Republic during the first part of May 2011, it may also be a life changing experience for you

.

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A Novel Mode of Transport A Novel Mode of Transport A Novel Mode of Transport A Novel Mode of Transport by Adi Damania

A Times of India photographer has taken the photo below from an unusual angle in the suburbs of Bombay, India. It shows a wandering street musician carrying his stick and "dhol" drum (Indian percussion instrument) in one basket and his young daughter (who is playing a harmonica or mouth organ) in the other. The photo mentions suspension, but to me it represents an enterprising musician who not only has a desperate desire to make it out of poverty in this unforgiving world, but also has a innovative spirit. What is most amazing to me is the total nonchalant facial expression of the child that seems to be taking her situation completely in stride even as a motorbike whizzes by. This is the face of the new "can do" India!

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December BirthdaysDecember BirthdaysDecember BirthdaysDecember Birthdays by Ron Petrich

For these SAMOA members, December is their last chance to grow a year older in 2010. For the rest of you, you just have to wait until next year. This month we continue to celebrate the birthdays of those born under the sign of Sagittarius (11/23 – 12/21) and also those born under the sign of Capricorn (12/22 – 01/20). Sagittarius is a star-sign that is well thought of amongst other zodiac signs. most Sagittarians are excellent orators and are usually called upon to create the kinds of speeches that have gone down in history. Sagittarians are likely to be least offended when you mistake them for an aging rockstar, and most Sagitarians are pleased that you noticed them at all. Capricorns - the most gentle of all the star signs, always ready to help a friend in need without secretly eyeing their partner or wallet. They are always there when you need to mooch. Capricorns also havea tendency towards wearing hats. In a recent survey 8 of the 10 people stopped in the street who were wearing hats were all born Capricorn. An interesting fact… the average Capricorn eats 12 pounds of radishes in one year.

The birthdays…

Bonnie Beffa – Dec 15th Jim Burgess – Dec 3rd Margaret Counter – Dec 15th Clay Cowan – Dec 6th Stan Cummings – Dec 19th Nicki Draconetti – Dec 27th Gary Dunne – Dec 16th Louise Fassio – Dec 8th Robin Fischer – Dec 19th

Linda Howe – Dec 2nd Tom Lochrie – Dec 26th Neal Mackey – Dec 1st Jackie McClure – Dec 2nd Lonnie McDavid – Dec 8th Donna Nelson – Dec 18th Sally Parker – Dec 32nd Ama Revo – Dec 10th Carol Rossiter – Dec 7th

Sally Schimmel – Dec 30th John Shepherd – Dec 3rd

Joal Simpson – Dec 7th John Souza – Dec 3nd Jill Thurston – Dec 26th Ron Zander – Dec 7th Paula Zicker – Dec 32nd

Wes Zicker – Dec 32nd

S M T W Th F S

1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8 9 10 11

12 13 14 15 16 17 18

19 20 21 22 23 24 25

26 27 28 29 30 31

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Season’s Greetings from your editorSeason’s Greetings from your editorSeason’s Greetings from your editorSeason’s Greetings from your editor… Roses are reddish Violets are bluish If it weren't for Christmas We'd all be Jewish. ~Benny Hill Christmas is a time when kids tell Santa what they want and adults pay for it. Deficits are when adults tell the government what they want and their kids pay for it. ~Richard Lamm The worst gift is a fruitcake. There is only one fruitcake in the entire world, and people keep sending it to each other. ~Johnny Carson The one thing women don't want to find in their stockings on Christmas morning is their husband. ~Joan Rivers The Supreme Court has ruled that they cannot have a nativity scene in Washington, D.C. This wasn't for any religious reasons. They couldn't find three wise men and a virgin. ~Jay Leno No matter how carefully you stored the lights last year, they will be snarled again this Christmas. ~Robert Kirby Peace, Love and Merry Christmas ~MPeace, Love and Merry Christmas ~MPeace, Love and Merry Christmas ~MPeace, Love and Merry Christmas ~Michelle~ichelle~ichelle~ichelle~

Raffle Proceeds Check Presentation by Ron Petrich Our monthly club meeting at Celia’s Restaurant on Thursday, November 11th was blessed on two counts. Not only were we take a moment of silence to pay tribute to all of our past and present veterans and service men and women, but we also hosted representatives of the four charities that were the recipients of our fundraising efforts at Bear Valley. In all SAMOA raised $7,000, $1,750 going to each charity. In attendance at our meeting to accept our donations were…

David Ballard, Executive Director of the Children’s Receiving Home of Sacramento Megan Franks, Community Development Manager, Sacramento Region for the

Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America

Shauntay Davis, Sacramento Support Group Coordinator of the Lupus Foundation of America

Heather Frank, Executive Director of the Society for the Blind Thank you to all of the SAMOA members who were in attendance to mark this occasion. And a huge thank you to all of those who donated their time, money, products and services to make this fundraiser a success.

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November 17, 2010

Sacramento Area Miata Owners Association1864 Bridgecreek DriveSacramento, CA 95833

Dear Friends,

Thank you for your gift of $1,750.00 to Society for the Blind, which wereceived on November 16, 2010. With your generosity, you have reached outto those in our community - our families, friends, and neighbors - who arelooking for the skills necessary to live independently with vision loss.

Your support is a message of hope and a gesture of encouragement to themore than 3,000 blind individuals who turn to Society for the Blind each yearfor mentorship, friendship, and rehabilitation.

For more than 50 years, Society for the Blind has been here to help. Your giftmakes it possible for us to reach blind people of all ages in our communityand provide the training, tools, and confidence building to truly change lives.

Thank you for believing, as we do, in the potential of blind people to live life tothe fullest - at home, in school, on the job, and in the community.

Kindest Regards,

Board of Directors

President:Steven ScottVision Service Plan

Secretary:Allison OttoOtto Construction

Treasurer/CFO:Dawn CorneliusCornelius and Company

Immediate Past PresidentStephen M. LernerMurphy Austin AdamsSchoenfeld LLP

William CarterWilliam E. Carter Co., Inc

Paul CarverGovernor's Office ofEmergency Services

Kevin DugganThe Mercy Foundation

Jerry Farrell

Doris Flint

PaulFreudenbergSparta Consulting

Mike MaySendero Group

Bryce McAnallyRunyon Saltzman andEinhom, Inc.

Michael Moore, M.D.

Gary OrrWells Fargo

Paul Peterson, D.C.

Susan Prudler

Nancy Tooley

Heather FrankExecutive DirectorSociety for the Blind

The mission of Society for the Blind is to empower individuals who are blind or have low vision to live productively andindependently by building confidence through training, tools and mentorship.

1238 S Street, Sacramento, CA 95811 * (916) 452-8271 * Fax (916) 452-2622www.societyfortheblind.org

feather R. FrankExecutive Director

P.S. Your support means so much to us. No goods or services were exchanged foryour donation; the full amount is tax-deductible to the extent of the law. Federal TaxID #94-1384666.

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LUPUSFoundation of America, Inc.

ALLIE KUNZIGDevelopment &

Fundraising Assistant

2000 L Street, NW, Suite 710Washington, DC 20036Direct (202) 212-6765Main (202) 349-1155Fax (202)349-1156kunzig@lupus.org

www.lupus.org

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