Clovis Cheminot

2008 Photos

It appears that the 2008 Grande Cheminot in Clovis, CA, was a great success. Below you will see photos from the various activities. To see a larger photo, just ckick on the image. If you have some additional photos to share, send them (with descriptions) to the webmaster.
Pete Duncan in action - Click for Larger Image Court, Carl and Dr Spomer - Click for Larger Image Sonny offers support - Click for Larger Image
When I first arrived and observed Grand Directeur of Public Relations, Peter Duncan, waving his arms hither and yond I thought he might be casting a spell on the Cheminot. It turned out he was merely adjusting his backdrop for taking photographs of the Grande Officers. Sous Grand Correspondant Sonny Quinn offers Grand Avocat Robert Mattson a little support prior to the meeting, While the Directeur and Sous Directeur of Youth Sports Don MacDonell and Steve Villegas work on their reports. Paul Terry carefully watches the operation.
Current Grand Chef de Gare Court Bradbury (left), and last year Grand Chef de Gare Carl Asher (right) stand on either side of the most senior Grand Chef de Gare passe' at the Cheminot, Doctor Earl Spomer, Sr. (1966-67) of V-31.
Court begins Rap session - Click for Larger Image A more casual setting - Click for Larger Image Carl with raffle ticket - Click for Larger Image
When Grand Chef Court Bradbury called the Saturday session to order he gave notice that the session was not a 'Formal meeting'. However I noticed that all Voyageurs conducted themselves in a most proper manner while reports were given. This is a great group of guys (and gals).
After the days reports were given, a banquet was held at the Clovis Veterans Memorial Hall. Photographer Al Verrel was caught taking a picture of Voyagers and guests. Al took some very nice pictures. I noticed that the table he was focused on (pardon the pun) was a table comprising those that were on a prior Alaska Cruise. Could there be another cruise in the works?
 During introductions at the head table Grand Correspondant Joe Donavan noted the Voiture number he was a member of. Grand Chef passe' Carl Asher stood up and figured he had the winning raffle ticket. There were a lot of raffles at the banquet and a lot of winners ... but then Voyageurs are winners simply by belonging to the 40 & 8 are they not?
Bob Mattson Applaudes - Click for Larger Image Selecting the raffle ticket winners - Click for Larger Image Breakfast is served over here too - Click for Larger Image
Speaking of winning Voyageurs, and there was a room full, congratulations were in order in an ongoing fashion. Grand Avocat Robert Mattson seemed tireless in his responses as Sous Grand Correspondant Sonny Quinn recognized Voyageurs. Back to the raffles. As noted there were a lot of them. The raffles brought smiles to a great many Voyageurs. I noted that the prize selected most frequently was an adult beverage. Grand Cheminot District 1 Gary Leach and Grand Directeur Public Relations Peter Duncan seemed quite pleased with their selections. Sunday morning, very early, found a collection of Grand Chef du California passe' having breakfast with the current Grand Chef du California, at the local coffee shop. Start from the head of the table Sonny Quinn V-104 (2001-02), Barney La Rue V-653 (2007-08), Carl Asher V-1406 (2007-08), Jim Pelsrok V-1161 (2002-03), Robert Mattson V-395 (2006-07), Doctor Earl Spomer V-31 (1966-67) ...
Breakfast is served - Click for Larger Image Bob Mattson continues his studies - Click for Larger Image Voyageurs Ready - Click for Larger Image
... Tony Dias V-653 (1992-93), Joe Peynter V-393 (1994-95), Court Bradbury V-858 (2008-09, and Bernard Foley V-394 (2003-04). This covered a four decade span of Grand Chef du California. My compliments gentlemen. Back at the Veterans Memorial Hall Grand Avocat Bob Mattson got quite serious about getting the meeting started on time. I even saw him reviewing the rules. I wondered what everyone else was talking about. At the right time, the Voyagers were ready, the color guard was ready and Grand Chef Court Bradbury called the Cheminot to order.
Advocat report given - Click for Larger Image
Opening Prayer - Click for Larger Image La Fem - Click for Larger Image
During Officer Reports Avocat Robert Mattson created a stir by reading his report and then recommending his report be rejected. This action took some time to sort out.
After the colors were posted, Grand Aumonier North Joshua Laws, Sr. began the meeting by offering prayer. A quorum count was done, followed by introductions. The meeting was paused so that La Fem Cheryl Palsora could say a few words. This was the first time I ever saw the Alter Cloth removed prior to a guest speaking to the Voyageurs in assembly.
Throphy case presented - Click for Larger Image Certificates Presented - Click for Larger Image
Grand Chef Court Bradbury recognized Chef de Gare V-31, Ralph Binvings, by presenting a plaque for the dedication of the E.C. Brady Trophy Case. I think recognition of accomplishments is an important part of developing a strong organization. Cheminot hosts Voiture 104 and 466 were presented 'Certificates of Appreciation' by Grand Chef Court Bradbury. Left to right: Don Story, Chef de Gare V-104, Elaine Grover, Chef de Gare V-466, Grand Chef Court Bradbury, Sonny Quinn, Correspondant V-104.
Note from the Grand Historien:

Additional pictorial story material is avaiable currently on http://www.calegion.org/html/40-8_california-news.html . This covers the February Cheminot, Sacramento and the Grande Promande, Orlando, Florida. Please feel free to click the link and review those pages.
Updated November 17, 2008

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