Grande du Oregon Express

Spring 2013 Edition

Forty et Eight Grande du Oregon

Grande Voiture Officers 20122013

Grande Chef de Gare Paul Truax Grande Chef de Train Dan Evers Grande Conducteur Mike Robberstad Grande Garde de LaPorte Jim Willis Grande Commiss Voyageur Terry Jones Grande Lampiste Grande Correspondant Ray Johnson Grande Commissaire Intendant Paul Truax Grande Aumonier Phyllis York Grande Avocat Joe Lindsay Cheminot National Tony Pickens

From the Chef Greetings to all my fellow voyageurs. All has been quiet on the Western front5 since our last Cheminoit in Lebanon. I hope everyone that was able to attend the festivities in Lebanon enjoyed it. Voiture 891 always does a super job for these events. Coming up (or over with by this time) is the Great Western Promenade in Boise. I know a good time will be had by all 2ho attend. Then wee have our spring Cheminoit in Salem. I know Voiture 153 will put on an outstanding show. Another thing to keep in mind is that bonding will be coming up soon. Be ready to provide names and positions of individuals to be bonded. For those of you hat have received different pins for our

various programs, and have not paid for them yet, please get the money to the Directeurs of those programs so that they can get them paid for and request more for next year. We need a few more members. It would be nice if we could hit that 100% mark this year. See you all in Salem.
Paul Trueax Grand Chef de Gare

Editor

Michael Robberstad 1275 Dorval Ave NW Salem, OR 97304 503 949 1275 Send all submissions to:
[email protected]

Youth Sports Program "Voyagers, Spring sports are starting. Kick your Locals fanny, and give some money to Youth Sports."National gives you half back up to $100.00 Hell of a deal. Cab Clark, [email protected] Youth Sports Directuer, Grand du Oregon. Correspondant's article
I think that we are having a good year so far; our membership is improving and our programs are being worked. Chapeaux off to everyone. Keep up the good work. It is now coming the time to nominate your Chef, Correspondant, and Voyageur of the Year. I'll be sending the forms out shortly. Ray Johnson Grande Correspondente

Nurses Training Program

I thank all of you for the support of our Grand Nurses Training Program, and we have had strong support from almost all Voitures. If you do not have a current Nurses Training Pin I still have a few remaining and would be glad to get one in your hands. We all have come in contact with a Nurse and we have the opportunity to ensure that we continue to provide for the education of the ones that will taking care of use in our time of need. I will be sending out the annual reports in May that will be due by the first of July. Please take the time to fill out this report as it shows the work you all due in your Votiure and how we report to Nationale the good works that we all do. Kevin Owens Nurses Training Directeur Grand Chef du Gare Passe

CARVILLE STAR
Yet another Grande Cheminot is fast approaching and we have had no activity this past quarter with Carville Star. As I have told you many times, Carville Star is one of our oldest programs and a very important one. You don't have to buy a country; you can buy a clinic, subscribe to The Star for the Dames and/or Voyaguers; you can donate to the Museum or Equipment Fund. Call me if you need help I will. As of this date (April 3, 2013) the following Cabanes and Voitures have not participated: V-25; V-147; V and C-153; V and C-222; V-727; V-1378. Please let's get some activity. Yours in Service Tony Pickens Grande Carville Star Directuer P.S.: See you in Boise for Great Western and in Salem for Grande

First things first, a huge thank you to Voiture 153 for making goal, it has been a while since that has happened. If Dan can get the 2 prospects out of Carlton, we will come in at 2 over, now that would be great. If we can do it, the rest of the Grand should be able too. Marion Co. Voiture 153 in partnership with the Salem Eagles Aerie 2081 are looking forward to hosting the Spring Cheminot here in Salem. If you have any GOOFs that need to be wrecked get them here. If they can pass their physical performed by our resident Gynecologist, the wrecking crew is ready for them. On that note, if you have any small gags that you would like to bring for the wreck, please do, we can use all the help we can get in that area. I have heard that there has been a misunderstanding with some of the Hotels and their rates. I am sorry about that; I forgot to include Mention the 40/8 or American Legion with the listings. My bad! And for all you aspiring Americas got Talent contestants we will have Karaoke after the Banquet Saturday night. I dont know about anyone else, but I am so looking forward to fishing out of Charleston in July. Its always a good trip and if we can fill the boat with Voyageurs and Dames it will be even better. Betty Kay Charters always seems to find the fish. But remember Starboard side is Sickbay and Port side is for fishing. Frank Wells, Cheminot Dist. 2 Grand du Oregon

GREAT WESTERN STATES PROMENADE APRIL 12-14 BOISE, IDAHO, The Riverside Hotel

Your Oregon representatives that I know of are; Pat Cotton, Dan Evers, the Pickens, Paul Trueax, Terry Jones, and the Wells. We will report on the happenings at the April Cheminot!

FISH ON Come join us for the 40&8 fishing trip on Friday, July 26th, from the Charleston Boat Basin. For $70 per person Betty Kay Charters will take us for a 4 or 6 hour bottom fishing trip leaving at 5:30 a.m. from the docks. Just call 1-800-752-6303 to reserve your spot for a trip of fun and friendship. You must tell them that you are with the 40&8 when you make your reservations. If you have any questions, contact Tony Pickens at 541-451-7603. Let's limit out and catch the big ones.

BoxCar Association
TO: Grand Chef de Gare, Grand Correspondant and Grand Directeur Box Car Grand du Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington, Monsieur Voyageurs, I remind you that Box Car is the program that Chef de Chemin de Fer Barry Bovee and La Presidente Nationale Betty Reisenweber selected as their special program this year. It seems that we are well on the road to letting them down. Ronnie Wheeler reports good progress nationally but I'm afraid I cannot report how we are performing in Area K as I cannot do that without your cooperation. I would ask your help by keeping me advised as to what is going on in your Grande. I am here to serve you. Please let me know by email, snailmail or landline of any problems, questions, procedures or complaints that I can help you with. I don't have all the answers but I know how and where to get them. And by all means if you have suggestions or ideas on how to improve our efforts to promote and cooperate Box Car activities do not under any circumstances keep the to yourself. I say again...how many times in the service to our country did you sit and gripe that there were ways to do things better but nobody a pay grade higher would listen? We are all unpaid...so we have to listen. Let me know! For those of you in the program I hope to see you this weekend in Boise at the Great Western. If I don't track you down please track me down.I'll have information and things to show you that should get you fired up! This season ends 30 June...that gives us only 81 days to wrap up this years program! If you need more pins or cards we can supply them. If you have too many pins and cards we can take them back and redistribute to those Grandes that need them. It is very important that we get the pin and card sales money in quickly...sell those pins and get that money turned in. Our goal this year in all Grandes is a mere $2 per Voyageur. I say again...that is TWO DOLLARS!!! That amount would put as ahead of last year and make this the best year ever! I ask all in Area K to get out there and push Box Car the next 81 days to mee our goals. Again...I would remind each Grande Directeur Box Car to keep me advised monthly of all Box Car related activities so that I can transmit 100% reports to Nationale. Let me know of your needs for pins, cards and Associate Cards. Remember to keep track of all your hours, mileage, expenses and attendance at all 40 et 8 Promenades, Cheminots, parades, veterans rvents and other events and services associated with La Societe.

BOXCAR HELPS ALL PROGRAMS OF LA SOCIETE!

Thank you for your service then and now and thank you all for being part of THE TEAM. Yours in service to La Societe and Box Car, Richard Puttkamer Sous Directeur Box Car Area K

Diamond Lake June 26-27,2011

64 fish: Note we had so many we had to cut their heads off so they would fit in the coolers.

February 28, 2013 CORRESPONDANTS - LOCALE:

As you may have noticed in Ray Johnsons Grand Cheminot minutes we are having a fishing trip to Diamond Lake August 10. This is the first trip we have made as 40 & 8 and we are anticipating a great time and bringing back some nice fish. Cabelas Springfield store has agreed to provide prizes and awards to be given out Saturday evening during the Bar-be-cue. Enclosed is the Registration form and an Insurance and Liability waiver that needs to be completed and signed. Ideally these will be mailed in by August 1 so we can let Diamond Lake Resort know how many people will be attending the Bar-B-Cue Saturday evening. Also enclosed are some Diamond Lake Resorts brochures. Please make the Registration forms and brochures available to your Voyageurs. We need to note, August 10 is the busiest time of the year for Diamond Lake Resort and it is imperative that camp ground, R/V, room and dock reservations be made as soon as possible. I talked with them again yesterday and they are rapidly making reservations for not only this summer but summer of 2014. Resort Manager Rick said, You should be able to reserve a room up to July 1. If a person is going, I suggest their reservation is made now. Cancelations are accepted until 10 days prior to arrival date with a $10.00 cancelation fee. Cancelations without 10 days notice forfeit all deposits. Looking forward to seeing you in Salem at the Grand Du Oregon Cheminiot and hope to get to know you and your Voyageurs better at Diamond Lake.

Glenn Knox Grand Cheminot #3

From Nationale Americanism Chairman

"Sharing information from Ray Webster Grande Americanism Directeur & Dan Evers Sous Grande Americanism Directeur" Reveille is sounding an hour earlier as I seek encouraging words for your pursuit of Americanism marching orders. The time change offers optimism for those of us suffering cabin fever, enduring lingering cold and snow. I am appreciative that Directeur Nationale Tom Smith sent warm words from his Florida headquarters via the magic of cyberspace. It is the perfect potion to help us Area D directeurs. Apparently I was asleep on duty, failing to embrace our La Femmes constituency. Ive preached partnerships outside La Societe and still encourage that, however we have untapped resources here in the Chateau. Dame Nancy Baron of Grande du Marylands Wuz Club will surely have me before a tribunal for failing to give credit for the Dames leadership and assistance in Americanism. CONSIDER DAME LINDA WELLS, Grande de Oregon Cabane, who was 2012 Sous Presidente Nationale. La Presidente Nationale Betty Reisenweber recognized talent and enthusiasm and appointed Dame Linda 2013 Nationale Americanism Chairman. Huzzah, Dame Linda, from your Area D fan club, and merci for pushing our buttons by writing to Directeur Tom last week. Dame Linda introduced herself to Fearless Leader and asked an easy question: Just wondering if there is anything you would like me to share with the Dames regarding (Americanism)? She added her effort to get her Voiture Locale involved in our Flags for First Graders program. In his March 8 response, Directeur Tom discussed Flags for First Graders, the 2013 National Americanism Award, and importance of our pin sales to support Americanism programs. Thank you, he wrote, for the opportunity to communicate to the Dames. I would encourage all Dames to continue to be involved with the programs of Americanism. I can truly say we could not have conducted our programs without your support. Flags for First Graders is one of our Flagship Programs (pardon the pun), he continued. This is a great opportunity to teach our youth about one of our greatest symbols The American Flag. Over the years we have watched awareness and respect for the Flag wane. This program is one of the attempts to turn around this trend. I assure you and the Dames that when you stand in front of those first graders you will see the enthusiasm and patriotism grow. Keep in mind that the flag you hand that child may appear small, but its meaning is large. That Flag may be the first and only American Flag to enter their home. Our motto is Lets put a Flag in every First Graders Hand. A suggested script is on the Nationale website (www.fortyandeight.org). The Americanism Award, Directeur Tom continued, recognizes that person who exemplifies (our goals) helping fellow Americans through a program that supports veterans and the community. The award recipient is the Key Speaker at the Nationale Promenade. The guidelines for this award are on the Nationale website. (Our) donations help pay the expenses for the Americanism winner and their (1) guest, Law Officer of the Year and Hero of the Year to attend the Nationale Promenade. We also made a donation to the Child Welfare Fund in support of the Storm Sandy victims. We also donate to the Memorial Day Ceremony at Arlington Cemetery to purchase American Flags that are handed to all the attendees. Directeur Tom concluded, We could not provide financial support without Pin Sales and donations our only means of income. We still have 2013 Pins available and I strongly encourage you and the Dames to purchase pins. Please contact your Grande Americanism Directeur, the Nationale Sous Directeur, Treasurer or me for pins. I Semaphored (Ok, Wig-Wagged) Dame Linda and she responded : I will be receiving all the Cabane reports for this program, along with reviewing, verifying & preparing a Natl report on the top three. I go to the Natl website once a week & wanted to try & get my own Voiture to do the Flags for First Graders Program. They are for it, I now need to continue to find a school. Many schools have others doing similar things, for example one of the schools said the Lions Club comes every year. Not much school time left, but will give it a whirl! Will do the best I can in what is expected of me in this position! Hows that, fellow Voyageurs? Words from the top serve my purpose this month. Et Medames, keep up your support and encouragement, sil vous plait.

Salute, Directeur Tom , we promise to do better. Abientt.

VOITURE #153 HAS CHOSEN THE FOLLOWING FOR THE CHILD WELFARE PROGRAM AT THE APRIL CHEMINOT IN SALEM. PLEASE MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO VOITURE 153 AND TURN IN TO FRANK WELLS BEFORE NOON SUNDAY APRIL 28TH. A CHECK WILL BE PRESENTED TO THEM @ THE END OF THE CHEMINOT. THANKS!

Liberty House is Marion Countys child abuse assessment centerthe only place providing special assessment services in a safe, comfortable, child-friendly environment. Since 1999, Liberty House has provided child-focused, high quality assessment services to children when adults are concerned that they may have been hurt by sexual abuse, physical abuse or neglect. With compassion and expertise, medical providers conduct complete medical examinations for the children coming to Liberty House. Specially trained child interviewers also help children talk about what has happened to them in a neutral and sensitive manner to ensure to objectivity of the assessment and the well being of the child. Complementing the assessment are family support services for caregivers, including information and resources for keeping children safe and healthy. Liberty House also provides medical consultations to the community about the child abuse questions and offers community education and outreach about the issue of child abuse and its prevention. Liberty House serves children from birth to age 18. Services are voluntary and free of cost to the family. All services are carefully coordinated with local law enforcement and child welfare agencies in order to provide the highest levels of support for children and families.

Le Societe de Femmes
Happenings around Oregon
La Presidente Grande Cabane de Oregon

The Cabanes have been doing a great job on our Children & Youth Programs. Our membership is at about 79% of goal, not very good, I was hoping that we would be higher than this by now. I am hoping to see a lot of Dammes at the rendezvous in Salem. Attendance hasn't been the greatest. I think we can do better. Encourage others to come and join us, we need them.

Karen Johnson Presidente Grande de Oregon

Cabane 153 The Dames of C-153 are working hard in preparation for the Spring Cheminot in Salem the weekend of the 26th-28th. We are looking forward to seeing everyone. You wont want to miss our Cabane Cabong game at banquet. We have made our annual donations to the voiture for Child Welfare, Box Car, Carville Star and Nurses Training. We continue to collect pennies for POW/MIA Scholarship Fund. We have 3 new members and have reached 100% of goal, YEAH! Yours in service, Lora Herrin Cabane153 Presidente

CABANE 891 A recap of the past three months has found the Dames of Cabane 891 pretty busy. Winter Cheminot was held here in Lebanon and six Dames prepared and served 42 lunches. We hope everyone had a good time. February brought Valentine's Day and we provided finger food snacks for our Voyaguers during their Promenade. Also we had a visit to our Rendezvous by LaSous Presidente Nationale Joyce Robberstad. Her message for new members and for Locale Dames to consider holding a Grande office with mentorship by those Dames who have already held such a position. I think her messages were well received and has some members seriously considering what she had to say. In March plans were started for our Nurses' Dinner in April; two maybe three nurses will receive scholarships. Sure do wish more students would apply. Karen Johnson has volunteered to chair the dinner and it sure sounds yummy. Also we donated $25 to the POW/ MIA Scholarship Fund. Speaking of POW/MIA, a Voyaguer took our penny jar into their Promenade and collected $15 for us good job and thank you. Looking forward to seeing everyone at the Spring Cheminot in Salem. Yours in Service Joyce Pickens Presidente Cabane 891 Cabane 222
Cabane 222 has a new member Connie Dreissen, she is anxious to get involved with the La Femmes and we are very happy to have her. We continue to look for new members and are trying to get our long standing members to renew their membership. Election of officers will be held in May. Marlena Gregory, La Presidente C 222

Distinguished Guest: I have received word that Madame Presidente Nationale Betty and her husband will be driving to North Bend for our July Rendezvous. We have received her official list of preferences and each Cabane will be receiving this from our Grande Correspondente. Our Nationale Aide de Le Femme (Joyce Pickens) will be making us proud as she assists Madame Presidente Betty feel welcome when they arrive. I dont believe that we know the actual date of arrival at this time but should know for the July newsletter. Yours in service, Joyce Robberstad, Distinguished Guest Chairman

La Societe de Femme Area 2

From La Sous President Joyce Robberstad
Greetings to all Dames, I hope that this writing finds you healthy and enjoying Spring. Oregon is experiencing our usual spring showers with all kinds of flowers and trees starting to bloom. Truly a beautiful time of year for us. As our year continues, Area 2 finds our selves bringing up the rear in membership. We are still 179 short of goal for our states. We have passed the exclusion date, so any member who has not currently paid their 2013 dues can no longer attend a Cabane meeting. We have 5 Cabanes that have not yet sent in even 1 renewal. I strongly encourage our leadership within each state to contact your Cabanes that are struggling and see what you can do to assist them to meet their membership goals. If there are Cabanes that are holding renewals, please send them in to Nationale right away. We have closed the gap some on the race to 100% with Voiture Nationale but we still have work to do. Lets make it 2 years in a row that we meet 100%!!!! As we work on membership and bring new Dames into our Cabanes lets remember Madame Presidentes Motto to M.E.N.D. (Mentor Each New Dame). The more we value our new members and our long standing members the more our organization will flourish. So lets teach our members about our programs. I know that there is not a single member that knows everything about every program. Growth is accomplished thru knowledge. Lets not forget all the other happenings going on. Madame Presidente Bettys Box Car project. If you havent purchased your pins, its not too late to help her meet her goal and give a nice donation to Voiture Nationale in Arizona this September. Dont forget to put a jar up in plain sight and request that members leave their pennies (coins and paper bills are also acceptable) to support the POW-MIA Scholarship fund. Our goal this year is bigger than ever but we can do our part to meet this goal. Lets not forget those hardworking Dames from the Ways and Means Committee. They are very busy trying to raise funds to meet our $6000.00 goal. These of course are just a few of our many projects. With Memorial Day 6 weeks away, there will be many events across our nation to remember our Veterans who have given so much to protect our Nation. Please find time within your busy schedule to remember those who have served. Our La Presidente Nationale Betty and Chef de Chemin de Fer Barry will be at Arlington National Cemetery along with many other Dames and Voitures for the ceremonies there again this year. Lets not forget that Nationale will be in Phoenix, AZ this September. I hope to see many of you there. The Nationale website has registration forms that can be completed online or you can print and mail to Nationale. Make sure to bring your hats and slippers. Not sure why? Check out The Cabane Chatter, it has information about this. We had a wonderful time last year and I know that this year will be even better as we celebrate our 50th Rendezvous Nationale. Joyce Robberstad, La Sous Presidente Nationale, Area 2

Forty & Eight Grande du Oregon

Grand Correspondant Ray Johnson 37286 Meredith Dr Lebanon, OR 97355

Baker City Loci

Lebanon Forty/Eight Voiture 891 made their annual cash donation to the Lebanon Soup Kitchen Monday March 11. The money comes from a dinner fundraiser in January. This years cash donation was $830. The 40/8 is a veterans honor society dedicated to raising money for helping the community and children programs along with scholarship funds for nurses.
Pictured L-R are Ward White, Ray Johnson, Pastor Frank Molony and Chef De Gar John Lindsey. TAPS William Lee and George Wikstrum. V-547

Sickcall None reported