As we begin our lucky 7th year as one of the best (if not THE very best) GTO car clubs in America, I would like to share a few thoughts and observations with you.

First, those of us who put on events tend to thank each other for all the "hard work" we put into making an event a success. That’s bull. Truth is the people who put on events enjoy doing it or they wouldn’t do it. Yes it is work, but it isn’t "hard work." In fact, it’s usually fun. The amount of time, effort and worry we put into what we do is typically a result of the pressure we put on ourselves to do the absolute best we know how, not the expectations of any other club members. So don’t thank me, I enjoy working with other club members on events.

Take the South Bay Discovery Poker Run for example. The people who put in all the time, effort, and "hard work" to make the event happen really enjoyed getting together and did one hell of a great job (we amazed ourselves). The sponsors, Fourth Street Bowl, Santo Market, Sunset Magazine, Villa Montalvo, Bonfante Gardens, the Goat Farm, the Mexican Heritage Plaza, and A Touch of Aloha Family Restaurant were all pleased with the number of people who came to their locations. The folks from the Humane Society of Santa Clara County were delighted with the donations they received. And, most importantly, the event was a big hit with all those who participated. But it still was not a success. We simply did not have enough people participate to make the time, effort and cost worthwhile. Now rather than complain about people not showing up to ooh and ahh in wonder at the magnificent work we did on this event, we need to learn from our experience.

What Did I Learn?

I learned our club means different things to different people and I think that is exactly why it is as popular as it is today. We have over 250 PAID members right now, the vast majority of whom are quite happy to simply receive their newsletter, look at the Web site and maybe display a club sticker on their car. Then there is another big group of folks who also like to attend an event or two during the year, usually the Good Guys event and maybe one other if nothing else is going on in their life. Next comes the core group that runs the club. These 50 folks attend at least half of all the events and meetings during the year and would list the Golden Gate Goats club as one of their most important outside interests. And last, but by no means least, about one-third of the 50 folks I just mentioned are heavily involved in the club - - club officers, event coordinators, and members who rarely miss a meeting or event. What makes the club a success is the way it allows folks to participate at any level they want without criticism.

As one of the coordinators of the last two events where we lost money due to not having enough participation, I started to complain (loudly) about those "ghost" members who didn’t live up to my expectations of them. How stupid of me!

When I thought about it, what I was saying was folks who don’t participate at the level I do are not as good club members as I am. Well duh! Could be they actually have a life outside the club!

After coming to this realization, I made a short list of what I think we all need to do to keep the club successful (which I need more than most, since it is one of my most important outside interests):

1. We need to continue to allow members to participate at any level they choose WTIHOUT criticism.

2. We need to formally welcome new members to make sure they know ALL the club has to offer and so they feel right at home as quickly as possible.

3. We need to continue the quality level of our newsletter and Web site (please feel free to send in any ideas, suggestions and / or articles).

4. We need to continue to plan fun events that the core group will enjoy and attend (so they don’t lose interest or burn out on the club).

5. We need to examine what we did right and what we did wrong each year so we can continue to improve the next year.

It’s as simple and as complicated as that - - now I think I’ll go for a drive, I love that car.

Meet at the Jelly Belly Factory at 10:00 am. Tours take about 40 minutes and begin every 15 minutes. After we tour Jelly Belly, enjoy a lunch at their Cafe or bring your own lunch and eat in their outdoor patio. Of course, there’s a gift shop with tons of candy (including Harry Potter’s Every Flavor Bean, are you game?)

As soon as we’re all ready, it’s on to the Budweiser Factory. AND, the Clydesdales will be performing between 12:00 and 3:00. Because the horses are performing, there will not be any formal tours of the factory that day but everyone is welcome to just look around. Hot dogs and beer will be served. The gift shop will be open and, of course, beer is always for sale.

So, meet us all at 10:00 am at Jelly Belly, or caravan with your buddies. Two favorite caravan meeting places are:

1. Park and Ride at Sycamore and 680 in Danville.

2. Southland Shopping Mall (by Sears) in Hayward.

Be sure to meet your caravan early enough to leave no later than 9:00 am to arrive at Jelly Belly by 10:00.

Directions to Jelly Belly:

From Sacramento & Vacaville: I-80 West to Abernathy/ Chadbourne Rd. exit in Fairfield. At first stop, turn left onto Chadbourne Rd. and continue past first stop light. Left one block past light onto Courage Dr. Left onto North Watney Way and left onto Jelly Belly Lane. Approximate driving time from Sacramento is one hour.

From San Francisco & Vallejo: I-80 East toward Sacramento (from San Francisco, cross Oakland Bay Bridge to reach I-80). At Fairfield, exit I-80 onto Hwy. 12/Rio Vista. Right at first light onto Beck Avenue. Right onto Courage Dr., right onto No. Watney Way and right onto Jelly Belly Lane. Approximate driving time from San Francisco is one hour.

From Napa and Sonoma: Take Hwy. 29 to Hwy. 12 East (Jamieson Canyon Rd.)

At junction with I-80 proceed East toward

Sacramento. At Fairfield exit I-80 onto Hwy. 12/Rio Vista. Right at first light onto Beck Avenue. Right on courage Dr., right on No. Watney Way and right on Jelly Belly Lane. Approximate driving time from Napa is 20 minutes.

From Contra Costa: Take Hwy. 680 North to Fairfield. At junction with I-80 proceed East toward Sacramento. At Fairfield exit I-80 onto Hwy. 12/Rio Vista. Right at first light onto Beck Avenue. Right on Courage Dr., right on No. Watney Way and right on Jelly Belly Lane. Approximate driving time from Contra Costa is 40 minutes.

So, be sure to bring your camera for pictures of the Clydesdales and prepare for a fun day!

For more info, check out:

www.jellybelly.com

www.budweisertours.com

EVENT COORDINATORS: AL & PAM HARRIS

Here’s the kind of holiday event you’ve been looking for - - a simple, rewarding event that takes little time and even less effort and is guaranteed to make you feel good!

Holiday Bonus Brief December Club Meeting
Plus Breakfast and Bowling at The4^th Street Bowl San Jose

That’s right, we will be holding a brief December club meeting starting at about 10:30AM at the 4th Street Bowl in San Jose. Those who are closer to San Jose are encouraged to meet earlier for breakfast at the Bowl’s restaurant, known for its great food and friendly service. Plus there will be plenty of FREE PARKING in the paved lot to display our cars.

What We Need to Do

This event takes place right in the middle of the Holiday Season, so we have done all we can to make it simple, easy and fun.

Bring your family and friends in your car along with one new toy to donate per car occupant. If you’re alone, no problem, just bring one new toy and you are in the event. If you have five in the car, each person must have one new toy to donate. Yes, you can bring more that one toy per person if you wish.

Toys must be new (not something you took from your cousin). DO NOT WRAP the toys; just leave them in their box/container.

If you hate to shop, you can donate cash in the form of a check made payable to Toys for Tots.

That’s it. No need to RSVP, you can make up your mind at the last minute to join us. We want as many member cars as possible to take part. But, if your car just can’t make it, don’t let that stop you. Bring your toy to donate (or your check) and meet us at the restaurant. Then hitch a ride with one of the club members to the donation stand and you too can get the great feeling that comes from taking part in a good cause and knowing you did your part to help. The folks at 4th Street are providing us with a meeting room where we will hold our December Club meeting. After that, we will depart as a group for the ceremony at about Noon (see map & directions).

The round trip from the restaurant to the ceremony stand and back will be a nice easy cruise through the heart of San Jose, sort of a mini-parade. So feel free to decorate your car in the Holiday Spirit!

Event Schedule

8:00AM - 10:30AM -  Breakfast (optional)

10:30AM - 11:30AM -  December Club Meeting

11:30AM - 1:00PM

Prepare donations/Decorate cars (optional) for drive to ceremony
Drive to ceremony in downtown San Jose
Donate toys/checks to Marines at the ceremony stand
Return to 4th Street Bowl parking lot

Directions & Map

From 101 take the Brokaw Road / First Street exit off the freeway. Follow the exit ramp signs to First Street and then head south on First Street toward downtown San Jose until you reach Gish. Turn left on Gish to 4th Street, then turn left on 4th and the Bowl will be on your left.  

From 880, take the First Street exit off the freeway. Head North on First Street away from downtown San Jose until you reach Gish. Turn right on Gish to 4th Street, then turn l left on 4th and the Bowl will be on your left.