This may be my shortest address to date, as I am in total mental block, and Colleen needs this today.

January seemed to fly by; it was cold and dark, as were most of my ambitions for the month.  We were going to get together and get our donations distributed, but our treasurer left the country.  (I hope without the checkbook) Tim will be back by the meeting, I hope they are enjoying their vacation, (somewhere warm).

Our Mid month committee was to get together to plan some group activities, I have not heard back from any of them, I suppose I will have to "remind" them at the meeting.  I think this club operates better under pressure.  It is hard to think of warm car shows when it is this cold.  However, toppers is only 2 months from our meeting and spring follows soon after that.

Darcy and I would like to thank all of you that sent a card or expressed concern for our daughter Rani's recent heart surgery. That was one scary and expensive valve job.  Rani is doing great, 3 weeks and a day after surgery; she went back to her part-time job at State Bank & Trust and is really dong well.

I did manage to get something done on the mighty Bronco this month.  We got the tailgate assembled and hung on the back, and I started to re-install the steering column, only to find out the shifter arms for the "3 on the tree" rods hit the valve covers on te 400 engine.  So out came the credit card to order a Hurst floor shifter and every thing to convert it to floor shift.  Bummer, we were looking forward to the column shifter.  (Theft protection, not many young car thieve could dive it.)

Hope to see you all at the meeting, it's the big Chili feed night, bring your best batch and we'll judge them to find the best "Carroll Shelby Texas Style Chili Maker".  Speaking of Texas, the former Governor of Texas, will be in town this week, (Colleen why didn't you get him to write this "Presidential letter").  I hope to go see him, maybe get some pointers on speaking in front of large groups, our club keeps getting bigger and I keep rambling.  (a lot like this letter) Also he used to have a 77 Bronco so we could talk Fords!!  Time to get this out to Colleen.

Todd Fuchs

Gearge Bush "41" never came to Fargo, but he has a real cool speed boat, so I'll cut him some slack. -Todd

REMINDER:

It is time to pay your membership dues. $15.00 for the year.  Due need to be paid by March 1, 2005 if you wish to be a member and receive the monthly newsletter.

The Northstar Mustang Club Calendar is now available for $10.00.  If you cannot make it to the meeting and wish to purchase a calendar, you can send the money with your dues (if you haven't paid them yet).  We will get a calendar to you.

January Meeting – December 11, 2005

president Todd called the meeting to order at 6:38pm.
Introductions and tell about the car you wish you would ahve bought/kept/or whatever
Elton moved to approve minutes. Seocnd by Tad & Dean approved.
Tim gave the Treasurer's report...we have money in the bank...turn in receipts/bills, then we will know if we have money to give to charities.
Tad reported that he has revamped teh website, same logins.
Craig is doing Reader's Rides, has about 10 done. sign up to do interview by phone.

Old business:
Jacket for Jim Mc
Craig & Tim reported on accident at shop/pop froze in the fridge
Calendars for sale
Christmas party revisited: suggestions for next year...location, appetizers, fewer choices, gift exchange
Thank you's recieved from Mark and Laverne C (Bumper to Bumper) and Phil (Luther Family ford)

Donations not done yet, waiting for all expenses to be turned in. Banner on back order

Activities Committee; Dean S, Ralph, Tom l, Greg. Need more mid-month activities, listed some places we have gone and suggestions for new places to go/things to do. Maybe get Dave S form West Fargo Pioneer to do some photos.

Next meeting: Chili feed, bring chili.
Kristina brought up that she has received gift certificates /posters/etc from Carroll Shelby and Cami Edelbrock. Discussion as to how we might be able to use these as fund raisers. Maybe get them to come to a car show.

Respectfully submitted: Colleen substituting for Mark.