This is the time of year when it is appropriate to reflect on the past and at the same time look forward to the future.  2010 is a special year for the Five Valleys Pachyderm Club as it is the twentieth anniversary of the founding of the club.  During the past 20 years this club has been providing outstanding educational opportunities and fellowship to conservatives in the Missoula area.  It is consistently recognized as one of the best or the best Pachyderm club in the nation.

The club has been blessed with outstanding and dedicated leaders.  Their dedication to the club is confirmed by their continued involvement with the group following the expiration of their terms.  The Past Presidents continue to provide guidance to the club and share their time and talents to improve the organization.  I am honored to be following in their footsteps as the new President of the club.  While I have large shoes to fill, I will do my best to steer the ship.

A club is nothing without its members, though.  As the programming chair over that last few years, I have had the opportunity hear many suggestions for speakers and witness members’ interaction with speakers during our programs.  It is these conversations and dialog that determine our success.  We continue to welcome your suggestions and invite your participation.  If you have not been to a Pachyderm luncheon recently, I encourage you to return.

I am not happy to report that over the last year, our country has taken steps in the wrong direction.  The federal deficit has ballooned to levels once thought unimaginable, and we continue to slide towards socialism with the government takeover of private industries and a move towards government run health care.  Now is not the time to give up, though.  Polls indicate that people are realizing the mistakes made in previous elections and people are returning to the right.  The 2010 election will be a correction to those mistakes.  Now is the time to feed off renewed enthusiasm and excitement.

Over the next year, our programming will provide an interesting variety of educational opportunities.  We will learn about health care reform and energy policy.  We will also have the opportunity to hear directly from the candidates and elected officials who work on the front line to improve our country, state, county, and school boards.

This year, we will be focusing on increasing our membership in the club.  Be on the lookout for individuals who are interested in learning about politics and government.  Invite your friends and neighbors to join us as guests at weekly meetings and at the annual banquet on January 23rd.  I challenge each member to invite at least two guests to come to a luncheon and/or join Pachyderm over the next year.  Likewise, if you see guests at a luncheon, please introduce yourself and make them feel welcome.

Our motto says, “We get the government we deserve, not the one we wish for.”  Do you deserve the government you wish for?

I look forward to working with you this year.

Thad Brinkman

By now, invitations have been seen out to Pachyderm members.  If you have not received yours, or if you need extras for your friends, please call Susan Muralt (728-8985) Fleda Campbell (721-3325) or Pete Pettersen (728-2330)

Just $34 per person

Social Hour 6:00

No host bar

Dinner 7:00 p.m.

Steak and Scampi

Col. Sam & Kathleen Roberts

Five Valleys members have the opportunity to sponsor this newsletter, Trumpeter, for just $85.  Your contribution helps with publication cost freeing up funds for more Republican projects/ causes.  If you would like to sponsor Trumpeter for one month please give your check (made out to Five Valleys Pachyderm) to treasurer Fleda Campbell.