Our 2026 Kick-Off dinner was held January 24th at the Old Spaghetti Factory in the John's Landing area. We had about 28 members in attendance. As we have not yet elected a President for 2026 Past President Martha Brunelle chaired the Business part of the event. Minutes from that meeting are below. Pictures below courtesy of Jim Sweet.

 
   Rose City Thunderbird Club January 2026 Business Meeting.

   Prior to our 2026 Kick-Off Dinner at The Old Spaghetti Factory on Saturday, January 24th we held a short business meeting. Our 2025 President Martha Brunell chaired the meeting. She opened the meeting by asking if anybody wanted to be President for 2026. The silence was deafening.
   She announced that during our January 6th meeting six people volunteered to share the Presidential duties while we look to restructure the club. Those six are: Joe Wise, Mike Hinsch, Don Smith, John Villanueva, John Calkin and herself, Martha Brunelle.

   Jim Sweet – Membership. Jim told us that he is accepting 2026 Dues today; if you haven’t paid, please do so today. He reported that Bob & Marcena Monroe will not be renewing their membership. They have sold their ’56 Thunderbird and their health will not allow them to continue. This changes our membership to 61.
      John Calkin – Treasurer. John reported that we still have about $12,000 in savings and $6,000 in checking.

Events:     
      Martha – she reminded us of the tour to see the Brothers Muscle Car Collection in Salem on February 22nd.
     Mike Hinsch reported that we will have a joint RCT/VTCI club picnic at their home in Aurora on July 11th.
     John Ferland and Don Smith reported that we will participate in the Springwater car show near Estacada in September. Usually the 3rd Saturday in September. That would be the 19th this year.
     Mike Hinsch talked about having our Christmas dinner at Langdon Farms near Aurora. He is looking at having a buffet lunch for about $25/person + gratuity and a $125 room fee. It was suggested that the club pay the room fee and the gratuity.  Motion by Don Smith we accept this, Seconded by Jim Sweet. Motion passed unanimously. It was also decided to have this as a joint meeting with the “Big Birds”, VTCI.
Martha announced we have another business meeting on March 10th at the Clackamas Elmer’s Restaurant at 11:00am.

   Phil Schutz told us that he and Claudette have moved into an assistant living center in Gresham. They have sold all of their “toy” cars. He has a 25-year collection of CTCI EarlyBird magazines that he wants to give away. Mike Hinsch accepted them.    
     John Sailors reported that CTCI is having a lot of turmoil between two groups of Board of Directors members. A group of 4 have seized power over the other 5. It is an extremely complex and messy situation. A separate email packet of information will be sent to RCT club members. 

Then we adjourned for lunch/dinner.
Respectfully Submitted
John Sailors