New Mexico Route 66 Association:
Renewed, Revitalized, Reorganized
The omens were good for the New Mexico Route 66 Association's reorganization
meeting on May 29 at the 66 Diner. Mike Wallis called from Tulsa with good
luck wishes. Twenty-three enthusiastic lovers of the famous road gathered
on the covered patio at the newly rebuilt 66 Diner to put together plans
for jump starting the association. Between bites of green chile burgers
and sips of chocolate malts, members from Grants, Tucumcari, Moriarity,
Gallup, Budville, Prewitt and EspaÒola expressed concerns and hopes
for the future. Plans were made to resume publication of a quarterly newsletter
to keep the membership informed. Several members paid dues or asked
to have renewal notices mailed. Everyone enjoyed seeing each other and welcoming
new members. Ideas for reorganization include a join-up-along-the-way "Run
to the Heartland" road cruise in October to culminate Oct. 11-13, 1996
in Vega, Texas, the halfway point on Route 66. It was also agreed that feedback
from the grassroots organization will best build our future plans. Everyone
present enthusiastically endorsed plans to get going. Sue Mann was elected
president and asked to present a future reorganization plan. All present
offered help and encouragement. A sign proclaiming "Historic Route
66" was erected across the street from the diner as we met. Another
good omen for the upward trend. |
A Message To The Membership
by Sue Bohannan Mann
The response to get our association revitalized has met with positive
response and I appreciate all the offers of help to get out a newsletter,
the first step in establishing communication and providing a sounding board
for members. David Bahm, a new member and young Route 66 enthusiast, has
offered his talents and the services of his Macintosh to serve as newsletter
editor. Thank you, David. Past President David Nidel made two trips
to my home to install the membership mailing list on my computer, to bring
old files, offer suggestions and and moral support for the job we're undertaking.
Thanks to Tom Willis of the 66 Diner for allowing us to use the diner as
a meeting place and to continue receiving mail at 1415 Central NE. With
the mailing of the newsletter, all new, past and future members will be
up to date. Please note that all membership dues have expired and all prospective
and past members should choose the category membership for them and remit
dues. Business members will be given a complimentary ad in the quarterly
newsletter for renewing or joining. A big thank you to Mike Pitel as
well for his constant stream of news releases and clippings about Route
66. Mike's eagle eye for the road news and enthusiasm for publicizing memorable
stories from along the famous 2,448 miles give encouragement and purpose
to our cause. Also, I think all members owe a debt of gratitude to Elmo
Baca for holding the organization together as he travelled about the state
during the past two years, carrying out numerous duties for the MainStreet
program of New Mexico. Rich Williams, coordinator of Albuquerque's newly
formed Downtown Action Team has offered to serve as vice-president of the
New Mexico Route 66 Association. Thank you, Elmo and Rich. As we know,
Route 66 celebrates its 70th birthday this year and so does New Mexico's
Mr. Route 66, Bob Audette. Please let him know you're wishing him well as
he celebrates his 70th in October. Mail a card to 1357 Historic Route 66E,
Tijeras, NM 87059. |
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Summer 1996
