Our annual banquet and installation of officers on January 11th was a smashing success! Our “new” location at the VFW Post worked out very well and it helped us save a lot of money versus holding it at a venue. The food prepared by Bar-B-Q Lab was thoroughly enjoyed by the 31 members in attendance. The food , conversation, smiles, laughs, and fellowship was the best part of the evening. The 2026 slate of officers were sworn into office by longtime BRR member Chip Rohr using a script developed by his mother many years ago. It has become a time honored tradition within our region.
I wish to thank Pete and Franklin for the thoughtful gifts presented to me including a 1/24th scale die cast replica of my ’77 F100 that was detailed by Pete and a really nice metal AACA sign that now proudly hangs on my garage wall.
2026 Officers:
Randy Higgins – President
John Price – Vice President
Pete Pandolfi – Secretary
Nicki Hudson – Treasurer
Gene Gilkey – Board Member
Ron Davis – Board Member
Scott Patton – Board Member
2025 award recipients:
Mark Olsen – Ambassadors Award
Steve Deitz – Arthur Ault Award
Pete Pandolfi and Franklin Gage – Howard Hamm Founder’s Award
John Zampino – Continuous Service Award for 32 years
Special Recognition Awards – Nicki Hudson and Jon Battle
I would be remiss if I didn’t offer my sincerest thanks to Jim and Sally Batchelder for bringing the appetizers, table cloths, and silverware to the banquet and helping with the set-up. Additionally, my wife, Liz, prepared the beautiful centerpieces for each table along with shopping for the drinks and dealing with me. And, finally, thanks to John Price and Mary Loren for coming early to assist with set-up. Well done, folks.
Here are some photos from the installation banquet.
