California Construction Trucking Association (CCTA)

On December 8, 2001 the Coachella Valley Chapter held their annual Christmas party at the beautiful Desert Falls Country Club in Palm Desert.

Sixty-four guests arrived ready for a scrumptious dinner, served buffet style and ready to party. Our entertainer for the evening was energetic and fun D.J. named the “Spin Doctor”. That should give you a clue to the evening we had. When I parked, I had seen an ambulance at the front of the Country Club. My first thought was that someone was sick. As we got closer. We saw the speakers being unloaded. I knew that was our D.J. Everyone loved his sense of humor and his willingness to get involved, or he got you involved.

The first song of the night was started out with Gary & Gail Jacobs, Bernal Payton and his wife, Wendel Payton. Daryl Payton and their wives, and Gary & Helen Ward. All started the line dancing. We had Eddy from Payton Bros. entertain us with versions of Michael Jackson, or as the D.J. named him”Tito”. Even Wendel said. he did not know Eddie could dance that well. Those of you who missed, will have to come next year. Mary Towne was a success this year. She danced all evening and did not sprain her ankle. Mary raffled all the gifts that were donated by all that attended.

The D.J. prompted three of the guys to sing kareoke. They were Gary Jacob, (wearing a fringed lampshade) Gary Ward, (wearing a hillbilly hat) and Eddie Dodd (wearing a girlish wig). They were such good sports and were good at there singing talents tool! The Payton’s tried their finest at singing like the Four Tops.

The chef’s wife surprised us all and came out and sang two songs. What a beautiful voice. She needs a record deal. Our appreciation to her and her husband for preparing a fabulous meal. That was definitely a “five star meal”

Jim and Lori Emery, owners of Emery Landclearing, brought their employees. The Parhams were a pleasure to have with us this year, along with Rocky and Renee Young, owners of Young’s Landclearing.

Fred Kelser, our chapter chairman, was there with his fiance and eighty year old mother. She has attended our parties for the last three years.

The Belbecks, Faris, McCaughan’s, Even’s, Bergan’s, Fahl’s and Kadesh’s, were all helping us celebrate. Thank you’s go out to Emery Landclearing and Hi-Desert Trucking for helping with the cost of the D.J. A good time was had by all. See you all next year!

Nancy Nard, Chapter Secretary.