First off, you’ll notice that your 1800 NEWS comes to you in a slightly different format than previous issues. By having to only fold the pages once rather than twice, it saves a lot of assembly time, and it also makes the newsletter less bulky. Now all we have to do is find a cheap way to print twelve pages on three 11 x 17 sheets, to make it look like a regular magazine! If anyone has some idea on how this can be done inexpensively, please contact our publisher, Jeff Perry, at (760)471-xxxx, or at jp@sdvsa.org.

   Patricia Butler was drawn as the winner of the $53 that was the jackpot in Bob Skoog's 50/50 raffle. Unfortunately, Patricia was not among the eight members who attended the October 10 General Meeting, so, according to the rules of the game, her winnings must go back into the pot. By the way, where are you, Patricia? We haven't seen you in a long time! 

   The subject of another Pizza 'n' Video session at a General Meeting came up for discussion. Apparently, someone had a craving for a Boll Weevil Steerburger, so we've decided to have our March General Meeting at our old meeting haunts on 9330 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. More information will be forthcoming in future newsletters.

   November's event was the "First Annual Nursery Tour", which indicates that Mark Jankowski is willing to lead us on a similar exciting adventure again, sometime next year. The vote is unanimous by all participants; - Great Tour!  For all of you who missed out, be sure to join us next year. Jeff Perry wore his "club historian's" hat, and snapped a number of pictures of the action and various landmarks, and incorporated those into Mark's write-up, which starts on page 5. 

SDVSA held a spectacular Holiday Party on Sunday, December 9^th, at Bud and Christine Hartwell's Car Barn! As always, Bud and Christine were the perfect hosts, and their wonderfully decorated home made over thirty SDVSA members instantly get into the Holiday spirit. We gathered first among Bud's amazing collection of classic cars for some light refreshments and snacks, while outside the "Barn", a line of our very interesting collection of Volvos held forth. At 5:30, dinner was served, and what a feast it was! The smoked turkey and carnitas were fabulous, and the side dishes and desserts brought by our members could not be beat. While the stuffed animals destined for needy little boys and girls watched from a safe distance, the members engaged in the traditional "White Elephant" gift exchange. This is the time our "true personalities" come out. It can be ruthless at times, but it's all in good fun. After all the gifts found their new owners, Mark Jankowski treated everyone to a spectacular view of Saturn and Jupiter through his 8 inch Cassagrain telescope. Great idea, Mark! All of the participant in this twenty-one year old SDVSA tradition wish to thank Bud and Christine for their hospitality and considerable efforts, and all the attendees deserve a pat on the back for just being there and providing all those goodies! 

This is the time to plan our club activities for the year 2002. Even though the schedule of events on page 3 looks complete, the SDVSA is a democratic organization, and we welcome our members' ideas. Sometimes it seems as we get into a rut, and wonder if that has anything to do with the lack of participation at some of our events. By all means, let your imagination soar, and let us know what YOU would like to see the club do to better serve all our members!