Article & Photos by Syd Schofield

The NMRA/PNR Fourth Division Redmond Clinic for December was held Thursday evening at the Redmond Community Center, Alex Brikoff presiding.  The gathering was brought to order at 7:17 PM.  Notable and new attendees were introduced followed by upcoming events of interest being announced.  Refer to the Grab-Iron calendar for details.

***PLEASE NOTE:

An important announcement was regarding the day change of the Eastside Clinic.  Beginning in JANUARY 2020, the Eastside Clinic will be held on the 3rd WEDNESDAY of every month at least through June.  The meeting room and start time will remain the same.

There was no Model or Photo of the Month contest this month as there were no entries. 

This evening was the annual Dirty Santa gift exchange.  The usual door prize random pick format was used with modifications for the Dirty Santa twist.  Everyone in attendance brought a holiday wrapped model railroad-themed gift with only the model scale marked, if applicable.  Only the size, shape and weight of the package disclosed the contents.  Upon the gift pick, it is unwrapped and revealed to the group, an important part of the process.

The first drawing, perhaps the least beneficial, started the process and continued until the last item is picked.  Starting with the second drawing, “stealing” previously picked items is allowed.  Any gift may only be “stolen” twice before the holder retains permanent possession.  To even the process the original picker can then “steal” any item, resulting in a fresh pick from the gift supply or a trade with the “thief.”  During and after the drawing and “stealing”, side negotiations for redistribution occurred. 

Seasonally appropriate (although non-alcoholic) refreshments (coffee and cookies) were provided by C. J. Turner and Di Voss.  Stronger beverages were rumored to be available at undisclosed, offsite locations.

 Syd Schofield