We owe a big thank you to Heidi Sandvik, Linnea Shoberg and Kerstin Shoberg and their 2009 Committee for organizing and hosting the 2009 Annual Meet at the Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula, California. Their hard work and creativity made for a memorable week, featuring balmy southern California weather, dramatic mountain views and an emphasis on fun.

To take advantage of favorable room rates, this Meet started Sunday, June 21 (rather than Tuesday) with the PAS board Meeting, the Pierce-Arrow Foundation Meeting and at 6pm the traditional Welcome Reception at the resort. The Meet Committee also hosted a Pierce drawing lesson Part 1 that afternoon for our children and adults. The Welcome Reception had wonderful food and good jazz music by Eric Roseneau and his band.

Monday we started on our Wine and Antiques tour through the back country of north San Diego/Riverside County. There was a stop at Bates Nut Farm and, true to our reputation, we Pierce people were enthusiastic shoppers, buying “tons” of nuts, candies, dried fruits and gifts. We proceeded on to the South Coast Winery and Resort for a delicious lunch and an interesting tour of the vineyard’s wine production and bottling. Upon our return to Pechanga there was a Pierce-Arrow playtime event followed by the Pierce drawing lesson Part 2.

Tuesday, after gassing up, we left on a most picturesque route to the well-known Palomar Observatory on top of Palomar Mountain, 6,126 ft. high north of San Diego. It is owned and operated by the California Institute of Technology (Cal Tech) in the Cleveland National Forest overlooking the beautiful Lake Henshaw. We picked a playing card at five designated stops en route to Palomar, and the best poker hand won a prize at the banquet. Yes, the cards were from Pechanga, clean and unmarked. Lunch was a wonderful outdoor barbeque near the Observatory. That afternoon, back at Pechanga, was the technical session on pin striping by the well-known Lyle Fisk. At the same time was the popular Ladies Tea and Fashion Show. A “Book of Tea,” researched and compiled by Linnea Shoberg for the Meet, was presented to each attendee, and 10 gift bags were awarded to door prize winners. Later, at 7pm, was the Swap meet.

On Wednesday, yet another beautiful day, our tour headed West through the winding roads of De Luz Canyon to the Pacific Ocean for a look, then on to Ernie and Clara Follis’ home in Vista, California, to see their wonderful car collection of mostly Pierce cars and bicycles. Unfortunately Clara had dislocated her hip and could not make her own party. As expected, Ernie was a gracious host with a tasty Mexican-themed luncheon at beautiful white umbrella tables and a happy wandering Mariachi band. Back at Pechanga that afternoon, Fay Butler and Bill Lawton led a Pierce-Arrow 101 class talking about the history of Pierces and early automobiles. This included style and mechanical development as well as a question and answer session. We received a well-written 23-page text as well as a diploma.

Thursday was Show day at the north side of the resort on an attractive grass area. All of the cars and some of the people were beautiful.

The banquet Thursday night, in a buffet format, was enjoyed by all. Talks and speeches were informative and short. Show awards were presented. Fittingly, Heidi Sandvik was given the 2009 Otto Klausmeyer Award.

Why I and we will remember this special 2009 Annual meet:

• The warm, sunny weather and beautiful countryside
• The Pechanga resort’s great job with five restaurants and excellent service and security
• The Meet Committee’s creative events for adults and children
• The tour routes, which were well planned for newer and older Pierces, keeping in mind horsepower, torque and braking
• The opportunities for first-time attendees to ride in Pierces or take along other PAS passengers in their own Pierces.

Thank you, Heidi, Linnea and Kerstin and your 2009 Meet Committee!