NVAO Members,
We hope that you had a joyous and safe holiday season.
Lots of good stuff in this NVAO Update.
1. The NVAO Website (nvao.us) has been updated and it’s got the 2026 NVAR Ride Schedule, the NVAR Motel Schedule, and all the Ride Staff and State Coordinators are set and their contact info is listed. A big thanks to Roger Granbois (our webmaster) for all the work that he puts in, making our website look great. And, speaking of Roger, you’ll notice that he is listed as the Sit Rep Manager for the 2026 NVAR. In partnership with Patrick “Jackwagon” Martindale, Roger has a terrific idea for producing Sit Reps on the NVAR. He’s working out the logistics and will share everything when we get closer to the ride.
2. We have been made aware of activities that some of our friends were involved with to make the holidays a bit more special in their neck of the woods.
First is a report from Libby Worden from Auburn, CA. In her own words:
“The Christmas season is the busiest time of year for Toy Runs. We had four runs in December. At the Auburn Toy Run, our Christian Motorcyclists Association chapter provides coffee, cocoa, and donuts before the ride, and we serve as Santa’s Helpers at the end, assisting kids in picking out three toys and a stuffed animal at the end of the ride.
At the Nevada County Toy Run (~2000 bikes), we also serve free coffee, cocoa, and donuts. It’s a huge parade through Nevada City, ending at the fairgrounds, where the kids are there to greet the riders as they arrive. Hopefully it won’t rain (like last year), because we do this rain or shine. The gifts are distributed to foster kids in both Placer and Nevada Counties, so it’s a joy to be a part of it.”
See you in May,
Libby Worden
In Wyoming, Kat and Mike Tipton, joined forces with several organizations to collect toys and distribute them to children all around western Wyoming. As Mike said, it’s a lot of work but it’s worth every minute of it.
In Indiana, our friends from the Wall Gang participated in their annual, Christmas Eve parade of motorcycle Santas, bringing smiles to kids and adults in and around Michigan City, Indiana. Attached is a photo of several of the Santas and one Grinch (I don’t who the heck these Santas and the Grinch are)..
In another event in Indiana, some more folks visited the Indiana State Veterans Home for lunch with the Veterans. Attached is a photo of Tammy and Steve “Headdog” Moore with Sean Manaea, a pitcher for the New York Mets (his dad lives in the Veterans Home).
While at the Indiana State Veterans Home, Fairal Warren presented a donation from the DAV in Michigan City to the Home. Receiving the check was the Director of Recreation/Entertainment (attached is a photo of Fairal presenting the donation).
3. The Board of Directors is pleased to announce that we have a wreath laying time at the Tomb of the Unknown in Arlington National Cemetery at 12:15pm on Saturday, May 23. We are very proud that we have a great, wreath laying squad to represent us at the Tomb: Duane Festerly, Fairal Warren, Jayson Stephenson and Mike Stupar. Congratulations!
4. Please contact Jerry Conner for an updated NVAO Members Contact Spreadsheet..
That’s it for now.
Be careful out there.
The NVAO Board of Directors
