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Jam Days Grand Marshal and Citizens of the Year In Parade

Deputy Tracy Klinkhart and Jim and Doe Huff Headline Parade

By Michael P. Neufeld
Saturday, July 4, 2009

Crestline, CA - And the winners are. . .Deputy Tracy Klinkhart and Jim and Doe Huff. Klinkhart was the Grand Marshal of the 2009 Jamboree Days Parade, July 4, and the Huff's served as Crestline's Citizens of the Year.

San Bernardino County Sheriff's deputy Tracy Klinkhart will serve as grand marshal of the 2009 Jamboree Days Parade on Saturday, July 4. (Photo by Michael P. Neufeld.)

Klinkhart, affectionately known as the Crestline Deputy, will be accompanied down Lake Drive during the 10 a.m. parade by his supervisor, Captain Tony Nicassio.

"I love the people. I love the mountain," Klinkhart explained shortly after being named to head the Jamboree Days Parade. "I grew up here and graduated from Rim High and I'm totally honored by this designation."

Klinkhart, who has been a deputy for 12 years, seemed surprised he was asked to serve as grand marshal.

"I love our community," Klinkhart added. To prove it, the deputy gets involved during his off time with several community organizations including serving as a driver for Meals On Wheels.

Deputy Tracy Klinkhart served up sausage March 7 at the Gronley Family Charity Breakfast. Over 45 different agencies and organizations participated in the event to assist the family after two members were diagnosed with cancer during the Christmas holidays. (Photo by Michael P. Neufeld.)

A decorated officer, Klinkhart has received his department's Medal of Valor and Medal for Life Saving, both twice. Also, during the Christmas Day 2003 floods, Klinkhart rescued numerous persons from Camp Sofia.

CITIZENS OF THE YEAR

Jim and Doe Huff make quite a team taking on numerous projects for the betterment of the mountain communities including spearheading the annual Community Picnic, organizing and directing the campaign for the Lake Gregory Dog Park and still enjoying their membership in the Lake Gregory Yacht Club.

During the Jamboree Days Parade, Jim and Doe will be riding in Doe's classic, baby blue, 1965 Corvette, Lady.

Doe Huff showcases her 1965 Corvette at the Mountain Classics Car Show in July 2008. Huff is known as Corvette Lady. (Photo by Michael P. Neufeld.)

In addition to the aforementioned projects, Doe Huff finds time to write a column for RIMOFTHEWORLD.net, and is a past president of the Crestline Community Development Alliance. She is a former director of the Boys & Girls Club of the Mountain Communities and is a member of the Crestline/Lake Gregory Rotary Club.

Huffpetto's Workshop is where Jim Huff spends a great deal of his time crafting games and signs for a variety of community organizations and events. (Photo by Doe Huff.)

Jim Huff is vice president of the Rim of the World Historical Society and represents that organization at meetings of the Crestline Chamber of Commerce. Jim's artwork crafted in Huffpetto's Workshop is seen in various locations throughout Crestline including the "new" Switzerland welcoming signs on Lake Drive and the Crestline Post Office sign. Also, the ducks seen around town prior to the recent Rubber Duck Derby were also handcrafted in the workshop. His current project is preparing a Santa's Village exhibit for the Historical Society's new museum in Lake Arrowhead.

This article was first published on Wednesday, July 1, 2009 at 9:00 pm. This article has been viewed 936 times.

Michael P. Neufeld, Senior News Editor, is a graduate of the Dwight Bentel School of Journalism at San Jose State University. His first job out of San Jose State was with the Associated Press in Los Angeles as overnight Radio Editor. Prior to joining RIMOFTHEWORLD.net, Neufeld was editor of two weekly newspapers—THE MOUNTAIN NEWS and CRESTLINE COURIER-NEWS. He also has experience as editor of an employee newspaper for a major utility company and during his tenure as executive director of the San Jose State University Alumni Association served as faculty advisor to the association's monthly newsletter. He also spent eight years in commercial radio doing everything from news to advertising sales and writing commercials to being an announcer and on-air personality. Neufeld is actively involved the mountain communities including serving as master of ceremonies for the Arrowhead Arts Music Festival held each summer.

The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of RIMOFTHEWORLD.net. This column is copyrighted by Michael P. Neufeld.