From the Driver’s Seat – June2018
We started June off with two separate runs at the same time. One group of 10 went to the Monterey Peninsula Corvette Cruise, and a group of 11 that went to Sacramento. Both groups had a fantastic time, and at the Monterey event, Anthony and Delores Bachmura won a trophy in the judging. The Monterey Corvette Club always puts on a great event with Poker Runs, excursions, and an Awards Banquet that are second to none.
The Sacramento group was given to a private tour of the Railroad Museum in Old Town Sacramento, and after lunch, a tour of the American Automobile Museum. The following day, 6 of the group went to tour the Napa Valley, and visit a few wineries before returning home.
The monthly Taste-of-the-Town was held at Toppers Pizza Place in Canyon Country where 37 members got together to just have fun and catch up on life, issues of the day, and plans for saving the world and mankind. All attending were privileged to see a brand new 2019 Corvette, C7 ZR1, up close and personal. The new ZR1 had every option known to man including a full tank of gas, and the only thing missing on the car was dust. Ron Nolan had just picked up his new baby from the dealer and drove directly to the Taste-of-the-Town. You could tell where Ron parked the new beauty by the drool marks surrounding the car and the sound of heavy breathing by the men who weren’t drooling. Congratulations Ron and enjoy your new ride. At least you won’t have trouble finding your Corvette in a parking lot.
On the 23rd, the club celebrated its official 40th Anniversary, hosting a picnic at Steckel Park in Santa Paula. Over 90 people attended the spectacular event which included a fantastic band, “Drop Zone”, an outstanding BBQ with all the trimmings, and desserts that would impact any waist line. There were many options for activity at the event. There was, the “Veasman” Edition of “Dancing with the Stars” on the lawn, volleyball, croquet, bean bag tossing, bocce ball, horseshoes, bingo, and a Webster favorite, Acey-Ducey. Yes, there was something for everyone, along with raffle drawings, and a 50/50 drawing. All but one of the clubs Past-Presidents were there, including Past-President Greg Attl and his “First Lady Emeritus”, Pat Attl, who drove in from Arizona in a newly purchased C6 (minus New York Yankees markings) to be part of this milestone event. The club’s honored guests, John and Sandra Macik also attended the festivities after making a grueling and treacherous 10-mile trek from Santa Paula Chevrolet.
The annual “Summer All-Club Picnic” is proving to be a tremendous success and gets better each time. Thanks goes to the Activities Committee who worked their posteriors off to make the picnic a total success, and to the clubs treasurer, “Mama Cash” who wrote the checks.
The morning of June 15th brought sad news when I received a call from Gail Blair. Frank Kopecky, a 10-year member of our club passed away after a long illness. Frank was a former U.S. Marine, a great person who loved Gail, the Marines, Corvettes, and life. Frank was the clubs ram rod for the 4th of July parades every year in Santa Clarita, and his patriotism overflowed at the event. Frank will be missed greatly by all of us who had the honor of knowing him. Personally, having been a brother in arms with Frank, and as veterans of the Vietnam War, Franks passing is felt at a deeper level. A celebration of Franks life will be held on July 21, 2018 at St. Stevens Episcopal Church, at 6:00 pm. “Semper Fi” Frank.
Dwight