May /June 2008
Not having the gifted writing skills of a Bill Mulholland, or the wit of a Joe Umphenour, or the word skills of a Jean Weigt, I often struggle each month with this column. My point here is just how fortunate our Club is to have so many talented and enthusiastic volunteers! Without the Corbetts, the Merritts, the Willises, the Lucases, and the countless other members who continue to work hard and come up with new ideas and bring us all of the happening events, we would just be “another club.” But we are not just “another club;” we are made up of the most eclectic and talented group I have had the pleasure of knowing!
Seldom a day goes by that I don’t get a call from Jean Weigt with some new idea on how to better the Club, or a call from one of the Chapter Heads with a new thought. Jeff Nelson called the other day and told me the Washington Chapter was having a membership drive with the person who signs the most new members receiving a year’s free subscription. We might want to do this nationally. Mike Barile, “Florida” member, suggested sponsors for the race record page! There are many more of you who I didn’t mention who are the driving force of the Club and the reason we continue to grow. Thank you all.
I received a letter from Bill Spalding telling me how much he enjoyed “The 12 Port News” and was glad that the membership was enjoying the same thing that he and his brother enjoyed. The Spalding brothers built a 12 port track roadster, featured in Hot Rod in the early 50’s. They also developed the dual coil ignition using a Nash distributor cap. I am fortunate to own one of the originals, and it is one of my most prized parts.
Every swap meet we attend we are greeted with new interest in inlines, and we still marvel that someone wants a set of “Fentons.” How can there still be so many 235’s out there! Jo Ann and I had the opportunity to have dinner with Patrick and Danese Dykes, and I asked them that same question. Patrick said that for almost twenty years he has asked the same question, but the phone rings and someone orders another set! Yes, Patrick paid for dinner. Thanks, Danese.
It seems that all the Chapters are very active, so don’t let the gas prices curb your fun. After reading Stuart Nichols’ “Tips on Pumping Gas” and all the local events, we should be able to save up for Iowa! Hope to see you there.
I would also like to echo Bill in saying “get well to our many members who aren’t feeling well.” And to my Rod Father, Dick Bertolucci, thanks for the open house at your fantastic car collection, and congratulations on your body shop winning “Best of the Best Award in Sacramento!”
The sun is finally shining in North California, so I have some extra “blue tarps” if anyone needs ‘um. Thank you all for making the last 2 years some of our best!
Gary Gene, #0093
P.S. According to our By-laws, several positions are coming up for renewal. So if you would like to serve or know someone who would, please contact me. And, welcome aboard, Krister Fahlander from Sweden.