by Bob Morin

In February, we held a light-“hearted” event at the Morin’s home in North Granby, CT when we had our Valentine’s Party get-together.   A nice combination of newcomers and veteran Chapter members turned out for a pleasant social evening with food, drink and games.   Thanks to Sheila Morin for hosting the event and preparing the goodies and to all the members who attended for bringing their treats as well.  

Fast forward to April and we held what is becoming our annual Wine & Cheese at the Hurczyn’s in Bristol, CT.   Again, we had a nice mix of regulars and newer members who enjoyed plentiful food and drink either prepared by Maria or brought by those attending.   Many attending had a nice time just socializing while another group was pretty much glued to the Hurczyn’s TV watching March Madness.   Thanks to Maria and Jim Hurczyn for the great evening.

Lest you think the only thing we do is go to someone’s house to eat and drink, we will have held our first Driver’s School in April (the 15^th) by the time you have this, with another only a few days beyond one month later in May (the 20^th) and in between that we have our Bike Trip on May 15^th.   Other upcoming events include a summer picnic (oh oh, more eating and drinking at someone’s home) and then a tour to West Point put on by Rudy and Cheryl Basztura.   I’m especially excited about this event because the Basztura’s are just “regular” members who came forward and volunteered to put on this event.   We, on the board, are sometimes discouraged by the lack of volunteers, but we are very pleased to have Rudy and Cheryl step forward and I hope they will have a huge crowd for their event to support the effort they put forth.

Jumping way ahead on the calendar, Oktoberfest (September 17 – 23) is being held in Greensboro , NC this year.   While still a few miles away, this is you closest (in miles) opportunity to attend in awhile (Colorado in 2002, Texas in 2003, California in 2004) and indications are that next year will be in the mid-west (Grand Rapids, MI), so you should make your plans to attend.   Besides, VIR is the Driver’s School track and EVERYONE says that’s a terrific facility.   The registration form is scheduled to start appearing in the April ROUNDEL.

I don’t know how it is around your house, but the roads on which I travel regularly had a very difficult winter and are loaded with huge potholes.   Now the towns around here are out “repairing” these holes, but I marvel at the technique.   Let’s say you’ve got a 2-quart (pot)-hole.   They’ve got several town DOT guys walking behind a big dump truck who identify the hole, then throw about 4 – 5 quarts of material in the hole.   One guy tamps it down maybe twice and they move on.   For two to three days following any cars who go over the former hole continue the tamping process while shooting rocks at the nose of all following traffic.   Once that process is complete there are about a million little stones in the road and the hole has now become a bump (remember that they put 5 quarts of material in the 2 quart “pot”).   What a system!

The F1 season has begun since my last column and I must say, I’m surprised at the start so far.   Renault has been leading the way and Ferrari are struggling even more then BMW Williams.   At least it hasn’t been the predictable affair of the last few years.   Stay tuned to see if Ferrari gets their act together.

In News From National, membership stands at 75,193, down from last month, but up year-to-year.   The Newsletter Editors and Webmasters Conference will be held in May in Atlanta , GA and we will be sending two representatives. Thanks to Ev Newton and Nancie Giacalone for giving up a weekend to attend.

That about does it for another month as I must get this off to Nancie.   Hope to see you at an event soon.