PORSCHE CLUB OF AMERICA, SHASTA REGION

Minutes of Feb 12, 2009 Meeting

 

President Bob Dunlap called the meeting to order at Marie Callender’s Restaurant at 6:40 P.M. There were 23 members present.  Meeting started with introductions of members and their Porsches.  A drawing for a door prize was held and won by Dave Furtado.  Dave won a pair of mechanics gloves with an embroidered PCA logo.  The manufacturer has extended an offer to Shasta Region to place orders for additional gloves at $10.00 plus shipping.  Individuals interested in obtaining gloves should contact Bob either by phone or e-mail.

 

I. Treasurer’s Report

 

A.  Treasurer, Pam Dunlap reported the balance amount currently on hand is $3,004.72.

 

            B.  Six invoices were sent to current Shasta Northwinds advertisers.  Four have responded with payment for an additional year of advertising.  One declined further advertising.  Pam has made a follow-up call to the remaining advertiser.   Therefore, there is space available for an advertiser.  Suggestions were requested for a business who might like to advertise in our newsletter.

 

II. Website Manager Report

 

            A.  Web Mistress, Sharon Nani reported on the status of the newly formatted Shasta Region web site.  A new section, “Featured Members” is now fully loaded and functional.  The first member featured was Greg Brown.  A story about his 912 and his life with Porsches is accompanied by several photos.  Each month, a member will be selected, interviewed and highlighted in this section.  To qualify as a “Featured Member,” one must have been active in the region.  This activity may include, but is not limited to attending a meeting, tour or other region function, or contributing to the content of our newsletter or website. 

 

B.  Sharon reported that 155 visitors have viewed the website during the last month.  The most viewed page in the website was the “Classified Ads” page.  The website address is:  http://sha.pca.org.

 

C.  Sharon has created a great section to our website (sha.pca.org) which includes photos of our members’ cars.  She would like members to send her a photo of their car in a scenic setting.  See the website for a sample of the photos she’s including.   She would need the member name, car model, year, and color.  (Porsches only please)  Send them to Sharon at theknittree@hughes.net.

 

III. Membership Report

 

Membership Chairman Phred Degner was enjoying himself on a Caribbean cruise

and, therefore could not attend the meeting.  The membership report was given by President Bob.  There are currently 67 primary members and 60 affiliate members in Shasta Region.  New members, Ralph and Victoria Dacy and Tobias and Caleb Preston were present at the meeting.  Whit Maletic is also a new member. 


 

IV. Tours

A.  Tourmeister Jerry Nystrom announced that there would be no tour on Sunday, the 15th of February.  He expects to start the tour season on March 15.  Jerry entertained suggestions for tours this year.  A discussion of destinations included at least one over-nighter.  Maybe one could be a 2-nighter.  He suggested a tour to Yosemite via highways 89, 49, and 4.  We discussed a photo-op tour to Shasta Dam which may include a tour of the dam.  We also discussed a trip to southern Oregon for an overnighter which would incorporate a jet-boat ride on the Rogue River.  We all agreed that we should seek a tour which would include the south valley members (Willows, Chico, and Oroville).  He would also like to encourage other members to suggest tours and possibly lead one of our tours.  He is very open to suggestions and support. 

 

B.  The owner of a 1966 912, previously owned by past Shasta Region President

Doug Rich has requested to take part in our Doug Rich Memorial Tour, which usually is held in March of each year.  President Bob will contact him with an invitation and tour date information. 

 

V. Old Business

 

            A.  The Ask Shasta Region service continues to be helpful.  Recently members have asked for referrals for Boxster smog check locations and for restoring lug bolt heads.  You may access this service via e-mail at askshastaregion@hughes.net.

 

            B.  The Foster Children’s Christmas Carnival was held on December 13, at the Redding Veteran’s Hall on Yuba Street.  Members Russ Duclos and Mike Gasman assisted Pam and Bob Dunlap with the Porsche Pool booth.  Toys were given out to several hundred children and a good time was had by all. 

 

            C.  The remainder of the PCA Charity subsidy ($80) was donated to The Good News Rescue Mission.

 

            D.  The annual Shasta Region Christmas Party took place at Dry Creek Station in Bella Vista on Thursday, December 11th.  Russ Duclos arranged the venue and menu and deserves a tip of the Porsche cap for another great Christmas Party. 

 

            E.  Harvey Weidman was inducted into the Zone 7 Wall of Fame at a ceremony during the Zone 7 President’s Awards Brunch.  Harvey joins an elite group of enthusiasts who have made long and lasting contributions to Porsche and The Porsche Club of America.  For photos and the award nomination, see the region website.

 

            F.  The Porsche Factory Museum is now open to the public.  The ribbon cutting ceremony took place on January 28, and was opened to the public on January 31.  The normal price of entrance is 8 Euros; however there is a discount price of 4 Euros for PCA members with membership cards.

 

VI. New Business

           

            A.  Options for reviving the Shasta Region Autocross (AX) program were discussed.  These options include:

 

1.  Take part in the Trinity Touring Club AX schools and driving events.  Shasta Region member Jim Taylor (who also happens to belong to the Trinity Touring Club) was on hand to discuss the next TTC AX event.  There is a school on February 21, at the Shasta District Fairgrounds.  The cost is $10.00 which included personal instruction, and a barbecue lunch.  The AX would be the next day, 22 February (same location).  The cost is $35.00 (unless you are a TTC member).  Loaner helmets are available at no-cost.  More detailed information will be forthcoming.  This event may provide enough evidence of our region’s enthusiasm to consider exploring additional AX events.  Obviously, if the weather is bad, poor attendance would not be indicative of low enthusiasm.

 

                        2.   Use the Thunderhill skid pad.  We supply our own equipment other than cones. Shasta Region member Alan Schauer has made tentative arrangements with the Thunderhill track manager.  Our region may rent the large skid pad/drifting area for $500.00 per day for up to 20 cars or $600.00 per day for up to 30 cars.  The cones are included, but nothing else is.  Helmets are available for $20.00 per day.  We would supply our own timing/scoring equipment, food/drinks, track personnel, etc.  The advantages to this option are: The concrete is in good shape and cones are provided.  It is a costly option, but one worth seriously considering.

 

3.  Obtain our own AX equipment and find a place to hold our own events. Yosemite Region has an AX trailer, packed with equipment (cones, timing/scoring, flags, PA system, fire extinguishers, chairs, and canopy).  It hasn’t been used in a few years, but Yosemite Region officials report that it’s in good shape.  They are willing to loan or rent this equipment.  We would have to transport the trailer from Yosemite Region to Shasta Region, and possibly pay a rental fee for it.  A section of concrete has been located in Red Bluff that appears to be quite suitable for an AX event.  Coordination is currently underway with the property owner for authorization to use it.  We would have to provide port-a-jons and some concession.  If we have enough support for this, it may be the best long-term option for us. 

 

            B.  We discussed having our dinner meetings at members’ homes.  Instead of paying a restaurant, we could reimburse the host member for the cost of meal and materials.  This would allow members to see where other members live and provide a personal, homey touch to our get-togethers.  A suggestion was made to possibly cater a home event.  Support was good and more suggestions are encouraged.

 

VII.  Round Table Comments

 

A.  Bob Prosser is in need of an original tool kit for his 1986 911.

B.  Art Tilles reported that his 911 has been repainted and looks great.  He is awaiting headlight alignment before he attempts night driving. 

C.  Rick Dunbar is nearing completion of his 914 race car.  He’s looking forward to autocross season.

 

Meeting was adjourned at 7:50 PM

Recorded by Pam Dunlap for Secretary Gail Gleichweit