Let's Go, Let's Go, Let's Go!
Wow - President of the Porsche Club of America - Chicago Region...as it celebrates its 55th Year! How did that happen?
Well, like most things in my life, for right or wrong, I blame my brother Jim. In 1991, he traded in his last Corvette and purchased a 944. He and his wife Patty went to an event called Potter's Picnic and brought our parents and me as guests.
I remember it being a great event and a few other things: It seemed to be the hottest day of the year, huge tubs were filled with 8 oz BOTTLES of soda in about 30 flavors, and it was "suggested" we stay through the trophy presentation. That "suggestion" came from a man named Patrick Yanahan, who I always introduce as my first friend in the Club. About an hour and 4 sodas later, Jim was awarded the 1st Place Novice Concours trophy...and so it began.
He became very involved in the Club so I tagged along and worked the concours, an occasional autocross and rallye, and attended socials, Road America, even the board meetings. See, back then, the VFW hall, where the board meetings are held, had a fish fry on Fridays and spouses (and a sister) would attend the meetings. Board meetings were a social of their own.
In 1999, I bought my 1992 black 968 cab, joined the Club and got really busy. Most significantly - at our PCA golf outing in 2005, I met my future husband, Bob Rath. He chaired Autocross back then. I'm still not very good at Autocross. If only I knew someone who could teach me the line. I know - Bob says husbands don't teach their wives how to drive. Moving on!
So after many years, countless events and many great friendships, it's a little about the cars but a lot about the people. Well - enough about me...
Huge thanks to President John Ruther. You have participated in the leadership of this club for many years, specifically as President for the last two years and as Chief Driving Instructor since 1994. Thank you for making the transition so easy, and for promising to always answer the phone when I have a question. As I mentioned at the dinner dance, you are the 35th person to serve as region president so it is a small brotherhood who can understand and appreciate the responsibilities you shouldered. The past presidents are honored to welcome you as the 35th Past President. Enjoy your new job - you've earned it. Hey - if your new GT3 RS has a passenger seat, maybe you can teach me the line!
Please make note of this year's Board of Directors and Coordinators. Many thanks to Todd Conforti as our 2011 Secretary and Brian Beierwaltes and Susan Shire as 2010-2011 Directors. You will all be missed but I'm relieved you will continue in your other Club duties.
Thank you to MaryAnn Nowakowski as our RADE & TRAC Registrar since 2003 and to Charles Navarro and Tammy Hellings as our 2011 Charity Coordinators. Thank you to those returning to the board in new or continuing roles. Welcome to Kori Kwak as a new Director, Jim Ptak as Sponsorship Chair and James Jacisin as Chief Concours Judge.
Thank you to Sharon Ptak for hosting the 2011 dinner dance. She chose Hotel 71 in downtown Chicago, basically at the corner of Wacker Dr and Michigan Ave. The venue was wonderful and the views overlooking the Chicago River and the city were spectacular. Your year of hard work was evident. Well done! On a personal note, thank you to all who contributed to the 8th Annual Toys for Tots Drive. The two Marines were very touched by your warm welcome and your continued generous support.
The 2012 calendar is on the website so PLEASE log on and download it via Google or the good 'ole fashion way of pen and paper. We have 44 events on the calendar already with a few more to come...so please log onto the website every so often to see what is new.
First up, Friday, January 20, is a Mix n' Mingle at Cooper's Hawk Winery in Arlington Heights. No need to sign-up - just show up for a glass of wine, or dinner, or just to catch up with friends.
Then, Sunday, January 29 is the Annual General Membership Meeting at Dave & Buster's in Addison. Same place as usual so we look forward to seeing you between 11am and 3pm. Come meet the board and hear what we have planned. Remember - free food and good friends (and Rolex 24 at Daytona on the big screen).
Sunday, February 19 is the annual Concours School and Chili Tasting held at Napleton Porsche in Westmont. Learn from our resident experts to prepare your car for judging or just to have it look its best. Competition has been heating up in the chili tasting contest so bring your best secret recipe. Creative desserts of any type are also welcome.
Another huge thank you to Susan Shire for producing the Scene. The Club has had a monthly Scene delivered each month for decades. To bring everyone "up to speed", The Scene will be published every other month and will highlight our recently held events, event standings, member articles, etc. It was a tough decision for the Board and one that has been discussed for several years. Chicago is the only region in Zone 13 that currently publishes anything and we owe our thanks to Susan for continuing the Chicago Region's tradition for all these years. However, as the world has evolved into the electronic format, the board feels the best way for us to keep our membership "in the know" is to evolve our communication. Thank you for your understanding and, we trust, your support.
PLEASE refer to the website for the current event schedule, dates, times, etc. I will continue to send the monthly President's blast e-mails as John Ruther has done in the past. If you do not receive these, look in your "junk" e-mail. Otherwise, register and/or update your e-mail address in the PCA national database at www.pca.org. It only takes about 1 minute. Don't worry if you forgot your password - you can update that too.
One last item...Each year, the Club sponsors a charity, usually geared toward children. If you have a charity you would like to nominate, please let me know and I will schedule your presentation time at the February or March board meeting. The board will vote on the Club's charity at the March or April board meeting. Please understand if you nominate a charity and it is voted as the Club's charity, you will become the 2012 Charity Coordinator and will work with the event coordinators on your fundraising ideas for each Club event.
As every president has mentioned, we are a volunteer organization that has grown and prospered for now 55 years. How does that happen?
- Step 1 - just show up. Everyone had a first event where they didn't know anyone. Come alone or bring someone. Don't know what to say? Ask anyone about their car or ask any question. Believe me - we are not shy and we will probably learn something from you anyway.
- Step 2 - Come back and ask to help.
- Step 3 - Repeat Step 2. Beware - it might take up the next 20 years of your life. But...these are people we actually want in our lives for 20 years.
Seriously, life is good.
Cindy Jacisin