September 2003, Volume 6, Issue 8

General Meeting-September 2, 2003
The Sgt. At Arms, Frank Brown, introduced President Theo Bechtel who called the meeting to order at 7:05 PM.

Guests:
Winnie Lee, a new arrival in the Allen Blanchfield / Julie Haddix household and newest Club member was introduced. Congratulations were extended by all the members.

Since it had been received only today, a few moments were provided by President Theo Bechtel for the members to review the August Trans Script. A motion to accept the minutes as printed in the Trans Script was made by Frank Brown, seconded by Dennis Trimble. The motion was carried with one correction. The Jimboy's Taco Car Show is held in Loomis, not Rocklin.

J.O. gave the Treasurer's report.

Old Business: Past Events;

Hot August Nights:
Four cars departed on Saturday, August 9th for Sparks, NV. On the way, Donald Roys joined the caravan. Having safely arrived in Sparks, the members proceeded to enjoy the excitement. Jaime Perez will be forwarding a disc containing his report and pictures to complete this report.

Kragen Car Show:
Unfortunately the Club was a No-Show at the August 16 Kragen Car Show. Pres. Theo Bechtel plans to discuss participation in events during the next Board meeting.

River Cats Baseball:
The River Cats game on August 23 was attended by a total of 8 cars. Although 28 people were signed up for the game, 19 showed. After dinner at Woodie's, the Scenic Route was taken to Railey Field. Fortunately, the car event was cancelled since the Club didn't arrive until after the first inning. Our baseball fans missed the winning 4 runs by the River Cats who won 4 to 3. Leo won the raffle (a River Cats cap). The fireworks were beautiful. It is believed that Leo missed them because he was either lost in the bathroom or in the beer stand. The Club drove to Rick's Diner afterward for dessert and more conversation. It was mentioned by Pres. Theo Bechtel that the no-shows still had to pay.

Hang Town Car Show:
Five cars; Jaime, Theo, Leo, Keith and Dennis and Terry attended the August 31st Hang Town Car Show in Placerville. It was a good show with around 180 cars in attendance.

Major Events Award:
Major Events Director Dennis Trimble presented an award to Dave Gershon, with his personal appreciation, for Dave's significant contribution to Transarama XV.

Additional Old Business:
It was announced that Club Polo Shirts are still available at All Awards. Black Polo Shirts are $24.00 to XLarge, XX are $26.00 and XXX are $28.00. White polos are a little less expensive. Design is the same as before.

New Business:
Leo Brown announced that the September 7 Movie / Pizza event is postponed.

September 13:
Marine World. $22.00 in advance, Carmen is collecting.

September 20:
Vacaville Car Show (formerly the Fairfield Car Show). Last year, Dave won the Pre-Registration award ($50.00). There are a lot of other prizes. The caravan will depart the Levitz parking lot at 7:30 AM. Registration is from 8 to 9:30 AM.

September 27:
Kragen Car Show. 3 to 7 PM. Meet in The Treasure Trove parking lot on Harding Blvd. in Roseville. Try to make this one especially because of our poor showing at the last one.

September 5-6-7:
Roaming Angels Car Show, Leo has entry forms. The $35.00 fee includes a goodie bag and dance for those interested.

Other Announcements:
Pres. Theo Bechtel. 2004 Officer nominations will be made during the October General Membership meeting. Be there or be nominated! A new meeting location is to be placed on the ballot as well.

Major Events Director Dennis Trimble: An Autorama 2004 flyer has been received. Butch needs to know the number of cars that will participate. The date is to be February 6-8, 2004. In addition, The State Fair will have their Classic Car Show again. Those cars entered will be rotated and will be on display 7 AM until closing. The Club has participated in the past and found it to be a good exposure. "Trans Expo" is expected to be in June or July 2004.

Other New Business:
NHRA is changing the class of T-Top Cars to "Convertible" A roll bar will be required if quarter mile speed is faster than 14 seconds. Mustangs, Camaros, F-bodies and next years drags are affected.

ACCC: Dave Gershon discussed ACCC. It is an all volunteer organization. Dave will be attending their meetings. SMOG check exemption remains at 30 years but vehicle must appear to meet SMOG requirements. Legislators (the California Air Resources Board) would be content with only five year old cars on the road.

Pres. Theo Bechtel announced that a Board meeting would follow immediately and all members were welcome.

With no further business the meeting was adjourned at 7:45 PM.

Respectfully submitted, J.O. Raff (acting on behalf of Irene in her absence.) Secretary.



Board Metting - September2, 2003.
The Board Meeting, convened at 8:24 PM. In attendance were: Theo Bechtel, Dave Gershon, Keith Thorson, Dennis and Terry Trimble, Leo Brown , Ted Klein and J.O. Raff.

Dennis Trimble: An Autorama idea. 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th Gen. Entries. "Stroll thru 35 years of Excellence" - walk through the center of parked cars with a desk at one end. Same area as last year or on floor where more light is available. Mount "birds" on plexiglass with background of flamesÑas from a Halloween cauldron. Butch wants number in advance and spots are allotted after money is in. Rent archways, white picket fence, balloon kit, wood chip floor covering. Dennis will be in charge, volunteers needed between now and next Club meeting. Entrants to pay for own entry.

Leo Brown: Requested parameters on Club (J.O.) Credit Card. Recommended we obtain one on Club's merit rather than J.O.'s personal account.

Theo Bechtel: Wanted to address lack of participation in Club events. Asked for fund raising ideas such as Entertainment Book, Car Wash, Poker Run (September?), plan to support POCI with Western Regional in September 2004 since no Transarama planned. Suggested Club picnic with flyer distribution. Next year is Club's 25th anniversary. For EveryoneÉÉ.Calling Committee needs to call at least a week in advance of events. More ideas: Car show or 25th Anniversary Party / Halloween at Big Yellow Barn in South Area, Ted Klein checking on parking spaces.

Theo Bechtel: Parties - Halloween, Leo checking, $100.00 Max. Christmas - Rusty Duck, time problem possible. $25.00 room charge, 17% gratuity, Dinner $23.95 + = $29.88 per person. Salad, bread, rice, veggies and beverage. Prime rib, herb chicken, fish-duck-salmon, mud pie. Club will contribute $10.00 per paid member. Kids, $23.95 or $29.88.

All: Flyers should be prepared for all events and for Trans Script.

Leo: Sunrise Car Show: Will work on contract. J.O. needs info in advance in order to obtain insurance.

Theo: List of Transarama Sponsors required for Transcript and Web Site.

Meeting adjourned at 8:45 PM.

(J.O. Raff, standing in for Secretary) .

Keith's Korner
Well, here we are in October already. It's amazing how fast this year has flown by. It seems like Uncle Sam was just knocking at my door demanding his fair share, 60% of my last year's income and pretty soon he'll be back again. I guess it proves the old saying "Time flies when you're having fun" and thanks to the great activities Leo had lined up along with having a really great group of people attending them, it has been a fun year. Actually I can say a fun year and a half, as that's how long IÕve been a member of the Club. (And fortunately for all you members, this has been my only article I've written.)

I was introduced to the club at the 2002 "AUTORAMA" where I met Ray Howe, who was just as friendly and helpful as can be, and Frank Brown, who I talked to for a few minutes, but I got the impression he wasnÕt that convinced that my car, a 1984 Trans Am convertible was really a 2-seater like his. Fortunately I got the chance to show it to him and since then IÕve been lucky enough to consider a good friend and have attended a lot of car shows and other events with him including his own wedding.

Since I've joined the Club I've volunteered to help out with a few events. The first thing I volunteered for was "TRANS-A-RAMA XIV". I remember feeling really uncomfortable at the first meeting. It was at Dave Gershon's house. Here I was a new member having attended only one club meeting, sitting amongst a group of people who were obviously old friends. I knew this was something I really wanted to help with but at the same time I felt "This really isn't something they want new members to volunteer for." By the second meeting though, thanks to a great committee director / host Dave Gershon, I felt right at home.

Another car show I considered quite an honor to be part of was the 2003 "AUTORAMA". I can't tell you how proud I felt standing there only 1 year after joining the club displaying one of my cars and having just being elected Vice President.

I've attended a lot of other events since I've joined, and have met a lot of the club members, and even though the events may not be as big as "TRANS-A-RAMA" and "AUTORAMA" the pride I get from just being a part of the "TRANS AM CLUB OF AMERICA" is always there!

As we go through life we've all learned some valuable lessons. Being in this club I've learned a few things myself. Here's just a few of them:

1. It's amazing how many Christmas ornaments Coca-Cola has come out with
2. If you want to compete in a car show with Dave G. or Frank B. for 3rd generation the easiest way to beat them is to.. Okay, so I still have a few things to learn.
3. The job of Vice President is to...uh...uh...Well, that's one more thing I need to figure out.
4. Last and probably the most important; Do not fall asleep if Leo is anywhere nearby, especially if there are any tree branches or bushes around!!

Keith Thorson