The Prez Box
by Ron Bone
For those who only read the first paragraph, here’s what you need to do. Check the Calendar of Coming Events. If you would like to attend the Big Sky Event next Memorial Day weekend, you need to take action now if you prefer sleeping indoors.
If you only read the first couple of paragraphs, then skip to the Christmas Party article. If you’re planning to attend that auspicious affair, then your mission is to decide what you’d like for dinner and call us.
Now, if you’re still reading I assume you’re in for the duration and we can proceed to other matters.
Right up there at the top of the list of decisions we need to make is the issue of insurance coverage. We’re nearing the end of the information-gathering process now
and we’ve discussed it at two meetings. We’ve confirmed that our present insurance policy doesn’t protect the club or the members if something happens at a competitive driving event that we sponsor. Being incorporated as a non-profit doesn’t protect us under those circumstances, either. There are a couple of alternatives to getting insurance that would protect us at one of these events. We could add a rider to our policy for each event, or we could join an umbrella organization that provides the appropriate liability and participant coverage to its members. Either one costs money. It’s just a question of how much it’s worth to us to go racing, and where the money is going to come from. Everyone in the club will be affected by this decision, so be a part of the process. We’ll try to finish up at the next monthly meeting, just before the Christmas Party. We look forward to seeing you there.
Minutes of the November Meeting
by Peggy Bone
The meeting was held at the 5
& Diner in Idaho Falls on November 16. There were 26 members present.
President Ron Bone called the meeting to order at 7:35 P.M and thanked
everyone for coming.
The first order of business
discussed was insurance coverage for competitive driving events organized by
the club. Dennis Peterson discussed the
Idaho Statute for nonprofit organizations.
It protects members of nonprofit organizations from lawsuits except for
accidents involving operation of a motorized vehicle. Our current liability insurance policy does not cover racing
events. Ron and Egon Lamprecht have
talked with our current insurance agent, who said that a $300 rider could be
added to our policy to cover specific events like the autocross event. Ron said he would get a copy of the rider
for Dennis Peterson to review.
Dennis Peterson said that he
has some concerns after reviewing the NCCC insurance policies and would like
another lawyer to review them too.
Dennis recommended that all members review their own insurance policies
to see if racing is excluded. If it is,
he recommended that they have a one million to five million dollar umbrella
policy. He also recommended that their
liability coverage be for at least $100,000/$300,000.
Ron summarized the four
options our club has:
1. Keep the policy we now have and cease sponsoring
competitive driving events, such as the autocross at the show.
2. Keep the policy we now have and add a rider to cover
each competitive driving event. This
would cost about $300 for each rider that is purchased, beyond the cost of the
basic policy.
3. Join the NCCC, so that we would be covered by their
policies. This would require us to
raise annual membership dues to $80 for each couple, and at least 51% of the
club members would have to join. The
assumption here is that their policies perform as advertised, which is what
Dennis Peterson is determining.
4. Do nothing about the insurance; i.e., keep the current
policy and continue to sponsor competitive events. This option costs nothing extra, but exposes the club and its
members to uninsured risk.
Bruce Barton asked if the
City of West Yellowstone might be willing to put on the show and we would help
them. That would relieve our club of
the liability.
Trish Bargman suggested that
we contact the Boise and Seattle clubs to see how they address these insurance
issues. Ron said he would do that and
report at the December meeting. The
Bozeman club belongs to the NCCC.
Ron said we will need to vote
on this issue in January if we decide to raise club dues. We will talk about it more at the next
meeting when the review of the NCCC policies is complete and we know what other
clubs are doing.
The next order of business
was how much money to spend on our Christmas families this year. We have $5,000 to spend, but since we are
not having a show next year we may want to spend part this year and part next
year. Last year we gave $2,500 to
Christmas families and $2,500 to the Call to Duty Fund. We also have money in the license plate fund
that we can donate to charities next year.
We will have to file an income tax return for this year, and if we have
to pay taxes, then what we spend on families will be reduced. After discussion, it was decided to spend
$2,500 on Christmas families this year and $250 on turkeys to donate to the
Food Bank for Thanksgiving this year.
Ron asked if the club wanted
to give gift certificates to our Christmas families, like last year, or buy
individual presents. Debbie Morris and
Trish Bargman said they would like to be in charge this year and would organize
the shopping and wrapping for at least five families. One family will be selected from each of the following areas:
West Yellowstone, St, Anthony, Rexburg, Idaho Falls, and Blackfoot. December 11 was set for shopping and wrapping.
The next order of business
was to decide what to do with the $300 that was set aside several years ago for
a scholarship fund. A motion was made
and seconded to return the money to the general treasury. The motion passed.
Ron said elections are coming
in January and asked for volunteers for a nominating committee. No one volunteered.
Copies of Ben Sanchez’ member
questionnaire were made available and everyone who has not sent one to Ben was
asked to do so.
The Christmas Party will be December
10, 7:00 P.M. at the Relay Station.
Please bring canned goods for donations and a $10 gift per person for
the gift exchange. The meeting was
adjourned at 8:35 P.M.
Members Rides
by Ben Sanchez
In our continuing efforts to familiarize Corvettes of Southeast Idaho members with one another this month’s issue will feature Bud and Betty Elliott, and Sam and Janet Miller.
Bud and Betty Elliott joined the club in the late ‘90’s. But, Bill bought their ’64 Convertible in 1967 while he was living in Albany, NY. He’s the second owner and paid a whopping $2500 for it. (Those were the days) This sounds very familiar to me too. I bought my first ‘Vette in 1967 and it, too, was a ’64 Convertible, but that is where the similarity ends. Bill still has his! It was his only car for ten years and didn’t get much garage time. You see, it’s tough to have “garage time” when you’re putting over 250,000 miles on it. Back then Bill drove the car summer or winter on icy or dusty roads – whatever. When he bought the car it had been drag raced and, obviously, run hard. Even though the engine was in poor shape, the dual quad carburetors with progressive linkage would give you some big “G’s” when you stomped on it, according to Bill. Eventually, steel wheels from a ‘63 replaced the original knock-offs, and the tired engine received some much needed help. Bill remembers the heavy-duty clutch was a killer for the left leg if he was stuck in traffic that inched along. Oh, how well I remember! In ’75 the frame rusted out from the salted roads in Northern New York and New England; Bill skied a lot back then. At that time, parts weren’t readily available and it was a tough job finding a perfect frame. Now, fast-forward to ’91 when the Elliott’s had the well-used ’64 completely restored. That is, to original specs, if not parts. Bill says the new engine is a balanced and blueprinted 327 CI, 365 HP, same as the original. Like I said before, Bill has his “one and only”, and it still thrills him to drive it. I think we all understand that. The trip to Victoria BC several years ago was a real highlight for the Elliott’s – nice group, nice country. Although the old ‘Vette has special meaning to Bill, it’s not his only interest. He is a member of the ski patrol at Targhee and loves to hike in the Tetons. For those of you who have not had the opportunity to check out the ’64, do it, and while you’re at it, talk to the owner. In this case he can tell you the stories.
Sam and Janet Miller have been members since 1989. I remember the night Sam and I were voted (I think it was voted; could’ve been railroaded) in as Vice-President and President, respectively. We had few members and some nice cars. Over the years Sam and Janet have always been avid supporters of the club. In that time they have attended countless shows and taken home their fair share of trophies for their beautiful ’81 coupe. Of course, there’s a story behind the ’81. It seems that Sam wanted to really get Janet something special for their 25th wedding anniversary. Now, I can’t think of anything much more special than a beautiful silver corvette for a “Silver Anniversary”. Can you? I can only begin to imagine the surprise Janet must have had when Sam delivered the car to her while she was at work.
During the early and I might add, fledgling, years of the club, Sam and Janet were tireless in their efforts to support whatever activity we could come up with. You have to remember at that time if we had six cars show up to an event, it was considered to be a huge success. But, I have to tell you about the first time we met. You see, “Scotty’s” night has been an ongoing event for a long time. It was about the last event of the year (1988?) when they showed up. The club was then known as the “Eagle Rock Corvette Club” and president Rich Mehs had the bright idea to go for a little ride after we had all finished our burgers and drinks. We started out from Scotty’s and that was about the last time all six or seven cars were together. None of us had radios, nobody had really planned a route, and consequently, everybody seemed to spend the next 30 to 45 minutes looking for each other. Sam was closely following club member, Kevin Hendricks in his ’84. As Kevin approached a traffic signal that had just turned yellow, Sam knew Kevin was going to “jump” the light and there was no way he wouldn’t be right behind him. Wrong! Kevin didn’t get on it leaving Sam to, shall we say, react quickly and brake hard – real hard! Now, I’m not sure of the conversation that must have gone on in the ’81 and I never did hear anything from Kevin about the “idiot” who almost wiped him out. Maybe Kevin didn’t even know it; after all he always had the tunes turned up to the max. If you think about it, you might want to ask Sam if his reaction time is still that quick. You might also want to remember this story the next time he’s behind you.
I could go on and tell more Sam stories, so I think I will. One of the first major events we attended was an R&R presented by Valley Corvettes of Boise. We (Claudia & I) caravanned to Sun Valley with Sam and Janet the day before the event really began to help set up. At that time, the event was held at Tyrolean Inn located in Ketchum. Everything was going swimmingly and we were all having a good time. For whatever reason, Sam decided to wear a yellow outfit on Saturday. As they were wandering around Ketchum, he had the misfortune or audacity to ask a local cab driver a question. Apparently, the cabby didn’t hear Sam’s question and his response went something like, “Yeah, Big Bird”, or words to that effect (you just had to be there). I loved traveling with the Millers because you knew there were going to be plenty stops along the way. Everybody has to “tinkle” you know.
The real bottom-line is – that without the support and hard work these two have put into the club and it’s events, the club just wouldn’t be the successful entity it is today. What I have to say is: “Thanks”, and I hope that when you see them at an event you take the time to do the same.
Sam or Janet did not provide this information. I misplaced the information they sent me and
I didn’t want anybody to miss just what these two great club members have
contributed. Sorry guys.
In the meantime – Remember to Save the Wave.
MERRY CHRISTMAS
2005
From
Ben & Claudia Sanchez
I know I say this every year, but it’s hard to believe another year is almost over and we wonder how it went by, seemingly, so quickly. As a kid growing up in Park City with all the snow and cold weather it was truly a Winter Wonderland to my friends and me. The time between Thanksgiving and Christmas was at least six months long and we could hardly wait for Santa to make his appearance. I think what the club does and has done for many years for some of the less fortunate families in the area is a wonderful thing and I’m sure those folks can hardly wait for the appearance of club members to help make their holiday season just a little brighter. So, pat yourselves on the back for thinking of others and keep the spirit of giving alive.
Claudia and I would like to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year!
For the past six months I’ve written articles from information submitted by club members willing to share a little of themselves. Hopefully, you’ve enjoyed reading about them and maybe even getting to know them a little better. However, as of now, I have no new information. If you would like this segment of the newsletter to continue please take time to fill out the questionnaire and either submit it to me by e-mail or you can send it to my home address. The e-mail address is: cbs6267@yahoo.com and the home address is 1138 N. Las Entradas Dr., Washington, UT 84780. If you don’t have access to a questionnaire I am willing to either e-mail one to you or send it to your home address.
Time for Our Christmas Party
by Ron Bone
We already have the snow, the cold weather, and bell-ringers at every store. So let’s ring in the Christmas season with a good, old-fashioned party. Plan to meet on December 10, 7:00 P.M., at the Relay Station in St. Anthony. Bring one gift per person (less than $10 or so) to exchange and a bag of non-perishable groceries to donate to the needy. We’ll have a short business meeting after dinner, then on to the games.
Here’s the menu. Please let us know what you’ll be ordering by December 7 so that we can tell the Chef. You can call us at 522-5838, or e-mail us at rbone@isp.com.
For the entrée, your choice of:
Three Piece Jumbo Shrimp, $17.95
Prime Rib Steak, $17.95
Chicken Fried Chicken, $14.50
Each entrée is served with salad, baked potato, vegetable, roll, and ice cream or cheesecake. The prices include tax, gratuity and a drink.
They also have the following appetizer platters:
18-Onion Rings, $7.50
12-piece Poppers and Jam, $8.75
15-piece Drummies and Wings, $8.75
12-piece Cheese Sticks, $8.75
Combo (6 Rings, 4 Poppers, 5 Wings, 4 Sticks), $9.95
Be sure to let us know!
2005/2006 Calendar of Coming Events
by Ron Bone
December 10: Christmas Party at The Relay Station, St. Anthony, 7:00 P.M. Bring one gift per person, under $10, to exchange. Also, please bring a bag of non-perishable food for donation to the needy.
December 11: Christmas Shopping for Our Adopted Families. Everyone is invited. Meet at ShopKo, 800 E. 17th Street in Idaho Falls, at 10:00 A.M. After shopping we’ll have a bite to eat and wrap presents. Questions? Call Trish Bargman at 458-4671.
March 17 & 18, 2006: 14th Annual Gambler’s Classic, Primm, Nevada. Hosted by Corvettes of Bakersfield. Dinner and entertainment, poker run, slot tournament, car show, raffle. The theme will be the 50’s and 60’s, so bring clothing from that era. They’re charging separately for everything this year: For one person, $40 for car show and poker run, plus $50 for the dinner and show, plus $35 for the soc hop. There is a whole menu of plusses, depending on what you want to do. Register by 3/6/06 or plus $10. Buffalo Bill’s is the host hotel: $47/night; call 800-386-7867 and use code SCC0315. Info:
www.CorvettesofBakersfield.com, or Jerry & Lorie Berger at JLBLJB@aol.com. Registration form: see Ron Bone.
May 26-29, 2006: 35th Annual Big Sky Event, Helena, MT, hosted by Treasure State Corvettes. Friday: Icebreaker. Saturday: Show ‘n Shine, Rally, Western BBQ dinner and dance to the boogie tunes of Little Elmo and the Mambo Kings! Sunday: Autocross at the airport or fun run around beautiful Canyon Ferry Lake, evening awards banquet with a full buffet meal. Registration $75 single, $140 couple before May 1, 2006; $85 and $160 after. Convention headquarters: Red Lion Colonial Motel, 406-443-2100 or 1-800-RED LION, $65.95 standard, $70.95 king. Overflow: Jorgenson’s Inn and Suites, 406-442-1770 or 1-800-272-1770, $65. Mention Treasure State Corvette group rates when reserving at either motel. NOTE: The Mustangs and Street Rodders car clubs will be hosting their meets in Helena the same weekend, so RESERVE NOW! A web site will be up and running soon; I’ll list the URL when it is. Registration forms soon.
July 13-15, 2006, Utah Grand Prix (American Le Mans Series). See the C6R Corvettes racing at the Miller Motorsports Park, now under construction near Tooele, Utah (35 miles from Salt Lake City). Tickets to go on sale 3/1/06; sign up for e-mail information at www.MillerMotorsportsPark.com. 1-866-297-2636.
September 15-17, 2006: Seattle In September 2006, hosted by Corvette Marque Club of Seattle. Convention center: Embassy Suites Hotel in Lynnwood. Rates will be $109 for King or $119 for double queens. 50 rooms are blocked. Call 425-.774-2500 for reservations. More information to come, but block this weekend on your calendar.
Corvette Calendars
Members of Corvettes of Southeast Idaho may order
beautiful, quality 2006 Corvette Calendars at wholesale price from publisher
C.S.P. Calendars. Members will benefit by obtaining their 2006 Corvette
Calendars at a 40% wholesale discount (just $8.37 per calendar) when purchased
in quantities of 11 or more.
There are two Corvette Calendars to choose from - Corvette
Originals and Corvette Customs. They are GM Licensed
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photography and features that all Corvette enthusiasts will
enjoy. You may preview the calendars at the C.S.P. Calendars web
site: www.corvettecalendar.com
Calendar Samples: If you believe your club will purchase
11+ calendars, you may request calendar samples to show your members. To
obtain your samples please call us at 763-315-4591, or respond to this e-mail
with the delivery address for your samples and the date you need them.
Orders may be placed by phone, fax, mail, or on the web site.
You may also order calendars individually from the web site. They make an
excellent gift!
C.S.P.
CALENDARS
tel:
763-315-4591
fax:
763-315-4874
email:
dockter@corvettecalendar.com
December
Linda Olson 2
Gene Farmer 5
Carol Merrell 10
Steve Hansen 11
Tim Hobley 13
Lynn McKinlay, Susie Wood 15
Dori Hilliker 21
Janet Miller 24
Neils Thueson 29
Did You Know
By Egon
If you have a C-5 or C-6, you know how low these are to the
ground. In the hot rod world it’s referred to being “set in the weeds”. So I am
thinking, “Vettes never break down,” or do they? Yep they do!
So now they need a tow. You can’t use just any wrecker and put
one of those front wheel lift devises under the front end. NEVER -- it won’t go under the low front. You will have use one of those tilt bed car
haulers. You must tell the tow company that is what is need, or the Police at
an accident scene. The operator better know how to winch the vehicle up on the
bed or it will catch on edge on the truck bed, before it rolls up the bed. I
assure you this is a problem because of the low front on these cars. I talked
to one tow truck operator and he said, “Oh it will winch up on the bed ok, I
put a lot of vehicles on this hauler. Don’t worry.”
He needs to have some 2”blocks for the wheels to run up on BEFORE
the car makes contact with the truck bed.
Next he has to be careful where he hooks the strap that winches the
car up the ramp. Also, care must be taken to tie down the vehicle before
transport. If you can, watch the operation to be sure your “baby” is not
injured more than it is. This vehicle is not your neighbors “beater” that he is
hauling away; make sure he knows that.
More damage can be caused hauling it away than the reason for
hauling it away. Let’s hope that you never need the towing services.
C6-R To
Race In SLC
The new Corvette C6-R racecars will be
racing in Salt Lake this year on Saturday, July 15, 2006 at the new American
Lemans Grand Prix of Utah at Miller Motorsports Park in Salt Lake City,
Utah.
The race will be televised on CBS, Sunday,
July 16th.