The Prez Box

by Ron Bone

 

 One quick look at the enclosed Calendar of Coming Events will convince you that the summer is beginning to fill up already, and we’re not even into spring yet.  A few conflicts between events are already appearing, so that some of you will have to choose.  These are just the larger events.  In addition, our Activities Chairs Trish Bargman and Debbie Morris will be offering some localized activities that are sure to entertain.  And now that Jack Larsen has agreed to be our Road Boss, a longer road trip or two will probably be in the offing.  I hope that you are looking forward to all this as much as we are. 

 

We’ve picked up some new members in our club.  Doug and Beverly Evancic joined at our Sweetheart Brunch.  Doug admits to already having their red 2000 hardtop torn down for detailing, but swears that he’s not

a fanatic about these things.  And Ren Bishop facilitated two more new members: Brian Allen, with his beige 1979 coupe, and Marilyn Walker, with her maroon 2003 coupe.  Please make their acquaintance at the first opportunity and welcome them to the club. 

 

A major item on the agenda for the next monthly meeting will be the discussion regarding how to allocate the funds that we have accrued as a result of the Corvette license plate program.  Be thinking in the meantime about which charities you would like to nominate to receive some of those funds.  In 2004 we gave to the Idaho Falls DARE Program, the Idaho Falls Food Bank, the Harbor House in Idaho Falls, the Family Crisis Center of Rexburg, and the Rexburg Aspen Foundation for Hospice Care.  We may choose to donate to these charities again or to others.  So if you would like to have a voice in this decision, be sure to attend the next monthly meeting. 

 

Do Your Dues

by Ron Bone

 

It’s that time of the year again.  Annual dues are $25 and are due by the March meeting.  You can pay them at a monthly meeting, or mail them to Corvettes of Southeast Idaho, P.O. Box 3519, Idaho Falls, ID  83403.  Many interesting things are coming this year; you won’t want to miss out!  Stay engaged: send in your dues now. 

 

Minutes of the January Meeting

by Peggy Bone

 

The January 13, 2005 meeting was held at The Teton Grille with 37 members in attendance.  Ron Bone called the meeting to order at 8:00 P.M. 

 

The first order of business was to elect new officers for 2005.  Ron stated that, since no one said they would run for any office when called last month, we needed volunteers.  He said that he would be willing to run again for President, if the other positions were filled.  Tommy Taylor volunteered to run for Vice President again; Peggy Bone, for Secretary; Connie Lamprecht, for Treasurer; and Trish Bargman and Debbie Morris for the shared Activities Chair.  Ballots were passed out and counted.  The candidates above were voted into office.   Ron also asked if someone would volunteer to be the “Road Boss” to organize longer trips.  There were no volunteers. 

 

Next on the agenda was Vette Fest 2005.  Ron said that Bill and Dana Madsen, Chairs for Vette Fest 2005, needed volunteers for committee leaders and helpers.  If no one is willing to help, we would have to cancel the show by February 5 in order not to incur any monetary penalties by the Holiday Inn. 

 

There was discussion about the families that we help at Christmas as a result of having the show.  Jim Hobbs read a Thank You note from a West Yellowstone family that our club helped this past Christmas.  The fun we have at the show, along with the hard work, was also discussed.  It is mostly the same people every year doing all the work.  We need more support from our own club. 

 

In light of the overwhelming support during the discussion for continuing the show, Ron asked for a show of hands of those who would be willing to help at the show.  Ten people raised their hands.  Tim Hobley volunteered to be co-chair this year. 

 

Sam Miller stated that The Relay Station will be a sponsor again this year.  He also suggested that the KLCE Party at the Red Lion might be a fun get-together next year for New Year’s Eve. 

 

Tommy Taylor presented Ron with a leather jacket with CSEI logo for serving as president last year. 

 

Ron said the date and place of the Valentine’s Brunch meeting would be announced in the newsletter.  The meeting was brought to a close at 9:10 P.M., with a reminder that annual dues of $25 are due by the March meeting.

 

Minutes of the February Meeting

by Peggy Bone

 

Fifty seven members met at Denny’s Restaurant for our annual Valentine’s Day breakfast.  President Ron Bone called the meeting to order at 10:45 A.M.  He welcomed new members Doug and Beverly Evancic and wished happy birthday to everyone with February birthdays. 

 

Ron said that we have $2,300 in the club’s general fund account and $4,600 in the license plate fund.  He asked everyone to start thinking about which charities we want to donate our license plate money to this year. 

 

Ron asked for volunteers to contact the DARE Program for the springtime graduation event.  Jim Hobbs, Wayne Campbell, Linda Olsen, and Dennis Horvath volunteered to organize the club’s participation in their areas. 

 

Judy Hobbs, Wanda Hughes, and Pam Valentine volunteered to form the calling tree this year.  Jack Larsen was graciously volunteered to be our Trail Boss for 2005. 

 

Debbie Morris and Trish Bargman distributed a questionnaire to be completed by everyone.  The questionnaire asks where members would like to go on day, overnight, and longer trips. 

 

Bill Madsen said that assignments are being made for Wild West Vette Fest show committees.  Bill asked that anyone who would be interestied in helping with the show contact him.  Registration forms are now available.  Bruce Barton has mailed a registration form to everyone who attended the show last year.  A registration form may also be obtained on our web site at www.srv.net/~csei.  There will be a cap of 150 cars this year, so early registration is encouraged.  The logo design for the show t-shirts was chosen from the four beautiful designs submitted by Mickey Peterson. 

 

Ron reminded everyone that yearly dues for the club are due by the March meeting, which will be held March 10 at Gringos Restaurant in Rexburg at 7 P.M. 

 

Ron brought the meeting to a close at 11:45 A.M. 

 

Sponsor Drive to Kick Off

by Ron Bone

 

It takes seed money to put on our annual show, Wild West Vette Fest, and most of that money comes from sponsors.  We’ve been waiting for the envelopes to show up unsolicited in the mail, but it hasn’t happened yet.  So our show committee has an offer for you, our club members.  If you will assist in talking to potential sponsors to raise the money we need, you’ll have our heartfelt appreciation.  But wait, as they say – there’s more.  If you are the top fundraiser this year, you’ll also get a nice, crisp $100 dollar bill as a more tangible token of our appreciation.  Sound good?  We thought so.  So come to the next monthly meeting, where you’ll get the lowdown on what you need to do to cash in for both yourself and the club. 

 

2005 Calendar of Coming Events

by Ron Bone

 

March 10:  Monthly meeting at Gringos Mexican Restaurant, 7:00 P.M.  Gringos is located at 43 S. Center in Rexburg. 

 

March 17-19, 2005: 13th Annual Gambler’s Classic, hosted by Corvettes of Bakersfield.  Held at Buffalo Bill’s Resort & Casino, Primm, Nevada. This meet used to be held at Laughlin, NV.  Registration is $120 until 2/1/05, $150 after.  Shirts and hats must be preordered before 2/1/05 to guarantee delivery at the event.  Rooms are $45 a night; reserve at 1-800-FUN-STOP, mentioning the host club and group code # SCC0318.  More information: Jerry Berger (661) 589-6085 or jlbljb@aol.com.  Alternate: Tom Gibson (661) 366-0925 or tgibson@bak.rr.com.  Registration form: see Ron Bone. 

 

May, 27-29, 2005:  Big Sky Meet - Cruise to the Sky 2005, in Bozeman, MT.  Meet will be hosted by the Hyalite Corvette Club.  You won’t want to miss this one!  Friday: Fish Olympics.  Saturday: Show-n-Shine, Rally/Poker Run, Dinner, Dance with live music by Blue Jack.  Sunday: Autocross, Fun Run, Banquet.  Registration $75 single or $140 couple before May 1, 2005; $85 single or $160 couple after.  Children $25 for the entire weekend.  Information and registration form is at www.hyalitecorvetteclub.com.  Hardcopy registration form: see Ron Bone.  They recommend that we reserve rooms soon at the Bozeman Best Western Grantree Inn (1-800-624-5865, ask for Sales Office).  Alternatively, the Bozeman Days Inn (406-587-5251) is right next door.  Either motel is $75 per night. 

 

May 27-28, 2005: First Checkerboard Vette Meeting, Buffalo Bills Hotel/Casino in Primm, NV.  For red and black Corvettes.  Info: www.corvettecruzin.com. 

 

June 10-12, 2005: Border Run 2005 hosted by Snake River Corvettes at Barton’s Club 93 in Jackpot, NV.  Details to follow. 

 

June 10-12, 2005: Third Annual Corvettes at Lake Tahoe.  Sponsored by the Lake Tahoe Corvette Club.  Drives around the lake, poker run, show-n-shine, dinner, golf, special guests include Corvette racer Dick Guldstrand.  Registration $95 for two until cutoff at 150 registrations or May 15.  Lodging $84 to $101 per night.  Info: www.laketahoecorvetteclub.com.  Form: see Ron Bone. 

 

July 28-31, 2005:  Vette Fest 2005 hosted by the Valley Corvette Club in Boise, Idaho.  Thursday: Registration and reception; Friday: Autocross and drag racing; Saturday: Show-n-shine, dinner and dance; Sunday: Awards.  Registration $90 single, $145 couple before 6-30-05; $115 single, $170 after.  Online registration at www.valleycorvettes.org or see Ron Bone for hardcopy.  Headquarters at Doubletree Inn Riverside, $87 to $107 per night, 208-343-1871.  Info: Larry & Marian Hollinger, hollingerl@aol.com or 208-377-0476. 

 

July 30-31:  Autocross Clinic with Bill Cooper, hosted by the Hyalite Corvette Club at the Helena, MT airport.  Bill taught racing for the Bob Bondurant school for over 20 years.  He provides group instruction and one-on-one on-course tutoring in your car.  Have a blast learning how to do it right.  Details to follow. 

 

August 12-13, 2005: Sixth Black Vette Gathering, Reno-Hilton Hotel/Casino in Reno, NV.  Info: www.corvettecruzin.com. 

 

August 26-28, 2005:  Wild West Vette Fest, sponsored by Corvettes of Southeast Idaho at West Yellowstone, MT.  Friday: Icebreaker, burnouts; Saturday: Parade, poker run, autocross, dinner with a DJ; Sunday: Show-n-shine.  Registration $75 single, $90 couple before August 1; $95 single and $110 couple after.  Registration form: download at www.srv.net/~csei or see Ron Bone for hardcopy.  Limited to 150 registrants.  Headquarters: West Yellowstone Conference Center Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort, 1-800-646-7365 (mention VET05 for room block).  Additional rooms: Clubhouse Inn, 1-800-565-6803.  Show Chairs Bill and Dana Madsen at 208-523-2552 or pirate@srv.net.  Co-chairs: Tim and Lisa Hobley at 208-681-2834 or bearmntcont@aol.com.  Registration: Bruce and Connie Barton at 208-365-0591 or lt5vett@yahoo.com. 

 

Sept 2-3, 2005:  Second Red Vette Gathering, Reno-Hilton Hotel/Casino in Primm, NV.  Info: www.corvettecruzin.com. 

 

 

                                        MARCH

Mary Kay Bennett                    5

Mike Pincock                           9

Farrell Davidson                       12

Peggy Bone                              12

Ken Olsen                                14

Dick Bargman                          16

Ren Bishop                               16

Renata Waters                          16

Beth Campbell              25

Judy Hobbs                              26

Dennis Fikstad              28

Pat Staffon                               29

 

 

Did You Know

By Egon

Almost all late model vehicles now have Antilock brakes (ABS) -- your Vette and your daily driver. These are great during the winter and anytime you neeed maximum braking.

Did you know ABS systems were first used on B-17 bombers during WW II?

ABS’s must be used differently than the old style brakes we know. No pumping on the pedal.  Just apply the pressure you need to make the stop. If one wheel breaks loose the computer releases that wheel locking effect and applies it to the other wheels.

 Now here comes the point of this article. When one wheel breaks free, an awful sound is heard. This is the computer working. Too many folks that have never heard the sound will release the break pedal. Bad deal. Just apply more pressure.

Here is what I suggest you do to know what is going on. Find a slick parking lot or little- used slick road. Go, say 15 MPH and apply the brake pedal hard. See what happens. You should make the stop with no side skid. You will hear the noise I have told you about, but you will then recognize it.

 Happy motoring to you