The Prez Box

by Ron Bone

 

 

Our last monthly meeting settled at least one thing.  When asked what we wanted to remove from our agenda, our members had a resounding answer:  Nothing!  The annual Wild West Vette Fest is a heavy load, but one that most members want to continue.  Sharing with those who are in need from the proceeds of the show is seen as a defining goal for our club.  And if we can have some fun along the way, so much the better. 

 

At the same time, we want to have more activities that get us out in our amazing chariots for some shared fun.  Linda Moore, our capable Activities Chair, has some great ideas to that end.  There are also some interesting events being sponsored by other clubs that we should take advantage of.  As Bill Madsen brought to the club’s attention at the last monthly meeting, an exceptional

opportunity to hone your autocross driving skills is coming up in early June at Bozeman.  The problem is that it is scheduled for the same weekend as the Border Run, an event we really want to patronize as a club.  See the Coming Events Calendar in this newsletter.  Decisions, decisions! 

 

Our Spontaneous Committee is doing a terrific job organizing events that focus on just a few hours.  Our recent brunch followed by a tour of the Lewis & Clark exhibit at the Museum of Idaho is one example.  Dinner at the Red Lobster in Pocatello is another.  Be sure to get involved in these events, which are announced by the calling tree.  You’ll be glad you did. 

 

And to visually unite us at these activities, why not don a knit shirt with club embroidery?  Check out the details in the article later in this newsletter. 

 

Finally, on behalf of the club, I want to extend a hearty welcome to new members Robert and Melissa Moyer, and Steve and Laura Waddle.  Be sure to introduce yourself to them and share a little Corvette trivia. 

 

 

 

Minutes Of April Meeting

by Peggy Bone

 

The monthly meeting was at Sizzler in Idaho Falls on April 14.  President Ron Bone called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.  There were thirty-eight in attendance.

 

Ron introduced four new members of our club: Robert and Melissa Moyer from St. Anthony, and Steve and Laura Waddle from Rexburg.  He also acknowledged everyone having a birthday in April. 

 

Tim Hobley presented the club with a $250 check from new sponsor Oakridge Car Wash in Blackfoot.  Tim also presented a $100 check from his own business, Bear Mountain Contractors, as a sponsor for the show. 

 

Ron apologized for bringing up the subject of raising club dues at the last meeting.  It was brought to his attention that the club by-laws state that this can only be done in January.  Ron stated club dues were due the end of March and if you do not pay, your name will be removed from the club roster.   He will send letters to remind those who have not renewed.  

 

Some people have commented that it is difficult to navigate to our web site.  For some time now we have been using www.srv.net/~csei as an address, which Bev and Brian Novak host using their Internet account.  It was discussed whether we want to change our web site address to www.CorvettesofSEIdaho.org.  Bev had researched prices and reported that it would cost around $20 a month for us to have our own account.  It was decided to leave the address as is. 

 

The next item was how to spend our allotment of $2,000 from the Idaho Specialty Corvette License Plate Fund.  It was decided that we would give $400 each to the following charities:  D.A.R.E. of Idaho Falls, The Idaho Falls Food Bank, Harbor House of Idaho Falls, Senior Citizen Hospice of Rexburg, and The Family Crisis Center in Rexburg.  These charities will be presented to Valley Corvettes of Boise for approval.  Randy Wagner suggested we get the media involved.  Ron said he would contact the Post Register, while Bill Waters suggested that we also contact Channel 6.  Tommy Taylor suggested we appoint a spokesperson from the club to be present when the checks are presented.  This will be done when the checks arrive.

 

Rich Lawrence brought polo shirts in several colors for the club to vote on for our club shirt.  Blue won the vote.  Rich is making these shirts available to the club through the person who supplies his business, resulting in a great price.  The polo shirts are only $15 each, including embroidery of the club logo.  Plans are to finalize the order at the next monthly meeting. 

 

Sam Miller announced that, for those who are planning to attend the Boise Vette Fest, he has reserved a block of rooms at the Red Lion Park Center (phone 342-1044, booking number 3307).  This is a really nice place to stay so be sure to call and reserve your room.     

 

Bill Madsen announced that Bill Cooper is going to instruct an auto cross in Helena, MT, on July 10 and 11.  Bill Cooper has been an instructor for Nascar, the Winston Cup, Trans AM, Eighty Nine Million Dollar Corvette Challenge, and Sears Point Vondurant.  Some of his clients include Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Jr., Ricky Rudd, Terry Labonte, Gene Hackman, Paul Newman, and Clint Eastwood.  The clinic is $50 (needs to be paid by June l) for both days with seat time on Saturday.  The auto cross is Sunday.  Contact Hyalite Corvette Club, % Dave McCormick, 1050 Cobb Hill Road, Bozeman, MT  59718 or call Gordy at 1-406-586-1489.  The class is limited to fifty people.  

 

The next item was a continued discussion from last month’s meeting about whether we want to continue putting on our annual show in West Yellowstone or to combine/alternate shows with other clubs.  Trish Bargman stated that combining/alternating shows might not be an option anymore because Valley Corvettes is a different club now than when the idea was originally suggested.  After much discussion it was decided to leave the show as is and try to get out and have more fun drives.  Linda Moore, our Activity Chairman this year, is planning lots of fun activities for us. 

 

Bruce Barton asked for anyone wanting to help with Wild West Vette Fest 2004 to contact him. 

 

With nice weather approaching, Ron suggested we start our drive-ins on the first and third Thursday nights during the month of May.  The first Thursday of each month we will meet at the Sonic Drive-In in Ammon at 7:00 p.m.  The third Thursday of each month we will meet at the Sonic Drive-In in Rexburg at 7:00 p.m.

 

Randy Wagner said he met some Corvette owners in Pocatello and would like to try to get them interested in our club.  It was suggested we plan a drive for dinner to Pocatello.

 

Ron brought up that the Border Run in Jackpot is coming up June 11, 12, and 13.   We should really try to support the Twin Falls Club, since they have supported us in the past. 

 

A couple from Chicago contacted us via e-mail; they are driving their Corvette along Route 66 to California and returning home via the northern route.  They will be in Idaho Falls on Tuesday, April 27 and would like to have dinner with some of us.  Contact Peggy Bone if you are interested.

 

Linda Moore has arranged for us to have breakfast at the Red Lion at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, April 17 and then tour the Lewis and Clark Exhibit at the Museum of Idaho.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

 

 

 

 

Did You Know

by  Egon Lamprecht

 

WHAM, gas prices have hit us all below the belt. Yesterday I was in Jackson where gas was $2.05 regular. Now this may not be a big deal for the Jackson upper class but it is for most of us.

Coming back from Jackson, over the pass during the morning commute hour of 7AM, I noticed most cars with only the driver.

So once again I climb on my soap box and utter some more words of advice.

 1. During WWII, one of the slogans was “is this trip necessary”. Could I make a mental list of where I want to go today, and make an efficient drive to get to all the places?

 2. Do I really need top of the line gas? Your car computer will make decisions (500 per second) to allow a lower grade gas to be used and still run ok.

 3. The other day I noticed a pickup with 4 sacks of salt still in the back, from last winter. More weight, more gas use. Big SUVs get lousy mileage; one reason is weight.  Got a pickup? Run with the tailgate down; it helps by not trapping air in the box.

 4. Now my favorite one -- low tire pressures. Coming back from Jackson, I heard on the radio that 72% of all vehicles on the road have under-inflated tires. This I believe, and it’s no surprise. Follow the tire manufacture recommendations, not necessarily the vehicle recommendations.

 5. Forget car top carriers. Boy do they cost gas money. We all like comfort, but use the AC system only when necessary.

 6. Life is short, so still enjoy your vehicle, but do so with the least possible cost.

 

 

 

 

Events Coming in 2004

by Ron Bone

 

 

May 1:  Late registration starts for Fun in the Fish IV. 

 

May 6:  Begin Thursday evening drive-ins at the Ammon Sonic Drive-In, 7:00 P.M.  Continue on the first Thursday of each month throughout the summer. 

 

May 19: Monthly CSEI Meeting at Winger’s Restaurant, 7:00 P.M. 

 

May 20:  Begin Thursday evening drive-ins at the Rexburg Sonic Drive-In, 7:00 P.M.  Continue on the third Thursday of each month throughout the summer. 

 

May 27:  Registration deadline for Border Run 2004! 

 

May 28-31: Fun in the Fish IV at Whitefish, MT.  Hosted by Funseekers Corvette and Yacht Club.  Concours, Show & Shine, Funkhana, Rally, Autocross, “Saloon Shuffle” Poker Walk.  $130 couple, $70 single before May 1, 2004; $150 couple, $85 single after.  Host hotel is the Grouse Mountain Lodge, 1-800-321-8822, $75 per night; other hotels are available.  Registration form and schedule: See Ron Bone.  More information: Mark Dowaliby, 406-862-2096 or dowaliby@cyberport.net. 

 

June 1: Registration deadline for Professional Autocross Driving Clinic! 

 

June 11-13: Border Run 2004 at Jackpot, NV.  Hosted by Snake River Corvettes.  Host hotels Cactus Petes Resort Casino and The Horseshu Hotel & Casino, 1-800-821-1103.  Poker Walk, Show-N-Shine, Slot Tournament.  $75 per car, $25 per additional car, $90 after May 27, 2004.  Registration form: See Ron Bone.  More information: cscriv6086@aol.com.  Mike Scrivner (Show Chairman) at 208-735-5139, or Larry Utley at 208-733-9655. 

 

June 10-11: Professional Autocross Driving Clinic at Bozeman, MT.  Hosted by Hyalite Corvette Club.  Ground School and training laps with Bill Cooper on Saturday.  Autocross competition on Sunday.  $50 both days, $30 Sunday only.  Limited to first 50 participants, Corvettes get first dibs.  Info: Gordy Gollenhon, 406-586-1489; Rod Barrick, 406-586-1943; or larrystephenson@aol.com.  Registration form:  See Ron Bone. 

 

June 11-13: Second Annual Corvettes at Lake Tahoe.  Hosted by the Lake Tahoe Corvette Club, on-line at www.laketahoecorvetteclub.com.  $75 before the show, $85 at registration.  Registration form: See Ron Bone.  More information: Ernie at 530-542-0485. 

 

June 25-28: Corvettes of Southeast Idaho Road Trip Along the Nez Perce Trail.  Route will follow this historic trail from Oregon, through Idaho and southern Montana, to Yellowstone Park.  Itinerary: See Ron Bone.  Motels: See the May newsletter. 

 

July 22-24: Vette Fest 2004 at Boise, ID.  Hosted by Valley Corvettes.  On-line registration and a brochure of scheduled activities with a printable registration form are available at http://www.valleycorvettes.com/index.htm, or copies are available from Ron Bone.  Registration $90 single or $145 couple before July 1, 2004; $115 single or $175 couple after June 30, 2004.  Vette Fest Coordinator: Larry Hollinger at 208-377‑0476.  Headquarters hotel is the Doubletree Inn Riverside, 1‑800‑222‑TREE, $85-$105 per night.  Sam and Janet Miller have arranged rooms for a better rate at the Red Lion Park Center.  Phone 342-1044, booking number 3307, to reserve your room. 

 

July 29-August 1: 31st Annual Vettes on the Rockies in Summit County, CO (Breckenridge).  Hosted by Looking Glass Corvette Assn, Lakewood, CO.  Autocross, Funkana, Dinner/Dance, Show and Shine.  Details at www.lgcacorvette.org or Teri Lugger at 303-680-4025.  $160 couple or $125 single before July 15, 2004.  Dinner/dance $40 each, pontoon boat trip on Lake Dillon $20 each, other options.  Lodging at Beaver Run Resort from $94 to $179, 1-800-525-2253. 

 

July 31:  12th Annual Glass on Grass in Spokane, WA.  Hosted by Spokane Corvette Club.  $15 registration.  Music, prizes, dash plaques, car photo, cruise, BBQ.  More info 509-992-8142. 

 

August 27-29: Wild West Vette Fest 2004 at West Yellowstone, MT.  Hosted by Corvettes of Southeast Idaho.  On-line registration at www.srv.net/~csei.  Registration $90 couple, $75 single before July 15, 2004; $110 couple, $95 single after.  Headquarters hotel is the West Yellowstone Conference Center Holiday Inn, 1‑800‑646‑7353.  $94 per night.  Show Chairs: Bruce and Connie Barton at lt5vett@yahoo.com.  Co-Chairs: Bill and Dana Madsen at pirate@srv.net. 

 

September 10-12: Seattle in September 2004.  Hosted by Corvette Marque Club Seattle.  Headquarters hotel is the Embassy Suites Hotel, at Lynwood, WA; 1‑800‑628‑0611.  Registration forms on-line at www.CorvetteMarqueClub.com.  Information: Dick or Lolly D’Alessandro at Dick@CorvetteMarqueClub.com.

 

September 12-18: Corvettes of Southeast Idaho Road Trip Along the Oregon Coast.  Itinerary: See Ron Bone.  Motels: In the July newsletter. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Club Shirts in the Works

by Ron Bone

 

Here is an opportunity you won’t be able to pass up.  The club has voted to adopt club shirts that identify us by our club logo.  Compliments of Rich Lawrence, you’ll be able to snap one up a blue knit shirt for just $15, complete with club embroidery.  We’ll finalize the order sizes and collect funds at the next monthly meeting.  If you would like to have a shirt, and cannot attend the next meeting, please send your order (numbers and sizes) and a check to Corvettes of Southeast Idaho, P.O. Box 3519, Idaho Falls, ID  83403.

 

Motels Set for Road Trip along the Nez Perce Trail

by Ron Bone

 

Motels for the Nez Perce Trail road trip are listed below.  Twelve rooms are blocked at each location in the name of the Corvettes of Southeast Idaho, which you’ll need to mention when you call to make your reservations.  Regardless of the cutoff dates below, you should not delay making your reservations. 

 

Friday, June 25, 2004:  Budget Host Inn, Boise, Idaho. 800-733-1418. Rooms include a regular continental breakfast with pastries, juice, and coffee.  A room with one queen bed is $44.95, two queen beds is $48.95.  Reserve by June 6; cancel by June 22.  Brandy is our contact for questions; she works 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. 

 

Saturday, June 26, 2004:  Holiday Inn Express, Lewiston, Idaho.  208-750-1600 (no toll-free reservation line).  They have a pool, spa, fitness center, a deluxe continental breakfast with hot entrees, and “a spectacular view of the Clearwater River.”  Rooms are $69 (regularly $94).  Reserve by June 5; cancel before June 24.  Dave Deeney, the manager, is our contact for questions.  He’s best caught in person 9:30 to 10 a.m. our time.  Or he has voice mail or e-mail (ddeeney@thehotelgroup.com). 

 

Sunday, June 27, 2004:  Mountain Valley Inn, Missoula, Montana.  800-249-9174. They’re located downtown and have some under-the-building parking, where they’ll block off 12 parking spaces for us.  You can swim all you want in the Clark Fork River.  A full breakfast at the on-premises restaurant is included.  Rooms are $65 for a king or queen bed (regularly $85).  Reserve by June 20; cancel before June 22.  Annie, the general manager, is our contact.  She loves Corvettes! 

 

This will be a great trip, even though some of you may have seen parts of it before.  Come have some fun with us!  Contact me if you need an itinerary. 

 

 

 

 

 

May

Matt Jones                             2

Betty McKinlay                     3

Linda Moore                          8

Darlene Davidson                  16

Trish Bargman                       18

Marvin Bennett                     21

Connie Lamprecht                 23

 

  

Dave Hill Comments on Z06

Road &Track Magazine Question:

What can you tell us about the Z06?

 

Hill: It will be introduced a year later than the C6, and we think it will be worth the wait. It’s a greater separation in performance and distinctive appearance from today’s car. It will be manual-transmission only. Fixed-roof coupe only. And it’s even more for the extreme performance enthusiast. But it’s a very well-rounded car. Very competitive in the world of performance cars. It arrives for model year 2006. We expect to present it at the Detroit show in January of 2005. Again, it will be worth the wait.