As I travel on this journey that is my life, I pass some
landmarks that are more significant and noteworthy than other ones. For
example, I don’t remember what I got in the mail last Tuesday, but I do
remember the first time I rode my bicycle with no training wheels! Well, on
March 15th at the Down East Region Annual Banquet, I realized that
I had just witnessed another landmark. To my great surprise, I was awarded
the “DER Member of the Year” award. To say that I am honored would be an
understatement, especially when I look back at the 20-years of past winners
who are represented on the plaque. It is certainly the kind of meaningful
event that I can add to my list of life-defining adventures, which includes
meeting Dr. Porsche and buying my first 356. I suppose what I really want to
say to everyone is, “Thanks”. This is such a great club, and I can’t imagine
a better group of people to share my Porsche ownership with. However, I need
to extend a very special thank-you to my beloved wife, Karen. She not only
tolerates a lot of Porsche-related foolishness like car parts on the dining
room table (oops!), but also actually seems to enjoy, support, and encourage
the dubious logic of owning a 40-year-old Porsche. So…thanks, Karen. It
wouldn’t be the same without you.
Speaking of
meaningful events, there are a lot of great activities coming up! The summer
is coming up fast, and if you think for two seconds about the winter we’ve
just endured, you’ll want to take advantage of every Porsche opportunity that
presents itself! So, please check the Events Calendar in this issue, but also
remember to keep an eye on the club website for updates and changes. As Don
points out in his editorial, the website really is a superior forum for
up-to-date information, and in the future, you’ll be seeing a stronger effort
to get members to take advantage of that resource. Another trend that we want
to strongly encourage is that we are seeing new members with new enthusiasm
and fresh ideas for the club. Larry Theut took DER members on an amazing tour
of Hodgdon Yachts, and Harry Dresser has put together what promises to be a
spectacular trip up to the Balsams resort in New Hampshire. These are great
ideas and it’s exactly the kind of thing the Down East Region needs to stay
strong, so don’t be shy...keep ‘em coming!
New
members? Did I mention new members?! Well, we got new members!! Please be
sure to welcome the 22 PCA members from the now-defunct Up’N’Maine region.
The national PCA leadership recently approved that those members are to be
served by the Down East Region, so let’s welcome them…and any other
newcomers…aboard and make sure they get something for their PCA membership
money! As for the Down East Region goes, we once again serve the whole State
of Maine, which…as far as we’re concerned…is also great news!
Outside of official business, the weather
is warming up, and I’m actually getting real work done on the car. My new
auto-dimming welding helmet is getting its share of use and frankly is worth
every penny. More importantly, my 356 comes closer to roadworthiness with
each passing week, and I’m actually starting to believe that I’ll finish it!
Hopefully, I’ll be able to get it on the road before this decade is out!
Glenn
