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Porsche Club of America
The Northeast Region

By Ron Mann, rjmann@yahoo.com
NOR'EASTER Online -  May 13, 2004 Board Meeting
Northeast Region Logo

Last year I was approached by the nominating committee and asked if I’d be interested in running for a board seat. I had spent my entire working career avoiding management positions, but I couldn’t help feeling that as joining PCA had thoroughly transformed my outlook on life, I was under some obligation to serve. The efforts of those that preceded me had paved the way for my nirvana. They had provided me with whole host of outlets for my car passion from Autocross to Zymol application. Thanks to them, I had finally found a group of like-minded enthusiasts to have fun with. And as an added bonus I could actually beat the tar out of them on the golf course.  While it’s a fact that I’ve never been much into volunteering for anything, Joan was supportive and so in the end, I did the noble thing and said yes.  
   
I must confess, however, that I did so with some reservations. No, I wasn’t particularly concerned with the workload nor was I worried about having to make any life or death decisions. I figured I’d never have to fire anyone, do a personnel audit or fret over whether we might not make payroll next month. And I was pretty certain that an unexpected promotion wouldn’t lead being transferred to the Golden Gate region. There wasn’t much downside except for that one little thing. The one small stipulation that struck me full of terror every time I thought about it. I’d spent the last five months avoiding this obligation, but now, this month, I was trapped. There simply was no getting around the fact that it was my turn to host the monthly meeting.
   
As you may have guessed, I’m a bit of an oddball, and I live, well, in a manner somewhat akin to my nature. Its true I own two Porsches and I live in a nice town, but my coffee table is a piano bench and I actually had to go out and buy a couple of extra chairs just to make sure there was enough seating.  I’m not embarrassed by these eccentricities, mind you, for me it’s just a matter of not being all that concerned with whether the grass is cut or not.
   
Not that I had anything to truly worry about, for although my home is almost as unusual as me, it’s far more charming.  And occasionally I’m able to rise to the social occasion by pulling off the odd culinary flourish. So I set about to blind my guests to their surroundings with tacos, dirty rice and ice cream. It largely worked and by 7:40 or so it was business as usual.
   
Of course, being in such an unnatural setting, everything was bound to be a bit off normal form. The standard order of reporting was inverted and so we first heard from Dave Weber.  I’m certain it was refreshing for Dave to bat first. We’re usually all tuckered out by the time he takes center stage and he clearly relished the opportunity to put it to us all. Promos, deadlines, bylines, photos, editing…yow. The shredded beef must have been spicier than I thought.   
   
As Steve Berry was absent last month, we all anticipated an update on the clubs membership numbers. Fatal Error 62. Or at least that’s what national claims. Apparently the membership database is a bit sick, so any official number will have to wait yet another month.  But rest assured, we are informed that a legion of experts is righting the computerized ship of state as we speak. 

Karen was suffering from no such electronic glitches and presented this month’s treasurers report. The news was mixed. The good news was that the Ramble came off quite well, but as most of you know by now, the cancellation of the BeaveRun DE was not a happy event for anyone. Fortunately the track was able to run its own event that weekend and so we expect a bit of a rebate on our non-refundable deposit. The insurance review is wrapping up and we expect that the coverage will be updated shortly. The board then approved Karen’s report.
   
The activities duo of Susana and Cabana boy took center stage next. Having just had to digest the BeaveRun news, it was a bit discouraging to hear the results of the Slot Car event. Apparently none of you were all that interested as only one of you chose to sign up. Hmmm. It would also appear that the golf tourney is also somewhat under-subscribed.  I can only assume that you fear me, for few others than our illustrious president seems to be willing to take on the Daze and Confused golf team. Wussies, c’mon, it’s for charity! 
   
This news led to a discussion led by Andy on what we as a board could do to make sure the types of events and activities we’re lining up will appeal to the membership.  We all have our opinions, but the fact is that it’s yours that counts. If you have some ideas that could improve turnout, be it different types of activities or what have you, be sure to email us or pull us aside and let us know. In the meantime, we’ll keep trying to figure out new ways to keep you all entertained. 
   
Finally, Steve Ross saved the day with some good news. Devens has been monitoring sound levels at several events this spring and is satisfied with the noise levels at the base.  Having attended a few early season events with the BMW guys, I can honesty attest that I simply cannot fathom what the fuss was all about. At the far end of the runway, most cars are nearly a ½ mile away and are literally silent when the exhaust isn’t pointed directly at you.  Even Whitey passed with flying colors at a recent monitored AX. So be not afraid, if you have a muffler, you be fine.  And so we closed the meeting on an up-note.
   
I think it’s wise to attribute the upside down nature of the get together to the location. I offered to tender my resignation thinking that perhaps my presence on the board was impetus for some to employ evil juju, but it was reluctantly refused. Apparently no one else wants to do the minutes, so we’ll just have to risk my continued tenure. And so, a minute after the clock struck nine, I bade farewell to Dave and Susana, the three Steves, Karen, Barbara and Andy. It will be another six months until I’ll have to play host again, but not so for Cabana boy. He’s up next on the 16th of June, and as he’s an upbeat kinda guy, things should be looking up by then. See ya all next month.  
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