Well they said it could not be done, but here it is my second go around as President of the Northeast Region PCA, after an 11 year hiatus. Many things have changed since then, mostly the extent and quantity of events the region hosts. What has not changed is the dedication of the club members whether they be general members who participate in only one or two events a year or the more devoted types who volunteer their time to serve on the clubs' management team. Check out Dave's December column to get an idea what a devoted Porschephile does with his free time. This years' team consists of the usual combination of experienced hands with a couple of newcomers who wish to get their feet wet in the running of the club. So in no particular order may I introduce the '98 board, their length of club membership, Porsche(s) owned and real job.
Our new Secretary this year fits into the newcomer category. She is, however, a six year member, who has partaken in many of our club activities. Thus becoming visible to our all seeing Nomination Committee. She currently owns a ‘73 911T with hubby Matt Wallis, and is employed at Meditech as a project manager. She is Michelle Wang.
This years Activities VP needs no formal introduction, as she has been very visible in her past positions on the board as Admin VP , Membership Secretary and various other key posts during her ten year stint in the club. Currently she owns a ‘77 911S which is rumored to have been converted into an autocross car, to go with the family 914-6 race car. Of course this individual is Barbara Noonan, who in her spare time works in the printing business.
Returning for another stint as Treasurer after two years as Membership Secretary, and one year as interim Recording Secretary, is one half of the "participate in everything" duo, Karen Adams. Currently she has two red Porsches an '89 944S2 and another '89, a 911 Turbo which serves as the competition car both on track and for autocrosses. She has been in the club for six years ever since purchasing Susana Webers' 81 911SC. In real life Karen does consulting for emerging business in the accounting and finance area.
Another relative newcomer who has come on strong in the management of the region is Bruce Corwin. Only a member since '93, he has already served as Autocross Chairman and Secretary and now will handle the Admin VP duties. Bruce drives a rather "pale" yellow 968 with which he autocrosses and uses at driver education events as much as possible. His daytime job has him working at a investment and an export company that does business in Russia.
Paul Dudley steps into the position of Membership Secretary after successfully running the fall tour for two straight years. He has been a member since '93 when he bought my '84 944 which he still has. Another autocross/ track fan , he also is one of our devoted rally buffs, placing well each time out. Work for Paul is tech support engineer for Sybase Inc.
Our illustrious Past President, Kim Saal, did not have to run for this position, it is a condition of employment as president. Kim currently has a stable of Porsches many of which are for sale, because he can't drive them enough. His current favorite is a ‘97 C4S, about which he has written about in some recent columns. He has had a split membership in the region from 80-82, then 88- current due to relocation. He is employed as Chief of Cardiology at Mount Auburn Hospital, plus a few thousand administrative duties to keep him busy.
Finally, our Newsletter "editor for life", as we kiddingly refer to him as, Dave Weber, who happens to do that board position as just a sideline to the many other unofficial duties within the region. In addition , he is Parade Advisory Chairman nationally. Those responsibilities, plus the aforementioned participatory events, leave him little time to work as VP of Operations at Gorton's. In the current Weber fleet is Susana's white '94 Speedster and the all conquering '93 RS America, which has just received a few more "tweaks" to keep him further ahead of the modified competition in the autocrosses. Dave has been a member of ours since '87 and of the Nord Stern region in Minnesota since '83, and Newsletter editor for us since he showed up here.
Looks to me to be a strong board which should help the region reach more members and offer a greater variety of events for them to enjoy. As always we welcome input from you the member on what you would like to see us do, do better, or stop doing in the realm of activities, in addition we are constantly looking for volunteers to help with the numerous tasks that need to be done while offering such a wide array of possible things to do with your Porsche.
One last comment, use the mart both in the NOR’EASTER and on line at our website, I can say from personal experience that the response for selling items and the vast possibilities of items and cars advertised is second to none.
Hope all of you have a happy and prosperous New Year.