Yearly Archives: 2017
Happy Holidays from the Leadership Team
Posted December 25, 2017
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If You’ve Been VERY, VERY GOOD
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One of these Might BE Under Your Tree!
But Don’t Let The Boys
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Anywhere Near the Lights!
12/10/17 COTV Holiday Party
Posted November 8, 2017
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WE DIDN’T GET TO SEE THE PREZ SHOW OFF HIS MOVES!
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BUT WE STILL HAD A GREAT TIME!
Jingle Bell Rock
December 10, 2017
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It was the last, but certainly not least, social event of the COTV year. It was the last time to EAT together. It was the last time to catch up, even though many of the members had seen each other each of the last 3 Sundays, so there wasn’t too much to catch up on…..except of course the Lilac Fire and evacuation orders obeyed and not obeyed. It was the last time to see everyone all dressed up for the holidays. Every year, it is amazing to see how different everyone looks in their Sunday best.
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The official head count was 94 according to outgoing Events guy, Jim Sommars, and incoming President, John McDermott. Unfortunately, illness had felled the current President, Glenn Crowther, but John and Jim ably held down the fort.
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Journey at Pechanga looked its usual festive self, with decorations and a warm fire in the fireplace, once you managed the obstacle course to get to the parking lot through the various Pechanga construction projects. As with all COTV events, there was a crowd in place before the 6pm starting time. People arrived early to stake out the best table for easy access to the buffet line and for what they thought would be the best view of the evening’s entertainment. More about that failed idea later! Jason and Joe Marshall wore their best red holiday shoes. Curt Stevens and Hans Boers sported festive ties. Some of the guys were unrecognizable in their seldom worn formal wear.
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Cynthia Lee sang ballads in the bar area to get us all in the mellow mood. The bartenders kept the drinks coming while people arrived and chatted as they moved from table to table. With such a large group, it was a mix of old-timers and first-timers. When the dinner bell rang (when announced that the buffet line was open), it didn’t matter how long you had been a member, just how fast you could get to the head of the line. The buffet had several salads, potato leek soup, and a variety of entrees including chicken, salmon, lamb chops and steak, along with whipped potatoes and vegetables and a variety of breads. Some folks dropped off their plates and then checked out the dessert selections before they started in on their first courses.
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After the food was downed and the coffee poured, Chef Anton, the headlining magician, changed all those best laid plans and moved his act from the central area everyone had focused on, back to the bar area where he could ask everyone to gather round in order to see his act close-up. Magicians are always better seen from a few feet away, so you can try to figure out how they can even do anything.
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All in all, it was another successful ending to another successful year for COTV. John McDermott, in his short remarks, promised more of the same in 2018 and we will hold him to it! Best wishes to everyone for a happy holiday season with friends and family. See you in 2018.
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12/03/2017 COTV Toy Run
Posted November 8, 2017
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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3, 0930
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Toys For Tots 2017
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Every year since we changed our holiday charitable gifting focus from Spark of Love and the fire stations to Toys for Tots and the Marines, we have increased our generosity by leaps and bounds and this year broke all records. Our members come out in ever larger numbers and the piles of donations are testament to their support of the Marines and their desire to help youngsters in need.
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This year almost 100 COTV members signed up in advance for donuts and to meet SSgts Ryan Ratigan and Jordan Hawkins and Corporal Melvin Pena who drove the truck so didn’t have to wear his dress blues. Simon and Terry Bleeker were the embodiment of the holiday spirit as they dressed as Mr. and Mrs. Claus, also forming a sleigh and horses with their white car as the sleigh and several red cars of various vintages as the reindeer. They posed for photos with the Marines, their COTV friends and even little children who thought Simon was the real thing (and we all know he is the real thing, don’t we?). The weather, which had started out cold and foggy became nice and sunny by the time people started to arrive in larger numbers. Those of us who were there early were still wearing our jackets as we cleaned up the parking lot and set up the donut table. By 8:30 the convertible tops were down and holiday t-shirts were the order of the day.
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At 10:30, everyone helped to load the truck with the bags of goodies and Mike and Doreen Alewine’s generous annual gift of multiple bicycles. We cleaned up the donut detritus and packed up anything that needed to be packed before Rob led the main group up to the luncheon destination in Murrieta. Curt Stevens brought up the rear, although word has it that Rob tried to lose everyone with some misdirection about potty stops and uphill climbs.
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RJ’s Sizzlin’ Steer was prepared for a huge group of about 90 for lunch (the largest group for which they had served such an extensive menu), on top of their usual Sunday brunch and Sunday football crowds. They had set up tables in the outdoor patio area and RJ himself helped Marilyn, Carol and Daryl to decorate even more than the restaurant’s already nice holiday décor. Daryl added some little table plants and candy canes for folks to take home at the end of lunch. The menu was large and very varied so there were choices to fit all tastes and dietary needs. The service was great and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. We thank the servers for their good natured efficiency and smiling faces.
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At this rate, we are going to outgrow any possible lunch destinations for 2018. As always, we want to end this article with thanks to the Marines for coming to make this a special occasion, to RJ and the restaurant for making it fun and tasty, and to COTV folks for their generosity once again. We look forward to our last meal together for 2017 at the holiday party at Pechanga next Sunday. Our best wishes to everyone for happy holidays with family and friends and more fun together in 2018.
TO GO TO THE PICTURES PAGE , GO HERE
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11/26/17 Mystery Lunch Run Hosted by Ann & Tom Lontz and Jan & Terry Munn
Posted November 8, 2017
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Hosted by Ann & Tom Lontz
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Jan & Terry Munn
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Relax After Thanksgiving Mystery Lunch Run
November 26, 2017
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Every year we somehow delude ourselves into thinking that the MLR three days after Thanksgiving will be low-key, quiet and sparsely attended. At least that is what relatively new members, Tom and Ann Lontz and Terry and Jan Munn, thought when they volunteered to lead their first try at our signature event. Well…..SURPRISE!!
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When Ann and Tom turned up at Kohl’s at the 9am meeting time, there were already a good percentage of the 58 people and 31 cars who had sent in their RSVPs and their advance payment, hanging out together in the rapidly warming sunshine. Among them were potential member Steve Ryan in his beautiful silver, 65, Fuelie, convertible, Norman Craig and Ronette Garduno with both their Corvettes, Bruce Mofford (always #1 to arrive now), and Steve and Marsue Page without the Corvette at all. As the time for departure crept closer, the crowd grew by leaps and bounds.
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Norm Craig brought his mother, Diane, and Ronette brought her daughter, Kendra. Wendy Converse drove their new addition with her aunt, Carol, from Boston. Mickey Diehl brought another friend from her never-ending supply, Terry. Lana Jenkin brought her friend, Cathy, as Keith is up north with their daughter. In addition to the new face of Steve Wright, we had Al and Nicole Villa, who had done a Good Samaritan favor for Bruce Mofford and he in turn had done us all the favor of inviting them to come along and hopefully join the club.
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As we all got ready to depart, you could see the two-Corvette families (Converse and Craig) as well as the “that’s not a Corvette folks”, the Pages and Crooks. There was the usual free-for-all leaving the parking lot as Tom and Ann Led us through the streets of Temecula, down by Charter Oaks High to re-group and then out Pechanga Hwy to the Pala-Temecula Hwy to Pala and east all the way to the winding road up to the Palomar Observatory. Simon and Terry Bleeker served as the rear guard and kept us all together. Some of the group had been on this route many years back at the same time of year and had encountered snow and black ice. That day, Al Hackworth became a “60-second celebrity” as he was interviewed for the news on a San Diego station. This year the weather was almost summery, with temps in the 80s and no snow or ice in sight. We wound our way up S6 to the Observatory for a potty break and then reversed course so that everyone could enjoy the curves twice.
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The final lunch destination was the buffet at Casino Pauma, new to some of us who thought we had explored most of the Indian casinos in the area. J an and Terry Munn were waiting for us there with all fees paid and tables designated for our group. The hostess seated us and we proceeded to make up for our missed breakfasts at home by demolishing the offerings available. As always, we departed in groups or singles, full and happy.
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It is a daunting task to plan any MLR, but especially your first. We commend the Lontzes and the Munns for doing such a tremendous job and suggest that they volunteer to organize the Thanksgiving MLR every year. John Vara, are you listening???
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We still have a couple more holiday events to go – Toys for Tots and the Holiday Party. We hope to see you all at both. What better way to celebrate the end of another COTV year?!?!.
11/15/17 Sponsor Appreciation Dinner @ Applebee’s
Posted October 27, 2017
A group of 30 COTV members converged on the Murrieta Applebee’s to show our appreciation for their sponsorship. Although the group was somewhat small, the appetites were not. “Batman” Bruce Mofford (who signed Applebees on as a sponsor) did a fine job of working with Melissa, the manager who insured that we were served promptly with good hot food and drinks to order. The servers were plentiful, prompt and courteous. As always, when our club gets together, a great time was had by all. Look for Melissa (pictured below with the “Batman” to also be at the Temecula Applebees when she takes over management there as well. Thanks to Bruce for obtaining this fine sponsor and for setting up the dinner.
11/12/17 Vettes for Veterans
Posted October 13, 2017
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And The Winner Is
Joe Priebe, 1st in Class 1963 – 1967
Raffle Winners Were
Vettes for Veterans 2017
Sunday, November 12
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It was a rather chilly morning as we met at the Kohl’s parking lot at 7:30 to 7:45. The car told us it was 47 degrees out when we left at 8am. Jim Sommars arrived early, but not in his Corvette, to take names and reorganize the run. His car was in the hospital at Paradise and it sounds like there is something that needs professional help, so we wish him well. He asked Rob to lead the parade in his absence. The old car guys, Bill Steed and Joe Priebe, had left earlier so their slower pace wouldn’t hold up the group. The Alewine/Bryant/McDuffy contingent also drove down at their own pace, after breakfast at the Swing Inn in Temecula.
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Glenn Crowther (Patty was doing home tour duty for the Women’s Club), John Olivas and Linda Wilson, Manny Macedo, Mike Re, Bob Smith and Rose Street, Mickey Diehl and Friend, John and Fritzi McDermott, Jason Marshall and the Webers were joined by Skip Hipp (who came to hang out with us) and our newest member in the newest car, Jeff Kilpatrick in his 2017 Grand Sport, which has no plates yet (his wife Denise was also doing home tour duty). This group got down to the Shoppes at Carlsbad in about the allotted time of 45 minutes and parked in the row reserved for COTV and anchored by the 5 earlier cars. We collected our goody bags and registration materials, which included a dash card saying “This Corvette is owned by a Veteran.” We are proud to say that more than 50% of the cars were owned by veterans and that included many of ours.
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The sun briefly peeked out through the clouds, but it stayed cool and cloudy most of the day. That didn’t stop the usual shorts wearing guys from wearing those shorts. Some of the women were glad for a jacket however. This location for the event is better than the original one as there is easy access and a much larger selection of food options. Panera was very popular for coffee and a bite after the cars were parked and cleaned up from the drive. Lunch seemed to focus on Islands or the Pizza Press which offered very thin crust, make-it-yourself pizza which hit the spot as well.
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The selection of cars to view was excellent, although there are always some which provoke amusement or amazement. Everyone bought raffle tickets so we all had to check the board on an hourly basis to see who won a wonderful raffle basket. COTV winners were Mike Re, Jason Marshall and Bill Steed. The very large selection of Silent Auction items was worth perusing, especially since we all knew that all proceeds went to the two selected charities, Paralyzed Veterans and the Semper Fi Foundation. Many of the members of both were present, a number of them in wheelchairs and with service dogs. In addition, these veterans were responsible for judging the cars by class.
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After the Silent Auction was over and Jeff Kilpatrick and Jason Marshall got to collect their winnings (good thing that Joe and Krista Marshall came down with the truck to take home their purchases), we moved on to the awards announcements. The three winners in each generation got cash prizes with $1000 to first place. More than 50% of the winners donated the checks back to the charity pot. As usual, our COTV winner was Joe Priebe and he also made the generous gesture of giving up the cash prize. Unfortunately, he was our only prize winner this year. However, COTV almost won the participation award with 19 cars registered. We were out-numbered by North County Corvettes who had 20 cars registered and who also announced that January 2 is the first day for registering for Plastic Fantastic 2018 and that it will be in the same location for at least this next year. So, watch the website and your email for further information on that great event.
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Even though the weather was not as sunny and bright as it might have been, our group had a great time at another great event for a great cause. Please keep this one in mind for 2018 as well.
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Happy Thanksgiving to all of you and hope to see you at the sponsor appreciation dinner, the MLR, the Toy Run and the Christmas Party. Let’s all share the holidays season with out COTV friends and family!
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11/08/17 Breakfast Social @ Breakfast House, Los Tejabanes
Posted October 12, 2017
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O u r l a s t b r e a k f a s t
for 2017
Well, we can check another meal of our list and also count it as the last official breakfast social of the year.
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Just over 40 hungry food fans met at Breakfast House, Los Tejabanes in Menifee and as always the group started arriving earlier than the 9am meeting time. Glenn was actually there at 8 as he mis-read the time on the website. For most of the crowd it was a first visit but Manny (also there at 8 since Diane set the alarm a little early!) and Diane Macedo have been frequent diners and told us we would all enjoy ourselves. It seems we did, if the photos of full and then empty plates are anything to judge by.
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The menu offers lots of choices, both Mexican breakfast items like chilaquiles and more American items like corned beef hash and eggs. The waiter, Daniel, was very efficient and accommodating with such a large group and made sure all of our orders were customized as requested . The only error was on Harry’s dish which came with red sauce instead of green, but he said it was really good that way. The rest of the staff helped to get the food on the table in a very timely fashion.
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As always, no one seemed to leave hungry. Hopefully, they left room for more Mexican food for dinner at Thursday’s membership meeting.
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We want to thank Carol and Marilyn for another successful outing and also thank them again for signing up to do this next year. Maybe we can make it a permanent position, since we doubt that anyone else could do such a good job!
10/29/2017 Mystery Lunch Run Hosted by Lynne & John Vara
Posted October 11, 2017
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October 29 MLR
Hosted by Lynne & John Vara
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Sunday, October 29, 2017 was a lovely, clear and temperate day after the unseasonable heat, excessive winds and smokiness of the past week or so. A group of 53 in 29 cars met to enjoy John and Lynne Vara’s first mystery lunch run. We all hope that it is not the last one they will plan but the first of many.
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The group contained some new faces like John Blackburn and his grandson, Hunter, who took an application form, although they were unable to participate in the actual run. They got to see a wide variety of cars and people and we hope that they were not scared off by the Halloween antics of Simon Bleeker and Bruce Mofford with their masks. Norman Craig turned up in his collectible car with a friend since Ronette wasn’t able to join us. Wendy and Terry turned up in their “new” comfortable car, a 2008 white convertible. Terry made sure we know it is not a “replacement” but an “addition” to the red Race Rat. Wendy agrees that it will make for more comfortable rides and allow them to join in on longer trips. They are #4 on the “wait list” for Monterey and we hope that a few folks from other clubs cancel so that they can join the 11 cars already going from COTV. We may just nail down the largest participation award with 12 of 100 cars. Samantha and Frank Caliandro joined the group for the first time in months – obviously, they have another life! But we sure were glad to see them. Diane Sommars was unable to join the fun because as Jim said, she was “home sick” not “homesick”. We hope she feels better soon. The COTV cruise gang compared notes and weight gains after our week at sea.
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John McDermott and Bill Stedfield took advantage of the gathering to collect membership renewals and holiday party reservations.
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As more cars arrived, John checked them off his list and Lynne provided Halloween treats along with the “mystery directions” to our destination. We left pretty close to on time at 9:30 and re-grouped at our usual spot at Butterfield Stage under the watchful eye of a law enforcement officer. The first part of the run was along Hwy 70 and then left on 371 E to Cahuilla Casino and a potty break in the way too smoky atmosphere of a small casino. We then continued on 371 to Hwy 74 E or Palms to Pines Hwy and took that wonderful curving, winding road down into Palm Desert. The weather warmed up a little but not too much and tops stayed down and windows open. The rest of the route took us left onto Hwy 111 N and then right onto Bob Hope Dr., ending in the parking garage at Agua Caliente Casino.
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John and Lynne had been to a concert at Agua Caliente for Lynne’s birthday and enjoyed the location, so perhaps the seed for this MLR was planted then. We headed for the Palm Buffet as a large group and they had set up one very large and long table for us to share. The servers provided champagne, mimosas or a cranberry juice/champagne combination which got good reviews. The Buffet had seafood as well as sections for Italian, Asian, American, Mexican and breakfast foods. The prime rib seemed to be popular as did the crab legs and oysters.
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No one seemed to go home hungry as we left in dribs and drabs. John is still looking for someone to plan the January MLR and if you think you can do as well as the Varas did, please sign up. We look forward to seeing you at more meals coming up soon – the Breakfast Social on November 8, the General Meeting on November 9, the Sponsor Appreciation dinner on November 15, the MLR on November 26, the Toy Run on December 3 and the Holiday Party on December 10.
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Happy Halloween to all you COTV goblins!
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TO GO TO THE PICTURES PAGE , GO HERE
10/25/2017 Sponsor Appreciation Dinner – Pizza Factory
Posted October 11, 2017
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Pizza Factory
Sponsor Appreciation DinnerPizza Factory – TemeculaOctober 25, 2017.
Just what COTV members, love…an excuse for another meal together, and a way to say thanks to one of our long-time club sponsors, the Pizza Factory on Temecula Parkway, at the same time. Thanks, Dave, for setting up another successful opportunity to eat..
As always, members started arriving at least 30 minutes before the start time of the meal/event, but it is pretty hard to beat Bruce Mofford, who was already there with a to-go order of Chicken Alfredo hot and in his hands. He was followed, in quick succession, by about 30 hungry COTV-ers who placed orders for various pizzas, calzones, and salads. Skip’s order of baked spaghetti with meatballs looked like something anyone would like. Most of the food arrived pretty quickly, although the kitchen and servers got a little backed up when the rush hit..
Since Game 2 of the World Series was playing on big screens throughout the restaurant and in our separate room, even Ray McIntosh didn’t mind if he might have had to wait for his food and he didn’t have to wait long either. When most of us left, the game was tied, so we weren’t there for the final score and the Dodgers’ unfortunate loss. But it is early in the series, so don’t lose hope!.
We had 3 new members sign up on the spot. Since John McDermott is in renewal mode at this time of year, he was ready with applications in his hands. Jeff and Denise Kilpatrick, friends of Al and Vickie’s, and involved with the Women’s Club, so already known by others like Marsue and Steve Page, just purchased a 2017 Grand Sport and decided to give us a test drive. Spenser Johnson, a transplant from Vancouver B.C also ate and took an application. He got a good view of the Club since he sat next to Leonard Buote who has been a member since the early days..
John worked the room to get those renewals in before November 15 when the NCCC rates changed. Bill Stedfield was also looking for money and sign-ups for the Holiday Party on December 10..
Everyone was also getting mentally ready for another opportunity to drive and eat with the Varas’ MLR coming up on Sunday. Don’t forget there is also a breakfast social on November 8 and the last General Meeting of 2017 is coming up on November 9. In quick succession, we have Vettes for Veterans on November 12. Got to get all this in before the Holiday Season starts! Boy, we sure are a busy bunch, but what fun we have..
10/20/17 Great Oaks High School Homecoming
Posted October 11, 2017
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No mishaps other than 2 princesses that got impatient with a prince that couldn’t open Joe’s door and scrambled out over the side of his car. Luckily no damage we had a LOT of fun. We all pressured GOHS PTA leader Russell L. to join our club since he has a C6 coupe.
