November 2023 President’s Message

2023 is almost over in terms of our Region Calendar and Newsletter; however, November contains one very important event for the Club and our membership. There will be no board meeting this month. It has been replaced by our annual planning meeting. This is where we will likely add traditional favorites into our schedule for 2024, but more importantly, where we can add in new, innovative, and exciting activities for our next year.

I had a suggestion recently about a run specifically designed for vintage Porsches. If you’ve been to Club events over the last few years you have likely noticed a significant drop off in attendance by members driving air cooled 911s, 356s, 914s etc. I for one, think it’s about time we began encouraging our members who still own these to dust them off and bring them out to play. Thank you, Paul Stefani for the idea!

If you have an idea for an event in next year’s calendar please bring it to our 11/28 planning meeting at Mary’s Pizza Shack in on North McDowell Blvd in Petaluma. We’ll even buy you dinner.

Preeminent in my thoughts for next year has definitely been Treffen Wine Country. As you likely know Redwood is the host region for this April 21-25 national event. Treffen occurs twice per year (Spring and Fall) and attracts PCA members from across the country. Unlike Parade, the event consists mainly of tours and non-competitive events. The host hotel this year is the Sonoma Mission Inn. PCA plans to open registration for the event on January 10, 2024 and it is expected to sell out in minutes. Here is the link: https://treffen.pca.org/treffen-wine-country/index.html

I have the honor of being the Tourmeister for this Spring’s event. Jeff Hall is my indeispensible second in command. VP Sharon Neidel is our Treffen Chair and Volunteer Coordinator. If you would like to volunteer for Treffen this Spring, please reach out to Sharon. Speaking of volunteers, I want to take a second to thank those of you who have already stepped up to be a lead or sweep driver for one of the four tours. Big thanks to Ben Davoren, Tom Strobel, Christina Perry, Don Magdanz, Tom Short, Pat Burke, Essy Fariab, Rick Duste, Joe Burroughs, Paul Stefani, Scott Peterson, Rex Simmons, Ruby C Lawton, David Bunch, Karen Sherman, Sharon Castle Rogers, and especially Craig Steele. Craig has been crucial in building and refining our routes. Many of our leads and sweeps will have their spouses along as navigators, and they deserve thanks not only for navigating, but also for their support that allows these folks to do such a great job. THANK YOU ALL!!!

I also want to thank my board of directors for their support this year. Your willingness to give of your time and energy in support of the Region and its many activities is greatly appreciated! I was especially touched by your personal support during the early part of this year.

Lastly (for the year anyhow), I want to mention our Annual Holiday Party. This year it will be held at a historic venue, the Washoe House on the corner of Roblar and Stony Point Roads in Petaluma. This venue was built in 1859 and has been a stagecoach stop and roadhouse almost continuously since that time. The party will be on December 9, and will feature the same great band we have used for the last several years. So put on your dancing shoes and be ready to party with your fellow members. You will find further details elsewhere in this newsletter. Registration will open soon on MSR.

That’s all for now… Down the road.

Vern