Porsche Club Of America
SHENANDOAH REGION
IT'S NOT JUST THE CARS, IT'S THE PEOPLE
Pat Daily — Celebration of Life
by Jim Condon Posted 2017 December 18
A celebration of long-time Shenandoah Region member Pat Daily‘s life was held on December 17 at 2:00 PM at the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond.
Pat’s wife Sandie, his daughter Shannon, and his Porsche friend Dick Pitman recalled different aspects of Pat’s full life and many contributions to his family, his friends, and his country. Others who spoke included his brother and sister, his son-in-law Hamilton, a business associate, and a member of his model airplane club. After this celebration of life, Pat was honored by the U.S. Navy at the Virginia War Memorial, after which the flag shown at the left was presented to Sandie.
Pat’s 1963 356B was parked outside and will pass into the care of Shannon and Hamilton. Shenandoah Region members present included Dick Pitman, Alex & Gail Smith, Bruce Russell, Deane Parker, Hank Weil, John Odden, Jim Condon, and Sherry Westfall.
Remembering Pat Daily
by Dick Pitman Posted 2017 December 12
Pat was introduced to me over 20 years ago by a Retired USMC Aviator who worked with Pat at UNOS. Pat was the “Executive Director for Operations” at the “United Network For Organ Sharing” in Richmond. My friend said, “Pat has a car like yours”—meaning a 356! OK, I’m in!
Pat had retired from the US Navy Medical Service Corps as a Captain (0-7). His last command was as the Commanding Officer of the US Naval Hospital Subic Bay Philippines. One evening he and his bride Sandie were out for supper and he struck up a conversation with their waitress. He asked her where she was born and she told him, “Naval Hospital Subic Bay”! Pat said, “When you go home I want you to look at your birth certificate and see if Capt Pat Daily signed it.”
My Marine pilot friend, Pat, and I had lunch one day, driving our 356s so we could see each other’s. Pat said, “You have to come to RPM!” I said “Whats that?” “Richmond Porsche Meet, dummy, it’s at Alex Smith’s place.” OK, sounds like fun if there are more Porsches like ours! “You’ll love it” and I did.
So thats how our friendship started! How could you not have a friend with such a big smile and outgoing personality?
Pat would auto cross FAST FRIEDA at Southside Race Track on the Sunday mornings after the RPM Concours and really got it going. Pat loved to drive his Heron Grey, NOT WHITE, 1963 356B Coupe. He would lead the driving tours after the Concours at Alex’s with me in trail behind him, with a bad valve, pedalling like crazy trying to keep up.
Lately Pat’s passions went to building and flying scale model radio controlled airplanes with a group named “Maxecuters.” These were and are truly works of art. They would fly them at Mike Dale’s place in Remington. Mike was a former RAF pilot and retired President of Jaguar North America. I am truly sorry I never went up there with Pat, always too busy!
Robert Overholser did a very nice tribute to Pat on the Monday after Pat’s passing. I noticed if you scroll down there is a comment from Shannon, Pat and Sandie’s daughter. They were both very proud of their lawyer, horsewoman daughter who was recently named as one of Richmond’s “Top 40 Under 40” in Style Weekly’s 2017 listing.
The past few weeks we would see each other at the Richmond Cars and Coffee. Of course the other 356ers and Porsche folks like Sean Rooks, Greg Snell, Engelbert, Chris O, and sometimes Eric would show up. It was only at the last C&C did we all see each other and Pat was having a great time talking to folks and taking pictures as he always did.
If you didn’t know Pat in the first 30 seconds of meeting him, you soon would and be ever more glad that you did.
We will all miss so very much him. A true gentleman, professional, loving husband, father and friend. God Bless and Fair Winds Pat!
Annual Holiday Party at Michie Tavern
by Jim Kaczorowski Posted 2017 December 7
‘Twas the night of our party and all ’bout the roadhouse, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. Pineapple garlands were hung by the chimneys with care, in hopes that Porschephiles soon would be there. Volunteers were all snuggled so as not to be frozen, with tickets for raffle gifts soon to be chosen. When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, that Hank sprang from his seat to see what was the matter. When what to his wondering eyes should appear… but a chorus of members bringing lots of good cheer.
With a number of drivers so lively and quick, he knew in an instant they’d love prizes to pick. A bundle of toys they held tight to their chest — which Marines would deliver ’til no one could rest. Then the bar got abuzz with drinks and with beer, with talk of cars and the holiday now drawing so near.
Our meal was traditional with chicken and pork — so tender and good, cut with only a fork.
Then Santa appeared, a real jolly old elf, and we laughed when we saw him in spite of our self. He spoke not a word and went straight to his work — giving a prize from each container for a Porsche…not a Merc. And laying a finger aside of his nose, a spare seat at a table he so happily chose. Rick gave prizes to best racers by class,
to let Hank tout honored guests: both “laddie” and “lass.”
When all was done and applause had been given, I heard Hank exclaim ere we roared out of sight:
Happy Holiday & Merry Christmas! …and to all a good night!
(’til next year my friends)
Santa’s lucky raffle winners by category:
(compiled by Marty Doherty)
The Shenandoah Region supported Toys for Tots at the 2017 Holiday Party.
Fall Fling 2017
by Harry Newman Posted 2017 October 28
The Shenandoah Region has been hosting a Fall Foliage event and/or drive for many years. It is a popular event and one that has been well attended in previous years. This year, the Club decided to have a two-day multi-event on October 14 and 15 that included Saturday arrival drives, a Saturday afternoon People’s Choice Concours in the Pavilion in historic downtown Harrisonburg, a Saturday Open House and catered dinner at the MAAP facility, a silent auction, as well a very interesting Sunday drive to the mountains of West Virginia in Brandywine. To see photo galleries from this event, click here and here.
The Saturday driving tours were led by Randy Bell from the eastern side of the Region to Stanardsville. Hank Weil led the Saturday drive from Crozet to Stanardsville, and Jason Wavell assembled these two drives with participants that met in Stanardsville for the drive over the mountains into historic downtown Harrisonburg.
The host for the 2017 Fall Fling was the Madison Automotive Apprentice Program (MAAP), whose Executive Director is Cole Scrogham, the first President of the Shenandoah Region. Cole’s intent was to design an event that was something a little “different.” His desire “was to have an event where you didn’t have to get up at 5 AM to clean your car, and then stand around all day in a grassy field far from civilization, but an event that was informal, relaxed, and most of all FUN!” MAAP provided a list of restaurants, hotels, and things to see in the area.
The event was designed to have a nice relaxed lunch on arrival, so all participants could take their time to enjoy the company of others after the arrival tour, walk and see some unique downtown shops, or even for those so inclined, could wash their cars. The PCA contingent that participated in the arrival drives had a wonderful lunch at the Rocktown Kitchen that was right across the street from the Pavilion.
The plan included moving the Porsches into the Pavilion around 1:30 PM after the Farmers’ market closed. The Concours was a very informal event that lasted about two hours and included some very nice vintage Porsches as well as some newer models. The owners and whoever happened into the Pavilion had fun swapping tales and enjoying the scenery. There was no judging, but there was a contest for the Porsche and/or owner with the “Best Fall Colors” and a People’s Choice Award for the best Porsche at the event.
After the fun at the Pavilion there was time to check into hotels, take a nap, go for a walk, or do some shopping or whatever until the Madison Automotive Apprentices (MAAP) Open House from 5–6 PM. Appetizers and drinks were served at 6 PM and a great meal by James Madison University Catering was at 6:30 PM. During dinner, there was a silent auction going on to support the MAAP non-profit organization. There were some great items for sale and the bidding became intense as the time to bid expired. There was a lot of scrambling and increasing bids for several of the old Porsche manuals, as well as two pair of vintage sunglasses and a Yeti insulated drink cup with a Porsche logo.
The winner of the People’s Choice Award was Carey Lindsey and his beautiful blue Porsche 356 cabriolet. The “Best Fall Colors” Porsche was Jim Forkovitch’s spectacular Sienna Red 930 coupe.
Sunday morning started out on the cool side, but the sky was clear and it was a beautiful morning for the contingent of seven Porsches to drive to Brandywine, West Virginia located in the George Washington National Forest. The drive was extraordinary and there were quite a few very nice switchbacks both up and down the Shenandoah Mountains. It was a memorable drive and all were excited to have made this drive. When we got back to the Pavilion, we chatted about the event, the spectacular Sunday drive and the fun that we had at the 2017 Fall Fling. Some of the folks stayed in the Harrisonburg area for lunch and others started the drive back home. It was a great weekend and the weather was spectacular.
2017 Shenandoah Region Summer Picnic aka Anniversary Party
by Hank Weil Posted 2017 August 22
It has been 22 years since the Shenandoah Region of the Porsche Club of America (SRPCA) was founded on August 17, 1995. SRPCA was founded by Porsche enthusiasts in central Virginia who found it difficult to attend Porsche Club events owing to the distances to adjacent PCA Regions. The founding officers were Cole Scrogham (President), Terry Felts (Vice President), Dave Lasch (Secretary), and Steven Lord (Treasurer).
In late 1995, SRPCA had approximately 20 members and in August 1996 celebrated its first anniversary with a party and a birthday cake. After that, enthusiasm and events took off. The first annual Holiday Party at the Boar’s Head Inn in Charlottesville was so successful that the 1996 Holiday Party was booked before the 1995 Party was over. By the end of 1995, membership had more than doubled from 22 to 43 members. Fast forward to 2017; our Region has grown to approximately 260 primary members and 160 affiliate members.
The Anniversary Party became a tradition, held at different venues each year. The 2017 Anniversary Party (aka Summer Picnic) was held at the Keswick Winery. However, given SRPCA has grown in both members and events, continuing this event as the Anniversary Party became a bit overwhelming. Therefore, the current Executive Committee decided to hold the Anniversary Party only every 5 years and replace it in the other years with a Summer Picnic, which is why this year’s event at the Keswick Winery was a Summer Picnic.
A delicious lunch catered by Basil Mediterranean Bistro was accompanied with wine for sale from the Keswick Winery. The owner of the Basil Mediterranean Bistro, Raif Antar, graciously donated the food as he has done for many events; the $10 lunch charge was set aside for the Club’s 2017 charity fund. Charitable giving is now a major focus of SRPCA. In 2016, SRPCA changed from a taxable corporation to a non-profit tax status and has been approved by the IRS to operate as a 501(c)(4) exempt organization. SRPCA has chosen the Blue Ridge and Central Virginia Food Banks to be the 2017 charities. Attendance at this year’s Summer Picnic (88 primary members, affiliates and friends) put almost $900 into the 2017 charity fund.
The 2017 Summer Picnic concluded with the presentation of several awards to individuals for their service and contributions to SRPCA over the years. First recipient was Raif Antar, the owner of Basil Mediterranean, for his generosity of catering many of the Clubs activities both this year and in past years. The second recipient was Ben Briggs, a principal owner of PrintSource, for providing printing services for SRPCA’s RPM event, as well as other printing requirements over the years. The third recipient was Bill Sanders, a Past President, who has given his time to grow SRPCA and to prepare SRPCA’s annual tax returns. Bill and his wife, Jill, will be moving to Hawaii in the Fall and they will be missed.
Behind the scenes many volunteers ensured a successful event. For those members residing in the eastern portion of the Region, Randy Bell organized a “fun run” from the Manakin Sabot area to the Keswick Winery. Parking at the winery was handled by Jason Wavell and Shannon Kennedy to ensure that the members Porsches were properly parked. No door dings were allowed. Registration was aptly handled by Marquita Doherty and Jolly Weil. Mark Doherty assisted in setting up the picnic area. A great big THANK YOU goes to Katrina Stumpf for her work in finding the venue and working with the winery staff to ensure that the picnic was a success.
Wrapping up the picnic, Cole Scrogham (remember him? Founder and first President and still enjoying SRPCA after 22 years) provided a sneak preview of the 2017 Fall Fling that he and Alex Smith are planning for later this year. He also mentioned that the 2017 Picnic was a great Porsche social event. His enthusiasm was reaffirmed by many of the 88 participants who said that they thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
Thanks again to all who attended and assisted in the administration of this event. Remember, “It’s not just the cars, it’s the people.” This was a great event and “Thank-you” to all who attended!!!
New Member Social
by Bruce Russell Posted 2017 July 14
Shenandoah Region’s leadership team hosted a New Member Social on Saturday morning, July 8 at Euroclassics Porsche in Midlothian, VA. This social was not publicized on the Region’s website, but individual invitations were sent to all our new members who had joined PCA in the last 24 months.
The management and staff of Euroclassics were very gracious hosts for this event. They had the showroom full of new Porsche models for us to climb into and admire, and they had a big screen HDTV which was televising live the qualifying sessions for the F1 Grand Prix of Austria. The Region provided the food and drinks; the food came from Wegman’s Catering and was excellent!
The only negative of the day was attendance from our invited new members. We invited 48 new members that had joined Shenandoah Region, and PCA, during the last two years. We had one new member attend this event.
As a bit of background, Shenandoah Region is trying to strengthen our relationship with Euroclassics Porsche and we thought this social would be a nice gesture towards that goal. We did not expect a large turnout because we realize Euroclassics is located in the far eastern section of our region; we had expected more that one new member to attend.
I have been in PCA since 1986 and have been a member of seven different regions. One common trait that all regions experience is very low participation from new members. PCA leadership constantly struggles with the age old question — why? Why don’t we see more new members at our events? I have some ideas, because I can remember back to when I was a new member.
We would like to hear from our new members. Tell us what you like and what you don’t like. Tell us what we can do to attract you to some Shenandoah events. My email is russell911@comcast.net. Seriously, I would like to hear from you.
In the meantime, there will be another New Member Social at Flow Porsche in Charlottesville on Saturday, August 19. Invitations to our new members will be going out soon, so watch your email. Hopefully, we will see you there!
Pickel Barrel Breakfast
by Hank Weil Posted 2017 July 4
The Shenandoah Region PCA Board decided to have several casual Saturday Club breakfasts to increase the opportunity to meet with other Club members and enjoy talking about cars, Porsches, and anything else of interest. The second breakfast of 2017 was held at the Pickel Barrel Restaurant, 12912 Plaza Drive, Centerville, VA on June 17.
The Pickel Barrel had set aside three tables for about 24 members in a private room. The restaurant was packed and it was great to have our own space to meet and eat breakfast.
The event was designed to be a casual get-together to renew friendships, meet new members, and just sit and talk while enjoying a great breakfast. The initial turnout was smaller than expected and 10 Club members came out to meet and discuss our favorite topic, Porsches. We spent about two hours at the restaurant before leaving to get on with our day.
The next Club breakfast is scheduled for July 15 at the Tip Top Restaurant at 1420 Richmond Road. Charlottesville, VA at 9 AM.
We will be back at the Pickel Barrel on August 12 at 9 AM.
The Club wants to encourage new members to attend these breakfasts, as well as older members to meet with other Club members and renew old acquaintances. Come on out for a casual get-together and some good food and friendship. We hope to see you there!!!
Porsches & Pastrami Social
by Bruce Russell Posted 2017 July 4
Shenandoah Region held one of its very popular Porsches & Pastrami social events on Sunday, June 11 at Dürty Nelly’s Pub in Charlottesville. We were again the guests of Gary Hagar; Gary is both a SRPCA member and the co-owner of Dürty Nelly’s. Gary drives a beautiful 968 coupe; most 968s are cabs, so Gary’s coupe is somewhat unique.
These Porsches & Pastrami social events are periodically held on Sundays throughout the year. Gary has been hosting them at Dürty Nelly’s for at least the last five years. I for one really enjoy these low-key social events where I can enjoy a great deli sandwich, salad, or homemade soup and socialize. I find this is a great time to meet new members and socialize with old friends.
Folks began to gather at the deli around noon. Gary already had his staff working in the kitchen, so the sumptuous “deli delights” were already being served when I arrived. My step-son Tim Mabes had joined me for this event; Tim lives in Alexandria and has a beautiful dark green 2010 Boxster.
SRPCA members came and went for the next couple of hours. All total, we probably had 20–25 members stop in for a bite to eat and to socialize. It was a warm late spring day, so we did not have to many members sitting outside on the patio.
I found myself engaged in “Porsche-talk” at a table with Dan Graff, Bates McLain, Iain Fraser, Tim Mabes and a couple others. Our conversations covered a myriad of automotive topics.
One of the big topics of discussion was the recently held RPM event. The consensus was it was another successful multi-day event with kudos going out the Sherry Westfall for making it such a success.
Around 2 pm, I bid my farewells and departed for home. I love these socials at Dürty Nelly’s; I just kick back and relax. Hope to see some more friendly faces next time! Check the Region calendar for specific dates.
RPM Concours Judging Clinic
by Jim Condon Posted 2017 May 27
This event, organized by RPM Chair Sherry Westfall, began with members meeting at Zion Crossroads for a short but scenic morning tour up to Gordonsville and then back down to Keswick, where Roger and Gail Borsink live. Roger opened his Porsche garage to us, where we could see his immaculate cars — a classic 993, a 996 turbo S with the X50 power package, and a shiny almost-new (just finished its 2000 mile breakin) 991 GT3 — in their pristine environment. His garage has all the conveniences needed for detailing and minor mechanical work, and the walls are decorated with car photos, advertisements, and illuminated signs sporting manufacturers’ logos.
The official justification for this event (as if any were needed) is the 2017 RPM concours judging clinic, led by long-time Head Judge Dave Lasch. Dave explained that the RPM concours is “tops only,” meaning that judges do not look underneath the cars to see if the mufflers are rusty. However, the judges may ask owners to open compartments for inspection (e.g., trunk lid, gas cap cover, glove compartment,…). The areas being judged are listed in the five RPM concours judging sheets, which you can find by clicking here. Dave calls the RPM concours “family friendly” to distinguish it from much stricter concours like Amelia Island or Pebble Beach. The main judging criteria are cleanliness, condition, and care; period correctness is not required. At RPM, all cars in a given class (e.g., air-cooled 911 or Boxster/Cayman) will be judged by the same judging team (four judges doing the actual inspections, plus a team leader). The judging team gets to spend only five minutes looking at each car, so the individual judges can’t judge everything. They should pick a few items to inspect on all of their judged cars in order to treat them as consistently as possible.
If you would like to volunteer to be a Concours Judge, just email Dave at dlasch00@hotmail.com.
After the clinic, Roger gave a guided tour of his Porsche garage and three Porsches to a very interested audience, and he fielded a number of enthusiastic questions.
Finally, all good PCA events end with food. In this case, a great outdoor buffet lunch provided for free by member Raif Antar. If you liked what you ate, or wonder what you missed, visit his Basil Mediterranean Bistro in Charlottesville.
Crozet Car Show
by Bruce Russell Posted 2017 May 24
The 4th annual Crozet Car Show was held at Claudius Crozet Park on Saturday, May 20th. All the proceeds from the entry fees went to benefit the Crozet Park. We were blessed with great weather for the event.
Shenandoah Region was well represented at this event. As a matter of fact, all entries into the “Foreign” class were Shenandoah members’ Porsches!
Some of the Shenandoah members in attendance were Hank Weil, Mark Doherty, Rick Ebinger, Bruce Russell, Jeff Elmore, Iain Frazer, Eric Huggins, Johnny Johnson, Jeff & Linda Sivers, Steve Upman, Tim Messer, Jason Wavell, and Peter Chapin. Not all the members attending displayed their cars, but we did have nine beautiful Porsches that were on display.
The show had eight classes of cars. The “judging” was done by the show entrants. Each entrant received a ballot and could cast a vote for one car in each class. Seven of the classes covered American muscle cars, antiques, and motorcycles. There was one “Foreign” class.
Once all the ballots were collected and tallied, the winners were announced and “piston” trophies were presented to each class winner. The “Foreign” class was won by our president, Hank Weil! Hank brought his beautiful 1985 911 “Turbo Look” Carrera: it’s a beauty!
A good time was had by all attendees.
Tip Top Breakfast:
by Hank Weil Posted 2017 May 11
The Shenandoah Region PCA Board decided to have several casual Saturday Club breakfasts to increase the opportunity to meet with other Club members and enjoy talking about cars, Porsches, and anything else of interest. The first breakfast of 2017 was held at the Tip Top Restaurant, 1420 Richmond Road, Charlottesville, VA on May 6. The weather was a bit ominous and probably kept a few members from taking out their Porsches.
Our host, Club member and owner of the Tip Top, Terry Vassalos, had set aside two tables for 20 members. The restaurant was packed and it was great to have our own space to meet and eat breakfast.
The event was designed to be a casual get-together to renew friendships, meet new members, and just sit and talk while enjoying a great breakfast. The initial turnout was good. There were 14 Club members who came out to meet and discuss our favorite topic, Porsches. We all spent about 90 minutes at the restaurant before leaving to get on with our respective Saturdays.
The next Club breakfast is scheduled for June 17 at the Pickle Barrel at 12912 Plaza Drive in Centerville, VA at 9 AM. We will be back at the Tip Top on July 15. Come on out for a casual get-together and some good food and friendship.
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