2021 New/Old Member BBQ

Article by: D Chaisson, Photos by J. Sturkie, John Dho, D. Chaisson

The title tells it all… and event to honor new member to the region and thank the existing members for their support during the year.   This event started in 2016 with a simple dinner for “new” members only, but really blossomed in 2017 when then President Chuck Pierce opened up his home/ranch to both new and existing members.   The event has grown every year (except for 2020 due to Covid).   The 2021 version was a catered “lunch” at the St. Jorge Winery in Acampo.   The event reflected past events and featured some new activites.

But, first, lets focus on the new members from 2021.

Left to right:
Jeff Rosenthal and Melissa (Kennedy), Dale and Kate Knapp, Ed and Geneva Francioso, Francesco Racioppi, Genie and Gary Loudermilk and Genie (Saldana), Gary and Nancy Peratta..

Of note, two of our “new” members volunteered for board “chairs”, Jeff Rosenthal as “SIM Racing” Chair and Gary Loudermilk as “Membership” Chair.

The parking lot almost overflowed with attendee’s cars — there were 79 people attending! Models ranged from Phil Harris’ 1980 SC (ok, its sorta “outlaw”), various Boxster and Caymans, a couple “4-door” cars and all manner of water cooled 911’s, including Carrie and Jon Stone’s 992 Cab — yes all the way from Washington! (photos to prove below).

But enough on the “cars”, this event celebrates the “people”.
Yosemite Region would like to recognize a couple of special guests who made it to our event.

First, Steven Palliadino (Gold Certified Mechanic) and Glenna Nadonza (Dealer Customer Service) from Stevens Creek Porsche. Steven and Glenna were at our Tech Talk at Stevens Creek Porsche and the Board invited them to our event as a “thank you” for the wonderful Tech Talk — then came in that Saturday on their “day off” to share their knowledge and expertise with our members.

Also joining our party was Victoria of Migliori Motorsports. More on Vicotoria’s participation later.

 The St Jorge Winery staff were gracious and efficient.   Members were treated to a glass of St Jorge’s Rose, courtesy of the Region, as they roamed the amphitheater and mingled with other members.    Dinner was distictly “Portuguese” in flavor:  a (not that spicey) sausage link, ravioli and potato salad, followed by tasty cookies for desert.   Speaking of St. Jorge’s Rose, each “couple” was given a bottle of the Rose as a “thank you” for attending.   The owner of the winery, Vern Vierra (yes, he is related to our past Membership Chair, Anthony Vierra (who moved to Boise, ID) — 3rd cousin! ) gave us a brief overview of the winery and his varied past. Which included his work as a contractor who, wait for it, constructed ThunderHill Raceway! Of course he spent a lot of time on the track (not with a Porsche though) — but this bit of history surely puts him in the affection of “our club” !! He then gave a short tour of the winery.

There was something different this year, a raffle! Gary Loudermilk proposed the idea and ran with it, securing some pretty attractive “prizes” donated by familiar friends: McCoy Tire, Migliore Mortorsport, St. Jorge Winery, Kruse/Lucas. We also had a number of WERKS bags, etc for prizes. Gary’s personality was infectious as he sold tickets to all who were willing to buy.
But the joy of the event was infused in the whole raffle. For starters, Victoria Castellaceio (Migliore Motorsports) bought tickets for all the Yosemite Region attendees to “prime” the ticket pump. THANK YOU Victoria!
The winners are listed below: some of the “backstories” were priceless — you can’t make this stuff up.
* Wine Bag 1 won by Diane Chaisson ) but she re-gifted it to Steven Palladino. Seems that Don Chaisson has way too many WERKS bags already!
* Wine Bag 2 won by Jeff Rosenthal, but re-gifted it to Victoria as a thank you!!
* Wine Bag 3 won by Jon Stone. He kept the prize, but wait, there was more, see below!
* Porsche In America book won by John Northwood
* St. Jorge Tasting won by Dennis and Natalie Fay
The big prizes:
* McCoy Tire work won by Marianne Boyd
* Kruse/Lucas work won by Gloria Harris. A bit of irony here as Phill had a lot of the work on his “outlaw” 1980 SC done by Druse Lucas!
* Migliore shop work was won by Jon Stone — his second prize. But now living in Washington and already having won a prize, he offered it “back to the club”. Instead of drawing another “ticket”, Brian offered it to the most recent, new member. Since Francesco Racioppi just joined a few weeks ago, he was awarded the Migliore Shop work! Kudo’s to Jon and all the other members who passed their “winnings” onto others in the club !!

Although we didn’t have a prize for the best dressed couple, that prize would surely have gone to Chuck and Jennifer Pierce for the best Porsche themed “matchie” shirts. Chuck was a bit surprised with his first “matchie” outfit!!

Enjoy the gallery below with photos of the Raffle winners and other Yosemite Members who enjoyed the event.   And watch out next year for announcements for the “next” New/Old Member BBQ party.  Who knows what new twists to our classic event will be dreamed up!!