President’s Message Page 2 Event Calendar Page 3 Birthdays & Anniversaries Page 4 Member Pins Page 5 Meeting Minutes Page 6 Quartermaster Page Page 8 Social Event Page 9 4th of July Event Page 10

A Look Back Page 12 Food Drive Letter Page 15 Prescot Run Notice Page 16 Corvette Ad Page 17 Board Member Contact Page 18 Corvette Cafe Page 19 The Editors Desk Page 20

Santa Clarita Valley Corvette Club P.O. Box 800943 Santa Clarita, CA 91380-0943 Find us on the web at www.SCVCC.org

We love parades and friends

2

July has come and has now gone, but with it, I am happy to report that we still have a Corvette club to call home. Our new club year 2020 – 2021 is under way and although we have seen some of our fellow members seeking greener pastures, our membership renewals have been many! Thanks for sticking with us despite the hurdles we continue to experience. With the new club year, we have installed two new members into our board of directors. Dennis Monden has taken over the Treasurer position and Virginia Gregory has joined the Activities team. With that good news, we still find ourselves without a Secretary, a Quartermaster, and a Communications guru. You know what that means, the minutes of our meetings are dependent on someone with hearing issues, your clubwear needs are on hold and news about club events might be spotty with all areas being carried out by yours truly. We still need YOUR help on the board. As another month passes, I remain amazed how we continue to be limited in our return to normalcy in our community and state. I just drove I-40 to Albuquerque and back this month and experienced vastly varying degrees of “caution” as well as openness. Masks here and there, but basically “who cares” in many places; people going through the motions mainly, with many eager to make their own decisions about their personal well-being. Curious how the Colorado River and an artificial line at Window Rock affect reaction to a perceived problem. I found haircutting was OK in New Mexico where there is a 14-day quarantine for visitors. I needed some personal maintenance so I gave it a shot anyway. My temperature was taken and I was queried about my health and travels. When I stated I had just come from California, I was advised of the quarantine order by the NM governor. I reminded the staff that among the many exceptions to the governor’s order, military personnel were excluded. I was thanked for my service and was given not only a senior discount, but a military discount as well. The question still remains, how serious is this, really? But, onward. Once again, we have another newsletter to enjoy and keep us informed about club business and activities, past, present, and future. Glad you are reading the latest edition of the Gazette. We will once again conduct our monthly business meeting by Zoom on Thursday, August 6th and a link will be sent out by email prior to the meeting. Hoping to see you all there. With meetings in mind, please let your board members know if you locate a potential meeting location. My front yard will work, there is plenty of parking and power for the sound system. You have to provide your own seating and eats. Just a thought. Our monthly Corvette Maintenance Check, deemed an essential activity by me, had a great turnout on July 16th. All brake lights were found to be in good order. We will plan on checking another safety item in August. Watch your email for details. Finally, we all wish you a wonderful August, you and your Corvette for sure. If you have something to report for the membership, reach out to any of the board members. We are here for you. And…the roads are open and no masks are required to drive as of this writing, so see you down the road. Save the Wave! Mike

From the Driver’s Seat

Mike Woodings President’s Message

3

August Events at a Glance

Business Meeting 1st Thursday of each Month

Meeting @ 7:30 p.m.

Next Business Meeting, Aug. 6th

@Zoom.com

Maintenance and Safety Check

3rd Thursday of each Month Begins @ 6:00 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 20th

4

Member Celebrations… Here Are Our Birthday Wishes and Anniversary Cheers for August!

Cindy Siecke Aug 3

Dorothy McCloskey Aug 7

Deana Shaver Aug 15

Jimmy Webster Aug 15

Buck Van Patten Aug 20

Al Aird Aug 29

Please let us know if your name has been missed for your special day! It is important, and our roster may not have all the correct information

Trock August 4, 1985

Hershberger August 10, 1985

Stein August 10, 1974

Salmen August 18, 2007

Tomlinson August 30, 1963

5

Membership Longevity Pins! July 2020

5 Year 10 Year 15 Year

Don Ceo

Brian de Avila

Steve Hilton

Ron Nolan

Ron Stern

Elke Couples

Tom Couples

Melody Reid

Mark Ware

Brian Bailey

Jeff Hernandez

Les Hershberger

Russ Obarski

Barbara Walker

Look who stuck around for another PIN!

Who will get this 35-year pin?

6

General Meeting, Jul 2, 2020

Recorded by Zoom (88144196325) SANTA CLARITA VALLEY CORVETTE CLUB, INC. BYLAWS, ARTICLE III. MEETINGS OF MEMBERS, Place, Section 3.01. Meetings of the members shall be held at the principal office of the Corporation, or at such location within the State of California as may be designated from time to time by resolution of the Board of Directors.

President, Mike Woodings called the meeting to order via ZOOM at 7:30 PM, and thanked all in attendance and stated in-person meetings continue to be prohibited due to virus community concern. With that in mind, there are no July 4th activities planned by the club or the community. Mike encouraged attendees to display their American flags for the holiday. Mike stated that the Board position for Secretary has not been filled and went on to read the minutes from the June 4, 2020 general meeting, also conducted using the Zoom program. In the absence of the secretary, the July general meeting was again recorded using the Zoom app. There were 30 members and 1 visitor present for the meeting. Elke Couples has completed her term as Treasurer and was not present for the July meeting. Vice President Jim Webster was introduced as the Interim Treasurer pending the filling of the position. Jim read the June treasurer’s report submitted by Elke. The report was shown on the Zoom screen and is available by request Members were encouraged to consider stepping up to the Treasurer position. Mike Woodings reported that the Santa Clarita July 4th Parade will likely not be held this year due to the city council concern about large gatherings. The debate was ongoing and meeting attendees discussed possible alternatives. Mike reported that the new Board of Directors was in place for the 2020 – 2021 club year with the positions of Secretary, Treasurer, Quartermaster and Communications still unfilled. He stated that monthly general meetings will continue in the Zoom format since many remain uncomfortable about the possibility of “community spread” of the current coronavirus. He went on to state that a second “maintenance check” meeting will take place in the Vincenzo’s lot in two weeks to check another safety item of our Corvettes. Suggestions were entertained to possibly consider other locations for maintenance check meetings. Mike stated the response to the food drive benefitting the SCV Food Pantry was outstanding and tanks go out to Sam’s Club, the community, and our

7

membership for making the event a success. Similar events will be planned in the future. Mike stated that reminders about membership renewal will be going out in July. Judy Woodings provided the Membership report. She stated that some openings appear to be available as the new club year begins and went on to encourage us all to keep in touch with each other while we are not able to meet in person. She introduced Bruce Stokes who was visiting our Zoom meeting. Donna Webster thanked all who participated in the Food Drive by working at the Sam’s Club venue and those who contributed as well. She reported that a few club events are being planned in the coming months. Taste of the Town (aka Maintenance Meeting) will be on 7-16 at Vincenzo’s. She said a drive-in movie run is hoped for in August if a venue can be located. A Sunday run to Kernville on 9-13 is being planned and those interested in attending should contact Karen Jewett. Mike reported that both the Quartermaster and Communications board positions remain unfilled, however Steve Turkheimer has volunteered to assist as needed in Communications. Scott Gregory was not present but has posted the latest Newsletter on the web and made it available to members by email. Everyone is encouraged to read the current edition. There was no 50/50 drawing, however, Badge-It or Lose-It took place and lucky Sarah Reader was present and wearing her club badge. She won $40.00. The sum will be $20.00 next month. In Car-Talk, John Vega expressed hope that some car shows will again be scheduled. There was additionally mention that John Allen still has his Corvette covers available for sale. July Birthdays and Anniversaries were recognized. The official count of attendees for this meeting was 30 and the meeting was official per Section 3.07 of the by-laws. The meeting was closed at 8:24 PM.

8

Our club works better when

we are all pitching in….

We still need assistance with the following areas:

• Quartermaster

• Secretary

• Communications

Seriously

Just do it.

QUARTERMASTER’S CORNER

9

Spring Maintenance and Safety Check Thursday, July 16 Valencia Plaza, Newhall

With our Taste-O-the-Town gatherings temporarily on hold, we once again used this time for the second in a series of essential maintenance checks.

July’s inspection was held in the Valencia Plaza parking lot where attendees remained comfortable while also enjoying some take-out food and beverages from our parking lot host - Vincenzo’s Pizza.

It was also a great opportunity to recognize two new board members, Treasurer, Dennis Monden, and Virginia Valenzuela Gregory with the Activities Committee – thanks to both of these members for stepping up to help our club continue to be a success.

10

4th of July Drive Santa Clarita, CA Saturday, July 4th By Mike Woodings

Every year, bunting is displayed on awnings and windowsills, American flags proudly waving along Santa Clarita streets and the unmistakable smells of barbecue and apple pie wafting through neighborhoods, the Fourth of July in Santa Clarita is a holiday with festivities that are not to be missed. One of those traditions is the parade through Newhall where our SCVCC Corvettes are loved by our friends and neighbors who line the streets.

After being promised for months virus fear based lock-downs would be a thing of the past by the Fourth of July, our much hoped for Parade was dashed at the last minute due to public health concerns. Following our General Meeting held on July 2, a few stuck around on Zoom

and there was a suggestion that we should do something on the 4th

since we won’t have a parade this year. A drive around our community and valley was suggested. How about this 26-mile circuit in Vettes with flags? We could meet at Walmart at 3PM and get back in less than an hour and not kill the whole day.

So, with that, I drafted a short notice and added a map and sent an email out to all of our regular and associate members at about 11 PM on July 3rd. The morning of the 4th came and I only got a couple responses to join me on the SCV 4th Drive. The Mondens, Websters, Lydie Colonello and the Woodings did the drive, 26 miles, all decked out in red, white and blue. I was sad you didn’t join the fun. Lots of Santa

Clarita still appreciated our mini-parade anyway.

11

A post-run stop for refreshments and a critique caused me to question our small turnout. I re-thought my email announcement and concluded a previously experienced address book issue could have caused you to not receive the crazy last-minute invitation. Although you all probably went to the beach or had giant BBQs planned with lots of friends you haven’t seen in years and still had a great time without a parade, I apologize. I have been saying for weeks and even months that our club needs a COMMUNICATIONS expert with the departure of Steve T. This mishap is clearly evidence in the truth of my saying “we need YOUR help.” Any way you look at our Fourth of July in 2020, it was a different one than I anticipated and I hope the last of its kind. I hope you all had a great 4th. Applications for that Communications job are definitely welcome!

12

A year ago, this month What we were up to in July 2019

We once again participated in the Santa Clarita, 4th of July parade, for which the club won first place in the car club category! Fifteen Corvettes were dressed out in red, white, and blue, and adorned with flags, streamers, and bunting to show off their pride in both the American spirit, and the heritage behind America’s sports car.

Corvette parading can work up an appetite, so the crew gathered at Margarita’s Mexican Grill for a well-deserved lunch and parade debriefing.

You may also remember that following the event, mother nature stepped in with her own celebration in the form of a 6.4 temblor, just to shake things up little!

13

Next on our busy July schedule was the Taste-O-the-Town at Route 66, which coincided with the long-awaited unveiling of the new, 2020, C8 Corvette, which we are still pretty much waiting for… just just kidding…sort of!

Any normal July would not be complete without road trip, and ours came in the form of a double-header! The first leg was a surprise breakfast to the Summerland Beach Café, followed by a run up to Santa Barbara for an interesting tour of the historic county court house.

14

15

16

17

18

SCVCC Officers 2020 / 2021

Office Name Telephone Email Address

PRESIDENT Mike Woodings 661-964-8168 president@scvcc.org

VICE-PRESIDENT Jim Webster 661-644-0360 vp@scvcc.org

SECRETARY Your Name Here secretary@scvcc.org

TREASURER Dennis Monden 661-212-2989 treasurer@scvcc.org

MEMBERSHIP Judy Woodings 661-212-2889 membership@scvcc.org

QUARTERMASTER Your Name Here quartermaster@scvcc.org

ACTIVITIES

COORDINATOR Donna Webster 661-644-0543 activities@scvcc.org

ACTIVITIES

COORDINATOR Don Ceo 661-753-7791 activities@scvcc.org

ACTIVITIES

COORDINATOR Karen Jewett 661-753-6226 activities@scvcc.org

ACTIVITIES

COORDINATOR Virginia Gregory 661-298-9275 activities@scvcc.org

COMMUNICATIONS

OFFICER Your Name Here communications@scvcc.org

NEWSLETTER

EDITOR Scott Gregory 661-645-8199 newsletter@scvcc.org

WEBMASTER Mark Ware Steve Turkheimer

661-993-8128 818-635-8639

webmaster@scvcc.org

19

S’MORES ROOT BEER FLOATS

It turns out that August 6th is National Root Beer Float Day, and that August 10th is National S’mores Day. Who knew, right? …. and…since root beer floats are one of the greatest things ever, and S’mores are one the best parts of being a kid, the following combination of the two will help to make things better this summer, as least for a little while. This wonderfully rich, super sinful treat uses both vanilla and chocolate ice cream, and it can even be kicked up by adding a little “campfire” flavor with a pinch of smoked sea salt if you like. This recipe is for two, but run with it, they’re just floats….

GET IT TOGETHER

• 1/3 cup milk chocolate chips melted

• 2 small scoops chocolate ice cream

• 2 small scoops vanilla ice cream

• 1-2 bottles root beer

• 2-4 tbsp graham crackers, crushed

• 2 marshmallows- melted, charred or torched

• pinch of smoked sea salt LET’S DO THIS

1. Place chocolate chips in a bowl and microwave in 30 second increments until melty. Roll the rim of the empty glass into the chocolate then stand upright allowing it to run down the glass. You can also use a spoon to drizzle it around the rim. Set aside.

2. Carefully char marshmallows over the stove, BBQ, or with a torch until they are golden brown and delicious- being careful not to ignite flaming balls of sugar in your kitchen. You can always melt them slightly in the microwave instead.

3. Fill each glass with scoops of both the chocolate and vanilla ice creams.

4. Pour root beer over top of the ice cream- leave room for the fizz and the remaining ingredients. Sprinkle on the graham crackers, a pinch of smoked sea salt, and add a charred marshmallow, and a little more of the gram crackers, and there you go…..

Corvette Cafe For connoisseurs of fine cars and good food

20

The Editors Desk

By Scott Gregory

With so many crazy things going on, one of the most rewarding aspects of this job is being able to help others. The letter below is a perfect example.

Dear Editor: I work an overnight shift, so I am often away from home until the early morning hours. But recently I arrived at work only to be told that the Corona Virus had shut down the plant, so we were being sent home. Excited about my unexpected night off, I throttled up my Corvette, and headed home to surprise my wife before she went to bed. However, as I turned the corner towards my house, I could see by the light of the front porch that she was on her way out. Surprised, I slowed, and watched as she walked hurriedly to her car. It was clear that she wasn’t making a late-night run to the market dressed in her designer jeans, high-heels, and a peek-a-boo blouse that I had recently bought for her. She backed her car from the driveway and drove to the boulevard, turned right, and quickly sped into traffic. Of course, I had no trouble keeping up with her in my Vette, and a few miles later I was not more than a block behind when she pulled into the Starlite Motel, and parked. I pulled to the curb, stopped, and eased out of the car, crouching low behind the front wheel. I watched as she switched on the dome light and used the rearview mirror to freshen her lipstick. When I saw her smile and wave at someone, I followed her gaze, and saw a handsome stranger leaving the neon-lit office, a room key in hand, and smiling as he crossed the parking lot towards her. She got out of her car and ran to meet him, laughing as her outstretched arms reached to meet his. Devastated, I looked down and I could not believe what I saw… the front driver’s side caliper on my Z06 Corvette was leaking brake fluid! So, my question is- how can I remove the brake fluid stains from my aluminum alloy rims? Signed, Troubled Dear Troubled: I think you are missing the bigger picture here. You need to start by understanding the importance of personal communication and how it impacts your relationships, especially the one with your authorized Chevrolet dealer. Once you have come to terms with this, you will better understand the importance of the factory recommended maintenance intervals on you beloved Z06 brake system. I hope this helps. Join us next time when we tackle another burning question: Dear Editor, Lately I have been fantasizing about having two Corvettes at the same time, is this normal? Also, how should I approach this subject with my spouse? Anyway, that’s my take on it, Scott Gregory, Editor

- In 2020, aliens probably fly past earth and lock their doors…