Thank You CVR

I thought this would be the easiest Challenge article I have ever had to write. You know, the one where I would say thanks for allowing me to serve as CVR President over the past two years and I’ll see you for pancakes in January at The Trailer Depot! But somewhere along the line, things got considerably more complicated when Trish and I decided to make our home in Scottsdale, AZ, our permanent residence.

I have often said that the most difficult part of this move for me is that I’m going to be far away from the many CVR activities that I enjoy and the many dear friends that I have developed during my years as an active member of this club. It’s easy to find a new favorite restaurant, a new place of worship, a new place to play golf, or a new favorite place to watch a sunset. But I’m pretty sure that I won’t be able to fully replace the important role CVR has played in my life over the past 25 years or so. And I certainly won’t be able to replace the friends that I have made along the way as a result of being active in CVR. You, my friends, are very special to me.

There is no question that I’m looking forward to a new chapter in my life. One that I hope will be full of great hikes, long bike rides, glorious sunsets, and yes, perhaps even a few more car events! And to be honest, I’m certainly not going to miss the ice, snow, salty roads, and oppressive traffic that come with living in southwestern CT. But I will deeply miss my many CVR friends and all the activities that we share.

I know I leave CVR in good hands with incoming President Phil Capella and the rest of the 2019 CVR Board. I am confident that they have the best interests of the club at heart and are each well-qualified for their respective roles. I know you will give them the same respect and courtesies that you have given me over the past two years.

I plan on retaining my CVR membership, just like so many others seem to do when they leave CT. I will probably also establish a dual membership in the Arizona Region to better keep up on the activities that will now be more local for me. I also hope to see many of you at the various mega-car events that now seem to populate the calendar — PCA Parade, Scottsdale car week, Amelia Island, Monterey, etc. And don’t be surprised if you see me at a club race or a DE from time to time!

This is not really a goodbye then — it is a thank you for being such a positive and important part of my life over the past several years and an invitation to continue on life’s journey, together.

And remember, it’s not just the cars, it’s the people!