Director’s Viewpoint

Metro’s Grand Classic 2006 was a huge success.  After nearly a year of intense planning, the event seemed to be just a “fleeting moment.”  I’m certain that those of you who have planned a wedding or major party have experienced the same feeling – and ours was a three day event.

It was a gorgeous, warm day for our Ellis Island, Statue of Liberty and Chart House restaurant dinner on Thursday.  A fabulous kickoff to our Grand Classic enjoyed by 39 attendees.  Friday dawned bright and sunny, but cooler, perfect for the Classic caravan through the Jersey countryside, culminating in a delightful luncheon at Steve Babinsky’s new restoration facility in Lebanon, NJ.  Over 95 people shared in that great experience which included at least 35 Classics on this tour, plus another dozen or so at Steve’s shop.  That evening over a hundred members and guests enjoyed a culinary extravaganza at the Black Forest Inn where I, as auctioneer, made a spectacle of myself.  Some say, perhaps in disappointment, that my jacket this year was “toned down” – to which I reply – “perhaps this year I had some Class” – note the capital “C.”

By now, just about everyone knows that as great as the weather was for our first two days, it couldn’t have been worse for our show day – rainy, cold, dark and dreary with reports of slushy material landing on windshields – a total disaster.  The meticulously laid out parking lot for 80 Classics arranged for the judges by class – down the drain.  This is what greeted me at 6:30 that morning.  I couldn’t imagine what would happen. 

What did happen was absolutely grand.  Nearly fifty Classics braved the weather and graced our modified show field.  The rain abated enough to permit the judges to work in the field with only a few cars being pulled under the portico near the end of the day.  The hotel lobby was packed as everyone would run in from the cold to get re-energized – gallons of coffee were consumed.  It was a camaraderie and bonding that had to be seen to be believed.  Everyone pulled together to make the show a success, despite the elements.  It was as if they all wanted to share in the bragging rights, “I survived Metro’s GC 2006.”  The mettle of the CCCA membership sure made its presence known that day.  Grace and I are most grateful and proud to be part of this wonderful organization.

The evening Awards Banquet and closing ceremony was attended by 108 revelers.  Photog, Steve Gluck, projected over 1,000 images of the weekend’s events.  Most of the photos were from his camera with additions from the lenses of his dad and Pat Caruso.  The best, saved for last, was the presentation of the awards by head judge, John Kefalonitis and announced by yours truly.

During the Awards Banquet, I told a story about Charlie Eggert and “walking the dogs.”  It really had to do with the ongoing debate – is the CCCA about the cars or is it about the people?  As you go through our Grand Classic 2006 Special Edition, you decide.  Are we about the cars or are we about the people?  Please write or email Grace and let her know.

There are so many people to thank for their involvement in helping to make this grand Classic the success that it was.  Please accept my heartfelt “thank you” to all.  I would like to also recognize the outstanding contribution of three very special young ladies.  The first is Shirleen Offermann, the secretary in Bob Rooke’s office.  Shirleen is responsible for all the daily financial records of Metro, dues, depositing of checks and payment of bills.  When we do a Grand Classic, another $25,000 is added to that work load - all accurately recorded and accounted for.  Thank you, Shirleen, our unseen, unsung hero.  Next is Ann Marie Nash.  Ann Marie was ever present at our registration table.  Answering questions, giving out envelopes, selling promos and collecting money, Ann Marie worked tirelessly to keep everyone on the books and on track.  In addition, Ann Marie kept pace with the financial records of our frenzied auction – who bought what, for how much and then saw to it that the money was collected – an incredible feat.  Thank you, Ann Marie.

Then there’s Grace.  I’ve told you before about her work load, unbelievably it’s increased since I wrote telling you about the 10/7 thing.  The big misconception is that it ended when the Grand Classic was over.  Not so, there is a myriad of things that have to be tended to following the event, and then to top it off, she’s publishing this special edition of the Skyline.  So, it’s a month later and she’s still going strong.  Thanks, Grace, I’m the luckiest guy in the world!

To those of you who have participated in our Grand Classic 2006, I hope that this magazine recalls cherished memories – over and over.  To everyone else, I wish a vicarious experience – again and again.

I close with a personal side note.  Much to my surprise, Phil Guilhem took to the podium during our Black Forest Banquet and bestowed upon me the now fully engraved Cantore Family Award that I received at the Annual meeting in Boston.  It is a fantastic tribute, an accolade received for the second time.  For me, it was déjà vu all over again.  I thank the National Board for this recognition and the Cantore family for sponsoring this beautiful award.  It is a sculpture that will become a treasured family heirloom.  I am humbly honored to be the first recipient.  WOW!