Report on State of the Club

2023 Events Take Shape - Save the Dates

Member Profile: John Layton and his 944

Message from GMR President

Alessandro Iuppa

It is my pleasure to provide you with a short note on the “state of the club."

Membership

For the GMR, membership is at the core of our tours and events. As in prior years, club membership fluctuates over the year with members joining and others leaving.

2022 Events Recap

Member participation at our events continued to affected by lingering effects of Covid, but during the year we had over 220 member-registrations for our events. While not intended many of our 2022 events took place in the northwest quadrant of Vermont. The Board is mindful of the need for more geographic distribution in 2023.

In May, we reprised the double gap tour that former President Carl Wulfestieg had previously constructed. The driving tour took us from Sharon to Brandon where we enjoyed a delightful lunch at Café Provence in Brandon.

In June, we held our new member meeting. Unfortunately, attendance was held down due to a cold wet rain that greeted us that morning. Nonetheless, those in attendance enjoyed a nice breakfast and good camaraderie.

In July the Vermont Automobile Enthusiasts (VAE) hosted the GMR at its monthly Cars and Coffee at the University Mall in South Burlington. At its conclusion, Brad Kennison led a tour on some of Vermont’s twisty roads finishing up at Red Barn Bakery in Middlesex.

In August, Lee and Brenda Roy hosted the GMR Potluck BBQ at their lakeside home on Goodsell Point. It was a gorgeous summer day and Lee and Brenda were absolutely wonderful hosts. Lee’s games and contests were among the highlights.

The September tour brought us a quintessential Vermont fall day as we traveled from Brownsville into New Hampshire and back to Vermont on our way to the Vermont Country Store.

October was a busy month with two events. For the first, we aligned with members Jason and Susan Eastman of Bullfrog Auto as they conducted an open house at their new shop in Williston. It was a great opportunity to chat all things Porsche and was followed by another scenic Brad Kennison tour from Williston to Richmond.

The second October event was the GMR Annual Meeting at the Sugarbush Resort in Warren. The meeting was preceded by a colorful tour hosted by Lou Krieg and Ann Pettyjohn. At the meeting we conducted the election of officers for the 2023-2024 term. The election results were President (Alessandro Iuppa), Vice-President (Ben Curran), Treasurer (Christina McCaffrey) and Secretary (Susan Eastman).

Finances

Financially the club remains stable and in good shape. Revenues consist primarily of PCA rebates and subsidies. In 2022 they totaled $5,072. Expenses include software licenses, office supplies, postage, charitable donations and event expenses. The latter include tour leader stipends and the partial underwriting of event meals in an effort to moderate per person fees paid by members.

GMR Webstore

Thanks to Brad and Jill Kennison for their persistence in getting the GMR Webstore up and running. Click here for GMR branded items.

GMR 2022 Charity Drive

The Club's 2022 Charitable drive was successful with a total of $5,081 donated to the Vermont Foodbank and the Vermont Automobile Enthusiasts' Golden Wrench Scholarship Fund. The donations consisted of member donations, a GMR match and a PCA National subsidy.

Communications

Communication with members can be a challenge in the best of times. Like other PCA regions we utilize our newsletter (The Mountaineer), the web (https://gmtpca.org), email blasts via PCA and Constant Contact, and social media to keep members informed and to “market” our events. Our social media is increasingly active as a source of information about the Club and all things Porsche in Vermont.

Member Survey

During Q4 the Board conducted a member survey. All GMR primary and affiliate members were invited to respond and we had a 12% response rate. The responses, which contained a few surprises, are being used by the Board to build the 2023 Event Calendar. Click here for a summary of the responses.

Finally, I want to thank all the Board members for their ongoing commitment to making the Green Mountain Region as enjoyable as possible and for their advice during the course of the year. It is definitely a group effort.

Alessandro Iuppa

President, Green Mountain Region Porsche Club

"Remember, it's not just the cars, it's the people!"

Events Calendar

Save the Dates for 2023!

Tech Talk on Vermont Auto Inspections March 11 in Williston

New Members Meeting and Lunch April 8 in Montpelier

Board planning for the 2023 events is underway. While still in a state of flux the calendar is beginning to take form. See below for a summary that includes GMR and other area activities. Be sure to check the GMR Website Calendar regularly for updates [https://gmtpca.org/events-2/ ]. Now is the time to note your Porsche calendars.

March 2023

Saturday, March 11 - Confirmed - Bullfrog Auto Tech Session, 204 Boyer Circle, Williston, VT starting at 10am. Have you ever wondered what an automotive technician actually does during a Vermont State Safety Inspection? Wonder no more! Participate in an approximate 90 minute interactive question and answer session led by Jason Eastman (Owner) and Juan Machuca (Lead Technician) of Bullfrog Auto. Jason and Juan have over 60 years combined state inspection experience. They will walk you through the inspection process with a Porsche in the shop and explain Vermont's requirements for a vehicle to pass a Vermont State safety inspection. They will also talk about the state's Automated Vehicle Inspection Program (AVIP) and how it impacts repair shops and vehicle owners. It's also a chance to sneak a peek at some of the ongoing Porsche projects in the shop too!! Coffee, water, juice, donuts and bagels will be available. If you plan to attend, please RSVP to bullfrogautovt@gmail.com by COB March 9th.

April 2023

Saturday, April 8 - Confirmed - New Member Welcome and Season Kick-Off at the Capitol Plaza Hotel in Montpelier from 11.00am to 2.00pm. Since our last new member welcome in June 2022,18 Porsche owners have joined the Green Mountain Region of PCA (with more to come in the coming months). This year the Club would like to extend a special welcome to these new members at our New Member Welcome & Season Kick-off Meeting. This event will include a buffet luncheon, a preview of GMR’s 2023 calendar of events, an open forum, and most important, a chance to socialize with like- minded Porsche owners and friends. The lunch menu will be a “deli buffet” that will feature an assortment of premium deli meats and cheeses, tuna salad with lemon and capers, green salad, coffee or tea, and dessert. The cost for lunch is $30/per person.Please register no later by the COB on 1 April 2023. To register, please click here.

May 2023

Saturday, May 13 - Driving Tour [details under development] - GMR member Nico Seldon of Woodstock is putting together a tour that he suggests will be memorable.

Saturday, May 20 - Confirmed - Cars & Coffee Vermont, University Mall from 7.00am - 9.00pm. Click here for more information

June 2023

GMR Driving Tour - We are still looking to identify a tour leader. If you are interested in leading the tour please let us know at gmrpca@gmail.com. The Board stands ready to assist and to make leading the tour as easy as possible.

Saturday, June 10 - PCA Zone 1 Gimmick Rally & Concurs d’Elegance, Bedford, NY. Click here for more information.

June 16 to 18 - PCA Zone 1 Club Race: Clash at the Glen, Watkins Glen, NY. Click here for more information.

Saturday, June 17 - Confirmed - Cars & Coffee Vermont, University Mall from 7.00am - 9.00pm. Click here for more information.

July 2023

GMR Driving Tour - We are still attempting to identify a tour leader. If you would like to lead a tour please let us know at gmrpca@gmail.com.

Saturday, July 15 - Cars & Coffee Vermont’s Porsche Day, University Mall from 7.00am - 9.00pm. Click here for further information.

Saturday, July 22 - PCA DownEast Region’s "Porsche in the Park" at Bug Light Park in South Portland, Maine. If a sufficient number of members are interested we may put together a destination tour to this charity event. Click here for more information.

August 2023

GMR Driving Tour - We are still attempting to identify a tour leader. If you would like to lead a tour please let us know at gmrpca@gmail.com.

August 8 to 11, Vermont Automobile Enthusiasts [VAE] Classic Car Meet in Waterbury, VT. Last year, we had a successful weekend with the GMR booth. If you are interested in volunteering a few of hours at the GMR Booth please drop an email to gmrpca@gmail.com. Click here for more information.

September 2023

GMR Driving Tour - We are still attempting to identify a tour leader. If you would like to lead a tour please let us know at gmrpca@gmail.com.

Date to be Determined - Green Mountain Region Potluck BBQ

October 2023

GMR Driving Tour - We are still attempting to identify a tour leader. If you would like to lead a tour please let us know at gmrpca@gmail.com.

GMR Annual Meeting [planing in process]

October 14 - Joint Zone 1 & 2 Boardwalk Reunion, Ocean City, NJ

December 9/10 - GMR Holiday Gathering. Date and location to be determined.

Green Mountain Merchandise Webstore

To kick off the new year and to get everyone thinking about the upcoming driving season, you will want to be sure to outfit yourselves with GMR-branded apparel. GMR now has its own webstore hosted on the PCA website. The webstore has sixteen items in various colors and sizes. There are short and long sleeve shirts, vests, jackets, and hats for both men and women. Click here to be directed to the webstore. Your purchases help support outstanding events and by proudly wearing your logo apparel you are bringing visibility to GMR.

Thank you for your continued support.

Brad Kennison, Membership Chair

Welcome New PCA Members!

The following members have joined Green Mountain Region PCA recently. 

Jeff Sercel, Williston, 2016 Cayman GT4

William Withum, East Burke, 2001 Boxster

Ilan Weitzen, 2008 Cayman S

John Layton, South Ryegate, 1987 944

Test Drive Program - Veronica Hirsch, Middlebury

Name Tags: We recommend that new members and their spouses or partners purchase "official" Green Mountain Club name tags for use at all GMR events. Please email gmrpca@gmail.com to request them for you and your spouse or partner, and our treasurer, Christina McCaffrey, will try to get them for you in time for the next event. The cost is $20.00 per name tag.



My Porsche Experience



By GMR Member John Layton

Editor's note We invite GMR members to submit photos and stories about their Porsches and driving experience. Here, member John Layton writes about his history with his beloved 944's!

My Porsche (944) Experience Thus Far:

I attribute the beginnings of my “Porsche Passion” to my son Curtis…who, just having turned 16, had set his sights on a rough-around-the-edges 1984 944, which had been raced, tracked, and much abused during its 340K mile existence.  When this car came into our lives, during the summer before Curtis’ junior year in high school (2004 if memory serves)…my initial trepidation of having him choose a Porsche as his very first ride quickly evolved into pure joy as he and I began to unravel the 944’s mysteries…not only on a number of local twisty back roads, but also with tools in hand as we proceeded, along with liberal quantities of PB-Blaster (rust penetrant)…to remove, clean, re-adjust, rehabilitate, and re-assemble many of the car’s vital components.  But the best (and absolutely priceless) aspect of this endeavor was the bond that this strengthened between the two of us…and which remains strong to this day, despite our lives having since taken very different paths.

While Curtis eventually sold his 944 and became a “Saab Guy” (I’ve also owned a few Saabs over the years - great cars!), it was I who was left smitten by the Porsche…and it did not take long before I found yet another 944 - this time a 1985.5 model, to call my own.  It was also with this car that I’d proceeded a bit further into the “DIY” realm, dropping its engine to disassemble and reseal it, and rebuilding major components like brakes, power steering, and suspension.  But then, after a few years of ownership (or, more accurately, “stewardship”) I was approached by a local auto mechanic, who’d been eyeing my 944 for awhile…and who also had a 16 year old son.  They needed a project, and I guess my nostalgia must have gotten the better of me, for I then sold this car to the mechanic for much less than its actual value.  At any rate, as the mechanic and his son continue to have a wonderful time together with this car, (reflecting my own experience with my son all those years ago), I know in my heart that the true value realized by my making this “sale” was much greater than anything I might have realized financially.

But I soon felt bereft…and so once more started looking - until, in the spring of 2019, I found a very sweet, “maraschino red,” 1987 944NA (non turbo), which came with a complete service history from new…indicating that this car had been exceedingly well kept.  The car also came with 162K miles on its odometer, so that after I’d added another 4K miles over that summer and early fall, I wasn’t the least bit surprised when the (original) fuel pump decided to call it quits, leaving my car stranded by the roadside, with two kayaks strapped to its roof (see photo), in New Hampshire’s Connecticut Lakes region just south of the Canadian border.  Despite very spotty cell service, I managed to get a call through to AAA…and before long, my 944 (with kayaks still affixed) and myself were transported back to my home in Vermont.

While I could have simply replaced a fuel pump and called it a day, I instead decided to leave this 944 up on my (low-rise) lift, so that I could, over the following eighteen months, remove and completely rebuild the engine, power steering system, brakes, front wheel bearings, front suspension, CV axles, replace the clutch and water pump/belts/rollers, fuel lines, and many other components, as well as reupholstering the front seats.  Still on my “to do” list will be reupholstering the dashboard, rebuilding the front control arms, and replacing the rear wheel bearings.  I will also (eventually) rebuild the torque tube and refresh the rear suspension.  

In the meantime…I’m very happy to report that over the nearly two years that I’ve had my 944 back on the road since the rebuild, it not only continues to hum along admirably as my year-round, daily driver, but also to be a source of inspiration and joy as I continue to explore its wonderful capabilities.  Furthermore, it has been through the ownership/stewardship of three 944’s, as well as in reaching out to other Porsche owners/stewards…that I’ve acquired a more thorough appreciation of the engineering brilliance, of the Porsche “DNA” which is traceable back to the first 356, and which remains indelible, despite multitudes of tweaks and improvements, in every model going forward. 

And so it is with great excitement and anticipation of meeting more “kindred spirits,” all having in common both the belief and the knowledge that there is, truly, “nothing like a Porsche,” that I now (along with my wife, Marlene, as co-member) join the Green Mountain Region Porsche Club!!

John Layton

johnlaytonphotography.com

Alessandro "Al" Iuppa

President

Ben Curran

Vice-President

Christina McCaffrey

Treasurer

Susan Eastman

Secretary

Sandy Gilmour

Communications Chair

Albert "Duffy" Miller

Member at Large

Don Jones,

Member at Large

Brad Kennison

Membership Chair

Anne Pettijohn

Member at Large

About These Email Communications: 

Replies to these newsletters come to me (Sandy Gilmour), not the entire membership; however, I can forward to our president and other board members if needed or you may email the president, Alessandro Iuppa, directly at gmrpca@gmail.com. We welcome any comments on ways we can improve communications.

Join Green Mountain PCA -- If you are receiving this email as a "friend of Green Mountain Porsche Club," please consider joining PCA. You get a great magazine, Panorama, and membership in Green Mountain Region is included in the annual dues of $46 a year. Go online at www.PCA.org, or simply call headquarters in Maryland at (410) 381-0911‬.

We welcome any submissions to this newsletter and to our website by members who have some fun experiences, photos, tech stuff and other adventures to share! Email me at sandygilmour@icloud.com.

Remember also, it's a volunteer organization. Any help you can provide -- especially with event planning -- is most appreciated by all!

"It's not just the cars; it's the people."

Sandy Gilmour (2014Boxster)  

Communications Manager

Green Mountain Region

Porsche Club of America

sandygilmour@icloud.com