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Newsletter of the Northern California ChapterOldsmobile Club of America
OldsletterThe
Jan/Feb 2015
Inside This Issue; l Planning Meeting Datel Christmas Party Coveragel 2015 Dues Mailer Insertedl Oldsmobile Stories and More
Merry Oldsmobile Christmas
and a Happy 2015 New Year
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Car Show Chair Jon Manji916-386-1642 2257 Moorbrook [email protected] Sacramento, CA 95826
Club Historian BobGriffith(209) 366-2807 2434 [email protected] Lodi,CA95242
President andNewsletter Editor Larry EwingTechnicalLibrarian 3330HenrietteCt(408) 528-9770 San Jose, CA [email protected]
Vice-President Denise La Centra(510) 909-9582 144 Virginia [email protected] Hayward,CA94544
Treasurer/Membership Dan Haggerty(408)268-7904 [email protected] SanJose,CA95120
Secretary and Health & Welfare Linda Sutherland
(209)833-3413 [email protected] Tracy,CA95377
Pacific S.W. Zone Directors Dan Haggerty 6208 Balderstone Dr San Jose, CA 95120 (408) [email protected]
Jon Manji, 2257 Moorbrook Way Sacramento, CA [email protected]
(209) [email protected] Velasquez LaneTracy, CA 95377
Nor Cal Olds Club Website: www.norcalolds.com
DonSutherlandNor Cal Olds Webmaster
Officers and Representatives 2014
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Hi Oldsmobile Club members:
Thank you for making 2014 a great year.I would like to recap our past year starting with our planning meeting last January. We had a great time at the Nike Site that Dominic Spinetta hosted in March. We had a work party to help Bill Hoffert assemble his ‘32 Olds during in the spring. In May we had a successful Zone show with a new venue at Pismo Beach. In June our members brought 16 Oldsmobiles to the National Antique Olds Show in Minden, NV. July/Aug was the OCA Nationals in Cincinnati where we had Jon Manji as our Zone representative and Trish and Stuart Overholtzer drove their Olds. Following our August meeting in Manteca we visited their History Museum then on to the Marsden’s to see Alan’s ‘38 Olds project. In September we had our Annual Show and Micke Grove and successfully tried a new agenda. October was the Rocket West in Hollister hosted by the Clayton’s. In November the rain hampered Marsden’s Rocketfest but thanks to the troopers that came. Now in December, our annual Christmas Party and it is covered in this issue. We did have a few other things planned like the trip to Jellybelly and Filoli Gardens that did not materi-alize but let’s try to work it in next year! We are having our Annual Planning Meeting at the CAM in Sacramento on Jan 10th to set up another year of events. We try to have at least one event a month but we certainly can do more. Please bring your ideas and think strongly of hosting a tour and or event in 2015 as to continue to have fun with our cars and members.Best Wishes,President, Larry Ewing
President’s Message
Editor’s NoteWe have coverage of our annual Christmas party starting on page 7. We have included in this issue a convenient mail in envelope for 2015 Nor Cal Club dues.Be sure to to update the year and model of your Oldsmobile (s) if there has been any changes. This is important as the following issue of the Oldsletter will have this information published as a roster and fellow members will be able to see who also has a similar car. This is a big help to some as information shared keeps these Oldsmobiles running and on the road. With the generous donation of member Tony De Rosa we now have 3 more manuals in our library. They are 1995 Cutlass Ciera and Cutlass Cruiser books 1 and 2 and also brake supple-ment. Thanks a bunch Tony!
The 1932 Olds our club helped assemble early this year sold to a guy that came out from Ohio. Bill Hoffert, no longer able to work in it, is happy it went to a good home and thanks us for the help we gave him. He said it was the highlight of his year as we were all working to get the ‘32 up and running. Thanks to all of you that helped out.
I gave some outstanding service awards out at the Christmas party this year as certain mem-bers constantly step forward and help make the club run smoothly. First Dan Haggerty for his membership and treasurer roles he so masterly handles. Keeping track of members and the dues, which includes sending me ready to print list of members for Oldsletter mailings and a separate list for Don to send electronically. He also is our go to guy when it comes to
Cover. Jon Manji’s 1986 442 with the car deep in the snow at the Christmas tree farm in cyber space. Photoshop by Larry Ewing
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http://www.calautomuseum.org/Current ExhibitDec 13, - Feb 1, 2014 Auto Exotica: A celebration of Modern SupercarsTrip planned:Mar 27-Apr 4, Cuba’s Classic CarsContact: Mayra Crespo [email protected]
$8 General Admission | $7 AAA & 65+ | $4 Student Kids under 5 FREEHours 10:00 AM - 6:00 pm (Mon. - Sun.) Until 9:00 pm on 3rd Thursdays
Membership ReportMembership as of December 5, 2014 is 129 members with 46 associate members. NCOC 2015 membership dues are due by January 1, Each Year; $25 for member only or $25 + $5 for member and spouse; send to Dan Haggerty membership chairman.OCA membership dues should be sent directly to OCAApplications for NCOC and OCA are on our club website at ( www.norcalolds.com ).Membership Chairman, Dan Haggerty
Treasurer ReportOur club bank account is solvent.Nor Cal Olds Club Treasurer, Dan Haggerty
understanding and signing contracts for our events and working with other clubs and vendors paying our bills.Don Sutherland, as just mentioned, sends you your electronic Oldsletter and designs and main-tains our great website. He selects “Members Car of the Month” and posts it for all to see. He has the latest flyers and updates available often before you see it in the mailed Oldsletter. Dominic Spinetta is not an officer but he is constantly helping out with events, parking cars, cleaning up and generally keeping things together. He also volunteers to do events as with last March doing the meeting at his house with pizza for all the members and later a very interest-ing tour of the Nike Missile site near his home. Last but not least Jeanie Marsden, a past mem-bership, past treasurer person, tee shirt lady etc. and a constant volunteer offering her home for meetings and gatherings, ie Rocketfest. She said a few years back she needed to step away and gave up some of her array of duties but she is still always there for us with ideas and plans and help. She is a special lady and so deserving of the “Outstanding Service Award”. She, Don, Dan and Dominic sure make my job easier! Thanks from the bottom of my heart.Editor, Larry EwingPS: Keep those pictures and stories coming and thank you for those that do!
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Planning Meeting/Lunch at the CAM 10 am - 2 pm Saturday Jan 10th
Jan 10 Annual Planning Meeting, CAM Sacramento See Below for detailsJan 24-25 Turlock Swap Meet. Our space is 12 in building 2, see info page 6Mar 28 28th Annual All Oldsmobile Show, Arizona Club, Scottsdale, AZ, flyer page 6 May 15-17 PSW Zone Show, Sea Crest Hotel, Pismo Beach 805-773-4608 (Olds Club)
Other Events
Official Olds Club Events 2015
Dec 31 HennessysNewYear’sEveCarShow,10:30-2:00735HarrisonSt,SantaClaraJan 8-11 SiliconValleyInt’nlNewCarShow,McEneryConventionCenter,SanJoseFeb 14-16 SacramentoAutorama877-763-7465Mar 28-29 GoodguysAllAmericanShow,Alamedafairgrounds,www.good-guys.comApr 12 CrusinNorthCarClubSwap,SantaRosa,707-763-5271www.oldrides.comApr 10-12Portland,ORSwapMeet503-823-7223www.portlandswapmeet.comApr 18 ClassicCarSwapMeet,SactoSleepTrainArenasacramentoswapmeet.comApr 26 PacificCoastDreamMachine,HalfMoonBaymiramarevents.comMay 3 Turlock Spring Swap Meet 209-201-8491May 17 Friendship Day, 1300 Seaport Dr, Redwood City, Bob Moll 650-851-4944May 30 EaglesNestCarShow,Ione,CADave209-274-9160May 30-31 GoodguysSummerShow,Alamedafairgrounds,www.good-guys.comJuly 19 HillsboroughConcours,CrystalSpringsGolfCoursehillsboroughconcours.orgAug 1 SwapMeet,SactoSleepTrainArena916-955-8777sacramentoswapmeet.comAug 21-23 GoodguysWestCoastNats,Alamedafairgrounds,www.good-guys.com
CaliforniaAutoMuseumintheEducationCenter,2200FrontStreet,Sacramento,CA95818Phone:(916)442-6802
Directions;LocatedneartheHigh-way#5andHighway#50junctioninSacra-mento.
FollowthesignstoOldSacramentoAreaasFrontSt.runsthroughthecenterparalleltotheriver.
FromsouthofSactakeBroadwayturnoff.GolefttoFrontSt.thenrightto2200.
Lunch provided with reservations. R.S.V.P. Dan Haggerty by email [email protected] or phone 408-268-7904 for count.
All Members WelcomeAll Nor Cal Olds Club members can get free admission to the CAM, just identify yourself and show your 2015 Nor Cal Olds Club mem-bership card.
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Turlock Swap Meet January 24-25, 2015 Building 2 space 12 Volunteertohelprecruitnewmembers,signupoldmembersandjusttalkOldsmobileforafewhours.Ifyouhavepartstosellyoucanusepartofour10’x20’spacebutbesuretohavepricesmarkedandpickupby3pmSatur-dayifnotsold.(Sundaybynoon)Memberswillingtomanthebothforover2hoursmayhavetheirentrancefeepaidbytheclub.ContactLarrytoarrangehours1-408-896-1950(cell)
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2014 Christmas Party at Cattlemens’
Larry and Linda Ewing Tony and Denise La Centra
Janette and Bob Griffith Dan and Elaine Haggerty
Our Hostess Gala Gilliland The DeRose Family, Tony, Josephine and Anthony Jr.
WehadawonderfulChristmaspartyagainattheCattlemensinLivermore.OurHostessGalaremindedusitwasour22ndannualstayattherestaurantandwentalloutwithtabledecorationsforallguests,abigcakeandexcellentservice.Nocomplaints,allfolkshadagreattime.Seebelowall33guestsandspecialawardpeopleonthelastpage.
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Dominic Spinetta and Nancy Marcone right front, seated in back is Margi and John Smith
The Wnuk family, Darliss, Stevie, Trina and Paul
Jim and Joyce White Linda and Don Sutherland
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Tricia and Stuart Overholtzer Alan and Jeanie Marsden
Vicki and Lyle Burgess Joan and Larry Shuyler
Sonia and Steve Spatola
Jim White with the unofficial “besthat at the party” recognition!
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Above top, Dominic Spinetta and Don Sutherland receive Nor Cal Club recogni-tion award for Outstanding Service to the Club. Above Dan Haggerty and Jeanie Marsden also receive the award from Pres-ident Larry Ewing. These 4 people espe-cially make Our Club operate smoothly and help make my Job as President a breeze. Thanks LEE Check out the cake!
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Make a Date with a Rocket 8 by Larry EwingIt started with me as a kid when I got a ride in my Uncle Fred’s fast Olds 88 then again 1958 while in high school. An upper classmate Dennis Milani had a 1949 88 coupe with a 324 cu.in. engine and six 2 barrel carburetors, it was fast and got my attention. As with many of my friends we read Hot Rod Magazine and spotted the hot cars. We also went to the nearest drag strip which was Half Moon Bay. The fastest times of the day were often set by Jay Cheatham in an Olds powered dragster. With that in mind and the memory of my Uncle Fred’s fast ‘50 88 I was hooked on the Rocket Engine. In Hot Rod Magazine I read of Gene Adams constantly setting record times with his Engle cammed ‘50 Olds fastback, up and up each month, 109, 110, 111 mph in the quarter mile. I had a 40 Ford DeLuxe coupe at the time and planned to put an Oldsmobile engine in it. I bought a ‘56 324 but before I could install it I had an offer on my ‘40 Ford I couldn’t refuse so I sold the car and kept the engine. I found a ‘50 Olds coupe needing an engine so a perfect fit transpired. That was April 1959 and that’s the car I still have today.
At the 1960 National Champion-ship the fastest dragster was the Albertson Olds out of Playa Del Ray, CA with Harris at the wheel. Also in 1960 Ratican, Jackson and Stearns won in their Olds powered AA/A Fiat and won the Nationals and again in 1961. Also at that time Stone, Woods and Cook had an Olds powered ‘41 Willys that dominated
the drag race tracks. Earlier AK Miller, built the el Cabello an Olds powered roadster which did very well the Mexican Road race. Not to mention Hershell McGriff who won the Mexican Road Race in June 1950 in a stock 88 sedan. Hugh Tucker was an-other name in the race community that had a ‘28 Chevrolet roadster Oldsmobile powered that was undefeated race after race. So with that heritage I knew I was good in company. Hugh Tucker was recently inducted into the Drag Racing Hall of Fame in 2014 in Bakersfield for his performance. His car was on display in the lobby of the hotel this year at the ceremony for drag racers at the Doubletree Hotel.Please note, Oldsmobiles were fast but the Chrysler Hemi’s were now starting to dominate by the early 60’s. That hemispherical combustion chamber was so efficient that a 276 cu. in. engine (‘52 DeSoto) with a two barrel carburetor put out 160 HP. In comparison an Oldsmobile needed 303 cubic inch engine with a four barrel carbure-tor just to produce the same HP. But with the help of Gene Adams, Ak Miller, Don Ratican and other engine builders the Olds engine was very competitive. Chrysler Corporation found that the Hemi engine was too expensive to manufacture
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so by 1958 they decided to stop building the Hemi but the racers continued to develop its horsepower thus breaking most of the speed records of the day. By 1964 Oldsmo-bile had pumped that original Rocket V8 up to 345 hp but ended production that year. At GM hi-performance became a no-no for some reason. On the other hand Chrysler waking up to the racers progress reintroduced the Hemi in racing form. The mid 60s Oldsmobile changed to a lighter engine block with plenty of stock power, not to play down the 330-400-425-455 great engines but they couldn’t be elevated to the full blown nitro stage the Hemis were capable of. They also focused on luxury as in the Toronado while Chrysler went drag racing with their new Hemi and also focused on NASCAR. In October every year now for the past 25 years there is a Hot Rod Reunion in Ba-kersfield, California at the Famoso Raceway. My teenage car guy idol, Jay Cheatham ran his Olds dragster there in 1959 but was killed in an unfortunate accident. My high school idol Dennis Milani also lost his life in a Gotelli dragster in Half Moon Bay a few years later. A dangerous sport to say the least. These guys and many more racers are remembered at Famoso Raceway with plaques in their memory in the picnic area. The Ratican, Jackson and Stearns AA/A Fiat has recently been there and I was able to meet Ron Stearns the driver a few years ago and this year I was able to meet and speak with Don Ratican the engine builder. I wasn’t a drag racer back in the day nor am I today with the exception of taking my Olds coupe to the last Fremont Drags in 1988 running 15.1 seconds at 93 miles an hour. But I love the cars and the people and the whole scene. When I go to the reunion in Bakersfield there are always legendary people, the likes of Ed Iskenderian, Tommy Ivo, Vic Edelbrock, Jr, Gene Winfield, Don Prudhomme, Linda Vaughn, to name a few, and Olds powered cars and dragsters around which makes me feel like I’ve died and gone to car heaven.I know we have some Nor Cal mem-bers that drag raced, one Dominic Spinetta in his ‘54 and later his ‘65 and John Rowan who won his class in a’50 Olds coupe at the’62 Winter-nationals in Pomona.This year I met up with Nor Cal racer, Gary Cope and his sons at Famoso in the swap meet area. Gary and I ended up talking to engine builder Don Ratican and that alone made our day. I met Gary at one of our past Vallejo Swap meets back in the early 90s. A mutual friend, Garret Walther introduced us. Gary and Garret were in the Inliners club together but they realized they both had Oldsmobile juice in their blood and Garret knew I did too. Garret had a ‘50 Oldsmobile fastback with a ‘55 Rocket engine and a ‘37 LaSalle transmission when we met back at junior college and we became instant friends, and still are. In the mid 90s I told Gary I was putting on a Rocket 88 show at the Sacramento
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Autorama and wanted him to participate. Gary did not disappoint. He build an entire Oldsmobile Rocket Garage in the corner of our building that covered every aspect of the Olds Rocket. A blown ‘50 fastback under construction, Olds speed equipment hanging off the walls, an Olds engine glass top coffee table, Rocket Gas pump and on and on. See picture. Gary is also a GMC 6 guru and builds cars especially for Bonneville to race but in this article I’ll stay with his Oldsmobile life as I know it. One of his Oldsmobiles back in the early 60s was a ‘57 convertible that he installed a four speed stick transmission. I don’t think he was ever beat in a drag race with that car. His career was in the scrap metal business, owning his own shop. He, over the years, collected some very special items along with every Olds and GMC speed part he came across. When he sold the business he retired and started building Pack Rat Flats on the property at his home in Auburn where he displays his treasures. The Olds Club has visited there before but as it evolves over time it will be different next time we go. Gary is one of the most creative people on the planet and is always coming up with new ideas and like his garage dis-play at the Autorama, he will not disappoint.
In summary my making a date with a Rocket 8 back in the day may explain why I am hooked on this subject and I don’t think it’s going away anytime soon.
Above is AA/Altered Olds powered Fiat, the ‘60-’61 champ. Right is driver Ron Sterns today with me (rt) at Famoso
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Free Personalized Club Badges AvailableAnewsetofclubbadgesweremadeforallthosememberinattendanceattheChristmasParty.IfyouplantocometoaneventpleaseletLarryEwingknowafewdaysinadvanceandyour’swillbewaitingforyouatthenextplannedevent,meeting,swap,showetc.Sorrynomailingavailable,pickupateventonly.
Theaboveartworkwascreatedbyreversingawhitecarandturningtheedgestoline.ThewondersofPhotoshop!
Aboveisa1/18scalemodeloftheRaticanJacksonandStearnsFiatAA/Arecordholderfrom1960-61,394OldsPower!
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Rocket 88 Under Construction by Larry EwingNor Cal member Dick Engles and his wife Patti are in the process of bring a ‘50 Holi-day back to life up at their home in Nevada City. Although we have not physically met we have corresponded back and forth and exchanged thoughts, pictures and parts. Dick had a ‘50 88 Convertible in high school and now has a Model A roadster with a Rocket Olds engine. Wanting a project after retirement, he obtained this ‘50 Holiday. By the pictures and his careful methodology I’m sure this will be one fine car when done. He will incorporate some upgrades with this build but lets save the details for later when he finishes this beauty.I can’t wait to see this machine on the road.
Above the ‘50 Holiday getting fit and aligned and prepared for paint. The Rocket engine has been rebuilt, detailed and ready to drop right it. Below is Dick’s Model A roadster with a ‘32 grille shell and best of all it’s Rocket Olds Powered with 3 deuces! Nice ride!!!
Member Note; Ifyouhaveacarprojectinprogressdon’thesitatetosendpicturesandwecanfollowallalongliketheaboveproject.Editor LEE
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Out and About with Oldsmobiles
AtGoodguysPleasantonLarryEwingwontheClassActAward,‘5088convertible.NorCalmemberRussVitalshowshisslick371Oldspowered‘5088clubcoupe,left.Belowablack‘5688HolidayfromJackson, CA.
PatHorn’s455Oldspowered‘50coupefromModestobe-lowandanother‘50convert-ible belonging to Mike Block ofArroyoGrande,CA.
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Hildebrand Motors and Northern Lights Chapter of Oldsmobile Club of Canada presented the 21st Annual Oldsmobile Car Show in Olds, Alberta, Canada on July 19th. Oldsmobile enthusiasts from all around met to show of their prized rides. Our Nor-Cal member Paul Turkovich took his ‘56 Holiday to show as well.Yes the name of the town is OLDS and Hildebrand Motors was an Olds dealer back in the day and still honors the tradition of an Olds show in Olds!Watchthevideoathttp://vod.catvmedia.net/video/Hildebrand-Oldsmobile- Show/5672f7697f8cb106c6d440ed12ff986a
More Oldsmobiles
These Oldsmobiles were seen in Marlinton, West Virginia while on vacation.The black ‘00 Bravada only had 58k mile and was for sale for $7k. Not a bad price? 304-799-7280The Olds below was a different story as it looked totally abandoned.
West Virginia Oldsmobiles
PS:Ifyou’veseenthispagebeforehereistheexplanation.WhenIdotheOldsletterforprintedhardcopiesImustdoitin4pageincrements.4,8,12,16,20pagesetc.IwasforcedtoeliminatethispagelastissuebuttheelectronicdeliveredOldslettershadthispage.
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Parts For Sale1950 2dr88-76stainlessgravelshieldspair,
makeoffer.Pairof1955324heads,and394heads#23,eitherset$200perpair.394valvecovers$80pr.394Aluminumtimingcover$125.AlsoStdbearingsfor394. Jim 916-801-0687
1930-’80Oldsobsoletehasalargeinven-toryofGMNOSpartsfromthe1930’stothe1980’s.100,000partsshelvedbypartno.Ph406-777-3221(P.M.MTtime)[email protected]
Parts; Awebsitededicatedtothesaleof Classic Car parts. Small fee. Cliff MierczynskiDeveloperandOwnerwww.classiccarpartsclassifieds.com
Parts Wanted1955 Onestockpitmanarm,atsteeringboxBooksays‘52to‘55areallthesame.Call Gabe at 209-588-1218
New NorCalwhiteteeshirtswithfrontandbackfullcolorGoldenGatelogos.Willbeforsaleatourevents.$10forallsizesexceptXXLandupDeniseLaCentra510-299-1403
1972442,Frame-offrestore,455,4speed,ColdA/C$18KMike510-551-8611
1971CutlassSupreme,Blue/whtvinyltopnewinterior,HiPerformMondelloengine$10KJack707-252-4005
1967TurnpikeCruiser,fullyrestored.Zerorust!P/S,P-Frdiscs,455W/51kmiles,newT-400,BFGTA’s,CarisinGardenerville.NV.$16KCallMike formorepix&details.510-501-6299
1966 98LSsedanalloriginal,wht/wblkvinyltop&int.2ndowner,lowmi.Exccond.$9.5k916-655-1588eves.
195088Dlxwagonproject.Allthereexeng/transbutavail$4.5kMichael,Lakeside,CA92040619-977-9777
Cars For Sale
Miscellaneous
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The Oldsletter ispublishedsixtimesperyearbytheNorthernCaliforniaChapteroftheOldsmobileClubofAmerica,andisprovidedasabenefittomembersofthechapter.ItssolepurposeistoinformandentertainmembersregardingallaspectsoftheOldsmobile,includinghistory,technicaladviceandrestoration. The Oldsletter isareflectionofitsreadershipandallareurgedtosubmitanyarticle,technicaltip,personalhistory,comment,etc.thatotherOldsmobileenthusiastsmightenjoy.JustsubmitallmaterialtotheNewsletterEditor.NorCalOldsClubduesare$25.00peryearformemberonlyandyoucanaddaspousefor$5.00peryear.NorCalcollects NorthernCaliforniaChapterduesonanannualbasisdueJanuaryofeachyear.SendtotheMembershipSecretarylistedonpage2.See our website www.norcalolds.com for NCOC & OCA membership applications.
Commercial Ad Rates; Vendor-4lines$5perissue-$25yr.Businesscardsize$10issue,$50yr.1/2page-$25issue,$125yr.Fullpage-$50issue,$250yr.Sendmoneytoourtreasurerandtheadtooureditor
Classifiedadsarefree to members.Deadlineisthe8thoftheMonths2,4,6,8,10and12.Adswillberunforthreeconsecutiveissuesunlesscancellationrequested
Oldsletter
Your Business Card Here (See left for information)
LYNN WELFRINGER
1103 Paso Robles St.Paso Robles, CA 93446www.mondellotwister.com
(805) 237-8808Fax: (805) 237-8814
(Home of Dr. Olds and His Engine Prescriptions)
We are sorry to announce the passing of Mr. Gordon D. Haggerty on No-vember 17, 2014. He was the Father of Dan Haggerty, longtime member, Ex President, Membership Chair of the NCOC. He was 102 years old and still driving his 1990 Cadillac up to three weeks ago, and friend of the club and the members.
JosephLaCentra, ResidentofHaywardApr.1,1927-Nov.10,2014PapaJoepassedawaypeacefullyearlyMondaymorninginthecomfortofhisownhome.HewasthefatherofNorCalMember Tony La Centra. HewasborninFresno,CA.Hemet,marriedandissurvivedbyhislovingwifeof58years,Novene.Theyraisedandheissurvivedbytheirfourchildren,Tony, Lorene,Irene,andCarole.Papawasadoredandissurvivedbyhissevengrandchildren,Anthony,Kenneth,Andrew,Jennifer,Emily,ShaunandBrittany.
Nor
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