Corvette Chatter

Corvette Memphis Inc.

www.corvettememphis.org

Dave Freeman, President, 662-393-5712

Craig Deckshot, Vice President, 901-649-5027

Barbara Cardinal, Secretary, 901-384-0380

Susan Allen, Treasurer, 901-521-9321

Shirley Jones, Membership, 901-377-9448

Joe Dyer, Officer at Large, 901-219-2058

Newsletter (J.R.Dyer@comcast.net)

February 2010

 

 

 

FERUARY MEETING

The regular monthly meeting of Corvette Memphis was held at Sunrise Chevrolet, Tuesday February 9th.  Despite the frigid temps, many ventured out; conducted the club’s business; and visited with friends during dinner immediately after the meeting.  Ed Allen is attempting to update the membership directory.  If you would like to change your listing, or edit any part of it, please contact Ed at elallen60@hotmail.com or call him at 901-521-9321.

 

VALENTINE’S PARTY

The Valentines party held at Jim’s Place East February 6th was a red and white smashing success.  Ann Hamblin planned and executed the gala in her usual expert fashion.  Attendees were treated to excellent food, good fellowship and lots of fun.  Thanks Ann!

 

MYSTERY DINNER CRUISE

The first mystery dinner cruise of the year roared out from the Agricenter parking lot February 3rd.  Planned by Gordon Dodge, cruisers made the relatively short trip to Mortimer’s on Perkins near Summer Avenue.  Since days are  short and dark  comes early during winter months, mystery cruises are usually fairly short distances.  Expect lengthier treks as days grow longer.  The next cruise will depart the same parking lot March 3rd.  Gordon will pilot the lead ‘Vette for this one, too.

 

ST, PATRICKS PARTY

One we all look forward to is the annual “wearing o’ the green”.  Again this year, the Turners, Doug and Pat, have graciously offered their home for the St. Patrick’s Day Party.  Saturday, March 20th is the date.  The Turner’s address is 1834 Greensprings Lane, Germantown, 38138.  Plan to bring a dish and co-ordinate with PT.  Her email address is turnerps@bellsouth.net.  Her home number is 755-2626.

 

HOT SPRINGS WEEKEND

The 12th annual Corvette Weekend will be held in Hot Springs, Arkansas April 15-17.  This is an event that many from our club like to attend.  There are lots and lots of activities including autocross, slalom and drag racing…a midnight cruise through Hot Springs…and guided road tours…plus much more.  Corvette Memphis participation is being coordinated by the Sluders, Joe and Diane.  Perhaps you have heard from Diane already.  If not, and would like to go, contact her at 755-7182 or at dijsluder@aol.com.

 

CORVETTE MUSEUM

Jim Willis is leading the entourage to the National Corvette Museum for the unveiling of the one-third bench honoring Tina Caronna.  The trip is planned for the weekend of April 24-26.  That’s Friday through Monday and the weekend includes some very interesting events.  Jim and Sherrye have planned the entire weekend to provide many opportunities you are sure to enjoy.   Aside from the bench dedication and the museum itself, activities include a visit to the Maker’s Mark distillery, photo opportunities and a tour of the Corvette assembly plant Monday, the 26th.  By now, you have probably received an email from Sherrye describing the itinerary in detail.  Please respond to Sherrye’s email if you plan to make the trip.  She will need to provide accurate numbers to the various restaurants and venues.

 

VISITORS

There were no visitors for the February meeting.  Perhaps it was the cold weather.  However, the club is emphasizing adding new members to the roster.  So, if you know non-member “Vetters and believe they would fit nicely into our group, encourage them to attend some of our activities.  It might be a good fit.  Also, club members are encouraged to wear their name tags during club activities.  It helps new members learn who’s who and it helps long term members recognize new members more quickly.

 

CRUISIN’

And we are not talking about in a Corvette this time.  The Carnival Triumph will never be the same once Corvette Memphis completes its seven day cruise aboard her.  Norm and Shirley Jones are the club’s master cruisers and are planning quite a party.  The Triumph sails from New Orleans October 16th.  Ports-of-Call include Nassau and Freeport in the Bahamas and Key West in Florida (Margarita Ville maybe?).  Currently, five couples are booked.  Shirley has all the details.  If you think you might like to make this 7-day cruise contact her at 377-9448 or at nanacaleb@earthllink.net.

 

CALENDAR

MYSTERY DINNER CRUISE          MARCH 3                  LEAVE FROM AGRICENTER PARKINING LOT 6:30 PM          GORDON DODGE

MONTHLY MEETING                       MARCH 9                  SUNRISE CHEVROLET (HOUSTON LEVEE @ 385)

ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARTY          MARCH 20                1834 GREENSPRINGS LANE                                                       THE TURNERS

CORVETTE EXPO                          MARCH 28-29          SEVIERVILLE, TN

HOT SPRINGS WEEKEND            APRIL 15-17              AUSTIN HOTEL, HOT SPRINGS, ARKANSAS                            DIANE SLUDER

BENCH DEDICATION                     APRIL 24-26              NATIONAL CORVETTE MUSEUM                                                JIM WILLIS

CAR SHOW                                      MAY 27-30                 GRACELAND

 

PERSONAL NOTE

You may or may not know your newly appointed scribe has been a bit under the weather.  Unfortunately, your newsletter is late and, perhaps, a bit thinner than usual as the result.  I’m happy (really happy) to report I’m doing much better now and offer heart-felt (no pun) thank you’s to all who visited, called and sent cards and prayers.  Just to know you were thinking of me made a world of difference.  I look forward to seeing everyone during our March events.

 

DID YOU KNOW

Model Year 1953 was the only year the Corvette was built in Flint, Michigan.  Corvette production was moved to St. Louis beginning with MY 1954 and the move ended the “Great Spatula Shortage” of Flint.  It seems Chevrolet used spatulas of the regular kitchen variety to work resin into the glass-fiber cloth of the first year ‘Vette.  To keep up with production, Chevrolet apparently bought every spatula available in Flint causing the “Great Spatula Shortage”.

 

FOR WHAT IT’S WORTH

Got Corvette collectibles and memorabilia and curious about its value?   Here are a few items that changed hands at a recent Ohio auction.

 

Box of custom Corvette Hot Wheels $125

Corvette bourbon whiskey bottle $125

1957 pewter Corvette car $850

Midyear teak steering wheels (5) $1150-$1400 each

1957 Roadster Pedal car (black) $2400

1957 Roadster Pedal car (white) $2500

1986 Pace Car Pedal car (yellow) $200

Corvette Bow-tie neon sign $600

Corvette Garage neon sign $1000

1967 bolt on wheels (sets of 4) $6200-$8500

 

 

 

 

Check the website frequently for updates on events, pictures of members, meeting minutes,

and links to other sites.

www.corvettememphis.org