According to PCA National President, Prescott Kelly, “the Charlotte Parade will probably be the largest Parade PCA has ever had.” It will be a six-day event combining competitive events (autocross, concours, rally and tech quiz) with numerous social events. Charlotte, North Carolina is just about as far away as you can get from San Diego and still be in the USA. I’m sure some of our Region members will be attending this year’s Parade, but for others who think Charlotte is too far away, there is the “other” big event, the PCA Escape. PCA’s Roadrunner Region is hosting Escape 2008: Journey to the Land of Enchantment, in Albuquerque, New Mexico on September 18-21. Escape was conceived in 2005 to ease the tension for those of us who live on the opposite coast from Parade – and for this year . . . that’s us! There are no competitive components to this event, just the fun of driving, participating in social activities, and enjoying the local scenery including Santa Fe, the Jemez Mountains, Taos and many more stunning locations. For more information, visit the website at www.escape.pca.org.

Are you looking for a way to become more active in the Club but aren’t sure of the dates for our various events? You can get all the event information you need by viewing the Calendar page on the website. Or, PCA-SDR also has an email service that provides members with reminders for all the upcoming events. To be included on the distribution list for email notification of upcoming SDR events, simply send an email to emaster@pcasdr.org and request that you be added to the list.

The July 4th BBQ and pool party is rapidly approaching. Come and join the Club in celebrating our nation’s Independence Day. Enjoy a menu of hamburgers, hot dogs, salads, chips and dip while relaxing around the beautiful pool at the Avitt’s house. The cost is $15 for adults and $5 for kids under 12. Angela is asking that payment be made no later than June 24 so she can plan accordingly. All the information can be found by clicking on the 4th July link on our Region’s website calendar.

If you are competing in the Zone 8 autocross series, you’re in luck. SDR is presenting a Zone 8 autocross on July 27 right in our own back yard at the Qualcomm Stadium West lot. There are 12 Zone 8 autocrosses scheduled for this year. So if you want to remain in contention for a trophy, come on down and join us at the July 27 autocross. You can sign up by going to the Region website, clicking on Forms on the left hand menu, then Prepayment Registration. Remember, if you submit your entry by the Tuesday before the event, you only pay $40. After that, the cost goes up to $60.

As usual, we finish the month with our Last Tuesday Social. In July we are gathering at the Jolly Boy Saloon & Restaurant near Old Town. The Last Tuesday Socials are a fun and relaxed way to meet and talk with other Club members. It’s a great way to break up the week and finish the month.

I’m sure most of you have heard that Larry Clark, our former Witness Editor, passed away on Sunday May 25. Larry had been in declining health due to pulmonary fibrosis for the past four years. It finally took its toll and his lungs could no longer function. He died at home, peacefully and quickly, under hospice care. His body will be donated to UCSD Medical Center. His wife, Mary, is asking that any donations for Larry be made in his name to the Penn State Blue Band. The Penn State Blue Band is recognized as one of the nation's finest college marching bands. The Blue Band has performed at every major bowl game in the U.S., including the Rose Bowl and the Tournament of Roses Parade. Larry attended Penn State and played trumpet in this band. It was one of the most wonderful experiences of his life and he supported the band throughout his life. Larry, you will be greatly missed!

Donations may be sent to:
Penn State University Blue Band
College of Arts and Architecture
Development Office
215 Wagner Bldg.
University Park, PA 16802

I look forward to seeing you at SDR events!
Martha