And a Good Time Was Had By All
Well, OK, we may not see some of the spouses back next year, but...

by Frank Maldari
AONE Director

Based on the 55-plus Alfa enthusiasts who were at this year’s Winter Party, you would think that Alfa never left our shores! This great turnout emphasizes the resurgence of our chapter, and firmly establishes Alfas on New England roads for years to come. Before I begin the recap, I would first like to thank everyone who helped and brought refreshments and a variety of culinary delights. Also, special thanks go to Gene Ritvo, Brian Shorey, and Mass AV for making the Pebble Beach and Castle Hill video presentations possible.


Stephan de Pénasse, a happy door prize winner,
shares a moment of levity with event organizer
Frank Maldari and AONE President Tom Lesko

As with last year’s party, the event was held at the Josiah Smith Tavern Barn in Weston, MA. The Barn is a great place to hold a function, with a kitchen area and a hall in which to dine comfortably while catching up with old friends and meeting new ones. I had the opportunity to talk Alfas and reminisce with friends I’ve made over the 20 years I’ve been a member. It was also nice to see that many of our enthusiasts brought guests, which helps to strengthen our club socially and increase awareness of the Alfa marque.

The evening started with Dave Pratt and Tom Lesko arriving early to set up the Alfa banners and Brian Shorey setting up the Mass AV equipment. As part of our festivities, door prizes comprising AONE umbrellas, Alfa hats, books, signs, etc. were awarded. In addition, free back issues of Velocissima and Alfa Owner were available for everyone. Next came the presentation of the Founders Trophy, awarded again this year to Dave Pratt for his continuing efforts in producing Velocissima in both the online and printed versions.


Guest speaker and videographer Gene Ritvo, describing  the
fish he pulled out of the Pacific Ocean when he was supposed
to have been covering the Pebble Beach Concours

Next, Gene Ritvo led us in a moment of silence in honor of the memory of Anna DiMatteo, with condolences to Fred and Peter. The club owes quite a bit to the DiMatteo family in setting the foundation for our club activities that we enjoy today.

Gene proceeded to present an excellent video of the 50th Anniversary of the Pebble Beach Concours. Gene’s videos and presentations are designed to be both pleasing to the eye and historically educational. Of particular interest were the Alfas, including the 8C2900 Superleggera from Touring. Gene related a couple of interesting stories in particular about Castagna-bodied cars. Castagna manufactured elegant high-quality bodies on Alfa chassis since the 20’s. Their factory was bombed during WWII, and the financial crisis that followed forced the company to close its doors by the early 50’s.

Fortunately, enthusiasts have preserved these cars. Gene jogged my memory, and the next day I searched and found an excellent article on Castagna in Quadrifoglio, Volume 16. You may recall that they built the famous "Ricotti Egg". Following the Pebble Beach presentation and a short break, Gene delivered the Castle Hill video presentation. Many club members had the good fortune to attend this event in person. The cars of Castle Hill were more of a local participation but no less significant than Pebble Beach, and featured the 1931 6C1750 Zagato Roadster. The October issue of Velocissima online also has a great color photo of this car and an article on the Castle Hill event.


Andy Kress attempts to show Jonathan Kirshtein
the salute he often uses while driving, but is
hampered by the cannoli he is holding

The party broke up around 10:30 with renewed enthusiasm for Alfas and a desire to get our cars tuned and back on the road.    Tiny Quadrifoglio

[Our thanks go out once again to Frank Maldari, who organized the entire affair and caused it to run so smoothly that all the rest of us had to do was have fun! —Ed.]

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