As folks started arriving around 6pm, the big buffet table began filling up with all sorts of gustatory delights—a wide array of pastas, antipastos, salads, breads, Italian cold cuts and sausages, shrimp—there isn’t space enough to list it all! What a spread! Later, these made way for a number of delicious desserts. The food alone is worth coming for!

After everyone’s appetites were assuaged, President Tom Lesko took the floor and proceeded with the next order of business—a trophy award! In years gone by, AONE had presented a Sportsman Trophy to the club member who had exhibited the most outstanding sportsmanship and enthusiasm in the prior year. It was last awarded in 1989, but this year the Board of Directors decided to resurrect it and present it to a very deserving recipient—Eliot Shanabrook. Eliot, racing his 1974 GTV, took first place in Class 2 of the 2003 Historic Championship (formerly the Volvo Historic Series). He also finished Second overall in points this season—quite an accomplishment. Congrats, Eliot!

We then moved on to the door prizes! Many lucky winners received various types of booty that included car models, key fobs, polo shirts, fender covers, coffee mugs, and the like. Our friends at International Auto Parts donated and/or discounted some of these gifts—thanks, folks! Then Kevin Murphy raffled off a Duetto car model, the proceeds going to benefit the club. Thanks go to Victoria Marino, the young lady who pulled all of the winning numbers out of the goldfish bowl.

Usually, the next order of business is to introduce a guest speaker, but this year our Winter Party focus was AONE’s hosting of the upcoming AROC National Convention this summer. Convention Chairman Brian Shorey gave us a presentation (complete with visuals) of the various aspects of the convention. Then, several of the event chairmen (Time Trials, Autocross, Rally, Concours, Tour, Drag Racing, etc.) got up and gave short reports on where we stood in the planning of their respective events. Everybody had a chance to join the conversation, and a lot of information and ideas were shared. At this stage, the major events are pretty much under control, but we’ll be needing more and more help from our members starting now! This would be a great time for you to step up and take part in the planning and accomplishment of one of the events—contact Brian right away at bshorey@yahoo.com (preferred) or 978-973-0879 to see how you can help out!