A club is a fraternity of those with a common interest, who work together for a common goal. I haven’t seen much of that happening through the years from the general membership, which is sad. I realize that you are all busy—we are all busy—but it would feel more "club-like" if more of you would participate instead of just spectate. Sorry for the lecture, but those of us who work to keep this club afloat sometimes feel like we are the only ones who care.

As many of you know, we have been sponsoring an Italian car show at the High Hopes hot air balloon festival for the past three years. The many hundreds of dollars we raised each year were all donated to the High Hopes organization helping terminally ill children. This year, we have had to cancel the car show because no one volunteered to help out. It takes more than one or two people to do all of this, year after year. This is only one example. Last year we held one of the best national conventions in AROC history, thanks to the many volunteers for that event. This year, it seems that we have fallen off the map. We want to have a vibrant, active club doing the kinds of Alfa-related activities that you all want to do. If we don’t get any help, we end up doing whatever we can put together by ourselves.

So please, for the sake of the club, keep the channels of communication open, send us an email, give us a call, talk to us at an event, and ask how you can help keep the great things going. There is no shortage of ideas; however, there is a shortage of those truly interested in keeping this club going. So come on, help us out, help your club out ... participate!

The nominations are in! Now it’s your turn!

For 2005, since we received fewer nominations than we had open positions, the AONE election won’t be terribly competitive. But by casting your vote you’re confirming your support for those officers who donate their time and energy to make our club the active, vital one that it is.

All of the candidates but one are currently serving Directors with whom you’re familiar. The exception is Andy Kress, but there’s a good chance that you’re familiar with him too. Andy is a knowledgeable, long-time Alfa owner, has contributed articles to Velocissima, and is the proprietor of Performatek, a respected purveyor of Alfa-oriented upgrade and replacement parts.

So click right here to vote online! The ballots contain the names of the nominees for each office. Select one name for President, one for Treasurer, and up to seven names for Directors. For each office, there is a space for a write-in candidate if you choose (heck, why don't you mount a write-in campaign!). Ballots must be received by May 25. Results will be tabulated and reported in the June issue of Velocissima, and the newly elected officers will assume their duties as of July 1.