Dear PA WV Club Members:
Please allow me to begin by thanking my fellow club members for giving me the opportunity to serve you as Club President for the next two years. I am pleased to accept the position. Rege and Donna have done an outstanding job serving us as President and Secretary/Treasurer, respectively. I will work hand-in-hand with the two of them to familiarize myself with the official duties of the Viper Club of America.
For those that I have not had the opportunity to meet yet, I offer the following background information about myself and my family. My wife, Ginger (your Club Secretary/Treasurer), and I live in Mansfield PA which is located approximately 40 miles north of Williamsport PA, and an equal distance south of Corning NY. I am the second generation owner of Costy’s Chrysler-Jeep, Inc. in Mansfield. Costy’s is a small dealership which my Father began in 1963. Ginger retired from Mansfield University in June of this past year. We have one son, Jeff, who also lives in Mansfield with his wife Miranda. Ginger and I have been members of the club since we purchased our yellow VIPER GTS in 2001. Since that time, we have shared some memorable moments with our VIPER friends, including VOI7 and VOI8. We have met many new “friends”, whom we now refer to as our “VIPER family”. As residents of Northeast Pennsylvania, we hope to make even more memorable moments by attending the functions of the Viper Clubs in surrounding states such as New York, New Jersey, Maryland and Ohio.
Due to the possibility of inclement weather, the Holiday Party scheduled for January 22 nd in York was cancelled. It has been rescheduled for March 19 th. My hope is that many of you will be in attendance.
Recently, Ginger and I attended the Regional Club Presidents and National Board meeting in Detroit MI. A wealth of knowledge was gained during that session. Our group toured two ASC (Auto Specialty Cars) plants where the Vipers are built. We also toured the Rousch Racing facility where the Viper Competition Coupe is made. What an interesting tour that was! Another highlight of the weekend was attending the Detroit Auto Show.
Some exciting new events are in the planning stages for the PA WV Club for 2005. Fellow club member Jeff Freedman has offered to organize a Covered Bridge cruise/tour in the Lancaster area. Ginger and I would like to have you all visit Tioga County, our part of the state of Pennsylvania. That visit would include a cruise through beautiful downtown Wellsboro, our county seat, and on to the PA Grand Canyon. For those who have never visited “The Canyon”, it is a breathtaking view, especially in the fall, with all the leaves in their vibrant, blazing colors. We are hoping to schedule this memorable weekend October 14 – 16. Other possibilities that weekend could include a tour of the Corning (NY) Museum of Glass and a cruise around the Finger Lakes region of New York. We will let you know more about these events as plans are finalized.
Please see the “Schedule of Upcoming Events” section at the end of this newsletter. If anyone is interested in organizing a club event, please let me know. Otherwise, I welcome suggestions and/or comments regarding other club events. You may contact me by mail, email or phone. I look forward to hearing from you.
Best wishes for a great 2005 VIPER year!
Sincerely,
Denny Kurzejewski
Contact Information:
Mailing Address:
PO Box 32
51 Skyline Drive
Mansfield , PA 16933
Business Phone: 570-662-7000 / Home Phone: 570-662-3103
Email: rt10@pawvviperclub.com
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Q What happens to my $100 membership fee?
A $55 goes to the Regional Club and $45 goes to the National Club. That fee covers the cost of your subscription to the official club publications, VCA Notes and Viper Magazine. It also provides funding for misc. expenses such as your name badge (or badges, limit of 2 per membership fee), insurance, etc.
Q How many members are in the PA WV Regional Club?
A As of this writing, there are 88 members registered from PA and 5 members from WV registered for 2005. Last year there were a total of 146 members for PA and 8 for WV registered. Those totals include “Cool” members. (NOTE: We are more than half way to last year’s total. If you have not yet sent in your membership renewal, please do so as soon as possible.)
Q What is a “Cool” member?
A A “Cool” member is someone who obtains a free, one-year membership to VCA by purchasing a NEW Viper.
Q Who can join the Viper Club of America?
A An active member must be at least 18 years of age paying one membership fee, listed with the National Business Office (currently JR Thompson Co). Membership shall be limited to current owners of a Dodge Viper which includes (but not limited to) disclosing the VIN or VON number as confirmation of ownership.
Q Can someone that purchases a used Viper be a member of VCA?
A Yes. The “Ambassador Program” is currently being introduced in an effort to add those owners to the rank and file of VCA. If you know of someone who purchased a used Viper and is interested in becoming a VCA member, please advise your club president.
Q When can I start driving my Viper in 2005?
A Only you can provide the answer to that question! You might need to check with Mother – nature that is!
SCHEDULE OF UPCOMING EVENTS
MARCH 19 “After the Holidays Party” rescheduled from January 22 nd. Emerson’s Pub, York PA
6PM Social Hour w/hors d’oeuvres and cash bar - 7PM Dinner - $10 Charge for each member couple. Overnight Accommodations – Comfort Inn Corporate Getaway is close by. To reserve call 717-699-1919. To obtain our special room rate of $59.99, remember to mention the VIPER CLUB when calling. You will need to individually guarantee your room with a credit card. Transportation to the restaurant from the hotel will be provided for those interested.
RSVP by March 10 th – Donna Kort, 724-316-9343 (cell) or donna@wcsauers.com
Need directions? Contact Jeff Freedman @ 717-755-4998 or jtsef@aol.com
APRIL Lancaster Covered Bridge Tour – Stay tuned!
MAY 13-14 2005 Viper Club of America Northeast Region Zone Rendezvous at Raceway Park, Old Bridge, NJ. Held in conjunction with the Mopar Nationals and the Vipers will be given customary preferences.
For further information contact Larry Milonas @ 609-430-0100 or lmilonasjr@tradeoes.com
JULY 8-10 CALLING ALL VIPERS! “All-Chrysler Nationals” in Carlisle PA. Car Show and luncheon on Saturday. 10 AM -? Last year’s event was a sight to behold! Show goers were able to cast their eyes upon 48 snakes coiled around the VIPER Club tent in the infield. All three generations, and nearly every color were represented. Let’s try to add at least a dozen more snakes to the line-up this year. Get your reservations in soon as Carlisle area hotels fill up early. Further information on this event, including directions, can be found at www.carsatcarlisle.com.
AUG 18 Pocono Track Day w/ NJ Regional Club
For further information contact Larry Milonas @ 609-430-0100 or lmilonasjr@tradeoes.com
OCT 15-16 Pennsylvania Grand Canyon Cruise (Wellsboro) and Corning (NY) Tour . Plans are underway for this event. More details will be released as they become available.