Fiberglass Vieuxs
Greater New Orleans Corvette Club
FEBRUARY 2010
February 2010
Fiberglass Vieuxs
Page 1
ANNUAL CORVETTE CARIBBEAN CRUISE
By Buddy Gegenheimer
Board Member and Part-time Cruise Director
The 2nd Annual New Orleans Corvette Club Caribbean Cruise was held on January 9, 2010 with 15 couples boarding the
Carnival Triumph Saturday morning. It was 29 degrees, but Mother Nature herself could not contain the excitement and fun that
lied ahead. The first order of business was to have the “Drink of the Day”, Bobby Warner won the contest for the “Most
Consumed”.
As the ship left the dock and the sun began to set and all thoughts
were on “what's for dinner?” even though we had just eaten 3
hours ago.
Cruising is great! You unpack once, eat 24 hours a day, and just
drink and relax. After a relaxing day at sea we docked in Key
West, FL with a low temperature of 41 degrees, the lowest in Key
West history for 140 years. The group strolled down the Duval
Street stopping in many shops as we made our way to the Ernest
Hemingway's home. We saw the area where Hemingway wrote
many of his books and learned about his life. I found out how fast
a 6 toe cat can scratch after pulling its tail. Next we went up the
Key West light house for a view of the city. The walk back to the
ship found us hungry and thirsty so a
stop at Sloppy Joe's Bar was in order. That evening we were back on the ship and ready for dinner,
lobster and prime rib, how can one choose? I decided to get both!
Tuesday we docked in Freeport, Bahamas with shopping at the Port Lucaya market place. The
weather had warmed to the mid 60's. Wednesday with temperature in the 70's, the ship docked at
Nassau, site of many James Bond movies and the Atlantis Resort which offers the largest waterthemed attraction in the Caribbean. Ralph, Bobby and Dan were the first down the towering Mayan
Temple water slide into the “cool” water. In the words of George Costanza, “there was shrinkage,
yes significant shrinkage!” As the day wore on we enjoyed the aquarium, beautiful gardens and the
tour of the island. Back at the dock there was time for more shopping. We departed that evening,
watched the sun set on the Caribbean and wondered what the people in New Orleans were doing, oh
who cares! That nights entertainment was a magic show which was terrific. There were dancers in
feathers and G-strings, people disappearing, along with fire and smoke! Did I mention it was
terrific?
The next two days were at sea just relaxing and being with friends. Saturday morning we docked in a
light rain, but nothing could dampen our spirits because the Saints were in the dome.
They only "look" cute.
Please don't feed the
towels!
I would like to thank all who attended (members from the Lafayette Club, Baton Rouge Club and Mississippi Club along with
members of GNOCC) and I look forward to sailing with you again. PS: 2011 cruise will be to the Western Caribbean with ports
of call to Belize, Roatan and Cozumel, so get your passport in order.
February 2010
Fiberglass Vieuxs
Page 2
President's Vieuxs
Well February is rolling in and it’s time to treat your sweetheart to a very special day.
February 28th we will be on our way to Catfish Charlie’s for our Annual Valentine’s Day
cruise. For all of the new members this is an event that you do not want to miss. You will
be in store for good food, great friends, and one heck of a time. Please RSVP
macnbarb@bellsouth.net .
Of course we will have our usual caravan leaving Café DuMonde 4700 Veterans Blvd,
Metairie at 10:30 a.m. sharp. Come early for coffee and beignets.
March will bring in beautiful weather (hopefully) and lots of fun events. You will have
many opportunities to get your Vette out on the road.
Malcolm Graff
Be sure to check out the calendar and read your e-mails, because we are ready to
CRUISE!!!
If you have not sent in your membership renewal for 2010, please do so at the February meeting. This will help Bob
Himes complete our new club membership roster.
If you are looking for a new Vette or service for the one you have, don’t forget our Sponsor “Ross Downing
Chevrolet”.
Looking forward to another fun filled year!
Keep the wave.
Catch ya at the meeting.
Malcolm
FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS
Ann Adams
Steven Barbe
Susan Bergeron
Melissa Calonge
Bonnie Champagne
Bob Decker
Christian Francois
Buddy Gegenheimer
Sam Green
Heidi Hager
Dennis Krystek
Ann Lagarde
Tina Ledet
Michael Leeds
Karen Plauche
Jeanne Rillieux
Mona Walker
Kathy Wharton
February 2010
Fiberglass Vieuxs
OFFICERS/CHAIRMEN
President
Webmaster
Malcolm Graff
(504) 427-6498
Steven Barbe
Page 3
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jim Richoux
(504) 341-9063
webmaster@gnocc.com
jimmyrichoux@cox.net
Vice President
Membership Director
Ken Gregoire
(504) 450-0454
Bob Himes
(225) 313-3238
Peter Rachel
(504) 888-8328
kgregoir@bellsouth.net
cocodrie55@cox.net
Treasurer
Car Show Chairman
Ralph Adams
postmaster@gnocc.com
Bill Folse
(504) 456-2688
macnbarb@bellsouth.net
peterrachel@bellsouth.net
Karl Schroeder
(504) 239-0820
karlschroeder@bellsouth.net
b3folse@aol.com
Secretary
NCM Ambassador
Patricia Touro
(504) 437-5614
Tom Wooten
(985) 674-6830
stouro@cox.net
wootent@synthes.com
Sergeant at Arms
Governor
Hank Williams
(504) 394-7060
John Pinero
(504) 393-8145
Buddy Gegenheimer
(504) 433-2476
buddyorsue@yahoo.com
Bob Decker
(985) 785-0044
rmdecker@cox.net
hbwi@bellsouth.net
johnpin569@aol.com
Newsletter Editor
Apparel Director
Master of Love
Rhonda Barbe
Dee Kaplan
(985) 331-8995
Cupid
(504) 555-KISS
editor@gnocc.com
mita1999@cox.net
February 2010
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Page 4
WELCOME OUR NEW MEMBERS WITH A BIG CORVETTE WAVE!!!
Keith and Pamela Bordelon
They have been married for 37 years and have a 2004 silver Coupe that they purchased new. Keith owns an insurance
business and Pam is a teacher for the Jefferson Parish School System. They have 3 children and two grand children.
Keith enjoys playing golf, riding his motorcycle and refereeing local and high school soccer games. He is also a
member of the Blue Knights LA II Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club. Pam's favorite hobby is her horse, Ky. They
look forward to meeting everyone at the meetings and enjoying the Corvette activities.
Troy Blackburn
He is the proud owner of a 1990 red ZR-1 and a 1977 red Coupe. What can you say, the guy likes red!
NEW MEMBER WINS JANUARY 50/50
New members always think that we are joking or just trying to make them feel lucky when we say that usually the
person who just joined ends up winning the grand prize at our monthy meeting. I think Troy Blackburn, who just
joined at our January meeting, now believes us. He walked away $174.00 richer!
No one can explain this oddity, but we all know if there is a new member in the room they seem to have much better
odds at the cash prize than the rest of us. You have to admit, it's a pretty cool phenomenon.
The non-cash prizes weren't too shabby either. Buddy Gegenheimer was responsible for picking out the prizes for
January. He really upped the ante with awesome Corvette T-Shirts and cool trivia games! His selection of prizes were
excellent and his jokes weren't too bad either.
Would you like to see your
advertisement here?
Contact Malcolm at
macnbarb@bellsouth.com
for details.
February 2010
Fiberglass Vieuxs
Page 5
THE CORVETTE WAVE
Have you ever wondered where the slogan, "Save The Wave" came from and what it means? Below is an article that
was first published in the August/September 1969 issue of Corvette News. Please keep in mind that this was written
in 1969 so the wording may seem a little odd today.
SAVE THE WAVE
Ever since Corvette No. 00001 first met Corvette No. 00002 on the road, their drivers saluted each other with waves.
Today, unfortunately, this grand and glorious tradition is wavering.
There's one item of standard equipment that comes as a pleasant surprise to every new Corvette owner. It's an instant
wave of recognition he or she receives when he meets one of their ilks on the road. The first time it happens, they will
be taken by surprise. He immediately thinks:
1. He has been mistaken for Stirling Moss.
2. His lights are on.
3. He has just been given the bird.
Soon, however, the new Vette owner anticipates, indeed even relishes, encountering other Vettes as he drives. During
this period, he experiments with his waves, running the gamut from the gaping "yoo hoo" to the ultra cool "two finger
flip." He perfects his timing, making sure he affects neither a too-early wave, nor the jaded "oh brother" too-late
variety. Determined not to be one upped, he even develops a defense mechanism for non wavers, usually settling on
the "Wave"? My hand was just on the way to scratch my head" approach. (This is especially useful when you're not
driving your Vette, but you forget, and like a dummy, you wave anyway.)
Indeed, one of the most perplexing problems facing a would-be waver is what to do when driving next to a fellow
Vette owner. Passing him going in opposite directions is one thing. Greetings are exchanged, and that's that. But what
happens when you pull up next to a guy at a light, wave, nod, smile and then pull up to him at the next light, a block
later? Wave again? Nod bashfully? Grin self-consciously? Ignore him? Or take the chicken's way out and turn
down the next side street? If you're expecting an answer, you won't find it here. Sad to say, some questions don't have
any.
Girl-type Corvette drivers also have a unique problem: to wave or not to wave. This miss or misses who borrows her
man's Corvette for the first time is immediately faced with this quandary. Should she wave first and look overly
friendly, or ignore the wave and look like a snob? Most ladies who drive their own Vettes prefer to suffer the latter
rather than take a chance of being misread. For this reason, all girls are excused for occasionally failing to return a
well-meaning wave. So are new owners who are still learning the ropes.
There is no excuse, however, for a guy who refuses to return the wave, not out of ignorance, but of arrogance or
apathy. While this type of behavior is the exception to the rule, it seems a few owners of newer models refuse to
recognize anything older than theirs, while some others simply won't wave, period. Boo on them. These ding-a-lings
don't seem to realize that they are helping to squash a tradition that had its beginnings back when most of us were still
driving tootsie toys.
The shortest distance between two points is under construction.
~Noelie Altito
February 2010
Fiberglass Vieuxs
Page 6
Corvette News - 2005-2007 Corvette Recall
By DALE JEWETT
AutoWeek
Corvette coupes from the 2005 through 2007 model years may be at risk for the roof panel blowing off the car.
Plenty of Corvette owners like to think they can blow the doors of most everything else on the road. But GM is now
recalling Vettes from the 2005 through 2007 model years because the roof panel may blow off.
The recall covers Corvette coupes with the removable roof panel. There's a problem with the adhesive that bonds the
plastic roof panel to its frame. If the bond breaks, the roof panel could go flying off while driving.
There are clues to the problem. Such as a snapping noise from the roof when driving over bumps, water leaking from
the headliner or the roof panel moving when the door is closed.
Nearly 22,100 cars are involved in the recall. Those with a bad panel--GM has previously run a customer satisfaction
campaign for this problem--will get a new one. GM says it will start the recall in January.
Until then you may just want to drive topless--weather permitting.
AutoWeek
Autoweek Video
February 2010
Fiberglass Vieuxs
Page 7
WARM CHOCOLATE MELTING CAKE
Submitted by Buddy Gegenheimer
Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line
6 oz. Dark Chocolate
6 oz. Butter
4 Eggs
6 oz. Sugar
2 oz. Flour
Melt the chocolate and butter
Mix the eggs and sugar and whisk for a few minutes, add flour
Pour the mix into a greased mold
Bake in the oven at 390 degrees for 14 minutes
Note -- Make sure the eggs are at room temperature and chocolate is warm enough while making
the mixture.
February 2010
Fiberglass Vieuxs
Page 8
CARAVAN ETIQUETTE
THE PURPOSE OF CARAVAN ETIQUETTE IS THE SAFETY OF ALL!!!
SPEED
LEAVING THE CARAVAN
The maximum speed of the caravan will not exceed the
published speed limit at any time.
Those wishing to exceed the established speed of the
caravan should notify the lead Corvette upon leaving
from and returning to the caravan.
The maximum speed of the caravan will be determined by
the maximum safe speed of the slowest Corvette.
STOPPING
IF ANYONE STOPS, THE ENTIRE CARAVAN STOPS
UNTIL THE REASON FOR THE STOP CAN BE
DETERMINED AND THE APPROPRIATE ACTION
TAKEN!
If the Corvette in front of you stops, YOU STOP TOO!
Emergency stops must be communicated to the lead
Corvette as soon as possible.
If someone needs to leave the caravan temporarily,
(extra pit stop, etc.), make sure the Corvette behind you
knows that you are departing the caravan so the rest of
the caravan does not follow by mistake. Also let the lead
Corvette know, if possible, that you are leaving the
caravan and when you return.
LINE UP OF VEHICLES IN THE CARAVAN
While it is cumbersome and not necessary to line up by
year or even by generation, the recommended line up of
the caravan is as follows:
Older Corvettes right behind the lead Corvette.
Regular "pit" stops will be scheduled and their locations
will be published.
Other Corvettes at random
PASSING
Vehicles other than Corvettes
Passing each other in the caravan should not be necessary.
COMMUNICATIONS
If the caravan leader decides to pass a slower moving
vehicle, he/she will wait for the last Corvette in the
caravan before resuming normal speed.
The primary means of communications for the safety of
the caravan is cellular phones with roam capability.
Phone numbers must be exchanged before the caravan
starts.
When the caravan is passing a slower moving vehicle,
remain in the right lane until it’s your turn to pass.
The lead Corvette and the trailing vehicle in the caravan
must have cell phone communications.
SPACING
Although we would like the caravan to run together as a
group and not be divided by non-caravan vehicles, always
keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front
of you.
If you notice a non-caravan vehicle moving through the
caravan, assist them by slowing down a little and leaving
additional space between you and the vehicle in front of
you.
As a secondary means of communications, the Family
Radio Service (FRS) system is useful, but because of
the limited range, should not be relied upon for the
safety of the caravan. The operating channel and
"private code" must be established before the caravan
starts and re-established each time new Corvettes enter
the caravan. GNOCC uses channel 6.
February 2010
Fiberglass Vieuxs
Page 9
DONATE YOUR OLD CELL PHONES
Don't let your old cell phones die a horrible death in a land fill or sit in a closet
collecting dust. Donate them to someone in need.
Ken Centola will be collecting old cell phones at the monthly meetings and donating
them to the YMCA Battered Women’s Program and to police authorities. These old
cell phones will be reset to dial 911 only, and will be distributed to whomever they
deem necessary.
Get your personal Corvette story in a nationally published book
by Tommy Mallory!
Due to all the recent requests, I will be compiling a second edition of “Corvette Stories from the Backbone of
America”. This edition will be filled with “your” Corvette stories. To preserve your Corvette story for future
generations, simply send your story and photo to:
Tommy Mallory
6400 Gateway Blvd.
Columbia, Missouri 65203
Or email to: tbmallory@centurytel.net
If your story makes the book, I will send you an autographed complimentary copy. Please send your story soon
before chapters fill up.
Visit www.corvettestories.net
INSANE RAMBLINGS
The moose ran across the street because he was in love with the cow. The
chicken didn't cross the road because he knew everyone expected him to. The
sheep moved at warp speed so they couldn't be counted. The bull was
colorblind so he never chased red. The three little pigs never had any
contracting skills. The big bad wolf is actually a sweetheart. The three blind
mice can see just fine, they stumble around because they are drunk.
We all know our football team is the Saints, but do you know how they got their name?
Click on the Fleur De Lis to read an interesting article about how the team came about and just how they
became known as “The Saints.”
February 2010
Fiberglass Vieuxs
Page 10
Recipe of the Month
Submitted by Barbara Graff
CHILI CHILI BANG BANG !
Prep: 20 min. Cook: 35 min.
Yield makes 8 servings
1-1/2 lbs extra-lean ground beef
2 tsp minced garlic
1 cup each diced celery, diced green bell pepper, and diced red onions
1-1/2 tbsp chili powder
1-1/2 tsp each ground cumin and dried oregano
1 tsp ground coriander
¼ tsp ground black pepper
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
2 cups tomato sauce
1-1/4 cups beef broth
¼ cup chopped celery leaves
1 tbsp hickory-flavored barbeque sauce
1 can (16 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (about 16 oz) beans in tomato sauce (see tip below)
3 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
1 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
2 tsp liquid honey
Cook beef and garlic in a large, deep, non-stick skillet or pot over medium-high heat until beef is no longer
pink. Stir in celery, green pepper, and red onions. Cook and stir for 3 minutes, or until vegetables begin to
soften. Stir in chili powder, cumin, oregano, coriander, and black pepper. Cook for 1 more minute. Add
undrained tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, celery leaves, and barbeque sauce. Bring mixture to a boil.
Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add beans and simmer,
covered for 10 more minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in cilantro, lime juice, and honey. Serve hot.
Tip: Heinz Vegetarian Beans in Tomato Sauce is a good choice for this recipe.
If you can make the chili the day before you want to serve it. It thickens as it sits overnight and tastes even
better the next day.
Per Serving: 270 calories, 7.8 g total fat ( 3.9 g saturated fat) 24 g protein,
28 g carbohydrate, 10 g fiber, 53 mg cholesterol, 690 mg sodium.
Please submit your favorite recipes to editor@gnocc.com
EDITOR'S MUSINGS
This month started out a bit rough, I had no content since nothing was going on in the club. As the days ticked by the wobbly
wheels in my itty bitty head started turning and I reached out to our members for help. Without the help of a lot of really great
people I would have a bunch of blank pages. They deserve the credit!
Buddy Gegenheimer bailed me out at the last minute by writing an article on the Caribbean Cruise and also provided a recipe
from the cruise. Thank you for coming up with something on such short notice. Without you I wouldn't have any “club”
content. Thanks to Barbara Graff, we now have a recipe that is perfect for the Saints Super Bowl! Keith Bordelon, one of our
newest members, also deserves recognition for quickly providing me with extra information about himself and his wife. Also,
thanks to Malcolm, our wonderful President, for sending me the caravan etiquette. You guys are the greatest and I couldn't have
done it without the help of all of you.
February 2010
Fiberglass Vieuxs
Sun
February Events
Tue
Wed
Thu
Mon
1
Page 11
2
3
4
Fri
5
Sat
6
General
Meeting
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
22
23
24
25
26
27
Happy
Valentine's
Day
21
Board
Meeting
28
Valentine's Day Cruise NOTE: EVENTS IN BLUE ARE CLICKABLE LINKS THAT WILL BRING YOU TO A FULL
DESCRIPTION.
to Catfish Charlie's
February 5th
__
General meeting at Italian Pie. Meeting starts at 7:30pm, be there by 6:30pm
if you wish to dine.
February 23rd
__
February 28th
__
Board meeting
Cruise to Catfish Charlie's for lunch at 11:30am. Southshore caravan leaves
Café Du Monde (4700 Veteran’s Blvd) at 10:15am SHARP!
Please RSVP macnbarb@bellsouth.net by Saturday Feb. 21st
February 2010
Fiberglass Vieuxs
Sun
Mon
1
Tue
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~ March 2010 ~
Wed
Thu
2
3
4
Fri
5
Sat
6
General
Meeting
14
8
9
10
11
12
15
16
17
18
19
9th Annual Legends
Open Car Show
13
20
Fox Hunt & 10th Annual Fun
in the Sun Weekend
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
Board
Meeting
28
29
30
31
NOTE: EVENTS IN BLUE ARE CLICKABLE LINKS
THAT WILL BRING YOU TO A FULL DESCRIPTION.
March 5th – General meeting at Italian Pie. Meeting starts at 7:30pm, be there for 6:30pm
if you wish to dine.
March 6th – Crescent City Corvette Clubs 9th Annual Legends Open Car Show.
March 19th-20th – L.A. Corvette Club of Gulf Shores, Alabama is hosting their 10TH Annual
Corvette Show on March 20, 2010. NOTE: "The FOX HUNT is Back!" Don't forget to come
early on March 19, 2010 to enjoy the Friday night gathering at the Courtyard by Marriott
(251-968-1113.) Book your room before Febuary 19th!
March 23rd – Board Meeting
U
February 2010
Fiberglass Vieuxs
GREATER NEW ORLEANS CORVETTE CLUB
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
(Please Print or Type)
_______NEW MEMBER_______RENEWAL
LAST NAME:________________________________FIRST NAME:____________________________M.I._____
ADDRESS:___________________________________________________________________________________
CITY:_____________________________________________STATE:___________ZIP Code _________________
BIRTH DATE:___________________ EMPLOYER:__________________________________________________
HOME: ( ______________________________________ WORK_(_______)_______________________________
CELL (_______)________________________________
E MAIL ADDRESS:____________________________________________________________________________
SPOUSE /ASSOCIATE
NAME:__________________________________________BIRTH DATE:_________________________________
CELL:_(______)________________________________ WORK (________)_______________________________
EMPLOYER:__________________________________________________________________________________
EMAIL ADDRESS:_____________________________________________________________________________
CORVETTE INFORMATION: YEAR:__________ BODY STYLE:______________ COLOR:_______________
CORVETTE INFORMATION: YEAR:__________ BODY STYLE:______________ COLOR:_______________
INTERESTS (other than Corvettes):_________________________________________________________________
CLUB EXPECTATIONS:_________________________________________________________________________
MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES & DUES SCHEDULE
(Please Check Appropriate Membership Type)
_____REGULAR --- $50.00 ( INCLUDES 2 ADULTS WITH OR W/O CHILDREN UP TO AGE 18 OR STUDENT)
_____FAMILY OF LIFE TIME MEMBER --- $20.00
Mail to: Membership Chairman Bob Himes 12288 Oak Colony Dr. Geismar, La. 70734
Support YOUR Club by volunteering to serve on a Committee or Chair an Event
FOR CLUB USE ONLY PAYMENT AMOUNT:______________ CHECK #:__________ CASH:____________
DATE RECEIVED:__________________ BY:_______________ MEMBERSHIP # ASSIGNED ______________
FORWARDED TO: _____PRESIDENT ____EDITOR ____EMAIL DIRECTOR ____PHONE COMMITTEE
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