Here it is the day after the Annual Meeting. One of the few opportunities for our club to come together as a club, rather than just with the folks in our own disciplines. Many of us participate in different aspects of NER, but not all. It is an opportunity for all of us to meet new people and to reinforce old
friendships. Because, when all is said and done, we are a family. A family of people who share the same love of cars and having fun with them. This was reinforced over and over throughout the weekend with stories of strangers helping each other out on the road, program chairs acknowledging the accomplishments of one of their own in a different discipline, and seeing so many people celebrate the achievements of those who succeeded in their endeavors throughout the past year. I would like to add my congratulations to all who were awarded championships this year, as well as those who were not, for without you, the competition would not be near as rewarding.

As with all families, there are many people who contribute to the success of the family. On behalf of the entire club, I would like to thank Sterling Cole, previous RE, Wiley Cox, also a previous RE, Brian Mushnick, previous Assistant RE, and Doug Myers for their service to the club. The club is fortunate to have had your time and is appreciative.

One of the biggest happenings at any Annual Meeting is the election of our new Board of Directors, and I would like to introduce them to you now. First, Abhi Ghatak is a Road Racer and won the ITS Championship this year. Trevor Hermance is a past Board Member and longtime volunteer with NER. Paul Omichinski is the Program Chair for Time Trial, our newest discipline. And Luis Rivera is an engine builder working with our Road Racing drivers. The final director elected is myself, and the Board has also asked me to serve as Regional Executive for the next year. I thank you for the opportunity to continue to help out with club needs, and look forward to what the next year may bring.

And now, it is never too soon to start recruiting for the club. The election happens every year. 5 director terms expire and the positions need to be filled. This year, we had 5 people step up to fill them. In years past, we have had 7 or 8 people vying for election. Please remember, we are always in need of fresh faces and fresh ideas. In 6 months or so, you will hear about the next election coming up. Please consider the thought of running for the Board. If that’s not something that you are interested in, think about your program of choice. It takes people to organize and manage the Solo program, Road Racing, Rally / RallyX, and Time Trials. It takes people to staff the Track Night in America, Road Racing, and Time Trials events. Many times, it is the same people taking on multiple responsibilities, and the end result is that you get to have Fun With Cars.

There is an old saying, many hands make light work. Please consider contacting your program chair and asking what you can do to help. I can guarantee that they can find something for you to help with that you will enjoy doing. And if it doesn’t work out, there are other things to try as well.

Happy New Year everyone. Thanks for a great 2018, and here’s to a great 2019 having Fun With Cars!!!

Best,
Rich Currey
Regional Executive