Click here to watch the video

The post 2016 Holiday Party appeared first on BMW CCA Sierrra Chapter.

I have been appointed by the board to be the Club Newsletter Editor. As most of you know, Carol Villar has moved to Florida and will remain our Webmaster. I’m taking over her duties as the editor of the newsletter. This will give you a local voice and perspective on most of the club activities. If any of you have articles of interest to the general club members, be sure to send it to me. My email address where things can be sent is newsletter@sierrabmwcarclub.org.

This year the board has voted on a very busy agenda for 2017. Some new events and some are the most successful from past years. Please make every effort to join in the fun. Remember that we are a bunch of BMW guys and gals who enjoy these great vehicles. The purpose of BMW CCA is to enhance the BMW and MINI ownership experience. Our Chapter Mission is simple: Have Fun! After you look over the list of events and activities, make sure that you make notes of the event and dates on your calendar.

Here’s hoping that this is a fantastic year for all of us.

Fred Watson, Editor

The post Message from your editor appeared first on BMW CCA Sierrra Chapter.

As you know I have become your new club president for the Sierra BMW CCA chapter.  I am beyond grateful for this opportunity and the role you have granted me.  I have many hopes that this year will be just as successful if not more in our endeavors.  My hopes this year is to grow our programs and build a stronger community base in the Northern Sierra.  I know that we can accomplish these with the amazing team we have. Though I promise that we may work hard to grow our club and help our community we will have just as much fun if not more, and still continue our traditions.  I want you to all be aware that I want to be an avenue for all of you to have a positive experience in the club this year and I am just phone call away if you need anything. 

Just as the famous engineers at BMW say they don’t build cars rather the ultimate driving experience, let us construct our ultimate club experience.  

Ron Nicasio

The post From your new Pres appeared first on BMW CCA Sierrra Chapter.

This year’s rally required loyal participants to collect items from a grocery list. Items were to be collected from specific locations and once all the items were purchased, participants had to make their way to the Evelyn Mount Community Center where they were collected for donation to Evelyn Mount’s Outreach Program.  Since arriving in Reno in 1976, Evelyn Mount has provided holiday meals to thousands of Reno and Sparks families through the Community Outreach Food Drive she and her late husband founded. This wonderful program accepts food and gift cards from local grocery stores.

A tiny clue in the instructions directed participants to go north for the Grocery Outlet store. Those that headed north first were able to get ahead of the line as it were…..  The first three cars arriving at the community center were awarded prizes. Zachary Harding and his partner arrived first, Ron Nicasio and his navigator arrived in second place (it was almost a photo finish), Ron and Sharon Rachow came in third place thanks to Sharon’s expert shopping skills which was a marked improvement from last year’s last place!

Special thanks to Pat and Joann McGoff, and Fred Watson for their assistance in arranging a picnic at the ArrowCreek Recreation Center –  a wonderful facility and we had some more fun…..I’m bringing more wine next time!!!!

Click here to watch the video

2016 FUN RALLY DETAILS       

Meeting Place:  Parking Lot in front of Total Wine, 6671 S Virginia St, Reno.
Time: Rally starts promptly at 10:30am,  Rally Master contact 775-691-5290

Description:

Participants will be provided a packet of information at the start of the Rally. The objective is to acquire the list of grocery items below from the specified locations. The grocery items should match the brand shown and at the prices indicated, give or take a few cents. The first 3 teams to arrive with the correct items at the least amount (not to exceed $15) at the Evelyn Mount Northeast Community Center located at 1301 Valley Road, will be awarded a prize (receipts for purchases will be checked). All collected grocery items will then be donated to the Evelyn Mount Outreach program.

At rally end, participants will then have the option of attending a picnic at the Arrowcreek Recreational Center (map attached). Upon arriving at the gatehouse to the Arrowcreek residences, advise the gatekeeper you are with the BMW club. Follow signs to the Recreation Center.

Please drive safely.

 List of Items to collect:

Raley’s Supermarket

1 Box of Farmhouse Rice                                                $1.50
1 Box of Raley’s Pasta                                                      $1.28

Smith’s Supermarket

1 Can of Koger Sweet Golden Corn Kernels                 $0.70
1 Can of Bruces Yams (29 oz)                                          $2.00

Bargain Market Grocery Outlet  (Lemmon Valley)

1 Box of Marie Callenders Cornbread Mix (2lb)            $3.00
1 Jar/Can of Heinz Homestyle Turkey Gravy                  $1.00
1 Pkg of Grandma Mauds Red Beans & Rice                  $1.00

WINCO

1 Pkt Idahoan Buttery Homestyle Mashed Potatoes     $0.87
1 Box of WINCO brand Stuffing Mix                                  $0.98
1 Can of DelMonte Fresh Cut Green Beans                     $0.98
1 Can of WINCO Cranberry Jelly                                        $0.78

                                                                               Total      $14.09

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The drive to our first stop went very smoothly, and we arrived at Carson Pass ahead of schedule where we met Bob and Linda Sanfilippo having linked up with James Russell on the way.

However, between Carson Pass and Cooper Vineyards things got exciting.  There was road construction on Highway 88 which at one point reduced travel to one lane.  The lead group of cars of 8 or so was cut off from the balance of the group at one of the flag stops.  Unfortunately, the lead car of the second group did not know we were taking the Mormon Emigrant Trail exit on Highway 88.

Fortunately, the cutoff group was highly motivated to find Cooper Vineyards on their own and all except one showed up in time for the Cooper winetasting.  Cooper treated us very well and in addition to their fine wine (especially Barbara) provided light snacks.  Dick Cooper, the patriarch of the Cooper Family and the founder of the vineyard, stopped by to say hello.  You can see his picture posted on the website.

From Cooper we traveled the short distance to Karmere Vineyards for lunch.  The box lunches were delivered to those who purchased in advance and others brought their own lunch.  Following lunch there was ample time to enjoy the Karmere wines, including barrel tasting.

From Karmere we went to Amador Cellars which is a first-time stop for the club.  This is a small family-run winery showcasing Mediterranean wines and Tuscan architecture.  It produces estate grown zinfandel, sauvignon blanc, and Rhone valley varietals.  They grow their own sauvignon blanc which is unusual in that area.  Linda Long, one of the owner/proprietors set up a tasting area for the club outside of their tasting room which is inside of their barrel aging warehouse.  There were several vats of grapes fermenting in the tasting area fortunately we were not call on to help punch them down (hard work) before tasting. 

Following Amador Cellars we went to a favorite from last year’s tour, Vino Noceto. They have a new area outside, covered area for groups that was just completed. They were able to set up a private tasting for the club.  One of the owners came by to pick up some wine visited with our group and provided us with some history of the vineyard, including a story of how he and his wife traveled to Tuscany and brought home Sangiovese cuttings that are foundation of current Sangiovese production.  We also received another surprise when Steve and Anne Marie Polimeni joined us, Steve having made a quick recovery.

After Noceto, the fourth and final winery, people moved on to the Shenandoah Inn where they enjoyed the pool and prepared for the evening soiree.  At 6 o’clock we all assembled at the picnic area at the Shenandoah.  Everyone brought a bottle of wine, the club had arranged for Amador Vintage Market to deliver party platters which quickly consumed.  The evening was topped off with gourmet pizza from the Pokerville Market complemented by the outstanding wines from Amador County.

On Sunday all but four of the group who had to leave early showed up at Marlene and Glen’s Dead Fly Diner for breakfast which has become the Sunday tradition.

Following breakfast everyone went their own way and visited the Amador Flower Farms, other wineries or Pokerville Market to buy wine (10% case discount) before traveling home.

The weekend was enjoyed by all, the weather was great, the people were great, and the wine spectacular.  Thanks to Ron, Sharon, Pat, JoAnn and Joyce for all the help in arranging the tour.  We look forward to doing it again next year and have already scouted out one new winery to visit.  If anyone has any suggestions of a winery they would like to visit, please provide it to DeArmond, Pat, or Ron together with any other suggestions to improve the event.

Click here to watch the video or visit our photo gallery

The post 2016 Wine Tour appeared first on BMW CCA Sierrra Chapter.

• Feb 9, Meeting at Bill Pearce, Dinner Skipolini’s at The Summit
• Mar 9, Meeting at Bill Pearce 6pm
  
• Mar 11, BMW Club Appreciation at Sierra Sport Haus
  
• Apr 13, Meeting at Bill Pearce 6pm
• May 11, Meeting at Bill Pearce 6pm
• Jun 22, Meeting- Reno Aces Ball Game
• Jun 24, Virginia City
• Jul 13, Meeting at Bill Pearce 6pm
• Jul 29, Sierra Buttes
• Aug 10, Meeting at Bill Pearce 6pm
• Aug 12, Annual Family Picnic | Show & Shine
• Sep 14, Meeting at Bill Pearce 6pm
• Oct  7, Street Survival
• Oct 12, Meeting at Bill Pearce 6pm
• Oct 14, Wine Tour
• Oct 28, Fun Rally
• Nov 9, Meeting at Bill Pearce 6pm
• Dec 14, Holiday Party

The post 2017 Planned Events appeared first on BMW CCA Sierrra Chapter.

As I look back at the last four years, I see that the Sierra Chapter has grown considerably and we have some new members who are participating in the yearly events as well as coming to the meetings. We have gone digital on our quarterly newsletter as well as meeting notifications and invitation to monthly events. We have some new restaurants to go to after the monthly meetings. We try to keep the meetings as interesting as possible and limit the time to 60 minutes or less so we can enjoy the dinners. It’s been a wonderful four years as President of the Club.

On October 8^th, we had the BMW Foundation Street Survival at a new venue, the Regional Public Safety Training Center in Reno. This facility is used by the Sherriff’s Dept. to train their people. We had a total of 33 students signed up and 28 students participated in the program. Steve Polimeni and Jeff Warner did an amazing job this year. Steve has volunteered to take over the event from Jeff starting this year. I would like to thank all the volunteers from the club for making this a successful event. We also had help from the Sherriff’s Dept., the Porsche Club and the Zero Teen Fatalities folks. A big thanks to Steve Reimer for providing bagels and coffee again this year from Einstein Bagels. This facility is first class and the students really enjoyed the experience. We hope to be returning to this center for many years to come!

We had our second annual Fun Rally on October 29^th. Steve and Anne Marie Polimeni created a rally this year using grocery stores as the venue. The intent was to find food at four grocery stores as fast as possible while obeying the speed limits (ha ha). Each car would spend about $15 for the entire journey. The first three cars that returned to the final meeting place won prizes. First place went to Zachary Harding and his partner, second to Ron Nicasio and third place to Ron and Sharon Rachow. The groceries were donated to the Evelyn Mount Outreach Program. Thanks again to Steve and Anne Marie for sponsoring this event. Next year, Fred Watson and Mart Jaama have volunteered and will again have a new format so stay tuned.

Our Holiday Party was held at Brick’s Restaurant this year on December 8^th. Members were invited to De and Joyce Sharp’s house for cocktails and appetizers prior to heading over to the restaurant. A total of 46 members attended this year. Bill Pearce again donated several raffle gifts. De Sharp provided some fun raffle gifts and I had some nice wines to donate. A big thanks for De and Joyce for opening up their house again for the cocktail party.

I would like to thank the members and Board for letting me have fun running meetings and going to as many events as possible. I still intend to stay active in the Chapter and help out as much as possible. The Wine Tour and Street Survival will stay on my volunteer list. I hope to see more of our members this coming 2017.

Happy Motoring,
Pat McGoff

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Thanks to all who pitched in for Street Survival.  I’m sure the new location had a lot to do with it, but I think it was the best one ever.  The final count after one called in sick and another no-showed, was 28 drivers.  The critiques showed that both parents and students appreciated the facility… a lot!  They also gave kudos for the coaching.  AND… I think the feedback on the classroom presentations was the best ever!  Way to go Steve.  Why didn’t we dump that other guy sooner?

For the first time ever at this location, the course layouts and the flow went pretty smoothly.  The water and soap actually worked, for a change, to get cars loose.  One important achievement for the day, the schedule:  we started on time, stayed on time, and finished on time.

Alice and Diane will have to provide the necessary critique of how registration went.  I can say this from double-checking… we collected 100% of the minor waivers and with 83 signatures on the regular waiver, I don’t think we missed anyone.  Steve Reimer generously comp’d 50% of the Einstein goodies.  Just a FYI, we were charged $400 for the use of the facility, which is reimbursed to us by Street Survival.

Fred, thanks for the pictures.  Looking forward to seeing them.  Plz fwd to Carol for the website.

The only trace at day’s end that we had been there might have been a few bagel crumbs.  Thanks for everyone’s help cleaning up.  If you are friends with the Porsche Club guys who helped out, please give them a “thanks”.

It’s more than a one-man job.  I would encourage anyone willing, to step forward and help Steve Polimeni keep the program going.

Cheers,

Jeff- Your Janitor

Click here to watch the video or or visit our photo gallery

The post 2016 Street Survival appeared first on BMW CCA Sierrra Chapter.

Sierra Bimmerheads,

Thanks to all who pitched in for Street Survival.  I’m sure the new location had a lot to do with it, but I think it was the best one ever.  The final count after one called in sick and another no-showed, was 28 drivers.  The critiques showed that both parents and students appreciated the facility… a lot!  They also gave kudos for the coaching.  AND… I think the feedback on the classroom presentations was the best ever!  Way to go Steve.  Why didn’t we dump that other guy sooner?

For the first time ever at this location, the course layouts and the flow went pretty smoothly.  The water and soap actually worked, for a change, to get cars loose.  One important achievement for the day, the schedule:  we started on time, stayed on time, and finished on time.

Alice and Diane will have to provide the necessary critique of how registration went.  I can say this from double-checking… we collected 100% of the minor waivers and with 83 signatures on the regular waiver, I don’t think we missed anyone.  Steve Reimer generously comp’d 50% of the Einstein goodies.  Just a FYI, we were charged $400 for the use of the facility, which is reimbursed to us by Street Survival.

Fred, thanks for the pictures.  Looking forward to seeing them.  Plz fwd to Carol for the website.

The only trace at day’s end that we had been there might have been a few bagel crumbs.  Thanks for everyone’s help cleaning up.  If you are friends with the Porsche Club guys who helped out, please give them a “thanks”.

It’s more than a one-man job.  I would encourage anyone willing, to step forward and help Steve Polimeni keep the program going.

Cheers,
Jeff- Your Janitor

The post 2016 Street Survival appeared first on BMW CCA Sierrra Chapter.

• Jan 14, Meeting/Social, Bill Pearce BMW/La Vecchia 6pm
• Feb 11, Meeting/Social, Bill Pearce BMW/TBD 6pm
• Mar 10, Meeting/Social, Bill Pearce BMW/TBD 6pm
• Apr 14, Meeting/Social, Bill Pearce BMW/TBD 6pm
• April 23, Tech Session @ Rennsport
• May 12, Meeting/Social, Bill Pearce BMW/TBD 6pm
• May 13–15, Coastal Cruise to Cabot Cove
• Jun 9, Meeting/Social, Bill Pearce BMW/TBD 6pm
• June 25, Virginia City Tour
• July 10, Third Annual BMWCCA Sierra Chapter Picnic
• Jul 14, Meeting/Social, Bill Pearce BMW/TBD 6pm
• July 30, Sierra Buttes Tour & Poker Run
• Aug 11, Hot August Nights Potluck
• Sep 8, Meeting/Social, Bill Pearce BMW/TBD 6pm
• Sep 24-25, El Dorado & Amador County Wine Tour
• Oct 8, Street Survival
• Oct 13, Meeting/Social, Bill Pearce BMW/TBD 6pm
• Oct 29, Fun Rally
• Nov 10, Meeting/Social, Bill Pearce BMW/TBD 6pm
• Dec 8, Christmas/Holiday Party

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