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OCTOBER 2019 6 FROM THE VICE PRESIDENT Virginie Grange Photography provided by Virginie Grange 6 OCTOBER 2019 Almost four years ago now, when I drove away from the Porsche dealership with a 2016 Carmine Red Cayman (now named, Z Rouge), I promised myself to make good use of this car and a couple months later joined the club. The first activity Z Rouge and I participated in was the Mt. Hood weekend tour. I was not prepared for the warm welcome I received. Anna and Jack Filutowski, as well as Robin and Marty Miller, made sure my co-pilot and I had a great experience. In subsequent tours, Greg Halverson asked Z Rouge and I to be sweepers, and later on, tour leaders. This was a great way to get introduced to the club and to meet members. I am happy to see that it is still the case for new members today. Our 2020 tour planning meeting will be held on November 24th. I encourage you to attend. Recently we had an event that is dear to my heart—the Women's Tour to Port Townsend organized and led by Patti Lewandowsky and Carole West. This was our fourth edition and it was amazing to see the dedication and hours this team happily spent preparing this tour. I enjoyed seeing the smiling faces of all the participants on our Facebook group. As Z Rouge wanted a little bit more exercise, I attended a Driver Skills event. Kevin Nouwens, Bill Bauer, Kim Motonaga, and Kevin Grealish run a tight, but very fun ship! I felt one with Z Rouge after that event. To try it yourself, sign up for the DS event on October 19th. Z Rouge and I were ready to go to the track for the first event of the season three years ago—the first time for both of us. So, we were nervous. Shay Hoelscher was my first instructor. I came back with a huge smile on my face after the first session…the beginning of an addiction! Shay is an inspiring role model for many women (e.g. Hiromi Bounds, Annette Devoe, Sidney Tanner, Auste Viesulas) who are now participating in these events. I want to thank Shay Hoelscher and Curt Smith for their commitment, dedication, and passion over the past few years of running these events. I am very excited that Shay will still be running the Women's DE day going forward. What I enjoy most at the track is the camaraderie among participants: from Ed Jenkins making sure my tire pressure is adequate and teaching me about it; Annette and Ed Devoe hosting drivers in their trailer on rainy or hot days; drivers like Mark Dennie, Ed Devoe, Kevin Grealish, John Newton, and Martin Wild, coming together when someone needs help to change their brake pads, tires etc.; to after track spur of the moment happy hours. I found similar camaraderie at autocross run by Paul Hagger, Mary Downings, Wendy Gulick, and Carole Leuty, who encouraged me to try. Z Rouge has grown fond of the cones! Robin Miller and I have a lot of fun competing while not competing in the same class. This year I also participated in the Women's autocross practice co-led by NWRSCC, BSCC, Torques Steerers, and PNWR. I highly recommend this event, which happens in June. Our next autocross event will be on October 12th. New members, please join us on October 27th for our new members' social event hosted by Wendy Gulick, Jeff and Shari Weibel. Z Rouge and I hope to see you on the road!