What a difference a year makes as the Valley Forge Region held it's Annual Banquet on a warm dry night as opposed to last year's ice and snow. The atmosphere was just as warm inside as the region paused to reminisce about last year's successes and dream of the coming year's events. The highlight of the evening was the installation of the newly elected region officers and board of directors. Former President Toni Rothman was awarded a Distinguished Service Award for her outstanding service to the region as President. Toni also joined her husband David, pictured at right as the recipients of a special award commemorating the national recognition they have brought our region. Also receiving a Distinguished Service Award were Jack and Nancy Hotz, pictured at left, in recognition of their many years of service to the region. Carol Magee was awarded the 2nd annual John Fisher Memorial Goddess Award, recognizing her work in welcoming new members with stories in the Goddess. Another special award was given to Shelley Chadick for her behind the scenes work done for the VFR and the National CLC. Shelley is noted for organizing those first class tours and events we all enjoy so much. A brown bag auction was again fun and entertaining for all those who participated. The most popular items were a Cadillac fender cover, a cordless drill and a folding chair that was perfect for car shows. The CLC President and Treasurer were in attendance, the VFR's own Richard Sills and Larry Lesiger, who gave interesting reports on the status of the national club. Once again VFR member Jim Fields organized this year's event. Thanks to Jim for another first class event.

Photos by Rob and Chevonne Robison.

April may be known for showers but not a raindrop was in sight as the Valley Forge Region traveled to Egg Harbor NJ for this year's version of the Renault Winery Brunch. This is the third consecutive year the VFR has started its social calendar at the winery. Each year this event becomes more popular as more and more members discover the sumptuous food and the winery's unique blueberry champagne. And of course, the opportunity to reacquaint friendships interrupted by winter's cold. This year, a total of 46 members enjoyed the day among friends. John and Lisa Fleming along with Larry and Ilene Lesiger are pictured at left, had the most fun of all, as usual. This year's exceptional weather coaxed out several antique Cadillacs and LaSalles from the '40's to '60's. Many thanks to Nancy Hotz for organizing this wonderful event for the third straight year.

The month of May usually guarantees perfect weather for showing our Cadillacs and LaSalles. But May 18th dawned stormy and cold and seemed more like March 18th. Torrential downpours, although much needed in the Philadelphia area, kept many members home. Those who braved the weather enjoyed the gracious hospitality of the Ferraro family and a small but quality lineup of cars ranging from John Spillman's 1928 LaSalle pictured at right, to Frank Perch's 1989 Cadillac. John's LaSalle was the winner of the Dealer's Choice Award. Early arrivals were able to bring their cars into the Ferraro garage to dry off before the rains stopped by 11:00 AM. Judging for this show used the 'Scantron' electronic judging forms for the first time in the Cadillac LaSalle Club history. This system is being tested by the VFR to work out any "bugs" before its implementation at the Grand National Meet in Detroit this summer.While national judging rules take much longer per car, the system itself worked flawlessly, tabulating results instantly. Our thanks go to Jeff Hansen who has helped designed the system and who operated it today. Many thanks also go to Bill Walter, the show coordinator who spent alot of time worrying about the weather. Thanks also go to Dan Reed, who arranged the spectacular trophies for the show. And of course, thanks to all who braved the weather to make this show a success.

Click here for more pictures and judging results from the 2002 Ferraro Show

After a year hiatus, Vallee & Bowe Olds-Cadillac welcomed the Valley Forge Region on a beautiful June afternoon. Over 35 Cadillacs and LaSalles were present, including Dan Ganovsky's 1959 Convertible, pictured below. This show marked the second test of the Scantron electronic judging system. The system performed flawlessly, tabulating judges results instantly. The system architect, our own Jeff Hansen, declared the system ready to go for the 2002 Grand National Meet. Thanks, Jeff! Joe and Shirley Vallee once again demonstrated their gracious hospitality by providing a pig roast lunch, which was worth coming for itself. Our thanks go to Joe and Shirley, who make us all feel like part of their family. Thanks also to Jack Hotz, the show coordinator. Thanks are also due Nancy Hotz, Karen Toton, Dave Barr and Dawn Adams for their help on show day. Thanks are also due Dan Reed, who coordinated the trophies for this show.

Click here for more pictures and judging results from the 2002 Vallee Bowe Show

some of the planes. Also included were two trips to Delaware for a train ride through the Red Clay Creek Valley, and a visit to the Marshall Steam Museum, home to the largest collection of operating Stanley steam cars in the world. The tour was capped off with a trip to Bethlehem PA in the beautiful Lehigh Valley for the Eastern US Concours d'Elegance. A total of 54 Cadillacs and 107 CLC members from all over North America enjoyed the Valley Forge Region and made friendships that will last a lifetime.

Click here for more pictures from the 2002 National Driving Tour

The theme was "Focus on Flatheads" as members of the Valley Forge Region met at Tom Myers' garage in Swedesboro NJ to learn about and exchange ideas about the "L Head" style flathead, used by Cadillac from 1936 to 1948. Twelve people and five Cadillacs and LaSalles (not all were flatheads) attended. Marty Watkins, our flathead expert, highlited the afternoon by showing and discussing flathead components. Tom Myers schooled everyone on the inner workings of the engine, showing members how to install lifters, inspect the valves, camshaft and other inner engine components. Rob Robison stressed the importance of ground in Cadillac six volt systems, demonstrating with a starter motor. Members had to be dragged away from Tom's garage for lunch but the break was worth it as everyone was treated to their choice of delicious hoagies and cakes. Everyone had a great and informative time! Special thanks are due Tom and Cathy Myers for hosting this fun event, of which we all hope will be others like it!

Click here for more pictures from the Flathead Seminar   Photos by Nancy Hotz

VFR members made a trip to Emmaus PA for a seminar on interior restoration by renowned interior specialist Dave Brady and a visit to Woody and Fran Rohrbach's home for lunch and a tour of their spectacular garage. Dave is currently working on Jeff Hansen's 1942 7533 limousine, which he used for demonstrating restoration techniques. The two hour seminar was full of how-to instructions along with advise on cleaning and maintaining various interior fabrics. Everyone who attended agreed that Mr. Brady's presentation was quite informative and a lot of fun. After the seminar most members drove a short distance to Woody and Fran Rohrbach's home for lunch and a tour of Woody's fabulous garage. Woody has ten cars in his garage, including his '31 Cadillac V-12 Convertible Coupe, '32 LaSalle Sedan and '49 Cadillac Sedan. Woody also has a few Corvettes, a Rolls Royce (for sale), and a couple of early '50's Chevys. Fran treated us to a scrumptious lunch as we relaxed after the seminar. Thanks to Woody and Fran for lunch and your hospitality! Special thanks to Dave Brady, a credit to our hobby!

Click here for more pictures from the Dave Brady interior restoration seminar.