The 2017 Grand National is an event that I will never forget.  In my role assisting attendees with their questions, ticket exchanges, merchandise sales, etc., I had the pleasure of meeting and talking with most everyone there.  It was a great experience to spend time with many members that I had only previously known by name or conversed with through email.

And if the event wasn’t significant enough for me, I was thrilled to have received the Henry M. Leland Award at the Saturday Night Awards Banquet.  What an honor it is to now be one of only 20 members in the history of the CLC, including the Potomac Region’s Bill Anderson and the late Steven Sisson, to have received the club’s highest honor. 

My journey with the Potomac Region started when my oldest son was a newborn (he is now starting high school).  Without the support of my wife Robin and sons Jack and Michael, I would not have been able to fulfill my passion for the club.  Along the way, there have been many people who have believed in my efforts and provided assistance, guidance and support, in particular Daniel Jobe, Sandy Kemper, Jack McClow, Dan Ruby, Henry Ruby, Harry Scott, Bill Sessler, Richard Sills and Steven Sisson. 

In addition, current and past officers including Randy Denchfield, Paul Estaver, Tom McQueen, Scot Minesinger, Chuck & Debbie Piel, Diane Ruby, Richard Sisson and Debbie Taylor have been there every step of the way to work together as a team to make the Potomac Region one of the finest regions in the CLC.  In addition, members and non-members alike saw the efforts we were making with our publication and website and shared stories, experiences, photos, etc. This award represents the efforts of countless individuals working together to enhance the Cadillac experience in the Potomac Region and beyond. Thanks to everyone who has contributed to our success!

Please keep Potomac Region member Nick Ferrantino who lives in Houston in your thoughts and prayers along with all CLC members who live in the area including Steve Stewart, Editor, The Self-Starter.

It’s with great sadness to announce that Potomac Region member Gary Elder, Sr. passed away just a few days before the Grand National.  He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Sandy Elder, and by his children, Gary Elder Jr., Deborah Sackman (Dennis and daughter Julia Rhinehart), Timothy Elder (Angie and sons, Ryan and Kevin), Ashley Cooper (Mark and children, Hannah and Ethan) and Blake Elder. He also leaves his furry companion Woody.  He will be missed by all that knew him.  

Vince Taliano