Jafar Sepahpour and Jm Hodos check out the transmission on DJ Hanley’s 356. (Photo by C Kugler)The Sierra 356 Group and Sierra Nevada Region PCA joint technical session was well attended and covered numerous topics. We had about 24 members from both groups who attended the session and we were able to fit everyone in and make sure the goodies did not run out. The homemade real Danish pastry and the other assorted treats and fruits were appreciated and provided the appropriate nourishment for the session.

The first Le Mans victory for Porsche in a short tail 917, June 1970. (Photo by Porsche AG)Stuttgart. Forty years ago on March 13, 1969 at the Geneva International Motor Show, Porsche unveiled a car that, even by today's standards, was underestimated when described as the “super sports car”: The Porsche 917. It became a legend as one of the fastest and most successful racing cars of all time.

Dean Watts , host Jeff Sepahpour, Paul Christensen and Guy Archambault take a break from Porsche tales to enjoy a leisurely beverage in the bar at the Coney Island before the Cioppino Feed. (Photo C Kugler)The stars and the moon aligned this year when Valentine’s Day, President’s Day Weekend and the Sierra Nevada Region’s Annual Cioppino Feed fell on the same mid-winter weekend. Last year’s spring like conditions didn’t materialize but the February chill didn’t dampen our spirits as we descended upon the Coney Island Restaurant in Sparks. After our first visit at last year’s event, we knew to arrive early to take advantage of the outstanding social hour this venue offers.

Rich O’Larey makes us “green” with envy, enjoying the evening with Cindy Wyett and wife Karen O’Larey. (Photo by C Kugler)Irish legend tells us that St. Patrick drove the snakes from Ireland. On Saturday March 14th, the SNR-PCA group that attended a St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at Foley’s Pub couldn’t be driven away! Nearly thirty members and guests were busy enjoying the warm camaraderie and celebration the Irish are famous for. Beverages of all types, Irish and otherwise, were available during our social hour, but as always it was the bright eyes and warm smiles of fellow Porsche enthusiasts that truly made it special.

Betty & Ken Hollman lead the scheduling of events at the Planning Party with intent members looking on - Photo by C. KuglerSierra Nevada Region members had to speak up to be heard at the 2009 Planning Party at BJ’s Restaurant. And speak up they did, with the results yielding a year filled with a wide variety of activities to suit all tastes. Thirty-six members attended the festivities and both new and old members came forth and volunteered to host events. New members Guy & Donna Archambault enthusiastically took on the job of hosting the St. Patrick’s Day Party. Mary Zanella came prepared to plan a driving tour out to the colorful town of Winnemucca for a “Drive and Mine” tour.

Dean Watts receives the "Wall of Fame" award from SNR President Ken Hollman and outgoing Zone Rep Larry Sharp - Photo by C. KuglerThe annual Zone 7 Awards program is always a special occasion and this year’s edition, in Brunch format, was no exception. Scott’s Seafood Restaurant in Walnut Creek hosted the event and a full house anxiously awaited the awards presentations for 2008. The Zone Awards focus primarily on competitive events, such as individual performances in Zone Autocross, Rally and Concours events. With all due respect to the many deserving winners, our primary reason for attending this year’s event, centered on a special honor being presented to one of Sierra Nevada Regions own.

denise and Ron Lewis with President Ken Hollman - Photo by C. KuglerTPMS – just another acronym in a world full of them. This one has real meaning for Porsche owners of newer models and our friends at Porsche of Reno (Bill Pearce) took the time to explain what it is, how it works and what it does for you. TPMS stands for Tire Pressure Monitoring System and since 2007 has been mandated for all new cars (think Ford Explorer low tire pressure roll overs of the late 80’s). Service Manager Jeff Leathers lead off the session with an overview of the program and his intent to host additional tech sessions this year.

New and old SNR members mingle and enjoy breakfast at the Gold n' Silver Inn - Photo by J. RiandaIt was a clear, cool Sunday morning as several marauding Porsches began to enter the parking lot of the old Gold N’ Silver Inn in Reno. A shiny, silver 996 was the first to arrive followed by Cayennes, Boxsters and 911s. Drivers and their passengers entered the building and turned left past the video poker machines, drawn to our meeting room by the alluring aroma of fresh brewed coffee (the signs helped as well). The newest members of the Sierra Nevada Region began to assemble for a free breakfast and introduction to the club.