‘Try To Remember the Days of September’
As we come back from summer vacations, we have been abruptly shaken by the news of the mass shootings in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio. Our heartfelt prayers and sympathies go out to the families and communities. We recognize and appreciate the efficient and quick efforts by the first responders and medical staff in both cities. We are particularly fortunate in our community to have first responders and medical staff that have been trained and are ready to assist in these kinds of emergencies.
Thanks are in order, also, to those who responded to The Orinda News story last month about the need for more volunteer drivers for the Seniors Around Town (SAT) program. The program is providing more than 120 rides per month to seniors. The more volunteer drivers there are, the more rides that can be provided for medical appointments and other errands. Following the article, SAT added five new volunteers to its ranks with people stepping up in true Orinda style.
The Orinda Association is able to fund this important program through fundraisers such as the 15th Annual Orinda Classic Car Show, which is taking place the weekend of Sept. 6-7. The event is one of the best fundraisers of the year that benefits many local charities and nonprofits.
As always, it will be held in the Orinda Village, next to Orinda Motors, starting at 10 a.m. Sept. 7. The Classic Car Show began in 2005 organized by local classic car owners to provide a venue for the enjoyment of vintage vehicles while raising funds for local charities. One of the features that makes this car show unique and personal is that you get to meet the owners and talk to them about their cars.
Several years ago, the theme of the show was Route 66. We all have our favorite cars. Mine are the 1960s Corvettes. I’m particularly fond of the 1962 Corvette, an iconic vehicle. I was able to meet and talk to the owner about the vehicle, including improvements and repairs and how many times he drove it. It was a joyous experience. This is one event that is free and you can get up close and personal to learn about each vintage car.
Expect to see more than 200 cars and motorcycles. There will be two exhibits, one featuring Porches and the other highlighting station wagons dating back to the 1960s. There may also be a DeLorean.
The car show will be kicked off by a party hosted by the Orinda Rotary Club at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 6 at the Wilder Art and Garden Center, behind Ball Field #5. The theme is “Wheels that Won the West.” The production known as “Dancing with the Cars” will include drinks, music, dancing and a preview of some of the cars participating on Saturday.
There will be two shuttles running from the parking lot to the festivities.
Silent and live auctions will offer getaways, opportunities for adventure, personal pampering and fun. Tickets for Friday evening are $130 each or $1,000 for a table of eight. Keep in mind that all proceeds will be donated to good causes.
One of the main sponsors is Mechanics Bank. Ally Fattore, Rotarian and branch manager/vice president of the Orinda branch, says, “At Mechanics Bank, we believe in giving back to the community. We are actually involved, not just financially but with our time, talent and energy to create healthy communities. Thank you Rotary Club of Orinda, The Orinda Association and many other sponsors for making this a signature fundraising event to benefit local charities. Congrats to the 15th Annual Orinda Dancing with the Cars and Classic Car Show.”
For more information, visit http://www.orindacarshow.com or the Orinda Rotary Club at https://orindarotary.org/.
