Birds by the Bay

2013 CTCI Regional Convention

July 31 to August 4, 2013

Hosted by the Santa Clara Valley Thunderbirds

The 2013 CTCI Region 3 Regional was a huge success.  There were over 340 people with smiles, stories, excitement, and 103 beautiful Thunderbird to share with our fellow Thunderbirders.

July 30, Tuesday, was the day it all began for SCVT.  Many volunteers were busy setting up their stations in preparation for the 10 am Wednesday start time.  Les & Bobbie and their volunteers were getting Registration ready for the 193 registered participants; Georgette, Eddi, and lots of volunteers were scrambling to get the Hospitality Room ready for people to come relax and get refreshments; Al Thomas & Rod Marconi, and their volunteers were getting the parking set up and directing people where to park.  Jenny, Jill, Joan, Beverly, and their volunteers were busily arranging the vendor room and setting up the raffle prizes.  Just looking around appeared to be total ciaos but it was really organized.  Everyone knew what they had to do and did it!  Great Job everyone!

July 31, Wednesday, started off great.  Registration was open and waiting for the people to show up at 10 am; and did they show up.  There were a lot of people but there were enough volunteers to handle it.  It all went smooth.  Hospitality was open at 10 am with hot coffee and food fit for a King – Thanks to SCVT.  There were times the room got so crowded you could hardly move around.  The vendor/prize room was awesome!  I heard so many people say they have never seen such a vendor room at any convention.  The raffle prizes astonished everyone and they were very excited to buy tickets with the hope of winning one or more of those beautiful baskets created by Jill, Joan, Beverly, and Jenny.

August 1, Thursday, The day started off with a crowded hospitality room, Hosted by the Early Birds of So. Cal in the am and BATOC in the PM,  where the Thunderbirders got all “gassed” up to have a hard day of cleaning their beautiful Thunderbirds.  To assist, Don Hamblin opened his car detail service early morning and I believe his team worked into the night getting all those Thunderbirds clean and shining.  At about 8:45 am the tour buses rolled up and started loading for the San Francisco Tour, with docents Rick Deutsch and Bernie Epolite.  Don Reisinger planned a nice tour up to Twin Peaks for pictures of the City; Over the Golden Gate Bridge for more picture taking; and then back to Pier 39 for a leisurely day on Fisherman’s Wharf.  Many super comments of how nice the tour was.  At the same time, the Judges Seminar was in progress.  Around 6 pm, many people started showing up for the Welcome Party, hosted by Concours Parts & Accessories.  The Cold Storage Band (Lead singer Gus Gatto), entertained us all evening during our scrumptious hors devours and cocktails.  You could see everyone was having a wonderful time.

August 2, Friday, started off with a crowded Hospitality room enjoying the Sacramento T-Bird Club’s  famous scrambled egg breakfast, Hosted by Sacramento T-Bird Club in the am and SCVT in the PM.  People were scurrying around getting their cars ready for the concours judging; the Underbird judging (maybe not the Underbird); and the people’s choice judging.  The vendor room was promptly opened at 8 am as was the judges/owners meeting.  At 9 am, the bus for the morning NASA tour was loaded and ready to go, with docent/organizer Bob Lawrence.  There were great reviews from people who attended.  At 1 pm, there was a repeat tour for NASA.  At 6 pm people started arriving for cocktails and a super Luau Buffett.  Sandy and Dennis worked very hard setting up the colorful setting with pineapples on each table and colorful decorations.  The pool fence was lined with leys for everyone to take – what’s a Luau without leys?  The RipTides (Lead singer Tim Roehm) played the Beach boy and Beatles music making it a memorable evening. 

August 3, Saturday, The day started out with a chill in the air.  The swap meet was opened at 7 am with a lot of treasures to be found.  There we a lot of smiling faces showing off their gains.  The Hospitality Room, hosted by SCVT,  was once again packed with people telling stories of the past few days and how much fun it was to be here.  The Vendor/Raffle room was opened at 8 am for people to claim their prizes and for the vendors to pack up so we could use the room for the awards banquet.  The Santa Cruz Driving tour was getting ready for departure.  With 72 cars driving to Santa Cruz, the group was divided into 4 groups (pods) of which each departed 10 – 15 minutes apart.  This was quite a challenge to keep all of the cars together and prevent people from getting lost.  A nice day was spent on the Santa Cruz Wharf going from shop to shop winning prizes.  Thanks to our “pod” crews for leading the groups and Don Reisinger for organizing this.  At 6 pm people started showing up for cocktails before the awards banquet.  By 7:30 pm people were seated enjoying a delicious dinner and enjoying the slide show of the convention, prepared by Larry Maness.  After dinner, Gene Cox kicked off the awards ceremony with a very nice speech introducing CTCI staff, CTCI past presidents, SCVT Convention Leads and presenting the Underbird award to Billy Mann, People’s Choice awards.  Next was Bill Long (CTCI President) who presented appreciation plaques to Gene & Larry for hosting the Convention followed by John Sailors with the Concours and touring awards and Larry Maness running the slide show.

August 4, Sunday, The final day of the convention.  Once again, the Hospitality Room, Hosted by SCVT,  was packed for a final gathering of people, storytelling and saying good-bye before departing to their next destination – home – Hot August Nights, etc.  Happy trails to you and may you have a safe trip.  As soon as our guest left, the clean up process began.  With all of the help we were out of there in no time – THANK YOU SOO MUCH!

Some convention statics:

193 Registrants – equates to 341 people.

It was nice to see our foreign T-Bird Friends (Registrations) :

  • Australia = 9
  • Sweden = 1
  • Canada = 4

Cars:

  • Concours         23
  • Touring            40
  • Display             40
  • Secured            16
  • Underbird       4
  • Trailers            13

Judge Volunteers      79

Owners Meeting        113

Banquets:

  • Welcome          322
  • Luau                  269
  • Awards             298

Tours:

  • San Francisco 83
  • Santa Cruz:
    • Driving 72
    • Bus       54
  • NASA   83

 

Congratulations to SCVT Award Winners (Be sure to see our Photo Album ):

Underbird – Billy Mann

Peoples Choice Concours – Gene Cox

Touring Awards:

  • Hoods Up Touring – Subclass A – 1st place – Rod Marconi
  • 1955 Touring – Subclass A – 3rd place – Patrick & Tina Ford
  • 1955 Touring – Subclass A – 2nd place – Christine Cox
  • 1955 Touring – Subclass A – 1st place – Bernie Epolite
  • 1955 Touring – Subclass B – 1st place – Bonnie & Sam Hollingsworth
  • 1956 Touring – Subclass A – 3rd place – Charlie & Claire Affrunti
  • 1956 Touring – Subclass A – 2nd place – Jerry & Gail Dance
  • 1956 Touring – Subclass A – 1st place – Bill Mann
  • 1956 Touring – Subclass B – 2nd place – Woody & Susan Zammitt
  • 1957 Touring – Subclass A – 2nd place – Harry Ozols

Concours II

  • 1956 Primary Original no undercarriage – Bronze and Original Unrestored – Larry Johnston

Concours I

  • 1957 Primary Non Original – Gold – Eddi Cox
  • 1957 Primary Non Original – Gold – Dick Osgood and Gold Medallion
  • 1957 Senior Original – Gold – Gene Cox and Gold Medallion and Excellence in Authenticity

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Marty Gerbasi, Patrick Ford, and Carl Epolite for their help in taking pictures for the slide show.  Unfortunately, there was not enough time to include all of the pictures especially when it was getting close to “show time”, for this I apologize.

On a sad note, we missed our good friend Vic Ginn who left us just a few months before the convention.  He leaves his loving wife, Betty, and we sure hope to see her in the near future.  Vic, May you rest in peace!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you do not receive your registration information within 2 weeks after sending it to me, Please call and let me know.  408-219-7716.

Notice:  The hotel room rate is now $94.00 + Tax per night…. See information below.

Merchandise will not be sold at the convention….

Click here to visit our Convention store.

Click here to download the Convention Registration form.

Click here to download the Convention Vendor Form.

 Click here to download the Convention Vendor Information.

Just Updated 3/29/13:  Click here to download Convention Update Information.

Flash News:  

Car Detail Service will be available. Thursday only from 9am to 8 pm.  Signup on Wednesday or Thursday at the convention or make an appointment – call Don at 650-576-6234.

Don’t have a concours, touring or display car?  Check into entering our SCVT UnderBird class.

SCVT believes this is the first ever at a CTCI convention.  We have set up a special space for Thunderbirds that do not fall into the Concours, Touring, or display classes.  In other words, the most “needy” Thunderbird will end up with a trophy.  This is a people choice award so be sure to enter your car if it is “needy”!  Also, be sure to vote for the “UnderBird”.  The only rule is that it must be driven in (or maybe a strong push will do it).  It can’t be trailered into the show, However, you can trailer it a block away then drive it in.

Visit the “Silicon Valley”

The 2013 Birds by the Bay Regional Convention promises to be an exciting and fun-filled event located in one of the most famous areas in the entire world.

SCVT is privileged to be headquartered in Santa Clara County, the “Capital” of the world famous Silicon Valley.  But, we are not all about computer geeks and electrons.  Our Valley is within one hour easy drive to one of the most comprehensive set of entertainment options in the U.S.

Venture out to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Santa Cruz Beach, NASA Ames Labs, Winchester Mystery House, the streets of San Francisco, the Napa Wine Country or for the baseball enthusiasts, schedule in a S. F. Giants game.

We plan on keeping you entertained while you are our guests with a series of events, dinners, and, of course, one of the biggest displays of Classic Little Birds you’ll see anywhere.

The convention will be held at the San Jose Airport Garden Hotel, 1740 N. First Street, San Jose, California.  The phone number is 408-793-3300 and don’t forget to mention “Birds by the Bay” for the convention $94.00 + Tax special rate.

Event Scheduled

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

  • Early arrival and registration  10 am – 5 pm.
  • Hospitality Suite 10 am – 5 pm.
  • Vendor Set-up 11 am – 7 pm.

Thursday, August 1, 2013

  • Continued arrival and registration  8 am – 5 pm.
  • Hospitality Suite 7 am – 11 am; 1 pm – 4 pm.
  • Vendor Room 8 am – 6 pm.
  • Car Cleaning 8 am – 9 pm.
  • Car Detail 9 am – 8 pm (depending on demand).
  • Judge’s Seminar  1 pm – 5 pm.
  • San Francisco Tour / Golden Gate Bridge / Pier 39.   9:30 am – 4:30 pm

The tour bus will depart around 9:30 a.m. and drive through San Francisco, across the scenic Golden Gate Bridge and stop for a photo opportunity at a San Francisco scenic location. The bus will then go back across the Golden Gate Bridge into San Francisco heading to Fisherman’s Wharf and pier 39 where you will enjoy a leisurely day exploring the Wharf and shops at pier 39. You will have your choice of many delicious sea food restaurants for a leisurely lunch. Be sure to bring your camera! The bus will pick you up where you were dropped off to return to the San Jose Airport Garden Hotel. Please listen carefully to your docent for schedules and instructions. Have a great time!    NOTE:  Unfortunately, if you have signed up to be a judge you will not be able to attend this event.  It is mandatory all judges attend the judges seminar being held at 1 – 5 on Thursday, 8/1/13.  We apologize for this but we had to schedule this tour during this seminar.

  • Welcome Party:  you must wear your name tag or you will be asked to leave.
    • No-Host Cocktails start at 6:00 pm.
    • Party Menu will consist of pot stickers with plum sauce; Satay chicken brochettes; Teriyaki beef brochettes; Spicy lime prawns; Blanched and raw vegetables; International cheese display served with a sour cream dill dressing.
    • Listen to the 50’s music of Gus Gatto’s Cold Storage Band from 6:00 pm – 9:30pm.

Friday, August 2, 2013

  • Continued arrival and registration  8 am – 5 pm.
  • Hospitality Suite  7 am – 11 pm; 1 pm – 4 pm.
  • Vendor Room 8 am – 5 pm.
  • Judges/Owners meeting 8 am – 8:45 am.
  • Underbird Voting 9 am – 4 pm.

The Underbird is a reverse concours.  This is a peoples choice vote to determine the most “needy” Thunderbird.  Look for your voting ballot in the registration package.  If you feel you have a Thunderbird that is not in the concours, touring, or display class then consider entering it in this class.  The only rule is that it must be driven in (or maybe a strong push will do it).  It can not be trailered in.

  • Concours Judging 9 am Sharp.
  • NASA Ames Tours. 
    • Due to federal regulations we just received,  the NASA tour has changed : 
    • There will be only two tours, one at 9 AM and one 1 PM.  Please identify the time you would like to go.
    • NASA and the Federal Government will only US Citizens due to security reasons. 
    • No “open toe”  or “High Heel” shoes will be allowed
  • Luau Dinner and Dance:  Please remember to take your tickets.  We ask that you wait for all people to be served before going back for seconds.
    • No-Host Cocktails 6:00 pm.
    • Luau 7 pm.  Menu:  Hawaiian teriyaki chicken; Kalua smoked pork; Mahi-Mahi with pineapple glaze; either smoked sweet potato or rice (to be determined); Green salad; Fruit salad.  Dessert: Lemon coconut cake and Fruit tarts.
    • Listen to the music of the RipTides Band featuring SCVT member Tim Roehm from 6:00 pm to 9:30pm.

Saturday, August 3, 2013

  • Hospitality Suite 7 – 11 am; 1 – 4 pm.
  • Swap Meet 7 am – 9am.
  • Driving Tour to Santa Cruz Beach and Boardwalk  9:30 am – 5 pm.

This tour will be your “touring class” driving tour for your extra 10 points.  Departure time will be 9:30 am.  You will drive up the scenic route through the Santa Cruz Mountains and drop down into Santa Cruz proceeding to the wharf where you will park over the ocean.  Be sure to have a full tank of gas before you depart.  For those who prefer not to drive, a shuttle will be provided that will depart at 9:30 am. and return around 5 pm.  Be sure to listen carefully to your docent for instructions and times.The iconic Santa Cruz Beach and Boardwalk has something for everyone.  You can take a leisurely stroll down the wharf visiting quaint gift shops or walk down to the famous boardwalk to enjoy Santa Cruz own “Coney Island” full of wild rides, fun game houses, or just watch people.  There are a lot of great sea food restaurants on the wharf for a leisurely lunch.  Be sure to find the location to seen the large Sea Lions which perch themselves on the structure of the wharf.  Note:   There is a $25.00 charge for the “SPECIAL” parking on the Santa Cruz Wharf which prevents the general public from parking in our reserved area.

  • Awards Banquet
    • No Host Cocktails 6:00 pm.
    • Awards Banquet 7:30 pm Sharp!
    • Menu: 
Prime Rib of Beef (8 oz) served with Chive Butter Baked Potato and Homemade Horseradish, and seasonal fresh vegetables.
Filet of Salmon (herb crusted pan seared- 8 oz) served with spinach ravioli and light cream sauce and seasonal fresh vegetables.
Vegetarian Lasagna layered with fresh seasonal vegetables, mozzarella and ricotta cheese topped with marinara sauce and seasonal fresh vegetables.  All entrees will  include a salad (still to be determined between apple strawberry or spinach), rolls, coffee, hot or iced tea, and platter of assorted French Pastries.

Sunday, August 4, 2013

  • Hospitality Suite 7 am – 11 am.
  • Farewell – happy trails to your next destination – Thank you so much!

Hotel Information:

San Jose Airport Garden Hotel,  1740 N. First Street,  San Jose, Ca
Notice:  SCVT has met our contractual agreements with the hotel by booking all of the rooms that was guaranteed.   The hotel has increased the room rate to $94.00 + Tax per night effective 5/2/2013.  There are still rooms available at the hotel for the new price.  You still need to mention “birds by the bay” to get this room rate.
Check-in time is 3:00 p.m.      Check-out time is 12:00 Noon.
Hotel reservations can be made by clicking this link:   https://reservations.ihotelier.com/crs/g_reservation.cfm?groupID=840948&hotelID=75150
 Phone:  408-793-3300  Please don’t use the 800 number as we have been having problems with this service reserving rooms.  Call the 408 number, press “O” and ask for the front desk.   (be sure to mention Birds by the Bay for the special rate)
Fax:        408-453-0261 
 

“Birds by the Bay” Convention Board and Contact Information:

Title Name Phone email
Regional Co-Chair Gene Cox 1-408-593-4307   [email protected]
Larry Maness 1-408-219-7716 [email protected]
Registration Chair Les Miller 1-408-406-5566 [email protected]
Events Chair Don Reisinger 1-888-206-0148 [email protected]
Concours Chair Frank Stubbs 1-425-228-7198  [email protected]
  Dave Van Winkle 1-503-625-6524  [email protected]
Chief Judge Frank Stubbs 1-425-228-7198  [email protected]
  Dave Van Winkle 1-503-625-6524  [email protected]
Chief Touring Judge Clarke Hamm    
Concours Logistic Chair Al Thomas 1-650-493-4476 [email protected]
Program Chair Carl Epolite 1-408-425-3038 [email protected]
Vendor Chair Jenny Jump 1-650-493-4344 [email protected]
Fund Raising Co-Chair Jill Schwab 1-650-740-3605 [email protected]
Beverly Handelman 1-209-768-1589  [email protected]
Fund Raising Co-ordination Joe Ryan 1-650-483-6256 [email protected]
Awards Chair Bob Lawrence 1-415-516-7598 [email protected]
Hospitality Co-Chair Georgette Maness 1-408-219-7715 [email protected]
Eddi Cox 1-408-218-8725 [email protected]
Banquet Chair Sandie Kay 1-650-799-0303 [email protected]
  Dennis Kay 1-650-341-6868  [email protected]
Entertainment Tim Roehm 1-650-704-8600  [email protected]