To Greg F and the others following this thread, I read this thread with somewhat shock regarding the contents. I think some *appreciation* needs to be given TO Barry, not the grief that has been shown to him. I have known Barry for about 5 or so years now. Before I joined SDAC (I believe 4 years ago), I didn't care for Barry (first impression, at a Carlisle event). I cant recall what it was, I just didn't care for him. I remember the one year at Carlisle, I was furious that a non-Shelby car parked in the Shelby section and even won that year (a black 93 V6 Daytona, I believe). And of course, I blamed (in my mind, anyway) Barry for not doing a damn thing (not knowing the FULL story behind it -- it wasn't his fault). Wanna know the TRUTH about Barry? For starters, I was wrong with my initial assumption. In getting to know Barry better the last couple of years (primarily through SDAC 13-15), I found the guy to be a downright dedicated man. The guy runs a club that has unfortunately had SDAC's that were in the red (and he supported out of his own pocket). He runs a NON PROFIT club, that he never sees a penny of any of the money that comes in (if you know anything about the strict laws regarding a non-profit organization, you'd know there is no way he could "steal from the moneybox" EVEN if he wanted to). Barry has put a lot of effort and FREE TIME into making this club what it is today. Could it be better? Could the newsletters be faster in coming out? Maybe. But let us remember...HE is in charge...HE is the one taking his FREE TIME and dedicating to OUR hobby. He's ONE guy doing filling a rather tall order. With no compensation at all. I don't see anyone else wanting his position......we should be grateful he is willing to do it!! What would happen if he finally said "enough of this, I'm quiting". Who would take over? Who would put SO much time effort and their OWN money into it? It's quite easy to sit here at the computer and be a "armchair quarterback", ya know? Now to bring my point of Carlisle, and the SDAC newsletter. First the newsletter -- So what if there is a Neon on there? After SDAC-14, Brian Slowe's car appeared on the cover due to the fact it was a unique hybrid engine setup. Is Brian's car a Shelby? Hell no! And for what it's worth, Angelo Taylor is another dedicated member, and downright great guy to meet (I met him at SDAC-15 after beating him out in the bracket race by about 1/10 of a second!). He was well known for his racing skills and awards in his Dodge Omni, aka "Matchbox" (I believe that was the nickname). Shouldn't he get as much of a chance on the cover as anyone else? I hope one day when my car's restoration is done, that I get a chance on the cover too - even though my car isnt a "True Shelby". To close this point, I'll say -- dont like the way the newsletter is being done? Why not step up to the plate and try to do a better job? Offer an article? Offer a car to PUT in there? It's NOT as easy as you think, and requires A LOT of dedicated free time to put that little newsletter together -- and again, he's NOT being paid to do it!! Regarding Carlisle, so what if Barry isnt there? He is missing it ONE time. What about the MANY miles he drives to almost EVERY major Mopar event, on his OWN time, on his OWN gas....just to help this club prosper and get noticed. He cant make it this year. Big deal. The 3 local SDAC chapters in PA will be picking up the reigns and taking his place. Barry will be missed, but it wont be as if SDAC isnt recognized this year at Carlisle. The guy deserves support, not grief. I know if I was him, I would have said "f-this" a LONG time ago. In closing, I think some people really need to step back and look at the big picture. Barry has apologized in the last few newsletters about "being behind" with respect to the newsletters being late. I never complain...the guy is doing this on his own time!! Have some respect! It's not like he gets paid to do this, and I am sure he has a life OUTSIDE of SDAC. As far as his "attitude"....hey, you cant please everyone all the time. Running the club is like running a business -- something I know plenty about. You need to focus on keeping the majority happy, not 1 person, because the majority will keep renewing every year and spreading the word to others to join up, which keeps the club alive. And truth be told, I have watched Barry at Carlisle....he treats EVERY potential person with the same enthusiasm as the "regulars" that park their behinds under the tent to cool off every year. Give the guy some credit, and some respect -- his VOLUNTEER job of running SDAC is NO easy task, costs HIM money out of HIS pocket, and all for WHAT? Just to keep the hobby alive. That's a DEDICATED club president if I ever saw one. My .02 David C. Lucidi
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