President’s Message – January 2026

Hi CFMC Members –

Happy New Year to all. Let’s hope that 2026 is filled with more fun club activities.

Looking in the rearview mirror at 2025, we had several fun activities.  Following our annual holiday party at Circa in January, we had a chili cook-off that was well attended with all enjoying a taste of different chilis.  Beginning in March, Stevenson Hendrick Mazda graciously sponsored a quarterly breakfast social at the dealership – a huge thank you to Bryana Belanger and Ken Schiess for coordinating this activity.  As the weather improved in April, the McLendons sponsored a scavenger hunt in Southport which I still hear was greatly enjoyed.

In May, the club had an outing to the Sea Turtle Rescue and the Missiles and More Museum in Topsail sponsored by Alice Cavin and Patrick Miller. This was my personal favorite trip for me since I had wanted but never had the chance to go to the Sea Turtle Rescue.

June brought our trip to Wytheville, VA for a run at the Back of the Dragon.  Fortunately, the weather gods cooperated giving us beautiful top-down weather for driving the back roads in southwest Virginia.

Talk about a beautiful day, our club sponsored a picnic in August at St. James that was very well attended, and let’s face it, can you never get too much BBQ.

In October, the Piotrzkowski’s sponsored the Ft Caswell New & Then and Oak Island Lighthouse outing. Another very successful outing for the club.

We also look at the changes in the membership. The club lost some members/friends due to moves and sales of the tight-fitting cars. At the same time, we welcomed new members and friends and hope they enjoy the camaraderie of the club. In general, our club membership remains at a relatively constant level.

Finally, I would like to thank the core leadership team of the club for their hard work over the past year. Our Vice President, Paul Reinmann, our Treasurer Mary Sue Wahl, our Club Secretary, Fred Heaton, and the dynamic team of Ken and Gina Schiess doing the Membership and RTT editor duties respectively. Last, but not least,

I want to thank my wife, Judy, for her hard work as Activity Coordinator.

As we wave the checkered flag at 2025 and drop the green flag on 2026, I hope everyone has a happy, healthy, safe, and fun new year.  See you at a future club event.