Teenagers + Energy Drinks + Nitro = High Powered Fun!!! Isaac Barrocus Celebrates 18th Birthday at AREA 51.

It was high powered fun and games last Friday night as family and friends gathered at AREA 51 to surprise Isaac Barrocus for his 18th birthday. Dennis and Connie Barrocus pulled out all the stops for the party goers by providing great food, high energy drinks, a casino night and a nitro burning birthday surprise with "eight candles" that rocked the house. After Isaac was driven into AREA 51's "bat cave" by two of his friends, it was hugs all around as he greeted every guest individually. Then it was out to the patio where Isaac was introduced to Bob Hansen and his beautifully restored nostalgia Top Fuel Dragster, "The Wynn's Spoiler". After Isaac climbed into the driver's seat Bob lit "all eight candles" to kick off the evening and it was full throttle from that point on.
Back inside it was time to hit the tables for a little casino action and a Mexican feast provided by Victor of Tacos La Paloma. The action was fast and furious and there were some big winners at the tables. But it was Isaac who hit the jackpot by having so many people in his life who love and support him. Congratulations Isaac and Happy Birthday. You are the big winner!

Bob Hansen's awesome nostalgia Top Fuel
Dragster met the guests as they arrived.

It felt like a warm summer evening as family
and friends began to arrive.

Youth and Monster Energy drinks....it was time
to party!

Connie talking with family and welcoming guests.

As his buddies drive him in, Isaac, on the left,

just sat there and smiled. He didn't know what

hit him....

Isaac made his way around the room greeting

everyone individually.

"I didn't have a clue what was going on."

Isaac giving one of his sisters a hug...he still

had the "deer in the headlights" look on his face

Connie filming all the huggin' action while dad

Dennis looks on...it doesn't get any better than

this.

Are you having a good time, Isaac?

It was out to the patio and time to put Isaac

in the driver's seat for the "lighting of the candles."

Most in attendance had never heard or "felt" the

sound of a nitro car....

Bob spins the HEMI to life...

Isaac had a different grin on his face as thousands

of horsepower came to life. The crowd loved it...

and I bet our neighbors did too!

Isaac and Bob share a moment after the start up.

The Barrocus gang...

Isaac and the Monrovia gang...

Victor and Tacos La Paloma have become a fixture

at AREA 51 for a reason...the food is AWESOME!

Dennis and Bob talking about some of the car's

history and performance.

...lots of smilin' faces and plenty of food.

The casino action went on all night...

This group looks like they've done this before!

Wait...didn't Kenny Rogers say "you never

count your money when you're sittin' at the table?"

Isaac's little sister plays by her own rules.

...this cake tasted even better than it looked,

and it looked great!!!

Isaac, you can't make that face until you're a

lot older...

Wait...didn't Jan and Dean say it was "two girls

for every boy?" These kids break all the rules!

Isaac gettin' in on the action.

The patio peep...

Happy Birthday Isaac!!!

Together at last, NOCITA and PAFF are "WICKED" on stage!!!

After years of attending the same school in New York, living together in Pasadena and doing performances individually, Kimberly Nocita and Lauren Paff finally had an opportunity to perform together in a unique stage experience called PAZ NAZ's Got Talent. Showcasing talent from within the ranks of First Church of the Nazarene in Pasadena, audiences were entertained by several musical numbers, stand up comedy, a series of short sketches and three songs selected from the musicals "Chess" and "Wicked" sung by Nocita and Paff. Their renditions of "I know him so well" from "Chess", "What is this feeling" and "For Good" from the hit show "Wicked" had the audience feeling like they were attending a Broadway show. Thank you Kimberly and Lauren for giving us an evening to remember and congratulations on your first performance together. We can only hope it will be the first of many.

It's hard to capture a musical performance with pictures so here's a video clip of "What is this feeling" sung by Kimberly and Lauren. All three numbers are listed under the video section of the blog should you want to enjoy them all.

Thanks to all who helped make PAZ NAZ's Got Talent such a huge success and to those who performed over the three nights. We hope that you will do it again soon!

(We know there wasn't one automotive reference or picture of a motorized vehicle of any type in this week's blog. We'll be "back on track" next week!)

Kimberly and Lauren were very excited to finally

be performing together....can you tell?

First night attendees supporting Kimberly and

Lauren opening night. "Mernie" (center), Auntie

Bob and Grandma Mahgy.

Lauren, Judy Berry and Kimberly. Judy was

Kimberly's violin teacher for many years and has

always been one of her biggest supporters.

Sister Erica with "the stars" on Thursday night.

AJ and Kristy share a moment before Saturday

night's performance. They settled down for

the show.

....during the song, "I know him so well" from

"Chess".

Beautiful harmonies had the audience smiling

from ear to ear.

Bring out the performers!

....and the audience gets a thank you from the

cast and crew....

....take a bow!

Do you think Lauren enjoys performing? It was

hard getting her off the stage.

David Mimms paying Kimberly and Lauren

some very nice compliments.

There's always a level of excitement after a show

and much "downloading" to do...

Meetin' and greetin'...a favorite part of the

evening for any performer.

A hug from mom is always good!

Grandma, Kimberly, sister Kristy with baby ?,

Reggie, Lauren and a very proud mom.

Lauren and Kimberly posing with a piece of

artwork brought in by one of the area's sculptors.

Several artists had their works on display in the

lobby.

Great show, girls! Let's do it again soon!

Kimberly and Lauren will both be in the upcoming

stage presentation of "It's A Wonderful Life" put

on by Cornerstone Theater at Pasadena First Church

December 1-22, 2009. This will be the second year

that this Christmas favorite will be presented

throughout the holiday season. Don't miss it!

Maranatha High School Celebrates Ten Year Reunion At AREA 51. Let The Good Times Roll!

Ten years goes by fast. Just ask the Maranatha High School Class of 1999. It was reunion time last Saturday night at AREA 51 and the good ol' times rolled as alums, spouses and friends gathered to celebrate a great chapter in their lives. DanThanh (Nguyen) Fields did a great job in pulling together the evening which included a picture presentation, slide show and various games that highlighted tv shows and movies from 1999. It's always fun to reunite with high school friends and catch up on the years that have passed since your graduation. The Maranatha group was no exception...the chatter went on non stop all evening!

Thanks for letting AREA 51 be a part of your celebration. See you in 2019!!


Sarah (left) helping DanThanh or "DT" ready
the check in table.

One of the early arrivals visiting with Kristy and
Marianne at "The Hoister Bar". Just a guess but
he might not have graduated with the class of 99'...

The hugs and conversations started early....

"DT" and her husband Michael getting their

picture taken in recognition of a job well done.

Victor of "Tacos La Paloma" provided a feast for

about 50 hungry souls. Awesome eats as usual!

The "Haz-Mat Head" got more attention from the

ladies than the men! Maybe we should switch

bathrooms!

It's always smiles around "The Hoister Bar".

The picture presentation was great and got a lot

of laughs, oohs and ahs.

I bet this group was trouble about 10 years ago!

Lauren, Erica and AJ had to stop by even though

they weren't working. It may have had something

to do with Victor and the food...ya' think?

One of many, many photo ops.....

Sarah the emcee...great job!

Michael and "DT"....it is finished!

"Run A Little Faster, Jump A Little Higher"...What a weekend!!!

"Jump a little higher...."

Last weekend the Dalcorp gang had a pretty busy few days, even by their standards. Some of you old timers will remember the "Keds" commercial from the 70's..."Run a little faster, jump a little higher." And that's just what went on, from Perris to Long Beach, it was runnin' and jumpin'. Kimberly Nocita spent three days out at Perris Valley and completed her requirements for her "A" license making 10 jumps and packing parachutes not only for herself but for her instructors! Now that's confidence in your teaching!! Included in the 1o jumps were 3 "coached" jumps where an instructor jumps with you and observes your free fall and landings. Also checked off the list was her "Hop n' Pop", a low level exit that simulates an emergency in flight situation where you would have to exit the plane early and deploy your canopy within a few seconds. Kim was given two thumbs up on all counts and received her license after only 33 jumps.

Here's a link to a few of Kimberly's jumps over the weekend. Congratulations Kim!
(Listen carefully to the student who jumps right before Kim on the 3rd clip. She tells her instructor that she thinks she's going to fall out....I thought that was the idea?)


Packing a parachute is a pretty physical undertaking.
By the end of the weekend, Kim had a new appreciation
for the school packers. "The jumping is the easy part."

"Montana" giving Kim some tips about making
sure her lines are straight.

Squeezing the air out of the canopy is Kim's favorite
part. Looks pretty comfortable, doesn't it?

Just like putting a sleeping bag back in it's case...

Giving her rig a final check...Looks good!

Now it's time for the fun part!

Kim sporting a new "Hot Bod" suit from Bev Suits.

I think she likes pink...

Loading up...

Talk about immediate gratification...when your

chute opens, that's gratification...immediately!

Sticking the landings.

Time to do it all over again. By the look on

Montana's face, this part must be important.

Student and teacher...Thanks, Montana!!

Kimmy getting her final instructions from Stuart

before her "Hop n' Pop".

Friend and instructor, Adi, with some final words

of encouragement. "Don't mess up, mate".

It's all good.

It all worked again...life is good.

"Run a little faster....."

Early Sunday morning it was down to Long Beach for the Long Beach International City Bank Half Marathon where Margaret "Mahgy" Davis, Colleen Heublein, Erica Nocita and Marianne "Mernie" Chew took on the challenging 13.1 mile course. This was the first half marathon for Erica and Marianne so there were some nerves at the start. The gun went off at 7:15am and the four brave souls went into their strides and never looked back. When the race had been run, marathon veteran Mahgy Davis had again won her division with her running mate and daughter, Colleen, right by her side. Coming across the finish line with them was Marianne who had a strong finishing kick at the end. Erica was only a few minutes back and broke the tape with her arms in the air and a grin on her face!!

A marathon can be a very emotional event. Many of those who run them do so for a variety of reasons. Some dedicate their race to a loved one who's recently passed away. It may be that they've overcome a physical ailment, disease or addiction...whatever the reason, if you haven't experienced the emotions of one of these races, you should. Spectators line the course for miles and cheer on those who are running. Many are reduced to tears along the way or at the finish and it's not uncommon to hear the words "life changing" in the finishing area.

Way to go, girls...thanks for taking us along for the ride!

Sunday morning...5:30am...time to go!

Mahgy would get asked her age so many times

during a race that Colleen started writing it on the

back of her legs...saves a lot of time and energy.

"0-dark-30" in Long Beach heading to the starting

line.

Mahgy and Colleen a little past the 6 mile marker.

Lookin' good!

It is amazing that Colleen can even run the race

with all the hats that she wears. She makes

sure everyone is registered, picks up credentials,

gets the gang to the start line on time (and also

in time to hear the National Anthem), paces and

encourages Mahgy and others along the way. Check

out her right hand...a cell phone. She calls and gives

updates as they're running, carries drinks, snacks

and supplements for Mahgy. They should have a

special "Support Class" just for Colleen!

See what I mean? She's on the phone checking

in as they pass by. Note the gentlemen on the

left. He is one of the organizers and couldn't

believe what he was seeing. 87? No Way!!

Not far behind...Mernie and Erica. You guys

look like you're having too much fun!

How many finish lines have these two crossed

together? And there's Mernie right along with

them. Great job!!

More medals...Mahgy, we need a bigger trophy

case!

Kristy, Dane, Lindsay and Lil' Kass came down

to support the girls. Dane was watchin' for Erica...

The finish line! The woman running next to

Erica asked if she would run with her about a mile

and a half from the finish as she was fading fast...

and so was Erica. The two of them encouraged

each other and charged across the finish line.

Erica later called her "an angel that helped her

finish".

Erica's "angel" giving her a pat on the back...

...they celebrate at the finish.

Colleen looks like she could go around again;

Kristy making sure the cupcakes they handed

out were ok to eat. Good job, Kris!

Colleen, at least pretend that you're tired!!

Victory!

It won't be long, Lil' Kass...you'll be running with

grandma!

Great grandma has raised the bar pretty high...

Four generations...

You have to teach them early to "represent".

After the race it was over to our friend Tom Agee's

house from some post race carbs and drinks.

Tom put on quite a spread....it was much

appreciated and so good!

Mahgy talking over the race with Kristy; Dane

lookin' at what's next to eat.

Tom on the left, his friend Susan and the rest

of the gang.

Colleen, Susan, Tom and Mahgy.

Thanks Susan and Tom. What a pit crew!

Surprise!!! Rick Salcido Turns 40!!! Family and Friends Celebrate at AREA 51.

Rick Salcido is a very blessed man. Last Saturday night family and friends gathered at AREA 51 to surprise Rick for his 40th birthday. And in doing so, they also gave us a bit of a surprise. We didn't know that we could have that much fun WORKING a party! As the guests arrived it was clear from the start that this would be a very special night. You get a "vib" as a party begins and this one had, as The Beach Boys put it, "Good Vibrations." Yvonne, Rick's wife, and her niece Angela did a fantastic job of pulling off what Rick would later call "one of the greatest nights of my life." Congratulations Rick and thanks Yvonne, Angela and Joe for letting us be a part of the celebration. We had a great time!!




Rick's wife, Yvonne, had arranged for the guests
to sign a framed copy of the invitation instead of
a guest book. Very nice.

Check out the slide show going on in the background
in the theater room. There were over a hundred
pictures put together of "Ricky" and his 40 years.

When the call came in that Rick and Yvonne were
only minutes away the excitement began to build.

Niece Angela (r) did a great job in helping to
organize the surprise even after injuring her knee
just days before the party.

I think there were more pictures taken before
Rick arrived than after!

Surprise!!! Rick said afterwards that as the door

was going up he first saw the motorcycles and

thought that Yvonne was taking him to pick out

a bike for his birthday.

....no caption necessary.

....and then the tears....

Once out of the car, there were hugs all around.

Yvonne tells friends and family what it took to

pull off the surprise....but now it was time to

party!

"The Hoister Bar" was cookin' all night.

"Tacos El Rincon Tapatio" provided some great

Mexican food cooked to order.

Yvonne...workin' the room.

Mernie and Erica kept things stocked up at

"The Hoister Bar". Great job, girls!

The boss behind the bar...Kristy Roblee.

"I'll have one of those, and one of those and...."

Rick and Yvonne....

Could you guys try and have a good time?

Rick giving the girls a thank you hug.

Besides being Rick's 40th, it was Yvonne and

Rick's 24th wedding anniversary. Hey Salcido's,

you got two parties for the price of one!!

Homer and the gang never miss a party.

She said she was just delivering them.....Better

check her ID!

There wasn't a shortage of desserts! And there

wasn't anything left over at the end of the night!

Bummer!!!!

A toast to the birthday boy. Salute!!

Angela's husband Joe did an awesome job spinnin'

the tunes all night and had the party rockin' from

the start.

Happy Birthday, Rick. You're a lucky man!!!

Broadway Comes To The Marconi Automotive Museum. Covenant House Charity Event An Afternoon to Remember.

The Marconi Automotive Museum in Orange County, California has hosted many events over the years, but last Sunday's "An Afternoon of Broadway Stars" has to be at the top of the list of special events. Benefiting Covenant House California, an "A List" of performers came from all over the country to perform what could have been described as "Broadway's Greatest Hits." All of the artists who are currently in shows or in rehearsals for upcoming musicals literally dropped what they were doing to lend their support to this most worthy charity. Covenant House deals with the problem of homeless youth in America (as well as internationally) and provides hundreds of beds nightly for those needy children. Even more impressive than the performances of these Broadway stars was their willingness to give of their time and talents to support Covenant House and their programs. One of the artists literally arrived minutes before the show began. For nearly two hours it was one amazing performance after another; one standing ovation after standing ovation. By the end of the afternoon everyone knew they had just been a part of something very, very special.

A big thank you has to go out to Bo and Dick Marconi, The Marconi Foundation For Kids and The Marconi Automotive Museum for hosting such a wonderful event. For more information on Covenant House California, you can go to: http://www.coventanthousecalifornia.com/.

What a way to greet your guests.....I like it!

Lauren Paff, Debbie and Kim Nocita share a

little food and drink during the cocktail hour

before the program.

It is always fun to walk around the museum before

the start of an event. Here Kim and "COLauren"

stop next to a Michael Schumacher Formula One

Ferrari.

How about a couple of Indy Cars? The one on

the left was driven by Al Unser Jr., the other by

Mario Andretti.

If you're going to have one F50 you might as well

have two, right? Here COLauren stands between

$1.7 million of Ferrari.

This Marlboro car was driven by the late

Ayrton Senna.

Some of the vintage cars raced by Dick Marconi

and his son, John.

There is horsepower in every corner of the

museum...some have a little more than others.

How about 8,000 hp!!!

These three give the phrase "resale red" a bit

more punch....

This bad boy Ferrari is a one of a kind built for

The Sultan of Brunei. It not only has a specially

blended paint color but also an F1 transmission

designed by Frank Williams that is valued at

$1,000.000.00! I'd hate to have to send that

trans out for repair!

COLauren and Kim with the main man, Uncle

Dick.

Kimberly and Debbie in front of Deb's favorite,

a Gullwing Mercedes.

Priscilla "Bo" Marconi welcoming friends and

guests and also introducing Kevin Ryan, President

of Covenant House International.

Rita Harvey and Carter Calvert doing a Judy

Garland medley. Ms. Harvey starred in "Fidler

on the Roof" on Broadway. She also made her

Broadway debut performing the lead role of

Christine in "The Phantom of the Opera"

after performing the role with the second national

tour. Ms. Calvert's Broadway credits include the

Original Cast Album and touring productions of

"It Ain't Nothin' But The Blues."

Neil Berg who directed and emceed the program.

Mr. Berg is currently the composer for the new

Broadway musical "Grumpy Old Men". His latest

show, "The Man Who Would Be King", recently opened

at the Rubicon Theater in California.

Danny Zolli and Rob Evan doing a song from the

musical "Rock of Ages". The song, "Don't Stop

Believing" by Journey rocked the house! Mr.

Zolli has starred nationally and internationally

in "Evita", "Sweeney Todd", "Joeseph Dreamcoat",

and many, many others. Mr. Evan has starred in

the original Broadway cast of "Jekyll & Hyde", playing

the role for three years. He also appeared on Broadway

as Jean Valjean in "Les Miserables".

It was hard to pick a favorite from the afternoon

but this might have been the one. Craig Schulman

and Rita Harvey doing "The Phantom of the Opera"

duet. Mr. Schulman is the only actor in the world

to have portrayed three of the greatest musical

theater roles: The Phantom in "The Phantom of the Opera",

Jean Valjean in "Les Miserables", and the title roles

in "Jekyll & Hyde".

Mr. Schulman...."Music of the Night" from

"The Phantom of the Opera". Unbelievable.

A final number with some of the kids from

Covenant House. What a moment.....

COLauren and Kimberly with Danny Zolli.

Rita Harvey spending some time with COLauren

and Kim. What you don't see in this picture is

Ms. Harvey's little boy, Lucas, at the end of her

arm! From Broadway star to "Mom" in minutes!

Here, Craig Schulman, talking about Covenant

House with Kim and COLauren. His comments

were the same as all the other performers...

"When Neil calls for Covenant House, we come. It's

that simple".

Danny and COLauren having "a moment".

Danny and Rob called this their "Prom Picture".

Senior year, Broadway High!!!!

Street Rods Forever "Still Cruisin" In Monrovia. Chico Kodama of "Mooneyes" Grand Marshal of Annual Event.

Last Saturday downtown Monrovia took on a little different look than most weekends. The Street Rods Forever gang put on their annual car show along Myrtle Avenue and what a show it was! Countless numbers of street rods, hot rods, customs, "tri 5's", pro streets and trucks arrived early in the morning to set up and enjoy a beautiful Southern California day with like-minded enthusiasts. Vendors were also scattered among the cars selling everything from artwork, speed parts, clothing, food...if it was car related it was there. But the vendor with the largest presence and who did a great deal to help support the show was "Mooneyes". And as if that wasn't enough, the main man himself, Chico Kodama was there as the Grand Marshal of the event. Many thanks go out to Chico and his wife Sandy for their support and in helping to make the day such a huge success. And thanks to organizers Don Rohr and Steve Metz for inviting us to be a part of the day and giving us the privilege of driving Chico and Sandy up main street to start the day. Congratulations to all the Street Rods Forever guys and gals on a job well done. It was an awesome day!


25 years...and still cruisin'. Nice shirts!

.....ready for a trip up Myrtle Avenue.

Chico Kodama and his wife Sandy. Chico is the

owner of "Mooneyes", one of the most recognized

companies in the world of hot rods, speed

equipment and accessories.

It looks like Manny was the odd man out...Moe and

Jack got the girls!

Chico and Sandy ready to brave the trip up Myrtle

with the "Al" in Dalcorp.

The "Donutz Caddy" in car camera. What

a cool backdrop for a show.

Watch your back, Jack. Here comes Manny!