Test at Irwindale Provides Chills, Thrills, and Memories.

Normally when the team goes testing, it's pretty straight forward. Arrive at the track, unload the cars, test the cars, load the cars and go home. Our last test day at Irwindale Dragstrip was all of that an then some. Over the past several years we have been donating an "Arrive and Drive" package to a variety of fundraising events in and around the area. The package includes coming to the track, a tour of the track and instruction on the staging process, getting checked out in our 1964 SS Chevelle, your helmet, jacket, and all necessary safety instruction. Then it's up to the starting line for a blast down the strip...by yourself! Pat Olivas was the lucky recipient of such a package from his wife, Millie, who had won the adventure at a YMCA fundraiser about two months ago. Pat did a great job and got to make two passes down the strip 'cause he didn't hit anything on the first one!! Way to go Pat. We hope you had a good time!

The Good Neighbor Pharmacy/BG Oil Products Cobalt made some very impressive first runs on the new motor and Erica did a great job keeping the car in the groove running a 6.80 e.t. right out of the box. She also made some great passes in the Chevelle and had a little fun with Ron "Ronnie Racer" Walker as the two matched raced several times in the afternoon. At the end of the day it was Erica - 3 wins, Ronnie - 0. But Ron will be back! Watch out Erica...seems like there's always a Ford chasing you!

The day also marked the return of Kristy Roblee, back behind the wheel of the car she had driven to high school and had raced for many years. Since giving birth two years ago to her son, Dane, Kristy hasn't had the time to get back behind the wheel. But after just two passes she was back and put down the best numbers of the day, even a tad quicker than Erica! Nice job Kris; we're ready when you are!

Lastly, Keith Brown also made his debut in the Chevelle as he wanted to try his had at burning a little rubber. More on that next blog....

Pat Olivas getting checked out in the cockpit...

Pat and Millie sharing a moment.

Erica giving Pat some final instructions...
"Don't hit anything or my dad will be mad!"

Pat's first pass. Check out the front wheels!

Pato bringing Pat into the beams for his second

run.

....so, did you have a good time, Pat?

Great job, Pat!

Erica breakin' in the new motor. Who has more

fun than Erica?

It was great to see Kristy back behind the wheel

of the car that she drove to high school and

used to race.

Right down the middle....

"Mom, now you be careful out there!"

Dane did a little driving in the pits...

....work, work, work!

Ron Walker lookin' for Erica....

...he didn't have to look far. "There she goes, Ron!"

Round two...same results.

3 and 0, this time with the Cobalt. "You

need some tires, Ron!"

Becky and Chris Shevlin - A Class Act.

Well, election day in Monrovia has come and gone, but not the smiles on the faces of Chris and Becky Shevlin. About 60 to70 people gathered at AREA 51 to watch the election results come in and hopefully celebrate Becky's election to the city council. Unfortunately, about 20 votes kept Becky from being voted in, but that didn't dampen the spirits of Becky, Chris or anyone else that attended the party. As Chris summed up in his address to the many friends and family that came to support Becky, "We ran our campaign with dignity, honesty and we have know regrets." Becky will continue to be involved with her many volunteer positions in the city and will more than likely be appointed to a 2 year term on the council. Good for Becky, but better for the city of Monrovia. Thanks Becky and Chris for all that you do for Monrovia and for so many others. You guys are the best!!



Becky Shevlin arrives to meet and greet her
supporters. It was time to enjoy the evening
after a long campaign.

Even with the results coming in, Becky was relaxed...

Mayor Hammond being interviewed on KGEM.
He's stepping down after this election; he will
be missed!

Everyone was glued to the results as they came
in...you could cut the tension in the room with
a knife!

....a close race...

Just a sampling of the hundreds of people that

were in support of Becky Shevlin throughout

her campaign.

Lots of hugs were the order of the night.

Becky's husband, biggest supporter,

and campaign manager, Chris, getting

a well deserved hug.

Becky addressing her friends and family...a moving

moment to say the least.

A few final words from Chris...also from the heart.

A special thank you from Becky. When Becky

says thank you, you know it!

Margaret Davis leads Dalcorp effort in "Derby Day 5K" - Winning effort marks comback after injury.

Just about the time that you think Margaret Davis, or "Mahgy" as she is affectionately known by her family, has raised the bar as high as possible, she kicks it up another notch! Mahgy recently decided to run the 15th Annual Santa Anita Derby Day 5K Run and Walk event at the Santa Anita Race Track. I know what some of you are thinking; "5K? What's the big deal? She runs marathons!" Well, just a few weeks ago, Mahgy was in the emergency room of Foothill Presbyterian Hospital after falling while training for the Pasadena Marathon. She had a broken arm, scrapes, bruises and was in a tremendous amount of pain. But the first words out of her mouth (other than "Ouch!") were, "How am I going to run the Pasadena Marathon?". With the race just a couple of weeks away we knew she wouldn't be able to run given the pain she was in and being unable to train. What we didn't know was that as soon as she could start running again she would once again set her sights on a race that she has won several times in years past, The L A Marathon. Which brings us to The Derby Day 5K....just a little tune up for the marathon. She and her running mate and daughter, Colleen Heublein, once again smoked the field and Mahgy won her class easily. After picking up her medal and winner's package, she and Colleen headed off to do another 8 miles or so as part of their training for the LA race. Mahgy, you're killin' us!

What also made Derby Day very special was that a group of Mahgy's grand kids, their boyfriends, husbands, friends...everyone and anyone, also ran the event. Do you think grandma has had an effect on this family? I'm tired just thinking about it!!! Once again, way to go Mahgy!!!




Kristy and Erica heading out at the start of the
race. It was Erica's first 5K!


"Mernie", Kristy and Kimmy running through
The Arboretum. Mern and Kim won "Most colorful
runners" award!

At the finish....Erica is used to only going a
quarter mile...but she made it!



Kim and Mernie look like they could go around
again!

....they almost kept up with grandma...NOT!

I wonder how many miles these two

have logged together? Congratulations

Mahgy and Colleen!

You must have your finishing latte at the end

of every 5K...

Even the trumpet guy wanted his picture taken

with Mahgy!

John Nolan turns 90!! Celebration a first for AREA 51!!

It isn't often that surprise parties surprise the gang at AREA 51. Maybe we haven't seen it all, but we've seen most of it! However, when John Nolan came through the doors and into the arms of the friends and family waiting to celebrate his 90th birthday, WE were surprised! John Nolan looked like a man turning 65 or 70, not 90! As he greeted his loved ones, the stories began almost immediately about his past and the many, many adventures of his life. His daughter, Debbie Russo, who made the arrangements for the party, had a permanent smile on her face for most of the evening as she watched those around her father enjoying their time with this very blessed man. Another friend put together a picture cd that took us through John's life, literally from birth to the present. It was beautifully narrated by his wife and left those of us who had never met John feeling like we were part of the family. Debbie also made sure that her dad's favorite meal was served, the pot roast dinner from Sierra Madre's The Only Place in Town Cafe. What a very special evening for a very special family. Congratulations and Happy Birthday John Nolan....and thanks Debbie for including us in your celebration!

Some of the gang waiting for John's arrival.

Enter the birthday boy!

John Nolan stood frozen for quite a few moments

taking it all in....

Lots of cheers and tears.....

The man, John Nolan.

John was in the car business for many years

on Colorado Blvd. in Pasadena. Cool Cake!

The guest of honor always gets "The Header Chair!"

Debbie Russo addressing friends and family.

Debbie had arranged a call for her dad

from a special relative that wasn't able to attend

the party. She thought of everything...

John's life story on cd. He's packed a lot of life

into his 90 years!

Debbie having a little fun with dad.

There was still time to do a little bench racin'

with some of the guests.

Dad, Daughter, Mom and Son...what a night!!!