Car talk / LJWorld.com

Archive for Sunday, September 17, 2006

Corvette Club members gather for service, fun

By Francie Riley - Special to the Journal-World

September 17, 2006

Doug and Cheryl Flessing always wanted a Corvette.

So they waited until their children were grown, then purchased a 1958 Roman Red Vette for driving around town. Next up: a 1999 model for cross-country trips.

Doug Flessing is president of the Lawrence Corvette Club, where he's in good company that shares a passion for the sporty car.

"Many members have more than one Corvette," he says. "One member has five Vettes."

Cars and camaraderie are what bring the club members together.

The social group, founded by Dave and Marcie Engstrom in 2003, has grown to 55 members who meet the third Thursday of each month to talk cars.

"The club is a way to make enduring friendships as well as helping each other with our cars," Flessing says.

Annual dues are $40, and half of the dues are donated to charities the members select.

"We donate to the Salvation Army, Red Cross, hospice, epilepsy foundation and many others," Flessing says.

Doyle Coons/Special to the Journal-World

Doug Flessing, foreground, and Cheryl Flessing ride in their Corvette during the 2006 St. Patrick's Day Parade. Doug Flessing is president of the Lawrence Corvette Club.

Crown Chevrolet, host to the monthly meetings, matches the members' charitable contributions.

The club also hosts promotions at the South Iowa dealership, such as Spring Safety Day, when the club teaches seat belt usage for children.

"The kids like to meet us and sit in the cars," Flessing says.

Members also put their Vettes to use for events in the Lawrence community.

"We carry dignitaries and Queens for parades and school homecomings," Flessing says.

But beyond the community service, there's the fun of taking out the prized cars for road trips. The second weekend of each month, members meet for the "Drive and Eat" event.

Doyle Coons/Special to the Journal-World

Jim Bengston, foreground, and 10-year-old Leah Coons, daughter of Doyle and Kim Coons, are shown in Bengston's Corvette during the 2006 St. Patrick's Day Parade. The Lawrence Corvette Club performs charity work in addition to taking road trips and gathering for car talk.

"We usually take a half-day road trip and eat at a restaurant we select," Flessing says.

There are regional events for Corvette enthusiasts, too, such as the Mid-America Funfest from Sept. 15 to Sept. 17 in Effingham, Ill. Corporate sponsors offer free seminars on restoring Corvettes and enhancing performance.

Eureka Springs, Ark. is the site of an event from Oct. 5 to Oct. 8 that will attract members to auto cross racing, car shows and a moonlight cruise.

Flessing encourages anyone who owns a Corvette to become a member.

"We are not limited to Lawrence residents," he says. "We have members from Baldwin, Kansas City and several from Topeka."

For more information and a membership application, visit www.lawrencecorvetteclub.com.