cob vette news · monty python’s life of ryan hits the big screen. during november, the world...

CORVETTES of BUFFALO 1

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF

www.corvettesofbuffalo.com

COB VETTE NEWS Since 1981

Volume 40, Issue 9

Notes from the President

For a few days it looked like we were going to be able to

get back to normal as the ruling for gatherings was changed

from 50 people to 50% capacity of the venue and we were

cleared by the church to resume meetings. A few days later

a higher court ruled that would not be the case. Therefore,

again we are not able to hold a regular meeting. Since the

rules are changing almost daily, I will let everyone know with

a COB Update of any future changes.

I want to thank Kevin, Jim and Mark for the great job on

the 16th Annual Caravan. Covid 19 changed all the rules for a

traditional Caravan but you guys pulled it off. Thirty- Four

cars participated and everyone had a great time. Marty Link,

great job on putting together the route I know it was enjoyed

by everyone.

I also want to Thank George and Karen Sparks as they did

a great job hosting our Annual Picnic and regular meeting on

August 9th with 77 members in attendance. Everyone

enjoyed each other’s company with the weather

cooperating, it was a beautiful day.

George and Karen stepped up again and delivered another

super day and a great drive along Route 5. Approximately 40

members cruised down to Meeder’s Restaurant on Rt. 20 in

Ripley for lunch. We were then all invited to drive back to

their house in Lakeview for drinks and conversation, for

some that lasted well into the evening. So, until we can get

together again.

STAY HEALTHY, STAY SAFE!

Save the Wave

Bob

September, 2020

Notes from the editor

It’s 1979, Jimmy Carter is POTUS and Ohio agrees to compensate the victims of the Kent State shootings while former US Atty General John Mitchell is released from prison. Meanwhile, the Steelers beat the Cowboys, 35-31, in SB XIII. The Dukes of Hazzard debuts while the Sahara Desert experiences 30 minutes of snow. For the first time, the Daytona 500 is televised. This Old House premiers on PBS and Philips introduces the compact disc. Meanwhile in Pennsylvania, Three Mile Island heats up. The Canadiens beat the NY Rangers for the Stanley Cup and McDonald’s debuts its Happy Meal. The musical genre of DISCO hits the scene while Monty Python’s Life of Bryan hits the big screen. During November, the world watches as the Iranian Hostage Crisis unfolds with the taking of 90 hostages, 53 of which are Americans. December sees the world premiere of Star Trek: The Motion Picture and the eradication of the smallpox virus. The Bills struggle to a 7-9 season while the Sabers skate 47-17-16. On TV we watched All in the Family and Starsky and Hutch while the radio played My Sharona and Bad Girls while theaters showed The Deer Hunter and Alien. The new 1979 Corvette is a record breaker.

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CORVETTES of BUFFALO

Officers President-------Bob Joseph---------------716-440-6091 Vice President- Lowell Rothenberger-716-675-9467 Treasurer-------Maryanne Pastore-----716-694-9024 Secretary-------Karen Rothenberger---716-675-9467

Board of Directors Sue Blum-------------------------- 716-903-5753 Debbie Schafer ------------------716-551-6999 Mike Blum-------------------------716-907-8863 Jim Kuczmarski-------------------716-633-9290 Dave Spencer---------------------716-353-2457 George Sparks--------------------716-432-8799

Committees Membership Barbara Lipome 716-691-8845 Newsletter Larry Dudeck 716-634-7391 Phone Comm. Lynda Graham 716-741-3350 Sunshine Comm. Karen Rothenberger 716-675-9467 Diane Skeide 876-1197 Webmaster Lynn Kelly 716-681-7931 [email protected] Activities Dir. Lynda Graham 716-741-3350 Club Photographer Dan Krakowski 675-5880 Dave Spencer 353 2457 Face Book page Manager Dan Wroblewski 585 318 4480 Liaison for Out of Town Corvette Clubs Mike & Lee Buccilli 716-648-2037 *********************************************

Meeting every second Saturday of the month at First Presbyterian Church

9675 Main St. Clarence, NY, 14031 Meeting starts 7:00 p.m.

***********************************************

Visit us at: http://www.corvettesofbuffalo.com/

Send Newsletter Articles To: Larry Dudeck

E-Mail: [email protected] Submissions must be in by the 27th

Late submissions will be published the following month.

September Anniversaries

4th Marty Link

11th Kevin & Val Horan

15th Harry & Lorry Kwiek

16th Bob & Joan Meegan

18th Joyce & Tony Corigliano

25th Mel & Diane Skeide

September Birthdays

1st Peter Ricigliano

1st John Kowalske

7th Lee Buccilli

10th Barb Lipome

12th Barb Singer

14th Leon Kuczmarski

14th Lowell Rothenberger

25th Terry Decker

27 Kevin Horan

29th Jim Kelly

29th Fran Woodley

http://www.corvettesofbuffalo.com/

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Meetings are still Cancelled

Elections Postponed

2020 Elections – Jim Lawson checked the by-laws for direction for delaying elections until 2021 election time. The

Board of Directors may make rules that are necessary for the election. Since the year 2020 essentially did not happen for

Corvettes of Buffalo because of the Pandemic, the Board unanimously decided to delay elections until the regular election

cycle in 2021. Present officers and Board members will continue in their positions until the 2021 elections.

COB Dues for 2021

COB dues for 2021 will not be assessed for members because there were only two meetings and few club activities held

due to the Pandemic. NCCC will continue to collect dues from their members. Therefore, COB will only collect NCCC

dues of $ 25/single or $35/couple. Dues should be sent directly to Treasurer, Marianne Pastore at her home address.

Dues are payable by September 12, 2020. This was unanimously approved by the Board.

Only 3 Issues Left

Newsletter Editor Needed

I have received word from Larry Dudeck that he has sold his Corvette for health reasons due to his past bike

accident. He will be leaving the club when his current membership expires. He has agreed to continue as

Newsletter editor for the rest of the year and train a replacement. I want to thank Larry for the great job he has

done as editor especially during the past six months as putting out a newsletter without any club events

happening has got to be tough! Anyone interested in replacing Larry please let me know, the newsletter is an

important part of COB to keep everyone informed.

Bob

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2020 Calendar of Events - (March 27, 2020)

Corvettes of Buffalo are pleased to welcome new members

Steve Grady and Pat DePrima

The following list of Events were reviewed by the Board of Directors and are being listed for Members to select and plan

your activities. While these Events are being listed, there will be additional events that will be added as the season

progresses. This calendar will be updated and available online. The updated calendar will also be posted on our web

page. If you know of any events that we should add to the list, please let us know.

Shows and Events – 2020

Note: Please Check the Clutch Artist Calendar for more details…….

Weekly Cruise Nights details are listed on Clutch Artist Calendar, Pages 1, 2 & 3

September 5 Olcott Beach Super Car Show has been canceled due to Covid-19

September 6 West Seneca Police PBA Car Show/Taste of W. Seneca, 1250 Union Rd 9am-4pm

September 6 Vietnam Veterans of America Car Show has been canceled due to Covid-19

September 8 Uncle Joe’s Fall Final Cruise – has been canceled due to Covid-19

September 9 Elderwood Williamsville Cruise, has been canceled due to Covid-19

September 12 COB Meeting & Club Dues – Clarence Church – 7pm To be determined

September 12 Akron Super Cruise & Craft Show- has been canceled due to Covid-19

September 12 Buffalo Launch Club Car & Boat Show, 503 River Rd. Grand Island, 9am-4pm

September 13 Middleport End of Summer Super Cruise, Main St. 12pm-4pm

September 13 Colden Car Show, has been canceled due to Covid-19

September 13 Ohio Corvette Alliance Show has been canceled due to Covid-19

September 14 WNYCC Fall Super Cruise – has been canceled due to Covid-19

September 20 Pembroke Kiwanis Car Show – Town Park Rt.77, 9am – 4pm

September 20 Ellicottville Car Show has been canceled due to Covid-19

September 20 Orleans County Fairgrounds Car & Craft Show- Rt. 31 Medina, NY 8am- 4pm

September 20 Breast Cancer Car Show, West Herr 3575 Southwestern Blvd. O-Park, 10am-3pm

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September 21 Fellowship Wesleyan Church Car Show, 1645 Southwestern, West Seneca 10am- 4pm

September 26 Cruisin for a Cure Car Show, has been canceled due to Covid-19

October 3 Hilton Apple Fest, Hilton, NY 8am-4pm

October 10 COB Club Meeting – Clarence Church – 7pm To be determined

October 11 Peek & Peek Car Show 1405 Ye Old Road, Clymer, NY 9am - 4pm

November 14 COB Meeting – Elections! Postponed till 2021

December 13 COB Christmas Luncheon, Ilio’s DiPaolo’s – Karen & George Sparks

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On Friday, August 21, 2020, 21 Corvettes gathered at Tops parking lot in Derby to embark on a 58-mile journey on Route 5 West. After passing through Silver Creek and Dunkirk, we had a brief stop at Lake Erie State Park to admire the beautiful shoreline. Rather than packing a picnic lunch, we were able to secure a reservation for all of us at Meeders Restaurant in Ripley. We had a great socially distanced lunch, complete with mile high homemade pies. The gracious owner was very happy to serve us and had many raffle prizes for us. After a delicious lunch, some went home via the Thruway express route while others stopped at one of the many wineries dotting US Route 20. 12 cars arrived at the Sparks home in Lake View, where the socially distanced party continued well past 10 PM.

George Sparks

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H. Paul Henderson, Jr., of Tonawanda, entered into rest on August 24, 2020 at age 94.

Beloved husband of the late Eleanor (nee Kaufmann) Henderson; devoted father of Holly (Kevin) Wyse, Christine (Terence O'Brien) Henderson, Joan (Robert) Taylor and H. Paul (Christina) Henderson, III; cherished grandfather of Alex (Samantha), Brendan (Cindy), Emily (Antonio), Tony (Kayla), Lauren (Kevin), Sara, Anna, Jordan, Vondin, Holdin and Henri; adored great-grandfather of Madison, Nicholas and Mila; also survived by many dear friends.

Paul served in the US Army Air Corps during WWII. He attended the UB School of Engineering and was the past president of Clover Industries, a manufacturer of industrial closures. He was a member of the Society of Plastic Engineers, the Society of Automotive Engineers, the US Badminton Club Association, Glenwood Acres Ski Club, the Tonawanda Senior Center and the St. Amelia's "Golden Nuggets." He loved the outdoors and was an avid golfer and skier.

Relatives and friends may visit the LOMBARDO FUNERAL HOME (Northtown’s Chapel), 885 Niagara Falls Blvd., near Eggert/ Sheridan Dr., on Friday (August 28, 2020) from 3-7pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Amelia's Church, 2999 Eggert Rd., Tonawanda, on Saturday (August 29, 2020) at 9am. Please assemble at church. Interment Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

Flowers gratefully declined. If desired, contributions in Paul's memory may be made to the Hospice Foundation of WNY, PO Box 590, Buffalo, NY 14240, or online at www.hospicebuffalo.com/giving.

http://www.hospicebuffalo.com/giving

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COB MEMBERS AND PROSPECTIVE MEMBERS

Please update your membership list information. This year we will be doing this using the

“Members Only” section of COB’s website.

1. Go to COB’s website “Members Only” section.

2. Locate your information on either the Membership or Prospective Membership lists.

3. Check information for name, address, phone number, cell phone number, e-mail

address, new Vette purchased, old Vette sold.

4. If you have a spouse or significant other whose name you want included with your

name, please indicate this.

If you have any changes to be made, please contact me (Karen Rothenberger) by phone or

with an e-mail. I will make the changes on my computer and will send the corrected lists to

COB’s “Membership Only” section. This section is printable so if you want a hard copy, you

will be able to print the lists. Should you have a problem with printing, let me know and I’ll get

a hard copy to you.

All these changes are due to the COVID pandemic. We still have last year’s lists that have not

been handed out due to the lack of meetings. Who knows when we will be able to meet in

person again at The First Presbyterian Church?

The updated lists should be completed by January 1, 2021. Thank you for helping keep our

membership lists up-to-date and for understanding the need to change our new methods for

this process.

Karen Rothenberger

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Genesis Garage is back!

Every sunny Thursday from 5-8 pm at Watermark Church lot,

4999 McKinley Pkwy. Hamburg. Drifters Car Club helps out now. Marty Link

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History of the Corvette, part 26

The 1979 Corvette was notable for two reasons. First, production numbers broke a record with 53,807 cars produced.

Secondly, the base price exceeded ten grand for the first time, a “standard” Corvette stickered at $10,220.

A “twin snorkel” air cleaner and low back pressure mufflers added a couple of extra horses. The standard engine was

now rated at 195 HP, up from 185 in 1978. The only power option available was now rated at 225 HP, up from 220 in

1978. Transmission options were limited to a 4 speed manual gear box with wide ratios, a close ratio 4 speed manual

and the 3 speed Turbo-Hydramatic.

High backed, lighter weight seats (from the 1978 Pace Car edition) were now standard in 1979. Other “standard”

options were the tilt-telescopic steering column, power windows, air conditioning and AM/FM radio. The addition of

these options to the base model were in part responsible for the record high sticker price.

About the only visual difference between the ‘78 and ‘79 editions was the return of the crossed flags on the front and

rear decks, replacing the special 25th anniversary badge.

The base model 1979 Corvette. Note the removable T-Top panel. The chrome edging around the rear window is now

painted black.

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A 1979 Corvette with the optional rear spoiler and roof panels removed. Note the crossed flag emblem on the fuel filler

cover.

Again without the roof panels and the optional front spoiler. Note the crossed flag emblem.

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The 2020 Corvette Caravan

Rain expectations moved the Made in America caravan from Sunday the 2nd to Saturday the 1st. It was a good call because Saturday’s weather was perfect. Still without a Corvette (no C8 yet), I rode my motorcycle there and Bernie brought her non-Corvette Chevy. Paula's Donuts and light drinks were plentiful and well received by the often- masked group there. Some of us had a board meeting inside the store prior to the event starting, and, initially wandering about, I was surprised to see quite a variety of reasonably priced products. They have expanded their product lines since I was in the store last and included were many unique items. Give them a look when you get the chance. But soon, Bob was giving us all the rules of the road and the game was on. Thanks to Jim Kuczmarski for the shotgun seat ride and Pete Ricigliano for Bernie's ride. Curves and dips with beautiful scenery lie ahead. Our first relief stop was Sprague Brook Park, where we got to Covid mingle. While there I got some photos and we even discovered they have an electric refueling post for two. No one needed a charge! Back on the road, I have to compliment the organizers, the maps provided were accurate and the ride interesting. Arriving back at the store, we all pulled out our day's (brought from home) rations and attempted to finish even more of those donuts. Bernie packed a great meal for us, and, looking around, I doubt anyone lost weight there. Eventually, our fun event concluded and it was time for the Corvette waves to start in abundance for the road home. Dave Spencer

Photos courtesy of Dave Spencer and Dan Krakowski

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The following photos courtesy of Dan Krakowski

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CHURCH DONATIONS

In the months to follow, needed donations requested by the church are as follows:

The one thing we all care about more than our Corvettes is the health and wellbeing of our family, friends and ourselves. The global outbreak and spread of COVID-19 is greatly affecting the way we all live our lives. For those still in the workforce who may be laid off are affected more than those of us who are retired. Therefore, I am asking everyone to continue to make contributions to the church food bank. I had a conversation with Jim Owen today and he tells me that they are in need of any nonperishable items as usual. He tells me that donations can be placed in an outside bench at the rear of the church. For anyone concerned, no physical contact needs to be made. Just lift the seat and place items underneath. The bench is emptied on a daily basis. I hope this message finds everyone well. Please follow all federal and local guidelines to ensure that all COB members stay healthy and safe. Thanks.

Bob

The Clarence Community Food Pantry was started in 1980 by Nancy May to assist less fortunate local families. The pantry is located at Clarence Presbyterian Church and serves residents of Clarence, Clarence Center, Town of Clarence and the Clarence School District.

Many organizations and individuals throughout the Clarence area contribute food and monetary donations as well as time and it is deeply appreciated!

Please contact Jim Owen, Coordinator for donations or client appointments. Jim can be reached at 716-310-5447 or [email protected].

SEPTEMBER - laundry products and toiletries

mailto:[email protected]

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COVID 19

I have become aware of the following direction from NCCC concerning any event that we may be having in regards to protecting the club from any liability concerning COVID 19. This will pertain to our upcoming Caravan and

Picnic. Everyone will be receiving updated information before the events. This is from Jim Walton NCCC Business manager; NCCC coverage concerning Covid 19: Sickness and Disease are covered in the NCCC Policy the same way as any other 3rd party bodily injury claim. So NCCC is covered for any Covid 19 claims made by a 3rd party. There is also Directors and Officers insurance in case you as an officer get sued directly. What has changed is how we base the use of our waivers on the risk associated with the event. So now with the virus otherwise low risk activities, such as a club meeting, now have a higher risk. So NCCC has to rethink when and what types of events should require a waiver. The use of waivers is the primary defense against NCCC getting sued by a member. It is mandatory that every club gathering or activity have everyone sign the standard waiver until the Covid threat has passed, even those activities which did not previously require waivers noted in FAQ’s. Currently we are working with Legacy Insurance on a new waiver form that would include Covid Language. NCCC has begun to look at electronic waivers and how we might be able to use them in our organization, but for now let’s keep using the paper waivers. Electronic waivers will have to meet our insurance requirements as well as the Competition Manual. Any announcement of an activity, such as a flyer, should include that attendance is voluntary and at your own risk. Also state that individuals are responsible to maintain their own social distancing and if they are sick not to attend. Hand sanitizer should be available to members after contact activities should as signing the waiver. Please use the Covid comprehensive precautions that were published by the Competition Committee for your events. It is very important any event follows all state and local regulations. Not being in compliance could make your event illegal and put your coverage into question. Use common sense in laying out your event to limit member to member exposure. Regards Jim Walton, NCCC Business Manager

In light of this we are required to have a waiver signed by everyone attending any Club Meeting, Picnic, Caravan and if the Club goes together as a group to any event such as Classics on the Niagara Car Show. I have attached a waiver form file for you to print and bring with you if you desire. I have also attached a Risk Assessment Chart that I received from Frank Pastore that is a good reference for our members, family and friends. Bob Joseph

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The Annual CoB Picnic

Covid-19 has changed or eliminated a lot of our events and even more, concerned us deeply with Jim Decker's passing and the effects on the lives of other members. Our annual picnic at the Gratwick Hose Company Banquet facility found us wearing an assortment of masks, some Corvette inspired. At the registration desk were George and Karen Sparks with the necessary papers to sign for the event to continue. They also provided fun games and prizes during the event, even though I missed out on them while shooting pictures. I did win some car cleaning gifts on the drawings though. While there I also got to shoot a few more updated shots of members and their cars for the COB Photobook. A reminder: anyone in the club can have me take their photos to be included in it. It's in 4x6 format and will hold 100 photos. I have a couple left, with photos of course, for the $15 it costs to make them. I can make more if needed. If you prefer, send me high def photos you like, by email and I'll put you in it. I'll improvise or you tell me what you like in a photo. It's a great way to get to know your fellow members, since their names and car photo are in it. My reward is I love both Corvettes and photography. A latest example is Dave and Kathy (below) with their many Corvettes. Back to the picnic, I have to thank Tony and Joyce for bringing a grill and the made to order hotdog I got. There were cookies and candy that made the rounds also that were well received. All and all, the picnic was a well enjoyed event that reminded us, that even during these tough times, friends can make a difference in our lives. Dave Spencer Additional photos by Dan Krakowski

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These following photos are courtesy of Dan Krakowski

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MUSEUM EVENTS

Cruise with NCM

May 14-23, 2021 Corvette enthusiasts will board the Celebrity Cruise Line for a nine-day adventure through the Southern Caribbean. The cruise includes stops at the Grand Cayman, Aruba, Curacao and Bonaire with welcome reception, a private shore excursion, embarkation luncheon and much more. Registration is $1,875 per person, double occupancy or $3,750 for single occupancy. Only a few spots remain! Thanks to Museum Board Member Shannon Lamarche of Premiere Luxury Travel for putting together this trip with all proceeds benefiting NCM!

October 22-24, 2020 we are once again hosting a Corvette Racing Weekend, presented by Michelin, at the AACA Museum in Hershey, PA. Corvette Racing's Doug Fehan and Tommy Milner will be attending. Thursday Meet and Greet at Troegs Independent Brewing Friday Poker Run with visit to Harley-Davidson Factory, lunch at Quaker Steak and Lube. Corvette Racing Dinner with Doug and Tommy plus an autograph session Saturday Main event from 8am-3pm includes Q&A with Doug and Tommy, Corvette Racing memorabilia auction, Lee Willard with Michelin seminar, Cam Bower with Mobil 1 seminar, autograph session. Behind the Scenes tour of AACA Museum available.

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2020 Corvette Paced the Indy 500 A Torch Red 2020 Corvette Stingray coupe served as the Official Pace Car for the 104th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge, continuing Chevrolet’s tradition of leading the field to the green flag. The Pace Car was driven by GM President

Mark Reuss.

This year, the race was held outside of May for the first time – Sunday, Aug. 23 – with live NBC coverage at 2:30 p.m. (ET).

This marks the 17th time a Corvette has served as the Pace Car, starting in 1978, and the 31st time a Chevrolet has led the

field dating to 1948 when a Fleetmaster Six convertible held the honor. No other brand or vehicle has served as the “500” Pace Car more often than Chevrolet and the Corvette, respectively.

NCM items courtesy of CoB’s John Meyerhoff

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Major Sponsor of Corvettes of Buffalo

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https://www.treadcitytire.com/index.htm

89 Thompson Street

North Tonawanda, NY 14120

(716) 693-4800

3440 Genesee Street

Cheektowaga, NY 14225

(716) 204-8413

6563 S. Transit Road

Lockport, NY 14094

(716) 589-5024

Corvettes of Buffalo Advertisers Pages

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FFALO

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NEWSLETTER AND WEBSITE AD FORM Corvettes of Buffalo offer ad space in its monthly newsletter, on its website and on our Facebook page. Please review existing ads and newsletters at www.corvettesofbuffalo.com. Our ad rates for one year, beginning with receipt of payment, are: BUSINESS CARD 1/8 page $40.00 ¼ page $75.00 ½ page $135.00 Full page $250.00

Any questions. Please contact: Sue Blum- 716-903-5753 Email: [email protected]

Thank you in advance for your support of CORVETTES of BUFFALO. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Please complete: BUSINESS NAME________________________________ CONTACT PERSON_____________________________ PHONE # ________________________________ Please make checks payable to: Corvettes of Buffalo

Mail to: Corvettes of Buffalo P.O. Box 161 West Seneca, New York 14224

INCLUDE: 1) Business card and/or art work 2) Completed form 3) Payment

Office Use: Date Received__________1 yr. notification date_______

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cob vette news · monty python’s life of ryan hits the big screen. during november, the world...

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