Local Club Spotlight
Staten Island Corvette Club
The Staten Island Corvette Club began as an informal gathering of 10 Corvette enthusiasts in 2005 and has been gaining steam ever since. As more and more people began to attend, the group decided to make the club official and it was incorporated in 2006. Founder Lou Aiese said there are only two requirements to join: ownership of a Corvette and the desire to befriend fellow Corvette enthusiasts. There are currently 37 members enjoying their ‘Vettes together.
"Our club members are a diversified group of guys—purists, car enthusiasts and a few members who like to race cars," Lou said. "We are hard-working family folks who worked all of our lives and (share) a passion for the Corvette.
"We just want to relax and enjoy each other's company."
That company includes auto enthusiasts from other clubs.
"We have other club friends, such as the AACA and the Mopar Club, and we have attended their car shows," Lou said. "We're also trying to get together with a few New Jersey Corvette car clubs to do a Sunday cruise with about 200 Corvettes."
The Staten Island club meets on the first Wednesday of each month and also participates in Wednesday and Friday evening cruise nights during the summer. Members also "hang out" on Sunday mornings. Anyone with a passion for Corvettes or unique cars is invited to attend, and visitors are welcome at all club functions.
"We're all about word of mouth," Lou said. "Potential new members have an opportunity to visit our website, see our membership, see our cars… there's never pressure to join."
Members are offered club shirts and jackets and are encouraged to "wear the colors" as often as possible. They work closely with local Chevrolet dealerships in their area and keep the fun and focus on their shared passion for "America's Sports Car."
Members represent the club at NCRS events and Bloomington Gold, and they also reach out to non-Corvette clubs and try to have representatives at as many other local events as possible.
"We also try to plan a special event every year, such as going to the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Ky.," Lou said. "(We're) getting a brick with our club name, which will placed on the walkway next to the museum."
The Staten Island Corvette Club connects with its members by maintaining a useful website at www.sicorvetteclubinc.com. The site includes the club's monthly newsletter, schedule, photos, membership information and links to many automobile-related businesses.
A new goal for 2008 is to contribute to the Staten Island Toys for Tots initiative and be active in the community. A fun and friendly atmosphere has been key to the Staten Island Corvette Club's success.