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2011 JUDGING SEMINAR

Text and photographs courtesy of Bernie Cooney

We didn't run out of parking places. There was no shortage on snacks and sodas. As a matter of fact the turn-out was quite light. But there are many old sayings comparing quality to quantity. In the RRR we have our priorities set correctly.

On Sunday, April 17, 2011 the RRR conducted a judging seminar as part of the preparation for the up-coming Royal Show. This time of year the calendar starts to get crowded. Flea markets, the beginning of cruise nights, early season car shows, and (of course) family events - all competing for the beginning of warmer weather.

A select group RRR judges got a step up on their fellow judges. With an intimate group, special attention was paid to burning questions. One and all got to share their expertise on such subjects as hub caps and the differences in manufacturing facilities. A deserved thank you goes to region judges Rose Mary Spicuzza, Robert Rankin, Rich Nalavany, Andrew Monahan, Doug Lansing, Joe Puleo and Bernie Cooney.

But the sharing of information is only part of the story. Not to be ignored are the accomplishments of the Nalavany family. Rich and Marion have worked hard on their chalet in the mountains. After all, not every one has a pergola in their back yard. Not every one has a view that stretches from the Chrysler Building in NYC to the Outerbridge crossing in Perth Amboy. Not every one has a six car garage custom built to accommodate a lift.

On the day we held our organizational meeting at Burger King in Somerset, Rich drove his 1947 Cadillac Convertible. Immediately after that he started a complete restoration. 9 years later that car sits in his garage needing only hood alignment and other minor work before it is completed. We were able to take a special tour and see restoration sights that most people rarely see.

Thank you to all the judges who took time out of their busy schedules to make this seminar possible. And a very special thank you to Rich for thrilling us with a peek at his world.

This gives some sense of the size of Rich's garage.

He moved three of his cars out of the way to ensure room for our seminar.

Rose Mary Spicuzza enjoying the view. All work and no play???

Rich's neighbor, Al, stops over to contribute to the festivities

Andrew Monahan hard at work inspecting Bob Rankin's 1980 Fleetwood.

In the back ground is Rich's sun parlor, providing a relaxed and cozy atmosphere for casual living.

Clockwise judges, Doug Lansing, Rose Mary Spicuzza, Rich Nalavany and Joe Puleo.

Clockwise and Cadillac-wise. In the back ground a breath-taking view of the Garden State

A rear view of an interesting rear. I was talking about the gigantic Cadillac trunk, what did you think?

Doug Lansing in all business mode, tallying up a score sheet.

Andrew Monahan's spectacular 1988 Brougham was the center of Doug's attention.