2026 marks the 30th Anniversary of our region, and what began as a small close-knit group of Porsche enthusiasts has now grown to a large and diverse membership. The very nature of our club has changed. We are no longer a small community devoted to a niche manufacturer but a significant organization tied to a global brand. Across North America, PCA has grown to over 120,000 members.
In the early years we might see four to six new members join in a single year. In 2025 we welcomed well over 40. Porsche has evolved from a niche sports car manufacturer into a global icon. And our club has grown alongside it. With that growth comes both opportunity and challenge. We must continually adapt our events, communication and direction to meet the interests of an increasingly varied membership.
As we plan our anniversary year, I find myself reflecting on how far our club has come. Porsche ownership was once something quite rare. We knew each other’s cars and projects well, and every event felt like an afternoon among friends. We had almost no budget, very little momentum, and relied purely on enthusiasm. Today, our events fill quickly, our calendar is full, and we have the resources to create memorable experiences on a level we could scarcely have imagined in the past.
Our membership now spans several generations. Some of us owned the early sports cars when they were new; others have discovered the Classic models more recently. Porsche now builds not only sports cars, but also luxury sedans, and SUV’s. What fascinates one member, may not interest another. Your participation is what keeps us connected, without it, we become little more than statistics. If we simply wish to be a large club, we could stop there – if we want to remain a vibrant community built on shared experiences, enthusiasm, and friendship, then your involvement is essential.
For long term members, it’s easy to feel nostalgic for simpler times, yet we must recognize that times change – and so must we. Decades of accumulated knowledge have made the early cars faster, more reliable and more enjoyable to drive than ever before. Our connection has shifted from mechanical knowledge to shared appreciation. Conversations may have changed, but the passion remains the same; the joy is different, but endures.
Corporations trade on their history, and Porsche is no exception. New Porsche owners may be less focused on the early models that defined the marque’s heritage – they may see them only as part of history.
The question is: how to position our club for the future? Will the new cars inspire the same loyalty, sense of belonging and excitement, as those that came before? Time will tell. What I do know is the future of our club depends on participation, curiosity and respect for our past and our progress.
As we celebrate our 30th year, let’s remember where we began – a small group of enthusiasts, united by friendship and a love of great cars. Let’s also look ahead with the sense of adventure that brought us this far. Our future, like our past will be shaped by those who show up, take part, and share the passion.
Here's to celebrating our past – and defining our future, together.
Paul Rossmo President Vancouver Island Region Porsche Club of America president@virpca.org
Happy 2026 to all. The 30th Anniversary year of VIRPCA has arrived. While Winter may seem like a quiet time, there is actually a lot going on behind the scenes, most of which will start to be visible, together with the Spring bulbs. This then, the first issue of 2026, starts the process of bridging the past with the future. We go back into history and take a look at VIRPCA through the memories and writing of some of the past presidents, ending with our current president, Paul Rossmo as he ponders the past and looks to the future.
We follow this with a report on the growing activity of the ladies of VIRPCA.
TheRovingReporter in this issue is Marc Klijnsmit who wrote an exciting report and shared some incredible photos of the European tour he and Santanna took last year. Santanna recently agreed to take on the role of Membership Chair and we will hear more from her in the next issue but for now, you can read more about Santanna in theMembershipReport. Santana also agreed, while in Europe, to become engaged to Marc and I know you all join me in congratulating this wonderful couple. OurExecutiveSpotlightis on our new Vice-President, Imogen Burr. We also highlight briefly two new roles: Pat Lote, the VIRPCA Liaison and Monika Parker, the Volunteer Co-ordinator. It is an exciting time to be involved with VIRPCA.
PORSCHER is published quarterly, in the months of April, July, October and January
IntheZone–Zone6 features the last report from outgoing Zone 6 Representative, John Sommerwerck, as well as an account of a farewell lunch to say thank you to him.
TechTalk follows the light and discusses the impact on our eyes whileRegionalReports highlight some of the activity in VIRPCA. There are911WaystoUseYourPorsche , and this issue features the creative use of a Porsche in decorating and marketing. PorschePets continues to be a popular feature. Our pets are members too, so please keep sending in your photos of your pet enjoying the ride. We have Storiesfrom CarsandCoffee,followed by a brief report on some of the 2025 holiday celebrations.
Thank you to our advertisers who support the magazine, including our members who advertise with us. Please let the advertisers know you enjoyed their advertisements and appreciate their support.
Valentines Day is of course February 14 and I would love it if you showed the love for your Porsche and each other by sending in some photos that put that love on full display.
Send your Letters to the Editor, submissions and photographs to editor@virpca.org.
The Porscher is the voice of the Vancouver Island Region of the PCA. As we launch our anniversary year, please join me in the recording of this numinous year by participating and contributing to the magazine with reports, and photographs, on the events you attend, or the Porsche experiences you enjoy. This year is also the Year of the Fire Horse in the Chinese New Year so time our engines fired up and into action on all fronts...
- Highlighting some of our hardworking Executive
Our Vice-President– Imogen Burr
Being on the Executive is not new to Imogen Burr. She has filled various roles over the years, including Membership Chair and South Island Director.
Well known and well loved, Imogen agreed to accept her new role as our Vice-President at the AGM held in October 2025. Here is what she has to say
“I joined the Vancouver Island Porsche Region in 2013 and immediately recognized the adage that “It’s not just the cars, it’s the people”.
Some of my most cherished memories have been club adventures with individuals whom I now consider family.
In 2015 I was introduced to the Board as Membership Director and stayed two terms. Then in 2020 and 2021 I was South Island Director. Now I look forward to working with club members and the Board as your Vice President.
It’s been exciting to witness the club’s growth and evolution over the years and I anticipate a successful year ahead as we celebrate the club’s 30th anniversary.
Looking forward to Porsche escapades and lots of laughter in 2026!”
You can reach Imogen at vicepresident@virpca.org
Member Liaison– Pat Lote
Another new addition to the team is our Member Liaison, Pat Lote. Doing what comes naturally to her, Pat’s role is to ensure everyone is connected and enjoying their membership. She works with everyone on the Executive and especially the Area Directors and with Santanna Portman, Membership Chair. Welcome to your new role in VIRPCA Pat! Learn more about Pat Lote in a future issue
Photo: Dean Gaschermann
Imogen Burr with Pat Lote
Photo: Karen Bresler
Bridging 30 years. Driving The Future
Compiled
by
Karen Bresler
Photo credit as specified
AS VIRPCA marks its 30th anniversary this year, we reflect on a journey which started with small gatherings and shared enthusiasm. One that had us break into our own region of the Porche Club 30 years ago. This milestone is more than a celebration of longevity; it is a tribute to the members whose dedication has shaped our identity and ensured our continued vitality. As we honour the legacy of those who built the road behind us, we also look ahead– to new generations of enthusiasts, emerging technologies and the enduring spirit of camaraderie that will guide us into the future.
The Very Beginning
Al Kyle (President 1999-2000) narrates: “it was during 1995 a core group of Vancouver Island members, being Blair, the two Ernies, myself and a handful of others, that initiated bringing local Porsche owners together and in pursuing a PCA Charter on behalf of local Porsche owners with encouragement from Dick Grant, the PCA Zone-6 Rep and PCA-National. It was at the Porsche Parade of 1995 in Portland Oregon that the PCA-National Executive approved our application to be a Chartered PCA Region; apparently VIRPCA was the first ever to be approved upon its initial application. It was in the Spring of 1996 the PCA President, Judy Boles, personally presented our members with our Charter at a dinner we held in Victoria. That, as they say, is the story behind how VIRPCA came to be and why our Charter is dated February 10, 1996. “
Come take a seat and journey along through 30 of VIRPCA history years through the eyes of some of the Past Presidents, including our current President. Here is the list of Presidents of VIRPCA:
1996 Blair Cooper
1997-1998 Ernie Kowal
1999-2000 Al Kyle
2001 Ernie Yakimovich
2002 Mike Woods
2003-2004 Brian Nutt
2005-2006 Ken Glover
2007 Rick Kroeker and Gary Glover
2008-2013 Gary Glover
2014 2015 Brad Blaney
2016-2017 Martin Mansfield
2018-2019 John MCGURRAN
2020—2021 Tim Evans
2022– 2023 Garth Webber Atkins
2024 –Current Paul Rossmo
The first President– Blair Cooper (1996)
In 1996, Blair Cooper was the newly chartered region’s first President. Blair passed away in 2020 but the regions first newsletter has Blair’s observations of this numinous time in the history of VIRPCA.
1997
-1998 Ernie Kowal
Ernie Kowal followed Blair Cooper as President. Ernie Kowal deferred to Ernie Yakomovitch for the details of the early days. Talking with the two Ernies at a Cars and Coffee one day, they said that they were referred to as Ernie2 (Ernie Squared) as they did so much together. However, Al Kyle gave us the whole picture. Here’s more from the third president, Al Kyle:
1999-2000 Al Kyle
“So here I am at 76 pausing to recall those early days of what has evolved to be the Vancouver Island Region of PCA over the past 30 years. Like all of us back then who were involved with providing structure to a loosely organized group of Porsche owners and enthusiasts, it was our keen interest in having fun and in encouraging other local Porsche owners to join us in sharing our efforts to create the activities and events that gave rise to what became known as “Island Porsche”. It was through informal gatherings of keen Porsche owners that we, as a local group of Canada West Region members, effectively created Island Porsche. It is important to note that CWR supported our efforts through the efforts of Bryce Holtz who volunteered to be the CWR liaison for CWR members on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. This was how, around 1990, we started off down the path to be what is now VIR-PCA.
“As my memory today is a tad “foggy” on recalling
all those who were actively involved in bringing VIRPCA into existence, I will defer to the recollections of others if I may have missed someone. The individuals I recall as being quite involved and or who offered significant support (financial or otherwise) of the establishment and functioning of Island Porsche were Ernie Yachimovich, Ernie Kowal, Blair Cooper, Wayne Ayers, Dana Rhodes & Gary Bruce (Forward Automotive), Phil Nyren, Bryce Holtz, and .. oh, yes .. I too was somewhat involved .. I was the token “accountant” every club seems to have hovering around in the background. In addition, and most notable as he was actually the one person who encouraged and motivated us to petition PCA to become a Region, was Dick Grant .. the PCA Zone 6 Rep. So, if nothing else, you can blame us for the last 30 years of fun!
Prior to 1995 Island Porsche was just a group of us creating and organizing activities and events. However, eventually Island Porsche attracted the attention of the PCA Executive, through Dick Grant, due to the events we put on, as well as our attendance at events put on by various Zone 6 Regions, where Island Porsche members typically walked away with awards and trophies. So, with the prodding by Dick Grant, during late 1994 we held a meeting of interested Island Porsche members to gauge what support there was for pursuing becoming a PCA Region.
This was, as explained by Dick Grant, an exercise that might well entail a number of annual petitions before the PCA Executive would approve chartering Island Porsche members as a new PCA Region. The outcome of the aforementioned meeting indicated there was overwhelming support of the 30+ attendees for pursuing becoming a PCA Region. At that meeting, the attendees elected a core group to as “officers” with the authorization to pursue becoming chartered as the "Vancouver Island Region of the Porsche Club of America”. The officers were: Blair Cooper as the President, with Ernie Kowal, Ernie Yachimovich, Wayne Ayers, Jimmy Cole and myself elected to fulfill other roles as "officers” as the executive of VIR-PCA. And the rest of the story made the history books of PCA.
“The “Coles Notes” version is that we incorporated VIR PCA and in early 1995 we submitted a Petition to the PCA Executive through Dick Grant that would be “considered” at a meeting of the PCA Executive at its annual Board Meeting held during the annual Parade event which was to be held in Portland, Oregon in 1995. Needless to say, as with any Porsche event involving a road trip, Auto crossing, “Concours” and an On-Track Driver Education event, there was a sizable Island Porsche “VIR-PCA” contingent who attended that 1995 Parade. To our delight, before we packed up to return home at the end of Parade, Dick Grant advised us that the PCA Executive had granted our petition to be the Vancouver Island Region of PCA .. the only petition approved for 1995 and it being the first time an initial petition had ever been approved in the history of the PCA.
The strength of our region has been its new members, which has enabled our region to evolve to reflect
the interests of its membership – something that I am very pleased to see has happened.
While I continue to be interested in all things Porsche and with VIR-PCA, you will undoubtedly see my iconic 1986 951 at VIR-PCA events now in the hands of its new owner, my son Bryan. This is rather fitting as it was Bryan who accompanied me on many Porsche events when I was his age. Undoubtedly, he too will likely have a passenger or two or three wishing to accompany him for VIR-PCA events. This, then, is just one example of an outcome in sharing the fun of having a Porsche in the family!”
Ernie Yakimovich 2001 was followed by Mike Woods in 2002 and Brian Nutt in 2003-2004.
Tim Evans, President 2020-2021 wrote: “A big part of Porsches on the Pitch and celebrating 25 years as a region was recognizing all of our past presidents. All but one of our living past presidents attended. Unfortunately our first president Blair Cooper(1996) passed away in 2020. Missing is John McGurran (2018 & 2019). All the past presidents were presented with a framed copy of our charter and a plaque commemorating their year(s) of service. Thanks to all of them for making the club what it is today.”
In the photo below from left to right Rick
Photo above taken of the past presidents as of 2022 at the 25th Anniversary celebration
Ken Glover 2005-2006
“Back in the day, VIRPCA was only just learning to walk since its birth in 1996. I joined in 1999 and was greeted by a small enthusiastic group focused mainly on performance driving events – mostly autocross, some track days and we created a course for women to teach them the limits of their cars. Back then, there would be 20 plus Porsches at our autocrosses – now there are none…..
Our Executive Meetings (members encouraged to attend) were held on the first Tuesdays monthly at pubs and alternated between Victoria and up-island locations.
Other activities included tech sessions with Ernie Kowal showing the finer points of detailing our cars and with Gary at Forward Automotive explaining the intricacies of maintenance for our cars. We also had video nights when a member would acquire a new and relevant DVD (I think we were past VHS by then!).
During my tenure as the Treasurer for five years and then President in 2005-2006, we were only 50-75
members, but nearly everyone was active and knew everyone else, including the spouses. Gary Glover (no relation) was very active on the social events fronts and was a force putting together our inaugural three day events – starting with Spring to the River, then Crowne Isle and ultimately to Black Rock under his presidency.
Social events were always on the forefront as well. We had ‘Drive & Dines’, ‘Porsches to Parksville’ and an Xmas dinner gathering to name a few. Some members and spouses even got together for vacation driving holidays, exploring most of the backroads in western North America for over 10 years These ‘Crusades’ were not sanctioned as PCA events but were thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended over the years.
As they said, even back then, ‘It’s the people, not the cars!’ Thanks for the memories and all the best VIRPCA for the next 30 years”
Continued on page 17
Photo from 2018 AGM
2018 AGM with President, John McGurran
Rick Kroeker 2007
Rick Kroeker was President in 2007 and he writes:
“I was on the executive for about ten years. During my time as president, I had the amazing pleasure of helping the club grow and become very active all over the Island.
We had a so much fun, grew the club significantly and made VIRPCA a household word in many regions of PCA as we were the smallest region but we had a HUGE profile for being fun, active and creative and were known to many parts of PCA all over North America. On our way to Ucluelet for the Black Rock Porsche event, we stopped to present a cheque to Cops for Cancer folks. The Blackrock event was created by our executive that year, it has turned into a significant event for fund raising as well as attracting VIR members from many regions, including the President of PCA.
This next photo is from a nice lunch on a road trip, the poignant part of this is that our beloved Pam Ramsey (seated in the back right) has passed away. Pam was a HUGE member of VIRPCA along with her hubby Bruce. That is Lesley (my wife) and I, Scott, Imogen and Pam and Bruce.
A pit stop with a bunch of us, the lovely lady is Pam Ramsey, who came over to ogle my red 911 Turbo.
As always, it was about the people. I am so grateful for all the friendships I developed and all the time spent driving the best cars in the world with some of the most amazing people!”
Gary Glover took over and held the reins through some of the most formative years in the club’s history. Here is Gary’s look back at this time:
Gary Glover 2007-2013
“I joined VIRPCA in the spring of 1998 after attending the Tofino Weekend. Starting in 1999, I began to become more involved with the region. In 2000, with a small group of mid-island members, we organized the first of three years of “Spring to the River”. This helped to change the course of the region. From an autocross to a more social/touring group. Between 2000 and 2006, I was on the VIR Executive/Board as, newsletter, printing of the newsletter, mid-island director, part of the organizing group for Crown Isle Weekend from 2005-09.
Autocross 2009
“Ernie Kowal, Ernie Yakimovich, Al Klye, Ken Glover, Mike Woods, Brian Nutt and Rick Kroeker were in some way mentors before that fateful night at a monthly meeting. Rick Kroeker announced that after six months and due to personal reasons, he was stepping down as the President. The room went quiet, no one spoke. For some strange reason I thought why not and volunteered to complete his term.
“From 2007 until 2013, six and a half years, I served as President. The longest serving president to date. The only way for me to became a Past President was to threaten to quit. That took two years.
But what at time it was. The region membership grew substantially. New events ranging from MultiRegion, 3 or 4 day events to small intimate events.
Creation of Blackrock
2009 was the last year of Crown Isle Weekend after six years.
2009, with a team of five, we spent a weekend at Blackrock in Ucluelet.
2010 I presented a proposal to the Ucluelet Mayor and council, asking for their support and help. Imagine trying to explain a Porsche Club to a group of politicians!
2010, was the first year of Blackrock. A totally successful event that became the standard for years to come. Fireworks, bonfires, visits from Pigs and Rabbits, comedy, involvement with the Ucluelet Volunteer Fire brigade, Cops 4 Cancer, Driving Events at the Tofino Airport All these plus more came from that weekend in 2009.
To give back to the community, money was raised at the event for the local fire brigade, enabling them to purchase an ATV to do rescue work on the many trails/beaches in the Ucluelet area.
Charity monies were raised for Cops 4 Cancer
Some other events from the time were our support of the Queen Elizabeth European and Classic Car Show, raising money for the facility.
The Pacific Circle Drive started in 2008 when the last section of the road between Port Renfrew and Mesachie Lake was paved. Who remembers the drive with Dave Cooley, the Zone 6 Rep, who suffered motion sickness as a passenger in my 964?
Above and below: photos from Blackrock 2011
A Porsche Airport– Tofino
VIR attended the Ladysmith Car Show and was the “Marque Make”. Over 30 Porsche parked in the centre of the main street in Ladysmith and made a donation to the local food bank.
We drove to Gold River for lunch, even had an overnight stay. No comment on that evening. Again, VIR left a donation to the local food bank
Autocross at Western Speedway still continued and one Sunday I showed up with Chilli and Buns. Available for a donation to the local food bank. This started the Autocross/ Chilli Cook Off.
There was Oktoberfest in Port Alberni. A Crab lunch in Tofino. We travelled to Salt Spring Island Tour on the weekend of a Gay Parade.
By 2015, I was tired and burnt out. I had a great support team on the VIR Executive, but I was done.
Think about volunteering, All of PCA needs volunteers of all kinds. Ask any of the present and past VIR Executive/Board if you are interested or have ideas. No such thing as a bad idea!!!
Brad Blaney 2014 & 2015
“It’s now been over a decade since I served as President of our Porsche club in 2014 & 2015. We were as active back then as we are now.
I passed the torch to Brad Blaney as my replacement for President. I gave Dan Boulet my “Magic Memory Stick” with all the Blackrock information. Not sure how I talked him into that.
In 2016, I became more involved with the BC Interior Region, helping with drives etc. Somehow in 2015, I was part of the team organizing the 1st Zone 6 Grand Tour. Two weeks, 5,000km, B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Oregon, Washington. Again in 2019, involved with the 2nd Zone 6 Grand Tour. Only 10 days and half the distance of the first tour.
During Covid, I helped with the VIR 25 Drives for 25 Years Tour Book. Actually, I completed all of drives.
Once a President, always a President, even when you become a past one. For the past three years, I have been part of the PCA National Team, serving as a Zone 11 Representative, helping and mentoring Alaska, Hawaii and Big Island Hawaii Regions. My Porsche family has grown beyond my imagination.
2026 is my last year in this position. I am currently flying at 35,000 ft, to another PCA event.
I have more ideas for VIR and 2027 and beyond.
We held seven autocross days at Western Speedway over the two years. The last event of each year included the popular Chili Challenge!
Our annual Black Rock gatherings carried on in Ucluelet and continued to improve with more activities. That event included track days at the airport and introduced off pavement tours for the SUV crowd.
We had great support from Porsche Centre Victoria, who hosted over half a dozen movie nights, tech sessions and pancake breakfasts!
In those two years we did over a dozen drives that included some fine dining as part of the adventure! Other events included gimmick rallies, detail clinics, Rudi’s car collection, a fire hall tour, charity car wash, helicopter rides and Canada Day parades in Courtenay!
A highlight for me was the PCA Parade held in Monterey California in 2014. I wasn’t alone. 14 island Porsches with over two dozen VIR members attended! We won big too. One of our members was awarded a brand new 911 Targa and I won an event/hotel/ banquet package for the next year’s Parade!
In 2015 our region participated in the inauguration Zone 6 Grand Tour. A two week, 6400km tour through all 16 regions of our PCA zone. A number of our members participated in the whole drive and we had great representation with over three dozen VIR Porsches joining in on the Vancouver Island segment!
Back at the start of 2014, our members totalled 191 primary and 139 co-members. We grew to approximately 350 total by the end of 2015. We’ve grown steadily and significantly since then. Now entering our 30th year, the future looks bright for continued growth and amazing events and activities!”
2009 New Members event Crow & Gate Pub
2018-2019 John
McGurran
“After having met a friendly bunch of VIRPCA folks enjoying coffee and car talk at Francelli’s on a Sunday morning in November 2014, I have to would agree: “it’snotjustthecars,it’sthepeople.” But it is a car club and with the guidance of Paul Rossmo and his staff, I bought a shiny new blue 2015 Boxster (non S).
I soon learned that the club needed a secretary…and nobody else wanted the job…so I volunteered and got to know members up and down the island, and their rides. At the next AGM the club needed a membership person, so I volunteered for that and among other things became familiar with the inner workings of PCA. Next year, as Martin Mansfield’s term as president was winding down, I put my hat in the ring again and was elected president, serving in that role in 2018 and 2019. We had a convivial and productive executive and board. Membership grew significantly…not that we had anything to do with that.
Looking back on my VIRCA time, while I enjoyed all of thecarstuff, the most rewarding part was my connection withthepeople . I made lifelong friends…all thanks to car talk and coffee at Francellis. Thank you VIRPCA, I am better off for having known you.”
ous events taking place across the zone in British Columbia, Alberta, Washington, Oregon, and Idaho.
In the afternoon, participants from Washington and Oregon started receiving frantic messages: their areas were shutting down because of a new threat called COVID‑19. They left immediately to return home, while the rest of us continued with our evening dinner gathering. That turned out to be the last in‑person get‑together before COVID‑19 restrictions took hold.
2020 began with the familiar excitement of the upcoming season and a series of planned driving events. Our first highlight was the Zone 6 Regional Presidents meeting, which we hosted in March. Representatives from every region attended, and we kicked off the Saturday morning session with strong presentations and lively discussions about the vari-
Tim Evans 2020-2021 The Covid Years
It didn’t take long before British Columbia was shut down, we were no longer permitted to meet in person and Zoom was the new way to stay connected. We managed to organize a few drives in June and July when restrictions eased slightly, allowing outdoor gatherings with social distancing.
For “cars and coffee” we met outdoors whenever possible, bringing our own chairs and if the weather turned unfavourable, we shifted to a covered parkade. To keep everyone informed we increased the frequency of our newsletter and emails, and the Porscher continued to circulate. The executive team kept meeting via Zoom, and even our AGM was held virtually.
2021 – A Challenging Year
Having split from Canada West in 1996, 2021 marked the 25th anniversary of our region’s founding. We were eager to celebrate and had begun finalizing plans. However, renewed gathering restrictions made it clear a big celebration couldn’t happen that year. Thankfully, Trevor and Sonia Ross came up with a creative alternative to mark this important milestone – the 25 Roads Challenge
A small group came together to compile a booklet featuring 25 scenic drives on Vancouver Island and club members were invited to drive each road, share their experiences on Facebook, and earn car badges. Special badges were awarded to those who completed all 25 roads and I’m proud to say I did them all. The list of drives remains on our website and serves as an excellent guide for exploring the island.
That same year we introduced regional picnics as a way to gather outside while respecting COVID‑19 protocols. Each island region (South, Mid, and North) organized its own outdoor picnic, complete with a car show and catered food. The events proved extremely popular and well‑attended.
As restrictions lifted and vaccines became widely available, drives resumed. By the end of 2021 we were able to meet indoors again and celebrated with a festive Christmas party.
Finally, in the summer of 2022, we held the long‑awaited 25th‑anniversary celebration at Shawnigan Lake School, marking a quar-
ter‑century of community, resilience, and shared passion for the road.
Looking back, I feel fortunate to have had the unwavering support of the dedicated volunteers on the 25th‑anniversary planning committee. Because COVID‑19 restrictions kept shifting and forced us to postpone the main celebration for a year, they ultimately helped organize far more events than they had initially agreed to take on.
Garth Webber Atkins 2022-2023
In 2022, I was Vice President, and willing to step up as President when the current President stepped down that year. As the 2022 AGM loomed, however, six members of the Executive Committee indicated their intention to step back from the running of the club when their term ended – half of the Executive! It was a bit concerning, but the outgoing President and I and other Directors successfully canvassed the active membership for interest in the vacant po-
Much of my role was to support the great ideas that came from other people on the Executive Committee, or from VIR members. Several of the event highlights of those years were the product of other members’ leadership, such as Porsches on the Pitch, the Crown Isle weekends the Van Isle Adventure Tour and a weekend excursion to Tacoma. Ditto for the new Fast. Food. dinners, which were and continue to be highly popular.
There were a couple of new things that I brought to the club, though. Starting in January 2022, I initiated and organized a “Winter Webinar Series”, and offered presentations by a variety of speakers one evening a month through January, February and March. The series offered presentations on the evolution of the 911, winter rallying in a 944, and the PCA SimRacing Series, among others. It was a fun
sitions and I started my term with a full slate and several new Committee members who were keen to contribute their time and talents to the club. I was new to the role, too so that put a lot of us in the same boat.
The following two years were among the highlights of my long life. It was a great experience working with the VIR Executive team, connecting with many VIR members, and meeting and spending time with other PCA Zone 6 presidents.
way to connect on a mid-week winter evening from the comfort of home.
In July 2022, I led a Ladies Drive in the Mid-Island Area, the first that I was aware of since I joined the club and possibly the first for the club.
While my official term as Past President of the Vancouver Island Region ends when the current President is succeeded by another, I know that I will aways be a past president of VIR, and will cherish that and be proud to be in the company of all of the past presidents of VIR.
We finish with our current President, Paul Rossmo’s words on our history and the future of VIRPCA.
Paul Rossmo, current President - since 2024
“The club we enjoy today exists because of decades of volunteer effort, shared knowledge, and a deep commitment to our Porsche community. Growth has brought us new opportunities along with the new challenges of a constantly evolving global brand. Our membership now spans generations creating a wide spectrum of interests and resources. While conversations evolve, the enthusiasm that brought us together endures. If we continue to show up, get involved, and share our passion for Porsche, the next thirty years will be remarkable. Embrace what is new, treasure the past “
In the recent survey of the membership, a number of members have indicated their willingness to volunteer their services. Monika Parker stepped up to offer her many talents and be the VIRPCA Volunteer Coordinator.
Monika says:’ I am very excited to step into this role and volunteer along side passionate and caring individuals who want to make a difference. Victoria has been my home for over 37 years. I’m fortunate to have studied at UVic and had a successful career in Sales for over 20 years. I am an avid gardener, dog lover and Porsche enthusiast.”
Welcome Monika! More info to come as to how to volunteer and reach Monika.
A clear and welcome shift is underway in our club. Participation by our women has grown steadily and the 2025 survey indicates a need for “More Ladies Events”. We have a vibrant and engaged community of women in VIRPCA drawn together by the love of driving, especially the beauty and engineering that is Porsche, or our partner’s love of Porsche. The Ladies Events are not about separation, but about creating spaces that encourage confidence, connection and shared enthusiasm– whether behind the wheel, around the track or around a table at club events. On the Executive, we now have Imogen Burr as our Vice President and she is joined by our new Membership Chair, Santanna Portman and Club Liaison, Pat Lote. Garth Webber Atkins continues in the role of Past President. I continue as Magazine Chair. Monika Parker has stepped up to take on the role of Volunteer Co-ordinator.
As we celebrate our 30th anniversary this year, there has never been a better time to get involved. Drawing on the Leadership Circle as a structure, lets imagine each of us on a chair as we sit in the circle of VIRPCA women, within the larger circle of VIRPCA. Every chair represents a leader. Every chair has a leader in it. Each person in the circle brings a different perspective, strength and experience, and leadership moves fluidly depending on what the situation requires. In this model, leadership is defined by contribution. It is inclusive, adaptive and grounded in the collective wisdom of the group.
Our Porsche Club tea meetings in the Summer and Fall of 2024 were foundational as we got together and realized the power of the group of women in the room. Trace Hart coined the term “PowHERfuls” Our power really is that whenever we gather together, we are shaping a more inclusive and dynamic Porsche community for the road ahead. We change
Dr. Diane Cruickshank has, from her“chair”, created the first Ladies Holiday Brunch which will now be an annual event. She has also founded a book club which starts on February 4 with a meeting to discuss the first book. Nicole Havrada, the F1 Academy driver sat down with me for a feature interview, and, to discuss plans for a charity event this year.
The Spring Fling will be back and led by the fearless leader that is Imogen Burr.
Some of the VIRPCA women at the 2025 Ladies Holiday Brunch
Spring PC Tea will follow as we ease into warmer days. Garth leads the Annual Ladies Drive and Lunch in the Summer
And for those of you wondering if you can create an event, yes you can. If you require any mentorship or assistance, all you have to do is ask any member of the Executive. As Michelle Oboma said: ‘You don’t have to be perfect to be a leader”
In conclusion, an observation. As a whole group of women say goodbye to each other in the parking lot at our ladies events well -it’s a sight to behold as the group of women hug goodbye, walk to their Porsches and drive off. It’s a heads turning, heart thumping, engine roaring experience. Come and be a part of it all.
Karen Bresler, Editor
Left to Right: Karen Bresler; Santanna Portman and Nicole Hvrarda, F1 Academy Driver at Café 356
Photo: Marc Klijnsmit
Photo: above and middle: Karen Bresler
AGM 2025
At Merridale Cidery and Distillery October 19, 2025
Photo credit as indicated
The AGM took place October 19, 2025 at Merridale Cidery and Distillery and the sun amazingly came out to shine on the large gathering after 24 hours of pelting rain.
Wyman Lee and Dean Gaschermann were our photographers for the event.
The three course meal was delicious, with farm to table food served family style. Freshly baked apple pies made
from the surrounding apple orchards came straight out of the oven to our tables. As always the company was excellent and we had many new members attend. Door prizes from Porsche Victoria; Goodfellas Cigar Shop; artist Trace Hart, and Gordon Halkett, as well as a few other Porsche items from the Home for Hooves Auction were received with delight. Thank you to our generous donors. President, Paul Rossmo was re-elected. Ron Dempsey was thanked for his service as VicePresident and he was replaced with Imogen Burr.
Photo: Wyman Lee
President’s Award 2026—Tim Evans
Pictured Left to Right: Paul Rossmo, Garth Webber Atkins and Tim Evans
Enthusiast of the Year– Karen Bresler Pictured here with some of the ladies of VIRPCA
Photo: Dean Gaschermann
Photo: Wyman Lee
Rally Award Irene and Didier Brard
DOOR PRIZES! We had an abundance of door prizes thanks to Porsche Victoria, Goodfellas Cigar Shop, Trace Hart and Gordon Halkett as well as several new Porsche enthusiast items bought from A Home For Hooves Silent Auction. Thank you so much for these donations!
Photo: Dean Gaschermann
Rally Chair, Klaus Kreye, presented the Rally Trophy to Irene and Didier Brard
Photo: Karen Bresler
Some of the behind the scenes team
Peter Everett, Treasurer; Kevin Root, Secretary: Ray Gumbel, South Island Director; Paul Rossmo, President, Garth Webber Atkins, Past President, look on as Tim Evans accepts the President’s Award
Photo: Wyman Lee
Photographers extraordinaire: Left Wyman Lee poses with Gary Glover, Paul Rossmo and Martin Jager
Right: Dean Gaschermann who loves taking candid shots Photos: Karen Bresler
Left: Imogen Burr, Diane Cruickshank and Shannon Patterson, the Registration team welcoming members to the AGM
A few more behind the scene team members...
Below: from Left to Right: Pat Lote, Member Liaison sharing a story with Editor, Karen Bresler after the AGM; Middle: Steve Fairbrother all things media and MSR registration and far right, Diane Cruickshank with Gorden Halkett after getting the feather flag assembled so members knew where to go.
Photos: Dean Gaschermann
A few notables...
Bottom Right: It is so much fun catching Gary Glover actually sitting still in one spot for a few minutes that all the photographers were on to him right away.
Photos: Dean Gaschermann
Bob Drew above has contributed articles to our magazine
TECH Talk
By Paul Rossmo
“MY EYES, MY EYES!”
A quote I usually reserve for being exposed to a particularly ugly car, but I now find myself uttering constantly while driving at night.
I think back to when Porsche cars had to be fitted with Sealed Beam headlights in North America as the European Halogen lights were considered to create a risk of blinding oncoming drivers. Citroen had to disable their lights that followed the steering of the car based on the same logic. North America clearly had your safety in mind.
Why is it then headlight glare and dazzle has become an exhausting component of night driving?
The Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS) are supposed to control this. While new cars technically comply, the result is they perform poorly in the real world.
The transition to new lighting technologies to HID (High-Intensity Diodes) and LED (Light-Emitting Diodes) systems are the root cause of the glare. These systems create a much higher concentration of light in a smaller area compared to traditional light sources. This more intense beam can be painful and dazzling to an oncoming driver.
HID and LED typically have a higher colour temperature, appearing much whiter or even blue. Our eyes are sensitive to these wavelengths, increasing discomfort glare, which is the psychological sensation of pain or discomfort, even when visibility is not completely lost.
LED’s use diodes and highly focused projector lenses which concentrated light. If the lens is at all out of adjustment it can direct the beam into the eyes of oncoming drivers
The popularity of trucks and SUVs has also increased the problem of glare. A higher ride height and consequently higher mounted headlights have raised the low-beam light cutoff closer to the eyes of drivers in sedans or sports cars, placing the most intense part of the beam directly in their line of sight.
This is aggravated by minor changes in pitch. Having a load in the back (even passengers), or coming over a hill causes the headlight to tilt up, immediately affecting oncoming traffic.
Canadian standards have clearly not kept pace with new lighting technologies.
CMVSS Standard 108 sets minimum and maximum intensity levels, colour ranges, and aim specifications for new vehicle headlights. These are controlled laboratory tests focusing on the performance of the headlight itself.
Glare is NOT explicitly regulated though stringent testing exists internationally. Canada has some weak requirements around automatic levelling, however, their limit on light intensity is too high. Canada has been quicker than the USA to allow (ADB) Adaptive Driving Beam headlights which use sophisticated sensors and matrix-lighting to selectively darken the pattern reaching oncoming cars. The adoption rate is slow among manufacturers, dooming us to share the road with non adaptive systems.
Compliance is even worse once the car leaves the factory.
Illegal retrofit kits mounting HID or LED headlights into reflectors designed for halogen bulbs, destroys their light characteristics scattering extremely bright light everywhere, causing maximum glare. Even factory installed lights are often poorly aligned from the dealer or become misaligned due to wear, minor accidents, or suspension changes. Because the beam cutoff is so sharp and bright for these lights, even a small aiming error is far more blinding than with halogen.
In conclusion, perhaps modern headlights comply with ‘the letter of then law’, however, their minimal test standards and the lack of on-road enforcement, have combined to create a dangerous and widespread problem on Canadian roads.
In praise of halogen
Light reflects colour to our eyes, and if the light source is deficient, we do not see true colours. Halogen has a Colour Rendition Index (CRI) of 95-100% vs HID and LED which have CRI performance around 70%. Halogen offers exceptional performance displaying accurate colours. We rely heavily on colour to spot wildlife, distinguish variances in terrain, and determine the edges of the road.
The Tindal Effect is reduced due to Halogen’s longer (red) light waves which penetrate moisture (rain, fog and snow), dust and smoke better than short blue light waves. This reduces the ‘White Wall’ effect and reduces eye strain.
Driving at night also requires ‘Dark Adaptation’ , Halogen allows your eyes to adapt more quickly to the high and low beam light changes.
Paul Rossmo
Roving Reporter- This issue’s Roving Reporter is Marc Klijnsmit
Photos: Marc Klijnsmit and Santanna Portman
Hello members!
Last October Santanna and I went to Europe for a few weeks. Now every time we travel, we HAVE to do something Porsche! Because we were visiting friends in Dusseldorf, we HAD to visit Stuttgart and book a private Porsche factory tour. And that almost didn't’t happen! A month before our departure I checked the website and there was literally one spot left for the entire month. I booked it and we planned our trip around the most important event of our Europe trip.
On our stop in London, I did visit a special Porsche store in Mayfair. Porsche Centre Mayfair is a stateof-the-art Studio Concept Centre.
The Centre shows what Porsche’s futuristic showroom concept: a new space that goes beyond the traditional showroom format by offering a wide range of experiences. It includes a basement café area, while an LED wall and interactive screens bring enhancements to the customer experience and configuration process. The colour wall is super cool to see and makes it even more fun to buy your Porsche. When I was there, the wall was set to 911 colours.
The Centre is smaller than most Porsche stores but it operates as a fully functioning Porsche Centre. It’s almost like you’re in someone’s living room. Very stylish decorated with only a few cars parked inside.
In the Netherlands there was one place I wanted to visit; Porsche Centrum Gelderland, owned by Mark Wegh. Porsche Centrum Gelderland opened their doors in 2006 and is the exclusive dealer for the eastern part of the Netherlands with more than 200 Porsche specialists. They also opened the first Classic Centre in the world in 2015. They offer a unique combination of tradition, craftsmanship, and passion for classic and “youngtimer”Porsches
They are also part of a select group of companies certified to carry out maintenance, repairs, and restorations on exclusive Sonder series, including the 356 Carrera models, 911 2.7 RS, 959, and Carrera GT. It was amazing to see all the beautifully restored 356’s, RS models and even a dark green Carrera GT of a famous YouTuber.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGyf6xWclmE
When we planned our trip, I reached out to the Porsche Club of the Netherlands (Nederlandse Porsche Club) and their president dropped off a bag with goodies at my parents house before we even arrived. Their newsletter editor John Simons organized a tour of the Porsche Gelderland facilities with the owner himself. So that was very cool! Besides a Porsche Centre and a Classic Centre, the facility houses Mark Wegh’s private collection of Porsches. The second floor is filled with the most amazing 911’s, a few 959’s, a 918 and multiple Carrera GT’s.
The Porsche factory tour has always been on my bucket list, but was actually suggested by a guy I met at the café about a month and a half before our trip. His name is Michael Lueder, a Porsche executive in Stuttgart. He was on a vacation in BC and had seen Café 356 posts on social media so he decided to come to the island and visit 356 and Tofino. He mentioned that I should book a tour and give him a call when we were there. And so we did!
After the tour, which was about two hours long, we headed back to the museum where we were greeted by Michael. He shared lots of information about Porsche, the museum and his work as an IT executive. We toured the museum and talked about all the cars on display. Crazy that the 959 was offered for roughly $300k CAD. They are worth so much money now. Michael offered us his employee discount at the museum shop so we HAD to buy a few things
After the tour we spent 959 euros for a 6oz Canadian steak at Christoforus, but it was all worth it. Great day and awesome experience.
Mid October, Porsche launched a collaboration with SMEG, the stylish Italian refrigerator company. So while we were in Rome, we paid a visit to their Flagship store to check out the new product line. The 917 Salzburg Limited Edition is a tribute to Porsche's legendary victory at Le Mans in 1970.
Santanna’s Porsche:
If you would like to be the next Roving Reporter, please submit your article in word, together with captioned photos. email submissions to editor@virpca.org
John P. Sommerwerck
PCA Zone 6 Rep to December 31, 2025
This is my last IntheZone . My term as Zone 6 Rep ends December 31st. Starting January 1st, Brad Pape will be the Zone 6 Rep. Brad is, in my opinion, a great selection as Zone 6 Rep and I know he will do well.
It has been our privilege to be the Zone 6 Rep. Yes, I noted; ‘our’, Nancy has been supportive and, in many cases, leading me all along. She was the brains behind the zone region presidents’ meetings, she edited my musings in these pages, and many more. We will really miss all the opportunities to help and interact with all our friends in Zone 6. However, I fully support the idea that Zone Reps should have specific terms. It keeps the position fresh with new ideas and energy.
Nancy & I have several PCA activities planned for 2026. First up is a trip to Parade – Lake Placid in June. I will drive out and Nancy will meet me in Columbus, Ohio. We will also be participating in Canada West/ BC Interior’s Escape 2026 in Penticton in September. We hope to connect with many of you at these events.
For those long-range planners in the audience, I would note; Porsche Parade 2026 will be held in Lake Placid, NY starting June 14th, 2026. Registration opens in January 2026. Spring 2026 Treffen will be held at the Montage Palmetto Bluff (Bluffton, SC) March 29th to April 2nd. Event registration opens December 18th at 3 PM EST. 2026 Treffen at Sea Pacific Wine Country cruise will depart from Vancouver, BC on September 19th, 2026. Parade 2027 will be held in Boise, ID, starting July 11th .
Nancy and I have thoroughly enjoyed all our visits to the Zone 6 regions over the last four years and look forward to enjoying Zone 6 signature region events in the future. Zone 6 abounds in great roads to drive and great automotive venues.
Stay healthy and we will see you in the Zone!
Editor’s note: Some of the VIRPCA Executive met with John in Victoria toward the end of Summer to thank him for his dedication to our region. John was presented with a book of EJ Hughes paintings of Vancouver Island in the hope that he and Nancy will visit us again. We look forward to welcoming Brad Pape as our new Zone 6 Representative.
Photos: Karen Bresler
North Island
Director: Marc P. Klijnsmit
Hello from your North Island Director! Happy New Year!
As I am writing this report at the big table at Café 356, it is raining cats and dogs. I miss summer, but it’s one of those mornings perfect for administration work. We have so much planned for this year! Quite a few members have reached out to me with ideas for drives and suggestions for restaurants we should visit. Now we need to get it all ready and confirmed. So today, I am behind my computer emailing and calling venues to confirm lunches, dinners and drives.
2025 was a great year. Santanna and I were actually able to attend a few drives and all I can say is that we have a pretty cool membership! Great people! A few of my personal favourites were the 356 Gimmick rally, schnitzels at Little Bavaria and the John Clark Memorial Drive to Gold River. For 2026 I would like to try and include a few more multi day events. And we will be posting them early, so members have lots of time to plan and schedule. If you never attended one of the lunches, dinners or drives, I highly recommend to attend one or two this year! It’s a lot of fun. Check our events calendar at www.virpca.org
The other day I met Lisa Rigo from Porsche Nanaimo at the café. It was very nice to meet her and talk a little bit about her role at the new Nanaimo store. I personally think it is great to have a service department ‘ up North’ and will be very convenient for a lot of members here. If you have any questions, please email her at lisa.rigo@porschenanaimo.ca
Marc P. Klijnsmit Cell: 416-909-03901 northisland@virpca.org
Director: Didier Moinier
Didier Moinier
Mid Island Director
midisland@virpca.org
South Island
Director: Ray Gumbel
Happy New Year, everyone! I hope you all had a safe and peaceful holiday season. As I reflect on 2025, I’m excited to say that our events calendar was filled with numerous fantastic gatherings throughout Vancouver Island.
In the southern part of the island, we enjoyed great camaraderie during our weekly Cars & Coffee meet-ups. We had early morning spirited drives, destination day tours, and the popular monthly Fast.Food events at some spectacular locations.
Looking ahead, we are eager to kick off the season and can’t wait for winter to come to an end. To brighten these gloomy days, we have a few winter events planned for early 2026. In January, we already have a soldout tour of the Level Ground Coffee roaster facility. In February, we will gather for lunch at Church & State Winery, followed by a tour of La Rosa Farms.
This year marks our special 30th anniversary, and we are planning even more scenic drives, social food events, and wine tours on both weekdays and weekends. Stay tuned for more details, and be sure to check the VIR-PCA events calendar and look for e-mail reminders. Remember, all our South Island events tend to sell out quickly.
Please join us for coffee and a chat at Porsche Cars & Coffee, located at Whole Foods in Uptown Mall. Cars & Coffee takes place every Sunday at 9:00 am throughout the year, rain or shine. If you are a new member, we encourage you to come out to one of these events and experience fun adventures with great people!
Warmest Regards,
Ray Gumbel
VIRPCA South Island Director
New year's eve fun with Porsche friends Pat & Kevin Lote.
Photo submitted by Ray Gumbel
Membership Chair: Santanna Portman
We are delighted to welcome Santanna Portman to the Executive as our new Membership Chair. Here’s a little background for those of you who have not met her yet:
Santanna Portman joined the Porsche family about two years ago as she and her partner, Marc Klijnsmit, began their journey with Café 356, a Porsche inspired cafe in Parksville, BC, alongside their other restaurant, the French Creek Pub. With a primary career of Commercial Real Estate, focused on new development and retail investments, combined with her hospitality businesses, Santanna quickly gravitated towards the role of taking care of members of the Porsche club.
Santanna’s work in the real estate and hospitality industry has centered on making people feel welcome, valued and excited for what’s coming next. It’s important that the club builds positive long-term relationships with not just members, but also the community. In order to continue the legacy of a strong Porsche community, the primary goal will be to engage new and existing members and ensure their experience continues to be positive, and that the Porsche family continues to grow.
Santanna’s goals include working with the rest of the team to create memorable moments for members that ensures their experience with Porsche becomes a positive aspect of their lives, in which they can share their passion for cars, and just simply engage with a great group of friends, not just on the island, but around the world.
Photos below: Karen Bresler
Porsches always attract a crowd. On November 9, 2025, members at Cars & Coffee At Café 356 helped celebrate a member of the public’s 90th birthday. His wife had contacted Paul Rossmo to see if someone in the club could give her husband a surprise ride in a Porsche for his 90th. Paul handed it to Marc Klijnsmit to arrange at Cafe 356 and Dan Carriere stepped up with his beautiful Signal Yellow 911. To say that Alfred was surprised would be an understatement. His wife said he was “shocked” by the warm reception. Alfred asked if he was going to be famous and had had a blast, beaming on his return. He had never had a ride in a Porsche and always admired them. (Editor’snote:IalsotookphotosfromGaryGlover’s Cayman.GaryspontaneouslyofferedtodrivemesoI couldtakemorephotos.Thatwasmyfirstrideina CaymanandItoohadablast.) Stories
Photos: Karen Bresler
Wyman Lee continues to keep us in the picture with Cars & Coffee in Victoria. Now if we could know what they were talking about
Franz-Albert Burgund always lets us know what is going on up North with his entertaining write-ups. This was one from a Cars & Coffee in January when we are experiencing higher than usual rainfall for this time of the year. Albert writes of Cars & Coffee in Campbell River “Wow! It was raining so hard that I felt like I was driving inside a snare drum while the drummer played ”wipeout” (if you get this you are as old as I am or a lover of rock and roll).. On to Cars & Coffee in Campbell River. Good turnout, great conversations, a few messed up drink orders, and a few good laughs made for a great way to spend a couple of hours!
“Although I called for everyone to look and smile the ladies were so engrossed in conversation they missed the photo op! OR heaven forbid: they were just ignoring us”
Sunday, December 7 was the Annual Holiday Party at Uplands Golf Club in Victoria, shared by VIRPCA and Ron Dempsey's EuroCars and Coffee group. This event traditionally gathers almost 100 people for a fine dinner and a speaker with tales of automotive adventure, and this year was no different.
Andrew Comrie-Picard has been a North American Rally Champion, Hollywood stunt driver, 2xTarga Newfoundland winner and so much more. His latest adventures have been leading the Transglobal Expedition, the first successful attempt at circumnavigating the globe on wheeled vehicles over both poles. You'll have to look up videos on YouTube to believe it. Thanks to Hagerty for sponsoring Andrew at this year's event and coordinating through his busy schedule.
Submitted by Ron Dempsey
Photos courtesy Wyman Lee and Eric Maitland.
This year's event raised over $12,000 to benefit CFAX Santas Anonymous, a long-time cause on the South Island that supports over 1,400 families each year with food and children's presents this special time of year.
Ron Dempsey would like to thank his fabulous team of volunteers, his wife Lisa Dempsey, Jackie and Mark Harnadek, Steve Fairbrother and Diane Cruickshank. He'd also like to recognize the generous individuals and organizations that supported the event with auction items such as Ernie Yakimovich, Porsche Centre Victoria, Whistler Brewing, Forward Automotive and many, many more.
Photo above: Jackie Harnadek, Lisa Dempsey and Diane Cruickshank
Left: Andrew ComriePicard. With Ron Dempsey
Below: Dave Hord of Hagerty, wit Ron Dempsey
A well loved annual event, Wyman and Sandy Lee’s Christmas lunch was as popular as ever and by all accounts, enjoyed by all who attended.
The First Annual Ladies Holiday Brunch
Many of the Ladies of Vancouver Island Region Porsche Club brought dishes to share the first ever, and now annual, Ladies Holiday Brunch, hosted at the home of Dr. Diane Cruikshank. Photo: Karen Bresler
Wyman and Sandy Lee’s
Photo: Wyman Lee
“A
Very German Christmas”
Photos: Karen Bresler
A Very German Christmas was held at Café 356 featuring German baked goods and gluhwein. Designed by Paul Rossmo, the first ever collectors Christmas tree ornament (Series 1 –2025), was given to attendees at this event. The many Porsche pets waiting in the vehicles or at home also received a little treat. The event was hosted by Paul Rossmo and Karen Bresler at Café 356.
Photos: Karen Bresler
Here is what Franz-Albert Burgund had to say about “A Very German Christmas” “December 6th was the feast day of Saint Nicholas which is celebrated by my family. In our house on the evening of the 5th of December we would put out plates for St. Nicholas to fill with figs, nuts, spice cookies, and chocolate. We would sing songs and recite poetry ( in German ) in anticipation. In the morning the plates were full of goodies marking that St. Nicholas had indeed found his way to our home.
It is in the spirit of the season that Paul and Karen hosted “A Very German Christmas” at the Cafe 356 last Saturday. They went all out! They were up late baking and decorating gingerbread men. They made sure there were lots of treats including Stollen, marzipan, Lebkuchen, mulled wine, and more.
Attendance was great making finding a seat a challenge at times. VIRPCA members from near and far made the trip to come together and celebrate. The gift of a custom tree ornament for each participant was awesome! Thank you Paul and Karen for starting what I hope becomes a VIRPCA tradition!”
Photos: Franz-Albert Burgund
911 ways to use your Porsche
Marc Klijnsmit of Café 356 sent in this photo in December. The Christmas tree, complete with lights on it, was displayed on Marc’s Porsche for the entire month of December, celebrating the season and advertising the many Christmas events at the popular Café 356.
Above: Uli Jaeckel and Mantoine Olivier at the 2025 AGM
Photo::Dean Gaschermann
Above: Didier Monier, posing at“A Very German Christmas” Event with Café 356 employee Emma, who was celebrating her birthday that day.
Photo: Karen Bresler
Ongoing Cars & CoffeeTimes
North Island Cars and Coffee is every second Saturday in Campbell River at the Quinsam Crossing Starbucks- 10am to 12.Cars and Coffee is also every 4th Sunday at Bean Around the World on Cliff Avenue in Courtenay. 10am to 12.
Mid Island Sundays 9:00 am, Café 356, 1025 Lee Road, Parksville
South Island Sundays 9am, Whole Foods Market, 3587 Blanshard Street, Victoria
A few upcoming events January June 2025
Please check the website as events are updated all the time. Some notable upcoming events are featured here so you can “Save the Date” and register in time. We look forward to the cars, people and lively discussions!
January 23 Porsche Coffee Lovers Tour
February 4 Porsche Ladies of Vancouver Island Book Club meet up, Victoria
February 14 Valentines Day– send us photos of you and your love in your Porsche
February 22 2026 Chinese New Year Dinner, Victoria celebrating the start of the Year of the Horse
TBA Presidents’ Meeting
May 26-28
June
Sunshine Coast Drive to West Coast Wilderness Lodge
High Tea at a Home for Hooves, Cowichan Valley
Photo: Eric Maitland
Porsche pets
Warren and Karen Lee submitted this photo of sweet Koa who is an Aussie doodle, and almost three years old. Koa is a true Porsche Pet. Karen and Waren say “she loves her rides in our Black 2008 997 Porsche Carrera”.
You could be an advertiser here Brian Danyliw– Sothebys International Realty
Vancouver Island Motor Circuit Villa Eyrie
Porsche Victoria Good Fellows Cigar Shop
Dancia Motors Café 356
Unique Accommodations
PR Historics Appraisals
Please show your support for these businesses by giving them the opportunity to serve you. Also mention that you saw their advert in Porscher so they know their money is well spent. The display of adverts does not constitute an endorsement of the company by VIR or PCA.
Submissions to Porscher Members are invited and encouraged to submit articles and photos that would be of interest to the Club. Photos in JPG or PNG formats. Articles should not exceed 750 words. Longer articles will be considered on a case by case basis. If submitting photos, please send a caption describing the photo or the people depicted and please indicate the name of the photographer. Please send submissions via email to the Editor at: editor@virpca.org
Magazine Deadline The deadline for the next issue is the 15th of the month prior to the issue date. Porscher is issued April, July. October, and January.
Photo Credits: Wyman Lee; Dean Gaschermann; Eric Maitland; Tim Evans; Karen Bresler, Paul Rossmo. Others are credited in articles. If we have omitted anyone, our apologies. Please advise us and we shall credit you next issue.
Join us on our Facebook Group page www.virpca.org
Advertising Rates (per issue)
$300 Outside back page
$350 Inside front cover
$300 Inside back cover
$200 Full page
$ 100 Half page
$ 60 Quarter page
$ 30 Business card
Classified Ads: No Charge
Please contact the Editor for more information at editor@virpca.org
Porscher is the official publication of the Vancouver Island Region Porsche Club of America and is published quarterly.
EDITORIAL: Statements appearing in PORSCHER are those of the author and not necessarily those of the Porsche Club of America, the Vancouver Island Region, its Executives or the Editor. All articles and photographs are copyright the author or contributor (unless otherwise noted). Permission for reprints or reproduction of the contents must be granted by the Editor and the author or contributor.
