Father’s Day Drive, June 21, 2020

Although the drive was on Father’s Day, the highlight was to salute Jim Wilson’s mother on her upcoming 97th birthday. Carolyn Skaggs made birthday wish signs for all club members who hadn’t brought their own.

Although not comparable to the coronavirus, “Cabin Fever” can grip those of us who have cut back outside activities drastically because of the virus. Fortunately, Jim and Debbie Wilson organized another drive to help liberate the many who were starting to feel the walls closing in. Unlike Jim’s other Drives to Nowhere, this one organized for Father’s Day, June 21, actually had a destination, along with an intermediate point of interest. We had 19 cars, including four from our partnering club, the AACA.

Starting at the Stottlemyer’s Smokehouse parking lot on the eastern edge of Sarasota, the group was led over tree-lined back roads to Venice. The intermediate destination was a drive-by of Jim’s mother’s house to wish her a happy 97th birthday! Jim’s dad worked for Oldsmobile for 45 years and his mother, June, loves cars.

We did two circuits around the block where her home was located, allowing club members to salute June twice. She was clearly delighted and the neighbors were also impressed with the free show! This event was followed by a drive through the newly landscaped Venice downtown, and ended at the Nokomis Groves fruit store for some of their special ice cream. Nokomis Groves has been in the area for 50 years and their outdoor shop is a local favorite. This stop gave us all a chance to get out to stretch our legs and enjoy a cold treat.

Thanks to Jim and Bruce Skaggs for input to this story. Additional thanks to Carolyn Skaggs for providing the handmade signs, and to Debbie Wilson for assembling goodie bags for everyone to enjoy on the trip. It was a great turnout for a special lady and a wonderful way to enjoy our LBC’s during these trying times.

Leave a Reply