Santa Cruz Woodies A Chapter of the National Woodie Club
For 33 years, members of the Santa Cruz Woodies Club (SCWC) have gathered to welcome the New Year and install the officers who will lead the club for the upcoming year. While the weather outside was balmy, the atmosphere inside the Portuguese Hall was filled with warm hugs and camaraderie as members celebrated once again. The evening began with a lively 90-minute happy hour.
Master of Ceremonies and outgoing President John Fleming eventually restored order, thanking those who made the past year—and specifically the 29th Annual Woodies on the Wharf (WOW)—a resounding success. He then led a moment of silence for members lost this year. (Editor’s Note: Shortly after the dinner, we learned of the passing of beloved members Cathy Jones and Pete Passoff. Our deepest condolences go to Tom Jones, Flo Passoff, and their families.)
Guests enjoyed wonderful appetizers and a catered meal by Angela Blessing and her crew. A primary highlight was the silent and live auctions. These auctions serve a a vital fundraisers for the club. Events Chair Arlene Solis, assisted by “Next Gen” members Jennifer Solis-Ciandella and Anthony Ciandella, beautifully displayed a curated selection of items, including a poster book featuring all 29 WOW posters with the 30th anniversary poster to be added later.
Outgoing President John Fleming and incoming President Loren Steck previewed the 2026 events calendar, noting the club’s return to the 2nd Annual Woodies in the Woods at Asilomar during Monterey Car Week in August. Past President Phil Iatomase also discussed plans for the upcoming 30th Anniversary WOW reception.
Awards and Recognition
The evening is as much about honoring member accomplishments as it is about installing leadership. This year’s honorees included:
Jonathan Dufour: Recognized by Dave Welles for his perennial DJ and sound support. Don Iglesias accepted a tape-recorder-themed piñata on behalf of Jonathan, who was ill and went home after setting up the event.
Rich and Pat Wilson: Awarded the “Fear No Trip” award by Jim Vickery for driving their bone stock 1940 Ford Woodie to every club event this year—including a “white-knuckle” 20 mph trek over Pacheco Pass.
Toni Wilkerson: Received the infamous “Coconut Award” from Ed Bowman for openly displaying her decolletage during the trip to Cambria for Woodies at the Rock.
Doug and Lynda Yugo: Awarded matching embroidered aprons for their dedicated catering and food prep during WOW and Goodguys events.
Alan Hilton: Received an award after a comical mishap during the Asilomar trip. After forgetting his wife Jule’s luggage in Santa Cruz, Alan drove four hours round-trip to retrieve it, later enduring major mechanical issues with his Chevy Woodie necessitating some needed repairs before returning home.
Looking Ahead
One of the big highlights of the evening is always the showing of Jim Vickery’s “SCWC Year in Review” photo documentary. Jim certainly didn’t let us down this year as he presented us with photos taken over the last 33 years catching us all in our most memorable moments and often doing so without our ever seeing the camera. It was truly amazing to see members change, year over year, especially seeing longtime friends who’ve passed on and our kids and grandkids growing up before our eyes.
The 2026 Officers were officially installed:
- President: Loren Steck
- Co-Vice Presidents: Dorma Baker and Toni Wilkerson
- Secretary: Bob Torcellini
- Treasurer: Kathryn Benson
In his first act after being crowned as President, Loren Steck presented John Fleming with a framed Bob Barbour photograph of John’s 1947 Buick Woodie in thanks for his leadership.
It was a fantastic evening and a perfect kickoff to our 30th Anniversary year. Stay tuned for more details on the WOW celebrations and upcoming June events!
