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Spotlight

Each month we will ask a member of the club to provide answers to a few interview questions. Our goal is to "get to know" our friends better with more personal context. This page will hold our past Spotlights that have been showcased on the home page.

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Spotlight: Nicholas de Matties (BEAN)


How did you get your nickname, Bean?

At boarding school one day. Verde Valley School, to be specific.

A friend read a letter sent to me addressed as Nickle-beans and started calling me Bean. Then the entire school called me bean. Later became Bean 5000 as my DJ name, and then to B5K


What’s something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know?

Fact: lived in Canada’s western province of British Columbia, in the port city of Vancouver, for 5 years. Most think I’ve never left AZ, or Sedona for that matter.

That’s boring. Funner fact, the furthest east I’ve traveled to is West Africa to a place called Guinea.


What is your favorite hobby?

At one point, it was cooking, then gardening.

Now it’s definitely working on my collection of automobiles, I would say. Art and Music have been a career.


What would it be if you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life?

It begins as a circular disk or rectangle and is divided into triangles or squares, from an oven on a peninsula in the Mediterranean. Can be in many flavors and colors. What is it?


What’s one item you can’t live without?

Listing (family) as an item. The rest is just stuff. 


Which car that you have owned has been dearest to your heart?

Besides the obvious fixation on stainless steel.

I had a 1963 VW Beetle that I reassembled and learned a lot of early basic mechanics growing up.

Felt a communication of how things work by the way things fit together.

Loved the simplicity. 

Maybe the Herbie had something to do with it.


When did you join the car club, and why?

About a year ago, I submitted myself into the SCC after realizing I have mechanitice carism. A pretty bad condition of collecting and driving in these weird celebrated machines from one point to another. 5 deep now, I realized I might not be alone and sought local support and found the club. 

The annual car show is spectacular. I wanted to get involved and be part of the community as soon I a realized that I could. And culture, really needed to be around like-minded people of the gears. 


What car are you most fond of and why?

The Delorean DMC-12.

A complete test tube fluke miracle of a production dream car. It's one of a kind, pure form, and true use of materials is unmistakable across the galaxy.  


Bends space and time in an age of mute, repetitious design as its presence jolts just about every observer’s reality into a familiar blissful youthful lasting joy. 

Makes people happy!


Redefines the concept and perspectives of vehicular travel as a garment or suit. Or a.. time machine? 

I see it as a functional sculpture on wheels. That also holds my late late late retirement.


What do you like most about the car club? What do you like the least?

+ We are passionate auto naughts. Road Adventures, a variety of automobiles, and collective knowledge of cars. Fun parties. I always learn something new and catch a good laugh. Community involvement, from road clean-up to shows, is awesome.


-Not enough tech events and rallies. More summer night activities. 


What is your most memorable road trip or vacation from your childhood?

Phoenix to Seattle with my Mother, summer 1995.

No cell phones, no GPS. Just various paper maps, pencils, and a compass. quarters for pay phones, air, and water. 

We drove a Late 80s Jaguar XJ6 VP. Black paint and wire wheels. It was truly a road cat or a car. 


Just got my driver's permit. First-hand experience of British engineering and a feel for the open road. In the face of a 120 mpg speedometer. 


Classic road trip, a cooler stacked with sandwich provisions and road snacks from those funky country gas stations. Up midland and out down the coast. Beautiful way to see the landscapes and slightly different cultures from state to state.


I drove most of the way, and got very comfortable in the driver's seat. When my navigator co-pilot would nod off, it was a scene from Smokey and the Bandit and the Cannonball Run movies. The XJ handled well ;)’ made good time lol


The last leg of the journey home from LA to Phx, the AC went out, and we put ice blocks and sixpacks from a divinely timed truck stop in the wheel wells, tied with towels for the win. I think I jumped fully clothed into the pool when we got home. 


It was a cool, fun trip I’ll never forget. 

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Spotlight: Barry Levitan


What’s something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know?

Got my pilot license in Flagstaff but had to let it lapse having set some motion sickness susceptibility records when I worked as a biomedical engineer at The Johnson Space Center, where I acquired about 100 hours of zero-g flight in the NASA KC-135 vomit comet aircraft.


What is your favorite hobby?

Car stuff


What would it be if you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life?

Pizza appetizer, salad and steak and chicken parmigiana, chocolate ice cream. Or anything from Atria Restaurant.


What’s one item you can’t live without?

Trick question, only answer, wife.


Which car that you have owned has been dearest to your heart?

First car I ever bought. My 65 mustang convertible. Northeast rust bucket. Started restoration six years ago with a Dynacorn unibody convertible chassis, transplanted drivetrain and all new parts. Added power steering, disc brakes, got it back last year, gave it to my daughter.


When did you join the car club, and why?

Like cars.


What car are you most fond of and why?

2005 Ford GT. Although my 2022 Ford GT outperforms it, nothing beats the 6 speed manual, throaty roar of the no nanny controlled V8.


What do you like most about the car club, what do you like the least?

Variety we have right here locally. I’m not retired and can’t participate much.


What is your most memorable road trip or vacation from your childhood?

1963 family road trip from New York to the west in our 1956 Chevy Belair pulling a small trailer that my father fixed up after a fire. Driving up the Sedona switchbacks with my mother yelling, Bernie, you’re too close to the edge! And keeping the windows closed so that others thought we had air conditioning.

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Spotlight: Jim Schubert


What’s something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know?

Most people don't know my wife and I had the opportunity to ride on an ocean racing hydrofoil catamaran while living in Hawaii. We were invited as guests of Masserati, the vessel's sponsor. It was exhilarating flying over the waves at nearly 60 mph suspended on an elastic net.


What is your favorite hobby?

My hobbies include constructing miniature racing cars but as I've gotten older I've taken to maintaining the vehicles I own.


What would it be if you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life?

There are many delicacies to enjoy, but I think I could live on chocolate chip cookies.


What’s one item you can’t live without?

I cannot image a life without my wife Elaine.


Which car that you have owned has been dearest to your heart?

My first European car was a 2 liter Alfa Romeo spider. I did all the maintenance except for working on the gearbox. I've owned many other cool and more powerful cars but the 15 years I owned the Alfa probably were the most rewarding for a car guy.


When did you join the car club, and why?

I joined the car club in 2020 shortly after retiring in Sedona. I was looking for other similarly interested folks to hang out with.


What car are you most fond of and why?

Currently I'm most fond of the Lamborghini Galardo Valentino Balboni edition because I've met Mr. Balboni on multiple occasions. This model was the first rear drive Lamborghini built to the honored test drivers specifications to be more "lively" on the road.


What do you like most about the car club, what do you like the least?

I'm happy to contribute to the club through the Tire Tracks magazine and hopefully spread my love for and interest in cars, especially sports cars. I was once the President of the Central Ohio Alfa Romeo Owners Club and we hosted a national convention. The experience taught me that car lovers are of all ilks but can find commonality in that love of cars in spite of the diversity of backgrounds and experiences. It's unfortunate when members forget our differences are what make the group stronger.


What is your most memorable road trip or vacation from your childhood?

When I was a child and my father was stationed in the armed forces, my mother got a speeding ticket driving us home from the military base in our VW Bus. We must have had the wind at our backs!

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Spotlight: Gary Glenn


What’s something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know?

I love to cook.... French style. I lived in Paris for 2 years in the 90s.


What is your favorite hobby?

Cooking and FUN WITH CLASSIC CARS!


What would it be if you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life?

Of course Pizza and fresh Oysters


What’s one item you can’t live without?

Sadly my phone!.... but also at least one fun car in the garage.


Which car that you have owned has been dearest to your heart?

The Porsche 550 Spyder


When did you join the car club, and why?

About a year and a half ago. To connect with like minded CAR ENTHUSIASTS... and be more social in Sedona


What car are you most fond of and why?

The Porsche Speedster. Classic lines, a head turner and the best Top Down Experience!


What do you like most about the car club, what do you like the least?

The enthusiasm of the membership and the support for events... and the variety of cars represented.


What is your most memorable road trip or vacation from your childhood?

The Family trip to Yellowstone.... across Wyoming to the Park and touring in the park ... It was great!.

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Spotlight: Jim Converse

What’s something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know?

Navy Brat.


What is your favorite hobby?  

Hiking and Traveling


What would it be if you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life?

Does chocolate chip cookies count?


What’s one item you can’t live without?

Hiking Pack -- contains everything I need.


Which car that you have owned has been dearest to your heart?

1967 Chrysler Newport -- High School War Wagon. Second runner up would be my 1945 Ford MB Jeep


When did you join the car club, and why?

Christmas 2020?? Meet people who love cars.


What car are you most fond of and why?

Little Red -- my Triumph TR3.


What do you like most about the car club, what do you like the least?

Fun activities and great people. Bad day anywhere is a good day with the club. There are no "least."


What is your most memorable road trip or vacation from your childhood?

Traveling from California to Maryland. My Dad was transferred to Annapolis and I remember paying the turnpike tolls with silver dollars!!

Spotlight: Claudia Converse

What would it be if you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life?

I can eat pizza every day for the rest of my life.


What is your favorite hobby?

I love doing crafts. And we love camping with our Micro Mini camper.


What car are you most fond of and why?

The car I am most fond of is my Bugeye. I love how it makes people smile when they see it.


What’s something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know?

The people who know me, know me as a nurse and Nurse Practitioner. ( I am retired now). 

But they don’t know that I was a mechanic in the Air Force. I was much better working as a nurse than as a mechanic.


Jim and Claudia have agreed to become board members for SCC. They will take on the Events and Tours Chairperson(s) role for us. We are so glad and happy (and relieved) to have them as part of the leadership team. Thank you.

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Spotlight: Susie Naumann


What’s something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know?

I am a real "Susie Q"

My maiden name is Quaranta


What is your favorite hobby?

Cooking and baking


What would it be if you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life?

Since I am Italian, that would Spaghetti and meatballs.


What’s one item you can’t live without?

My Noel and coffee. I know that's two.


Which car that you have owned has been dearest to your heart?

My 1972 Ford Mustang Grande.


When did you join the car club, and why?

Oct 2022, our friend Ray was a member and thought we'd like the club. He was right!


What car are you most fond of and why?

Our 2003 Boxster S "Bubbles", she was fun and fast!


What do you like most about the car club, what do you like the least?

The people first and then the variety of cars in the club. The events are terrific.


What is your most memorable road trip or vacation from your childhood?

My dad was in the Army, so we moved about every two years. Those moves were vacation and they were all memorable.


Susie served as 2nd Vice President last year. Thank you for your time and planning of the 2024 Sedona Car Show Car Show.


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Spotlight: David and Susan Price


What’s something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know?

Susan: German last name but nearly no German. Scottish redhead (which got Dave's attention).

Dave: Doesn't like roller coasters and afraid of heights but became an aerobatic and OCF (out-of-control flight) expert.


What is your favorite hobby?

Susan: Reading and cooking

David: Working on old cars


What would it be if you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life?

Susan: Hellish. Can't eat the same thing.

Dave: Susan's meatloaf


What’s one item you can’t live without?

Susan: Music

Dave: Hats


Which car that you have owned has been dearest to your heart?

Susan: 1977 280Z. Currently being brought back to show-quality. Dave needs to stop working on that darn FJ40 and get back on my Z!

Dave: 1968 Torino GT sport roof, 351W, toploader close-ratio 4-speed, 411 rear end. We lived the American Graffiti scene, cruising the loop on Market and First Streets in San Jose, CA as teenagers.


When did you join the car club, and why?

Joined in 2021. Love to think about cars, love to look at cars, love to talk about cars, love to drive in cars. "Love cars, love people and love life", as Mr. K. said.


What car are you most fond of and why?

Dave's current favorite is the 1967 Tiger. Carroll Shelby designed it as a first-gen Mustang eater.

Susan's is the 280Z. Those lines are perfect. Doesn't need pinstripes, doesn't need anything.


What do you like most about the car club, what do you like the least?

Hanging out with people who love cars.


What is your most memorable road trip or vacation from your childhood?

Susan: Club trip to Yosemite every year in high school.

Dave: Route 66 through Arizona before I-40 was completed.


Dave and Susan have moved to Prescott. We probably won't see them as often as before. Their contributions to the club were invaluable. Thank you for presenting as guest speaker for the monthly meetings, sitting on the Car Show Committee, and being members of the SCC Board. You will be sorely missed.


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Spotlight: Elliott Garcia


What’s something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know?

I enjoy strumming my Taylor acoustic guitar. 


What is your favorite hobby?

Watching sports. I'm a die hard fan of all the Boston sports teams.


What would it be if you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life?

Chicken, lots of chicken. 


What’s one item you can’t live without?

My wife. 


Which car that you have owned has been dearest to your heart?

My 1st car. A 1973 Chevy Nova SS


When did you join the car club, and why?

September 2022 when Dee & I moved to Arizona 


What car are you most fond of and why?

I really like Mclarens. As far as cars I own it's a hard choice between the 57 Thunderbird & 66 Beetle. 


What do you like most about the car club, what do you like the least?

The members & their cars. There's nothing to dislike. 


What is your most memorable road trip or vacation from your childhood?

Road trips to Cape Cod. 


Elliott Garcia


Thank you, Elliott for participating in Spotlight. You win major bonus points for that 4th answer, love that! ;-)


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June 2024 - Spotlight: Phil Wadsack


Which car I have owned has been dearest to my heart?

Back in the year of 1996, I bought Suicide Suzi (1948 Chevrolet Pickup Truck) because I needed a project. After looking around for months on end, I finally found my project 20 miles from home. She was just about ready to go to the junkyard as she didn't run with her bed full of junk which included tires and a lot of miscellaneous items including but not limited to a rotted-out bed with big holes. To keep my restoration cost down, I found a second job at a small junkyard specializing in 1939-1954 Chevrolet and GMC trucks. Instead of working for money, I worked for parts for Suzi then after 3 years I had accumulated enough used parts to be able to begin the restoration of my beautiful 1948 Chevrolet pickup. I went through 3 different motors, 2 transmissions, and tons of hours. I was lucky when one of our club members recommended Mr. MacLearn as his paint/body specialist from Cottonwood. Mr. MacLearn corrected a lot of my mistakes and he did a beautiful paint job for me. Now as I drive down the street whether it’s in Sedona or even Cottonwood I get a lot of thumbs up and a lot of smiles. Thank you Mr. MacLearn.


My Favorite Hobby

After owning Suzi for 28 years, there’s always something that needs fixing as this is a never-ending hobby which leads to my newest and latest project, my 1946 Hudson Pickup which I recently had to replace the rear axles. Parts for the 1946 and 1947 Hudson trucks are very scarce as Hudson trucks were not made after 1947 by the Hudson Motor Car Company. That makes finding any parts for a Hudson truck a real challenge in today’s world.


If I had to eat one meal every day for the rest of my life.

This one is easy, it would be Sharrie’s apple pie with lots of Cool Whip and Ice Cream. Yummy!


Phil Wadsack


Thank you, Phil, for participating in the Spotlight project. I have seen your truck driving by, and with a smile, I yell, "Hey that's Phil!". Your truck is beautiful. The love and hard work you have put into it is evident. - Angela Thomas


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May 2024 - Spotlight: Rachel Lombardi

This is a new feature of the Sedona Car Club website. We will be giving the spotlight to members of the club. We are looking forward to learning more about our club friends.


Rachel Lombardi

When did you join the car club and why?

David and I moved here in September 1999. Our garage was full of furnishings when we first moved in, so David's Austin Healey and Jaguar Mk I were parked in our driveway. One of our new neighbors was Bob Boydston, one of the founding members of our club. Seeing the cars, Bob knew we were car enthusiasts and invited us to attend a meeting. We joined the club shortly thereafter and have been members since then.


Which car have you owned that has been dearest to your heart? 

My first enthusiast car was a new 1977 Datsun 280 Z. David and the salesman talked me into a manual transmission. I didn't know how to shift! David taught me how to shift, but I was never comfortable driving the car. A few years ago we bought our first Porsche Cayman and referred to it as my car. That was my favorite car. I loved its comfort, speed, and good handling. We subsequently bought another one and I sold the first one to my sister. She has been driving it as her main car and loves it, as I did.


What Is your favorite hobby?

My favorite hobby is painting. I started painting a few years ago. I like to paint religious figures. A friend, seeing one of my paintings, asked me if I would paint one for a friend of hers who was quite ill, and my friend thought the painting would give her comfort. This started what I refer to as my ministry. I have been requested to paint several hundred paintings since then, each one given to a seriously ill person. I have my priest bless each painting. Seeing what I do, he asked me if I would paint pictures of saints to place in the church. I have done quite a few, and it seems he wants me to continue painting additional ones.


What's something about you that not many people know? 

Probably, most people don't know about my ministry paintings or my paintings that are now on permanent display in our church, St.John Vianney Catholic Church.


Rachel Lombardi


Thank you, Rachel, for being our first Spotlight Showcase. Expect more inquiries from me about your paintings. I'm very interested to learn more. - Angela Thomas




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The Sedona Car Club has made arrangements with Lands End for club members to order clothing and other merchandise with the Sedona Car Club logo.


Lands End has created what they call our e-store. By going directly to our e-store it lets Lands End know that we are ordering a shirt, jacket, sweatshirt, etc. to have the SCC logo on it. Once you log in to our e-store the shopping is just like any internet purchase. You select your style, color, size, etc., then check out. All you have to do is click on the following link to start shopping for club merchandise.


Lands End


If, for any reason, you have difficulty with ordering from this web site, you can call the Lands End customer service department on 800-587-1541.

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