Estrella WarBirds Museum News

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In this Issue:

▪ Monthly Dinner Guest Speaker
Ernie Porter

▪ AJ Foyt Indy Race Car added to Automobile Display

▪ Expansion Planned For Woodland Building

▪ Thanks For Your Support!

Free Movies Moves to 2d Wednesday - Jan 13th

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What’s New?

Ernie Porter

Monthly Dinner
January 6th, 2010
Wednesday
WWII Veteran, Ernie Porter

No Host Bar Starts: 6:00 p.m.
Dinner Starts at 7:00 p.m.

Ernie Porter, 91, of Atascadero, on last Veteran's Day wanted to remember his lost squad - the young men who died at the battle of Okinawa more than 64 years ago. ”I think it is important," Ernie said, "I was there and watched guys in front of me killed. I don't want them to have died for nothing."

At the most recent Veteran's Day ceremony, VFW Commander Larry Strang honored Ernie Porter as the recipient of the first Dintinguised Veteran Award. "Ernie is a survivor. Lucky to be alive," said Strang, "Ernie is certainly a gift to God, to our community, and to our nation."

Plan on attending the dinner meeting in January to hear the "rest of the story." Make sure you make reservations early! For more information about Ernie, Go Here>

Dinner is catered by Larry Eastwood/Vic's Cafe. Reservations are required on line (click here) or call 805 467-3521.

AJ Foyt Indy 500 Car Joins Auto Museum

Replica of car in which Foyt won the Indy 500, 1961.

The Woodland Automobile Collection at the museum has recently added a replica of the Indy 500 winning A.J. Foyt car. (As tradition dictates the actual car was placed in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum directly after the win). The car at the museum was bult in 1961 by famour car builder Floyd Trevis.

At the 1961 Indy, the half century mark of the 500 Memorial Day Classic, drivers sought to attain the speed of 150 mph and the starting lineup included the fastest group of qualifers ever. Eddie Sach originally in the lead after a good 10 mil qualifier and Rookie of the Year, Parnelli Jones took the lead at one point in the race, but it was A.J.'s race to win despite a spectacular 6-car pile-up caused by a ruptured oil tank. The average speed, a record at the time, was 139.131 mph. For more details of the car and pictures, Go Here>

Woodland Automobile Display Building set to expand in 2010

Plans are already underway for an expansion to the highly successful automobile display building.

The Woodland Automobile DIsplay has only been open five months. Call that 5 months of a work-in-progress! This rapidly expanding collection of vehicles has proved its worth in that more visitors have come through the museum doors with the primary purpose of viewing the incredible display of vehicles during this short time period than any other particular exhibit over the past 5 years.

Dick Woodland has generously offered to underwrite the facility expansion. Permits for grading should be ready as soon as the ground dries from recent rains. The new addition is expected to be completed in time for a Grand Opening during the WarBirds, Wings & Wheels Car Show to be held on May 8th, 2010. For more information on the current collection, Go Here>.

We are once again looking for volunteers, sponsors, and, it is not too early to register your car entry for this upcoming event. For more information, visit our website page for the upcoming grand opening and car show. Go Here>

Thank You for your support during 2009!

As we finish out 2009, I look back and am truely amazed at what so many people have accomplished during this past year. The Estrella Warbirds Museum continues to grow, in spite of a bad economy. So many people have contributed their time, their skills, and their resources, working together with one goal in mind - to help insure yesterdays' experiences are preserved for future generations to come.

Some spent time as docents, gift shop workers, groundskeepers, painters, encouragers, builders, restorers, dinner prep, speakers, sharing experiences with our visitors, simulator operators, pilots, mechanics, contributing to the financial needs of the museum, while some worked behind the scenes taking care of everyday needs and requirements. To everyone who played a role, whether big or small, I want you to know that your efforts are very much appreciated, for which I am forever thankful. I'd like to take this moment to wish you a joyous and prosperous New Year and thank you for your continued support!
Peter D. Visel
Estrella Warbirds Museum
President

Docents

Got Time for Volunteer work?

We need warm, friendly and helpful volunteers to help out as docents in the gift shop, automotive display building and Freedom Hall.

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Honoring The Past

Inspiring The Future

Twenty Years Strong!

Current and Upcoming Events: Now you can plan ahead for upcoming Estrella Warbirds Museum events.
If you know of upcoming EWM events not listed, email us.

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Farewell to Dave
EWM Members say "Farewell"

These are just a few of the Estrella Warbirds Museum members who participated in a final salute and farewell to departed member, Dave Rowe. A "missing-man formation" was flown over Paso Robles Cemetery during his funeral services on December 19th. Dave will certainly be missed!

Have you remembered a veteran this month? It's not too late!

Order online:
• Honor your favorite veteran
• Memorial Board posted in Freedom Hall and on line.
• Support your museum while recognizing a veteran
• Click on Eagle above

Estrella WarBirds Museum
4251 Dry Creek Road
Paso Robles, CA 93446

Recorded Info: 805 227-0440

Hours of Operation
Friday: Sat 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Sunday: 12 Noon - 4 p.m.

Group Tours (Minimum of 10 or more) available Monday thru Wednesday by appointment, reserved 7 days in advance. Call 805 466-1212. Price for Group Tours is $5 per person.

Reserve Thomson Hall for your next corporate meeting or party.
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