Christmas Holiday Extravaganza​                         

 Story by Nick Francoforte

Photo Credits-D Nostro, S Brown, J Bradham

See 2013-14 Christmas Holiday Extravaganza Gallery

Pointe Orlando - January 4. As 2013 slowly fades behind us, 2014 starts off with a huge bang as the Premiere Corvette club in Orlando - Corvette Club of Orlando, hosts our annual Christmas Extravaganza this past Saturday at Maggiano’s Little Italy at Point Orlando. Almost ninety members arrived decked in our finest attire to enjoy the evening's festivities. As the bar opened with complimentary libations, we enjoyed stuffed mushrooms and four-cheese ravioli frittè appetizers. Great conversations were had with old friends sharing precious stories of Corvette experiences, travels outside Florida, and talking about their extended families elsewhere. And, just as importantly, everyone was getting acquainted with new members who’ve recently joined our CCO family!

As the evening progressed everyone took their respective seats and our Master of Ceremonies, President Mike Nostro, stood and gave opening remarks and the order of events for the evening. The microphone was turned over to John Bradham, our fantastic VP of Activities & Events who shared a few embellished & humorous stories of his rise to fame within CCO ranks. As John closed, salads were brought out and a short video, courtesy of Bruce Kollmann Productions was shown that highlighted the events of the 2013 CCO year. From road trips to cruises, single day events to overnighters, CCO sure does a lot of activities in a year. Whew! Then we viewed a special video tribute, also done by Bruce, remembering our members who’ve passed on, joining that big club in the sky - a tearful and somber moment for most of us.

The command was then given to serve dinner. The staff at Maggiano’s began the almost non-ending plate brigade a’la family style. Ten tables filled with scrumptious fresh baked Ciabatta rolls followed by Rigatoni “D” Chicken, Mushrooms and Marsala, Mom’s Meat Lasagna with Meat sauce, Oven Roasted Pork Loin with Balsamic Cream Sauce and Chicken Picatta - and all was truly “all we could eat!”

As the main courses were finishing, Mike set out to present the annual event awards, sponsored by Jim & Joe Stoddard - Stoddard Plumbing, and Howard Brown - LouisAnnImage Photography. Joe presented the “Stoddler Jr” Award for Favorite Single Day Event ~ “Back Roads to the Plantation” to coordinator Ed Merchut. Jim presented the “Stoddler” Award for Favorite Overnight/Multi-day Event ~ “Vettes-4-Vets 2013” to coordinator John Bradham. Howard presented the “Howie” - Favorite CCO Party ~ “July 4th BBQ and Pool Party” to expert party throwers Greg Goodale and Kay Cruce.  A thunderous round of applause erupted from the faithful as all these ladies and gentlemen received their highly sought-after awards.

Next came the extraordinary “third course” of desserts as everyone was treated to endless Tiramisu, Spumoni and Coffee, Tea, Soft drinks.

Next came the extraordinary “third course” of desserts as everyone was treated to endless Tiramisu, Spumoni and Coffee, Tea, Soft drinks.

Last but not least, the fun really began as the sound master DJ cranked up the tunes and the dance floor quickly filled up. From slow dances with your honey, line dances that seemed to go astray at times, to just plain fun boogies, everyone on the floor, or watching the chaos from the sidelines enjoyed this part of a fine evening. It was time to let your hair down, go with the flow, or sit back, relax and watch the rest of us go crazy on the dance floor. I have a feeling there was some sore bones among us the next day! What a fun evening?!

It was time to let your hair down, go with the flow, or sit back, relax and watch the rest of us go crazy on the dance floor. I have a feeling there was some sore bones among us the next day! What a fun evening?!

CCO’s motto - “Friendship, Family, Fun!” certainly rings true within its membership.  So, as we bid farewell to 2013, can you imagine what fun lies in store for all the members of CCO in 2014? We can! 

Annual Awards in Review

Favorite Single Day Event - “The Stoddler Jr.” 

“Back Roads to the Plantation” by Ed Merchut

Favorite Overnight / Multi-day Event - “The Stoddler”

“Vettes-4-Vets” - An Alabama Road Trip by John Bradham

Favorite CCO Party Event - “The Howie”

“July Fourth BBQ and Pool Party - and Fireworks!” by Greg Goodale and Kay Cruce

Corvette of the Year

2008 Roadster - Craig & Bette Hallmark