Owner's Club News |
 TRA Members where able to experience luxury while helping parents and families in need this past holiday season.
The folks from Ron Lewis Alfa Romeo invited TRA members to Sienna on the Square on December 14 from 12:00-2:00pm to enjoy Italian cuisine, live music by Christina Chirumbolo, and test drive one the new Alfa Romeo Giulia's or Stelvio's. For every test drive, Ron Lewis Alfa Romeo donated $20 to Christopher’s Kitchen.
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Three Rivers Alfisti club members have been graciously extended an invitation to participate in an Alfa Romeo Holiday Luncheon on December 14, 2017 at Sienna on the Square in Market Square in Downtown Pittsburgh. There is only room for 50 people so you MUST RSVP at the link below to attend.
Space is LIMITED. You MUST RSVP to attend. No Walk-ins are going to be permitted. Please use the button button to make your reservation. If you would like to make a donation to Christopher's Kitchen you can do it at the event or you can click the link above to make a direct donation via their website.
Alfa Owner: The Dawn of a New Chapter Below is the Cover story in the November Issue of "Alfa Owner" it's the monthly magazine published by the Alfa Romeo Owner's Club. The article was written by Enrique Zuniga announcing the formation of our chapter, The Three River's Alfisti!!  Located in the western foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, at the point where the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers meet to form the Ohio Rriver, lies a city well known for its steel history, bridges and sports – and often ranked as one of the best places to live in the world! It’s Pittsburgh, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s largest western city, with a population of over more than 3,000 three hundred thousand and almost two and half2.5 million within the greater metro area. For automobile enthusiasts, it is also a city with a well-established tradition for car events, such as the annual Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix and International Car Show that has been going on for 35 years. Unsurprisingly, this area is also home to a good number of Aalfisti, who for several decades had hoped to establish a formal Alfa Romeo owners group. While the desire had not materialized, it was not for lack of interest. Locals will relate some of the attempts made over the years, such as the Allegheny Alfisti of the late 1970’s. This was the effort by Howard West, Don Wannagat, Kevin Benzenhoefer and others, to form an Alfa Romeo Owners Club chapter in the Pittsburgh area. Despite holding meetings for several years, a chapter was not formed. Then, in 2010, invigorated by the 100-year celebration of the Alfa Romeo marque during the Vintage Grand Prix event, local organizers and Alfa enthusiasts, Jim Shaw and Marianne Fenoglietto once again considered the creation of formal Alfa owners group. It would be an AROC chapter in Western Pennsylvania. As Spider owners, they organized driving events, which brought other enthusiastic Alfa owners together. The idea enjoyed great support, but while the interest never waned and the formation of a chapter was a topic of discussion for several years, formal steps to organize the group were not taken. In 2016 however, with the establishment of the Ron Lewis Automotive Group as an Alfa Romeo dealer in the Pittsburgh area, the elusive goal was to find a path towards reality. While returning from corporate Alfa Romeo training, during an extended flight delay, the Ron Lewis Sales team found themselves on the airport tarmac with Jim Neville, the Alfa Romeo chairperson for the Pittsburgh Grand Prix Italian “Cortile” Car Show. A few months later, in April, the dealership hosted the area’s 2017 launch event of the Alfa Romeo Giulia. Enveloped by the energy at the event, Jim Neville was joined by Bernard Martin (Cortile event Managing Director), and together they approached the dealership about joining their endeavor of establishing an AROC chapter. Their proposal was enthusiastically embraced by Gwen Lewis and Jobie Glessner. The newly formed partnership quickly took concrete steps, with Gwen hosting local Aalfisti meetings at the dealership and contacting AROC National on behalf of the Pittsburgh group. Conversations, meetings and a bit of work took place from April through June, as Jim, Bernard and Gwen took the lead to establish a formal Alfa Owners group in the Pittsburgh area. Three Rivers Alfisti, a.k.a. Three Rivers AROC, is our newest chapter. It was officially launched during the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix week, at the Cortile Italian Car Show, on Saturday, July 15, 2017. Three Rivers Alfisti Founding OfficersJim Neville President Jim is a long-time Alfa enthusiast and owner of an award- winning 1967 Duetto Spider. He is Vice President of Oil and Gas at Equipment & Controls, Inc. in Pittsburgh PA. “It’s perfect timing for the Three Rivers Alfisti to officially kick off at the Cortile Italian Car Show Saturday July 15, 2017,” said Jim Neville, first President of Three Rivers Alfisti, said. “Alfa Romeo’s return to the U.S., and the launch of our new Chapter, present a great opportunity for owners to share their love for these automobiles.” Gwen Lewis Vice President Gwen is also Vice President of Marketing/Online Operations at the Ron Lewis Automotive Group. Ron Lewis Alfa Romeo is the newest franchise addition to the family-run dealership group. “To celebrate the launch of our Chapter, Ron Lewis Alfa Romeo will subsidize a 1-year Standard membership of any new Alfa Romeo customer betweens July 15, 2017 and -December 31, 2017,” said Gwen Lewis said. “We’re excited to welcome our customers to the joys of Alfa Romeo ownership and to introduce them to a local group who share the same affinity.” Bernard Martin
Secretary/Webmaster Bernie is the Founder and President of Rapid Production Marketing in Pittsburgh. In 2009, Bernie created the Italian Cortile in conjunction with the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix. Owner of a 1988 Alfa Romeo Spider, Bernie completed a 2,890- mile round trip journey to the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance in March 2017 in his Alfa. “We’re already receiving positive feedback about forming the Three Rivers Alfisti,” said Bernie Martin said. “All the pieces are in place to make this Owner’s Club a success after many years of trying.” Congratulations to Gwen Lewis, our Vice President for being profiled in Pittsburgh Magazine! Check out the article below!  Gwen Lewis is Co-President of the Ron Lewis Automotive Group. PRESENTED BY S&T BANK September 28, 2017  Gwen Lewis, Co-President, Ron Lewis Automotive Group Gwen Lewis joined the family business in 2000 and has had a profound impact. She founded the online operations for the Ron Lewis Automotive Group, which has grown to comprise the majority of the family-owned and operated car dealership group’s business.
As co-president, Lewis works with the executive management team and also runs marketing and group branding. In 2013, she launched the Souped Up Jeep and Souped Up Truck customization services and opened the Souped Up Garage online where customers can conceptualize their own designs. Towards the end of that same year, the dealership group re-branded all of the stores under the “Ron Lewis” name, and Lewis coined and trademarked their well-known tagline “We Have Your KeysSM”. “As a communications strategist by trade, I loved the challenge and I’m pleased that we are now positioned to compete as the large dealership group that we are,” Lewis says. Lewis describes herself as creative, intense, dedicated, honest and as a “Mama Bear” to her three children. “Ok, I’m slightly competitive, too,” she says with a laugh. “At the end of the day, I want to provide a good role model for my three children. I want them to be proud of their Mom and the work we do in our family business.” Outside of the office, Lewis was a Gold and Bronze Medalist at the Masters Nationals Rowing Championships in 2016 and 2017, the Events and Learning Chair on the Entrepreneurs Organization Pittsburgh Board of Directors in 2013 and 2014 and is Vice President and Founding Officer of Three Rivers Alfisti, Alfa Romeo Owners Club. She encourages other women in business to create opportunities for themselves, surround themselves with good people, stand up for what they believe in and lead by example. “I am happy to provide connections, career insights, and support for young women who are trying to get from A to B,” she says. “I truly enjoy helping to open any doors I can.”  Three Rivers Alfisti members were treated a wonderful evening on September 7, 2017 when Ron Lewis Alfa Romeo hosted "An Evening of Driving & Painting" at their car dealership.
The Stelvio SpecsThe Stelvio weighs 3,660 lbs with with a full tank of gas, which is less than it's model competitors the Audi Q5, BMW X3, Mercedes GLK and the Jaguar F-Pace. The Stelvio uses the same Giorgio platform used in the Giulia and also shares the same engines and many of the mechanicals. It tracks bigger than the Giulia with a wider stance in the front by 2.1 inches and rear by 1.1 inches.
There's something to be said about the almost lost art of modeling car designs in clay and the Stelvio, like the Giuia, hearkens back that era. You want to caress the lines.
The "Sport" package, features paddle shifters, 19" wheels and aluminum interior accents, but it seemed to be the seating that attracted the more driving performance oriented members in the crowd.  The Quadrifoglio, which was is not yet available is powered by a 505-hp 2.9-liter twin-turbo V-6 thatshares a lineage with the V8s currently used by Ferrari in the 488 and California T . The Quad is spec'd to have a 0-60 time of 3.9 seconds with Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes to slow you down from the 177mph top speed. The weight distribution is 50/50 between the two axleS. The aerodynamic coefficient is 0.30. The AlfaLink suspension is a double wishbone front, multi-link rear aluminium suspension. Springs are longer than the Giulia, but stiffer to counteract the extra height. Driver sit about 7.5 inches higher from the road than in Giulia. Alfisti Evening Experience
Originally scheduled to be staged outside, Gwen Lewis arranged for there to be ideal SUV test drive conditions. The rain poured down and members got the chance to experience the capabilities of the Stelvio in full wet conditions. How The Stelvio Got It's Name The car takes it's name from The Stelvio Pass in Northern Italy. It's a majestic and daunting driving experience, with a mountainous terrain and hairpin curves that challenge even the bravest of drivers. The Stelvio Pass mountain is at an elevation of 9,045 ft above sea level. It's the highest paved mountain pass in the Eastern Alps. At the crest you encounter the “Peak of the Three Languages” – where the borders of Switzerland, Austria and Italy once met. It was originally carved out through an impassable section of terrain 10 months of the yea to increase trade between Switzerland and Venice. The construction of the road was completed in 1825. It has changed little since then. It's 75 kilometers long and that coincides with the number of turns you would encounter. It remains too brutal for most modern commercial vehicles. Inspired by this great driving road, Alfa Romeo engineers and artisans set out to imagine, design and craft a truly Italian SUV.  Ron Lewis (left) was overheard at the event talking to Alfa Romeo Execs "We need more Alfa Romeo's here!" Alfa is back and in demand. Great news for long time Alfisiti! Gather your family and friends for a day of fun on the Polo field September 9, 2017! The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix's Cortile Italian Car Show participants, in conjunction with the Three Rivers Alfa Romeo Club and the Ferrari Club of Western Pennsylvania, are featured at this year's 34th annual event! It's an Italian Car show during the Polo match this year! Keep in mind that Show cars are not charged the $50 admission and will be staged in a private spectator viewing area adjoing the show field. Donations to Family House are encouraged. Itinerary
Gates open to the public at 10AM and activities begin at 11AM. Opening ceremonies are at 1PM with polo matches starting after that and completing around 4pm. If you would like to join us please RSVP by clicking "Going" from the link below The Drive
For those wishing to attend, but NOT show thier Italian car, tickets to the event can be purchased HERE About Family House Polo Match For more than three decades, the Family House Polo Match has been a beloved Pittsburgh tradition that raises funds for Family House's mission to provide temporary, affordable housing for families who travel to Pittsburgh for medical care. This fun-filled day at Hartwood Acres features a professional polo match, vintage cars, children's activities, a silent auction, shopping, wine and beer tasting, and more. There are many ways to join us on September 9th. Gather your friends and purchase a ticket package for a fun party, or smaller groups may prefer the general admission option. For those purchasing any of the ribbon packages, you may choose to rent a tent*, have food catered or simply tailgate at your vehicle. Fancy or simple, the Family House Polo Match has something for everyone! LocationHartwood Acres 4000 Middle Rd, Allison Park, Pennsylvania 15101
 The Three Rivers Alfisiti, the first new chapter of the Alfa Romeo Club since 2005, was announced at the 2017 Cortile Italian Car Show during the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix. In the late 1970's Howard West, Don Wannagat, Kevin Benzenhoefer and several others initiated the development of an Alfa Romeo Owners Club chapter in the Pittsburgh area called "Allegheny Alfisti". Several meetings where held over about 3 year period but the club just wasn't able to get up and running. In 2010, during the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix's Cortile Italian Car Show that was celebrating the "Alfa Century", and featured a 1939 Alfa Romeo Tipo 256 owners by Mark Gessler.  This is a 1939 Alfa Romeo Tipo 256 with reconstructed aerodynamic berlinetta Touring coachwork. It is the only correct example in existence. The underlying Tipo 256 chassis and drive train were rediscovered in 1993 with postwar cabriolet coachwork of unknown origin. The reconstuction of this highly complex superleggera (super-light) aluminum body was realized through a collaboration between the former head of Carrozzeria Touring, Carlo Felice Bianci Anderloni; master coachbuilder Dino Cognaloto; and rare archive documents provided by Alfa Romeo. The coachwork was completed in Italy in 2003 just prior to Anderloni’s death. It was the famed designer’s final project.  Marianne Fenoglietto and Jim Shaw started discussing the idea of creating an AROC chapter in Western Pennsylvania. Marianne's family had donated a wonderful Alfa Romeo cake to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Alfa Romeo, the "Alfa Century", and Jim Shaw was the Chef for the Cortile. Both owned Spiders and suggested doing some driving events to gage some interest. The idea was discussed for quite a number of years but no one could really take the mantle of leadership to get a club launched. There where quite a few potential members, who where more than willing to help out, but the idea needed someone to really drive home the entire launch effort. In 2016, Ron Lewis Automotive Group became the only local Alfa Romeo dealer in the Western Pennsylvania area. Jim Neville, who was the Alfa Romeo chairperson for the Cortile just happened to be stuck on the tarmac with the sales team from Ron Lewis as they where returning from Alfa Romeo corporate training.
It was at that event that the Alfa Romeo Owners Club chapter idea again sprung up. Bernard Martin and Jim Neville proposed to Gwen Lewis and Jobie Glessner from the dealership that they might want to be a part of starting an Alfa Romeo Owner's Club chapter to bring together the Alfsiti in the Three Rivers area. Gwen fully embraced the idea!. Bernie was the Managing Director of the Cortile and also an Alfa Romeo owner. It was decided that night to start the process of finally forming an AROC chapter.
In celebration of Alfa Romeo's return to Pittsburgh, Gwen Lewis commissioned an Art Car during the PVGP's midweek celebration, that highlighted local artist Dave O'Brien's Live Painting with Giulia at Market Square and featured Andy Warhol on the hood. The Three Rivers Alfisti officially launched at the Cortile Italian Car Show Saturday July 15, 2017. Howard West's Sprint Speciale was on display at the 2017 show, and Don Wannagat's' Alfa was on the track both weekends bringing AROC history in along the Three Rivers full circle.  Each year the Cortile Italian Car Show at the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix selects a marque or model to highlight for the annual event based upon factors such as historical significance, unique local interest, brand resurgence, etc. Alfa Romeo was selected as the 2017 Proiettore Macchina! In honor of Alfa Romeo being chosen as the "Proiettore Macchina" at the 2017' Cortile, Gwen Lewis of Ron Lewis Alfa Romeo wanted to create something special, something to truly showcase both Alfa Romeo's emotional edge, as well as a dedication to Pittsburghs unique history in the arts. This is their tribute to exactly that. The Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti Sport in collaboration with Dave O'Brien. Dave painted live in Market Square, Pittsburgh on during the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix's Downtown Car Show and Parade into the city on Wednesday July 12, 2017. 🇮🇹 #andymeetsgiulia More information: www.ronlewisalfaromeo.com Photos by Matthew DeSantis  written by Bernard Martin On June 8 2017, Gwen Lewis organized an exploratory meeting of Alfa Romeo Owners in the Western Pennsylvania area to to discuss creating a Alfa Romeo Owner's Group chapter.
After taking peek at a newly arrived Alfa Romeo 4C, the group sat down in the conference room and discussed creating a club. Gwen had been working with Enrique Zuniga from the Alfa Romeo Owners Club and presented a set of draft by-laws. The discussion centered around creating a club where there was one primary BIG event each year, that would be held at the Cortile Italian Car Show during the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix and then several driving events throughout the summer to explore the colored belt system around Pittsburgh and then expand out to driving trips to Morgantown, WV and Youngtown, OH. The main purpose would be to get together and enjoy a scenic drive to various automotive restoration shops, private car collections and all meet for lunch at a scenic destination... "All Italian Marque of the Year" brings Good Luck to create a new Alfa Romeo Owners Club Chapter5/2/2017  Bernard Martin presents the "All Italian Marque of the Year" PVGP 2008 poster to Gwen Lewis, Mike Kerbert, Fiat Chrysler Corp, and Jobie Glessner, GM at Ron Lewis Alfa Romeo. Bernie Martin, the Managing Directorre of the Cortile Italian Car Show at the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix presented the #PVGP 2008 "All Italian" Marque of the Year framed poster to Ron Lewis Alfa Romeo during "An Evening with Giulia".
The 2008 PVGP Marque of the Year celebration was the inception of the Cortile. It's where the idea of the Cortile started "It should bring you good luck in your new showroom." said Bernie It certainly must be brining some great luck, because it was this very night that the idea of a Alfa Romeo Owner's Club Chapter took root! |
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