Archive for month: February, 2026

Hello NER Members!

As we approach the 2026 driving season, club staff have been working hard to modernize, simplify, and improve our digital and social media experience.

As part of this initiative, we are starting the gradual rollout of a new NER website the week of 2/23/26. To help you stay informed, please refer to the information below.

What You Can Expect:

  • A more modern design, with improved readability and vibrant colors
  • Reworked page layouts that are more responsive, and better showcase content on all devices
  • Easier page navigation, with quicker access to key club information
  • And more!

As We Transition To Our New Look, Please Be Advised That:

  • The website will remain available for use
  • Some pages will undergo a larger transformation than others
  • At times, the content on certain pages may appear to be under construction
  • We kindly ask for your patience as we work through these changes to deliver an improved club experience

Regards,

Ryan Kitlinski (Website Manager)

Despite Boston Mayor, Michelle Wu, declaring a “Cold Emergency” due to arctic wind blasts and unusually cold weather, Mother Nature could not chill the festive and celebratory vibes of the 2025 PCA NER Annual Gala held on January 24, 2026 in the Blue Wing at the Museum of Science, Cambridge, MA.

The Blue Wing delivered a genuine “Night at the Museum” experience with three levels of exhibits that enveloped a magnificent open atrium. Guests were treated to an assortment of displays that created a unique and dynamic atmosphere, while towering ceilings and expansive spaces provided a hint of opulence befitting our Annual Gala.

Club members and their companions, many of whom were fashionably attired in high-octane gowns and formal wear worthy of a Grammy Award red carpet, enjoyed top-shelf cocktails, delicious hors d’oeuvres, a multi-course plated dinner, a rocking playlist curated by our very own Greg Gervais, and riveting conversation.

Guests were invited to savor the dance floor, many interactive displays, photo opportunities, and more.

The 2025 Annual Gala was made possible thanks to the generosity of:  the Museum of Science, our gracious host; Porsche Boston, our Gold Event Sponsor; and SSA – European Auto Repair, our Silver Event Sponsor.  Additionally, the Club would like to extend a sincere and heartfelt thank you to our incredible event organizers Mark Shane and Ashley Flynn, PCA NER leadership, and everyone – seen and unseen — who helped make our 2025 Annual Gala a success.  Vielen Dank (“Thank you very much” in German)!

Driver Of The Year (Jim Freiman)
Enthusiast Of The Year (Rick Archambault – Accepted By Dennis Friedman)
Instructor Of The Year (Patrick Bodden)
Michael Hardin (SOC-F Care Coordinator)

Charity of Choice – Special Operations Care-Fund (SOC-F), a not-for-profit organization founded in 2014 that fills critical gaps in healthcare, mental health, and family support for Special Operations Veterans and their families. SOC-F’s programs save lives and give an opportunity for elite military members and their families to experience life changing, transformative care. The award was accepted by Michael Hardin, SOC-F Care Coordinator. In addition to his role as Care Coordinator, Michael is also the project manager for a groundbreaking research study focused on effective treatments for special forces veterans struggling with PTSD. Micheal joined the Navy in 2008 to become a Navy SEAL. He served for nine years.

NER Members Enjoying The Gala Festivities
Delicious Food!
Music And Dancing!

Photography By Perfectly Distinct

On behalf of myself and the Board of Directors, welcome to 2026! I am incredibly excited for the year ahead. Our Board has been working tirelessly to blend the best of our club’s traditions with innovative new ideas, ensuring there are activities for every member to enjoy all year round.

Board Updates & Governance

The full Board met in person on January 31 to discuss our roadmap for 2026. A primary focus of our meeting was improving how we communicate with you. To streamline our efforts, we have formed several key subcommittees:

  • Communication & Transparency: We are addressing how to best share Board happenings while managing risk and utilizing best practices. While the old bylaws required the posting of minutes and allowing all members to attend board meetings, this led us to a different question: How do we communicate with the full membership to ensure full transparency as to what is happening at the board level? Moving forward, you will receive more frequent newsletters featuring Board updates alongside club human-interest stories.
  • Website Refresh: A dedicated team is working on a total website overhaul to provide better activity overviews and participation guides. We expect a full release by Summer 2026.
  • Policies, Procedures & Bylaws: We have established committees to “Fix and Clarify” our bylaws and document checks and balances. This includes defining attendance policies for board meetings to ensure we remain effective while maintaining full transparency.

Upcoming Events & Activities

While the winter weather keeps us indoors for now, the Board is actively scouting new locations and fresh ideas. Keep an eye out for a membership survey coming soon to help us tailor our programming to your interests.

Driving & Track Events

  • Autocross (AX): The 2025 end-of-year event has been rescheduled for March 22 at Billiard’s Café. Registration for the 2026 season opens on Motorsportreg on March 1.
  • Driver Education (DE): Registration is open now!
    • Ground School: March 7 at HMS – perfect for those new to the track.
    • HPDE Primer: May 22 at Thompson – a low-cost, half-day opportunity to try DE for the first time.
  • The Ramble: Our Lake George event sold out in record time (under 3 hours!), promising a fantastic turnout.

Rallies & Tours

We are delivering on your requests for more driving tours:

  • Spring Rally: Sunday April 19 with a starting point at Billiards Café in Ayer MA. Registration is up on Motorsportreg.
  • Summer Rally: Currently in the planning stages.
  • Dow Fall Rally: Our annual tradition continues.
    We are intentionally spreading these events across the region to ensure every member has a rally or tour nearby.

Social Events

The Social Committee is expanding our “Cars & Coffee” locations and adding more tech sessions.

  • First Membership Social: Sunday March 15th at The Archive in Framingham MA.
  • New Concepts: We are working on a mix of seasonal events and reviving popular activities from years past.

Get Involved

NER is fueled by the passion of our volunteers. If you have an interest in helping out, whether in a small way or by joining a committee, please reach out to us at [email protected].

I look forward to seeing you all on the road and at our events very soon!

Kristin Larson

2026 NER President