The members of Manteca’s Central Valley Early Iron Car Club made a difference at a recent “Men’s Breakfast” at the Chesapeake Landing 55-and-over community on River Road in Ripon’s north side when they arrived with their line of restored cars and trucks to add another flavor to the early morning treat for the women who didn’t have to cook that day.
The club meets every Wednesday at Chubby’s Restaurant on Louise Avenue in Manteca at 7 a.m. where they share in endless car and truck talk with the latest news of their ongoing restorations.  The men in the group revel in the fact they are more unique than similar clubs in that they have no dues, no officers and really no bylaws to follow – they just enjoy being together and making a difference among their peers as well as in the community.
The car club members paid for their own breakfasts in Ripon, and the locals seemed thrilled that the priceless vehicles were parked near their homes that Saturday morning – vehicles of all colors and vintage.  The clubbers sat around the breakfast table with the residents of the Del Webb-like community and shared stories with those they were breaking bread with for the first time.
The Central Valley Early Iron Club has more than 35 active members and holds a Toys for Tots Marine Corps toy drive at Christmas for the children in need in the community.  Marines from Sharpe Depot attend one of their mid-month meetings It is not unusual to see gifts of all kinds and more than a dozen bikes included in the list for the youngsters.

To contact Glenn Kahl, email gkahl@mantecabulletin.com.