Frank Zanger:
CLASS OF 1965
Tennyson High SchoolClass of 1965
Hayward, CA
Frank's Story
Anyone wishing to drop me a line may send a message to FEZanger - at - AOL -dot - com (I hope you know to replace the 'at' with the 'correct symbol' and remove the 'dashes' and insert a real 'dot' and other stuff, right?). I did this just in case 'classmates' has some type of software program that scans and 'blocks' people from putting real email address in the Story text - and I learned that they have a program that does!
After my last job working as a contractor at Phacor, a start up company in San Luis Obispo, I've retired and currently do a variety of things that are enjoyable and keep me quite busy.
The 'contract job' at Phacor was loads of fun and I was responsible for leading the engineering group in developing a surgical instrument for the removal of cataracts.
Not a lot of people get a second chance to do what they really enjoy in life, but I did. The first time was while employed at Humphrey Instruments where I was given the opportunity to develop several surgical (cataract removal) systems for Allergan, Inc. The second time of course was at Phacor (San Luis Obispo) developing several functional, full size prototypes of their cataract machine.
So, while I'm in my early years of retirement here's a few of the many things I presently do to keep myself entertained.
For several years (Between 2001 and 2007), I organized, promoted, and managed a Classic Car Show for the local Chamber of Commerce in Hayward. These car shows were held on the third Thursday in June, July, August, and September and were very well attended.
I only had two (2) city blocks at my disposal and by using both sides of the street I could stage ~150 classic and muscle cars. A couple of years back, I had to impose a 'year of manufacture' limit so that I could display more of the 'older' cars rather than having new cars drive in. Why did I do that? Well, I thought, who wants to see a brand new Corvette, or Mustang, at a car show, right? So with the imposed 'age limit' the only cars we would let past the gate must be 1972 or older.
The 'show' cars would arrive around 3 PM and were parked on Main Street between A and C Streets in the old part of town. Along with all the old cars the Chamber organizes other events on B Street between Foothill and Mission. Additionally, at least three live bands can be found playing on any given event day. There is this one band you really have to hear called 'Batuka'. They have performed at many of the Downtown Street Party events -- and if you close your eyes you would swear you're listening to 'Santana'. This group is absolutely awesome.
For further excitement, I 'volunteer' at a small 12-acre winery in Livermore where I've helped bottle wines, label the bottles, work the tasting room, and host at their live music events. The most memorable music event for me (because I most like jazz) was the last two Pete Escovido concerts that was held at the winery - these were very nice indeed.
The winery is fun and working Friday's is my favorite day because I can spend quality time with folks that drop by to taste.
Another winery event that is also fun is the annual 'Holiday in the Vineyards' that nearly all of the Livermore Wineries celebrate. Oh, I nearly forgot. The winery I worked at was White Crane (the 21st winery founded in Livermore - now there are more than 50). Go 'Google' it if you want to know where the winery is located (Update: as of 2009, I no longer work there - too busy with other things - but I still drink and enjoy wines)
Then (of course) I have my own 'hobby' cars that keep me amused. My most interesting vehicle is a bright red, 1934 Chevrolet Master, 2-door sedan with 'ZZ Top' style stripes along the side. The drive train includes a 300 horse Chevrolet V8, TH-700R4 (overdrive) transmission, and Corvette rear axle and independent suspension. Other 'options' include power steering, tilt & telescoping steering wheel, power brakes, tinted power windows, power reclining bucket seats with lumbar support, heat and air conditioning and much more. No reason to have to 'rough' it, right? Look for me at any of the downtown Danville car shows, or any of the Pleasanton Fair Grounds, Good-Guys auto events. The three-day event in August is the best.
Recently I joined the Redwood Region Chapter of a national car club called the Contemporary Historical Vehicle Association. Never have I had any interest in joining a car club, as I just didn't want to deal with the usual politics or monthly meetings at most 'club associations'. But having been 'drafted' so to speak by friends that are long time members, that also have habits similar to mine, I thought I'd give it a go. So this will be a new experience for me. I'm told they have only one meeting a year where they plan all the events for the following year.
So far I have driven my 1934 Chevrolet to Apple Hill with this club for a three day, two night event that included tours of local wineries, gold towns, great food and a bunch of really good people. Some 30 cars attended this event with one couple driving their beautifully restored 1955 Pontiac convertible down from Oregon to participate.
Another event I attended (In a 1965 Impala S.S - to be described later) was in the Sonoma wine country and then later that same year, a drive to Palm Springs, then down to Borego Springs, and then over the hill to San Diego. From there I drove up to San Luis ...Expand for more
Obispo and then through Carmel before returning home.
As I mentioned earlier, I recently added a 1965 Chevrolet Impala SS to my collection of cars.The car was originally built in Los Angeles and sold new at a Chevrolet dealer in Petaluma where the original owner still resides today. What is nice about this piece of automotive history is that while the engine, transmission, and rear axle are rebuilt, along with the suspension, brakes, radiator and heater, this vehicle looks as it does when first sold. It's original and unmolested.
It hasn't been repainted and still wears the original white paint and the interior hasn't been modified or changed. It still has the original black interior with bucket seats and console. Lots of memories for sure. This car was the one I drove to San Diego in October 2008 and later, twice to Palm Springs for club events.
A few years back, my father-in-law passed away and I was given his original 1962 Triumph T-120-C Bonneville 650 motorcycle. This bike had sat in his garage since he purchased it new and had less than 3,000 miles on the odometer. It was last licensed in 1964.
Over a period of six months in 2000, I bored the cylinders and refurbished the engine adding new pistons and valves. I rebuilt the original carburetors, replaced the original clutch pack and springs, converted the electrical system to 12 volts from 6 volts, and re-painted the tank and fenders using the original colors. To finish the cosmetics, I re-plated some of the chrome and machine polished the aluminum parts. The original tires were also replaced with newer Dunlop versions. This motorcycle now looks as new as the day it was first sold.
In June of 2009, I entered this Triumph motorcycle in a Classic Bike Show in Santa Cruz and won First Place in the British category. Boy was I proud.
Our garage also includes some daily drivers which are a 1989 BMW 635 coupe (The last one built), a 1986 C-4 Corvette, a customized 1992 Chevrolet Silverado Pick-up and a 2004 Infinity G35 Coupe. There is nothing at all boring in my garage.
For the past three summers, I've had a strong interest in Heirloom tomatoes and have had great success growing several varieties from seed. Last year I had some 14 different varieties established and growing next to our wine garden. I have to tell you, if you like tomatoes at all, you will simply LOVE the taste of heirlooms. Some varieties are very pretty and look rather gnarly, but the taste is great. They are absolutely fantastic.
Speaking of food, we also belong to a First Friday Dinner Club where someone in the group will suggest a place to dine and then we all go to enjoy (or, sometimes not) the food and ambience. Most of the time it has been great and we often go to places we never heard of. So the experience dining out with this group can be quite fun. One of the members is an artist and we have taken in her art exhibitions at a couple of shows in Oakland (Jack London) as well as galleries in San Francisco.
And, speaking of art, we have another friend that has painted several original pieces for Z Gallery and with all of this exposure to all of this art, my wife Kathy has taken up art starting with oils, then watercolors and lately charcoal, pastels, and pen and ink creations. She has completed several pieces and they show great promise. In support of her new found expressionism, we have converted one of the bedrooms in our home into an art studio. Using CraigsList, I found a professional grade drafting table (For FREE!) and having replicated the missing hardware, building two missing drawers out of oak wood, and completed some minor refurbishing. It serves as a great artist table.
Kathy also belongs to a book club that named W.O.R.D., an acronym that stands for Women Organized to Read and Drink. By default, I have become a member of the 'Men's Auxiliary' of this informal association. When the women get together to discuss (or debate) the latest book they've just finished reading, the husbands get together and do something or go someplace. Sometimes we go hiking; another time was a trip to the Oakland Museum, another time it was sailing on the bay, and recently we went bicycle riding in Alameda. We always have something to do. After the women have their book club meeting, everyone meets at a restaurant close by to dine and drink more wine! What an event!
We've traveled to Germany twice. The first time in 2008 to cruise the Danube, visit Switzerland, and then attend the wedding of a student - Rudiger Friess - that stayed with us in 1993 and 1994. We've returned to Germany again in 2010 to be the Godparent to his second child.
During our second visit to 'The Old Country', we toured four (4) castles, drove along two rivers - The Rhine and Mosel - and attended the 200 year anniversary of the famous Munich Oktoberfest (as well as an 'after Wiesen party' that goes on until the next morning). Three weeks, two spas, the Bodensee, a 'thousand year old brewery', and more than 2,200 miles of blissful driving in a new BMW at Autobahn speeds - fantastic! Already planning to go back.
Well, all of this typing is almost like working! So for now, I'm putting an end to this missive right here and now. Bye!
Send an email to FEZanger - at - AOL -dot - com (Don't forget to replace the 'at' with the 'correct symbol' and remove the 'dashes' and insert a real 'dot' and all the other stuff, OK?)
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