By Deb Donovan

Photos by John Rowntree, Omar Tipi, Meg Anderson, and Peter Walker

HURRICANE IAN LURKED MENACINGLY in the distant south, reaching is tentacles toward New England. But the threat of a few drops of rain could not deter 18 brave souls maneuvering their 11 cars from meeting in Westminster on a dreary, overcast Saturday morning. 

The drivers and their valiant companions set forth trustingly into the unknown, following their seasoned tourmasters Dan and Deb Donovan. Showing complete confidence in a successful mission, Bob and his navigator Jim put their top down in a mocking gesture to the rain gods. Peter and Meg protected the rear flank in their Fiat Abarth. 

The Companie made quick work of mastering the meandering roadway from Westminster (past the old Oyster Crackers factory) through Hubbardston (of flea market fame) to the mecca of Petersham. At its picturesque town common, the group took a brief respite. 

Then the Companie said “ciao" to Topless Bob and Jim, who had only been able to join for the first portion of journey. At the rest stop, some chose to refortify themselves at the quaint General Store (featuring world-class lattes as well as works of local artisans). Others took the opportunity to chat with each other as well as a few curious neighbors who had happened upon the travelers. 

These neighbors included Tamara and Joshua, who, just like the minuteman of yore, rushed home to grab their own equipment (in this case their 2018 Giulia) to join their fellow New Englanders in their mission. Of course, this Companie did not head off to Concord but, instead, toward Hardwick. 

At Hardwick, the caravan turned eastward just as the sun broke through the clouds and shone brightly on our steadfast travelers. Unfortunately, it went right back in behind the clouds and was not seen again. But it did herald that the threat of rain had been defeated. 

Our group enjoyed the better-than-expected not-quite-peak fall foliage on the return journey through New Braintree, Oakham, Paxton, Holden, and Princeton. We skirted past Mount Wachusett, eager to reach our final destination:  The 1761 Old Mill restaurant in Westminster. On reaching our goal, our patriots congratulated themselves on a successful mission and retired to partake in some delish down-home New England fare under the watchful eye of the resident swans, geese, and ducks. 

As an unexpected bonus, the Companie was able to also look out at a wedding in the garden. We’d like to take credit for delivering the sunshine (or at least, lack of rain) to the newlyweds as a wedding gift from AONE.

And we’d like to also thank Tamara and Joshua for their companionship, as well as to welcome them as the newest members of AONE (they joined AROC shortly after leaving us Saturday!).

There are only a few remaining touring events for 2022 — be sure to treat yourselves (and your Alfa) right by getting it some exercise before the snow flies!

Revolutionaries

Deb and Dan Donovan - 1988 Spider Veloce
Meg Anderson and Peter Walker - 2018 Fiat 500C Abarth
Omar Tibi - 2021 Giulia Ti Q4
Bob Sisson & Jim Gibson - 2019 Spider
Frank and Axel Anigbo - 1969 GTV
George Chris - 1971 Spider
James Scutti - 2019 Giulia
Steve and Nancy Perry - 1969 GTV
John & Roberta Rowntree - 1987 Spider
Scott Weiner - 1982 Spider
John & Lauren DeWaele - 2019 Giulia
Joshua Cayea & Tamara Castagnaro - 2018 Giulia

See the event announcement