Director’s Thoughts-OCTOBER, 2014

“Free Spirit” Meeting Minutes, September 2, 2014

   Director Don, called the meeting to order at 7:30pm.  There were 19 members & 1 guest present.  Motion to accept May meeting minutes as printed in the June newsletter made by Dolores Kennedy, seconded by Isabel Lenny, so carried.  Motion to accept treasurer’s report of August made by Isabel Lenny, seconded by Alice Schaffer, so carried.

Tonight’s guest speaker is Ed Tremba, Instructor of Driver Improvement programs for Seniors 55+, of AAA.  He talked about Aggressive Driving vs Road Rage.  He explained how an aggressive Driver moves about the road in a hostile fashion & endangers everyone on the road.  This is considered a Traffic Offense.  Whereas, Road Rage is actually a Criminal Offense, when a driver is so angry at an aggressive Driver that the driver reacts angrily to the other driver.  He may even have a gun!  Aggressive & Road Rage drivers are the most dangerous drivers on the road.

Another bit of information Mr. Tremba gave the group was about the purchase of tires for our cars.  When buying new tires, ask to see the manufacturing code on the inside of the tire, Tires actually have a shelf life, usually 5-6 years from the manufacturing date.  An example of a code = 23/09.  This translates into 23rd week pf 2009.  So if you were to purchase these tires today, they would already be 5 years old.  Mr. Tremba’s presentation was very interesting & informative.

Dave Brady took a few minutes to share a little history about our club.  37 years ago, on September 6, 1977, our “Free Spirit” Buick Club was formed.  The 1st meeting was held @ the Americus Hotel, Allentown, @ a cost of $25.  Dave Brady was elected as the very 1st Director.  Dave also designed the 1st newsletter.  At the 1st meeting, it was decided that the group would meet the 1st Tuesday of every month, & after all these years, we still meet on those dates!  Dave said that the success is to the active part our members take in our club, & is confident that the future of the “Free Spirit” Buick Club will flourish!

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

1. Historian –Sally reported, webmaster, Al Rosenberger, approached her about the new web site design, & to see if someone would like to take over placing future newsletters & pictures in the web site, www.buickfreespirt.org.
2. Kempton – Flyers are still available.  A Volunteer list for many Kempton duties was passed around for everyone to sign up.
3. Membership – Dolores Kennedy reported that she received 3 more membership renewals.  She has contacted 8 members she has not heard from.  To date, there are 45 members.
4. Newsletter – Web site has been redesigned by webmaster, Al R.  Sally encouraged all members who have computer access to visit the site.  A few members have reported they received September’s’ newsletter but damaged.
5. Programs – Next month’s meeting date is MONDAY, OCTOBER 6th.  Bob Bohnenberger presents, “Ins/Outs of Health insurance @ Different ages”.
6. Publicity – Is there a volunteer to fill this position?
7. Ways and Means –“BUICK” coverlets have been sold during DAF & over the summer hiatus.
8.  OLD BUSINESS

Calendar of Events:  December 2 = Annual “Holiday Gathering”.

                                 December 13 = America on Wheels Train Display.

1. NEW BUSINESS

Election of Officers; Don reported that during our October meeting, nominations for officers & BOD for 2015 will be taken.  Listed below are the current officers & Board members whose terms are up @ the end of the year.  If anyone would like to nominate someone for 1 of these positions, you can do this @ Octobers’ meeting.

Treasurer   (Clarence Getz=1 year term)

Secretary   (Stacy Sterner=1 year term)

Membership Chairperson   (Dolores Kennedy=1 year term)

Board of Directors   (Shirley Schaffer/Thomas Sylvester=2 year term)

Publicity (non-officer position=1 year term)

Buick National 2016; Sally has received an email stating that on June 11th, Nicoli Bulgari, Mike/Nancy Book, & Jeff Brashares of the BCA met with Keith Flickinger of PM Cars; Connie Ruta, Mr. Bulgari’s Executive Assistant; & Gary Gartner, Mr. Bulgari’s Attorney for the past 25 years, in Gary’s office in Manhattan, to discuss the 2016 National Meet to be held in Allentown, PA.  There were 38 different issues discussed in the preliminary planning of this event.  Each of these issues were assigned to different members of this committee to look into further & bring back feedback to the next meeting, Monday, October 13, 2014 in Allentown, PA.  An invitation was extended to Sally to attend, therefore, we can assume that she will be our representative for help in the planning of the 2016 National Buick Meet.  If anyone is interested in knowing what topics were discussed at the meeting, contact Sally or Don & they will forward a copy of this very informative e-mail to you.

DAF 2018;  Sally was approached by someone from the DAF committee as to whether or not our “BUICK” club would be interested in being the host/feature car for DAF 2018 show.  Sally presented this information to our members, to be decided upon sometime in early 2015.

Dave Brady reports that Bernie Healey, a very well-known friend to the “BUICK” hobby, is undergoing cancer treatments.  Our thoughts & prayers go out to him.  Dave also reported that Charlie & Kathy Arnold are doing well.

Motion made @ 8:45 pm to adjourn by Shirley Schaffer, seconded by Dave Brady, so carried.

Respectfully submitted by: Stacy J. Sterner, Secretary

August 8-10, 2014, Huntingdon, PA Tour

The weather couldn’t have been any more perfect than what it was!!  The entire weekend was most interesting, relaxing & pleasurable!!  What beautiful countryside, & Allegheny Mtns, were seen as the group of “Free Spiriters” traveled through till they arrived at their destination.

Friday, August 8, 2014; the group met at the Cracker Barrel rest, Hamburg, PA.  From there, many highways & byways were traveled till they safely arrived at their first stop, the Isett Acres Museum.  As planned, a very quaint picnic lunch was enjoyed by all before they toured the many, (3), buildings that offered them so many many old, but yet very neat items (collectibles/antiques) that they all said, “I remember my parents or grandmother having one of those in the kitchen!”  Some objects have the power to stir memories of moments lost in time.  Happy times & sad, the bittersweet moments that made up the lives of the folks we knew, our families, neighbors & friends.  This museum started out by 1 man, Mr. Isett.  He has kept everything thru his 92 years of age, & continues to keep things today.  He displays these precious items throughout the 2 buildings & barn.  Over the last couple of years, he has opened his property to the townspeople of Huntingdon for historical displays, & credits them to this mirage of interesting collectibles.  From the Stone Age to Star Wars, we saw a little bit of everything.  One of the museums’ special exhibits is the Vincent R. Brown Photographic Collection; a comprehensive & fascinating look @ the pre-digital era of photography.  Through displays, exhibits & period themed living histories, the museum provides the public w/ entertaining, accurate & memorable educational experiences.  Please view the chapters’ website for the many pictures taken to help to describe Isett Acres Museum.  It sure does take a person back in time, furthermore; it sure was well worth the trip!!  After that, the group headed for the Comfort Inn to be assigned their rooms.  After enjoying such a scrumptious meal at the nearby Hoss’s Steak House, a good nights’ rest fell upon them.

Saturday, August 9, 2014; As the sun came up on that Saturday morning, 1 “Free Spiriter” thoroughly enjoyed a 45 minute walk around Huntingdon.  During this walk, a church was observed, & guess what?  This person recognized the pastor of the church from reading the billboard in front of the church!!  Now how is it that when you go somewhere out of your known area that you would see or read of someone of whom you know!!  Unbelievable!!  Anyway, a complimentary breakfast, (everything you could imagine offered), was ingested by all.  By 10:00am, the group headed for the Swigart Antique Auto Museum & show.  This remarkable collection has existed more than 85 years, begun as a private passion of the founder, W. Emmert Swigart, then his son William E. Swigart, Jr. fell under the spell of these magnificent American machines.  The collection now numbers in the hundreds, w/ 30-35 @ a time on display.  Nearly 100 years of automotive history have been lovingly preserved by the Swigart family.

Seen on the present display were:  Buicks, Fords, Olds, & Cadillac; Packard, Pierce-arrow, & Duesenberg.  Their brass now gleams with the luster of a hundred polishing’s.  Ageless leather radiates warmth & comfort.  Curved fenders & elaborate hood ornaments surprise the eye.  Rumble seats recall open-air-rides on fragrant summer evenings.  Opera windows, tonneau tops, & lanterns beg a second look. We took a deep breath & took that second look.  This is the stuff history is made of.  These are more than just mint-condition machines, they are masterpieces.  Some are the only ones of their kind left in the world.  At this museum they are pampered & cared for lovingly-for us to enjoy.  Of all the auto museums in the world this museum is the only one to display 2 Tuckers.  The maroon “Tin Goose” is the prototype-the very first Tucker made.  The blue one is Tucker #13, used in the film “Tucker: The Man & His Dream” starring Jeff Bridges.  Also featured is Herbie “The Love Bug,” which was purchased along with his stunt double.   The 1936 Duesenberg Speedster is the only 12-cylinder model ever created-reportedly first owned by Jackie Coogan (Uncle Fester of the 1960’s sitcom, The Addams Family).  The 1903 Curved-Dash Oldsmobile is a 1-cylinder masterpiece, tiller-steered, & William Swigart’s personal favorite.  The 1/3 scale model is a genuine rarity.  It is exact in every detail & is 1 of the few to be found anywhere.  The museum is accented with even more history.  The automobile license plate & radiator emblem collections are believed to be the largest in the world.  We viewed automobiliana, lights, horns, toys, antique bicycles, & period clothing.  Unbelievable vehicles & the like, in the museum!!  Again, please visit the chapters’ web site for pictures of this museum.    Besides the Museum, the Alleghany Region AACA chapter held a car show in conjunction with the museum.  Oh what fun it was!!  Again, a lunch was provided for all participants of the show.  Guess what, the hamburgers were out of this world!!  They weren’t frozen patties, but actual real handmade hamburger patties!!  The local chapter there did an outstanding job!!  Remember how it was said that it really is something to be away from home & still bump into someone of whom you know?  Well guess what, Clarence & Sally did just that!  On the show field, they bumped into a couple who are Alleghany Region AACA members.  Here, this same couple used to be the Getz’s flea market vendor neighbors @ DAF, Macungie, PA!!  Isn’t it just a small world?!  Amazing!!  During the presentation session, Mrs. Swigart, herself, introduced many persons involved with this event.  She also presented many participant awards.  Some “Free Spiriters” won items from the Chinese Auction table.  By 5:30 pm, the group boarded the “Princess,” a dinner boat at the 7 Points Marina @ Raystown Lake.  Wow!!  It was truly amazing!!  There were about 90 persons, car enthusiasts, on the dinner boat to have a good time.   The full coarse turkey dinner was superb~!!~ Raystown Lake is huge.  It contains 6 campgrounds, fishing & swimming areas, daytime picnicking, &, of course, boating.  On the waters, & back @ the marina, you observed many “house-boat” type looking boats.  Very different than here in the northeast of PA.  The sunset was romantic.  What a day it was!!

Sunday, August 10, 2014; As the last day of this tour arrived, the group consumed brunch @ “Tops Diner”.  The atmosphere was of the 50’s era with many pictures & memorabilia of movie stars, both male & female.  We enjoyed the sights as brunch was served.  From there, the Rockhill Trolley Museum was awaiting our arrival.  We stepped aboard an old-fashioned trolley & was taken back to a time when the trolley car was the way many people traveled.  We listened for the conductor to call “All Aboard,” the trolley bell, the clickety-clack of the wheels, & the history of the trolley we rode given by the motorman.  We learned the history of the trolley car era & how it changed our country, & how several unique trolleys in the museum’s collection escaped the scrapper’s torch.  We experienced a scenic 3-mile ride into Blacklog Narrows, trolleys from many Pa cities such as Johnstown, York, Philadelphia, Scranton, & Harrisburg, the way your parents & grandparents traveled before the days when many could afford a personal automobile, & trolleys being rebuilt in the museum’s restoration & maintenance shop.  The Rockhill Trolley Museum is a special museum where visitors can actually experience history by riding a vintage trolley.  We did!!  PA is rich in trolley history & the museum is dedicated to preserving old trolleys for future generations to see & ride.  Everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves!!  Everyone made it home safe & sound after, once again, travelled through, up & down & around the Allegheny Mtns.  This tour will certainly be a very memorable tour for a long time.  Again, please visit the chapters’ web site, www.buickfreespirit.org for the many memorable pictures taken.

Till next time…………………………………………………..Sally Getz

December 2, 2014, Annual “Holiday Gathering”

Keep this date available to attend this year’s annual “Holiday Gathering” to be held @ the Starlite Diner & Lounge.  Social hour is from 5-6pm w/ supper following @ 6pm.  “Crazy Bingo” will be played. EACH PERSON bring a $10.00 WRAPPED GIFT. Watch next month’s newsletter for the selections to be offered. Then be sure to get your reservation in early to reserve your meal.  If you never attended this event, you should, for everyone has a GRAND time!!  Guaranteed, it will be a memorable night for YOU!!

December 13, 2014

Please join me @ America On Wheels to see the model trains, autos & the Lego village on Saturday, December 13th.  We will meet @ the Trivet Diner, Tilghman St. Allentown, for lunch (PAY your own).  Then, promptly @ 1pm we will leave the Trivet parking lot for America On Wheels.  Since it is December (not a great time for touring), we will go directly to the museum where we will have a guided tour.  After our tour we will relax in the Hubcap Café @ the museum & enjoy some ice cream.  The Hubcap café is a restored 1950’s soda fountain.  You can play the jukebox there!  There will be time after the tour to re-visit the displays, if you choose.  I have found that our grandchildren love the displays, especially the LEGO’S.  Please think about having them join us!

Member=$5.00 per person
Member child(ren) up to age 12=$3.50 each child
Non-member (guest)=$10.00 per person
Non-member child(ren) (guest)=$7.00 per child
Make checks payable to “Free Spirit” Chapter of PA.
Mail to Kathleen Duckett, 6023 Riverview Rd., Slatington, PA 18080
Questions?  610-760-2467          R.S.V.P. by December 1, 2014.  

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

OCTOBER  2014

1-5 – Carlisle Show, Carlisle, Pa

4 – 3rd Annual NCPD’s Fallen Heroes Car Show, Pottstown, Pa

5 – Becky’s Drive-In Car Show, Berlinsville, Pa

6 – !! NOTE DAY CHANGE!! Monthly chapter meeting, Starlite Diner & Lounge, Rts. 78/100, supper @ 6:00 pm, meeting @ 7:30 pm.  Guest speaker is Bob Bohnenberger to share with us some very informative & updated information on “The Ins/Outs of Health Insurance @ Different Ages”.  Hope you can join us for this presentation.  Also, nominations will be taken for secretary, treasurer, membership chairman, & 2 board of director members.

8-11 – Hershey Fall Meet, Hershey, Pa

26 – KEMPTON CAR SHOW.  This is your time to SHINE!!

NOVEMBER 2014

4 – Monthly chapter meeting, Starlite Diner & Lounge, Rts 100/78, supper @ 6:00pm, meeting @ 7:30pm.  Guest speaker is a representative from Miller-Keystone Blood Center.  Also, elective nominations will be voted upon for the above mentioned positions (SEE OCTOBER 6, 2014 Meeting).

DECEMBER 2014

2 – Annual chapter “Holiday Gathering”, Starlite Diner & Lounge.  Social hour=5:00pm, dinner @ 6:00pm.  “Crazy Bingo” will be played.  Watch for more details in future newsletters.

13 – “America on Wheels” tour w/ Kathleen/Thomas Duckett

CARS/PARTS “FOR SALE”

1917 Buick Roadster All restored.  $25,000.00,  860-982-3001.

1927 Buick Sport Roadster (54) 3p, very rare car.  Jack Bennett, representative for Rose Nemeth, (Erno’s wife,) Ringoes, NJ 908-303-5391

1956 Buick Century Riviera Series 60 – 4 dr htp.  Original 322 “Nail Head” V8 Road Master engine (255hp) w/ “Dyna Flow” A/T & factory dual exhaust.  PS, PB, PW & S.  Sonomatic push button radio, factory deluxe lighting pkg.  72,700 original mi.  Frame/body solid.  Garage kept.  Pics available.  $15,000.00/negotiable.  570-309-2367, Robert.stavish@gmail.com

1969 Skylark Convertible – kimberly.pavlick@scranton.edu

1981 Buick Regal – 4 dr dark green.  Garage kept.  75,000 mi. 717-576-7588

1937-40 Buick Straight 8 Engine, $1500 OBO,610-349-7760, robinbrumfield@rcn.com

1937 MINT Buick Owner’s Manual, $35.00.  kriebel12@verizon.net

1972-’87 pr. of NOS brake rotors for FS Buick, $45.00. 610-489-1253

1983-’86 Buick Regal NOS headlight frame LF in original GM box, $25.00.  kriebel12@verizon.net, 610-489-1253

In Search Of

1951-52 Buick Roadmaster RH grille bar extension.  C. Wenger @ 443-710-6624, crewzn@broadstripe.net

Late 1980’-Early 1990’s Buick LeSabre/Electra – In good running condition for daily driver use in local town driving, reasonably priced.  Does not have to be in perfect condition.  Harold, 610-826-2639.