February 2015 – Newsletter
Director’s Thoughts- February, 2015
HEARTS! HEARTS! HEARTS! This is the month of hearts! Red & pink, lacy & plain…hearts everywhere you go. Of course, the heart is one of the most important & precious organs in our body. It pumps our blood to keep us alive. Your heart has a beat, & it is up to you to keep that beat strong. Then we also use the term “Heart” when we talk about love & the very core of our being that houses all our emotions…what we feel or believe is “in our hearts”. What is in your heart as we begin this 2nd month of 2015? And are you taking good care of your hearts…both the physical one & the emotional one? Who does your heart love? This is a great month to let those people know! (Thought you should be telling them all year long). And, what can you do to make that physical heart stronger & healthier this month? Let this be the month to focus on “heart” in all its forms. Do you remember February as a kid? Do you remember decorating a shoe box, or a brown paper lunch bag to collect Valentine’s @ school? And do you remember the boxes of tiny Valentine’s w/ jokes or riddles or favorite cartoon characters to pass out @ school? What fun those were! But for a really special Valentine… you had to get out the construction paper, paper doilies, Elmer’s glue, & make it yourself? I made my 1st Valentine’s card for my mother when I was in Kindergarten. I bet you did, too! It all began by folding that red piece of paper exactly & cutting where my teacher told me to cut, & presto, the red paper unfolded & became a giant heart! Then you glued little paper doilies all over & finished the masterpiece up w/ glitter & cotton balls. Mom loved it! So, my friends, promise, today, that you will take care of your heart in all its forms, both physical & emotional in this second month of the year! HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!
Your Director, Don Sterner
“Free Spirit” Meeting Minutes, January 6, 2015
Director Don Sterner called the meeting to order @ 7:15pm. There were 12 members present. Motion to accept November 2014 meeting minutes as printed in the December newsletter by Isabel Lenny, seconded by Kathleen Duckett, so carried. Motion to accept treasurer’s report by Clarence Getz of November & December, by John Moore, seconded by Shirley Schaffer, so carried.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
- Historian – “Holiday Gathering” pictures on the web site.
- Kempton – Sunday, October 25, 2015 has been secured w/ KCRC manager. Miller-Keystone Bloodmobile wants to, again, join w/ us, in attending the show from 10-2pm or 3pm. This will be confirmed & printed on the 2015 flyers.
- Membership – no report
- Newsletter –6 advertisers renewed, 6 remain outstanding. If you know of someone, or a business, please let Sally know & she will do the foot work.
- Programs – Guest speakers are scheduled for the 2015 monthly meetings.
- Publicity – no report.
- Ways and Means – “Buick Throws” sold to Kentucky and Illinois. To date, since Aug of 2013, 86 throws have been sold around the globe.
- OLD BUSINESS
Annual Holiday Gathering = Don felt the event was a huge success. 33 members attended. The food as great, & of course, Crazy Bingo is always a lot of fun. He thanked Stacy & Sally for the work they put into making our party a success. It was a great night of good fellowship.
America on Wheels Tour = this event featured a model train display & a huge Lego display, besides the cars on display. The day ended w/ ice cream @ the Hubcap Café. Don thanked Kathleen/Tom Duckett for planning this event. Once again, a nice afternoon of good fellowship.
NEW BUSINESS
50th Anniversary Celebration, July 2016 = Meeting to be held during the 2015 meet @ Springfield, MO. Sally expressed the importance of being a National BCA member in order to register your car for this 2016 Celebration as soon as the forms come available in the Bugle, mid-year 2015!
Greater Lehigh Valley New Car Show – Stabler Arena – “Free Spirit” chapter has been invited to display members’ cars on March 21/22, 2015 @ Stabler Arena. Each participant will receive 10 tickets for free admission! Time is 9 AM-5 PM, both days.
“Thank You” Notes – 3 notes received:
AOW – contributions made in honor of Alfred Miller & Arnold Rapoport,
Jed/April & Dana Rapoport – contribution made to AOW in honor of Arnold Rapoport, &
Dream Come True (Blue Ridge Chapter) – 2014 charitable/Kempton contribution(s).
Motion made to adjourn @ 7:45pm by Kathleen Duckett, seconded by Tom Duckett, so carried. Respectfully submitted by: Stacy J. Sterner, Secretary
“Free Spirit” Chapter, BOD Meeting Minutes, January 6, 2015
Director Don Sterner called meeting to order @ 5:15pm.
OLD BUSINESS
Sally handed out an updated “Membership Phone Chain”. Shirley Schaffer distributed a “Calendar of Events” from Ontelaunee Region AACA.
Calendar of Events (Free Spirit) –
February
3 – chapter meeting, Christine Cleaver, Camelot for Children, Inc.
March
3 – chapter meeting, David Webster, “Identity Theft”, Don’t Let This Happen To YOU!
21/22 – Stabler Arena, display of cars during LV car show
April
7 – chapter meeting, Habitat for Humanity
May
5 – chapter meeting, Jennifer Washney, America Cancer Society
June
14 – Annual Chapter Picnic, Weeping Willow, Macungie Park
July
16-20 – National BCA Meet, Springfield, MO
31-2 – DAF, Macungie, PA
September
3 – chapter meeting
October
5 – chapter meeting, Rod Kraft, Mequiars Products, (MONDAY)
8-10 – Hershey AACA Meet
25 – Kempton Car Show
November
3 – chapter meeting
December
8 – “Holiday Gathering” (2nd Tuesday of this month!)
2016 50th Anniversary Celebration – Allentown, PA. Keep your National BCA membership in good standing in order to display your car(s) during this celebration!! Also, watch your future BUGLE’s for registration form, 2016!
Greater Lehigh Valley New Car Auto Show – “Free Spirit” chapter has been invited to have members’ cars on display, March 21/22, 2015. Contact Don Sterner, ASAP, ASAP, if interested in displaying your car(s)!!
NEW BUSINESS
Tours – the following are tours discussed for 2015. Watch future newsletters for dates/times:
April – Hershey, pa. Trolley tour, Chocolate World, Hershey Museum
May – Kriebel’s home & barn tour
June – Lakota Wolf Preserve, Columbia, NJ
July – Crystal Cave tour
September – Wilbur Chocolate Co. tour, Lititz, Pa & Shady Maple
October – Corn Maze/Hay Ride tour
Treasured Thoughts – Clarence requests: new light weight car show class signs for use @ Kempton & other events; Rubbermaid containers purchased for supplies & Ways-n-Means items, better transporting & storing. Invited Don/Stacy Sterner to assist w/ presenting the chapters’ annual charitable contribution to Dream Come True, on TV in November 2015, board agreed.
Motion made to adjourn @ 6:05pm by Stacy Sterner, seconded by Kathleen Duckett, so carried. Respectfully submitted by: Stacy J. Sterner, Secretary
Stabler Arena, Lower Saucon, PA, March 21/22, 2015
“Free Spirit” chapter has been invited to attend the Greater Lehigh Valley New Car Auto Show at Lehigh University’s Stabler Center in Lower Saucon, Pa. Member cars will be on display outside on Saturday/Sunday, March 21/22. Each “Free Spirit” car display participant will receive 10 tickets for free admission to the show. “Free Spirit” will be the only club participating to display our cars. Times roughly, 9am-5pm both days. Please contact Don/Stacy Sterner, 610-285-2346, dwsterner724@aol.com, ASAP if interested. Dennis Snell
Hershey Award Participant
At Hershey, October 2014, Dave Brady won a 1st Jr. Award w/ his 1932 Buick, 68C, Convertible Phaeton. He will be taking the car to the Spring AACA meet in Virginia beach, VA & compete for a Sr. Award in late April, 2015. Congratulations, & Good Luck, Dave.
Reach Top Mileage On Your Car w/ It Still Going Strong
Many drivers may find the idea of keeping a vehicle that has surpassed the 100,000-mile mark preposterous. However, perhaps do to the rising cost of new vehicles, many drivers now recognize the benefits of keeping their vehicles for the long haul.
According to Polk research, many of today’s drivers are keeping their cars for longer periods of time, w/ the average age of all cars on the road being 11 years. In October of 2011, Joe LoCicero saw his 1990 Honda Accord crack one million mile mark, a feat for which Honda awarded him a new Accord & a parade in his hometown.
There are many benefits to keeping a car longer, including the financial impact of such a decision. In a recent survey & study from Consumer Reports, the savings of keeping a vehicle for 225,000 miles over 15 years vs. purchasing & financing an identical model every 5 years equated to a savings of more than the original purchase price of the car. A person can potentially save $20,000 or more on a properly maintained older car.
Keeping a car running beyond 200,000 miles was once pure luck. Cars made 10-20 years ago might not have been up to the task. But improvements in rust prevention, lubricants & engine technology have made it easier for today’s vehicles to last longer. But as durable & reliable as today’s cars may be, AAA notes the importance of regular maintenance.
Knowing your car is one of the first ways to make sure it gets the service it needs. Over time, many drivers start to identify warning signs, such as abnormal noises or if the vehicle simply feels off when out on the road.
Finding a mechanic that can be trusted is an important step for drivers who want to keep their vehicles going strong for years to come. A driver is more likely to bring the car in for service if the price is right & he or she does not feel like any costly & unnecessary repairs are being recommended. Building a good relationship w/ a mechanic can keep a car working longer. Newer model year’s cars can be taken to dealership mechanics, who may have a better working knowledge of newer electronics & the subtleties of specific models of cars.
The owner’s manual should not be something that simply takes up space inside the glove compartment. It is worthy of a read. Understanding the recommended maintenance schedule & what other steps can be taken to prolong the life of the car can keep it on the road longer. Keeping the tires inflated to the proper pressure & using the right type of gasoline are the types of information that can be found in the manual. Drivers can save a lot of money on unnecessary repairs if they follow these guidelines.
Many people are keeping their vehicles longer, reaching mile marks that were once unheard of. Investing in a car that has a good track record of longevity & then properly maintaining the vehicle are necessary to getting the most out of your vehicle investment.
Did Ya Know?
Many major auto manufacturers provide bumper to bumper factory warranties that expire once a car is 3 years old or exceeds 36,000 miles, & such milestones are important figures for preowned vehicle shoppers to consider before buying their next preowned vehicle. When buying a vehicle that’s > 3 years old or one that has close to or > 36,000 miles on its odometer, perspective buyers should ask for the vehicles maintenance records before making a purchase. Since many vehicles need their first significant servicing somewhere around 40,000 miles, it’s important for preowned vehicle buyers to know what they’re buying & just how soon they might be on the hook for repairs after buying a vehicle. Buyers should avoid purchasing any vehicles w/ suspect maintenance histories & may even be able to cite anticipated maintenance when negotiating the price of the vehicle.
Things to Look for on a Vehicle’s History Report
A vehicle history report can be a used car buyer’s best friend. Whereas in the past buyers bought used cars & hoped for the best, today’s used car buyers can rely on a vehicle while helping buyers make more informed decisions.
When shopping for a preowned vehicle, you should always ask for a vehicle history report, regardless of whether you’re buying from a dealership or a private citizen. If the seller refuses, it’s time to look elsewhere. When a seller eagerly provides a vehicle history report, buyers should examine a few things on the report so they can be more comfortable should they ultimately purchase the vehicle.
# of previous owners: All vehicle history reports list how many owners a vehicle has had the past. In general, the more owners a vehicle has had, the more risk you’re assuming as the buyer. Vehicles that tend to change hands often are less likely to have been well maintained.
In addition to how many owners a car has had, look at who those owners were. Vehicles that were once owned by a rental car company, for instance, were likely not treated very well, as few people care how much abuse their rental car endures. However, a car once owned by a rental agency likely has lots of highway miles on it, & such driving is less taxing on a vehicle than city driving where the vehicle’s engine is stopping & starting more frequently.
Specifics: Just because the seller provides you w/ a vehicle history report does not necessarily mean that report matches up w/ the vehicle you might be buying. A dishonest seller might try to pass off the history report of another vehicle of the same make & model as his own. This is done to hide a suspect vehicle history or even when thieves are selling a stolen car to an unsuspecting buyer: Check the vehicle identification #, or VIN, on the vehicle to ensure the car you’re looking at matches the car on the history report. In addition, each vehicle history report describes the car, so if the description does not match you might be holding an inaccurate report.
Location: The vehicle history report will show where the car has lived over the years. Vehicles that have spent ample time in harsh weather, such as Alaska or another region w/ a prolonged winter, have likely had their share of weather-related wear & tear, more than a car driven in warmer climates. While this does not mean past owners didn’t properly maintain the car, some buyers might be wary of purchasing a vehicle that has endured too many harsh winters.
Physical Appearance: Does the physical appearance of the car match up w/ the history report? Sometimes a vehicle owner does not report when a car has been in an accident. Owners might do this to avoid higher insurance premiums or to mask the vehicle’s history because they intend to sell the car down the road. If a car exhibits any signs of body work that aren’t on its history report or if the car drives awkwardly but has supposedly not been in an accident, buyers should consider this a major RED FLAG & strongly consider walking away from the vehicle & continuing their search elsewhere.
A vehicle history report can calm, the fears of a buyer shopping for a preowned vehicle. But even when a report is made available, buyers should still examine the report closely to ensure the vehicle is all it’s cracked up to be.
Road Salt Means Rust Never Sleeps
Driving is a challenge on slick snowy roads. Fortunately, de-icing & anti-icing chemicals applied to the roadway help improve traction & speed snow removal. What’s more, studies show that treating roads w/ these materials helps reduce crashes & saves lives.
Salt or Sodium Chloride has long been used as the principal de-icer & millions of tons of road salt are dumped on American roads every winter. About 3.5 lbs of that ends up on your car.
Most state municipalities say that salt is the best way of dealing w/ snow & ice. Road salt works by lowering the freezing point of water. When the salt is dissolved by moisture, the resulting brine melts or dissolves snow & ice. The benefits of de-icing roadways are usually measured in terms of lower accident rates, reduced delays, & improved mobility.
Drivers may still find the slope a touch more slippery this winter. Around the nation salt demand is outpacing supply, & the prices have risen by 20% over the last year.
Road salt has another cost-damage to the environment & corrosion of bridge decks, vehicles & roadways. Rust occupies 4 times the volume of the steel it replaces, which can break up any concrete it reinforces. Replacing a set of rusted undercar brake lines can cost over $1,000 in parts & labor, & auto body rust & corrosion repairs are even more expensive.
So how can motorists protect their cars from corrosion? Here are some practical maintenance tips that can make a difference:
+ Thoroughly wash the underside of your vehicle to eliminate the corrosive road salt. Add 3 Tbsp of baking soda to neutralize the salt. Pressure washers can leave behind corrosive deposits, & may actually drive chemicals further into vehicle cracks & crevices. Always open your doors after washing your car to allow any accumulated water to drain out.
+Automatic car washes should use fresh-not recycled water. Recycled water may contain salt or chemicals from other cars. Many automatic car washes now offer low pH pre-rinse cycles. Low pH detergents can help break up & neutralize-corrosive deposits.
+ Don’t use an ice scarper on anything but the windows. You could damage the finish & expose metal surfaces to corrosion trying to scrape snow or ice off painted surfaces.
+ Paint scratches & chips should be repaired in a timely manner to prevent rust & corrosion, & regular vehicle waxing adds an effective layer of protection. A well-maintained finish will be a big advantage when you sell or trade.
+ Routine vehicle maintenance checks should include inspections of safety-related undercar components such as brake & fuel lines, whose failure could result in a crash or fire.
Modern cars are far more corrosion resistant then earlier models, but for maximum vehicle life there is no substitute for proper car care.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
FEBRUARY 2015 (WEATHER PERMITTING)
3 – Monthly chapter meeting, Starlite Diner & Lounge, Rts. 78/100, supper @ 6pm, business meeting @ 7:30pm. Guest speaker is a representative from Camelot House for Children, Inc., Lehigh Valley.
22 – Hamburg Swap Meet, Hamburg, Pa. Ontelaunee Region AACA.
27-March 1 – Atlantic City Car Show
MARCH 2015 (WEATHER PERMITTING)
3 – Monthly chapter meeting, Starlite Diner & Lounge, Rts 100/78. Supper @ 6pm, business meeting @ 7:30pm. Guest speaker is David Webster on “Identity Theft”.
21-22 – Lehigh University Stabler Arena event. Place your car(s) on display. Let’s let the public know that a BUICK club is out there!
APRIL 2015 (WEATHER PERMITTING)
7 – Monthly chapter meeting, Starlite Diner & Lounge, Rts. 78/100, supper @ 6pm, business meeting @ 7:30pm. Guest speaker is a representative from “Habitat for Humanity”. Join us for a very informative evening on 1 of many community services!
11 – Spring Flea Market/Car Corral, Maple Grove Raceway, Mohnton, PA
17-19 – Spring Englishtown, NJ
22-25 – Spring Carlisle, Carlisle Fairgrounds, Carlisle, PA
26 – Auto Parts Flea Market, Leesport, PA
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
1962 Buick Skylark Conv. – Overall Good condition. Various NOS chrome installed. Runs/drives nice! Transmission, rear; top, & rear window good. See @ Dave’s Interior Restorations, 525 Chestnut St, Emmaus, Pa 18049
1969 Skylark Convertible – kimberly.pavlick@scranton.edu
1981 Buick Regal – 4 dr dark green. Garage kept. 75,000 mi. 717-576-7588
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
1989 Buick Riviera 122,000 miles. Good condition, Garage kept. $3,500 OBO. 2000 miles on tires. New battery. Tom Kenn at 610-633-5285
| In Search Of1951-52 Buick Roadmaster RH grille bar extension. C. Wenger @ 443-710-6624, crewzn@broadstripe.netLate 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.
1967 Buick Electra Convertible, 610-730-4599, dwebster80@gmail.com
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