Director’s Thoughts, December 2015

December is the month for wishes and being thankful! As far back as I can remember, my parents always took me up town to Orr’s Department Store to wait in the Candy Cane Lane to sit on Santa’s Lap and whisper my wishes in his hear. By the time I was 6, I planned my visits to Santa very carefully. A week before the event, I began working on my wish list for Santa, thinking carefully about what I wanted and using my best handwriting to win St. Nick over. My question is, “if you could sit on Santa’s lap now, what would you ask him for?” Would you ask for better health, maybe wealth, or perhaps even world peace? I guess that may sound corny, but in these times we live in, we need it more than ever. As I reflect back on this year, I think about how lucky I am. I may not be a rich man, but I have people who love me, along with many good friends. I think how fortunate I was to have joined the Free Spirit Buick Club. The fellowship I have enjoyed is something I will always cherish. I have particularly enjoyed being your Director for the past two years. Thank you for this opportunity. I now pass the torch to Sally, who will be your Director for the next two years. I congratulate her, and look forward to her doing a great job for our club, as she has always done in the past! May you all have a very Happy Holiday Season!
Your Director, Don Sterner

“Free Spirit” Chapter Meeting Minutes, November 3, 2015

Assistant Director Sally Getz called the meeting to order @ 7:22pm. There were 18 members present. The treasurer’s report was given by Clarence Getz. Motion to accept treasurer’s report for October, George Grossman, seconded by Kathleen Duckett, so carried.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:
A. Historian – Dave Brady brought pics from Star BOP show for album.
B. Kempton – Clarence Getz gave the financial report. New class signs used.
C. Membership – new member: Eugene/Ruth Raymond from Andreas, Pa.
D. Newsletter – send articles to Sally. Can be on selling/buying a car(s), a trip taken, a show attended, etc.
E. Programs – would you like to hear from a certain group, association? Please let Sally know of your request & she’ll do the research.
F. Publicity – no report
G. Ways and Means – Dave Brady sold 2 blankets, rulers & yardsticks during this past Hershey meet. Thank you, Dave!

I. OLD BUSINESS
Nomination of Officers: (NO opposition)
Director = Sally Getz
Assistant Director = Kathleen Duckett
Secretary = Thomas Duckett
Treasurer = Clarence Getz
Motion to accept 2016 Officers, George Grossman, seconded, Ed Lenny, so carried. CONGRATULATIONS!!

Nomination of BOD (2) (NO opposition)
Shirley Schaffer
Don Atwood
Continuing to serve their 2nd year as BOD, John Moore & Thomas Sylvester.
Motion to accept 2016 BOD (2), Kathleen Duckett, seconded, Dolores Kennedy, so carried. CONGRATULATIONS!!

May we all look forward to a fun-filled year with ADVENTURES!!

“Holiday Gathering,” 2015 – Sally reminded everyone to let the Sterner’s know about reserving for the event. Also, to remember that each person attending needs to bring a $10.00 wrapped gift for “Crazy Bingo”.

2016 BCA 50th Anniversary Celebration, July 27-30, 2016 – anyone who would like to volunteer their time during the 2016 event, please contact Jack Welch, from the Minuteman chapter. He is in charge of the volunteers.
Jack Welch
20 Botolph Sreet
Melrose, MA 02176-1147
781-662-4423
cartoys@comcast.net

The National Meeting Committee (NMC) & John Scheib are looking for some of our members to volunteer due to being from the area & to help others out with directions, etc. John Scheib is looking for “bus monitors” for the trips being taken during the event. If you volunteer to be a “bus monitor,” please contact:
John Scheib
22 Foxcroft Road
West Hartford, CT 06119 j.scheib@comcast.net

It may be that if you volunteer your time for “bus monitor”, you may get in to that particular tour, FREE?!

Past BCA Directors have been invited to attend the event.
Helen Hutchings served as the 1st female Director from 1985-87.
Roberta Vasilow has served as the 2nd female Director from 1990-2000.

2017 National BCA Met = Milwaukee, Wisconsin
2018 National BCA Meet = Southern California

I. NEW BUSINESS
Sally wished everyone a very Thankful & Hearty Thanksgiving!
Hershey 2015 – AACA web site lists the awards recipients:
“CONGRATS” To The Following Members
Bernard Boback, 1955 Buick Special 4 Dr Riviera Sedan, 43
Gary Hiller, 1931 Buick 4 P Sport Roadster, 64
Ed Lenny, 1990 Buick Reatta 2 Dr Convertible, 4EC67
Thomas Raab, 1977 Buick Regal 2 Dr Colonnade Sedan, 4AJ57
Martin Zimmerman, 1933 Plymouth
When you see them, “CONGRATULATE” them!

Ed Lenny reported: during the Hershey Fall Meet, Hagerty Insurance, Michigan, had some of its’ employees restoring a 1946 PU truck on the field, finding all parts from fellow Hershey vendors. They worked day-n-night to restore this PU. The engine came from Virginia! The truck was restored in time to be driven back to Michigan! You may watch a video on this topic on Hagerty’s web site.

Bernard “Berne” Healey: Bernie, who lived in Forty-Fort, Pa passed away from cancer on October 15, 2015. A card was sent to his family on behalf of the “Free Spirit” chapter. Bernie had been a member of the “Free Spirit” chapter years ago. Despite him not renewing his membership, Bernie remained a very avid car buff! Our condolences to his family.

Motion to adjourn, Kathleen Duckett, seconded, Alice Schaffer, so carried, 7:54.

Respectfully submitted, Sally Getz, Assistant Director

Kempton Show, Sunday, October 25, 2015

On Sunday, October 25, 2015, the 39th Annual Old Car with Indoor/Outdoor Flea Market show was held. Beginning Saturday afternoon, the Ducketts met up w/ the Getz’s to set up for the show. With-in a few hours of the sunny weather, things were ready to go! By 5:30 AM on Sunday, things began to hop w/ the market vendors motoring up the hill to register & to set up to sell their treasures, despite the misty rain. Sun & clouds were on the way!

By 7:45 AM, the mist was done & the clouds rolled in. A peek of sun shone bright every now & then throughout the day. There were approximately 112 show cars displayed on the show field, along w/ 5 cars for sale in the car corral. Approximately 46 outdoor vendors, along w/ 4 indoor vendors were set up to sell their items. The DJ kept everyone up-to-date with things going on throughout the day.

The following were the award recipients of the day in their perspective classes:
Class A (1920-39)

1st=Willard Bernheisel, New Ringgold, 1933 Buick Coupe
2nd=Bryan Grube, Mertztown, Pa, 1931 Ford
3rd=Herb Farnsler, Kempton, Pa, 1929 Ford 2-Dr. Sedan

Class B (1940-49)

1st=Kevin Hartman, Wayne, Pa, 1940 Buick Coupe

Class C (1950-59)

1st=John Lord, Wernersville, Pa 1956 Chevy
2nd=William Carpenter, Fleetwood, Pa 1955 Chevy Bel-Air
3rd=Peter Gipprich, Reading, Pa, 1955 Buick Special

Class D (1960-69)

1st=Tony Krick, Barnesville, Pa, 1968 Buick Riviera
2nd=Charly Valentine, Stowe, Pa, 1962 Chrysler 300
2nd=Paul Keen, Easton, Pa, 1966 Dodge Charger
3rd=Tyrone Thompson, Leesport, Pa, 1966 Ford Fairlane

Class E (1970-79)

1st=Ken Bolich, Orwigsburg, Pa 1970 Pontiac Lemans
2nd=Joe Curran, Lehighton, Pa, 1978 Oldsmobile Cutlass
3rd= Rick Schaffer, Sellersville, Pa, 1970 Chevy Malibu

Class F (1980-90)

1st=Carey May, Lebanon, Pa, 1987 Buick GN
2nd=Bill Server, Telford, Pa, 1987 Chevy El Camino
3rd= Steve Zehr, Fogelsville, Pa, 1980 Corvette
3rd = Mike Babinchak, Tamaqua, Pa, 1984 VW Rabbit

Class G (Streetrods)

1st=Grant Turner, Hamburg, Pa, 1938 Ford Conv.
2nd= Dale Kline, Red HGill, Pa, 1946 Ford Business Cpe.
3rd=Earl Kromis, Sch. Haven, Pa, 1937 Chevy Coupe
3rd=Pierce Turner, Topton, Pa, 1933 Ford Sedan

Class H (Trucks)

1st=Joe Hitner, Bally, Pa, 1955 Chevy 3100 Sidestep Truck
2nd=Terry Hartman, Mertztown, Pa, 1946 Sstudebaker PU
2nd=Gregg Serfass, Bowmanstown, Pa, 1978 Inter Harvester
3rd=Robert Hunsicker, Kempton, Pa, 1952 Chevy PU

Class I (Motorcycles)

1st=Nick Hawkey, Kunkletown, Pa Motorcycle w/ coffin
Director’s Award: John Polonchek, Easton, Pa, 1956 Chevy Bel-Air

50/50 Raffle: Fred Unger, Slatington, Pa, indoor vendor

“Holiday Gathering” December 8, 2015

What = 2015 “Free Spirit” Holiday Gathering
When = Tuesday, December 8, 2015
Where = Starlite Diner & Lounge, Allentown, Pa
Time = Cash Bar/Happy Hour = 5:00 pm
Dinner = 6:00 pm
Menu = entrees = (Choose 1) Black Diamond Steak
Broiled Salmon
Roasted Young Turkey
Dinner includes: Soup/Salad/Bread Bar, Entrée, Baked Potato, Soda, Coffee/Tea, Iced Tea, Dessert
MEMBER:______________________________________________(FREE)
MEMBER SPOUSE:______________________________________(FREE)
MEMBER CHILD(REN)___________________________________(FREE)
NONMEMBER/GUEST:___________________________________($25.00)
NON MEMBER CHILD(REN), 12 & under:_____________(MENU PRICE)
Reserve your chair(s) to Stacy Sterner by Sunday, November 29th.

****REMEMBER: EACH PERSON to bring a $10.00 wrapped gift for “Crazy Bingo!”****

WELCOME NEW MEMBER!

Please welcome, Mr/Mrs. Eugene Raymond from Andreas into the Buick family! They join us w/ their 1963 Buick Wildcat. The following is their information, please ad this to your roster @ home:
Eugene & Ruth Raymond
294Pine Hill Road
Andreas, Pa 18211
570-401-2788 (cell)
eraymond@ptd.net
BCA #31540
Please “WELCOME” them when you meet them!

BCA 50th Anniversary Celebration, July 27-30, 2016, Allentown, PA

Now it’s’ only 7 months away for this SPECIAL CELEBRATION to take place! If you haven’t registered yet, please do so for only 1000 cars will be allowed for display! It has been printed in the local newspaper that this event will definitely by-pass the 100th Buick Anniversary Celebration held in Flint, Michigan in 2003! Aren’t you curious to know whether or not this statement will be fact or fiction?

Avoid Identity Theft During the Holidays

Season’s greetings! It’s the most wonderful time of the year — for identity thieves. You may feel pressured to get online or race to the mall to start checking gifts off your list, but being careless with your identity may mean months of recovery time. Before you do anything, take a deep breath, set a budget & plan a strategy that will assure your financial well-being. Worry less about holiday fraud by taking these protective steps:

• Be aware of camera phones. If you are paying @ a register or restaurant, or banking @ an ATM, watch for people fidgeting with their phones. They could be trying to snap a picture of your card. Look around before making a purchase.
• Keep an eye on your cards. Whenever you hand a credit card to a waiter, clerk or cashier, pay attention to where it goes & for how long. Card skimming or copying your card information commonly occurs @ retail stores, gas stations & restaurants.
• Shop with a slim wallet. Remove everything except 1 credit card & your driver’s license. Carrying multiple credit cards, a passport, social security card & other items increases your risk of identity theft.
• Remind cashier’s to check ID’s. Write “Check photo ID” on the back of your credit card. This is an effective way to get clerks to check credit or debit cards w/ photo identifications.
• Watch out for pickpockets. To avoid being pickpocketed, tuck your purse under your arm, keep your wallet in your front pocket, & don’t set your purse or wallet down where someone else may grab it.
• Use a credit card when shopping online. When possible, select credit cards over debit cards when shopping online. For that matter, use a credit card when shopping in stores, too. Credit cards protect you against fraudulent charges under the Federal Fair Credit Billing Act.
• Designate on online card. Use 1 credit card only for when you’re making purchases online. It makes it easier to detect wrongful charges if they occur.
• Shop @ secure sites. When shopping online, choose companies that provide transaction security protection & that have strong privacy & security practice. Secure sites have a URL that begins w “https” instead of “http” in the address bar, or they may display an icon of a locked padlock.
• Use a second connection. Never, ever shop online using a public Wi-Fi network. They are typically unsecured, making it much easier for thieves to capture your personal information.
• Shop on recognized sites. More people bargain-shop on unfamiliar sites during the holidays. Don’t make purchases on sites you don’t recognize just because the price is right, especially if they don’t have a phone number or physical address. They might be part of a phishing scam to capture your credit card number.

The holiday season should be delightful, not frightful!!

The 12 Days of Christmas Song Gift Ideas

If you have never done this before, getting gifts each day for the twelve days before Christmas is both fun and rewarding. The ladies consider it very romantic. Usually done in addition to Christmas day gifts, each of the 12 day gifts does not have to cost much money. Bring creative is loads of fun (see the 12th day drums below). Want to have even more fun? Send it secretly. Do not tell the recipient until after the 12th day.

How to Select gifts for the 12 days of Christmas: Select something that is in line with the theme of each day. For example, on day three for “Three French Hens”, select something that has the word “French” or “Hens” in it. Or, find something that is related to “French” or “Hens”. You do not have to get three, or for, or twelve of the items. Just one will do. Try to make it something that the recipient likes and/or can relate to.

Twelve days of Christmas Gift Ideas by Day:

On the first day of Christmas my true love sent to me, a Partridge in a Pear Tree.

If you stick to the concept of any bird in any tree, this is one of the easiest days to buy for.
Gift Ideas: A sweater with a (any kind of bird sitting on a tree branch). Cardinals are common Christmas images. Many will be sitting on a branch, or in a tree. Stick an ornament with a bird on it, in basket of pears. A can of pears will also do. The Partridge Family Christmas CD is a good choice.
Sources of Gifts: Clothing stores. Holiday stores, Craft and Antique shops, Music and DVD stores.

On the second day of Christmas my true love sent to me, Two Turtle Doves.

Products with doves are easy to find.
Gift Ideas: Dove brand chocolate candies is a great choice. Two bars of Dove soap works, too. Also, decorations and knick knacks with a turtle or a dove are easy to find.
Sources of Gifts: Candy stores, Craft and Antique shops.

On the third day of Christmas my true love sent to me, Three French Hens.

Gift Ideas: Movies include The French Connection (an oldie but goodie), and French Kiss (Meg Ryan). We like the latter, for romantic effect. Speaking of romance, try a French wine. French perfumes are well received. Also consider French bread.
Sources of Gifts: DVD and music shops, liquor stores, craft and antique shops, perfume shops.

On the fourth day of Christmas my true love sent to me, Four Calling Birds.

Gift Ideas: Anything with the image of at least one bird on it. Images with four birds would be ideal, but the search may prove long. It will be a cinch to find holiday items with birds on them. Bird seed. The idea here, is it will attract at least four calling birds (song birds). You can also go to a pet store and buy a pet bird.
Sources of Gifts: Holiday: Holiday stores, craft and antique shops, pet stores.

On the fifth day of Christmas my true love sent to me, Five Golden Rings.

This is one of the easiest to buy for. It can cost almost nothing. Or, it can cost you a small fortune.
Gift Ideas: A roll of butterscotch lifesavers costs less than a dollar. A jewelry store will be happy to sell you five golden rings. Also in keeping with the “five golden” theme, is necklaces with five rings or triangles on them, five wrist bracelets, or a wrist bracelet with five trinkets on it. DVD’s with the word “gold” or “golden” in the title. Ie. Goldfinger. Another simple ideal is Golden Grahams. On the cheap? Give few onion rings!
Sources of Gifts: Jewelry stores, DVD and music shops, grocery stores.

On the sixth day of Christmas my true love sent to me, Six Geese a Laying.

As we progress in our search, the last several days gets tougher.
Gift Ideas: In the New York Wine section of your liquor store, look for Goose Watch winery. Craft and antique shops will be a rich source of kitchen items, and knick knacks with geese on them. Old fashioned candy shops may have chocolates from a goose mold, if you are lucky.
Sources of Gifts: Liquor stores, chocolatiers, craft and antique shops

On the seventh day of Christmas my true love sent to me, Seven Swans a Swimming.

Gift Ideas: This may prove to be a hard one. Look for knick knacks pictures in craft and antique shops.
Sources of Gifts: Craft and antique shops.

On the eighth day of Christmas my true love sent to me, Eight Maids a Milking.

This is the last “easy” day. The ones that follow, can be a challenge.
Gift Ideas: Honey Maid graham crackers and a quart of chocolate milk are an easy find. Swiss Miss brand hot cocoa mix really nails it. Maid service would be a great hit….
Sources of Gifts: Grocery stores.

On the ninth day of Christmas my true love sent to me, Nine Ladies Dancing.

Gift Ideas: Did you know that the very popular holiday Amaryllis, is also called “Naked Lady Flower”? If your local liquor store has a New York State wine sections, look for a bottle of Foxy Lady from Hunt Country Vineyards. Ballerinas and dancers re common on Christmas ornaments. Look for pictures and knick knacks of Lords and Ladies from Medieval times. Dance lessons. CDs or DVDs from musicals.
Sources of Gifts: Liquor Stores, Big box stores, garden centers, holiday stores, Mall kiosks selling ornaments, Music and DVD stores.

On the tenth day of Christmas my true love sent to me, Ten Lords a Leaping.

This may seem to be a challenging task…until you realize that religious stores will have a huge selection of times that have the word “Lord” in it.
Gift Ideas: Baby Jesus is the Lord, making a manger scene a great choice. A religious store will have pictures, sayings, readings from the bible with the word “Lord” in it on countless items. Look for pictures and knick knacks of Lords and Ladies from Medieval times. We found the image of deer leaping on a crystal…. it works.
Sources of Gifts: Religious stores, holiday shops.

On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love sent to me, Eleven Pipers Piping.

This song saves the seemingly hardest two for last. But, we’ve got you covered.
Gift Ideas: If the recipient smokes, a tobacco pipe is an easy selection. A box of tea bags will represent “piping” hot tea. If the recipient sews, “piping” is a narrow cloth tube used in decorating furniture and clothes.
Sources of Gifts: Smoke shops, grocery stores, fabric and craft stores.

On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love sent to me, Twelve Drummers Drumming.

Gift Ideas: A pair of chopsticks and a popcorn tin. The recipient can play the drums on the tin, while watching a holiday DVD and eating popcorn from the tin. A CD Christmas with “The Little Drummer Boy” song is a good choice. Ornaments with drums or a drummer boy are hard to find. A search through craft and antique shops will turn up a few ornaments for the last and final day. Turkey drumsticks will suffice… we suppose.
Sources of Gifts: Music shops, craft and antique shops.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

DECEMBER 2015 (HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO EVERYONE!)
8 – “Free Spirit” Holiday Gathering, Starlite Diner & Lounge, Allentown, Pa

JANUARY 2016 (HAPPY NEW YEAR)
3 – Monthly Chapter meeting, Starlite Diner & Lounge, Allentown, PA. Supper @ 6 pm, business meeting @ 7:30 pm.
28-31 – PA Auto Show, PA Farm Complex & Expo Center, Harrisburg, Pa
31-February 7 – auto Show, Philadelphia, Pa

FEBRUARY 2016 (HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY)
2 – Monthly chapter meeting, Starlite Diner & Lounge, Rts. 78/100, Allentown, Pa. Supper @ 6 pm, business meeting @ 7:30 pm.
11-13 – 80th AACA Annual Meeting, Philadelphia, Pa

CARS/PARTS “FOR SALE”

1939 Buick Special (41) 4-DR Trunk back Sedan, unrestored original car, Straight 8, manual transmission. Runs well! Rebuilt engine & components, brake system, drive train, transmission. Upgraded carb, electronic ignition, oil filter, NEW exhaust system. WW tires. Pics available. $16,500/negotiable. Ken Davis, 610-489-1649. kwmcdavis@verizon.net
1951 Buick Super (51) 4 dr. Excellent condition. Everything works, drive anywhere. Original paint interior. All mechanical things have been replaced or improved. 59,000 original miles. $11,500. William@ 610-970-7183, 484-948-6213.
1962 Buick Skylark Conv. Overall GOOD condition. Various NOS chrome installed. Runs/drives nice! Transmission, rear, top & rear window good. Dave’s Int. restorations, 525 Chestnut St., Emmaus, Pa 18049
1981 Buick Regal 4 DR dark green, garage kept. 75K mi. 717-576-7588
1987 Buick GN, T-Top blk w/ grey/blk int., orig parts, EXCELLENT condition, 3200 ORIGINAL miles. Stored in heat controlled garage. $28,500 (OBO), gbrentano@verizon.net
1951-52 Buick Mustache Bar to be rechromed, very hard to find! $400.00. William, 610-970-7183, 484-948-6213.

In Search Of

1951-52 Buick Roadmaster RH grille bar extension. C. Wenger, 433-710-6624, crewzn@broadstripe.net
1967 Buick Electra Conv. 610-730-4599, dwebster80@gmail.com