Director’s Thoughts, NOVEMBER 2016

As I am writing this month’s Director’s Thoughts, Kempton happened just days ago. I hope it was a good day! More on this in the December’s newsletter.

Don’t forget to sign up to attend the next chapter activity, “Koziars Christmas Village” to be toured on Monday, November 28th. I will be your tour master. I do realize it is on a Monday early evening, but attending this place on a Friday or weekend would just be too crowded with others visiting this village. Besides, I hope it gets everyone into the spirit of the holidays!

As another Hershey AACA Meet is under our belts, again, this year, Saturday was not so good for the car show part of the meet. As how nice the weather was all that week that is how cool, cloudy, overcast, & misty Saturday was! Kudos to those who braved that day! For some reason, from the vendor’s point of view & passing down the lane, the perspective buyer traffic was NOT up to parr this year. Truly w/ it being an election year, people are a bit skeptical of attending/buying during the show. Hopefully in 2017, the walking traffic picks up & the buying of parts soar!

As a participating vendor during the Hershey show, I had many persons come up to me who remembered the representation of our chapter during the past Allenton event! In fact, after dinner 1 evening, on our way out of Applebee’s, a couple stopped us & called us by name. I became a bit frightened at 1st but then they talked about Allentown & how they stopped by the chapter table to purchase some items. It is a frightening feeling when someone you do not know or remember knows you by name! We must have made a good impression, right?
It turned out that this couple is from the Upstate NY chapter, BCA! The latest news is that there may not be a 2017 BE Buick Regional next September. You see, their Director passed away during the Allentown event, & as it stands, no one is stepping up to the plate to chair this future event @ this time. Their meetings started this past mid-October & so I will keep everyone abreast of their situation. I, in turn, spread the word about the “Free Spirit” chapter is planning a 2018 NE Buick Regional in September! They were very interested & will await further information as time prevails.

As the fall season is now upon us, the Thanksgiving holiday is just around the corner. So, from my house & family, we want to wish you & yours a very Blessed Thanksgiving Holiday! May you not only enjoy a great meal, but also the love & warmth w/ your families during this time of the year.

Your elected Director, Sally Getz

“Free Spirit” Chapter Meeting Minutes, October 3, 2016

Director Sally Getz called the meeting to order @ 7:33 pm. There were 16 members present.
Treasurer’s report – Motion to accept September report Dolores Kennedy, seconded by Shirley Schaffer, so carried.
September meeting minutes, motion to accept Don Sterner, seconded by Stacy Sterner, so carried.
BOD meeting minutes, motion to accept Thomas Sylvester, seconded by Dolores Kennedy, so carried.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:
A. Historian – pictures of Bill’s Old Barn & Bikes tour on web site.
B. Kempton – flyers available.
C. Membership – 1 new member. Observed in the October Bugle, 29 members joined BCA from Pa! Suggested our chapter to reach out to those new members.
D. Newsletter – please return to Sally the completely filled out forms for 2017 Membership Roster.
E. Programs –

• November’s meeting = to vote on the October nominations. If you would like to hear from a specific organization for 2017 meetings, please let Sally Getz know.
• October 30, 2016 = Kempton Car Show, please sign up on sign-up board.
  November 1, 2016 = Chapter monthly meeting.
• 6, 2016 = Tour w/ Ontelaunee Region AACA to Skippack, Pa, if seats yet available.
• 28, 2016 = Tour to Koziar’s Christmas Village, Bernville, Pa

F. Publicity – no report
G. Ways and Means – Sally to sell chapter items during Hershey Meet.

I. OLD BUSINESS:
2017 Upstate NY Regional: Upstate NY Chapter will be holding a 2017 Northeast Buick Regional, September 29-October 1, 2017 @ Saratoga auto Museum, Saratoga Springs, NY. Watch on www.unybca.com for upcoming details. This might be a nice short travel event for this chapter to think about attending!
Please remember to wear your chapter badges to the meetings stating 2017. If you do not, you pay a $1.00 to Dolores Kennedy.

II. NEW BUSINESS
Nominations taken for Treasurer, Secretary, Membership person, 2 BOD’s:
Treasurer = Clarence Getz
Secretary = Thomas Duckett
2 BOD’s = John Moore, Thomas Sylvester

2016 Holiday Gathering, Tuesday, December 6, 2016, Starlite Diner & Lounge, Allentown, Pa. Read on for further information.
Motion made to adjourn by Alice Schaffer, seconded by Stacy Sterner, so carried @ 8:23 pm. Respectfully submitted, Thomas Duckett, Secretary

Saturday, September 24, 2016, Bill’s Old Bike Barn & Museum

It was an absolutely gorgeous fall day for a ride to & from “Bill’s Old Bike Barn & Museum”, Bloomsburg, Pa! The day started off GREAT! We enjoyed a hot & scrumptious breakfast @ the Schnecksville Family Diner just off Rt. 309. Get a load of this, guess who was there but w/ a different group of persons? Our very own Bruce Stephens, wearing his BUICK shirt!! He, along w/ others in his group were starting their weekend off to NY on their motorcycles!

Traveling North on Rt. 309 to 80, the group observed some of the beginnings of the season, fall! Leaves blowing across on the roads, pumpkins, cornstalks & mums on porches & in the yards, & a cooler temperature for all to enjoy. They arrived @ their destination, “Bill’s Old Bike Barn & Museum”, safely. The museum was HUGE!! Upon entering into the museum, it was like walking back in time, or walking into a candy shop for the 1st time! Everyone was in “AWH” as they walked down memory lane. Every shop theme was so well organized & on display w/ care. It was like walking in a small town going from shop to shop to see & to marvel at & say to yourself, “Gee, I remember this while growing up, or remembering your grandparents having this item or that item”.

There were hundreds of items: from cameras to tools, from irons to mouse traps, from Avon to Barbie’s, from police things to fire rescue items, from bicycles to motorcycles, from merry-go-round horses to fair signs & roller coaster cars, from weight scales to license plates, from hubcaps to car emblems, from clowns to military items, from telephones to cell phones, from musical instruments to coca cola items, you name it, it was there! There was even a hotel in the middle of everything where we would of have had a catered lunch if more members would have attended. Everything had its own place & every place was so well organized! Unbelievable of how much 1 person can collect over the years!!

When everyone was finished, May’s Drive-In was the place for lunch & Ice Cream! May’s was celebrating it’s’ 60th year in business. Congrats to them!! A Coffee cones & a Peanut Butter Sundaes were thoroughly enjoyed!
To finish of their day, Wine tasting @ a local Winery was held. 4 different wines were tasted, the last being the most popular! After the Winery, 2 antique shops were visited. The 1st one was mostly all furniture w/ not so bad prices! The 2nd place was such a small yet very quaint place. Clarence managed to find some treasures for his Old Country Store!

Everyone made it home by 6 pm, safe & sound. It truly was an exciting day! Many thanks to Kathleen/Thomas Duckett for organizing this day for us.

2016 Hershey Fall AACA Meet

Well, it did it again! Cloudy skies with misty rain once again came down on the Saturday Hershey Car show. But, despite the misty fall weather, there were brave souls who displayed their cars.

Backing up a bit, the weeklong flea market part of the meet had excellent weather, the best in years, I believe. However, despite the sunny 70’s weather, it seemed the people traffic wasn’t as good as it should have been. In talking with other vendors, not only was the people traffic down, but also car part sales. I believe with it being an election year, it had to do something with the show all around.

Anyway, the amount of Buick parts available on the field was not that impressive. I would have to say, that, in walking the fields, GM Parts (Getz/Moore) displayed the nicest stand for selling Buick Parts! I hope this is no indication of not being able to find good Buick parts for in the future!

During the week, I saw approximately 9 “Free Spirit” members walking around looking, shopping, & enjoying the show.

Congratulations to Martin Zimmerman for being awarded a Senior Award for his 1933 Plymouth Deluxe on display on Saturday!

Til the next Hershey Fall AACA Meet…………………………………Sally Getz

Koziar’s Christmas Village, Bernville, Pa, November 28th

On this Monday evening, Sally Getz will be taking the group to supper, followed by a tour to the Koziar’s Christmas Village, Bernville, Pa. This is an early evening tour due to what makes this a special place to see, will be the lighting!! The following is a bit of history on this village.

William M. Koziar, the creator of Christmas Village, began decorating his home & property in 1948 for the pleasure he & his wife, Grace, & their four children derived from the unusual display. People appreciated & applauded the beauty of the Koziar home & began to refer to it as the “Christmas House.”

Mr. Koziar added new & unique items & lighted displays to the original layout each year. He began decorating the lake, walkways, trees, fences, & buildings, as well as continually adding to the barn & house. By popular demand visitors were granted access to the premises for a closer look. Thus, Koziar’s “Christmas House” became known as Koziar’s “Christmas Village.”

Christmas Village, celebrating its 68th anniversary in 2016, has received many awards, including Best Outdoor Christmas Display in the World. The village has paved & lighted walkways & is wheel chair accessible. The tour is unguided so you can walk at your own pace. Please dress appropriate to the conditions as there are both outdoor & indoor displays.

We will meet @ Rite-Aid Pharmacy, 7719 Main St., Fogelsville, Pa 18051 by 4:00, leaving promptly @ 4:15 pm. Dinner will be @ the Blue Mtn. Family Restaurant, Shartlesville, Pa, then to Koziar’s Christmas Village, Bernville.
Members = _______________________________________$5.00 per person
Member child(ren) (4-10)=___________________________$4.00 per child
Non-Members/Guests=______________________________$9.00 per person
Non-Members child(ren) (4-10)=______________________$8.00 per child
Submit to Sally Getz, check payable to “Free Spirit” Chapter, 1060 Main road, Lehighton, Pa 18235. Please remit by November 23, 2016.

December 6, 2016 Chapter Holiday Gathering

Starlite Diner & Lounge, 233 North Rt. 100, Allentown, Pa. Cash Bar/Happy/Social hour 5:00pm, dinner 6:00pm on Tuesday, December 6th. The infamous “CRAZY BINGO” will once again be played & enjoyed by everyone after dinner. Remember: EACH PERSON must bring a wrapped, $10.00, gift.
Menu = Entrée with baked potato (choose 1) = Black Diamond Steak
Fresh Veal Parmigiana with Pasta
Broiled Haddock
Each entree comes with soup, salad & bread bar, soda, water, Ice Tea, coffee or tea.
Dessert = restaurants personal choice from 3 items.
Member = ______________________, entrée choice______________________$5.00
Spouse = _______________________, entrée choice______________________$5.00
Member child(ren) (6-12)____________________________, child menu choice, free
Non-member = __________________, entrée choice_____________________$25.00
Non-member child(ren) (6-12)________________________, child menu choice/price

Please submit your reservations, checks, choice of entrée(s) to Sally Getz, 1060 Main Road, Lehighton, Pa 18235, 610-3776130, csgetz@ptd.net. Please R.S.V.P. by Friday, December 1, 2016! If you have never attended this event, it is a whole lot of FUN!!

Start your Holiday season off on the right foot! Let yourself be swayed into the Spirit
of the Season! So, please join everyone for an interesting & exciting evening!!

January 2, 2017

As of January 2, 2017, when attending the monthly chapter meetings, be sure to wear your BADGE! When you became a “Free Spirit” Chapter member, you received a badge w/ your name on it. Be sure to find it to wear to each & every meeting. If you are a recent new member & you did not receive your badge yet, please ask Dolores Kennedy for one. If you are a member & your spouse does not have a badge, please see Dolores Kennedy.
Dolores Kennedy will be collecting a dollar from anyone who attends the meeting NOT wearing their badge. This money will go towards the September 2018 Northeast Buick Regional to be held @ Lehighton, Pa.

Northeast Buick Regional, September, 2018, Lehighton, Pa

During the September 2016 BOD meeting, a 2018 NE Buick Regional was discussed. Much discussion took place as far as the month, grounds, pavilions, access, grass & macadam, protection from inclement weather, space, local hotels, local restaurants, both fast food and dining, day tour/trip on Friday, judging, food accessibility, highway accessibility, finances, etc. Majority vote was 8 to 2 in favor for this event to be held. Please keep abreast of the future newsletters to be kept in the loop about this event!

The White Lines on The Road

It is one of those mornings where the fog is so thick you can only see a short distance. The strain on the eyes takes its toll as you creep along barely able to make out the white lines that mark the travel lanes on the highway. You hope the sun will soon burn through & the fog will quickly dissipate. The fact that the line painters had just repainted the lines on most of your route helps considerably. The section that had not been repainted was almost impossible to navigate w/ any assurance of being in the proper lane where you belonged.

As I reflected upon what those little white lines mean, I couldn’t help but consider their importance. Even when the sun is shining bright they help us navigate the curves & keep on the right side of the road. They serve as a constant reminder that the edge of the road is not far away. Oh, the yellow lines are there as well & they have their own story – passing is allowed do not pass, etc. but it is the white ones that provide the reference point to keep you from running off the road. It isn’t that they have any real power or strength to stop you in your tracks or anything like that, they are just there. If you need something to stop you, check out the guide rail; then again, don’t. It is there for emergencies only.

We may not always appreciate the white lines, & @ times we tend to take them for granted & they seem unnecessary – until that morning when the fog rolls in & the visibility drops to zero.

I thought about how many other things in life have white lines that are just there. Things like common courtesy. It helps things flow more smoothly when we show patience & express appreciation. No one is looking over our shoulder & demanding it, but experience & common sense have taught us that a proper observance of the rules of etiquette is in our best interest. We could consider building codes, government regulations, & law & order to all be white lines that help us stay on track. Things like overdraft fees, speed limits, & dress codes do the same. Even simple things like entrance & exit doors, crowd control & construction barriers. One way signs provide a flow to expedite movement & keep order. Using the recommended dosage on a bottle of medication & following the directions on household cleaners keeps us safe from harm. Misusing them or ignoring the instructions could be a recipe for disaster.

What about the moral code of ethics? Does it provide direction for how we live? Could we consider our moral code to be white lines? Absolutely! A high standard of morals keeps us in a safe place, whereas a low standard of morels will lead to unwanted & unwelcomed consequences. Is it possible that the white lines of morality in our culture have faded to the point where they no longer have a desired effect? I think so!

Just like the road crews need to repaint the lines so they provide a point of reference & can be seen in the fog, so we need to consult our moral compass. Simple neglect will increase the possibility of ending up in the ditch & getting hurt.

The white lines in life are for our well-being. Let’s keep them painted bright so when society around us runs rampant, we can stay on track.

GOODBYE HUMMER

Hello Buick supercharged 3/4-ton dual-rear 4×4 Assault Wagon
A grocery getter that gets more than groceries. It gets respect
In this Buick, when you pick up the kids @ soccer practice, practice is over right now. When you drop off the dry cleaning, it will be ready by 5, even without the ticket. Suddenly, every gas station is full serve, & @ a drive-through restaurants, you can do just that. “May I take your orders?” You bet they can.

The race is not always to the swift
What Assault Wagon lacks in acceleration, it more than makes up for in reduced trip times, because slower traffic always keeps right. Or left.
A little LeSabre rattling assures you of a clear lane wherever you choose to drive.
Straddle the double-yellow if you like; we don’t think anyone will mind.
In fact, they’ll pull off the road just to get a better look at Buick’s timeless Dyna-Threat styling.

Parking is never a problem
Despite Assault Wagon’s ponderous proportions, even a shopping mall parking lot the weekend before Christmas provides endless accommodation because Assault Wagon’s 20-inch studded knobby tires bite hard, into bare asphalt or the roofs of lesser vehicles. Convenience is no afterthought-it’s built-in. They won’t yield the right of way; they’ll surrender it unconditionally

To motorists thinking of merging in front of you, Assault Wagon’s bold lines & masculine elegance whisper “I don’t think so.” And when it’s your turn to merge, you’ll blend effortlessly into traffic, across as many lanes as you wish. No peskier glancing to the left. You’ll forget you even have a horn, because your message always comes through loud & clear. Driving Assault Wagon means the light is always green, even when it isn’t.

Unprecedented courtesy is standard equipment
Fellow motorists will signal their lane changes well in advance, perhaps hours. Hand gestures will include all fingers. Oncoming traffic will dim their high beams, or you can do it for them with a push of a button. And when the no-nonsense grill of Assault Wagon fills their rear-view mirror, they’re going to put down that cell phone & drive as they’ve never driven before.

Don’t wait for trouble; it’s not waiting for you
Whether you’re a survivalist or just a survivor, Assault Wagon is your best choice for thwarting a carjacking or preparing for the complete breakdown of civilization.

Because you know that the post-Apocalypse world will be just as hectic & mobile as before. While others cower in their shelters or get stuck in the cratered remains of highways, you’ll own the wasteland, climbing effortlessly over rubble & those suddenly-not-so-smart economy cars, taking what you need & hauling it back to your compound, thanks to Assault Wagon’s 3-way door gate. The optional fold-down third seat means you can accommodate loot or looters with equal ease. And 16 cup holders means no more choosing between spilling lattes or fumbling for ammo.
More than a statement; it’s an ultimatum

Even if Armageddon is a ways off, Assault Wagon spares you the bother of affixing “Back Off” mudflaps, “Protected by Smith & Wesson” bumper stickers, or other truck-stop drollery, because no one will get close enough to your stern to read anything; a simple swing of the 360-degree turret moistens the seat of any tailgater.
Besides, Assault Wagon drivers don’t usually care to tell what they see, who’s on board, what their other car is, what they brake for (very little), which radio station they like, or what they’d rather be doing.

Wouldn’t you really rather have a Buick?
Especially one that can turn traffic jams into smoldering debris?

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

NOVEMBER 2016 HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
1 – Monthly chapter dinner meeting, Starlite Diner & Lounge, Rts. 100/78, Allentown, Pa. Dinner @ 6:00 pm, meeting @ 7:30 pm. Nominations go to vote.
6 – David Markel Car Collection tour w/ Ontelaunee Region AACA
6 – “Fall Roll Out” Show, Riegelsville, Pa
28 – Koziars Christmas Village, Bernville, Pa tour, tour master, Sally Getz.

DECEMBER 2016 HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
6 – ANNUAL CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY GATHERING, Starlite Diner & Lounge, Rts. 100/78, Allentown, Pa. Social hour @ 5 pm, dinner @ 6 pm.

JANUARY 2017 HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
2 – Monthly chapter meeting, Starlite Diner & Lounge, Allentown, Pa. Supper @ 6 pm, business meeting @ 7:30 pm. Remember, wear our chapter BADGE!!

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..
1951-52 Buick Mustache Bar to be rechromed, very hard to find! $400.00. 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
1979 Buick Riviera 32,000 miles call Michael Spitzer at 215-255-5768
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
1996 Buick Riviera Diamond White w/ excellent burgundy leather interior. 106K miles. Supercharged, chrome wheels, Astor roof. Garaged kept. New tires 9,000 miles ago. Super clean; not driven in winters; used for BDE Tours. Cold AC. Well maintained Buick. $7000. Ed Lenny BCA # 7534 Allentown, PA. lugnuts36@icloud.com, 610-751-7700
1958 Super/Limited Chrome & stainless trim, rear Ltd. Bumper end. 610-509-2061.
1964 Buick 300 V-8 w/ factory aluminum heads, complete w/ fan, carb, air cleaner, etc. TH 400 auto trans #BU-64-23582. Eng. #4K5029219, $700.00. 610-509-2061.

In Search Of

1948 Buick Special 2 door back chrome. Doug @ 570-573-0948.
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