Director’s Thoughts, APRIL, 2017

Classic Car Poem by Ray Feasey

The leather upholstery and walnut dash, Nothing plastic looking cheap or brash
The shiny chrome and deep rug pile, Just sitting in it brings a smile

To clean for hours on weekend day, Then fill with petrol and drive away
To country place with airs and grace, This big old beauty has such pace

To see the many admiring stare , As they hurl past in their look-alike wares
Of modern age with designer fashion, All quiet the same, but no real passion

As hobbies go its not so cheap, Yet then again the joy you reap
Makes pure indulgence so worthwhile, As the whole 4 litre echoes such style

It’s old yet ageless none the less, With uneconomical thirst and zest
Then as you drive it all the while, Consider its journey mile on mile

Throughout its years and ownerships, What places has it been?
I wonder was it loved in early days , And by its then owner cleaned

Or did the staff just do the chore, And fetch it round to large front door
With owner sitting in the back, Just being chauffeured, prestige and that!

Now is the time when we all get our cars: antique, classic or todays’ cars, ready for the car season!  When you really think about it, actually how much time do you, or have someone really work on your car(s) getting them ready?  The thing of it is, you really DO enjoy working on the cars, or, otherwise, why have them, right?  It is a hobby that we all DO enjoy!  GO BUICK!
Your elected Director, Sally Getz

“Free Spirit” Chapter Meeting Minutes, March 7, 2017

Director Sally Getz called the meeting to order @ 7:33 pm.  There were 17 members & 1 guest present.  Sally introduced guest speaker, Mr. Gregory Cunningham, Director of Goodwill Keystone Facility, Allentown, Pa.  What do you think of when you think of Goodwill? Well, mostly Goodwill is most known for its stores. However Goodwill is much more!  It is a Social Enterprise.  Goodwill’s Mission = support those with disabilities to become good workers in the community.

Goodwill was born in 1902 in Boston, Mass by a Methodist pastor, Rev. Edgar J. Helms.  He saw a lot of people who were in need of many things, both physical, social, material, and emotional.  Back then, since there was no welfare, social security etc. the Reverend decided that his church could help these persons out.  However, people were too proud to accept “hand-outs”.  They needed a “hand-up”, help to help themselves.

Goodwill provides many programs to help the needy, the disabled & veterans.  These programs provide the support, the self-esteem, self-respect, dignity & the positive reinforcement one needs to function in everyday life.

Goodwill does business with PP&L, Mack Trucks, Westport, Allen Organ, etc. by fulfilling job opportunities to persons in need.  “Goodwill Good Careers Start Here” is a 3 year old program to assist persons into “climbing the ladder” within Goodwill or outside businesses.  “Career Navigator” is a program to find job opportunities within an area for persons who can perform within that job description.  Goodwill also helps out w/ persons to obtain GED’s, Associate degrees, trade school education by supplying child care, transportation, tuition etc.  “Stewardship” is highly recognized by Goodwill & its employees.  What one donates is cared for w/ high respect till it has found a new home.  In 2016, Goodwill had >3 million shoppers & 900,000donors.

There are 48 Goodwill retail stores in 22 counties of central & southern PA, 4 in the LV, & employ >1300 people.  Retail stores provide 2/3 funding for Goodwill.  Please think of Goodwill when you are donating items.
Treasurer’s report – Motion to accept February’s report, Kathleen Duckett, seconded by Don Atwood, so carried.
Motion to accept February’s meeting minutes as printed in the March newsletter, Isabel Lenny, seconded by Thomas Duckett, so carried.

COMITTEE REPORTS:
A. Historian – no report
B. Kempton – flyers were available during Hamburg Swap Meet.  Ads have been placed on several web sites & has been submitted to Pete Phillips, Editor of Bugle.
C. Membership – 2 person were not wearing their chapter badge
D. Newsletter – all newsletter advertisers have been renewed
E. Programs –April 4th = Mr. Daniel Dillard, executive Director/CEO of the Burn Prevention Network, LV.
May 2nd = speaker from “Through These Hands”.
If you would like to hear from a specific organization or person for 2017 meetings, please let Sally Getz know.
F. Publicity – no report
G. Ways and Means – no report
I.  OLD BUSINESS:
2017 Upstate NY Regional: Upstate NY Chapter is holding a 2017 Northeast Buick Regional, September 29-October 1, 2017 @ Clifton Park, NY.  (approx. 3hrs 45 mins from Allentown, Pa, or roughly 235 mi.).  Sally encourages members to attend.  You can book your room now, & delete days before the show if you cannot attend, without being charged!
II. NEW BUSINESS
Sally would like to rent a table space during next year’s Hamburg Meet to promote this chapter & the 2018 NE PA ALL BUICK REGIONAL.  Will ask BOD’s during the May meeting.

Minutes for the National Meet Committee, February 26, 2017, were shared.  This year’s National Meet, 1000 rooms sold.  A photographer has been contacted.  Security is set.  76 persons are registered.  An Atlanta, Georgia Chapter & NE Ohio chapter have shown interest in holding a National in 2020.
Motion to adjourn, Dolores Kennedy, seconded, Rita Atwood, so carried @ 8:37 pm.                                               Respectfully submitted, Thomas Duckett, Secretary

April 4, 2017
Be sure to wear your BADGE!  When you became a “Free Spirit” Chapter member, you received a badge with 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.

Kraemer Textile Mill Tour, April 24, 2017    Kraemer Textiles has been custom spinning yarn for many types of industries for over 100 years, including apparel, carpet, home furnishings, industrial and craft. Our hand knitting line, Kraemer Yarns, began in 2005 and look forward to keeping up with the rapidly growing demand for quality yarns for many years to come.  Members (any age) = $4.00 per member.  Non-members (any age) = $8.00 pp  R.S.V.P. to Stacy Sterner, 121 Pheasant Drive, Kutztown, Pa. 19530, by April 20, 2017.  Meet at the Starlight Diner & Lounge at – 9:00 am, leaving at 9:15 am.  Lunch after the tour (pay your own).  Location to be determined closer to the actual tour date.

Hatfield Auto & Mercer Museum  Tours, May 6, 2017

The Hatfield Auto Museum offers a truly unique automotive experience. Conveniently located in Hatfield (Montgomery County) PA, they specialize in Antique, Classic & Special-Interest cars. They cater to both auto enthusiasts & local auto clubs, & their #1 objective is to have fun when dealing with their cars & automotive passion. The museum is the kind of place where you can come to look at unique vehicles, or simply seek advice on your automotive problems, questions, or concerns.  It is a 100-year old former automotive show room that has been completely restored & decorated in a vintage & antique motif. On the 1st floor is the Vehicle Show Room & Storage Area.  On the 2nd floor is the Museum’s Event Center and “Old Car Bar”. Here you can preview additional Antique & Classic Cars, see the Automotive Collectibles Display, or just shoot a game of pool on their 19th century pool table.  It is handicapped accessible.  Lunch following (pay your own). After lunch, we will tour the Mercer Museum, Doylestown, Pa.  The Mercer Museum is a history museum of everyday life in America during the 18th and 19th centuries. Henry Mercer (1856-1930) gathered the collection and constructed the Museum. The collection of some 40,000 objects documents the lives and tasks of early Americans through the tools that met their needs and wants prior to the Industrial Revolution, or about 1850. Visitors can choose their own paths through the Museum. Most of the 55 exhibit rooms and alcoves display the tools or products of an early American craft, trade or occupation. Other rooms show categories of objects such as lighting devices or architectural hardware.  Meet @ Starlite Diner & Lounge by 9:30, leaving promptly @ 9:45 am.  Member = $12.00 per member.  Non-member = $22.00 per person.  R.S.V.P. to Sally Getz, 1060 Main Road, Lehighton, Pa 18235 by May 2, 2017.

Lake Tobias Wildlife Park Tour, May 18, 2017

Since 1965 Lake Tobias Wildlife Park has been fascinating patrons with its wild, exotic animals and adventure-seeking safari tours. The late J.R. Tobias founded the park on the same property where he was born and raised. He and his wife, Pauline, reared their seven children here before his passing in 1996. Mrs. Tobias still resides in the farm house.  Before his passing, Mr. Tobias bestowed his hobby-turned -business to his children, many of whom were already managing areas of the park. The unfortunate death in 2010 of the eldest of the seven children, Dee Ann (Tobias) Hoffman, has resulted in the current ownership of the park being the six remaining siblings and a grandson. Under their direction, J.R.’s love and interest in animals continues to grow as a self-sustaining, family-owned business that has become a favorite family attraction for over 170,000 park visitors each season. Lake Tobias relies strictly on park revenue for its financial support and does not receive any state or federal funding.  Safari Tours are the main attraction at Lake Tobias Wildlife Park. Specially designed, open-air cruisers take you across 150 acres of rolling hills where you see herds of wild and exotic animals from around the world. Tour guides travel with you through pasture land and wooded areas giving expert information on the various species and their habitats. Approximately 500 head of mammals and flightless birds, which may vary daily, are on the tour.  Is handicapped accessible.
Meet @ Starlite Diner & Lounge by 8:45 am, ready to leave @ 9:00 am.  Member =  $7.00.  Non-member = $18.00.  Person has FREE admission w/ MILITARY ID!  Send check made payable to “Free Spirit” Chapter, to Don Sterner, 121 Pheasant Drive, Kutztown, Pa 19530 by May 12, 2017.

Upstate NY NE Buick Regional,

September29-October 1, 2017
Clifton Park, New York

Meet Itinerary- Friday: self-driving tour to the Saratoga Auto Museum.
Saturday: car show 9AM – 3 PM & banquet
Sunday:  An after tour of historic sites is being developed.

HOTEL INFORMATION Homewood Suites & the Hilton Garden Inn located at Exit 9, Rt 87 (the Northway) with easy off/on availability.   HOST HOTEL:  Homewood Suites, Clifton Park Center, 42 Clifton Country Rd, Clifton Park, NY 12065. Rates 135+ tax per night includes breakfast.  Call 518-371-2000 or 1-800-HILTONS.   Mention room code BCA.  Hilton Garden Inn, Clifton Park Center, 30 Clifton Country Rd, Clifton Park, NY 12065. Rates $125 + tax, dbl Queen, King. No breakfast included but available on premises. 1-800-HILTONS. Mention room code BCA.  www.unybca.com

Northeast PA All Buick Regional, September, 2018, Lehighton, Pa

A Northeast PA All Buick Regional will be held @ Lehighton, Pa @ Phiffer’s Ice Dams.  This is a community park with pavilions, ball field, grass, macadam, playground, & plenty of space for a nice show!  There are 2 local hotels, 1 within 0.5 miles & 1 just 1 mile away.  There are fine dining restaurants as well as fast food restaurants.  The PA turnpike is only 1 mile away for those who travel!  Please keep abreast of the future newsletters to be kept in the loop about this exciting event!

Pothole Damage Costs U.S Drivers $3 Billion Annually

It’s that time of year again when rain, snow, ice & changing temperatures mark the arrival of pothole season.  Potholes are as much a springtime ritual as dandelions & every year there’s a bumper crop.  Potholes are caused by cracks in the road surface that allow water to seep underneath.  When the water freezes these cracks become larger & when the ice melts it creates a void.  Traffic rolling over the weakened area causes the surface layer to crumble & cave in forming a pothole.

Most experts agree that the life expectancy of components such as ball joints, tie rod ends & idler arms is shortened more by potholes & rough roads than by long-distance driving.  AAA responds to > 4 million calls for flat tire assistance/year, many result of pothole encounters.  A recent study from AAA Automotive Engineering revealed that pothole damage has cost U.S. drivers $15 billion in vehicle repairs over the last 5 years, approximately $3 billion annually.  Problems range from blowouts & bent wheels, to more expensive suspension damage.  On average, American drivers pay about $300 to repair pothole-related vehicle damage.

When a wheel strikes a pothole, it falls into the hole, then has to “climb” out.  Unless the hole is extremely deep, falling into it seldom causes much damage.  Climbing out is another matter.  The severity of the damage depends on a combination of factors such as tire diameter, hole depth, length of the hole & vehicle speed.  The wrong combination can cause enormous problems.  Longer potholes typically cause the most damage & pothole impacts are amplified when chassis parts are worn.  While it may be more easily said than done, avoiding a pothole is the best way to control damage.  Hazardous potholes may also be partially hidden under water.  Drivers need to remain alert, scan the road & increase following distances behind the vehicle head.

If hitting a pothole is inevitable, it is critical that drivers slow down, release the brakes & straighten the wheel before hitting the pothole.  Motorists should never brake during pothole impact because a locked wheel will suffer more damage than a rolling one.  Don’t swerve to avoid potholes.  Swerving can create a situation where the front wheel impacts the edge of the pothole at an obtuse angle, causing more damage than hitting it squarely.  To minimize vehicle damage, AAA advises drivers to ensure tires are properly inflated & have adequate tread depth, as they are the only cushion between a pothole & the vehicle.

The AAA survey found that 2/3 of Americans are concerned about potholes on local roadways.  AAA urges state & local governments to fully fund & prioritize road maintenance to reduce vehicle damage, repair costs & driver frustration.

Choosing the Right Tire is as Easy as ABC:
How to read the writing on the sidewall

Buying new tires can be confusing.  There’s a bewildering array of choices & unfamiliar terminology.  Fortunately there’s a lot of good information right where you need it- on the tires.  All tires have information printed on their sidewalls indicating size, type, load, & speed ratings through a standardized set of numbers & letters like: P215/65R-15 95H.  P stands for passenger tire, 215-65 is the width & aspect ratio of the tire, while R designates a radial tire. The #15 indicates the wheel size, while 95 is the load index & H stands for the speed rating.

The higher the load index, the greater the load a tire can support.  A 95 load index for example, means the tire can carry approximately 1521 lbs.  The speed rating is the speed a tire was designed to be driven over an extended period of time.  Ratings range from M-81 mph, to Y-186 mph although not quite in alphabetical order.  An H or 130 mph rating for example is higher than a U or 124 mph rating.  Most tire companies do not recommend downgrading the speed rating from your original equipment tires.  If a tire is rated for safe performance in mud & snow, it will be noted on the sidewall w/ an M/S, M+S or M&S symbol.  In addition, the U.S. Dept. of Transportation, DOT, requires each manufacturer to grade its tires under the Uniform Tire Quality Grading System (UTQG) & establish ratings for tread wear, traction, & temperature resistance.

This grading system provides guidelines for making relative comparisons when purchasing new tires.  Tread wear grade indicate a tire’s relative wear rate.  The higher the number, the longer it should take for the tread to wear down.  A tire grade of 400 should wear twice as long as a tire grade of 200.  Traction grades rate a tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement & is graded as AA, A, B, & C from best to worst.  Most passenger car tires are rated A, while B & C ratings tend to be found on light truck tires.  Temperature grades reflect a tire’s resistance to heat.  Sustained high temperatures such as driving long distances in hot weather can cause a tire to deteriorate, leading to blowouts & tread separation.  Tires are graded as A, B, or C w/ an A rating signifying the coolest running tire.  That does not mean C rated tires are unsafe.  All tires should perform safely & reliably when driven at the speed limit, but higher graded tires will give you a greater margin of safety.

Although this rating system can be very helpful when buying new tires, it is no guarantee.  Factors such as personal driving style, type of car, road quality & tire maintenance habits all have a significant influence on your tire’s performance & longevity.

Paint vs. Car Wrap Options

Over time a car’s exterior can fade or suffer some dings & dents.  Before owners sell or trade in their rides for something new, investing in a new color may be all that’s necessary to revitalize the look of the vehicle.  Changing the color of a car is not something every driver should try on their own.  Such a task can be time-consuming, & it requires a good deal of skill to turn out looking good.  Furthermore, painting a car involves a variety of different tools & equipment, from a spray gun, sander & buffer, to specific types of enamel or acrylic paints.  After considering the work involved & the expense of investing in the equipment to get the job done right, many vehicle owners opt to hire a professional to change the color of their vehicles.  Many service centers offer 2 options to change the look of a car or truck: painting & car wraps.

Paint Job:  a professional paint job will yield an impressive result.  A skilled auto painter can recommend the right type of automotive paint for your make & model & guide you in color selections.  While there are hundreds of color choices available, professionals also may be able to mix colors to create the custom look you desire.  Paint work may be done to match the existing color of the vehicle after accident repairs have been made.  Or you may be tired w/ the color of your car & simply desire a change.  Experienced service shops can offer these services & more.  Other shops may specialize in custom paint jobs that may entail graphics, detail work or the blending of multiple colors to give the vehicle an airbrushed effect.  Custom painters are artists, & their work may be very detailed.

Painting may demand your vehicle be off the road for a week or more, so it’s best to have an alternative travel plan.  Also, be sure to investigate how painting will affect the value of the vehicle.  A paint job may end up depreciating the value of a resale because it’s changing the original vehicle permanently.

Car Wrap:  Car wraps are typically made of high-quality vinyl’s that come in a bevy of different colors & styles.  Wraps also can be used for custom graphics or to advertise businesses.  The vinyl wrap completely covers the paint of the vehicle.  But because car wraps can be removed, they do not permanently change the vehicle & are therefore unlikely to affect its resale value.  Car wrapping can take less time than a labor-intensive paint job.  Some jobs can be completed in only 2 or 3 days.  Car wraps also may be the less expensive option if you’re not selecting a complicated, custom design.  Many car wraps will last between 5-7 years, which is on par with the life span of a professional paint job, which lasts 5-10 years.

Changing the look of a vehicle may be as simple as choosing a new exterior color.  Professional paint services & vinyl car wraps make it easy to switch up the style of a car or truck.

Did you Know?

There are different times in a driver’s life when he or she may have to pull over on the side of the road.  Whether a flat tire has derailed the trip, the driver or a passenger is experiencing motion sickness or you find the car isn’t performing correctly & it warrants a look under the hood, pulling over on the shoulder may be necessary.

It can be difficult to pull overt smoothly & safely on a busy highway, especially when you are in a stressful situation, such a mechanical emergency.  But it is in your best interest to remain calm & follow a few procedures.  First, slow down & put on your right-turn signal to indicate you will need to move into the right lane.  Some people prefer to put their 4-way flashers on after they have successfully cleared the lanes & are ready to navigate onto the shoulder. Try to select a spot where you are not on a bend or where there is poor visibility or your vehicle cannot be seen by other drivers in the highway.  You do not want to be injured while exiting or attempting to work on the pulled-over vehicle.  Drivers should keep an emergency roadside assistance preparedness kit containing flares, emergency triangles or cones, a flashlight, batteries, a poncho, booster cables, duct tape, a utility knife, cord, a blanket, & first aid supplies in the car as a precaution.  Each item serves its own unique purpose.

The Canadian Automobile Association recommends staying inside the vehicle, especially on a busy road.  Tow trucks & police vehicles typically cruise busy stretches of road & help may arrive in a matter of minutes.  Those who have roadside assistance plan membership can use a cell phone to make a call for help.  It is best to wait in the car until a tow truck or police arrive.

Did You Also Know!

The automotive industry has long been a male-dominated industry.  Things could begin to shift after the actions taken by 1 major automaker.  In late 2013, Mary Barra was named the CEO for General Motors.  Barra, who has worked for GM in various capacities for the past 33 years, becomes the 1st woman ever to lead a major automaker.  Barra began working @ GM in the Pontiac Motor Division when she was 18 as a means to pay for college tuition.  Most recently she was the executive vice president of global product development, purchasing & supply chain for GM.  According to GM, Barra was picked for her wealth of knowledge & managerial skills, not for political correctness.

Texting

A study of people eating in fast-food restaurants has found that parents who texted, emailed, or used their smartphone while eating meals with their children were generally more “cranky” & did not respond well to the children’s request for attention.  The parents who used their phone while eating generally did not pay much attention to their children’s needs, being absorbed with what was happening on the phone.  For example, a child trying to get the attention of a parent ended up irritating the parent, or even received a kick under the table in one instance.  The study was made by the same group that found that a TV, even if it was only in the background, inhibited a child’s creativity by sucking away the child’s creativity 7 focus.  The group making the study recommended no TV for children under 2 years of age & no use of electronic devices during meal times.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

APRIL 2017                                 APRIL FOOL’s DAY
4 – Monthly chapter meeting, Starlite Diner & Lounge, Allentown, Pa.  Dinner @ 6 pm, business meeting @ 7:30 pm.  REMEMBER TO WEAR YOUR BADGE!  Guest speaker is Mr. Daniel Dillard, Executive Director/CEO of Burn Prevention Network, Allentown, Pa.
19-23 – Carlisle Spring Meet, Carlisle, Pa
24 – Kraemer’s Textiles Tour, Nazareth, PA.  Stacy Sterner
28-30 – Spring Englishtown Swap Meet, Raceway Park, Englishtown, NJ.
30 – 43rd Auto Parts Swap Meet, Leesport, Pa.  610-926-3061

MAY 2017                            HAPPY SPRING!!
2 – Monthly chapter meeting, Starlite Diner & Lounge, Allentown, Pa.  Dinner @ 6 pm, business meeting @ 7:30 pm.  REMEMBER TO WEAR YOUR BADGE!
Guest speaker, “Through These Hands”, Allentown, Pa.
6 –Hatfield Auto/Mercer Museum tour. Tour masters, Sally Getz/Dan Reiniger
7 – 39th Annual GM on Display Show, Macungie Park, Macungie, Pa

JUNE 2017 HAPPY SUMMER!
3 – Mason-Dixon chapter BCA, 9th Annual Buick Show, Mechanicsburg, Pa
4 – Annual “Free Spirit” Chapter Picnic.  Come and join us to help celebrate this chapters’ 40th BIRTHDAY!!
10 – 12th Annual Fleetwood Rotary Show of Wheels, Fleetwood, Pa
16-17 – Pypes Exhaust Muscle Car/Truck Show, Hatfield, 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.
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
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. $6000. Ed Lenny BCA # 7534 Allentown, PA. lugnuts36@icloud.com, 610-751-7700

In Search Of

OPEL Manual, 717-201-1660.
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