Director’s Thoughts, June, 2017

History of Father’s Day in USA

Father’s Day festival as we celebrate today traces its history to United States of America. The idea of observing a day in honor of father was conceptualized by Ms.Sonora Smart Dodd, a loving daughter from Spokane. It so happened that Sonora attended a Mother’s Day Sermon in 1909 and she was struck with the noble idea that society must observe a day to honor the important contribution made by father in the raising of children. Encouraged by the love of her father, William Smart, a civil war veteran who single-handedly raised her along with her five siblings after the death of her mother, Sonora worked hard to make her concept a reality. The noble idea of celebrating Father’s Day soon spread across the nation. Father’s Day was recognized by a Joint Resolution of Congress in 1956. Finally, in 1972 President Nixon established Father’s Day as a permanent national day of observance on the third Sunday of June.

Father’s Day Celebrations in USA

Father’s Day celebrations in USA takes place with lot of gaiety and enthusiasm. The day is observed as a time for family reunion in families, as children who are staying away from families take time out to celebrate the day with their father. Indulging daddy with breakfast in bed and gifts like cards, flowers, chocolates and neckties is the traditional way of celebrating Father Day in USA. Massive popularity of Father’s Day Festival has led to extensive commercialization of the occasion. Critics rue that rigorous marketing campaign has spoiled the noble idea of honoring fathers on Father’s Day as many observe the day by performing the mere formality of presenting gifts to dad. Others, however, see the positive side of commercialization and say that it in fact helps to raise awareness about the day and encourages children to honor their father.

To all of the FATHER’s (step, grand, great-grand), HAPPY FATHER’s DAY to you!! May you experience a great day just because of YOU!!

Your elected Director, Sally Getz

“Free Spirit” Chapter Meeting Minutes, May 2, 2017

Director Sally Getz called the meeting to order @ 7:30 pm. There were 13 members & 1 guest present. Sally introduced guest speaker, Dorene Shannon, a representative of “Through These Hands,” based out of Catasauqua, PA. “Through These Hands” started in the year 2000 w/ the 1st shipment of 500 pair of slipper socks (like the ones you get to wear in the hospital); destination…Kosovo. While many supplies were donated to this organization to be distributed in several developing countries, it wasn’t until 2006 that it became incorporated & received it’s non-profit status in 2007. This organization is completely staffed by volunteers. While some supplies have been given to individuals/groups taking short-term mission trips, other supplies & equipment have been transferred to establish international non-profit organizations to be delivered to developing countries. This organization extends their hands to help those in need w/ the much needed medical supplies & durable medical equipment. All supplies are donated to this organization from the area hospitals & medical supply facilities.

Treasurer’s report – April report given, motion to accept by Alice Schaffer, seconded by Debbie Brady, so carried.
Motion to accept April meeting minutes as printed in the May newsletter, Dolores Kennedy, seconded by Isabel Lenny, so carried.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:
A. Historian – no report
B. Kempton – flyers are available to members to be handed out.
C. Membership – 3 persons forgot to wear their chapter badges. Next month is membership renewal month. Please see Dolores to renew.
D. Newsletter – no report
E. Programs:

• May 6th – Hatfield Auto/Mercer Museum tours.
• May 11th = BOD meeting
• May 18th – Lake Tobias Wildlife Park tour w/ Safari.
• June 4th – Annual Chapter picnic
• July = National Buick Meet, Brookfield, Wisconsin
• August 4-6 = DAF
• September 5 = reconvene monthly chapter meeting, guest speaker = Tammy Sholedice, Unit Manager, Clubhouse of the LV.
• September 23 = Thomas Edison, NJ Tour
• September 29-October1 = Buick Regional, Saratogo Springs, NY.
• October 5-7 = Fall Meet, Hershey, Pa
• October 10 = monthly chapter meeting (NOTE DAY CHANGE!!!)

F. Publicity – no report
G. Ways and Means – Buick coverlet sold to BCA member, Farmington Hills, MI
I. OLD BUSINESS:
Members reminded to send in their BCA ballots by June 1st! As per the forum, several members who have already mailed out their ballots, got them back. To ensure the ballot gets to the right state & person, place the ballot inside an envelope, then mail.
Dolores Kennedy was asked to give a synopsis on the Kreamer’s Textile Mill Tour.
2017 Upstate NY Regional: Upstate NY Chapter is hosting a 2017 Northeast Buick Regional, September 29-October 1, 2017 @ Clifton Park, NY. (approx. 3hrs 45 mins from Allentown, Pa, 235 mi.). Registration forms & information about the regional were available. If you would like a form, please contact Sally Getz.
II. NEW BUSINESS
Several members received their 2017 National BCA membership roster.
As the meeting came to a close, Sally reminded everyone to keep abreast of the many tours & events going on from now, til we reconvene w/ the monthly chapter meeting in September.
Motion to adjourn, Isabel Lenny, seconded, Alice Schaffer, so carried @ 8:44 pm.
Respectfully submitted, Sally Getz, substitute secretary

BOD Meeting, Thursday, May 11, 2017

Director Sally Getz called meeting to order @ 6:062pm. 4 officers, 4 BOD, 1 membership chairperson, & 3 guests present.
Donation to be sent to “Through These Hands”. Motion to accept Dolores Kennedy, seconded Shirley Schaffer, so carried.
Not to hand out renewal cards unless member requests a card, motion to accept Shirley Schaffer, seconded Dolores Kennedy, so carried.
2017 picnic, same as in past years with exception of special entertainment. Motion to accept Don Atwood, seconded Kathleen Duckett, so carried.
Kathleen Duckett introduced idea of purchasing lapel pins in honor of this chapter’s 40th Birthday. Information discussed. Motion to accept Don Atwood, seconded John Moore, so carried.
To rent table space during Hamburg meet, 2018. Sally to sell ways-n-means, & to promote 2018 NE PA All Buick Regional Meet, September 20-22, 2018. Motion to accept Dolores Kennedy, seconded Don Atwood, so carried.
2018 NE PA All Buick Regional Meet, Phifers Ice Dams, Lehighton, PA. Sally introduced an organized form for meet, along with what it takes to plan the meet. Motion to accept Don Atwood, seconded Thomas Duckett, so carried.
Motion to adjourn Dolores K., seconded Thomas Duckett, so carried @ 7:41 pm.
Respectfully submitted, Thomas Duckett

Chapter Badge(s)

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. Dolores Kennedy will be collecting a dollar from anyone who attends a meeting NOT wearing their badge.

June 4, 2017, Annual Chapter Picnic

“Hear Ye, Hear Ye, Announcing this years’ chapter picnic!” To be held @ the Weeping Willow Pavilion, Macungie Park, Macungie, Pa. Lunch to begin approximately around 12:30 pm. “Come One, Come All!!” The chapter will supply the meats, drinks, paper products, & utensils. All you need to bring is yourselves, your favorite homemade food selection(s), lawn chair(s), & stories!! Extra, Extra, Read All about It! Special entertainment will be provided in honor of this chapter’s 40th Birthday! So come on out to help celebrate!!
The following is so you know what type of food(s) to bring:
Last name beginning A-I = Cold food selection
J-R = Hot food selection
S-Z = Dessert selection
So, bring your empty bellies, good stories, scrumptious food selections, & BUICKS, & enjoy your day!! Dolores Kennedy will be accepting your chapter renewal dues for this year, June 1, 2017 – May 31, 2018. Sally Getz

June, 2017, Renewal Dues Month

This month is RENEWAL DUES month for “Free Spirit” Chapter, BCA. If you haven’t already renewed, look for the renewal dues form in this month’s newsletter. Your dues will be good from June 1, 2017 – May 31, 2018. Please submit your form with your check, payable to “Free Spirit” Chapter, BCA, to Dolores Kennedy, 2620 Ambassador Drive, Bethlehem, Pa. 18017-7717. Dolores will be ACCEPTING RENEWAL DUES during the chapter picnic, June 4th. Please renew by June 30, 2017!

CALLING ALL BUICK “FREE SPIRIT” MEMBERS!

Looking for BUICK members to help park BUICKS in the prime BUICK area of park on Sunday, August 6, 2018, @ Das Awkscht Fescht, Macungie, Pa. Time needed: 7:00 am-12:00 noon. This is only 1 day, Sunday, club day, during this yearly show. If you cannot make it for 7 am, anytime is good, but there has to be at least 2-3 persons to volunteer for 7 am. Please contact Sally Getz, 610-377-6130, csgetz@ptd.net BEFORE JULY 31st. After July 31st, contact Sally on 484-464-3418. Please volunteer your time so we DO NOT LOSE our prime front row seats with SHADE!! Sally Getz

Upstate NY NE Buick Regional, September 29-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, db., 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 20-22, 2018, Lehighton, Pa

A Northeast PA All Buick Regional will be held @ Lehighton, Pa @ Phifer’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!

Kreamer’s Textile Mil Tour, April, 2017

13 “Free Spiriters” were spun together to tour Kreamer’s Textile Mill, Nazareth, Pa. While some met @ the Starlite diner & Lounge, some met @ the Mill. During their tour, they were shown how the wool comes to the plant in the “Raw” sense, to then go through the system of becoming spun yarns & threads. At the end, the ladies just had a marvelous time, not to only look at the finishes skeins, but to also purchase many items offered! After the tour, the group then enjoyed a lunch @ the “Stone Quarry” Restaurant. Everyone who attended enjoyed their time together! You just never know what there is to tour in your backyard, so to speak.

Like Father, Like Son

Mike was sitting in the flower garden reading his favorite book. After a bit, his elderly father came out of the house & sat down bedside Mike on the bench. Mike just continued reading his book, as his father sat quietly beside him. Suddenly, he pointed @ something & asked Mike what it was. Mike took his eyes off his book, looked in the direction his father pointed & somewhat disgruntled, replied that it was just a sparrow. Needless to say, he was a bit taken back @ his father’s query. Mike returned to reading, but just minutes later his father again asked him about something & when Mike looked around, he saw that again it was the same sparrow his father was pointing at. Mike knew his father was showing some signs of aging but this took him off guard, nonetheless though now slightly irritated he again informed him that it was a sparrow. Turning to his book once more it was only a few moments until his father again pointed out @ the same sparrow & asked Mike what it was. This time Mike became upset & stood up from the bench. He rebuked his father for bothering him with silly questions & disturbing him again & again.

Silently his father left the garden & Mike settled down with his book grateful for a reprieve from the constant interruptions. It was only a few minutes until his father returned to the garden & sat beside his son. He opened a page from an old diary & held it in front of Mike. Still disgruntled, Mike took the diary from his father & began reading. It said,
“Today, while I was gardening, little Mike came out from his room
& sat beside me. Looking @ a sparrow sitting on the fence, my child
asked me innocently what it was. I smiled @ him, said that it is a
sparrow & kissed him in his forehead. After a while, Mike again asked
me what it was & pointed @ the same sparrow & I graciously smiled,
kissed & explained that it was a sparrow. This scene was repeated numerous
times until he grew tired & went back inside & I finished the
gardening. Pointing @ the same sparrow, little Mike had asked me 20
times what it was & I kept on answering him & kissing him on his
forehead each time.”

Tears rolled down the cheeks of Mike. He closed the diary & hugged his father tight apologizing for his rudeness. He was ashamed of himself as he realized his failure to follow his father’s example & determined in his heart from that day forward he would do his best to walk in his father’s footsteps. He wanted to be a good example for his son to follow.

Work Zone Safety

Summertime is prime time for road repair. As you navigate around town, or to a vacation destination, be mindful of the hardworking highway crews along the roadside. Earlier this year, PennDOT announced its #Slow4Zone social media campaign, which spotlights department employees & reminds drivers why it is important to pay attention & slowdown in work zones.

PennDOT Secretary Leslie S. Richards reminds every driver, “Work on our roadways is essential to keep people & commerce flowing, but drivers need to remember that it isn’t just equipment that they see in work zones – there are people. Work zones may be a temporary inconvenience, but these workers deserve our full attention & safest driving.” Preliminary PennDOT data shows that 24 people were killed in work-zone crashes in 2014, 8 more than in 2013. Since 1970, 85 PennDOT employees have died in the line of duty.

Additionally, the same data shows there were 1,841 crashes in work zones last year, a slight decrease from the 1,851 crashes in 2013. Over the 5 year period, there were 10,586 work-zone crashes & 128 fatalities in those crashes. In addition to crash data from police reports, PennDOT monitors, work-zone safety w/ internal reports. In 2014, there were 131 reported intrusions in PennDOT work zones, 92 of which nearly caused injury to employees or caused damage to equipment, & 21 of which caused fleet or equipment damage. Of those intrusions, 18 resulted in injuries to PennDOT employees.

Driving safely to protect highway workers, state law requires drivers to increase their visibility & obey work-zone speed limits. Drivers who don’t turn on their headlights in posted work zones face a $25.00 fine. Also, motorists caught driving 11 mph or more above the posted speed limit in active work zones automatically will lose their license for 15 days. To further underscore the importance of the lives of people working on the state’s transportation system, PennDOT’s #Slow4Zone initiative will feature employees from across the state who have witnessed or been injured in work-zone crashes, or who have a message for motorists. The campaign emphasizes that each employee is a mother, youth mentor or family member who wants to get home safely each day.

Work Zone Safety Tips

• If you encounter work zones, please keep the following tips in mind for your safety & the safety of highway workers:
• Drive the posted work-zone speed limit
• Stay alert & pay close attention to signs & flaggers
• Turn on your headlight if signs instruct you to so so
• Maintain a safe distance around vehicles. DO NOT TAILGAIT
• Use 4-way flashers when stopped or traveling slowly
• Avoid distractions & give your full attention to the road
• Expect the unexpected
• Be patient

Work Zone Laws

Pennsylvania work zone safety laws are designed to protect both highway workers & motorists.
Headlights On = All motorists are required to travel w/ their headlights turned on in all posted work zones, not just active work zones. It is necessary for drivers in vehicles w/ daytime running lights to turn on their headlights in order to activate their taillights.
Speed-Monitoring Devices = Interstate work zones w/ a project cost exceeding $300,000 will have a speed-monitoring device to alert motorists of their speed prior to entering the work zone.

ACTIVE WORK ZONES

Posting of Active Work Zones = active work zones must be designated as such to notify motorists when they enter & leave the work zone. A white flashing light attached to the “Active Work Zone When Flashing” sign will indicate an active work zone. The flashing light will only be activated when workers are present & turned off when workers are not present.

15-Day Loss of License for Driving Dangerously = Motorists caught driving 11 mph or more above the posted speed limit in an active work zone, or who are involved in a crash in an active work zone & are convicted for failing to drive @ a safe speed, automatically will lose their license for 15 days.
Fines Doubled/Jail Time Increased = Fines for certain traffic violations – including speeding, driving under the influence, & failure to obey traffic devices – are doubled for active work zones. Also, the law provides for up to 5 years of additional jail time for individuals convicted of homicide by vehicle for a crash that occurred in an active work zone.

Does Your Home Support Aging & Healing?

Aging @ home is a necessary goal for older adults. It’s the place that we’re most comfortable in & most likely, the one we can afford. Though, many older adults take for granted that the home will support the requirements as they change physically. Ordinarily, the home does not adapt w/our changes. It’s true that a 1 story is more supportive than a multi story, but even a 1 level home comes with a basket of problems. For example, if 1 breaks a hip, how will you navigate moving from room to room? If it’s 2 story, then living on the 1st story will take planning.

Recently, an elderly neighbor slipped & broke her shoulder. She lives alone & depends on friends for food & support to stay home. The other day, EMS was in her driveway. I don’t know the status, but that can’t be good news. She relies on a walker for mobility, which the broken shoulder makes it impossible for her to use. So, what can 1 do today to make the home well-equipped for supportive living? Think through these statements first:
Check your zip code; are your friends & daily routines nearby? That includes the market, bank, post office, hair salon & hospital & medical offices.

Connect your community: set up a network of support. It takes effort, time & resources but look into the Village to Village Network which helps members gain access to events, vetted vendors & volunteers who help w/ driving, shopping & household tasks & services.

Update the Home

Check out universal design features that allow individuals to live longer & remain independent. The costs will range from a few hundred dollars to over $100,000 for a downstairs master suite addition. Try these simple improvements now before taking on an expensive overhaul.

• Add a grab bar in the bathroom by the toilet & bathtub or shower.
• Install task lighting in the kitchen.
• Replace door knobs with levers to ease entry.
• Measure the hallways & determine if they accommodate wheelchair accessibility.
• Select low-pile carpeting & avoid high gloss finishes on floors. Make sure the house has flush transitions between spaces. Eliminate area rugs altogether.
• Install single-lever faucets in all basins.
• Install pullouts & lazy Susan if cabinets are too high to reach.
• Make sure you have a 1st floor master-bedroom.
• Replace flip light switches w/ rocker type. Install automatic motion sensor lighting in the bathroom.
• Purchase a lift chair & an adjustable bed, eliminating the need to leap up & out.
  Other Things to Consider
• Zero landscaping – ditch the grass.
• Plant perennials not annuals.
• Install a sprinkler system if you can’t give up the lawn.
• Replace flowers & shrubs with a rock garden.

It’s preferable to stay at home. Plan now to ensure it keeps you safe in the golden years.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

JUNE 2017 HAPPY SUMMER!
3 – Mason-Dixon chapter BCA, 9th Annual Buick Show, Mechanicsburg, Pa
4 – Annual “Free Spirit” Chapter Picnic.
10 – 12th Annual Fleetwood Rotary Show of Wheels, Fleetwood, Pa
16-17 – Pypes Exhaust Muscle Car/Truck Show, Hatfield, Pa

JULY 2017 HAPPY 4th of JULY!!
2 – Anthracite Region show, McAdoo, Pa
4 – Car Show w/ Flea Market, Fleetwood Community Park, Fleetwood, Pa.
5-8 – Buick Club National Meet, Brookfield, Wisconsin
28 – St. Philip Neri Church 15th Annual Car Show, Klinerd Rd., Pennsburg, Pa
29 – 3rd Annual Northampton Area School District Car Show, East Allen Twps., Pa

AUGUST 2017 Dog Days of Summer!
4 – 6 – Das Awkscht Fescht, Macungie, Pa
6 – Penny packer Mills Show, Schwenksville, Pa
6 – 4UDrew show, Doylestown, Pa
20 – 18th Annual sticks Reunion Show, Wind Gap, 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.
1951-52 Buick Mustache Bar to be rechromed, very hard to find! $400.00. William, 610-970-7183, 484-948-6213.
1958 Super/Limited Chrome & stainless trim, rear Ltd. Bumper end. 610-509-2061.
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
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.
1966 Buick Skylark GS 2 dr HDT, red/white top. $16,500.00. 610-582-3758
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 with grey/blk int., orig parts, EXCELLENT condition, 3200 ORIGINAL miles. Stored in heat controlled garage. $28,500 (OBO), gbrentano@verizon.net

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