December 2017 Newsletter

Director’s Thoughts, December 2017

Are you having a really tough time as to what to get that special someone in your life? Well, have I got just the greatest gift idea for you!

Buying A New Car: When Is The Best Time? Just like in life, timing is everything in car-buying — & buying a car at the right time could be the difference between saving hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars on your next vehicle purchase. While some shoppers believe negotiating is the only way to get a good deal on a new car, there’s really no guarantee your savings will justify hours spent at the dealership. Doing thorough research ahead of time & waiting for the right time to buy is a better strategy. Of course, despite the move to bring shoppers a car-buying experience that occurs predominantly online, dealerships are still driven to move inventory as quickly, efficiently & profitably as they can, regardless of how shoppers are buying vehicles. So, when is the right time to buy? And how do you use timing to your advantage to get a great car deal? Here are a few timing tips that will help you secure the best-possible price for your next vehicle.

End of the…You’ve probably heard that you can get a better deal on a car if you buy it the end of the month — & that’s true. But it’s not just the end of the month: You can usually swing a better car deal by buying your vehicle at the end of just about any period. For example, buying a car at the end of a day can sometimes yield better deals, as dealership employees may have home on their mind &, therefore, may be more flexible over the terms of sale. If you show up rested & refreshed at the end of the day, you might find a slightly better deal than you’d get if you arrive bright & early on a Saturday morning. Of course, buying at the end of the month is also always a good idea, as car dealers work hard to meet monthly sales quotas. In some cases, salespeople have financial bonuses assigned to their monthly sales quota — which means they’re willing to lose money on a car or two at the end of the month in order to make even more money by reaching their bonus. And then there’s another end period you could use to your advantage: the end of the quarter. Buying a car at the end of the month in March, June, September or December often leads to even better deals than buying at the end of the month, as dealerships are trying even harder to reach sales goals.

Last Year’s Model = Another way to use timing to your advantage when buying a new car is by getting a vehicle from the previous model year. New-model-year vehicles will start to come out in the fall of the previous year — for example, a 2018 model will debut in the fall of 2017 — & dealerships usually want last year’s stock gone before the new model arrives. But that doesn’t always work out, & if a 2017 model is still on the lot when a 2018 model arrives, dealerships will usually offer heavy discounts on the older model in order to sell it. Of course, there could be a drawback to this: If you buy last year’s model, & the new version is substantially changed or updated with a new look or new features, you won’t have the latest & greatest in technology or design. For some shoppers, that’s a deal-breaker, but other drivers who just want the best price probably won’t mind.

Holiday Weekends = Shop during holiday weekends, such as Labor Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day or Thanksgiving. You’ll often see or hear car dealerships advertising huge deals or blowout sales during holiday weekends, & those ads are almost always accurate. Automakers often offer special financing or cash-back deals for holiday weekends, & dealers sometimes tack on to those deals with special incentives of their own. While you might not want to spend your holiday weekend test-driving & signing the papers on a new car, doing so could help you save thousands of dollars & give you the peace of mind that you got a great deal.

Digital Revolution =The time is coming when you can complete an entire car purchase online — everything from the financing to the price, color & trim level can be handled virtually. Of course, you’ll still want to visit the dealer for a test drive, product demo & to make sure little Susie’s car seat will fit. However, this digital retailing revolution doesn’t negate the guidelines we’ve outlined here. As long as there is something to sell, inventory, demand, seasonality, quotas, bonuses & incentives will continue to play a role — & making the most of those things is the same whether you’re visiting a dealership in person or transacting online.

A Car for Christmas? It Really Happens, With a Bow on Top While December is usually the best month for car sales, customers require big deals along with those giant bows. Tis the season for cheesy car commercials: Santa cruising in a red Mercedes, a tailgate of reindeer around a white Lexus crossover, an absurd promise that “there’s nothing like the holidays in a new Lincoln.” Honda, at least, is having a little fun with the corny seasonal sales bid by reprising toys from the 1980s as pitchmen. But does anyone really get a new car under Christmas tree? The short answer is yes. A five-year average ranks December as the top month for total U.S. car sales, with about one in every 10 vehicles for the year rolling off dealership lots in the final month.

So, what do you think of my great idea? “HAPPY HOLIDAYS,” from ME, to all of YOU!! Your Elected Director, Sally Getz

Chapter Badges

Please remember to wear your chapter badge that has your name on it. Wearing it to the monthly chapter meetings is a must, or you will owe $1.00 to Dolores Kennedy. Also, please wear it to the periodic chapter events. Thus everyone can get to meet/greet you if you are a new member. If you do not have a badge with your name on it, please contact Dolores Kennedy & she’ll be more than happy to see you receive a badge!

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

Director Sally Getz called meeting to order, 7:49 pm, 20 members = 1 guest were present.

Martha Kriebel gave a very interesting presentation on her trip to Germany with her church this past spring, helping to celebrate the 500th Anniversary of Reformation. >135,000 persons attended this week event from all over the world. A slide presentation was viewed by everyone on the various activities which occurred during this joyous event. Thank you, Martha!

Motion to accept October meeting minutes as printed in November newsletter, Isabel Lenny, seconded by Kathleen Duckett, so carried.

Treasurer’s report –October report given by Clarence Getz, motion to accept Kathleen Duckett, seconded by Isabel Lenny, so carried.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:
A. Historian – Kempton pics to be placed on web site.
B. Kempton – Clarence gave detailed report on Kempton.
C. Membership – 2 members during Kempton show & 1 member at meeting signed up.
D. Newsletter – no report
E. Programs – Debbie Brady & Sally Getz will be working on guest speakers for the 2018 meetings.
F. Publicity – NE PA ALL BUICK REGIONAL flyer & registration forms have been placed on free web sites & information was sent to the regional directors to be shared w/ their memberships. Sally passed out flyer/registration forms to members. This same form is on the chapter web site: www.buickfreespirit.org.
G. Technical – no report
H. Ways and Means – a dash plaque sold during Kempton. Sally received call from a Buick enthusiast in Michigan wanting to purchase 3 rulers/3 yardsticks. Awaiting his check. This person also gave Sally a lead on selling a BUICK throw!
I. OLD BUSINESS:
Nominations: there were no oppositions for officers & 2 BOD:
Director = Sally Getz
Assistant Director = Debbie Brady
Secretary = Don Atwood
Treasurer = Clarence Getz
2 BOD’s (2-year term) = George Grossman, Dan Reiniger.
John Moore & Thomas Sylvester will stay on as BOD’s for 1 more year, to complete their 2 year term.
Membership Chairperson = Dolores Kennedy
Activities Director = Shirley Schaffer
Motion to accept, Dolores Kennedy, seconded by Kathleen Duckett, so carried.
II. NEW BUSINESS:
A sympathy card was passed around for members to sign on the passing of Mike Wolfes’ mother.
Received an email from a gentleman looking for information on other Buick enthusiasts that could possibly be in his area. Sally sent him some information to help him out.
Sally reminded everyone that next month is the chapters’ annual “Holiday Gathering”. Men, be sure to wear your most handsome Holiday sweater; & women, be sure to wear your most prettiest Holiday sweater! Put on your thinking caps for ideas! A voting contest will be taken! Be sure to get your reservations to Sally by November 24th!

Motion to adjourn, Isabel Lenny, seconded Thomas Duckett, so carried @ 9:06 pm.

Respectfully submitted, Thomas Duckett, Secretary

Northeast PA All Buick Regional, September 20-22, 2018, Lehighton, Pa

A NE PA All Buick Regional will be held @ Lehighton, Pa @ Phifer’s Ice Dams, September 20-22, 2018. There are 2 local hotels, 1 = 0.5 mile & 1 = 1 mile away. The PA turnpike is only 1 mile away for those who travel!

View the web site, www.buickfreespirit.org, to be kept in the loop about this exciting event, & to register your BUICK(s)!!!

“Holiday Gathering” Tuesday, December 5, 2017

Annual “Holiday Gathering” will be held, Starlite Diner & Lounge, Allentown, Pa, Tuesday, December 5, 2017. Social hour 5 pm, dinner 6 pm. Dinner = soup/salad/bread bar, baked potato, water, soda, coffee, Iced tea, tea & dessert.

Broiled Haddock, Black Diamond Steak, Chicken Parmigiana
Member = ___________________ entrée choice ________________ = $6.00
Spouse = ____________________ entrée choice ________________ = $6.00
Member child(ren) (6-12) = ___________________, child menu choice, free
Non-member = _________________, entrée choice = _____________$25.00
Non-member child(ren) (6-12) = _____________________, child menu price

“Prettiest & Handsomest Holiday Sweater” contest plus “Crazy Bingo” will occur after dinner. Each person attending MUST bring a $10.00 wrapped gift.

Submit your entrée choice(s), reservation(s), & check, made payable to “Free Spirit” Chapter, to Sally Getz, 1060 Main Road, Lehighton, Pa 18235 by November 24, 2017.

41st Annual Old Car Show, Kempton, Pa, Sunday, October 29, 2018

Despite the cool & rainy weather for this show, 14 pre-registered & 2 day of show registered cars did show up. 4 flea market vendors showed up but did not set up to sell. 1 inside vendor showed up & at up her display. For those who did show up, the awards were given out to the following:
Class A = 1st = Carson Krause, Lenhartsville, 1931 Ford
2nd = Larry Reber, Hamburg, 1936 Ford
Class D = 1st = Mike Weist, Slatington, 1967 Ford Mustang
2nd = Ed/Bernadine McGary, Easton, 1968 Oldsmobile
3rd = Dave Bruch, Auburn, 1962 Pontiac
3rd = Charlie Valentine, Stowe, 1965 Plymouth Barracuda
Class E = 1st = Mike Nestor, Elverson, 1978 Buick Electra
2nd = Fred Corch. McAdoo, 1979 Oldsmobile Cutlass
3rd = Joe Barachie, Lehighton, 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass Conv
3rd = Randy Czankner, Jr., Northampton, 1971 Chevy Monte Carlo
Class F = 1st = Rick Hengeveld, Allentown, 1984 Oldsmobile Sedan
2nd = Dolores/Larry Bogert, Germansville, 1980 Triumph TR7
3rd = Antonio DiFrancesco, Easton, 1986 Pontiac F Style
Class H = 1st = Charles Kern, Jonestown, Military Truck
2nd = Mike Wiest, Slatington, 1959 Ford F100
3rd = Todd Kriner, Lehighton, 1969 Dodge Truck
“Free Spirit” Directors Award = Jack Seidel, Fleetwood, 1964 Buick Special

Many “THANKS” to Kathleen/Thomas Duckett & Debbie/Dave Brady for coming out on Saturday to help the Getzs’ to set up, but the majority vote was to NOT set up for the impending weather forecast for Sunday. Many “THANKS” to those members who did show up on Sunday to help out & to support one another during the event. It is very difficult to have a rain date for any show do to renting the area, & then hoping the participants do not have something going on for the rain date. This is why there is no rain date for this show. So, we make the best as to what Mother Nature throws our way. With that being said, till next year………………….Sally/Clarence Getz

Picture below = Sat. October 28th. Pictures below = Sun. October 29th

Cars 4 Christmas

Cars 4 Christmas was started as a not for profit organization to provide charity cars primarily to disadvantaged families, individuals, people with disabilities, & veterans. Cars 4 Christmas recognizes that a large part of the population with a need of basic transportation resides in rural & suburban areas. In most of those places community transportation is limited. People still need transportation to find a job or go for a medical treatment. That is where Cars 4 Christmas car charity comes in. It gives free charity cars all year round to qualifying less fortunate families & individuals & using Christmas to raise public awareness of their car donations charitable cause. Currently the organization is expanding nationwide with Cars 4 Heroes program to help veterans & their families.

Who may be eligible for a free car from Cars 4 Christmas? Disadvantaged Individuals or families who are going through a difficult time, need a basic transportation, & are not able to obtain a car on their own are encouraged to apply.

How to apply for a car with Cars 4 Christmas? Cars 4 Christmas encourages all applicants to submit a story explaining why do they need a free car & how could it change their life. Selected applicants are notified by Cars 4 Christmas selection committee & invited for a personal interview regarding their application. According to Cars 4 Christmas website they receive about 15,000 applications per year & are giving away 300 charity cars each year.

Items to Make Winter Easier for Your Buick

Just like the kids in our lives, our cars need attention all year round & not just @ Christmas. However, there are a few things we just know your Buick would love to receive as a Christmas gift this year. These items won’t make or break your driving experience, but they will certainly make it easier & more fun! We’ll tell you 3 great Christmas gifts for your Buick!

3 Car Purchases to Make Winter Easier:

All-Season Floor Mats: Whether you make an effort or not, you & your passengers always seem to drag some of the dirt, snow, & salt from the winter roads into your car. We know that makes things get pretty grimy. An easy way to cut down on the dirt is to buy all-season mats for your Buick! This will ensure that you can simply wash the mats at the end of the season & forget the mess ever happened.

An Alarm for Lost Car Keys: You might have wondered to yourself at one point or another, why has no one ever invented this? Well, we’re here to tell you that they have. One option is the Kensington Proximo, & it’s as simple as attaching the alarm to your key chain, & using your smartphone to text the device when you can’t find your keys! The alarm will help you to find the keys & you’ll be back on the road in no time.

Splash Guards/ Mud Flaps: Keeping your Buick clean this winter will be easier if you get your hands on some splash guards for your wheels. No longer will the dirt & grime from the road build up on your Buick’s exterior. These great tools will keep the splashing to a minimum, & they look cool too! They might not stop your kids from throwing snowballs at the car, but they certainly do their job while you’re on the road.

DECEMBER 2017 “Happy Holidays!”
1 – Polar Express PJ Party, Hershey, Pa. 717-566-7100
5 – Annual “Holiday Gathering,” Starlite Diner & Lounge, Allentown, Pa. Social hour = 5 pm, dinner @ 6 pm. “Crazy Bingo,” & “Prettiest & Handsomest Holiday Sweater” contest will take place.
11 – Cars & Christmas, Hershey, Pa. 717-566-7100

JANUARY 2018 “HAPPY NEW YEAR!”
2 – Monthly chapter meeting, Starlite Diner & Lounge, Allentown, Pa. Dinner @ 6 pm, business meeting @ 7:30 pm. Start your New Year off on the right track!
20-22 – Automania, Ag Hall, Allentown, PA
25-28 – Pa Auto Show, Harrisburg, Pa 717-910-4090

February 2018 “HAPPY VALENTINE’s DAY!”
6 – Monthly chapter meeting, Starlite Diner & Lounge, Allentown, Pa. Dinner = 6 pm, business meeting = 7:30 pm.
9-11 – Classics in Atlantic City, Atlantic City, NJ 1-800-227-3868
17-18 – Motorama, Harrisburg, Pa 717-359-7056

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.

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

1977 Buick Regal 96K miles, light blue, estate car $4,000.00. 610-377-6130

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

1982 Corvette LT1 coupe 64,000, a/c, electric seats, dark green exterior, doe skin leather interior, coupe retracts, V-8, $8,000 or best offer, contact: Jim Angeline 610-759-7418
BUICK BUGLES – 30 years of “Buick Bugles” FREE for the taking. Must take ALL! 610-248-1638.