February 2019 Newsletter
Director’s Thoughts, FEBRUARY, 2019
Burrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr, honey its’ cold out there! But isn’t it supposed to be cold this time of the year? Shouldn’t it be sooooooooooooooo cold to kill off the annoying ticks, allergens, pollens, etc so people aren’t so miserable in Spring when it arrives?
As I am sitting & organizing my thoughts on a cold January evening, on the TV I am hearing about a pending snow storm just ready to arrive to dump inches of snow by the weekend. Just my luck, I work Friday, Saturday & Sunday. You have to admit, the older we get, the less we want to be out driving during a storm, right? Well, I guess I have to make my arrangements to stay overnight @ a co-workers home for the weekend. Listen to this: her husband picks us up, takes us to their home, he has supper ready for us, we go to bed, get up the next morning to a lovely prepared breakfast, & get taken back to work for the day! Can’t beat that arrangement, can I?
Just think, only March & part of April yet we will have to deal w/ the cold weather. Then the warmer weather comes for us to begin to enjoy, till the summer weather arrives. We are never too happy w/ the weather lately, are we? We can’t wait till the car season is over to have a little a break, but then we can’t wait till the warmer weather comes so we can get into our BUICKS & DRIVE THEM!! We cannot win wither way. So we just go on & live a day at a time. Life is too short to be worried all the time. Get up out of bed & ENJOY each day to your fullest! (Sorry, got off onto a tangent!)
Anyway, as you all know, February is the shortest month every year. While Groundhog Day is celebrated on the 2nd, VALENTINE’s DAY is celebrated on the 14th. Our chapter has, in its’ Ways-N-Means department, a beautiful BUICK coverlet which contains11 BIG-n-BEAUTIFUL BUICKS! Wouldn’t this make for a great gift for that certain someone in your life you really really care about? Guaranteed it will keep her very warm on these cold & frigid nights! Now, in talking of “keeping her warm on these cold & frigid nights,” who was I really gearing it towards, your female friend, spouse, family member, child, or your BUICK? You decide! ENJOY!
Besides Groundhog Day & Valentine’s Day, Presidents Day is also celebrated on the 18th. What is President’s Day anyway? Read on & enjoy a bit of history!
Back in my school days, February was an important month — it encompassed two holidays for which public schools were closed: Lincoln’s Birthday (February 12) and Washington’s Birthday (February 22). Two school-free days for the kids, two days off for working parents, and terrific bargains on bedding, linen, and towels at department store white sales. What wasn’t to like about February?
Nowadays, though, many of us — whether we be employees or students — don’t get any weekdays off at all in February, or we’re offered a single holiday that falls on the third Monday in February and is neither Lincoln’s nor Washington’s Birthday but some hybrid known as “Presidents’ Day.” What happened to our traditional February holidays? And just what the heck are we commemorating on “Presidents’ Day”?
Some of us think we’re observing George Washington’s Birthday (perpetually moved to more convenient Monday dates since 1971), some of us think we’re celebrating the combined birthdays of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln (two formerly separate holidays smushed into one), and some of us think we’re honoring the memory of all U.S. presidents past and present. The concept of combining Washington’s and Lincoln’s birthdays into one holiday called “President’s Day” was floated as far back as the early 1950s.
Your Elected Director, Sally Getz
“Free Spirit” Chapter Meeting Minutes, January 8, 2019
Meeting called to order @ 7:34 pm, 20 members in attendance. Everyone was “Welcomed” & was asked if anyone made any unusual NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS? Alfred Paul stated he & Bobbie live on Resolution Ave, Bethlehem, Pa, HAHAHAHA!! Good one Alfred!
Motion to accept November meeting minutes as printed in the December newsletter, Isabel Lenny, seconded by Alice Schaffer, so carried. No December meeting minutes due to the annual “Holiday Gathering” was held.
Treasurer’s Report = December 2018, motion to accept, Don Atwood, seconded by Dave Brady, so carried.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
A. Historian – no report
B. Kempton – this show will no longer be held at, or be called the “The Old Car Show, Kempton, Pa”. After a membership vote, 14:2, it will be held @ Phifer’s Ice Dams, Lehighton, Pa (where the NE BUICK REGIONAL MEET was held). Flyers are being designed by the printer for distribution during the Hamburg Meet, Hamburg, Pa, March 3, 2019. The date will remain the same, the last Sunday in October, October 27, 2019. Please mark your calendars as such. Your volunteering of your time will continue to be needed!! Besides the printer designing the flyer, the DJ is also aware of the location change.
C. Membership – no report
D. Newsletter – received 8 out of 14 newsletter ad renewals. “MANY THANKS” to those who did renew!!
E. Programs – guest speaker for February meeting = Sean Casey, a mechanic who works on antique cars. There will also be a guest speaker lined up for the March meeting, a presentation on radiator coolants.
F. Publicity – no report
G. Technical – no report
H. Ways and Means – 2 BUICK lanyards were sold, & a BUICK coverlet to California during the Holidays.
RAFFLE – Dave Brady won the raffle at tonight’s’ meeting: a BUICK VISOR. Thanks to those who participated.
OLD BUSINESS: Sally handed out a 2017 BCA Membership Roster for anyone who wanted it, she had 2.
The chapter received a “THANK YOU” note from Saint Mark Lutheran Church, Allentown, Pa for the memorial gift given in honor of the passing of Olga York, David Bradys’ mother.
Sally handed out 2 December Bugles to let those view the centerfold article on the past North East Buick Regional Meet, September, 2018. YES, Thomas Sylvester is smack dab in the centerfold!!
NEW BUSINESS: Note the following dates of events for 2019:
June 2 = Annual chapter picnic, “Weeping Willow” Pavilion, Macungie, Pa
June 12-15 = BCA National Meet, Midwest City, Oklahoma
August 2-4 = Das Awkscht Fescht, Macungie, Pa
October 27 = Lehighton Old Car Show, Phifer’s Ice Dams, Lehighton, Pa
December 3 = “Holiday Gathering”, Starlite Diner & Lounge, Allentown, Pa
Motion made to adjourn = Dolores Kennedy, seconded by Alice Schaffer, so carried @ 8:09.
Respectfully submitted, substitute, 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 w/ your name on it, please contact Dolores Kennedy & she’ll be more than happy to see you receive a badge!
The Dangers of Multiple Medications in Older Drivers
Some Commonly Prescribed Drugs Can Increase Crash Risks by Up to 300%. 1 in 5 Medications used by older adults can potentially impair driving.
It’s not just alcohol & illegal drugs that can impair driving – so can legally prescribed medications, taken alone or in combination w/ each other. Almost ½ adults 65 & older report using 7 or more medications while remaining active drivers. Nearly 20% of older drivers are using medications that have very limited therapeutic benefit, pose excess harm, or both. Drugs like these are called potentially inappropriate medications, or PIM’s. Most of them, such as benzodiazepines & 1st generation antihistamines, are known to cause impairing effects such as blurred vision, confusion, fatigue or lack of coordination. They can increase a driver’s risk for a crash by up to 300%.
The research is from AAA’s groundbreaking multiyear Long Road study. The project is one of the largest & most comprehensive databases available on senior drivers, supporting in-depth research on senior driving & mobility to better understand risks & develop effective countermeasures. Previous research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that fewer than 18% of older drivers report ever receiving a warning from their health care provider about how their prescriptions impact driving safety.
“Ask your Dr. & pharmacist as many questions as necessary to ensure you understand why you need the medications prescribed to you & how they affect your driving, especially if you are taking multipole medications,” AAA director of Traffic Safety advocacy & research. “Don’t be afraid to question health care providers. It’s their job to help you. And it may help save your life.”
Considering the large number of medications used by older drivers, AAA urges seniors & their families to fully understand what Drs. are prescribing & potential impairing effects.
COME PREPARED: Write down any prescribed or over-the-counter medications you take & bring that list w/ you to every medical appointment. Do not forget to include vitamins or supplements.
ASK QUESTIONS: Find out about potential side effects or interactions that could affect our driving.
DISCUSS ALTERNATIVES: There are often ways to reduce risks through alternative medications, or changing the doses or the timing of the doses. To learn more about medications, drivers can use AAA’s Roadwise Rx. This FREE online tool helps drivers & their families understand common side effects of prescriptions drugs, over-the-counter medications & herbal supplements. It also flags interactions between these medications that can impact safety behind the wheel. Print the free list & report, then discuss the confidential results w/ your Dr. or pharmacist to learn how to mitigate possible crash risks. To access all the free resources AAA offers to senior drivers, visit SeniorDriving.AAA.com.
Why Idling Gets You Nowhere Fast: Don’t Keep the Motor Running – Test Your Idling IQ
Americans know the value of a good day’s work. But we’re also a nation of idlers – addicted to unnecessary vehicle idling. It’s a habit that’s costing us billions of dollars a year in wasted fuel & produces harmful emissions. It’s been estimated that American drivers unnecessarily consume > 2 billion gallons of fuel/year while idling.
We’ve all experienced the negative effects of idling, whether we’re walking past a row of trucks or buses on busy street, or trying to avoid inhaling exhaust fumes @ drive-through windows. It’s not good for you & contrary to popular belief; it’s not good for your vehicle’s engine.
Putting a stop to excessive idling is a great way to save energy, save the environment & save money – all at the same time. But, 1st, take a few moments to test your idling IQ.
- Idling is good for your vehicle because it warms up the engine.
FALSE: Idling can actually be hard on an engine because fuel doesn’t undergo complete combustion. As a result, the unburned fuel leaves residues on cylinder walls that can contaminate engine oil & spark plugs.
- Idling wastes fuel & money & is hard on the environment.
TRUE: Idling wastes an enormous amount of money because it burns fuel but doesn’t get you anywhere. It’s also hard on the environment because it produces needless exhaust emissions.
- Idling is necessary in cold weather to ensure the vehicle parts are warm.
FALSE: Idling is not an effective way to warm up your vehicle, even in cold weather. The best way to do this is to drive the vehicle. With today’s modern engines, you need no more than 30 seconds of idling on cold days before starting to drive. Many components of the vehicle – including the wheel bearings, tires & suspension system – will warm up only when the vehicle is moving. 30 seconds of idling is enough to get the oil circulating thought the engine.
- The best way to warm-up a vehicle is to drive it.
TRUE: Driving your vehicle ensures that all parts get warmed up, & it doesn’t waste fuel. It’s a good idea to avoid high speeds & rapid acceleration until the engine temperature begins to rise.
- Shut off the engine when your vehicle is going to be stopped for > 10 seconds.
TRUE: > 10 seconds of idling can use more fuel than turning off the engine & restarting it.
- Turn off your engine if you’re caught in stop –and –go traffic or @ a long stoplight.
FALSE: The 10 second rule is a good one, but remember, you can’t avoid some idling. Turning off your vehicle in these situations could be dangerous & disrupt traffic.
- Restarting my car many times, rather than letting it idle, is hard on some parts.
FALSE: Studies show that restarting the engine many times has little impact on components such as the battery & the starter motor.
Calendar of Events
2019 “HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY”
5 – Monthly chapter dinner meeting, Starlite Diner & Lounge, Allentown, Pa. Dinner @ 6 pm, business meeting @ 7:30 pm. Guest speaker: Sean Casey. A today’s MECHANIC who works on YESTERDAYS’ ANTIQUE AUTOMOBILES! (WEATHER PERMITTING)
7 – 9 – AACA Annual Meeting, Philadelphia, Pa.
MARCH 2019 “HAPPY ST. PATRICK’s DAY”
3 – Hamburg Auto Swap Meet, Hamburg Field House, Hamburg, Pa
5 – Monthly chapter meeting, Starlite Diner & Lounge, Allentown, Pa. Diner = 6 pm, business meeting = 7:30 pm. Guest speaker. (WEATHER PERMITTING)
31 – Swap Meet, Classic auto Mall, Morgantown, Pa
APRIL 2019
2 – Monthly chapter meeting, Starlite Diner & Lounge, Allentown, Pa. Dinner = 6 pm, business meeting @ 7:30 pm.
24-28 – Spring Carlisle, Pa
28 –Sticks n Slicks Car Meet, Grantville, Pa
CARS/PARTS “FOR SALE”
1965 Buick Electra 225 4 dr, hardtop, Black. 62,634 original miles. 425 engine. Aluminum valve covers, chromed air cleaner. Vacuum trunk release, PS, PW, PB, power seat & antenna. AM/FM radio. Chrome wheels, remote mirror. UNRESTORED, ALL ORIGINAL CAR! Trim code 642. Needs headliner & has slow trans leak. Garage kept! $7,000. 610-377-6130.
1967 Buick Skylark 2 Dr Coupe, black on black, ALL ORIGINAL. 85K original miles. Garage kept. $10,000. Has won Archival Award @ Buick nationals. 610-377-6130
1967 Buick Skylark 4 Dr Sedan 340 2-barrel, ST 300 Switch Pitch, PS, manual brakes, cassette player, no air. 70,100 original miles. Maroon color ext., cloth maroon/int. Was repainted. Interior still original! Garage kept! $10,000. 610-377-6130
1967 Buick Skylark Special Deluxe Sport Coupe 2 dr, 300 2-barrel. Spruce Green exterior w/ vinyl top, black interior. 68,305 original miles. Power steering, manual brakes. RH mirror, AM/FM radio. Spinner wire wheel covers. UNRESTORED. Garage kept! Runs good! $8,500. 610-377-6130
1987 Turbo Regal HT, 73k original miles, 100% rust free, original dark blue ext & int, chrome trim, factory aluminum wheels, drums, & bumper inserts. A/C, PW, tilt, cruise, posi, original exhaust. $20k. Steve Perry 914-262-9965, Carmel NY. sep440@aol.com 1991 Chevy Suburban, 2500, Big block, 454 engine, 111.530 original miles. 2×2. Turbo 400 transmission. Black w/ gray interior, 3rd seat, AC (front/rear), AM/FM radio, tow package, cassette player, power door locks/windows, vent shades, tailgate window, in GREAT condition. Garage kept! Very powerful! $8,000. 610-377-6130
In Search Of
1967 Buick Electra Conv. 610-730-4599, dwebster80@gmail.com1976 Caddy Eldo 500 ci – Pete Stoki, 609-915-9948