August 2019 Newsletter
Director’s Thoughts, AUGUST, 2019
LAZY DAY, AUGUST 10, 2019
Roll out those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer! Lazy Day is your chance to goof off, and definitely not work. And, it definitely comes at a good time. Hot, muggy weather makes it easy to kick back and be lazy for a day. If summer chores are not done by now, they can just wait one more day. It is best spent on a hammock, along with your favorite summer beverage.
Whoever said “There’s no lazy days…just lazy people.” Well, we respectfully disagree. Today is proof positive. It is indeed a Lazy Day. And, we consider that a good thing. If you enjoy the intent of today, you will also look forward to Relaxation Day. It is coming up soon.
The Origin of Lazy Day: Our research did not find the creator, or the origin of this day. The creators probably had good intention to document this special day. But, they probably found themselves caught up in the true spirit and meaning of this day.
LEFT HANDERS DAY, AUGUST 13, 2019
If you are a Leftie, Then Left Handers Day is just for you! Left Handers, also commonly referred to as Southpaws, are the brunt of more than their share of jokes all year long. How do I know? Yup, you guessed it! It ain’t easy being a leftie. But those of us who are, would have it no other way. Lefties are proud of it. The world is built for right handers. Examples are everywhere. For example:
- In school, have you ever seen a left handed desk? They don’t exist.
- Many left handed items cost more.
- Novelty coffee mugs are made with the picture or text for a right handed pick-up.
- Scissors for for right handers. Only a lefty would understand this.
- The computer mouse you are using as you read this is designed for right handers.
Did you Know? Right handed people operate in the left side of the brain. Left handed people use the right side. Therefore, only left handed people are in their right mind. Left Hander’s certainly earned the right to have a day dedicated to them. August 13th is that day. Take a minute to appreciate your left handed friends and loved ones. Don’t forget to send them a Left Handed Day Ecard to show your respect. Remember today and every day: “Lefties have rights!” As lefthanders, we never do anything right….kewl!
Left Handed Facts and Trivia:
- Sinistrophobia is the fear of left-handedness or things on the left side.
- While many people are left handed, very few are 100% left handed. For example, many Left handers golf and bat right handed. On the other hand, there is a high percentage of righties who are 100% right-handed.
- Lefties are also called “southpaws”. The term was coined in baseball to describe a left handed pitcher.
- Tuesdays are Lefties lucky day.
- Only about 10% of the population is left handed.
- During the 1600’s people, thought left handers were witches and warlocks.
- International Left Hander’s Day was first celebrated on August 13, 1976. It was started by Lefthander’s International.
- History is filled with famous lefthanded people, including: Julius Caesar, Aristotle, Alexander the Great, Mahatma Gandhi, Joan of Arc, Napoleon Bonaparte, Lord Baden-Powell, Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles.
- Presidential Lefthanders: James A. Garfield, Herbert Hoover, Harry S. Truman, John F. Kennedy, Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama.
- Famous notorious left handers include: Osama bin Laden, Boston Strangler, and Jack the Ripper
- They say everyone was born right handed, and only the greatest overcome it. (he,he,he)
- It is believed that all polar bears are left handed. Also see Polar Bear Day.
- Left handed people are more likely to suffer insomnia. Now, that will keep me up at night!
- There is a rumor that octopuses have but one right hand. Scientists are diligently studying this issue.
- Left handed people process information more quickly.
- Left handed college graduates have a 26% greater chance of becoming rich. I”m all for that!
Think about it: Everyone is a Left Hander in Left Hand, West Virginia.
Lefthander’s Slogan: “Everyone is born right-handed. Only the greatest overcome it”. …Brilliant Author unknown
Origin of Left Hander’s Day Left Handers International created this special day, and first celebrated it on August 13, 1976.
There is some false reference on the Internet, suggesting that Left Hander’s Day is in January. It seemed to appear around 2010-2012. This is incorrect. We suspect someone wanted to create this day in January, but did not do their homework to find out that it already exists.
If you do not already know it, I am a Left-hander as was Clarence, however; both of our children are Right-handers! Figure that one out!
Hope you enjoyed this month’s Ditector’s Thoughts. Thought I would do something a little different than normal. Stay COOL!
Your Elected Director, Sally Getz
“Free Spirit” Chapter Meeting Minutes
Summer vacation! See you all back at the September meeting.
Das Awkscht Fescht, August 4, 2019
Sally is looking for volunteers, again during DAF, August 4th to park priceless BUICKS on the show field. Need to be present by 0700!! If there are NO VOLUNTEERS, WE WILL BE OUSTED OUT OF the BEAUTIFUL AREA under the biggest shade tree there!! Please contact Sally before July 30th to volunteer. Thank you. 484-464-3418.
If you will be attending DAF this year, stop by the flea market to say “HELLO”. The spaces are BE662A, 662, 663. The field is located in front of the Car corral area of the show. We are located right at the entrance to the field, aside of a food vendor. Hope to see you then!
Sept/Nov Guest Speaker, on Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird
The Lockheed SR-71 “Blackbird” is a long-range, Mach 3+ strategic reconnaissance aircraft that was operated by the United States Air Force.[2] It was developed as a black project from the Lockheed A-12 reconnaissance aircraft in the 1960s by Lockheed and its Skunk Works division. American aerospace engineer Clarence “Kelly” Johnson was responsible for many of the design’s innovative concepts. During aerial reconnaissance missions, the SR-71 operated at high speeds and altitudes to allow it to outrace threats. If a surface-to-air missile launch were detected, the standard evasive action was simply to accelerate and outfly the missile.[3] The shape of the SR-71 was based on the A-12 which was one of the first aircraft to be designed with a reduced radar cross-section.
The SR-71 served with the U.S. Air Force from 1964 to 1998. A total of 32 aircraft were built; 12 were lost in accidents with none lost to enemy action.[4][5] The SR-71 has been given several nicknames, including “Blackbird” and “Habu“.[6] Since 1976, it has held the world record for the fastest air-breathing manned aircraft, a record previously held by the related Lockheed YF-12
Again, be sure to attend this presentation on the SR-71 Spy plane, either the month of Sept or November!! Sally Getz
Late-Stage Leviathans: The American Station Wagon’s Last Stand
For generations of Americans, summer driving vacations took place in full-size, V-8-powered, rear-wheel-drive station wagons. As this year’s road-trip season gets into full swing, maybe you’re thinking of skipping the modern SUV/crossover or minivan and instead rolling old-school.
If so, the General Motors trio of the Chevrolet Caprice, Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser, and Buick Roadmaster that was introduced for 1991 are the very last of their ilk.
At the dawn of the 1990s, General Motors’ big, square-bodied station wagons had been in production largely unchanged for a decade, and the same was true at Ford. But whereas Ford dropped its Country Squire and Mercury Colony Park after 1991 (and Chrysler had ditched its big wagon offerings years before), GM gave it one more go with a redesign for the ’91 model year.
After years of T-square styling that dated back to 1977, the design pendulum swung far in the other direction for GM’s new Chevrolet, Oldsmobile, and Buick wagons. The resulting bulbous, rounded shape supposedly was dictated by aerodynamics and was accentuated with large glass areas.
The rear window was too raked to retract into the tailgate, so instead it was hinged at the top, while the tailgate offered the traditional two-way side- or bottom-hinged opening functions. A fixed glass panel above the second-row seats was a throwback to the ’65–’72 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser/Buick Sport Wagon, and a rear-facing third-row seat was standard. Faux-woodgrain sides were standard on the Buick, not available on the Oldsmobile, and (from ’93 on) a $595 standalone option on the Chevrolet.
The trio of wagons arrived in the fall of 1990 as ’91 models, with the Chevrolet preceded by a Caprice sedan that debuted earlier in 1990. The sedan version of the Buick trailed the wagon by a few months, appearing in the spring of ’91 as a ’92 model. At Oldsmobile, the Custom Cruiser had no RWD sedan counterpart, as the Eighty-Eight and Ninety-Eight already had switched to front-drive platforms.
Chevrolet’s Caprice and Oldsmobile’s Custom Cruiser nameplates were a continuation of those used on the preceding square-bodied offerings, but Buick ditched the previous Estate Wagon moniker and resurrected the Roadmaster nameplate (last used in 1958) for its big wagon and sedan.
All three divisions used a 170-hp 5.0-liter V-8 paired with a four-speed automatic, and a driver’s-side airbag and antilock brakes were standard. The wagons rode on a 115.9-inch wheelbase and stretched some 218 inches from stem to stern. The suspension consisted of control arms, coil springs, and an anti-roll bar up front, with a live axle and coil springs at the rear. An optional trailering package included a heavy-duty radiator, engine-oil cooler, load-leveling rear suspension, and 3.23:1 rear axle ratio, allowing the big wagons to tow 5000 pounds.
For 1992, a 180-horse, 5.7-liter V-8 joined the options list at Chevrolet and Oldsmobile while Buick made it standard. Oldsmobile bowed out of the big-wagon game the following year, while the Caprice earned Classic status for ‘93.
Come 1994, Chevrolet rolled out a new 200-hp 4.3-liter base V-8, but the big news was the arrival of the 5.7-liter LT1—a detuned variant of the engine that powered the Corvette—with 260 horsepower and 335 lb-ft of torque. It was optional on the Caprice and became standard on the Roadmaster.
For 1995, a second trim level appeared for the Roadmaster, the Limited, which brought automatic climate control, automatic door locks, a power antenna, keyless entry, and dual power seats with power lumbar and optional seat heaters. 1996 was the final model year for both wagons, and the Roadmaster wore a special Collector’s Edition hood ornament to commemorate the occasion. The Arlington, Texas, factory that produced these RWD full-size sedans and wagons (including the Cadillac Fleetwood) switched over to truck production.
In total, 52,241 Caprice wagons were built over six years, with the numbers declining precipitously over that period, from 15,000 for ’91 to just 485 ’96 models. Roadmaster wagons were right behind with 50,426 built during the same period, although demand at Buick was somewhat more consistent. Oldsmobile’s two-year run produced just 12,010 Custom Cruisers, making that by far the rarest variant.
Interest in Buick Roadmaster wagons has seen a major uptick of late, and while these cars were a favorite of the geriatric set when new, today’s buyers are often younger Gen Xers. The Roadmaster wagon even made the Hagerty Bull Market List for 2019. Buyers today much prefer the LT1 engine, which is found in all of the later-series Buicks and some of the later-series Chevys. The Oldsmobiles and some of the Chevrolets have cleaner, non-woodgrain flanks, although replacement kits are now available to redo fake timber that has faded.
These wagons are tunable, including with parts made for the contemporary ’94–’96 Impala SS, so the original dynamics can be improved. Generally, these bloated cruisers are mechanically simple, robust, and long-lived. Truly, these last of the old-style station wagons are a great way to experience road-tripping, old-school style.
SYMPATHIES for “Free Spirit” Chapter Member, Ms. Diane Philbin
( October 12, 1931 – June 16, 2019 )
Diane (Kreitner) Philbin, 87, of Waverly, PA, passed away on Sunday, June 16, 2019. Diane was born in Clarks Summit, PA, in October 1931, the only child of the late Alfred A. Kreitner and Mildred S. Kreitner. She was a graduate of Clarks Summit High School’s class of 1949. A talented actress, Diane went on to study acting @ the prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City, performing in a variety of summer stock productions during the summer months. After returning home to marry & start a family, she continued acting in productions w/ the Abington Players & other local groups.
Diane (known to her family & friends by the nicknames “Punk” & “Punkie”) worked for many years w/ her father in the family business, Kreitner Lumber & Supply Company. She also owned & operated her own business, Tall Spruce Antiques. Diane was a true lover of nature & animals, especially horses. The 4-legged love of her life was her 1st horse, “Favor”, w/ whom she’s now reunited & riding to her heart’s content.
She is survived by her long-time companion, Robert Miles of Waverly, her daughters, Doné (Rosencrance) Young of West Yarmouth, MA; Tia (Philbin) Tallman of Sarasota, FL; her granddaughter, Devon Tallman of Denver, CO; her grandson, Logan Tallman of Sarasota, FL. In addition to her parents, Diane was predeceased by her infant twin daughter, Réon Rosencrance.
“Thank You’s”
2 Thank you notes were received in memory of Diane Philbin.
Dear Friends of Griffin Pond,
On behalf of the Griffin Pond Animal Shelter, we extend our gratitude for your donation. This gift will help to defray the costs of veterinary care, food, supplies, & other expenses.
We care for over 200 animals daily until we can find them a new home. Our mission promotes adoption & responsible pet ownership. We also investigate, help prosecute & prevent animal cruelty.
Thank you for your very thoughtful gift. We’re sure our animals would be happy to thank you as well!
Regards, Griffin Pond Animal Shelter
Dear “Free Spirit” Chapter, BCA,
My sister, Done, & I would like to “Thank You” for your kind donation to Griffin Pond Animal Shelter in mom’s memory, Diane Philbin. She loved animals & nature & would be so happy to know the little critters are being helped. We used to refer to her as “Mother Nature’s Helper”. She was such a special woman. Thank you for thinking of her.
Warmly, Tia & Done
Why August is a Great Time to Buy a New Car
Ask most people when the best time is to buy a new car & the response will usually be December. It’s fairly well known that manufacturers will offer end-of-year incentives to bolster sales. It is less well known that there are extra incentives to bring down the price of most new cars in August.
In fact, we help clients buy & lease almost as many vehicles in August as we do in December. Why would this be? There are a few reasons why August is a popular month for new car purchases, from model year-end deals to back-to-school shopping. We’ll look at each of these in turn:
Back-to-school: For many parents, back to school means back to carpool duty & soccer practice. As kids get bigger, it can make sense to invest in a larger vehicle that will fit them comfortably. Often a vehicle with a third row of seats can make a lot of sense for growing families.
Other parents may decide to invest in a safe, reliable vehicle for their teenage driver or college-bound offspring. Top priorities can also include fuel economy, hands-free texting, & crash avoidance systems. Either way, this makes August a peak time for family car buying. Luckily, it’s also a time when manufacturers & dealerships can be motivated by the model year end change to move their existing inventory.
Model year end: While the new model year traditionally starts in October, many brands release new models throughout the year. By late summer, manufacturers are ready to clear out their 2019 models in advance of the 2020 arrivals—& are willing to offer discounts & incentives on 2019vehicles to make this happen. Buying or leasing in August allows you to take advantage of these specials while there is still decent availability of popular 2019 models. A car service representative can help you take advantage of all manufacturers’ incentives to ensure you get a great deal on your new car.
New model availability: The majority of the new 2020 models are not in dealerships by August, but the window for special orders is often open. If you have your heart set on being the first on the block to drive the latest model, placing your order in August can be critical to making that happen. Special ordering allows you to customize your new car exactly the way you want, choosing the colors & options you want without paying for additional features you don’t need. Your car sales representative can help you place your special order & get you a fantastic price on your new car.
Calendar of Events
AUGUST 2019 Happy Summer!
- 2-4 – DAF, Macungie Park, Macungie, Pa
- 10 – 50th Annual AACA Swigart Museum Regional, Huntingdon, Pa
- 10 – 11New Hope auto Show, New Hope, Pa
- 11 – 44th Annual Collector’s Car Show w/ Flea Market, Macungie Park
- 24 – Living Branches Car Show, Souderton, Pa
SEPTEMBER 2019 HAPPY LABOR DAY!
- 3 – Monthly chapter meeting, Atarlite Diner & Lounge, Allentown, Pa Dinner @ 6 pm, business meeting @ 7:30 pm.
- 8 – Strausstown Lions Club Car Show
- 21 – Bethlehem AVTS Car/Bike Show, Bethlehem, Pa
- 21 – Coatsville Vintage Grand Prix, Coatsville, Pa
- 22 – 20th Annual GTO Association of PA Show, Star Dealership, Easton, Pa
OCTOBER 2019 HAPPY HOLLOWEEN!
- 1 – Monthly chapter meeting, Starlite diner & Lounge, dinner @ 6 pm, business meeting 7:30 pm. Guest speaker may be a gentleman to talk about the “Lockheed SR 71 Blackbird”. This will be a program you won’t want to miss.
- 9-12 – Hershey Region AACA Fall meet, Hershey, Pa
- 19 – Chariots of Fire Indoor/Outdoor Car show, Classic auto Mall, Morgantown, Pa
- 25-27 – Berkshire Mall Fall Indoor Car Show, Wyomissing, Pa
- 27 – 43 rd Annual Old Car Show, Phifer’s Ice Dams, Lehighton, Pa
CARS/PARTS “FOR SALE”
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! $8,500. 610-377-6130
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