Director’s Thoughts, APRIL, 2020

Arbor Day

What does Arbor Day celebrate?

Arbor Day celebrates trees. It is a day to plant new trees as well as to bring awareness to help conserve and protect existing trees and forests.

When is Arbor Day celebrated?

In the United States Arbor Day is on the last Friday in April. Some states, however, celebrate their own Arbor Day on a different date. This is often because their planting season for trees is different. For example, Arbor Day in Alaska is on the third Monday in May.

What do people do to celebrate?

The main thing people do is plant trees on Arbor Day. People may plant trees in their yard or take part in a larger volunteer project to plant trees on a wide scale. Other ways to celebrate include giving a donation to help save the rainforest, educating others about the importance of trees, and participating in a recycling program to help protect trees.

Many schools and libraries have programs to educate students about trees on this day. There are many ways that trees improve our lives. They offer shade, they get rid of carbon dioxide, they can reduce noise in the city, the grow fruit and nuts for us to eat, and they are beautiful. 

Arbor Day Activities 

• Have a poster contest drawing trees with emphasis on how important they are to our lives.
• Plant some trees at your school. Be sure to get permission first.
• Learn more about trees by reading and studying about them.
• Ask your parents to plant a tree in your yard. You can even dedicate the tree to someone you love like a grandparent.
• Go for a hike in the forest with your parents or scout troop. Experience the beauty of the forest first hand.
• Learn to identify trees. Start by learning about the trees near your house and around where you live.

History of Arbor Day

The first Arbor Day was on April 10, 1872 in the state of Nebraska. The idea came from Julius Morton who thought that trees were needed in Nebraska for wind breaks, to stabilize the soil, and for shade. He planted many trees around his farm and encouraged other farmers to do the same. When Morton became a member of the Nebraska State Board of Agriculture he proposed the idea of Arbor Day, a day when people would plant trees throughout the state of Nebraska. The day was approved and around 1 million trees were planted on the first Arbor Day.

In 1885 the day became a legal holiday in Nebraska. They moved the day to April 22 in honor of Morton’s birthday. The day soon spread throughout many of the states. In 1970 President Richard Nixon proclaimed the last Friday of April as national Arbor day.

Fun Facts About Arbor Day 

• Other names for the day throughout the world include “Tree Loving Week” in Korea, “The Nation Festival of Tree Planting” in India, and “The Greening Week” in Japan.
• The states of Florida and Louisiana have their Arbor Day in January.
• The state tree for Nebraska is the Cottonwood.
• The official tree of the United States is the Oak tree. It was voted the most popular tree for many years and it was finally made official by Congress in 2004.
• The Arbor Day Foundation helps to plant around 15 million trees each year.

Now, one might want to know why I talked about Arbor day?  Well, just hours ago during lunch, a conversation took place about phone apps.  I saw a Subway ad on TV on “Buy a foot long hoagie; get one free by using the Subway app on your phone.”  Well, I said why should those who have the appropriate phone that can accept apps get a special deal? Why shouldn’t everyone be able to have a chance at getting a deal?  My daughters response was, “It cuts down on cutting up trees.”  

Subway is not the only company to offer special deals by using a phone app, Giant is another company too!  I say its unfair. Yes, I have a phone, but not the kind where you can have apps on it. What do you think?   
                                                                              Your elected Director, Sally  

“Free Spirit” Chapter Meeting Minutes, March 3, 2020

Meeting called to order @ 7:30 pm, 18 members in attendance. 

David Brady gave a presentation on the 6 Volt Voltage Regulator.  Two very important things about this item: This item is very hard to find, & doubly difficult to find someone who knows of them & can work on them!  Dave has found a gentleman, James Patterson, (NO NOT THE AUTHOR) from Oregon who builds makes & maintains 6 volt voltage regulators for approximately $200.00 for the 1930’s cars.  This item from him is very easy to install. As far as National BCA judging, this item is very well hidden, therefore deducting ZERO points against you in being judged. Besides this item, this gentleman also makes a 6 volt to run @ 7.3 volts  so the battery is held @ 7.3 volts so bulbs aren’t blown out due to battery overload. This item can be purchased from Mr. Patterson for approximately $225.00 These items require LESS maintenance & have MORE reliability! Dave has Optima batteries in his 1930’s cars from which he purchased from Summit Racing.  If you would like more information on this item of Dave’s’ presentation, please contact Dave.

Motion to accept February meeting minutes as printed in the March newsletter, Shirley Schaffer, seconded by Dolores Kennedy, so carried.      

Treasurer’s Report = Report for February 2020.  Motion to accept, Isabel Lenny, seconded by Don Atwood, so carried.  

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

A. Historian –  no report   

B. Lehighton Show  – Show flyers have been obtained & available during the Hamburg meet, Sunday, March 1, 2020.  Sally encouraged members to take some along home to pass out.    

C. Membership – no report  

D. Newsletter –  All 13 present advertisers have renewed for 2020.

E. Programs –  Dave Brady will be giving a presentation during the March meeting.  If anyone would like to hear from a particular person/group, please let Sally know & she can help in organizing this.      

F. Publicity –  Sally will now be placing ads on the internet, the Bugle & other free publications of the Lehighton Car show.  

G. Technical – no report

H. Ways and Means –  Sally sold a blanket to a BCA member in Mass.  Sally sold 8 items during the Hamburg meet. Handed out a National BCA & “Free Spirit” member application.    

RAFFLE:  None this month

OLD BUSINESS:  2 “Free Spirit” members have returned their forms back to John Schieb showing their interest in volunteering some time during the 2023 Gettysburg, PA National Buick Meet thus far.  

During the Hamburg Meet, Sally saw a few members who attended:  Dave Brady, Gary Hiller, Chuck Mason & John Moore.

Sally contacted the appropriate person involved with the upcoming AACA Gran National Meet, July, Allentown this summer about having a table to promote this chapter.  Sally is waiting their decision. 2 of the “Free Spirit” members have volunteered their time during this event if we are allowed to have a table.

NEW BUSINESS:     During the next few months, Sally has reminded the group that renewal dues will be taken.  The deadline will be June 30, 2020. Look for the reminders in the next few newletters.

      Some members remembered on how life is sometimes unfair:  

•              Dolores Kennedy has had surgery & is on the mend.
•              Michael Allen was hospitalized.
•              William Hallman’s father passed away.
•              Debbie/Dave Brady lost their beloved dog of 12 years.

Please keep those members in your thoughts.

For those members who are BCA members, in the March bugle, there was a wonderful, 7-page article on Mr. Bulgari’s cars in Rome, Italy!  Extremely fascinating!

From the BCA BOD meeting, January, 2020:  A membership roster is being worked on for the membership, however, there may be a charge if the members want a roster.  This idea of paying for one is being tabled by the Board. Will update everyone when decision is finalized.  

Please keep abreast of the Calendar of Events each month for the car season will be starting in April!

Motion to adjourn, Shirley Schaffer, seconded by Debbie Brady, so carried @ 8:09 pm.                                Respectfully submitted, Lisa Senishen 

Annual “Free Spirit” Chapter Picnic, Sunday, June 7, 2020

Macungie Borough Park,  Weeping Willow Pavilion.  Chapter will provide the meats, drinks, utensils, and paper products.  The following is the schedule for members to show-off in bringing and sharing their best items:

Last names begin with

• A-H = Dessert Selection
• I-P  = Cold Selection
• Q-Z = Hot selection

Members, put on your BUICK THINKING CAPS!  Bring your favorite selections for all to share!  

Don’t  forget to wear your BADGE, or you owe a $1.00 to Dolores Kennedy!  Also, you can renew your chapter dues during this time to Delores too!

Hope you can attend this year’s picnic!!                           Sandy/Dan Reiniger

Das Awkscht Fescht, Sunday, August 2, 2020

Once again, I am looking for 4 volunteers to help park BUICKS during DAF, Sunday August 2, 2020 @ Macungie Borough Park.  You need to be there by 7 am and stay till 12 noon when pre-registration closes. I will be there but to set up and to sell chapter Ways-n-means.  Please let me know: Sally Getz, csgetz@ptd.net, 610-377-6130/484-464-3418.  Thanks in advance! Sally

Calendar of Events

APRIL 2020                      “Happy Easter”

• 4 – “Diner Day”  Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles
• 7 – Monthly chapter dinner meeting (6pm), business meeting (7:30 pm), Starlite Diner & Lounge, Allentown, Pa.
• 11 – 2^nd annual Spring Swap Meet & Car Corral, Pottstown, Pa
• 18 – Car event, Penn State University, Berks Campus
• 19 – In/Outdoor Car Swap Meet, Classic Auto Mall, Morgantown, Pa.  610-430-8432
• 22-24 – Spring Carlisle, Carlisle, Pa.
• 26 – Leesport Auction Market, car event
• 26 – LV Model “A” Club event, Trexlertown, Pa 

MAY 2020                      “Happy Mother’s Day”

• 2 – Car show, Classic Auto Mall, Morgantown, Pa
• 5 – Monthly Chapter dinner meeting, Starlite Diner & Lounge, Allentown, Pa.  Dinner @ 6 pm, business meeting 7:30 pm.
• 9 – 8^th Annual Vintage Car Parts & Literature Auction, Fleetwood, Pa
• 17 – Wheels for the Wheel show, Red Hill Museum Village
• 31 – GM On Display, Macungie, Pa  
  

JUNE 2020                          “Happy Fathers’ Day!”

• 7 – Annual chapter picnic, Weeping Willow Pavilion, Macungie Park, Macungie, Pa.  
• 7 – Lehigh Valley Region AACA Show, Meuser Park, PA
• 28 – Sieverling Pedal Car Museum Show w/ Open House         
  

Vintage National Buick Meet, June 19-22, 1986

                         (Thought some of you may like to reminisce.)

Did you enjoy the article?  Did you try to identify the cars by model and or year?  Bring your newsletter to the meeting and see how you did.

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 

Exterior, cloth maroon interior.  $10,00.00. 610-377-6130.

1967 Buick 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! $8,000. 610-377-6130

1991 Chevy Suburban, 2500,  Big block, 454 engine, 111,530 original miles.  2×2. Turbo 400 transmission. Black w/ gray interior, 3^rd 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! $7,000. 610-377-6130 

Heater Core, NORS made in USA, fits 1982-87  Buick Regal/Olds Cutlass
Supreme $25.00
Heater Core NORS made in USA , fits large Buick 1978-1988 $25.00
Heater Core Good Used  Circular under seat fits 1954-57 Buick  Century $20.00.    Contact H. Kriebel..Sauenohr1@gmail.com

Buick National Meet, July 15-18, 2020, Strongsville, Ohio. (6 hours from Allentown.)  Some members are planning in attending. 

Buick National, June 14-17, 2023, Gettysburg, Pa.

Future National Buick Meets = 2020 Strongsville, Ohio, July 15-19

                                                  2021 Concord, North Carolina, June 30-July 3

                                                   2022 Lisle, Illinois, June 21-26  

                                                   2023 Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, June 14-17