June 2023 Newsletter

DIRECTOR’S THOUGHTS, JUNE, 2023

Eric M. “Ecky” Breiner, 52, of Palmerton, passed away Wednesday, May 3 in the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, with family at his side. He was the husband of Sherry (Mendez) Breiner. They would have been married 25 years this September. Born in Palmerton, Eric was a son of Leonard and the late Janet (Green) Breiner. He spent his entire career working at Bruce L. Breiner Masonry, and became owner and operator in 2010. He was a member of the Bowmanstown Rod & Gun Club. Eric was a down-to-earth soul who enjoyed making others happy and helping wherever he could. He dearly loved his wife, family and little buddy Dallas. He took enormous pride in his work, and loved music and history. He enjoyed spending time riding his Farmall M tractor and camping with Sherry and friends.

Most members did not know Eric. I met him at a past printer who did printing for our chapter. He talked about how his older brother passed away at a young age and how he willed his Buick GN to Eric. I got Eric to join this chapter way back in 2012. I enticed him to join so he would enter this Buick during the Das Awkcht Fescht for 2013 under the big tent. Even though many of you did not know him, he did, in fact, renew his membership dues every year thereafter. Eric had been dealing with a brain issue who needed medical attention, but due to his medical insurance at that time, he was denied coverage for the specific surgery needed. He was recommended to search certain other insurance companies who may be able to help him out financially. Well, apparently, with the way things are, and have been going in America today, he lost his battle before an insurance company would give him any support. God Bess you, Eric!

Your Chapter Director, Sally Getz

“Free Spirit” Meeting Minutes – APRIL 2, 2023

Meeting called to order @ 7:28 pm. 18 members present. Sally “Welcomed” everyone to tonight’s meeting.

Anyone do anything exciting during the past month you’d like to share?

Bob Miles attended an Andy Griffith tour with the April 16-20, 2023 BDE (Buick Driving Enthusiasts) National Spring Tour: “Return to Mayberry” “Hub Tour” Based in Historic Mt Airy, NC.

About eighty people attended. “Apparently, GPS doesn’t understand the people living in North Carolina”, as Bob stated.

Tom Duckett – “Buzz with Tom”, Tom saw tens of thousands of Honey Bees swarming about the trees and clustered on a branch. Three days after they ended up on a branch and are still there with hives and traps on the ground that Tom put to attract them to save them. Tom was unsuccessful in catching them. Bees that swarm historically do not survive.

Tom purchased a new Kubota tractor because his wife finally agreed, so he bought a Bobcat. He plans to dig holes and pick up dirt.

Kathleen Duckett presented and passed around an article titled, “Aliens Ate my Buick.” She also stated that there is a CD out with a song with this title.

Tom Duckett wrote a note to the Cadillac club about a left side manifold for a 1950 Cadillac. Do you know what this is? Hint, it goes on an exhaust manifold, 331 V8 Cadillac engine. Mainly, it was to increase gas mileage, however, it did not work.

Motion to accept April meeting minutes as printed in the May e-newsletter/newsletter, William Hallman, seconded by Kathleen Duckett, so carried.

Treasurer’s Report: Treasurers report for April 2023. Motion to accept, Isabella Lenny, seconded by Shirley Schaffer, so carried.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Historian: no report

Lehighton – Show flyers are available or members to take to hand out at events members attend.

Membership – Dolores Kennedy will attend the chapter picnic to collect renewal dues from those who need to renew their chapter membership dues.

Newsletter – E-newsletter is improving w/ changes being made. It is still in the stages of development. Please be patient!

Publicity – no report

Technical – no report

Ways-n-Means – Sally will be selling club sales during the upcoming “Tri-Regional Buick Meet” event @ Morgantown, PA, June 22-23, 2023.

OLD BUSINESS: Members should have already made their room reservations at the Holiday Inn, Morgantown, Pa in prep for the June Tri-Regional Buick Show, Classic Auto Mall, Morgantown, Pa June 21-24, 2023. How many of you registered a car? A very nice show of hands confirmed their attendance.

Our membership will maintain the hospitality room. Hospitality will be in the atrium between the entrance/exit areas between the Holiday Inn and the Classic Auto mall. The food court in the mall is full of cars, so that idea is out for the hospitality area. Hospitality area is now w/ the registration are and has access to the outside show lot.

Going to ask for some homemade individually wrapped items from the women. Men can help w/ parking cars, etc. The chapter will get a kick back from any profits made from the show: Some chapter members already left me know they will be volunteering their time to help w/hospitality area, parking cars and club sales table, THANK YOU!

All Holiday Inn rooms are booked for Friday evening. Approximately 80 cars registered. The Thursday tour to Nicoli Bulgari’s is just about full. 60+ persons going to Shady Maple thus far for Thursday evening dinner!!! 15 persons, thus far, signed up for Saturday tour to AACA Museum/Library.

May 6^th chapter day tour to “Old Spokes” Museum, Kutztown, Pa has been canceled due to not enough membership interest in attending.

Remember to fill out and send in election ballots from the April Buick Bugle. Please mail in before June 1, 2023. Ballot right on front jacket of the May 2023 Bugle.

NEW BUSINESS: Be sure to attend the annual Chapter picnic, June 11, under Weeping Willow Pavilion; A-G = dessert, H-O=hot, P-Z = cold. If you have a favorite dish you’d like to share but your first initial of your last name does not coincide w/ the guideline, that’s okay, you are welcomed to bring that dish. Bring your comfy chair(s) and stories. We will prepare for mailing, the car show flyers, as we do every year. Couple of rounds of “BINGO” will be played w/ prizes to be given out.

Minutes of BCA Board of Directors Meeting, held on the 21st March 2023 via Teleconference

There is a need to move forward with the incorporation of the National BCA and obtaining a 501C3 for the Museum project. Members contributed comments to this discussion and names such as; The Buick Museum, The Buick Club Museum and Research Centre were mentioned by the members. Jack Welch commented that we cannot use the term “Research Centre” as this was the domain of the BHA. Finally, it was suggested to call it The Buick Motorcar Museum. A motion was proposed by Jerry Courson to call the Museum Project; The Buick Motorcar Museum and this was seconded by Jack Welch. The meeting approved this motion, (8-0)

Buick Museum Committee: Sid Meyer commented that there was a MCACN show being held at the Gilmore Museum;

The Gilmore Car Museum is an automobile museum located in Hickory Corners , Michigan , United States. The museum exhibits over 400 vintage and collector vehicles and motorcycles from all eras in several vintage buildings located on a 90-acre campus.^[1] The museum claims to be the largest automobile museum in North America. It is part of the MotorCities National Heritage Area .^[2]

Does the BCA have a presence there? Melanie Mauser said that this meeting at the Gilmore Museum was scheduled for 24th June and she would look into getting a spot for it. Sid Meyer and Jack Welch commented that the communication with the Bulgari Organization had “gone quiet” with nothing happening. Sid Meyer also commented that the BHA would like us to have a presence in Allentown.

Old Business: Sid Meyer commented that the National Membership roster/directory and handbook will not happen this year, however it needs to be done next year.

Wishing everyone a safe and healthy summer. Hopefully you all can attend the chapter picnic.

Motion made to adjourn: Kathleen Duckett, seconded by Steve Chappelear, so carried. Time 8:20 pm.

Respectfully submitted: Lisa Chappelear

ANNUAL CHAPTER PICNIC

The annual “Free Spirit” chapter picnic will be held on Sunday, June 11, 2023 under the Weeping Willow Pavilion, Macungie Memorial Park, Macungie, PA. Lunch will start to be served around 12:30-1:00 pm. This event is held RAIN or SHINE for it is held under a pavilion by the rest rooms and is handicapped accessible.

As in the past, the chapter will be providing the meats, utensils and drinks. Each member is asked to bring a food selection to share w/ others. A guideline is used every year to have a variety of food selections. The following is the guideline: Last name begins w/ letter: A-G = dessert, H-O=hot, P-cold. If you have a favorite dish you’d like to share but your first initial of your last name does not coincide w/ the guideline, that’s okay, you are welcomed to bring that dish.

Bring your “Comfy” chair and your Buick stories to enjoy a day with your fellow Buick enthusiasts! Dolores Kennedy will be receiving your chapter renewal dues.

“FREE SPIRIT” Chapter (Charter Chapter Buick Club of America)

Membership RENEWAL Form

Please fill in the following information and include a check for $12.00, made payable to “FREE SPIRIT” Chapter. Submit to: Dolores Kennedy-Membership Chairman ddken@rcn.com

NOTE: Are you a member of the National Buick Club? Are your 2023- 2024 National

Dues paid?? ______ Yes ______ No

Your BCA number _______ Signature _____________________________

MEMBER NAME________________________________________

SPOUSE’S NAME __________________________________________

STREET ADDRESS ________________________________________

TOWN, STATE, ZIP CODE _________________________________

TELEPHONE (____) _______________________________________

CELL PHONE (OPTIONAL) ________________________________

EMAIL ADDRESS (OPTIONAL) ____________________________

BUICK’S OWNED – Year/Model

______________________ __________________________ ______________________

PLEASE submit completed form to Dolores Kennedy by June 30, 2023!

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

JUNE HAPPY SUMMER!

3 – Pa Outdoor Veterans 5th Annual Wheels of Freedom Car Show, Egypt Memorial Park,Whitehall,Pa

4 – 44th Annual General Motors on Display, Macungie Park, Macungie, Pa

11 – Annual chapter picnic, Weeping Willow Pavilion, Macungie Memorial Park, Macungie, PA

20 – 24 – Tri-Regional Buick Meet, Classic Auto mall, Morgantown, PA.

24 – The Mountanside Car Show, Eat Penn Sporting Club, Lehighton, Pa

25 – 27th Annual West End, West End Fairgrounds, Gilbert, PA

JULY 2023 HAPPY 4^TH of JULY

8 – Fearless Fire Co. 2nd Annual Car Show, Starlite Ballroom at Fearless Fire Co., Allentown, PA
29 – 8th Annual NASD Student Council Car Show, Bicentennial Park West, Bethlehem, Pa

AUGUST 2023

4-6 – Das Awksht Fescht, Macungie, PA

CARS/PARTS FOR SALE

ARM RESTS

#1095 1961-67 Skylark/Special/WC/Invicta/LeSabre; 1962-68 Chevy Impala/Pontiac/Oldsmobile, 11” arm rests, BLUE,; #4782299-1/4782299-2, $80.00/pair
#1096 1961-67 Skylark/Special/WC/Invicta/LeSabre; 1962-68 Chevy Impala/Pontiac/Oldsmobile, 11” arm rest; 1 – Navy Blue Front Rest, 1 – Turquiose LH Driver’s side missing ash tray, $50.00 each
#1097 Pair of 1961-67 Skylark/Special/WC/Invicta/LeSabre; 1962-68 Chevy Impala/Pontiac/Oldsmobile, 11” arm rests w/ ash trays, BLUE, $80.00/pair
#1098 Pair of 1961-67 Skylark/Special/WC/Invicta/LeSabre; 1962-68 Chevy Impala/Pontiac/Oldsmobile, 11” arm rests, RED, 1 – RH Passenger side, #4782299-2; 1 – LH Driver’s side, $80.00/pair
#1099 Pair of 1961-67 Skylark/Special/WC/Invicta/LeSabre; 1962-68 Chevy Impala/Pontiac/Oldsmobile, 11” arm rests, BLACK; 1 – FRONT #4782299-1, 1 – REAR RH Passenger side, $80.00/pair
#1100 Pair of 1962-64 Chevy SS/Impala/Bel Air/Biscayne/Grand Prix/Buick/Oldsmobile/Invicta/WC; 1963-64 Riviera, 15” long arm rests, GREEN, 1 – Front RH Driver’ side, #4836684; 1 – Rear LH Passenger, #4836687, $80.00/pair
#1101 Pair of 1967 LeSabre, 15.5” long Rear GREENISH-BLUE, LH/RH, (#4467500-2) Rear arm rests w/ ash trays, $80.00/pair; 1 – RH Passenger arm rest = $50.00
#1102 2–Pair 1967 LeSabre Front arm rests, BLACK, 14” long, $80.00/pair
#1103 1967 LeSabre 14” long, LH Driver’s side CREAM arm rest, $50.00
2 – 1967 LeSabre 14” long, GOLD, arm rest pads only, $40.00/pair
#1105 1965-67 Chevy Impala; 1966-67 Riviera 14” long Arm Rest Bases, #4468752 (RH) Passenger Front side; #4468753 (LH) Drivers Front side, 1 pair L/R = $40.00/pair, 1 RH single = $25.00
#1106 2 – 1964-67 Buick Skylark/Oldsmobile Cutlass/Pontiac GTO/Lemans/Chevy Chevelle, 11 ¾” long, Arm Rest Bases, #4782301, 1 w/ ash tray n NAVY pad = $30.00, 1 wo ash tray and w very slight corner damage, no pad = $20.00 each
#1107 1962 Chevy Impala; 1963-64 Chevy SS, 15” long Arm Rest Bases, 2 – #4836684 RH Passenger side (1 w BLACK pad, 1 wo pad); 1 – #4836685 LH Drivers side, 1 pair (L/R) = $40.00, 1 single LH Drivers side base only= $25.00
#1108 1968-72 Chevy Chevelle/Malibu/El Camino/Monte Carlo/Skylark 4 dr/Oldsmobile F85/Cutlass/Supreme/Pontiac GTO/Lemans/Catalina RH Passenger side Arm Rest base w pad, #8769334, CREAM color, $60.00
#1109 1969 Camaro LH Drivers side Arm Rest base w pad, #7743667, DARK GREEN, $60.00
#1110 1968-72 Pontiac GTO/Lemans/Chevy Chevelle Arm Rests bases only, #7748802 RH Passenger; #7748803 LH Drivers side, OLIVE GREEN, $100.00/pair
#1112 1966-70 BLACK Dodge Charger/Plymouth B C body, 13” long, LH Drivers side Arm Rest Pad, $20.00
#1113 2 Arm Rest Pads; 1- Navy Blue = 9¾” long, 1- Turquoise = 10.5” long, $10 each