July 2023 Newsletter

DIRECTOR’S THOUGHTS, JULY, 2023

Wow!! Can you believe it’s’ July already!?!?!?!? Where did the past 6 months go? It just seems like we started the year 2023!! Besides how quickly time is going by, the weather is very strange also. I have yet to put my window air conditioner in my window! (Wonderful on my electric bill, right?) The thing that is not good is how dry it is. We can only hope and pray that we get some rain soon.

Next month Das Awksht Fescht will happen. Again, as every year, I ask for volunteers to help park the Buicks on Club Day, Sunday. I already have 2 committed volunteers but will need 3 more. The only qualification is you need to be there very early, 07-0800 am. This is not my qualification but comes from the Ontelaunee Region AACA President. If we want to keep the area for where we park, under the huge tree, members need to be there early to park the Buicks as they come in. If not, then we will be moved somewhere else out in the sun areas. I do not think we want that!! We have the most prime area!!

Attending the picnic was a new member: Eric Hunsberger, Pottstown, Pa, BCA #51616, hunsie3@yahoo.com, 1955 Super, model 52, 4door sedan. Be sure to “Welcome” him when you meet him! “WELCOME ABOARD, ERIC!!” Your Chapter Director, Sally Getz

“Free Spirit” Meeting Minutes – June, 2023

NO monthly meeting held. Annual chapter picnic held @ Weeping Willow Pavilion, Macungie Borough Park, Macungie, PA. 21 “Free Spiriters” and 3 guests were in attendance during the annual chapter picnic on Sunday, June 11, 2023. There were a lot of different food selections that were enjoyed by all. Everyone did a fine job in bringing their selections!

Sally “Welcomed” everyone and then shared some announcements as follows:

Reminded everyone that Dolores Kennedy would accept anyone’s chapter renewal dues. There are still many members who have not renewed their yearly dues.

“CONGRATS” went out to Howard and Martha (not present) on their June 1^st celebration of their 66^th wedding anniversary.
“CONGRATS” to Ed Lenny (not present) for his Birthday coming up on June 29^th.
Kathleen/Thomas Duckett is opening their home sometime in October for an “Octoberfest.” Kathleen asked everyone to bring chairs and BYOB (bring your own BEVERAGE).

Asked members to think long and hard about attending the Lehighton Old Car Show, Sunday, October 29, 2023 to be involved in helping out, especially with parking cars in their appropriate classes.
An up-to-date report was given on the Tri-Regional Buick Meet, June 22-24, 2023, Classic Auto Mall, Morgantown, PA. As of June 9^th, the following was reported:

Tour #1 = 25 registered
Tour #2 = 2 registered
Tour #3 = 37 registered
dinner to shady Maple Smorgasbord = 73
113 registered for banquet
Tour #4 = 22 registered

102 persons registered for show, whether they are a car participant or a vendor. Of those 102 persons, 18 are “Free Spirit” members!! Of those 18 members, there are 3 members attending as vendors!!

A new member as taken in during the picnic: Eric Hunsberger Pottstown, Pa.

2 games were played, the 1^st called, “Non-Newlywed Game. 3 couples participated: Kathleen/Thomas Duckett, Lisa/Steve Chappelear, Shannon/Steve Bubbenmoyer. 5 questions were asked of each man and woman. It was quite interesting to know how well and not so well they knew things of one another: Kathleen/Thomas Duckett had the highest points, >1500. Shannon/Steve Bubbenmoyer had the lowest, <500.

The 2^nd game was called “Fact or Fiction?” Members got 90% correct. It was fun!!

5 rounds of “Bingo” were played by most. Dolores Kennedy, Shirley Schaffer, Kathleen Duckett, Steve/Shannon Bubbenmoyer, Christina Nester, Sally Getz were round winners, with 2 games, with2 winners!!

The Lehighton show flyers were then folded, stamped, sealed and readied for the mail. By 3:30 pm the pavilion was clean and empty.

Many “THANKS” to Sandy/Dan Reiniger for the majority of the work (setting up, cooking, serving). They did a fine job!! Until next year……………………………

TRI-REGIONAL BUICK MEET, MORGANTOWN, PA

To think when you are involved with planning and organizing an event years ahead of the date, you anticipate its arrival, right? Well, it has happened. The TRI-REGIONAL BUICK MEET was held at the Classic Auto Mall, Morgantown, PA, June 22-24, 2023! What a show it was!!!

Wednesday evening, the GOODY bags were stuffed with, “GOODIES!” There was an actual room the hotel gave us to hold, “HOSPITALITY!” (Originally it was going to be in the ATRIUM by the banquet room area.) Registration was open 5-9 pm that evening for BUICK enthusiasts who arrived early.

Thursday, the hospitality room was open for BUICK guests. Not only were store bought items available, but HOMEMADE GOODIES (chocolate chip cookies, molasses cookies, Texas sheet cake squares, oatmeal raisin cookies, zucchini bread slices, lemon squares, peach cobbler, chocolate brownies, and peanut butter drop cookies.) YUM, YUM, YUM, YUM!!! Many, many “THANKS” to those “Free Spirit” members who helped out in the hospitality room this day! Club sales did pretty good. A new member was signed up as follows: Dini Vigliano, Worcester, Pa, diniv0229@aol.com. “WELCOME, Dini!”

Guests with their BUICKS started to flow in nicely. Despite the mist of rain all day long, there were 5 flea market vendors set up to sell their BUICK items. Thursday dinner driving to Shady Maple Smorgasbord went off without a hitch. There were 60 BUICK enthusiasts who attended. When we first arrived, the parking lots were very full. I thought, what is going on? As the group approached the cashier, found out it was “Kids Eat Free Night.” Within 10 minutes, our group was in line, cashed out and then were seated in a room all by ourselves. It was very nice for us all to sit together. Everyone in attendance ate till their bellies were full, “Um, Um, Good.”

Friday was Show Day. Despite the humid rainy (misty) weather, there were 120 BUICKS registered (Pre-registered and day of show). There were 100 BUICKS on the show field!! A GREAT DAY!! Guests came and went in the hospitality room all day long. Met some old friends and made some new friends. Again, many thanks to those “Free Spirit” members who attended this room. Another “Free Spirit” member was signed up: Brent Senseny/Linda Cluck, Kutztown, Pa, 1989 Reatta, senseny18@gmail.com. “WELCOME, BRENT and LINDA.” By 4 pm, registration and hospitality was closed and all cleaned up. Everyone got ready for the awards part of the event.

Friday night started off with a cash bar for guests. Approximately 106 persons were in attendance. Marty Jablonski was the MC of the night, and he did a fabulous job. “Thank You’s” were announced and Team Civil players were introduced, along with event sponsors. Food was served buffet style. The selections were mouthwatering!!

After dinner and dessert, the awards part of the program took place. The GNX/GSX group was recognized along with the President of the BCA, Sid Meyers. Team Civil who planned and organized this event are: John Scheib (CT), Kevin Keenan (NJ), Marc/Bonnie Anderson (CT), Jon Henry (MA), Sally Getz (PA), Larry DiBarry (PA), Marc Alssid (NY), and Marty Jablonsky (NY). David Weiss (NJ), treasurer was not in attendance due to his wife’s passing the Sunday before the meet. A card of condolences was sent from the “Free Spirit” chapter. Richard Sills (PA) was attending a Cadillac event in New Mexico, and Ken Creary (NY) was driving in the “GREAT RACE” across the US.

Class awards winners were shocked to learn of their award wins! 2 “Free Spirit” members were among the winners with their BUICKS: Martin Zimmerman Brent Senseny was awarded Second place awards in their respected classes. CONGRATULATIONS to you both!!!! The entire event was wonderful!!!

Besides the site event, driving tours were enjoyed by those who attended during the latter part of the week. The driving tours were to the NB center, Allentown, followed by America On Wheels Museum, Boyertown Museum, Reading Pagoda, a Candy shop, AACA Library and the AACA Museum. Plus, the Classic Auto Mall was viewed by many of the attendees. What a way to complete the mid to latter part of the week!!

Remember, the 2024 Buick National will be held, Cleveland, Ohio next July.

I came across this phrase yesterday: ‘FENDER SKIRTS ‘

A term I haven’t heard in a long time and thinking about ‘fender skirts’ started me thinking about other words that quietly disappear from our language with hardly a notice like ‘curb feelers.’

And ‘steering knobs ‘ or ‘spinner knobs’.

Since I’d been thinking of cars, my mind naturally went that direction first.

Any kids will probably have to find some older person over 50 to explain some of these terms to you.
Remember ‘Continental kits’?
They were rear bumper extenders and spare tire covers that were supposed to make any car as cool as a Lincoln Continental.

When did we quit calling them ’emergency brakes’?
At some point ‘parking brake’ became the proper term.
But I miss the hint of drama that went with ’emergency brake.’

I’m sad, too, that almost all the old folks are gone who would call the accelerator the ‘foot feed.’

Many today do not even know what a clutch is or that the dimmer switch used to be on the floor.
For that matter, the starter was down there, too.

Didn’t you ever wait at the street for your Daddy to come home, so you could ride the ‘running board’ up to the house?

Some words aren’t gone but are definitely on the endangered list.
The one that grieves me most is ‘supper.’ Now, everybody says ‘dinner.’ Save a great word.
Invite someone to supper. Discuss fender skirts.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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

SEPTEMBER 2023 HAPPY LABOR DAY!

3 – Car show, Slatington Airport, Slatington, Pa
5 – Monthly chapter meeting, dinner @ 6 pm, business meeting 7:30 pm. Starlite Diner & Lounge, Allentown, Pa
10 – Strausstown Lions Club Car Show, Community Park, Strausstown, PA
24 – Star Car Show, Star Buick GMC, Easton, PA

CARS/PARTS FOR SALE

1964 Riviera, #2 body condition. Exterior color = Surf Green, Interior color = black leather w/ NO rips. Is a plain Jane: No A/C, NO PW. Radiator Re-cord. Runs but needs to be finished, $17,500.00, OBO. 267-680-5116, ask for Don.

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 Sally Getz, 610-377-6130