President's Page October 2009

We’re now officially into fall, although Indian summer will be welcomed by us all for the coming month or so. Let’s hope that we have a nice fall season, as we look forward to a few special events, including the Oktoberfest Parade at Ladysmith (Oct 4), the Colour Tour to Pigeon’s ranch (Oct 18) and the mini-Plowing Match at Ralph Lemke’s on Barron Canyon Road (Oct 24). Details on these are elsewhere in the Flying Quail.

We have enjoyed a busy September with the 150th Cobden Fair Parade, good reports from Barrie and the triple play on the 19th with the Renfrew Car Show, the Popkie Mill Car Show and Renfrew County Plowing Match. It was a challenge to determine which to attend, however some members did take in more than just one. Comments I heard in Renfrew expressed regret that organizers hadn’t worked to separate their dates. With 170 cars in Renfrew and 100 or more at Popkies, one mammoth show or two events held on separate dates would have better success and not force owners to choose, in this case between three related options.

The Harvest Tour to the Coronation Cider Mill in Bristol was outstanding! Don & Sue Page organized this along with the hospitality of Garry & Norma Graham on one of the nicest sunny days of the summer. The “Thursday Morning” band and the “Antique Car Tunes” entertained all afternoon while guests enjoyed apple harvest treats. There were 21 vehicles - 22 if you count the neighbours’ two-mule team wagon. Two nice Studebakers, including a rare 1951 convertible, a mint 1951 Meteor, an original 1955 Oldsmobile and a 1970s continental kit Chrysler joined to add to our regulars. We were pleased to see Glen Coules and his mom Margaret from Renfrew again – we had met them at the Waterfront Festival and the Portage du Fort show in August.

Dinner at Pine Lodge was most enjoyable. Joan TerMarsch reminisced that her last time there was over 50 years ago for a family wedding reception. Don & Sue’s next door neighbour Mary Calvert-Gamble, Norway Bay’s historian emeritus, was our guest as well. Wrapping up September, our postponed Supples Landing residents’ cruise to the city’s timber crib at the waterfront came off well a week later, thanks to Troutmans, Roys, McCauleys & N. Videtos.

Looking ahead, we have struck a nominating committee, headed up by Ron Roy, to manage our upcoming elections to change the executive for 2010. The committee will have a slate of candidates to present at the November meeting. As well, nominations from the floor will be entertained and the collective slate will be voted upon in December. My two-year term is ending and I am committed to helping with a sound succession plan for an ongoing healthy club.

On that note, I take this opportunity to welcome new members Garfield & Pauline Stewart and Kevin & Kaye O’Gorman, bringing a 1959 Edsel Ranger and 1949 Oldsmobile 88 into the fleet. I am reminded of the saying in 1957 that an Edsel looked like a ‘56 Oldsmobile sucking a lemon.

The Sunshine file includes Rick Clayton who has returned from Toronto via Barrie where he tried chasing Jeff Videto’s scooter and Jim Rolfe who is feeling well. We were happy to see Joan TerMarsch along with Wendy to Bristol – and speaking of Bristol, a card of condolence has been sent to Barbara & Peter Haughton, our river boat friends, on her mother, Evelyn Clauson’s passing. Condolences too, to Kathy Videto on her uncle, Bill DeGrechie’s passing.

The October meeting will be held on Wednesday the 7th at the Champlain Trail Museum starting at 7:00. Vice-president Lorne Troutman will have the gavel, as I will be in Alberta and BC this week.

Dave Lemkay

President’s Page September 2009

Summertime – when the livin’ is easy – easy to miss that is. Where did summer go? I’ll tell you – it went on all around us as we were busy in so many enjoyable events. Overall, it was a great summer!

Pembroke’s Waterfront Festival was well attended with cars thanks to Graham who made calls across the region. The Blueberry Social went well with many of our vehicles. I wish to thank Claude Fortin and Don Stresman for their help to set up starting at 8:00 am. and close up at the end of the day.

Saturday August 15th at the Lakeside Hotel in Portage du Fort was another fun event. When not attending the vehicles, we held an executive meeting inside where the Pages, Weisenbergs, Broharts and Delores & I tightened up plans for the Apple Cider tour, polished trophies and met new friends.

The Marion Hill show & sing-along on the 19th was well received by so many of the residents. Thanks to Neil & Lori Videto for organizing this. Great weather, music (and popcorn and sodas). Many of the people recognized old cars and old friends. Marilyn’s Studebaker was reintroduced to Mrs. Lebine who had owned the car many years before.

I take this opportunity to say how enjoyable it was to have Ernie and Dianne Murdock arrive in their Austin Mini at the Strawberry Social. When members in the “honourary” category drive the farthest distance to join in, that is worth mentioning! Great to see you!

Looking forward to our fall shows and tours, there is a long list. Briefly, we will be on our cruise night (26th) when many will be handed the September issue. Bob McCauley likes to save on postage whenever possible. Thursday afternoon we will head to Cobden for the 5:30 parade that opens the Cobden Fair. We need as many vehicles as possible.

The Barrie Flea Market weekend is September 10-13. On Saturday the 19th we are invited to display our vehicles and other toys at the Renfrew County Plowing Match on Storyland Road. On Sunday the 20th we will travel to Norway Bay to experience the Commonwealth Cider Mill. Don & Sue Page are organizing a special afternoon with buffet dinner at Pine Lodge later. Dore Bay Pig Roast will be on September 26.

I once again open the well-wishes file. “Sunshine” Cards were sent to Graham Wall, Brian Black and Janice Visneskie and also her partner Leslie Moore. Cards of sympathy were sent to Lila Priebe, on the passing of her mother and to former member Mary Jane Blais on Roger’s passing on August 9th. Jim Rolfe is in Ottawa undergoing elements of his treatment regime and Richard Clayton remains in Toronto. Please know that you’re in our thoughts daily.

Our meeting will be held at Champlain Trail Museum starting at 7:00. Don’t forget to bring interesting items for the auction sale.

Dave Lemkay

President’s Page August 2009

July was eventful starting right away on Dominion Day with our buffet dinner and meeting at The Sands on Golden Lake. The boat cruise idea was good, but the weather dictated otherwise. A soirée at the cottage across the lake turned out to be a good plan B. Waltham’s 150th celebrations on July 4th came at a busy time for many, so our participation was limited. However, Bob & Mae McCauley’s 60th Anniversary party was well attended and such a nice afternoon it was! Our Antique Car Tunes had the honour to provide the music and the busy dance floor was a fine endorsement of their good work.

August is going to be a busy month. Pembroke’s Waterfront Festival is on the 7th through to the 9th. Graham Wall is looking after setting up a car show on the downtown streets. Also on Sunday the 9th, ACCP and the railroad group will have cars and memorabilia on display at the Champlain Trail Museum’s Heritage Blueberry Festival from 11:30 to 3:00. Please try to reserve this time on your calendar.

On Saturday August 15th, we are invited to the Lakeside Hotel in Portage du Fort for their annual car show. This has been an enjoyable event in past years. Plan for a mid-week cruise night on Wednesday August 26th and Cobden has their 150th Anniversary Parade the following evening to open the Cobden Fair – Thursday August 27th. The Premier of the Province has been invited, so along with other area dignitaries needing a perch in the parade, our vehicles will be put to good use.

I hate to bring up the Fall season, but there will be a lot going on then too. Aside from the Barrie weekend, we will have a special invitational tour on Sunday the 20th to Bristol and Norway Bay QC to sample apple cider at the newly renovated Coronation Cider Mill. Don & Sue Page are pulling this together with ACCC Rideau Lakes Region. They’re organizing a buffet dinner at rustic Pine Lodge. This promises to be a wonderful afternoon tour at a scenic Ottawa River site.

In the well-wishes file, Jim Rolfe is going to be involved with his special treatment regime through to late fall, so he won’t be participating at meetings or with any touring. New member Janice Visneskie has also undergone some surgery and is recuperating at their Golden Lake residence. Our best wishes go out to them and our other members who have recently had hospital engagements. Condolences have been expressed to Ron & Audrey Ruhnke on the passing of Ron’s father Oscar Ruhnke.

Our meeting is at Champlain Trail Museum starting at 7:00. Bring you lawn chairs just in case the evening is really conducive to us staying outdoors on the lawn. Auction items are always welcomed – for entertainment value and to add to our project coffers.

Dave Lemkay