President's Page - January 2015

Happy New Year 2015 members and friends!

I am writing this with the music ‘Christmas in the Valley’ on the stereo.  It reminds me of the beauty and promise of this season and it’s so nice to share it with family and friends. 

Our Christmas Shine was a wonderful event to bring 2014 to an end and our collective thanks goes out to so many who made it a success in the tradition of the club.  The Seniors’ Centre was beautifully decorated and clean and tidy thanks largely to Lorne and Myrna’s care and attention.  The ‘Slightly Off’ band from Ottawa was great, presenting a variety of dance tunes that got everybody up on the floor.  Mr. and Mrs. Santa did a delightful job in distributing gifts and awards.  It was amazing that this couple (all the way from the North Pole) knew us all by our first names.

This year’s Presidents Trophy was presented to Dawn and Ron Roy in recognition of their attendance and dedicated support throughout the year.  The Crank-of-the-Year was given to Neil and Lori Videto, who always crank up enthusiasm and organize our tour up to Mount St.Patrick and the ACCP float in the Santa Claus Parade.  The Rodeo Cup was won by Marg and Larry Smith who demonstrated precision parking with their 59 Dodge Custom Royale.  The Bonnie and Clyde award goes to Jim Savage for his maneuvering the ’76 Thunderbird through the course and daughter Samatha’s acing the target shoot.  Congratulations and thanks to all of you for your volunteerism and continued support to our Club.

The trophies will be engraved over the next month.  Please bring them to our January meeting and they will be returned to you by the following meeting.  Marilyn Simpson has been most helpful with this task over the past years.  Speaking of Marilyn, our December cover page featured her 1955 Studebaker Regal Champion Coupe, a prize-winner in its own right from Studebaker Club to Oktoberfest.  Great picture!

As we move into our 52^nd year, we can look forward to a fun-filled year of touring and activities and we have some prospects for new members.  Already there has been an offer of a horse-drawn sleigh ride venue so at our January meeting on the 7^th, we will have the opportunity to discuss this and some ideas to keep the club in good shape, including annual dues and maybe a new approach to our loonie draw maybe updating to a toonie instead.  While money isn’t the objective of our getting together, we do need funds to underwrite the Flying Quail and special events.

Our January 7^th meeting will be held back at the West End Kingburger.  Bring your auction items and join us all for a fun-filled evening, starting with social hour at 5:30, meal time and the meeting at 7:00 p.m. Happy New Year to all!                        Delores

President`s Page - December 2014

Season’s Greetings to all!

Looking back over the past year, our ACCP family had another fun-filled time together, kicking off with the Family Day Sleigh Ride and dinner at Northfork, Chichester, meetings at Algonquin College, Dineamics and Kingburger and tours, shows, strawberries and sales right through to the Brew Pub in Whitewater, Rodeo corn on the cob, the church supper at the mountain (our other mystery tour), Oktoberfest and a special shot of “Maple” and bagpipes on our colour tour to the Wilno hills.  Add to all this the many visits to seniors’ homes across the County where our Antique Car Tunes Band put smiles on lots of faces.  Wrapping up, we’ll have had the Christmas Parade of Lights “A Reel Christmas at the Movies” and finally our traditional Christmas Shine Ladies’ Night Banquet at Victoria Hall.  Thanks to all of you who have generously volunteered time to make tours, meetings and events memorable.    

Having recently observed a beautiful Remembrance Day to honour those who sacrificed in the name of peace, we remember departed club members and friends in the hobby including: Brian Black, Herbie Sell, Harold Elliott and Myrna Stresman.  We express condolences to Dawn and Ron Roy on the recent passing of Dawn’s sister Beverley Farr. 

And in this vein, we extend a special “thank you” to Ellen Black and family and Gerry Binhammer for gracious donations to the club this past year.  These contributions are much appreciated as they nicely augment the finances needed to convene special events such as the Rodeo and Christmas Shine.

Thanks to Neil and all his elves for designing and building the club float.  Rounding up the characters of Dorothy, Toto the dog, the Tin Man, Lion and Scarecrow characters is no small task.  Once again ACCP will make a good showing at the Pembroke Christmas parade.

This year we welcomed a new member, Bonnie Fynn and have met Bill & Mary Brown from Whitney who are interested in joining.  Other individuals, friends of Frankie and Dub, have indicated an interest in joining in 2015.  As always, we welcome all to our ACCP family. The more the merrier.

 

Wendy is now selling December 13^th Christmas Shine tickets at her office.  As past years, guests you might choose to bring are welcome to enjoy the fun-filled evening of socializing starting at 5:00, catered dinner at 7:00 followed by trophies presentations and prizes and a dance with a band from Ottawa. Lorne Troutman organizes your beverage procurement to comply with the permit (make sure he has your order), Gale & John Hanson who masterfully sleuth out special prizes and gifts – we know Santa will be busy!  Thanks to you all.

Soon facing the tail lights of 2014, I would like to thank all of the executive Wendy TerMarsch-Treasurer, Muriel Rolfe-Secretary, Ralph Lemke-Vice President and for those that have filled in over the year as necessary.  Thanks to the members for contributions to the Flying Quail and to Bob and Mae for their patience and perseverance to get it out on time.  Thanks to Neil & Lori our Benevolence team who made sure that members’ sentiments were duly expressed to those needing a kind thought.  To our auctioneer extraordinaire John Hanson, we’ve shared more laughs and bought lots of questionable doo-dads, thanks to your entertainment, nicely boosting the club kitty too.

Our December 3^rd, final meeting of the year, will be held back at The Kingburger Restaurant, starting at 7:00 pm or come early for dinner and a fine social time.

Bring your auction items and trophies from 2013 events that will need to be updated.  

Have a safe, healthy and happy Christmas. 

Delores

President's Page November 2014

2014 Colour Tour at historic Wilno Tavern

Greetings to members and friends of ACCP

We are well into our beautiful Autumn season and a strong showing of the brilliant remaining colours throughout the countryside. 

The antique autos are being tucked away for the winter months.  In our household the cars get a ‘tap’ on the fender and a little evocation that we all stay well over winter to emerge safely in the spring.

Our traditional Oktoberfest tour on the 5th to Ladysmith was once again enjoyed by many members, although there were fewer entries in the parade.  The German-style entertainment music this year was a repetition of last year mainly, as was the weather. We were disappointed not to be able to stop at a restaurant in Shawville or Portage du Fort on our way home.  They’re closed!

Our late fall Colour Tour October 19^th was blessed with clear weather amidst a rainy week.  We relived the Hill Climb days with our climbing and descending the hills of Wilno, Opeongo Road and Foymount in crisp sunny weather. Our stop at the Polish Heritage Site lookout was enhanced with the pipes thanks to Pipe Major Jim Savage and a tasty shot of Sortilege Maple Liqueur in little red cups. So this was sort of our own Taste of the Valley.

Once we got to Wilno the ladies visited the Wilno Gallery for a unique shopping experience followed with dinner at the Tavern. With lots of sunshine left, the route homeward took us along the Opeongo Road through Brudenell, up to the top of Foymount and past Lake Clear into Eganville. On the way, there was a road-side display that matched the open arms reception we received in Wilno. We should have stopped for a picture but it turned out that everyone had noticed, especially Ron Roy.  (There may be a picture elsewhere in the Quail).

We have heard from Dan Hewitt that there was a great tour the same day to the Nesbitt ranch in Renfrew to view a vast collection of Allis Chalmers tractors and other such equipment. Watch for a report and pictures from him and Don Stresman who were there.

Farther afield, on her excursion to Ireland, Donna Savage was able to scout out old cars including a 1928 Singer.  We share the picture of the Singer and Donna and her sister outside The Swords Bed & Breakfast near Dublin.  

It’s hard to believe but we are getting geared up for our traditional Christmas Shine for Saturday December 13^th.  Members have voiced their wishes for the early dinner routine with music and awards to follow. Reception will begin at 5pm at the Seniors Centre and our meal will be catered once again by Crystal and staff at Good enough to Eat catering at 7pm. The cost of tickets is $30.00 per person / $60.00 per couple which also covers a live band, all the way from Ottawa, their band is called ‘Slightly Off’. They will play all your favourite 60’s music and then some.  As in the past, you can give Lorne your shopping list for refreshments, including dinner wine.  Once again, Lorne is printing tickets and they will be available at the November meeting and following that at TerMarsch Fuels.  Tickets will be on sale until December 5^th.  So pack your dancing shoes and plan on having a great club Christmas celebration. 

Pembroke’s Christmas Parade is Saturday November 29^th with “A Reel Christmas at the Movies” being the theme, so help us plan a movie-based theme for our float.  As before, Neil and Lori are offering their garage and Jeff and Cathy their float.  For those who can spare some time, please let Neil know. 

Our November 5th meal at The Kingburger starts about 5:30 with the meeting at 7pm.  Unused or extra Christmas decorations will be good for the auction and Gale & John Hanson need some gift wrap and bags for the door prizes so try to hunt some up and give to Gale at the meeting.   See you then!                                    Delores

President's Page - October 2014

Andrea and Delores on the neighbour’s steps circa 1987

Hello fellow members & friends:  

We are nicely approaching our Autumn season and array of colours that goes with it.  Our Club has had a busy month of tours and events throughout the Valley with car shows and country fairs.  

Our traditional Rodeo and picnic at Lake Dore Park was another hit with the first nice weather in a week. Thanks to Dan Hewitt and his family and volunteers Wayne and Ray & Julie for making this a fun and memorable occasion.  The hamburgers were the best ever, corn delicious and desserts were plentiful and enjoyed by all.  Thanks to those who donated desserts.  Our Club has a few “sweet tooths” that enjoy the grand finale of sugar. There are some winners from the skilled driving test including Larry and Marg Smith in their 1959 Dodge Custom Royal.  Some ‘runners-up’ for a sequel to the Bonnie and Clyde movie, as in target shooting presented a tie between Larry & Marg,  Jim Savage and daughter Samantha and Don Stresman and Pam Hewitt.  The tie breaker was won by Jim and Samantha in the T-bird.  Congratulations to all good sportsmen and sportsladies. 

Our Antique Car Tunes have had lots of activity over the past nine months with playing at various seniors’ residences and other special events.  We have had to postpone our trip to Nashville until the musical instruments cool down a bit. Lori and Neil have assured us their 1960 Ford Thames Van is ready to drive us there.  (Not the bus that Ron Roy has been offering)

This Classic and Antique Car / Toy Show at the Rankin Culture and Recreation Centre in August was very well organized.  Congratulations to Chris and Wayne Brohart, who won first prize in the motorcycle judging with their Harley Davidson. One of the guests that attended the show lost their camera, which is a black Cannon in a red casing.  If anyone has seen this camera, please contact Murray and Shelley Dole, the organizers of the Car Show. 

We offer condolences to the TerMarsch family on the passing of Joan’s brother Stewart Burns in Florida.  Stewart had joined in on past tours as a passenger with Cal & Joan.

The Calendar of Events page gives an update of our upcoming cruises, with Oktoberfest in Ladysmith next up.  Speaking future cruises, Renfrew is building an A & W Drive-In Restaurant along the O’Brien Road corridor (right across from Dave’s office).  Perhaps that can be one of our tour stops next Spring.

There are big changes in our household.  Number one daughter Andrea, turns 30 this month and it seems like only yesterday that this little gal joined the club.  She and Nathan have moved into their new lakeside home in Beachburg.  Number two daughter Addie is off to college in Lindsay so it’s empty nest at Maplebrae in Douglas.

For our next meeting we return to the Kingburger with Myles and staff catering to our needs from 5:30 until meeting start time at 7pm.  Speaking of catering, we can chat at our meeting of our Christmas Party venue.  To think that is only two and a half, months away, this will give some good input to our food committee to plan for the late-evening luncheon.  Our auction at the end of the meeting, continues to bring much laughter and funds towards our ACCP expenses.  Perhaps there are some Fall ornaments that one may wish to part with or early Christmas decorations.  See you all on Wednesday, October 1^st at the West end Kingburger.      

Delores

President's Page September 2014

Dave Stahn’s image from the Packard as we head out on the 2014 President’s Mystery Tour

So much has taken place over the past month, I’m not sure just where to start.  It is with heavy hearts that our thoughts and prayers go out to the Stresman family on the passing of Myrna, Don’s wife and soul mate.  Since the first days of the club, Myrna was an active participant, as the Stresman family was always out in full force on tours and events.  For Myrna, her family was most important and she always held a special place in her heart for all the children and grandchildren of the club.  We will all miss Myrna’s smile and her kind and caring ways.  Members have been asked to contribute to her funeral service with music and vintage vehicles in the cortege to the cemetery.

On another note, the month of August provided much happiness to other ACCP members.  Mario and Carolyn Correia announce that they’re the proud grandparents of Dominic Correia Drury, weighing 7 lbs. 8 oz.  As well, their 1953 MG TD was judged as the nicest MG among 30 or so at a recent Belleville MG club gathering.  This concours class car graces the cover this month along the story of the MG.

The President’s Mystery Tour brought a great number of members with their vehicles out on a beautiful balmy Sunday afternoon.  From what I am hearing, the tour remained a mystery with first stop at the new Whitewater Brewery.  Our hostess Sierra explained the brewing process and provided ample samples.    Coronation Hall in Bristol Quebec was a delightful setting for refreshments and a summer picnic dinner that was wonderful.  The specialty of the house, their fresh apple cider and apple crisp dessert topped it all off.  But that potato salad!  It got rave reviews, so with their permission I have included the recipe in this issue.  Thanks to Barb and Peter Haughton for the side tour to their new museum and riverdrive displays. They contribute so much to their communities of Bristol and Norway Bay.  We ended with a little parade through that beautiful vacation village that was fun for us and the residents too.  

Once again, threatening weather meant that we stayed at the Kingburger Restaurant for the August meeting.  This turned out to be a good decision.  Convertible tops on the Moore’s 1962 Impala and Wally’s VW had to be raised quickly as clouds moved in and rain pelted down along with some lightning.  Our September meeting will follow the same sequence.  For those that enjoy dining out and a social hour, we will arrive at the Kingburger, somewhere around 5:30pm on September 3^rd and the meeting will begin at 7pm.  Bring you auction items, may it be gardening tools, Fall decorations or a First-Aid Kit, as all items are welcome.  The auction provides assistance to our ACCP fund and brings many good laughs to the table.

Until we meet again…Happy Trails.      Delores

Myrna Gladys Stresman

Myrna Stresman

1928 - 2014

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dear friend and longstanding member Myrna. She held the record of being the lady member of the club since the club's formation as the Model A Ford Club in 1963.  For all those years, Myrna was an enthusiastic passenger with Husband Don and, in the early years their four children, Steve, David, Heather and Lana.  They toured in the 1931 Model A Ford (that is still in the club), a 1939 Chevrolet, the 1956 Dodge and the Jeeps that Don had lovingly restored.  She was always considerate and upbeat and as can be seen in her countenance in this picture, cheerful.  She was interested in members' family news, always inquiring about children and grandchildren.  We will miss her accompanying us on our tours and at special events in the club life.  In keeping with the Stresman family style, ACCP members have been asked to assemble our vintage cars in the cortege following the funeral service to the cemetery.  It will be our honour to do so. 

President's Page - August 2014

TerMarsch 1930 Model AA Ford at Strawberry Social

We are experiencing a story book summer, with bountiful sunshine and timely rain to keep the farm crops, lawns and gardens flourishing.

Congratulations go out to Dub & Frankie Juby who’s 57 Studebaker won the classic car award at Arnprior’s Robert Simpson Park on Canada Day. While Dub was attending the car, Frankie was busy with face painting.   Congratulations to a well deserving couple, who give from the heart!

Thank you to those who participated in the Strawberry Social at Champlain Trail Museum. The front cover depicts a great picture of those in attendance.  A lovely acknowledgement from the Champlain Museum is included in this issue.  

On Sunday morning July 13^th, the skies opened or someone drained their cistern Up Above, but the torrents of rain barely dampened the spirits of those stalwarts who drove to Merrickville; Wendy & Phil and Ralph & Marilyn who met up there with Jim & Donna.  Those six members were definitely adventurous in challenging the weatherman, but must have had a heads up on the forecast of the warm, sunny afternoon for their return trip and another good meal at PJ’s in Arnprior.  Others of us said our goodbyes at the funeral of Herb Sell of Rankin.  Herbie and Margaret frequently joined us on tours with their 1963 Oldsmobile and lately with the beautifully restored 1947 Monarch coupe.

We are saddened also with the passing of our longstanding club friend Harold Elliott.  Harold had driven the TerMarsch Model AA for display once again at this year’s Strawberry Social and sat alongside the truck in the shade and chatted with Wendy & Phil and visitors, in his friendly outgoing manner.  He was most knowledgeable on Model As and newer old Fords.

A big thank you for all your submissions to this month‘s Flying Quail.  It’s this sort of input that works to keep our newsletter interesting and a good record of our activities.  Please continue so we can fluff up the Quail’s feathers.  Submit stories and pictures electronically or hard copy to Wendy and Bob by the deadline two Fridays ahead of the meeting.  They’re happy to get it.

For those who had been in attendance at our July meeting, we enjoyed another good evening with Myles and his staff at the Kingburger Restaurant.  Prior to the meeting, there was some uncertainty if those heavy clouds would open or not. During the last hour, the decision was made to stay put where it was warm and dry at the Kingburger. For our 7 o’clock August 6^th meeting, we’re hoping for a nice evening for the waterfront venue.  In the meantime, for those of us who enjoy the social time and a dinner out, we’ll see you at the Kingburger at 5:30 then we will all make our way to the waterfront for about 6:30.  Until then, safe travelling and “happy trails” to all of you.  

Happy Independence Day

Happy Independence Day to our American Friends!

Happy Canada Day 2014

Happy Canada Day from the Antique Car Club of Pembroke

President's Page - July 2014

Father's Day tribute to my Dad Lorne Siegel

What a great feeling to have the first day of summer, just around the corner.  The gardens, fields and lawns are flourishing from this last bout of rain and humidity. It’s nature’s great greenhouse. Car tour weather, not so much.

It was great seeing so many members out at our June meeting at Dinenamics.  The decision was made to hold the July meeting, (weather permitting) at the waterfront with lawn chairs with a display with our vehicles.   

NOTE: to accommodate those of us enjoy a dinner out, I have made arrangements with Myles for a 5:30 meal at Kingburger and the meeting at the usual 7:00 hour at the waterfront.  If by chance, we are faced with the threat of a downpour, which has happened, those already there can simply remain there.  Others only joining in for the meeting will be able to know where the meeting will be  Waterfront if it’s nice weather – Kingburger if it’s raining.  Myles will be happy to host meal and/or meeting.

On a sunny, breezy Monday morning, many of us joined Ellen and the Black family in the funeral procession of our good friend Brian, to his final resting place is to St. Patrick’s cemetery in Stafford.  It was a fitting tour for Brian through his beloved Micksburg countryside. Ellen graciously presented the club with a thank you card (see insert) and generous cash donation.

Our thoughts and best wishes are with Wayne Brohart as he recuperates from recent surgery. He advised that he will be undergoing some treatment over the next while. Wayne - we look forward to you and Chris being back “on the road again”.

Champlain Trail Museum organizers are delighted that ACCP members plan to participate in their Strawberry Social on Sunday, June 29^th at 11:30 am. You know the drill, set up before the opening time.

We had some interesting items at our last auction sale.  This always provides many chuckles and surprises sometimes discovering items that we didn’t know we had bought until we return home.  It seems old telephones are recyclable and good novels can be brought back to life with John Hanson’s ability.

So to recap – mealtime at Kingburger 5:30 and meeting at waterfront at 7:00 weather-permitting. you all at the waterfront for 6:30-7pm. With antique cars, trucks, treasurers, lawn chairs.  Bring a friend to join in for the brief meeting and social hour and many laughs.

Happy Trails to all of you.  Delores

President's Page - June 2014

Pembroke Street, Pembroke circa 1950

We are now through the month of May and able to enjoy all the values of spring.  A significant change in our little hamlet of Douglas is the arrival and settling in of a number of Orthodox Mennonite families to area farms.  We know that decades ago, horse-drawn wagons climbed the hill by our house taking grain to the grist mill here.  Now, we are blessed with the pleasant ‘clip clop’ of horse hooves and steel wheels echoing in the village.  With their work ethic and traditional farming methods, many acres of crops have been planted and already signs have sprung up at farm gates, Eggs for Sale (closed Sundays). This will no doubt bring about new farmers’ markets in the area and Eganville and Renfrew plan to install hitching posts for new horse traffic.

Our May meeting at Dinenamics had a head count of 33 people, including guests Rennie Patterson and Maurice Demers who turned back the pages of time with slides from the 60s and 70s.   Thanks for those memories fellas and to Don Stresman for arranging this. We also had two celebrity guests, Bob and Pam Lavoie, who’s 1962 Amphicar was filmed last August at Hazley Bay for the Cottage Life TV show.  This is a most unique vehicle and just as the name suggests, it travels on land and water.  Thanks to membership coordinator Wayne Brohart for inviting and introducing the Lavoies. We look forward to them joining in future. 

Although we had our auctioneer John Hanson on board, our available time was taken up with the picture episodes.  The auction will resume at the June meeting.   So ladies and gents, you know the drill, load your

trunk with some treasures from spring cleaning and bring them on the 4^th.

 

We welcomed new member Bonnie Fynn and look forward to what will be one of our older cars, a 1929 Graham Paige, being added to the roster.  Bonnie is anxious to take the necessary steps to get the car roadworthy.  Maybe we can organize an inspection of the condition of the car to help her determine what’s needed to get it in running condition.   

                                         

Ellen Black let us know that Brian was so pleased that their car was featured in colour in the April Flying Quail. With his passing, she has asked the club to be prepared to provide an old car procession for the upcoming interment in Micksburg when conditions are suitable.  Stay tuned for date.

Our next meeting will return to Dineamics for 5:30pm social hour and 7 pm meeting.  Look forward to seeing you all on the 4^th.  

        Happy Trails…                Delores

Brian Bernard Black

Our good friend and member Brian Black passed away this week.  Many of us attended the visitation and funeral service at Wesley United Church on Thursday May 1, 2014.  Brian had a passion for music and we were often entertained at meetings or tours when he could be convinced to get out his guitar and sing any number of old-time songs.  He and Ellen were regulars on tours with their pristine Ford Fairlane until recent years.  The club members had the honour of forming a cortege of vintage vehicles on a beautiful sunny Monday June 9th, accompanying the hearse and family cars to St. Patrick's Church Cemetery on the hill in Stafford.  The interment was in the shade of a tall Maple in the location of Brian's parents' and grandparents' grave sites.

President's Page - May 2014

April Showers, please bring May flowers!      

Many of us enjoyed the change to Dinenamics for our April meeting, the ambiance, the menu choices and excellent service. It was agreed that we return here for the May meeting and May being our first “driving month” we are hopeful that our nice vehicles will fill the parking lot on May 7th.  Surely to goodness we will have suitable spring conditions by then!

Membership renewal for 2014 is pretty well complete and we have the prospect of a new member with Bonnie Fynn who was invited to be our guest at the April meeting.  She has indicated her interest in becoming an ACCP member and is proud of her father’s Buchanan family 1929 Graham-Paige.  It will be a nice addition to roster of special automobiles.  On that note, Wendy updates the membership list each year and depends on your information to add or remove vehicles that you own.  There are a number of changes that have occurred over the past year.  If you have changes to be recorded, please prepare a list that duly describes your fleet with make, model and year of your vehicles.

An invitation has been received from organizers at Carefor.  They are planning an antique & classic car show and swap on June 20^th from 1:00 pm until 8:00 pm. The regular $10.00 registration fee will be halved to $5.00 for ACCP members. (Here’s where our membership card works for us).  As well, the ACCP will be given one free vendor spot at the event. If you need a table, one can be rented for $ 10.00. The Antique Car Tunes have been asked to play at this for a while as well and Neil will be organizing this part of our participation.  Neil is visiting rehab to get his guitar-picking arm back in action after some surgery to his shoulder.  It’s good to have you back Neil!

For those of you who read the Renfrew Mercury, you will be familiar with Valley author Mary Cook whos columns appear there regularly.  They are delightful reminiscences of the Depression Years as experienced at her homestead farm at Northcote along the Bonnechere River between Renfrew and Douglas.  We have been in conversation with Mary and she is pleased to let us reprint her weekly essays in the Flying Quail.

So needless to say, we’re all looking forward to some of those lazy hazy days of summer.  It can’t come too soon.  

We’ll see you all at our May 7^th meeting at Dinenamics.  Join us for social hour at 5:30, followed by dinner and the meeting will commence at 7:00 pm.                               

Delores

President's Page - April 2014

Welcome Spring!  Welcome Equinox!

In that winter has been hanging around since its arrival in November, nobody can argue that we have had a true Canadian winter.  Some of our group were fortunate to enjoy the sunny south and others of us enjoyed the true Canadian winter - keeping the home fires burning and all that stuff.  Seeing the last of the fishing huts on Golden Lake, I’m glad that in our household, we’ll soon be thinking whitewalls not white fish.

Our February meeting at Algonquin College campus, besides being educational, was a great kick-off event for 2014. Thanks to Daniel Hewitt for making this possible and to instructor Mark Stevens who took the time after his regular day to present the Motive Power Program and give us a tour of the new Algonquin College Pembroke campus with its state-of-the-art shops, labs and classrooms.  Thanks to Jamie Bramburger for arranging meeting room # 200, the Gerry and Doreen Binhammer Room, which we had for our brief March business.

It will soon be time for all of us to clear a path to the door to maneuver our antique vehicles from storage and get them all shined up for the next seven months of touring.  It’s sort of good excuse to commence certain “spring cleaning” and that should mean that we see a new batch of good auction items.  We think that our sometimes zany auction does make for a light-hearted conclusion of our meetings - a little fun to raise a little money in support of club projects.

Thanks to Margaret and Howard Moore for featuring their 1971 Chevrolet truck, recently purchased at the Barrett - Jackson auction in Las Vegas.  We look forward to the addition of this beauty on our upcoming tours as it adds to the Chevrolet complement within the club.                         

                                                                                                                                                     
Our April 2nd meeting will be held at Dineamics Food and Drink (formerly Shots Sports Bar) located at 185 Pembroke St. E., directly across from the Pembroke Post Office.

There’s plenty of parking in the back or if you come early there is parking in the front as well.   Our social time will commence at 5:30 in the dining room/bar area.  You may wish to order off the menu or check as to what the appetizer may be for that day.  The management and staff have allowed for us to use their large meeting room afterwards for 7pm.  Thanks to Don Stresman for arranging this change of venue.  Look it up on line – it has lots of good reviews. 

We have survived yet another St. Patrick’s Day celebration with lots of traffic in good old Douglas, but it’s time for some spring weather! 

See you all soon.                              Delores

President's Page March 2014

Whether March comes in like a lion or a lamb, nice spring weather can’t be far away and I know some of you have toes tapping, maybe for St. Patrick’s Day.  Not to mention, we’re all anxious to bring vehicles out from winter storage.  With all the snow this winter, farmers will be happy to have that moisture in the ground and our waterways will be replenished. 

What a great turnout of members, children, grandchildren and guests for Family Day at Northfork, Quebec.  We were blessed with clear and calm full-sunshine blue skies as we enjoyed the woodland trails on the blanketed sleigh that was gently pulled Blondie and Brandy and doggy mascot Maggie. Afterward we warmed up in the chalet and enjoyed some good old Valley songs thanks to Dawn, Neil & Lori and Don. Rumor has it that there was a step dancer in snow boots up on the floor rather briefly too.

All this was topped with hearty meal of chili, Caesar salad and homemade dinner rolls as rays of the setting sun streamed in the dining room windows.  What more could one ask for?  Thank you to all who came from near and far to make Family Day such a success.

Without belabouring our schedule of events, it has been said that there’s no shortage of events in the area that we can tag on to.  One such event would be the July 13^th Merrickville Car Show / Cruise and Shop.  This presents a nice tour to take in and thanks to Wendy and Phil, they will organize and steer us to Leeds & Grenville County.  Sounds like a great time for all to consider.  The President’s Mystery Tour will take place August 10^th.  Two dates, you should circle on your calendars for the ‘driving months’.  We discussed an early spring “Shake Down Tour” too for April or May. Please give some thought to planning a driving tour and speak up at the meeting.  We always look forward to new ideas.

Most members have renewed their memberships for 2014, at the cost of $ 35.00.   Bob has told us at the last meeting, that those who haven’t paid won’t be reading this in their Flying Quail, as he cuts off mailing after February.  It’s refreshing to report that honorary members Ellen and Brian Black dropped off their $35.00, insisting that it be a donation to the club.  Thank you so much! 

Our March 5th meeting will take place at the Algonquin College campus starting at 7:00 in room 200.  (There is an elevator to the second floor) The meeting will be brief to allow us to be escorted by Mark Stevens to view and be updated on the Motive Power Technician Program.  Thanks to Daniel Hewitt for initiating and planning this special evening.  Given the visit, there will be a light agenda and for this month, we will forego the auction sale.

Looking forward to seeing all of you on the 5^th of March.   Delores

President's Page - February 2014

What roller-coaster winter weather!  From Arctic vortexes to Chinooks, we’re getting quite a ride.  Groundhog Day is coming up quickly, so let’s hope spring weather soon arrives. 

Our January meeting succeeded in giving us all the opportunity to brainstorm on events for this year.  The Kingburger venue is most enjoyable for a good meal with some social time and the layout seems to work OK for our meeting needs.

This time of year takes me back to the ‘good ole days’ of sleigh rides at my parents’ farm and other places in the Valley.  The sound of the bells on the harness and the scrunch of the runners cutting across the crisp snow are great memories to look back on.   But how about a 2014 sleigh ride in February? Perhaps a day time may work better for a number of us. We could choose a date and location at this meeting, be it Willy’s Ranch or maybe a return to Northfork followed by a dinner.   Let’s talk.

The February meeting will be the time to try to pencil in some of our regular tours and events. The challenge has been made for couples to consider taking on the design and organization of a tour.  Please think about this ahead of time and come to the meeting prepared to take on a tour.  You all have special places and ideas – let’s hear from you.

Our meetings can take on new twists once warmer weather arrives, whether it be at the waterfront park, a member’s patio or cottage, or a new eatery to discover, think about these things as we go forward into the new year. As was discussed last meeting, one of the fun projects that we did was to showcase members when they were young in a picture that included an early family vehicle.   With so many new member couples having joined since we completed that project, it’s time to capture our newer members.  So here’s another challenge – dig up an old car-related family picture, do a brief write-up and we’ll feature this in upcoming Flying Quails.  Look for the first 2014 entry on another page in this issue.

Dan Hewitt has been successful in connecting with the new Algonquin College campus for a special tour of the Motive Program as part of our March meeting.  Information is included elsewhere in these pages.

May you all have a healthy, happy rest of the winter – stay warm and safe.  

I look forward to seeing you all at our next meeting on February 5th at the Kingburger, where Myles and staff are most gracious in making us comfortable with tasty food and cold refreshments.  Socializing begins at 5:30,  Supper by 6:00 and Meeting at 7:00pm.  See you all then.    Delores