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

President's Page July 2009

There are so many events staring us in the face these months that we’ll all be challenged to manage our participation in any of them. By the time you read this, we will have enjoyed the Dore Bay Country Club Golf & Steak BBQ, the Heritage Manor Father’s Day car show, the Red Hatters’ 50’s Rock ‘n Roll party, the Petawawa Civic Centre Days show, the Strawberry Social at the Champlain Trail Museum and Westmeath Fair.

With our July meeting falling on Canada Day, July 1st, we will meet at The Sands on Golden Lake for a dinner meeting that will be followed by a boat cruise and bonfire on the beach. The Sands is preparing a Prime Rib roast beef buffet that will be served in our own meeting room on the beach-side level starting at 6:00 - meeting at 7:15.

Looking ahead in July, we are invited to join in the parade and other festivities in Waltham QC on the 4th for their 150th celebrations. There will be lots doing in August too, with certain plans for a car show on downtown streets to coincide with the Pembroke Waterfront Festival on Saturday the 8th. Graham Wall has agreed to help coordinate this event with his long list of car buff contacts.


On Sunday August 9th, an afternoon invitational car show will be held again on the lawns at the Champlain trail Museum to coincide with their Blueberry Festival. On the heals of this will be the annual car show at the Lakeside Hotel at Portage du Fort QC coordinated by Wayne & Chris Brohart.

The special event to say “thanks” to Ron Nelson is now confirmed to happen on Saturday September 12th in Eganville. Car buffs are invited to join in a parade through Eganville and enjoy a buffet dinner at the Royal Canadian Legion that will both toast and roast Ron, who has given so much to worthy causes throughout that community for years. Proceeds from the dinner will go toward the village’s new Health Centre project.

Closer to home, it was great to celebrate the return of the Risto Delivery Wagon to the Ottawa Valley Historical Society after this winter’s restoration project. Thanks to the team, led by Lorne Troutman, including: Wayne Brohart, Ralph Lemke, Bob McCauley, Ron Roy, Ron Ruhnke, Don Stresman, Jeff & Neil Videto. Also Ghislaine & Colette Pigeon who graciously donated superb wagon wheels to the cause.

We welcome new members to the club - Tommy & Shannon Dunfield from Westmeath with a 1967 Fairlane convertible and 1969 Fairlane Cobra and Leslie Moore and Janice Visneskie from Golden Lake with a 1974 Dodge Duster. And in our way, we extend best wishes for members who are under doctor’s care for treatment at this time, including Joan TerMarsch and Jim Rolfe.

Dave Lemkay

President's Page June 2009

With our June 3rd meeting, we mark the half-way mark of the year - difficult to believe in some ways! In terms of tours, we’ve had a slow start, but heads-up, there’s a lot on the agenda going forward!

Following the great snacks many of you brought to the last meeting and the special dessert of ice cream and Stresman’s maple syrup, hot pizza and soft drinks is on the menu for a 6:30pm start to this month’s meeting at the Champlain Trail Museum in the train station area or inside depending on weather. Either way, bring your lawn chairs and auction sale goods.

Tuesdays have seen the Museum Project guys busy with the restoration of the horse-drawn Risto delivery wagon. Great job! The Dore Bay turkey fry was another superb outing for many and during May, the Antique Car Tunes folks practised at Ron & Dawn Roy’s for the highly touted live on-air gig on Victoria Day at Valley Heritage Radio 98.7 FM in Renfrew.

Speaking of that day, our tour down the Valley was blessed with sunshine and many new acquaintances were made. We had the opportunity to meet three new couples who have indicated their interest in joining ACCP. We will have the opportunity to welcome them at the upcoming meeting. To have a growing membership, as we have seen in recent years, clearly signals a healthy club.

Our calendar of events for the coming months is full! Three in June – Heritage Manor on Saturday June 20th ahead of Father's Day, the Red Hatters’ 50s Party at the Legion on the 22nd and the Champlain Trail Museum Strawberry Social on Sunday June 27th. On July 4th, we’re invited to the Waltham QC 150th Anniversary celebrations, and to our cottage on Golden Lake for an overnighter on July 7th. (There’ll be a full moon boat cruise & bonfire that evening).

The City of Pembroke has asked ACCP to coordinate a full-scale vintage car show in conjunction with the August 8th & 9th Waterfront Festival. Plans are to block off Pembroke Street and the side streets to grow the festival up into the city core. This will be a big undertaking, so we will need to recruit many of the other enthusiasts in the area. More details to be discussed at the meeting.

We have a few members who are convalescing and I take the opportunity here say that our club has much to offer besides the vehicles and tours. Our group has a fine social structure and it’s the elements of camaraderie and community that are so important when someone might have some difficulty. Our thoughts are continually with Joan TerMarsch, Ed Wodzak, Jim Rolfe, Stan Priebe and Lorne Troutman, each of whom is on the mend these days.

Dave Lemkay

President's Page May 2009

It was good that so many of us were able to get together at the Dore Bay Country Club for the roast beef dinner on April 18th. In some respects Dore Bay has become a great get-away for winter and summer events. As we head into May, our first tour of the year will be an afternoon trip on Victoria Day – the 18th leaving TerMarsch’s at 12:00 Noon and heading down the valley through Osceola to the Barr Line and Renfrew, staying on the old highway. From there we head along Burnstown Road to Valley Heritage Radio where the "Antique Car Tunes" will perform a brief live on-air gig. Afterward we will meander through the Renfrew Glen to Lochwinnoch Road making a visit at the Valley Carver’s shop. Dub Juby’s carvings depict our Ottawa Valley heritage and are found across Canada and all over the world. As well, Dub has a great collection of old motorcycles that will be on display. We will visit the lighthouse at Sand Point and Red Pine Bay where the squared timber crib arrived last June for a brief history of the area by Mayor of McNab-Braeside Township, Mary Campbell. We eventually arrive at Glen Dochart, 1118 Campbell Drive, Mary Campbell's century farm & B&B, where we will be entertained by 60s British Rock Invasion entertainer Simon Clarke. At the same time we will be served up a special BBQ dinner. Invitations are going out to old car enthusiasts from the Renfrew and Woodlawn areas, so this will be part car show, part reunion.

Thanks to resident auctioneer Don Stresman who skilfully handled the sale of quality hardcover books from the Biederman donation, we raised almost $150. Thanks also to many of you for your vigorous bidding. This, plus a kindly donation by a member nicely covers off the purchase of the new griddle for the breakfast team at Supples Landing.

We return for the May meeting to the Community Hall in Shady Nook. A springtime treat of ice cream and fresh maple syrup will be served afterwards thanks to Stresmans. Other snacks may be on hand and now that the hockey season is over, facilities at the hall will be available to us without restriction. See you there at 7:00 and remember this is our first driving month. While you’re extracting the old car from storage, look around in there for unwanted treasures for our auction sale. It’s a fun part of our meetings and also nicely puts money to good use within our club activities.

Also in May, the car show in Barry's Bay is on. This is always a fun event in a delightful Valley town. June events on the horizon include the Fathers’ Day Car Show at Heritage Manor on June 21st. The following afternoon, the Red Hatters Fifties Rock ‘n Roll party is on at the Pembroke Legion. June 28th – the last Sunday of the month is always the Strawberry Social at the Champlain Trail Museum. We want to fill the train station grounds again!

July 7-8-9 is our Thousand Islands Tour to Glen House Inn on the 1000 Islands Parkway near Gananoque. We have tentatively booked a suite of Riverview rooms that are together in a block. Note that by June, a valid Canadian Passport is needed to make any boat stops on American soil. However Glen House Inn has pontoon boats for rent and this will be a less complicated arrangement for those wanting a cruise on the St. Lawrence.

Dave Lemkay

President's Page April 2009

April Fools Day might add a whimsical tone to our meeting this first Wednesday of the month. We will venture out to the Santa Fe Grill & Beverage Company at 207 Nelson Street for a nifty dinner at 6:00 and followed by our meeting upstairs at around 7:00, which should conclude no later than 9:00.

As I write this on March 20th, the sun is shining for a full 12 hours directly at the equator. That makes this the first day of Spring, although it’s a wee bit cooler here in the Ottawa Valley on the 45th latitude than at zero in Uganda or Brazil or Sumatra. But let’s take what we can get. Soon we will be complaining about the heat.

Spring brings with it, increased activity with restoration of our old vehicles. Jim Rolfe celebrates his first drive on the newly completed 1970 Jeep rolling chassis. Lorne Troutman has the new upholstery and nickel-plated rad shell installed on the Model A. Marilyn Simpson and Ralph Lemke tell me that the’55 Studebaker Starlite Coupe sports a shiny new coral and black paint job with wide whites. Upholstery is next on the long list. Brohart’s Mustang is gradually coming to life and the winter facelift on our Cadillac is complete. It has been reassembled at Mike Cuff’s after new the paint job. It’s exciting that we will have our toys ready for touring with the first one planned for May 18th.

Events for 2009 are already filling the calendar, with the Dore Bay Roast Beef Dinner on Saturday afternoon April 18th followed on May2nd with the famous Turkey Fry. Our first road trip will be a Victoria Day Tour (May 18th) and first car show will be the Father’s Day Display at Heritage Manor in Pembroke followed the next day with the Red Hatters’ Rock ‘n Roll Party at the Legion. Then we will hit the road for the 2009 Tour to The Thousand Islands on July 7-8-9.

You may notice that the tentative Ottawa-area museum tour has gone missing… I take this opportunity to say that our tour promoter Jim Rolfe is dealing with some medical issues and although he fully intends to participate as usual, he won’t be organizing his usual tours for a while. Also on the under-the-weather list, Ed Wodzak underwent bypass surgery last week in Ottawa. I had the chance to pay him a visit at the Heart Institute and he says although this was a “big one” he’s on the mend and looking forward to heading home soon. So, keep these and our other members who are dealing with health issues presently in your thoughts and prayers.

See you at the meeting - April Fools Day at Santa Fe!

Dave Lemkay