President's Page February 2010

Hello everyone, time for another issue of the president's page. Our club is off to a good start with a couple events already planned for the near future.

First on the list is a social get to-gether at Popkie's mill, set for Sat. Jan. 23, from 1 p.m. until whenever we leave. Don Stresman is doing a phone blitz to make everyone aware of this event. Last year we had a good turn out and hopefully this year we will have another great day.

Feb. 14 is the date set for the "Horse- drawn sleigh rides" at Schmidt's farm. Another great get-together for some good old-time fun. So bring your "Valentine" and dress warm for a sleigh ride in the great outdoors.

Hats off to Don Stresman for all his work in organizing both these upcoming events.

Our current restoration project is well under way. The guys have the old railway motor car totally disassembled and the plans are to have some parts sand-blasted and some new parts constructed before the re-assembly begins.

Plans are underway to revive the annual "A.C.C.P. Rodeo". I imagine this brings back some fond memories to those who remember this event from years gone by. The organizing committee hopes to create a fun filled day for all who attend.

Looks like we could have another busy year ahead of us, which bodes well for our club. Thanks to all those that make my job a pleasure.

Wayne Brohart

P.S. The image above is of my present project and as you can see it's quite a project!

President's Page January 2010

As I sit down to write this page the Christmas holiday season has not quite arrived, but as you read this it has possibly already passed. Both Chris and I hope everyone has or has had a very enjoyable holiday season. This is a great time of year when we get to spend time with our family, friends and a turkey or two. It’s also the time when we look back on the past year and plan for the next.
This past year has been a good year for our club as we have gained many new members and our meetings and events have been very well attended. I salute everyone that helped organize and carry out the clubs events of 2009. I congratulate Don and Myrna Stresman on receiving the annual award for the best attendance at all meetings and events over the past year. Congratulations to Lorne Troutman on being chosen for the “Old Crank” award and I hope we can possibly continue to award this plaque to someone each year. On behalf of the club and everyone who attended the ACCP Christmas Party at the Shady Nook Recreation Center, I thank Lorne and Myrna Troutman, Bob and Mae McCauley, the Antique Car Tunes and any other elves that may have helped to make the evening so enjoyable. It was easy to see that a good time was had by all. It was also nice to see long time members Ernie and Dianne Murdoch at the party. I’d also like to thank the outgoing executive for a job well done, during their term. We are indeed fortunate to have so many dedicated people in our midst.
As we usher in 2010 we also move into a new decade. It’s hard to believe that ten years have passed since the great Y2K. The year 2010 promises to be another good year as we already have a restoration project started and some events planned for the upcoming months. I look forward to working with the new executive and membership on our future events.
Chris and I wish everyone a Happy New Year and we’ll see you then.

Wayne Brohart

President's Page December 2009

Over the past two years, I have found myself writing this page and scrambling to meet Bob McCauley’s deadline of the third Friday of the month. It’s often been a challenge, but it has always been enjoyable to pull together news and notes stemming from our club family. In the forty plus years that Delores and I have been members of the club, family is as good a way to describe it as any.

Over the years, we as club family, have all shared in the joy of the birth of children, mourned the loss of many who have passed on, and we continue to go through our respective life experiences with a certain collectivity. It’s that group approach to things that makes the club a special part of our lives and, to a degree, defines who we are. It identifies us to all those people in the larger community with whom we interact. Besides the cars in parades or on tour, the benevolence of our members, whether it’s the breakfast boys, the Antique Car Tunes or the museum restorations, we’re out there. Folks may get the name wrong, but one way or the other it’s the old car club.

I am pleased to have had the privilege of being president these past two years and working with such a supportive executive and committee chairs. Thank you all! The two-year term allows us to have some continuity so that new ideas and direction can be tested and applied. And we have had some change, including the new The Flying Quail, the web site, signage, the mascot car, musical entertainment, tours all over the Valley and new members. It’s the new members that attest to the well-being of the club, in my opinion.
New members bolster our ranks and bring a wealth of energy and ideas and strengthen our team of people who get things done, within the club and out in the community. Their special vehicles add flair to our fleet and their dues help to keep the bank account in the black. In the past two years, we have had twenty-three members join or renew a former membership, including: John & Gail Hanson, Ralph Lemke, Ellsworth & Shirley Mullen, Dean & Anita Lapierre, Wally & Ann Cochrane, Ernie & Dianne Murdoch, Claude & Marie Fortin, Tom & Shannon Dunfield, Garfield & Pauline Stewart, Janice Visneskie & Leslie Moore, Kevin & Kaye O’Gorman and Glen & Margaret Coules. Welcome!

I look back on quite a list of tours including: Fort Coulonge, Calumet, Bristol & Norway Bay Quebec, Upper Canada Village, Golden Lake & Dore Bay, Braeside, Calabogie and many points in between. We’ve enjoyed meals and music on most of these forays and it’s of this that we will look back on fondly, as having been time well spent in friendship, in our hobby.

I am pleased that our nominating team has assembled a new slate of officers for the coming two years. I know that we’ll be continuing in a good direction under the leadership of our new president Wayne Brohart (and first lady Chris). Delores Lemkay (my first lady) as vice-president, Ed Lapa as our new secretary and Wendy TerMarsch carrying on the tradition of treasurer bodes well for our future. Good luck as you take on your responsibilities for 2011 and 2012.

Dave Lemkay

President's Page November 2009

I start this column with a tip-of-the-hat to Ron and Dawn Roy for the well orchestrated colour tour to Calumet Island on October 18th. Thanks also to John and Colette Pigeon for hosting all of us at their hillside ranch with our flotilla of 21 cars for an informative and pleasant afternoon. It was also nice to once again visit Auberge Mont Blanc!

We were pleased to welcome guests Terry Neville from Renfrew with his “new” 1972 Buick (27,000 miles) and Randy Hewitt and Yvonne from Pembroke with their sharp ’63 Chevrolet Impala hardtop. Terry’s Buick was bought new by John L. Hodgins from Purcell Motors in Cobden and serviced over the years at Barkers in Renfrew. Mike Cuff relates how he often picked up and delivered the car to the Hodgins farm on the South McNaughton Line just out of Renfrew. Terry has a penchant for Buicks it seems – he had joined in on ACCP tours in the ‘70s with a 1924 McLaughlin Buick touring car.

Over the years, people have occasionally asked ACCP members if they are welcome to join in on our tours. Isn’t it wonderful that they do? This has been the introduction to so many new acquaintances that, in turn, has resulted in growth of our club by some twenty new members in the past two years. It’s clear that our touring style of activity as a club is appealing to many old-car enthusiasts. Certainly we have a long list of interesting outings throughout the area and our future looks promising for continued intrigue on the roadways around the region.

The November meeting will be the venue for nominations for the coming two-year term for a new executive. The nominating committee has been in contact with members to build a slate of nominees for the various positions. Agreeing to take on a two-year position in any capacity is not a small decision to make. These nominees have been sought out based upon their talent and enthusiasm for the respective jobs. They each have given careful consideration to the challenge and come to their decision to stand for election knowing that they’ll be expected to do their best to run the business of the club. Please do your best to come out to this meeting to show the nominees your support and make this selection process work effectively.

As the ACCP heads into its 47th year of operation, our members look forward to stimulating meetings, more great tours, the opportunity of more acquaintances and continued growth in membership. Welcome to our most recent members, Glen Coules and his mother Margaret, proud owners of the 1950 Meteor sedan.

Once again, we will revisit a tradition of earlier years with our Christmas Dinner. In the past these were called the Ladies’ Night Banquet or the Christmas Shine. Either way, plan on another seasonal event on your Christmastime calendar.

The meeting will be held once again at the Champlain Trail Museum at 7:00 pm Wednesday November 4th. Don’t forget your treasures for our famous auction!

Dave Lemkay

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