President's Page ~ July, 2015

Moore’s Beach on the Ottawa River - circa 1953

Summer is here… it sure takes its time and then goes fast, so let’s enjoy!  Around us here in the Douglas area, new arrivals, the Mennonites have acres with rows and rows of vegetables  growing, and their fresh produce for sale at roadside stands.  It’s worth a tour any day of the week (except Sunday).

Our June meeting at Pembroke’s Waterfront Park was a nice change.  We’re hoping for nice weather again for our July meeting, which you will know was bumped a week to the 8^th.  This isn’t the first time our meeting has fallen on Canada Day.

We were all pleased to welcome Wayne & Christine Brohart back to a meeting.  He jumped right in as our auctioneer in the absence of John Hanson.  Members were motivated to jump into the bidding with even a few artifacts that returned from previous sales.  New treasures are always welcomed.

Neil and Lori, have been most thoughtful in sending get well cards to our members and we thank them for that.  Recently a few members have been under the weather including  Mack Charron who was in hospital for a while and Frankie Juby who is undergoing chemo treatments presently.   

Thanks to Myrna and Lorne for submitting this month’s Flying Quail cover page.  They recently purchased the car that the late Brian Black cherished – his and Ellen’s 1990 Chevrolet Caprice.  It’s nice to know that this fine car will be cared for in the fashion that it deserves. 

With Father’s Day and Canada Day celebrations now behind us, we can settle down a bit to summertime living.  There are a lot of old car-related events all around the region and it seems that these are keeping members busy enough without a calendar full of tours.  However, with the Merrickville Show on July 12^th, the Rankin Show on July 26^th, Petawawa’s 150^th celebrations on August 22^nd, it’s a full calendar.  The President’s Mystery Tour on Sunday August 23^rd will be a full-day excursion taking us on good roads through some new territory.

So get your old vehicles shined up and pack your lawn chairs for our July 8^th meeting at the Waterfront Park at 7:00 pm.  If the weather forecast is unfavourable, we will revert to the Kingburger.

In the meantime, travel safely and stay happy.  

Delores  

President's Page ~ June 2015

Father's Day issue ~ My Dad Lorne Siegel with his soon-to-be bride Edith - circa 1930

The month of May, as usual, has been a reminder of how the weather can change in an ‘idle moment’. At one time we are enjoying the heat of the sunshine and the next moment we are contemplating lighting the fireplace to stay warm.  Oh well, we Canadians have always been tolerant and flexible to change, eh?

Unfortunately Phil deGreef had a bit of a mishap last meeting resulting in a painful broken wrist.  We wish him well to get back on the road again. On a positive note, we welcomed Kevin O’Gorman (and Kay)  back who’s feeling better and it was nice to see some old cars out for the first driving month meeting. Howard & Margaret Moore’s beautiful blue Chevelle hardtop, John & Thérese Power’s 1952 MG TD and Dean & Anita Lapiere’s newly acquired 1947 Buick Convertible graced the parking lot. The Buick adorns our front cover this month and inside this Quail you will see the picture of (now) Buick aficionado Lucas proudly sitting in the front seat of this classic. It’s a fitting addition to our “Father’s Day” issue. It’s an invigorating time of year when we look forward to enjoying shows and tours with these cars that seem to spend a higher proportion of time in storage. 

We look forward to hearing from our members who attended the Smiths Falls Car Show & Craft sale at the Lombardy Fairgrounds.  Thanks to Terry Irish of the Rideau Lakes ACCCC, the Committee Chairman for extending the courteous invitation to ACCP club members.

Our next meeting, June 3^rd will be held at Pembroke waterfront.  I trust that by 5:30 on that day, we can confidently determine what the weather conditions will be for 7:00 pm.  With any sign of clouds ‘rolling down the river’ we will resume at our usual spot at the Kingburger for 6:00 pm and meeting at 7:00 pm.  A reminder to all those that have treasures stored away to bring them for our auction.  Dave has a trunk full already in the Caddy.  He has been busy with reclaiming garage space and I look forward to assisting him in unloading this sort of stuff. 

So Happy Father’s Day to all the Dads and see you all on Wednesday, June 3^rd at the waterfront, setting up on the lawn around 6:45 for our 7:00 meeting.  If there’s any sign of rain, we will see you at the Kingburger.  (Some folks will likely choose to go there anyway for the meal ahead of the meeting)                          Delores

President's Page - May 2015

To all our good members and friends – Spring has sprung……..grass (will soon be) risen!

What a great feeling to be able to get outdoors and begin to prepare for the exciting season ahead.  For most of us, our antique vehicles are about to emerge from dormancy and be prepared for our upcoming touring months.   One member family will be sharing news of a new big convertible coming into the fold.  Stay tuned for an update on the latest acquisition.

Our Flying Quail cover this month features a throwback picture of Neil Videto in 1951 on a Harley and inside is a picture of Lori in the 70s in their dune buggy.  

In addition to heading up the Mt. St. Patrick’s Parish Supper Tour in recent years, their innovative ideas and hard work to be sure our ACCP is represented with a float in the Pembroke Christmas Parade and Neil managing the gigs for our Antique Car Tunes band, they’re one of our more active couples and we appreciate their company and volunteer work in the club and community. Now they’re even spearheading a project to record a special CD, so thank you Lori and Neil for your contribution to a successful car club! They and other regulars, Ron & Dawn Roy and Jeff & Kathy Videto are preparing for their annual tour to the Sterling Auto Show and Flea Market, followed with the Smiths Falls Car and Craft Show & their traditional Merrickville camping weekend.

Speaking of tours – our first one will be held likely in early June, given the car shows already mentioned in May. We have an idea for an all-day jaunt on a Sunday that should be handy for everyone to participate with details being worked out at the meeting. Is July going to be our “Overnighter” Tour?  Gananoque was suggested last meeting.  Please give this some thought so we can make some critical decisions at the meeting in good time for reservations, etc.

Speaking of meetings, some members have offered their “man cave” garage or family cottage for driving month meetings.   Until our weather cooperates, our May meeting will once again be held at the Kingburger on May 6^th.   But we will have discussion then to determine just where we might go for following months.  The Kingburger venue has been working nicely for those who enjoy a fast-food dinner or for those who choose to come later just for the meeting.  Myles Saunders and staff have been most accommodating through the winter and we thank them.

Happy Mother’s Day and Happy Trails to all…..                                                                    Delores 

President's Page ~ April 2015

Pembroke Street West in early Spring 1954/55

To all members & friends - Welcome to Spring!

As this newsletter is being prepared, Irish eyes around here are looking back on their St. Patrick’s Day and Friday night’s 4^th Annual St. Patrick’s Parade here in the hamlet of Douglas.  A Face Book search and a scan of the Eganville Leader will attest to that.  We were pleased that Ellsworth & Shirley, daughter Katherine and grand-daughter Mikaela joined us here at Maplebrae for the parade.  Through the evening, they and others enjoyed a bit of a feast of hot fish chowder, home-made bread and Irish Crème Bundt Cake……. more Irish than Bundt. 

At our last meeting we took the opportunity to examine our By-Laws and resolved to address the issue of changes to our 2010 Honourary Membership category.  With the notice provided with this issue of the Flying Quail to all members, we can duly vote on an amendment to By-Law Section 3 Article 7 regarding membership structure.  Your attendance, discussion and vote will be important.

Next month most of our vehicles and other toys will be coming out of hibernation and we’ll soon be in touring mode again.  There has been some discussion on the spring vendor events and tours will follow soon enough.  Some interest has been expressed for another overnight tour as we have done in the past.  It may be time to add to our classic & historic Detroit, Huntsville, Gravenhurst, Mattawa, East to Atlantic and Alexandria Bay NY tours.  The notion of a Gananoque & Thousand Islands tour is one such suggestion.  Please bring your ideas to next meeting.  Speaking of which, some members are offering their garage or cottage for a summer meeting, maybe with a BBQ.  Stay tuned or surprise us.

We always appreciate submissions to our Quail cover page and with this issue; thanks to Margaret and Larry Smith for their feature of colourful, unique Cuban taxi cabs (and their Smith Taxi from Pembroke). As well, we still have newer members who need to treat us to pictures of them in earlier times with the family car or truck or bicycle.

 

Our April 1st meeting (no fooling) is slated for The Kingburger.  Join us for a bite to eat and socializing at the supper hour and come prepared to attend to our club business at hand.  Bring your treasures from your garage or basement to add to our auction sale.  There must be more than books or telephones… car related items were on the menu when we started this; just sayin’.  Auctioneer John is masterful at marketing whatever he gets, so imagine what he could do with cool car stuff?

Happy trails.  See you all Wednesday, April 1^st at the West-end Kingburger.          Delores

President's Page ~ March 2015

Hello to all ACCP members and friends.  As I prepare this newsletter, it’s a good feeling knowing that St. Patrick’s Day is only a month away.  With the ‘luck of the Irish’ hopefully our snow will be gone by then.

   

Having said that, a number of us enjoyed our traditional sleigh ride with family and friends at Chichester, Québec . The day provided beautiful sunshine and a taste of the country side at the foot of the Laurentians. Thanks to our teamster Art who, along with Blossom and Blondie, led us through the forest canopy at North Fork.  On the sleigh, we sampled more of the maple-flavoured Sortilege, that you will remember from the Wilno Hills Colour Tour last Fall. With good music, thanks to Lori, Neil, piper Jim Savage and me at the piano and round-the-room introductions, we had a fine soirée in the chalet.  To top it all off, Frances and staff served another fabulous meal for us in the farmhouse, making it a nice family Day on Valentine’s  Day.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to dear friend Mae McCauley who’s had some health issues over the past while and to Kevin O’Gorman who’s had a second operation following his tonsillectomy. Our thoughts continue to be with their spouses and families as they provide the support and care to bring on a speedy recovery to ‘getting them back on the road again’.

Our trophies have been engraved and now presented to Lori & Neil Videto and Dawn &Ron Roy for the coming year. Larry & Margaret Smith were presented with the Rodeo trophy at the last meeting just before their departure for Cuba.  So watch out for some pictures of the Cuban relics in the next Quail.

Most memberships have now been renewed for 2015 and we thank you for that.  However, for any who haven’t, this is our friendly reminder that dues can be paid in person at Wendy’s office or with a cheque in the mail to PO Box 161, Pembroke, Ont. K8A 6W4.  The grace period ends with the February issue of the Quail… you know the drill.

The touring months are just around the corner (almost).  As we have often discussed, creative ideas for tours and events in the driving months are welcome.  Please give some thought to plotting out an interesting place to visit and propose a tour that you will help to organize.  There are lots of new places to visit in our old cars, let’s make 2015 a fun touring year.  

Our March 4^th meeting returns to the Kingburger, with social/meal time at 5:30 p.m. and the meeting beginning at 7 p.m.  Gather your pre-Spring treasures and join in for a good evening at Myles’ Diner.  See you then. 

                                                                   Delores

President's Page ~ February 2015

ACCP Sleigh Riders at North Fork February 17, 2014

Upon receiving this Quail, it’s almost “tail lights” to January to coin a familiar phrase.  We have started the New Year (our 52^nd year) with significant changes to our fiscal operation, as you will see in the minutes.  At our January meeting we took the opportunity to review year-end financials for 2014 and shared some thoughts on how best to move forward.  With that, some practices that made sense in previous years, have been evaluated and revamped.  Likely the most significant is the cancelling of the Honourary Member category.  While this will boost revenues, we also agreed to cut costs with no colour cover for the Flying Quail, but will monetize that as necessary with individual member sponsorship.  As well, tours and events will become “user-pay” with appropriate fees where food or other costs are to be incurred. It was a productive session and I thank you for your input and understanding.

Looking ahead to February we are getting good response to the planned Saturday, February 14^th Valentine Sleigh Ride and Dinner at North Fork. For those who haven’t selected, please check the menu information in the minutes and on the ad here in the Quail.  Everyone raved about the fine meals and service last year!    As before, we will have access to the chalet ahead of time for some music and refreshment, followed by the leisurely tour through the forest and the meal will be served at 5:00 p.m.

If you read the Ottawa Citizen on January 12, you will know that (Dr.) Sandra Rolfe, Muriel’s daughter, achieved her third world record (one of 28 in all) for hot air balloon aviation, flying for over 7 hours from Plantagenet almost to Mirabel Airport. So with John & Therese Powers sponsoring the colour cover with their beautiful 1952 MG TD and Sandra’s proud mom Muriel sponsoring the inside front cover, our February Quail remains “colourful” and cost-neutral. Also this month, we have included more of our childhood and old family car pictures series.  Most of us have contributed to this gallery, but recent members can now catch up with their early pictures too.  The more the merrier.

Apart from our regular “sunshine cards” being sent to members, a thank-you card has been sent on behalf of the club to Jim Videto and his band called “Slightly off” for their outstanding music at our Christmas Shine.  Jim, the son of Neil & Lori, along with pianist Ann, guitarist Scott and drummer Dan succeeded in getting everyone up on the dance floor.  We thanked them at the banquet, but this card said it again.  

Our February 4^th meeting will once again be at the West End Kingburger.  Myles has allowed for more space in our back room so now we are better able to fit within eyesight and earshot.  Social hour begins at 5:30 pm, meeting at 7pm.  Come one come all, bring your guests and do remember those auction items.  See you then. 

                                                                                                                      Delores       

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