Director’s Thoughts, March 2016
While driving to work in the early morning hours of Saturday, January 23rd ( the 2016 Blizzard) I had to stop 3 times to get out of my Buick Rainier to get the ice off my wiper blades, despite the defroster being on high from the get go.
Did you know That March is “Women’s Inventor History Month”? Here is what I found:
Mary Anderson
Birmingham, Alabama native Mary Anderson (1866-1953) was born on Burton Hill Plantation in Greene County on February 19, 1866. On a visit to New York City at the turn of the 20th century, Mary Anderson was caught in a sudden downpour while riding in one of New York’s famous streetcars. She noticed the driver’s windshield visibility diminished considerably due to rainy weather conditions. As Anderson continued to observe, she saw several streetcar drivers quickly & frantically roll down their windows & stick their heads out, unable to
see out of the front windshield due to the rain’s obstruction.
The scuttle of activity & the immediacy of attention given to the situation by the drivers indicated to Anderson that panic was overtaking them in their attempts to clear the rain from their windshields. As Anderson pondered the chain of events occurring before her, she began brainstorming ways to fix a problem that she realized was universal. All Americans who drove cars experienced the same dilemma whenever they drove during inclement weather.
Remember that the nature of personal travel during this time was significantly different. Homes did not have garages for cars-they had a stable for the family horse & buggy. The issue of windshield visibility was a dilemma that had no point of reference. Rolling down the window & sticking one’s head out into the rain was accepted practice. Anderson sought a better solution. Her task coincided with an emerging modern age that saw car manufacturers increasing production to meet consumer demand. As a result, cars were replacing horses & carriages on city streets, interstate roadways, & rural roads.
Anderson conducted many experiments, with many results not encouraging. She continued to work toward a solution, & the “ah-hah” moment occurred when she imagined a device that used rubber squeegees to remove water from windshields.
After extensive trial & error, Anderson succeeded in producing a revolutionary hand lever device, operated by the driver or a passenger, that used rubber wiper blades to remove rain from car windshields. In addition, the device could be used to remove debris such as mud, dust, snow or sleet. With the installation of the manual windshield wiper device on cars, motorists or passengers no longer needed to stick their hand out the window during inclement weather conditions or pull over & exit the vehicle in order to remove debris from the windshield.
Anderson was granted U.S. patent number 743,801 for her novel windshield wiper in November of 1903. By 1916, windshield wipers were standard equipment on all American cars. Some notable enhancements include automatic wipers, which were patented in 1917 by Charlotte Bridgwood; intermittent wipers, which were patented by Robert W. Kearns in 1967; and heated windshield wiper blades. Windshield blades are also now available in silicone rubber. Thanks to the patented technology of the windshield wiper by Mary Anderson, modern car drivers, airplane pilots, and even spacecraft astronauts can see clearly when driving or flying in inclement weather.
Your Director, Sally Getz
BOD Meeting Minutes, February 2, 2016
The 2nd BOD meeting of 2016 was held @ the Starlite Diner & Lounge & was called to order @ 5:10 pm by Director Sally Getz. 4 officers, 3 BOD’s, 1 member present & 1 guest was in attendance.
50th Anniversary Celebration = Sally received correspondence from Jeff Brashares inviting our chapter in helping Discover LV in “Stuffing Goody Bags”.
Yes, was the answer. Sally will check with Suzanne Stianche, National Sales Manager, Allentown, Pa of when & where.
BCA Windshield cards = Jim Jakubiak, LI chapter, NY presented the idea of BCA windshield cards with the BCA membership application on the back side of the cards. There are 2 designs that need to be polled by BCA members. Therefore, Sally took a poll from the attending membership during this meeting. 4 questions were asked:
Do you like the concept? Yes
Do you like the cards? Yes
Which card would you prefer? 15=red/white/blue, 2=multiflag
Would your chapter participate & utilize these for a local show? Yes
Will see what other chapter’s poll. Once polled, BCA will then have, for chapters to have, to use during events. The events DO NOT have to be ALL BUICK events. Possibly, cards will be free of charge for chapters to use.
1985 Buick Electra Estate Wagon
FREE, to a BCA member wanting this car. 65K mi. Needs TLC! Located, Brooklyn, NY. Call Ray, 347-909-9879.
The car has a Navy interior, dark blue exterior with light woodgrain. It has a power driver’s seat, Buick rally wheels, but needs tires. The a/c is not functioning but he has the parts for the repair; needs a heater core.
2016 Celebration – Sally looking into having small metal blue/white “BUICK” Stop sign(s) made to sell with Ways-n-Mean items during 2016 50th Anniversary Celebration. Motion made by Shirley Schaffer, seconded by Kathleen Duckett, so carried.
TOURS of 2016
Friday, April 2, 2016 – Mack Truck Museum, Allentown, Pa., featuring Evil Knievel stunt vehicles & artifacts.
Friday, May 27, 2016 – QVC Studio Tour, West Chester, Pa. Reservations must be made in advance.
Sunday, June 12, 2016 – Annual Chapter picnic, Macungie, Pa
Saturday, June 18, 2016 – John W. Rich Auto Museum, Frackville, PA. & Bob Greens Auto Museum (private), Orwigsburg, Pa.
Saturday, September 24, 2016 – Bill’s Old Bike Barn & Museum, Bloomsburg, PA. 2 floors filled w/ exciting & interesting items. You won’t want to miss out on this tour!
Monday, November 28, 2016 – Koziar’s Christmas Village, Bernville, Pa.
January 7-14, 2016 – Harrisburg Farm Show, Harrisburg, Pa. Clarence will research renting a bus for all to participate.
Be sure to watch your future newsletters for further information & making your reservations ASAP! Support your fellow member(s) who organize these nice tours for everyone’s enjoyment!!
Motion to adjourn, Don Sterner, seconded by Kathleen Duckett, @ 6:10 pm. Respectfully submitted: Stacy J. Sterner, substitute
“Free Spirit” Chapter Meeting Minutes, February 2, 2016
Director Sally Getz called the meeting to order @ 7:30 pm. There were 18 members & 2 guests present. Tonight’s guest speaker is Mr. Brett Feldman, PA-C, in association with Lehigh Valley Health network, Allentown, Pa. Brett is not only a Physician’s Assistant, but also the founder/Director of LVHN “Street Medicine”. This organizations main goal is to provide medical care to the homeless. Brett, along w/ his wife, have been doing this for the past 9 years. They started in the Allentown, area, then spread to Easton, now, just recently, invaded Bethlehem area. The project is run & operated by volunteers from LVHN. The organization believes that “Everybody Matters” regardless of their place in life. They treat approximately 125 patients in 1 month period. The treatment to these people is administered @ various locations such as soup kitchens, shelters, hospitals, shelters in the woods, & even under bridges. Brett’s speech was very humbling. The LV is very lucky to have 2 such people who care so much.
Non-perishable items were brought in to donate to these people, & it was decided during the general meeting that the club contribute monies to this humanities cause. Motion to accept, Shirley Schaffer, seconded, Dolores Kennedy, so carried.
Treasurer’s report given by Clarence Getz, motion to accept, Isabel Lenny, seconded, Dolores Kennedy, so carried.
Motion to accept January’s BOD meeting minutes as printed in February newsletter, Stacy Sterner, seconded, Thomas Sylvester, so carried.
Motion to accept January’s meeting minutes as printed in February’s newsletter, Shirley Schaffer, seconded, Kathleen Duckett, so carried.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
A. Historian – no report
B. Kempton – flyers sent to printer, for availability for Hamburg show, March. Miller-Keystone Blood Center NOT Attending Kempton show, lack of donors.
C. Membership –information sent to perspective member.
D. Newsletter – 10 advertisers renewed, waiting on 2 more.
E. Programs –speaker for March = David Webster, “X-Treme Green Products”
F. Publicity – no report
G. Ways and Means –looking into having the small Buick NO Parking signs made with Dubbs Company, Allentown, Pa.
I. OLD BUSINESS:
~Any member who would like to volunteer their time during the 50th Anniversary Celebration in July, please contact Mr. Dick Beckley, P O Box 128, Lewisberry, Pa. 17339. H=717-395-7128, dbeckley@epix.net
~BOD meeting was held this evening prior to general meeting. Tour dates as previously under BOD meeting minutes. Please sign up ASAP when available.
~Buick Logo poll – monotone vs. color. Color was popular vote from members.
II. NEW BUSINESS
~Hamburg Swap Meet = March 6, 2016.
~1985 Buick Electra Estate Wagon = infor. shared w/ meeting members.
~BCA Windshield cards = please read information under BOD meeting min.
~Blake Stevens, Director Visual Reality Car Club = invite received to attend their 2 shows. “Creatures of the Night” on July 23, 2016 in York, Pa. Then, “Day In the Park” on August 13, 2016 in Dover, PA. 717-324-0068.
~Stabler Auto Show, March 20, 2016 = invited to participate, again, this year, weather permitting, to display our BUICKS outside the fieldhouse where general public has to walk by to get into the building. Gets free admission tickets if participate. GM will have 2016 Cascada Convertible on display. Only 1 member showed an interest.
~Center for Vision Loss Poll = a poll was taken by Sally @ the request of last months’ guest speaker, Ms. Dawn Sellers. “+” results given by all. To e-mail results back to Ms. Sellers.
Motion to adjourn, Stacy Sterner, seconded, Isabel Lenny, so carried @ 9:12 pm. Respectfully submitted: Stacy J. Sterner, substitute
BCA 50th Anniversary Celebration, July 27-30, 2016, Allentown, PA
Now it’s’ only 5 months away for this SPECIAL CELEBRATION to take place! If you haven’t registered yet, please do so for only 1000 cars will be allowed for display! REMEMBER, YOU MUST BE A NATIONAL BCA MEMBER TO DISPLAY YOUR BUICK!! It has been printed in the local newspaper that this event will definitely by-bypass the 100th Buick Anniversary Celebration held in Flint, Michigan in 2003! Aren’t you curious to know whether or not this statement will be fact or fiction?
Keeping Seniors Safe During Inclement Weather
No matter where your loved one lives, bad or unexpected weather is bound to happen. Here is a quick guide for protecting seniors around their homes & when they are out & about.
POWER OUTAGES = Whether it’s a winter storm, during a flood, or hurricane season snow, ice, rain, & wind can cause power outages. Here is how to prepare a senior for those occurrences:
~Supply the phone numbers of all utility companies including power, gas, & water. Also include emergency numbers such as the fire department, police, doctor, & home care provider. Quick access to these phone numbers is crucial.
~Make sure seniors are equipped w/ working flashlights & a battery-powered radio. Have extra batteries on hand.
~Seniors should stock pile warm blankets & non-perishable foods, & if it’s cold or damp, wear several layers of clothing, including a hat. Moving around also raises body temperature.
~Does your senior rely on a home medical device powered by energy? As soon as an essential medical device is put in service in the home, the local electric utility (& sometimes other authorities) should be notified of its existence & need. This can put your loved one on a list for immediate attention during a power
outage.
CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING = Burning wood, natural gas, kerosene & other fuels produces carbon monoxide, a deadly gas that no one can see or smell. Unless fireplaces, wood & gas stoves, & gas appliances are properly vented, cleaned, & used, they can leak dangerous amounts of carbon monoxide. These & other appliances, such as kerosene & electric heaters, can also be fire hazards.
Here are some sound safety measures:
~Call an inspector. Chimneys & flues need to be inspected yearly & cleaned when necessary.
~Open a window. Just a crack will do, when using a kerosene stove.
~Use carbon monoxide detectors. Put battery-operated carbon monoxide & smoke detectors near fireplaces, wood stoves, or kerosene heaters.
~Never allow someone to heat a home sing a gas stove. Charcoal grills, or other stoves are not made for home heating,
DRIVING TIPS = Adults 65 olved in more car accidents per mile driven than
those in any other age group. Because driving can be more hazardous driving bad weather, seniors should:
~Have the car weatherized ahead of time. This means having antifreeze, tires, & windshield wipers checked & changed, as needed.
~Take a cell phone when driving in bad weather. Seniors should always let someone know where they are going & when they expect to arrive, in case a call for help is necessary.
~Avoid wet or icy roadways, overpasses, or bridges, if possible. Check the news (or go online) for road conditions. It may be wise to consider a different route.
~stock the car w/ basic emergency supplies, such as:
A first aid kit, blankets, extra warm clothes, booster cables, a good
Quality windshield scraper, rock salt, a bag of sand, or cat
Litter for wheel traction, containers of water, canned or
Dried foods, a can opener, a flash light & a shovel.
SLIPPERY SURFACES = Falls are common for senior citizens, & can cause
major injuries such as hip & wrist fractures, head trauma, & major lacerations.
It is easy to slip & fall, especially in wet, icy, & snowy conditions, but here are some precautions that can be taken:
~shovel snowy steps & walkways for seniors or hire someone. At home, seniors should stay inside till pathways are shoveled. When away, they should look for sidewalks that are dry & cleaned.
~Seniors should wear boots w/ non-skid soles to prevent slippage. Have them remove footwear as soon as they return indoors, because rain, snow, & ice can be tracked in & lead to slippery conditions inside.
~If a senior uses a cane, replace the rubber tip before it is worn smooth. You
might also buy (@ a medical supply store) an ice pick-like attachment that fits on-
to the end of the cane.
With a sound plan in place, seniors can be properly prepared for inclement
weather.
19 Cars That Get Most Tickets
Are you driving a ticket magnet? Does it really matter what kind of car you drive when it comes to traffic tickets? A study by insurance.com says “Yes”. The study looked @ the % of drivers pulled over recently & what they drove. It includes the sports & performance vehicles you might expect, but others that are pretty inexplicable.
19. Toyota Prius 27%
18. Infiniti QX56/QX80 27.1%
17. Saturn Aura 27.1%
16. Mitsubishi 3000GT 27.4%
15. Mini Cooper S Countryman 27.5%
14. Pontiac G8 27.7%
13. Scion xA 27.8%
12. Mazda 2 28.1%
11. Suzuki Reno 28.1%
10. Hyundai Veloster 28.1%
09. Volkswagen GTI 28.1%
08. Toyota FJ Cruiser 28.4%
07. Mercury Topaz 28.8%
06. Scion tC 28.85
05. Subaru Tribeca 29.7%
04. Toyota Supra 30.8%
03. Scion FR-S 32.6%
02. Pontiac GTO 32.7%
01. Subaru Impreza WRX 33.6%
Palate to Palette: How Designers Translate Culinary Inspirations Into Buicks
Buick vehicle designers spend years perfecting their craft. But increasingly, many of them are literally following their gut as they create tomorrow’s vehicles. From the elegant simplicity of the local farmer’s market to elaborate prix fare dinners on Instagram, Buick designers are using the universal appeal of good food to inspire color and trim choices. Look no further than the Choccachino interior of the 2016 Enclave and the new Cascada convertible in Toasted Coconut Metallic, available in early 2016. Or, take the green undertones of the Crystalline exterior color of the Buick Avenir concept that debuted to award-winning reviews at the 2015 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. They were inspired by an artichoke. “Artichokes have a beautiful color,” said Krysti Murphy, creative designer, Buick Color and Trim. “When we look at that type of vegetable, we take the green tones and desaturate them, creating more of a silvery green by adding metallic flakes. This creates a richer, more wearable color.” If delicious-sounding vehicle colors whet a customer’s appetite for a new car, well, that’s the idea. A study last month by automotive paint maker PPG Industries revealed 60 percent of consumers consider color in their purchase decisions. “People make associations with particular hues based on personal experiences,” said Sally Augustin, Ph.D., founder of Design with Science, and an environmental psychologist specializing in person-centered design. “If you have had a positive experience with a particular food, you can develop positive associations with the colors that are clearly linked to that item, translating into preferences and use in creative projects.” In a world that’s about living to eat as much as it eats to live, sharing photos of food on social networks is almost as popular as consuming what’s shown. Buick designers have more than 178 million images tagged #food on Instagram as their creative muse in the studio. “We are developing our future vehicles with our customers’ passions and interests in mind,” said Cathy Black, lead designer, global Buick Color and Trim. “We know our customers are passionate about food and hosting dinner parties for close friends and family. They value the quality time and sharing a good meal. Having this customer insight prompted us to start exploring the culinary world as a source of color and texture inspiration several years ago.” Buick is an international modern luxury brand offering vehicles with sculpted designs, luxurious interiors and thoughtful personal technologies, along with responsive-yet-efficient performance. Buick is attracting new customers with its portfolio of award-winning luxury models in North America and China.
Friday, April 22, 2016, Mack Truck Museum Tour, Allentown, PA
Join us on a tour in the Lehigh Valley. We will meet at the IHOP in Allentown at 8:30am for breakfast or if you like just a cup of coffee. From there we will proceed to the Mack Truck Museum for a 10:00 am guided tour of the museum. Featured is Evel Knievel’s stunt vehicles & artifacts. All participants will receive a Mack pin. After an informative tour of Mack Truck we will stop at the Queen City Diner for a light lunch/snack (pay your own). From the diner we will proceed to the Lehigh County Historical Society for a 1:30 pm guided tour of the museum, & w/ an exhibit on, “An American Revolution”. Join us for a day filled w/ local American history!
IHOP-1511 Lehigh St- Allentown
Mack Truck Museum – 2402 Lehigh Parkway South – Allentown
Queen City Dinner -1801 Lehigh St-Allentown
Lehigh County Historical Society – 432 Walnut St. – Allentown.
Member = $5.00 per person
Non-member/guest = $8.50 per person
Please send check, made payable to “Free Spirit” Chapter, to Kathleen Duckett, 6023 Riverview Road, Slatington, Pa 18080, by Friday, April 15, 2016.
Friday, May 27, 2016, QVC Studio Tour, West Chester, PA
Since opening in the fall of 1997, QVC Studio Park, West Chester, PA, has become a popular destination for thousands of visitors interested in seeing live television @ its finest. At this state-of- the-art broadcasting facility, guests will see & experience how QVC products are sourced, tested, brought to life on air, & delivered to millions of QVC customers. There are views into QVC’s more than 58,000 square feet of studio space where guests may be able to watch QVC programs in progress & may even catch a glimpse of a favorite host or guest! PLEASE watch future newsletters for further details, & to reserve your seat!
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
MARCH 2016 HAPPY ST. PATRICK’s DAY
1 – Monthly chapter meeting, Starlite Diner & Lounge, Rts 100/78, Allentown, Pa. Supper @ 6 pm, business meeting @ 7:30 pm. Guest speaker, Mr. David Webster, to inform us about E-CO Friendly Engineered Products, called “X-TREME GREEN”. You will be amazed at the numerous products offered!
6 – Hamburg Swap Meet, Hamburg, Pa
April 2016 WATCH OUT, APRIL FOOL’s DAY!
5 – Monthly meeting, Starlite Diner & Lounge, Allentown, Pa. Supper @ 6 pm, Business meeting @ 7:30 pm. Guest speaker is our own Mrs. Mary Ann Snell. “Do you have a Living Will? Is a Living Will recognized in PA? Do you have a Medical Durable Power of Attorney?” If you are unsure of what this document is, please join us for a very informative presentation!
22 – Mack Truck Museum Tour, featuring Evil Knievil stunt vehicles & artifacts.
MAY HAPPY MOTHER’s DAY!
3 – Monthly chapter meeting, Starlite Diner & Lounge, Allentown, PA. Supper @ 6 pm, business meeting @ 7:30 pm. Guest speaker is Ms. Jennifer Washney, Program Manager, Mission Delivery East Central Division, American Cancer Society, Inc. Do you know, or have heard of “Road To Recovery”? Please join us to find out that compassion is still living inside of each one of us in today’s society.
22 – 15th Annual BBC Pre WWII Car & Brass era show, Railroad Museum of PA, Strasburg, Pa. 215-313-2734
27 – QVC studio Tour, West Chester, Pa (Chapter event)
CARS/PARTS “FOR SALE”
1939 Buick Special (41) 4-DR Trunk back Sedan, unrestored original car, Straight 8, manual transmission. Runs well! Rebuilt engine & components, brake system, drive train, transmission. Upgraded carb, electronic ignition, oil filter, NEW exhaust system. WW tires. Pics available. $16,500/negotiable. Ken Davis, 610-489-1649. kwmcdavis@verizon.net
1951 Buick Super (51) 4 dr. Excellent condition. Everything works, drive anywhere. Original paint interior. All mechanical things have been replaced or improved. 59,000 original miles. $11,500. William@ 610-970-7183, 484-948-6213.
1962 Buick Skylark Conv. Overall GOOD condition. Various NOS chrome installed. Runs/drives nice! Transmission, rear, top & rear window good. Dave’s Int. restorations, 525 Chestnut St., Emmaus, Pa 18049
1981 Buick Regal 4 DR dark green, garage kept. 75K mi. 717-576-7588
1987 Buick GN, T-Top blk w/ grey/blk int., orig parts, EXCELLENT condition, 3200 ORIGINAL miles. Stored in heat controlled garage. $28,500 (OBO), gbrentano@verizon.net
1951-52 Buick Mustache Bar to be rechromed, very hard to find! $400.00. William, 610-970-7183, 484-948-6213.
In Search Of
1948 Buick Special 2 door back chrome. Doug @ 570-573-0948.
1951-52 Buick Roadmaster RH grille bar extension. C. Wenger, 433-710-6624, crewzn@broadstripe.net
1967 Buick Electra Conv. 610-730-4599, dwebster80@gmail.com