Antique Auto Mushers of Alaska Tinkering Times Volume 56, Number 7 www.antiqueautomushersak.org July 6, 2016 Joint Meet Plays Out in Sunny Valdez The various vehicles of the Anchorage and Fairbanks clubs, AAMA and VLNAACAF, gathered Friday evening, July 17th on a blustery-but-clear evening. The occasion was the 2016 Joint meet. In this photo, the terminus of the Alyeska Pipeline can be seen at the base of the mountain on the right. by Scott Hulse On Friday Morning, June 17 th, cat herders Brian Anderson from Anchorage, and Scott Grundy from Fairbanks started moving meet attendees down the road. The goal for both groups was the Port of Valdez, for camaraderie, games, laughs, and (especially) food, Between 3 and 6 PM our hardy travelers started arriving after traveling about 300 to 360 miles. The weather was FANTASTIC, and the views were worth the drive. After a short gathering at the Valdez Harbor Inn, everyone gathered at the July Adopt-A-Road Marcy has passed along the reminder that AAMA s next Adopt-A-Road will take place on Saturday, July 9th at 9:00. We will enjoy rolls, fruit, coffee and juice before starting the actual clean up at about 9:30. Hope to see you there! Port of Valdez, Kelsey Plaza, for our traditional BBQ. The cars parked on the dock provided a great opportunity for photos with the surrounding snow covered mountains and the Alyeska terminal across the bay. Kelsey Plaza provided a covered area, in case of rain and a building with clean restrooms and storage space that blocked the WIND. The BBQ was placed on the leeward side of the building to get it hot enough to cook the burgers. Thanks to Art Isham for cooking the burgers and dogs, and to all the cooks who provided the excellent potluck items. Everyone seemed to enjoy the evening, in spite of the cold wind. By 9:00 PM, everyone was ready to retreat to the hotel. Saturday morning, most everyone met up in the breakfast room for coffee and fuel before heading over to the Kelsey Dock for the Car Games. The wind was gone, nearly dead calm, presenting a new challenge: gnats, which were plentiful. Mosquito head nets became the high fashion for the day. The Car Games Howard Hansen s car games challenged everyone. (See p. 5, Joint Meet in Valdez) July Meeting We will have a rolling meeting for July. It will begin at Day Break Center at 6:30 PM. Following a short meeting, we will go for a drive about led by Rich and Linda Golding. They have revealed that the destination will be Arctic Roadrunner, where we will enjoy some of the best burgers in Alaska. Be sure to bring cash, because Roadrunner doesn t accept plastic or checks. We wish to thank Bill and Bobby Brown for hosting last month s meeting at the Bob Brown Museum in East Anchorage.
2 Tinkering Times July 6, 2016 Running Board Reflections Lord Our President, Brian Anderson, stands by his 1948 Ford and takes in the view from the top of Thompson Pass as he headed to Valdez and the 2016 Joint Meet. First off, thanks again to Bill and Bobby Brown for hosting our June business meeting at their family museum. I think we had a record turnout to go along with the beautiful weather that evening. Every time I visit the museum, I see something new and interesting. Thanks also to everyone who brought food and otherwise helped out. I m writing this with fresh memories of a great time at this year s joint meet in Valdez. From the perfectly clear weather for the drive down, the wonderful facilities available to us, and plenty of activities to keep the attendees busy, this was one to remember. Our primary leader, Scott Hulse, clearly put a lot of effort into securing lodging, banquet space, pavilion, grill, and food. He even employed his artistic talents to create some whimsical first place trophies for the car games. Car game master Howard Hansen kept us hopping with some fun new challenges (happily, no one drove off of the dock!). Howard also officiated at a wild valve cover racing event, using a brand new track skillfully constructed by Tom. Our Valdez resident AAMA member, Laura Therriault (also a member of VLNAACF), provided a great door prize for the banquet, and she arranged for an excellent behind-thescenes tour of the Solomon Gulch Hatchery. Thanks much to these folks, and to everyone else who attended and helped put on this fun event. There were a number of other great activities going on during June. Mike Wiedmer led an excellent antique car display at the downtown Anchorage Solstice event, where I understand they enjoyed good weather and good crowds throughout the day (I wish I could be in two places at once!). Dennis and Diane Allen kept very busy making sure that clients at three senior facilities had a chance to enjoy some of our antique cars, a great public service. Finally, some of our members even made the scene with the Midnight Sun Street Rodders at their Mirror Lake Solstice Rumble. The fun continues in July, and by the time you read this, we will have already participated in several Independence Day parades. In addition to our July rolling meeting and Wednesday drive-arounds, I m looking forward to the always enjoyable Hope Weekend event, and there s a car show somewhere every weekend. Also, please remember that Friday, July 8, is officially Collector Car Appreciation Day 2016, yet another good reason to show off your vintage vehicles and help promote our hobby. Brian Wiedmer Thirteen AAMA Vehicles participated in the Anchorage 4th of July parade. Jim Fredenhagen s 1930 Model A carrying the club banner and Bruce Campbell s Model T Calliope are seen here lining up before the parade began. 2016 Officers President: Brian Anderson 345-9244 Vice President: Gwyn Wiedmer 243-7005 Secretary: Pam Tanora 868-1575 Treasurer: Donn Reese 245-7203 Sergeant at Arms: Milt Tanora Members at Large Dennis Allen 345-6355 Howard Hansen 345-1268 Scott Hulse 240-4028 Past Presidents (10 years) Brian Anderson (2015) Mike Wiedmer (2013-14) Howard Hansen (2012) Donn Reese (2009 2011) Jeff Hassler/Donn Reese (2008) Jim Fredenhagen (2006-2007) Fred Schurman (2005) Tinkering Times Staff Editor: Tom Proofing, scheduling and keeping the old man in line: Marcy Send correspondence to: Tinkering Times Tom, Editor P.O. Box 770703 Eagle River AK 99577 or email: tmcresap@mtaonline.net The Tinkering Times is published monthly by Alaska s premier classic and antique automobile club, Antique Auto Mushers of Alaska, P.O. Box 232086, Anchorage AK 99523-2086. Opinions expressed by authors of Tinkering Times including references about how wonderful we are are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy of the Antique Auto Mushers of Alaska or any facsimile of reality, for that matter.
July 6, 2016 One Man s Treasures Our ads are intended for members and others who wish to sell cars and related items. There is no charge, and the ad will run for three consecutive issues before being removed. To pull an ad, extend it or to place a new ad, contact Tom 694-7510. Secured EnclosedStorage West Downtown Anchorage location 9 x18 x7-1/2 high space $125/month for single 2 spaces $225 Dave Syren, 440-2982 ZDDP available now from Scott. See him at the meeting or call 349-8106 (home) or 240-4028 (cel). For sale: 2001 Toyota Corolla sedan; 130,000 miles; excellent condition; rear seat folds down to extend trunk space. $4,250 Includes 2-years registration and 4 mounted studded tires. Kurt: 344-5554. Tinkering Times 3 Schedule of Events July 9 9:00 AM Adopt-A-Road (s, 694-7510) July 10-18 ABD Tour (Fairbanks event, Scott Grundy, sgrundy55ply@gmail.com) July 13 6:30 Rolling Meeting at Day Break Center (Goldings) July 15-17 Hope Weekend (Dennis and Diane Allen, 345-6355) July 20 6:00 Wednesday driveabout, Sears parking lot (Brian July 27 6:00 Wednesday driveabout, Sears parking lot (Brian August 3 6:00 Wednesday driveabout, Sears parking lot (Brian August 10 6:30 Rolling Meeting at Day Break Center (Kimzeys) August 17 6:00 Wednesday driveabout, Sears parking lot (Brian August 24 6:00 Wednesday driveabout, Sears parking lot (Brian August 27 Alaska State Fair Parade TBA August 31 6:00 Wednesday driveabout, Sears parking lot (Brian September 3 Adopt-A-Road (s, 694-7510) September 7 6:00 Wednesday driveabout, Sears parking lot (Brian September 14 6:30 Regular Meeting at Day Break Center (Chair?) September 19-21 Denali Park Tour (Tamea Isham, 688-3671) October 12 7:00 Regular Meeting at Day Break Center (David Jensen) November 9 6:30 Regular Meeting at Day Break Center (Tanoras) December 10 Christmas Party at Day Break (Ishams and Allens) For Sale: 1956 Pontiac Chieftain V8, A/T, radio, heater, 2000 miles on rebuilt engine, new rear springs, rebuilt front end, radials, detailed trunk/engine/ interior, everything works Reduced to $19,100. Art Isham 907-227-2307. For Sale: 1959 Ford Skyliner Retractable Hardtop. Good driver. Needs TLC. Reduced to $22,650. Art Isham 907-227-2307 For Sale: 1952 Dodge 1-1/2-Ton flatbed truck. New tires, windshield has been replaced, has turn signals, titled and registered. Runs. John Fisher 250-1643. For Sale: 1957 Ford Skyliner Retractable Hardtop. Runs fine. Needs restoration. Reduced to $18,000. Art Isham 907-227-2307 For Sale: Vehicles from the late Mike Spezialy s collection are for sale. For specific information and prices, respond to his son, Steve Spezialy, email, sbspez@yahoo.com The prices are all negotiable, since Steve is interested in liquidating the entire inventory, including many NOS parts and many antiques.
4 Tinkering Times July 6, 2016 We Had No Rain on Our Independence Day Parades Everybody enjoys seeing old or special-interest vehicles in parades, so members of the Antique Auto Mushers took part in at least four Independence Day parades this year. We had representatives in Anchorage, Chugiak and Glennallen and Seldovia. Kurt Rein reports that the following members were in the Anchorage parade: Jim and Victoria Fredenhagen (1930 Model A Ford and a 1954 Ford, respectively) Louie Finch (1928 Model A Ford) Carl Godsoe (1931 Model A pickup) Mike and Gwyn Wiedmer and friends (1941 Cadillac, 1949 Ford convertible, 1956 Thubderbird and 1931 REO Speedwagon flatbed toting David Jensen and his band) Kurt Rein (1926 Packard with Special Olympics personalities) Carol Jensen and Layla (1956 Thunderbird) Fred Scharper and sister in his 1970 GMC pickup. Seven AAMA vehicles, seven ATC(M) military vehicles from WWII thru Korea vintage, as well as one WWII USMC re-enactor walking, participated in the Chugiak Parade on the 4th of July afternoon. We enjoyed hot dogs, hamburgers, roast corn and all the fixin's provided by our friends at the "Moose Horn." The two clubs, AAMA and the Alaska Territorial Cavalry (Motorized) passed out an outlandish amount of candy. The Ishams provided a dessert potluck afterwards. AAMA participants at the Chugiak parade: Guests, Travis & Lisa DeLaney (1964 Chev Malibu) Diane Allen (1964 Ford Thunderbird) Brian Anderson (1964 Jeep FC150) Art & Tam Isham (1960 Imperial) Fred Sharper (1970 GMC Pick- Up) Mike, Gwyn & Elizabeth Wiedmer (1949 Ford convertible) Louie Finch (1928 Ford Model A) guest, Jim Troll (Wiedmer's 1941 Cadillac) Kurt Rein (1966 Ford Mustang) Guests: ATC(M) Dennis Allen (1951 Willys M38) Dave Proehl (1941 Dodge WC12) Tamara Proehl (1942 Ford GPW) Paul, brother David & Karen Williams (1945 Willys MB) Dick Stevenson & Sally (1941 Dodge WC12) John Goodman (1942 Dodge WC53) Vincent Gleffe (1952 Dodge M37) A third group went to Glennallen. Sheryl and Scott Hulse drove their Rolls Royce, Tom, Marcy and granddaughter, Sophie, went in their 1938 Chrysler and Howard and daughter, Debbie Hansen took their 1977 VW convertible. The Chrysler took first place, and the Rolls took second place in the judging. Ken Morton Editor for the newsletter of the British Sports Cars Alaska, sent our president, Brian Anderson, a photo of Walt Sonen's 1934 Ford participating in the Seldovia parade. Sounds like everyone lucked out. No rain on any of the parades. One Man s Treasures '40 Dodge Coupe. Dual carbs & dual exhaust. Radial tires. Strong runner. $13,000 OBO. Call Howard at 440-1002. '77 VW Convertible. $11,000 OBO. Call Howard at 440-1002. Antique Auto Mushers June 8, 2016 Meeting Minutes The meeting was called to order by President Brian Anderson at 7:00pm. Guests Brian welcomed everyone and asked for guests to introduce themselves: Rob & Linsey Brown William Rohloff Daniel Tony (friend of Dave Syren) Dick and Margaret Anderson There were 53 people attending the BBQ at the Brown s Museum. Health and Welfare Brian advised that Marl Campbell was doing better, Minutes Club secretary Pam Tanora read the minutes of the May meeting. One correction regarding Marl s surgery was made. A motion was made and seconded to accept the minutes as revised. The motion was approved. Treasure s Report Don Reese stated that the club has $8,179 in its checking account. To date, 84 members have paid their dues for 2016. Old Business Brian asked if there was any update to the Spezialy estate sales. It was announced that the T-bird was sold. The June Adopt-A-Road event was a success. The weather was nice and there was not as much trash maybe because of the city-wide cleanup event that preceded our cleanup. The Homer shake-down trip was also a success. The trip down and back were uneventful. The car show took place at the Wells Fargo Bank parking lot, and it was followed by a drive to do some wine tasting. Don brought up the subject of the website fees that he has already paid and was asking about reimbursement. It was noted that reimbursement had already been approved at a previous meeting. New Business Brian advised that he received the invoice from the AACA for liability insurance in the amount of $110. A motion was made and seconded to pay the invoice. The motion was approved. Kurt advised that the club would be participating in the military appreciation day activities this year. Kurt will be attending, and he stated that if anyone else wanted to attend to let him know and he ll make arrangements to have them (See p. 7, Minutes )
July 6, 2016 Find the Car Search through an AACA magazine for 5 minutes to see how many cars you can find that Howard had listed on the score sheet. Tire roll How fast can you roll an inflated inner tube around a slalom course? Trailer Hitch This is a timed event involving a cone with a tennis ball on top representing a trailer hitch. The driver follows the instructions of a team member to get the tennis ball to touch the center of the car s bumper. If the ball falls off the car moves forward and tries again. There and Back Again Drive down the dock forward, then drive the same coarse backwards. The person to come closest to matching their time going forward and backward wins. Put em Back This timed team event has the driver navigating on the left side of a serpentine set of cones, each with a tennis ball on top. Going forward, the passenger must lean out the Tinkering Times 5 Joint Meet in Valdez, Home of Alyeska Pipeline Terminus Hulse First place trophies for each of the competitive events were crafted by AAMA member and chairman of the 2016 Joint Meet, Scott Hulse. (Continued from p. 1) window and pick up the tennis balls from each cone; then, the driver must reverse through the same route while the passenger tries to place the balls back on the cones. This was quite a stretching and balancing act if the driver did not get close enough to the cones in either direction. The Valve Cover Races Tom built a beautiful new track for this year. The track has a 25- foot run with a sweeping curve at the bottom. Debbie Hanson unseated last years winner, with Hannah and Marcy taking second and third places, respectively. During the races, everyone noticed the expert design of Curley Packer s car, which he brought in a custom carrying case. At the Saturday awards banquet, he would be rewarded for his car s appearance, even though he barely missed landing on the winner s podium. By the time lunch rolled around on Saturday, a slight breeze picked up, helping to sweep away the gnats. Again, there were plenty of vittles to go around with Art Isham handling the BBQ again. By 2:00 PM clean up was underway, and Laura Therriault, who lives in Valdez and is a member of both AAMA and VLNAACF, took the group on a tour of the Solomon Gulch Fish Hatchery. The tour was very informative, and the walking helped us work off the big lunch before going to the Evening Banquet at the ROMA Restaurant. The Banquet We had great company, great Food, and a few surprises during the awards. After we placed our orders, MC, Scott Hulse, presented awards. Our youngest recipient this year was Hannah, and Team Grundy, (Linda & Scott), took 2 First Place awards. The Game Winners Find the Car 1 st place, Wyan Grant (VLNAACF) 2 nd place, Rich Golding (AAMA) 3 rd place, Michael Campbell (AAMA) Tire Roll 1 st place, Brian Anderson (AAMA) Howard Hansen (AAMA) 3 rd place Terri Young (AAMA) Trailer Hitch 1 st place, Linda and Scott Grundy (VLNAACF) 2 nd place, Brian Anderson and Will Lord (AAMA) 3 rd place Ted and Colleen Kimzey (AAMA) There and Back Again 1 st place, Rich Golding (AAMA) 2 nd place, Donn Reese (AAMA) 3 rd place, Curley Packer (Guest) Put em Back 1 st place, Team Grundy (VLNAACF) 2 nd place, Ted Kimzey and Curley Packer (AAMA) 3 rd place, Team Golding (AAMA) Valve Cover Race 1 st place, Debbie Hansen (AAMA) 2 nd place, Hannah (AAMA) 3 rd place Marcy (AAMA) Fanciest Racer Curley Packer (Guest) Longest Distance Driven to Meet Jill and Rick Larrick (VLNAACF) (Edior s note: Trophies for the various first-place winners were expertly created by event chairman, Scott Hulse.) The Attendees: (See p. 6, Joint Meet )
6 Tinkering Times July 6, 2016 Joint Meet In Valdez (Continued from p. 5) AAMA fielded 19 people in 8 cars, and VLNAACF had 9 people in 4 cars. One person belonged to both our clubs, and one guest belonged to neither club. Attending from AAMA were: Brian Anderson and son, Will Lord (1948 Ford) Donn Reese (1960 Imperial) Art and Tamea Isham and granddaughter, Madeline Dennis (1963 Imperial) Tom and Marcy and granddaughter, Hannah, (1925 Model T Ford) Rich and Linda Golding (1951 Buick Roadmaster) Howard Hansen and daughter, Debbie (1940 Dodge Coupe) Ted and Colleen Kimzey (1984 Mercedes 190D) Scott and Sheryl Hulse (1958 Rolls Royce Silver Cloud) Michael and Terri Campbell (modern car) VLNAACF members were: Bub by Mike Wiedmer On June 18 th, sunny skies and large crowds greeted AAMA members at Anchorage s annual downtown Summer Solstice Festival. Each year, for one long day, the Anchorage Downtown Partnership turns 4 th Avenue into an eight-block pedestrian mall, filled with activities for all ages. Dick Anderson brought his 1955 Ford F-100 Pickup, Bruce Campbell his Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner retractable, Jim Fredenhagen his 1954 Ford Customline 2- door sedan, Ken Evans his 1955 Cadillac Eldorado, Louis Finch his 1956 Ford Thunderbird, and the Wiedmer s brought their 1931 Reo Speedwagon, 1941 Cadillac Series 62 Deluxe Coupe, 1949 Ford Custom Convertible Coupe, and 1956 Ford Thunderbird. Our group remained sated with gourmet sausages and ice cream, and hydrated with a shaved ice stand and three beer gardens just steps away. No moment went by without a question or comment from some interested resident or tourist. You can see more photos of our display Larson and his daughter, Rochelle (1966 Ford F250 Crew Cab) Rick and Jill Larrick (1954 Buick) Scott and Linda Grundy (1955 Plymouth Belvedere) Hank and Wyan Grant (Modern car) We were very happy to have Laura Therriault member of both clubs (1964-1/2 Mustang Convertible) and Curley Packer Guest (1931 Model A Ford Pickup.) The Departure: Sunday morning most of the guys were in the breakfast room early for coffee. Except for a forecast of winds, the day looked good for the trip home. I always want to linger a bit longer, and smell the roses for a bit longer, (in this case the sea air and the sound of Gulls overhead.) I would like to end with a note of Anchorage Solstice Celebration Well Covered By AAMA on our club website. Plan on putting the Solstice Festival on your calendar next year. Wiedmer Several AAMA cars showed at the Anchorage Solstice celebration. Here are Wiedmers 1949 Ford, 1941 Cadillac and 1956 Thunderbird, as well as Ken Evans 1955 Cadillac. Also at the show, but not pictured were Wiedmers 1931 Speedwagon, Louie Finch s 1956 Thunderbird, Jim Fredenhagen s 1954 Ford. Morton thanks to Tom for building our new Valve Cover Racer track, and cutting out the trophy bases; Howard Hansen for the wonderful games we all enjoyed; Art Isham for rescueing the food and cooking meat for our Pot Luck and Lunch; Laura Therriault for assisting with local arrangements, providing garbage cans, supplying the door prize gift certificate from the Hatchery Store and arranging the Fish Hatchery tour and Joshua Buffington for the tour. Brian Anderson and Scott Grundy deserve thanks for starting the Cats in Anchorage and Fairbanks, respectively. In addition, we thank Randy and Mary Albright of Valdez for use of their Gas Grill for two days and Verne Monette from Interstate Batteries in Anchorage for providing three of our award prizes. MANY THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR MAKING THIS A FUN EVENT. Scott Hulse Adding a twist to the trip Head representative of the Alaskan Model A s and guest at our joint meet, Curley Packer, took a different route to our Valdez Joint Meet by arriving on the Alaska Ferry from Whittier. He arrived just in time to partake in Friday night s food. He is seen here exiting the MV Aurora at Valdez. BSCA newsletter editor, Ken Morton, offered up this photo of Walt Sonen in the Seldovia Independence Day Parade. The 1934 Ford fordor sedan is a relatively new acquisition for Walt, who lives in Seldovia, but is a member of the Antique Auto Musheres.
July 6, 2016 Minutes (Continued from p. 4) cleared for entrance onto the base. Scott asked if the Colony Parade was confirmed for Saturday, June 11th. Mark advised that he has registered the club for the event, but there s no obligation to attend. If members do attend, we have space #10 Blueberry & Valley Way. Dianne advised that she is working on the Daybreak and Serendipity Rides scheduled for June 16 th and 23 rd, respectively. Will need 5 cars for Daybreak and 4 for Serendipity, and will last for about an hour and a half. Meeting time will be about 1:00 pm. Members stating that they will attend were: Howard (both), Mike (both), Kurt (one), Mark (?), and Dennis (both). Mike spoke about the Solstice event which will be held on Saturday, June 18 th. Vehicles should be there by 10:00 am. We will be located on 4 th Avenue between E & F Streets. There will be no barricades. The event will run until about 6:00 pm. A sign-up sheet was circulated. Note that this is the same weekend as the Joint Meet in Valdez. Scott gave an update on the Joint Meet and he passed around a flyer that he had previously sent to members who planned to go on the trip to Valdez. The plan is to meet at the Northway Mall and leave around 9:00 am. A stop will be made in Eagle River to allow additional members to join the caravan. Scott has contacted the local radio station to see if they would make a public service announcement about the event including the valve cover races. So far we anticipate to have 8 racers from Anchorage and maybe some from Fairbanks. Tom said that the track will be ready and it will be a great one. Jim discussed the Mirror Lake BBQ event scheduled for June 21 st. It looks like it will be officiated by the Midnight Sun club. It will be from 4:00 9:00 pm. July 4 th Events: Chugiak Parade Ishams, Wiedmers, Fred with a dessert potluck at the Ishams following the parade. Glenallen Scott, Howard, s. Anchorage Parade per Kurt, he has not yet obtained a permit. Mike advised that he will be in the parade driving a flatbed with a band playing music. Bill Brown stated that he may attend. Jim announced last call for the Model A Club s trip to Fairbanks this weekend, June 11 th & 12 th. They plan to go to the Chena Hot Springs and the Car Museum. Dianne gave an update on the Hope Tinkering Times 7 trip scheduled for July 15 th 18 th. She asked that members let her know if they plan to attend and what vehicle they will be driving. The accommodations have already been paid for. Participants should bring a sleeping bag, and there will be bathroom facilities. Tam Isham Denali Road Lottery winners will be announced soon. Brian recognized the birthdays and anniversaries for June. Brian and the club thanked Bill Brown for hosting our BBQ and meeting. Bill stated how much he enjoys being involved with the club, and how much the club meant to his parents. Howard announced that he received a call from Bill Waldron who was a member of the club and who is now 90 years old. He is a snow bird and comes to Anchorage during the summers. William Rohloff announced that he is selling his 1959 Chevy Pickup and is asking $17,500. He showed the club a picture of the truck, and he stated it s his old fishing truck that he had restored. The meeting was adjourned at 7:56 pm. Respectfully submitted, Pam Tanora, secretary Overly Dutch Overly reports that restoration is completed and Robbie Robinson s 1927 Franklin has been delivered to Robbie and Marianne s son, John in Washington. At the 2016 AAMA/VLNACF Joint Meet in Valdez on June 17-19, AAMA s new valve cover race track made its debut. The competition was pretty close, but in the end, Debbie Hansen s orange Moosewagon came out in first place. At left, participants watch as it racks up a victory against VLNACF s Scott Grundy. Below, Marcy (3rd place), Hannah (second place) and Debbie Hansen (1st place.)
8 Tinkering Times July 6, 2016 There s Hope at the End of the Road by Dennis Allen Mark your calendars for 15, 16, & 17 July Hope weekend just around the corner. AAMA will be in Hope for Wagon Trail Days. We have the Methodist Retreat reserved for Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights. Dennis and Diane plan to drive down Thursday and plan the parking in front of the Retreat. There will be no parking in front of the library, library gift shop, or on the library lawns. If you don t bring an RV the Retreat will be available for sleeping, cooking, and bathing. The Retreat has running water, toilet, and shower. Don t forget your towels & soap! There are also several motels and B&Bs in Hope for those desiring more privacy. Activity Schedule 5.3 K cross country run, Raffle, Hope-Sunrise Museum, Pancake breakfast, bake sale, gold panning, fishing, hiking, cake walk, country dance, and bike riding. Profits from events around town support the Hope - Sunrise EMS. Singing, board games, parades, and lots of good old visiting! The Latest Buzz Humor by Rich Golding The United States Department of the Interior, in cooperation with the Environmental Protection Agency and the Bureau of Insect Census, issued several years ago a stern position regarding the strange and unexplained shortage of bees. The situation has accelerated, and the dwindling numbers of bumbeles beestingus has now been classified as critical and the entire genus currently occupies a top-level position on the endangered species list. Bees, as you may already know, play a crucial part in our planet s delicate ecosystem. Their role in the pollination cycle of plants and crops is absolutely mandatory towards insuring the world s food supply, as well as maintaining the earth s healthy flora coverage, thus assuring photosynthesis, leading to adequate oxygen supplies for all living Friday 15 July - Dennis and Diane will be there by Thursday afternoon. There are no formal activities planned for Thursday or Friday night. We will direct parking as members arrive to best utilize the available space. It will help if you let Dennis know the size of your RV ahead of time. Saturday 16 July - The morning will be spent setting up, visiting, and just enjoying the ambiance of Hope. Everyone is on their own for breakfast and lunch (The Discovery Café is a great place to eat and there is a pancake feed at the social hall from 8:00 11:00 am). Our first parade will be after lunch. Cake walk at the Social Hall at 3 pm. Saturday evening we will have a potluck and Hamburger/Hot Dog feed. The club will provide the hamburgers, wienies, and buns with condiments. Members bring a dish to share. Another parade and tour of beautiful downtown Hope is planned for after dinner. Saturday night surprise entertainment at 8:00 pm. Sunday 17 July - Our annual pancake feed will be between 8 and 10 AM. Dennis and Diane will provide the fauna. Without these essential creatures, all life on our world could easily perish within a generation or two, and lay the surface of our once verdant planet brown and lifeless. The Alaskan Model A s trip to Seward last week was a successful one. Four A s made the trip and all of us had a good time driving our old cars, eating lots of junk food, and experiencing the camaraderie associated with our particular hobby. The weather cooperated, and we piloted our vehicles entirely under sunny skies, both there and back. The traffic, for the most part, was conveniently light in both directions, which made the drive all that more enjoyable. All the A s participating in the drive completed the entire round trip with no significant mechanical problems. Upon arriving home, I backed Arthur into his usual spot in our garage, I trotted into the house, and gave my wife Linda a pancakes and everyone else should bring something to share. Wagon Trail Run check-in is 9:00 to 10:30 AM at the Hope Social Hall and the race starts at 11 AM. Awards ceremony at 1:00 pm. Delay your return to Anchorage after the race and awards ceremony and share leftovers for lunch and stay Sunday night to avoid the mad rush on the Seward Highway. What To Bring You for an enjoyable and relaxing weekend. Your collector car for sightseeing and parades. We will plan a location for any trailers. Potluck dish for Saturday night. Something to share at Sunday morning pancake feed. Your favorite music instrument and/ or board games to share with other members. PLEASE! Let Dennis know if you are planning to attend. Contact Dennis at 345-6355 or allendd@alaska.net so he can anticipate space required and number of mouths to feed. After Thursday morning and over the weekend use our Cell Phone# 317-4088. kiss. How did the drive go? she queried. Really good. We all had a great time. The weather was especially nice, and Arthur drove really well. All in all, I d say it was a complete success! I chimed back. Well, dinner s still in the oven. It probably won t be ready for at least half an hour. Good, that gives me enough time to clean off the car. There sure were a lot of bugs out there today. The windshield and radiator are full of them, I said, turning towards the door to the garage, with paper towel and a spray bottle of cleaner under my arm. This may take a while, but I should be finished by the time you get the food on the table. With the garage door up, to allow for fresh air and sunlight, I surveyed the front grill of my intrepid Arthur. Wow, I exclaimed out loud, look at all the bugs! (See p. 9, The Latest Buzz )
July 6, 2016 The Latest Buzz (Continued from p. 8) There seemed to be an awful lot of fuzzy yellow abdomens sticking, bassackwards, into my radiator s fins as well as all over my windshield. I sighed at the sight, which is so familiar to all Alaskan Model A ers. Knowing full well the tedious task that lay ahead of me, I steadied my right hand, aiming the spray bottle. It was then that I felt someone reach out from behind me and grasp me on the shoulder. I turned to see who it was. There were three large men, all dressed in black suits with narrow ties and dark sunglasses. Their black unmarked van with darkened windows was parked directly behind them in my driveway. There was a red revolving light flashing from behind their windshield. Who the Hell are you? I asked, quite startled by these stealthy intruders. The fellow with his hand on my shoulder pulled me towards himself. I could see he had something in one of his ears that was attached to a small coiled wire that ran down the side of his neck and disappeared under his collar. Step away from the vehicle, Sir, he commanded in an imperious, constabulary fashion. May I see some identification, please? he added. Hey wait a minute, I countered. What the Hell is this? Who are you guys? At the 2016 AAMA/VLNACF Joint Meet in Valdez, Howard Hansen orchestrated a collection of challenging car game to test everyone s driving prowess. In the Put and Take, AAMA s Donn Reese is seen leaning out the window of Scott Hulse s Rolls Royce to replace the tennis ball that he had recently taken. Tinkering Times 9 The fellow holding me, quite a huge man, did not answer my question, but motioned with a nod of his head to one of the other large men in black, who then approached the front of my car. That man opened a briefcase he was carrying and from it he extracted some empty bottles and very specialized looking tweezers. The third man, as big and menacing looking as the other two, was handing a video camera and was filming the entire experience, as the guy with the tweezers very deftly began removing the bug carcasses from Arthur s radiator. Hey, wait a minute, I screamed. Take your hands off my car! That s private property! My ire raised precipitously as the three intruders went about their tasks, without a word of explanation. I m warning you, if you don t stop, I m gonna call the police! I yelled out. All three of them snickered at the word police. Then the fellow who was holding me gagged and handcuffed me and stuffed me into the back of their van. Much to my amazement, I found that I was not alone. The van s cargo area was occupied by three other men who were similarly handcuffed and gagged. As we all struggled against our restraints, I recognized my companions. We were all just in Seward on our ride there together. JIM... CARL... DALE! I bellowed through my gag (although, truth be told, the gag made it sound more like MIMMM... GARRRL... AEELLE! ). They looked weary and most certainly roughed-up. Model Aer s are a tough bunch; hearty, vigilant and fiercely loyal. We laugh in the face of adversity. We leap fearlessly before we look, and then dance as if everyone were watching! You try driving over a snowy Turnagain Pass at 17 degrees without a heater in your car! But that seemed to matter little now, as the men in black finished up their work, then gathered up the tools of their trade and climbed into the front seat of the van. Somehow, all my squirming alongside my vehicular compadres had resulted in loosening my gag. What are you gonna do with us? Where are you taking us? I hollered. The man behind the wheel started the engine and began backing out of my driveway. All seemed lost. There was no hope lurking on the horizon. We were beaten. I gazed into the inconsolable countenances of my friends when out the corner of my eye I saw a familiar figure running alongside the van as it backed down my long driveway. The figure cut a sharp right turn and stopped at the end of the asphalt, just before it met the concrete of the street, her body blocking the van s exit. Stop! commanded my wife, holding out her left hand like a traffic cop, while her other hand held up a cast iron frying pan. Dinner s ready! I ve been cooking all afternoon! LINDA! All four of us sang out her name in harmonious praise (though truth be told the other three, whose gags were still in place made a sound that more closely resembled WIIIMMA! ). The rest of this curious tale will probably never be told. I believe it is classified and all records of that day s strange activities are locked away in some building somewhere in Washington. If any of you see me or any of my Model A companions on the street, don t ask for details, as we won t give you any. We can t. By the way, dinner that night was excellent.
10 Tinkering Times July 6, 2016 Of old cars and not-so-old tires: Rich and Linda Golding s beautiful 1951 Buick suffered bodily damage on the return from Valdez when the tread separated from the left rear tire and mangled the fender. Fortunately, all Rich had to do was pick up the pieces, install the spare and go on his way, but some serious damage will need repairs. July BIRTHDAYS John (J.R.) Russell 4 th Kaylene Brown 14 th Elizabeth Wiedmer 14 th Dick Henningsen 14 t Doug Nolte 15 th Doris Fowler 18 th Clare Batchelor 19 th Betty Westcott-Plummer 20 th Katy Aschenbrenner 23th Esther Combs 24 th Jim Graham 30 th Judy Morfield 30 th Lee Plummer 30 th Gwyn Wiedmer 31th ANNIVERSARIES Diane and Dennis Allen 6 th Jean and Greg Lear 21 st Gywn and Mike Wiedmer 24 tth Millie and Dom Spezialy 28 th AAMA P.O. Box 232086 Anchorage AK 99523-2086