Cape Fear Chapter AACA

Chapter Newsletter

May/ June 2010

Chapter News

Cape Fear Chapter
By Bob Plassman

The last time I wrote you the weather was frightful, and virtually every location in the Tarheel state was blanketed with snow. Now I am pleased to report that the Easter Lillies are providing a beautiful show in gardens throughout our area (have you ever noticed these spring delights blooming at abandoned home sites and “at random” places?). Wilmington will be celebrating spring with our Azalea Festival on April 20th, and the azaleas should be spectacular this year.

Our spectacular club members took the first road trip of the season to Calabash on February 21st, where we joined our host, the Chicora Region of South Carolina, and other area clubs at the Dockside Restaurant. The restaurant is open only for car club members on that day, so service was speedy and efficient. The food was delicious, as only Calabash style seafood can be. We shared our calendar with others in attendance, and the other clubs took to the podium as well to brag about their events for 2010. This looks to be an exciting season, as there were a number of collector vehicles at the event.

Our club president, Gary Henderson, braved the northern winter weather and traveled to Philadelphia for the 74th Annual Meeting of AACA. He was joined there by past president Jeff Oaks and his wife, Lorrie. This was Gary’s first time to attend the Annual Meeting, and his reaction can be summed up by the phrase: “Kid in a Candy Store.” Gary told us all that he will most definitely make every effort to attend Hershey in the fall (more candy!).

We were fortunate to have another “Cars and Coffee” event, hosted by club member Bob Lancaster and his wife, Jennifer, at their Lancaster Electric shop. There was certainly coffee on site, as well as a delicious barbeque lunch for all members who braved a brisk and blustery March 27th. 22 members were provided extensive details about judging, and AACA standards were discussed. Several members brought their collector cars, and each one of them was viewed and “constructively criticized” by our chief judge, Matt Hinson, and his assistant, Dick Steinkopf. Each member there now realizes the complex nature of each class of vehicle and the personal objectiveness needed to judge fairly and efficiently.

We are gearing up for our 38th Annual Chapter Car Show, the first of the season. It will be held again this year on April 24th at Independence Mall, which is located at the corner of Oleander Drive and Independence Avenue in Wilmington. We had a record breaking attendance last year, so we are planning our show field to accommodate even more guests and their spectacular vehicles. Our show field is adjacent to the main entrance location at the mall, which gives plenty of shopping and dining opportunities to those needing a diversion from all the excitement.
Our dash plaque this year will feature the Model T of Joe Craig, who was a long time member of Cape Fear Chapter. Joe passed away recently, and we thought this a fitting tribute to Joe who contributed so much to so many. He was “Mister Model T” not only to our club, but to the larger community as well.
We are planning a celebrity presence to award a special trophy this year, so plan on attending this great event on Saturday, April 24th .

On May 8th, long time club member Ben Kennedy will be remembered by the Ben Kennedy Memorial Fly in, to be held at Stag Park Airfield. Up to 40 antique aircraft are scheduled to arrive around 9 AM at the field which is located just off Highway NC 117 in Pender County…a quick trip from Interstate 40. Our friends at the British Car Club will join us with some of their interesting motorcars. Come by airplane or by antique automobile for a fun filled and unique event to honor one of our own. Lunch and drinks will be available on the grounds for a reasonable amount, provided by local churches.

A club member has stated that he wants to compile a Services Directory. This is not designed to be a commercial enterprise, but rather a compilation of service providers that club members have used, and that have provided satisfactory service. If you have one of these special folks in your neighborhood…that you don’t mind sharing…we’d love to hear from you.
E-mail me: rplassman@ec.rr.com or leave a message on our web site:
www.ncregionaaca.com/capefear/.

Okay, everyone, the sun is out and the weather is warm. Turn those keys and get rolling!

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