The Steering WheelOur Mission Statement:

To share the love of our antique cars and to show them off. To enjoy fellowship of other car enthusiasts.

MARCH 2015 Vol.15#01

Officers:President: Al Preisner (616) 874-9336Vice-President: Jim NymanSecretary: Shirley DeLange (616) 878-3618Treasurer: Leon DeLange (616) 878-3618

Board of Directors:15/16 Fred Brailey (616) 365-080415/16 Roseanne Lynch (616) 460-216115/16 Chuck Swift (616) 450-724515/16 Carl Esakson (616) 677-581614/15 Judy Swift (616) 450-724514/15 Dennis Biggins (616) 365-137114/15 Jim Nyman (616) 914-8895

Committee Chairs:April Auction Al Preisner (616) 874-9336

Craig Chalmers (616) 361-2220Christmas Banquet Sean & Cynthia Smith (616) 560-3108

Club Historian Roseanne Lynch (616) 460-2161Club Picnic Cheryl Chalmers (616) 361-2220

Judy Swift (616) 916-3538Membership Al Preisner (616) 874-9336Metro 28th Cruise Leon DeLange (616) 878-3618Newsletter – Typing Bonnie Woodman (616) 997-6413Retirement VisitsSick & Shut Ins Linda Biggins (616) 365-1371Special Events Ruth Esakson (616) 677-5816

Cynthia Smith (616) 560-3108Tours: Dust Off Sean & Cindy Smith (616) 560-3108

Fall One Day Al Preisner (616) 874-9336

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Events Calendar** Indicates a SPECIAL Event

Feb 10 Tue GRACC Board Meeting – 2161 Leonard NW – GR – St. Ann’s Home - Meeting @ 7:00pm

Feb 24 Tue GRACC Membership Meeting – 2161 Leonard NW – GR – St. Ann’s Home - Meeting @ 7:00pm – Greeters: Carl & Ruth Eskason - Entertainment: Leon’s Talk on Taxes

Mar 10 Tue GRACC Board Meeting – 2161 Leonard NW – GR – St. Ann’s Home - Meeting @ 7:00pm

Note: - PotluckMar 24 Tue GRACC Membership Meeting – 2161 Leonard NW – GR – St. Ann’s Home

- Meeting @ 7:00pm – Greeters: Leon & Shirley DeLange - Entertainment: Potluck

April 14 Tue GRACC Board Meeting – 2161 Leonard NW – GR – St. Ann’s Home - Meeting @ 7:00pm

Note: AuctionApril 28 Tue GRACC Membership Meeting – 2161 Leonard NW – GR – St. Ann’s Home

- Meeting @ 7:00pm – Greeters: Carl & Ruth Eskason - Entertainment: Annual GRACC Auction

“Dates marked in BOLD, Underlined and marked with a double asterisk **, are SPECIAL Events and Visits. Please make note of these dates. These events and visits earn points toward the year end awards.”

** We will now have a 50/50 Raffle and/or a prize drawing at all membership meetings – this is to help offset the cost of the Awards Banquet.

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Hi All,

Hopefully everyone is doing well and enjoying our Michigan weather. Please remember that club dues are due. Our first general meeting of the year, Leon will give a talk on any new tax changes. March’s meeting will be our Spring Pot Luck, and it’s not too early to start getting items together for the Annual Auction. Hopefully we will have a large turnout for all of our meetings.

Your GRACC PresidentAl Preisner

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Board Of Directors ReportA Reminder: the Board Meetings are open to all Club members. If you have suggestions for the club, please join the Board Members at one of the meetings.

Volunteer Opportunities: Please consider volunteering for the following, benefits include: helping out your fellow club members, feeling good about yourself and working with some great fellow club members.

Nursing Home/Retirement Chair – coordinating the Nursing Home/Retirement visits throughout the summer, submitting dates and info for the newsletter calendar of events, keeping a log of all who attend and reporting that back to the newsletter editor for submission. Turning in names and their number of visits for yearend awards.

NOTE: these positions will be available starting with the 2015 club events. Let your president and/or one of the Board of Directors if you are willing to volunteer for these opportunities.

$ Treasurers Report from Leon DeLange $Treasurer's report – Annual Year End Report

              Balance November 25th $4,248.47              Receipts                                       982.28         Disbursements                             -1,888.70             Balance December 31st $3,342.05

Note: a further detailed report will be available at the February membership meeting.

Committee Reports

Sick & Shut InsLinda Biggins – Chair

John Rutka passed away this past November – he and Barb were members in the club for a long time – please remember Barb in your thoughts and prayers. Cards may be sent to: Barb @ Pilgrim Manor – 2000 Leonard NE, Grand Rapids MI

Virg Phelps has been ill – cards may be sent to Virg at 6970 Archway Dr NE, Rockford MI 49341

Roger Beard had a stroke and is home and doing well – cards may be sent Roger at 1109 Short St NE, Grand Rapids MI 49503

David Roop had surgery in December, he is home and doing well – cards may be sent to David at3935 Kalamazoo SE, Grand Rapids MI 49508

Ken Bogardus had surgery and is home and doing well – cards may be sent to Ken at 3280 Gladiola SW, Wyoming MI 49519

Don Sheridan has surgery on his hip – cards may be sent to: 12251 60th Ave – Allendale MI 49401

Ione Sheridan passed away in December – She was a great lady and will be missed. Cards may be sent to Don at 12251 60th Ave – Allendale MI 49401

Barbara Vos had knee surgery and is home and doing well – cards may be sent to: 4421 Baywood Dr SE – Grand Rapids, MI 49546

Dennis Biggins is going in for foot surgery on the 18th – keep him in your thoughts and prayers. Cards may be sent to: 3991 Bell NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525

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Former member Alyce Cooke passed away in December. Another great lady who will be missed.

Former member – Gordon Herrington passed away just recently. A great guy – he’ll be missed

Thoughts and prayers for all our sick & shut-ins are greatly appreciated ……

NOTE: If you know of someone else in the club who has been ill and/or in the hospital, has had a death in the family, etc. Please call Linda and let her know – 616-365-1371

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Special EventsBrought to you by Ruth Esakson & Cynthia Smith

(616) 677-5816

This was the last event for the year 2014.Santa Claus Parade -Saturday, November 22, 2014 - Roseanne Lynch drove her convertible and Ruth Esakson went along.  I think this is going to be the last year we do the parade.  The weather is so unpredictable like this year it was hard driving down there. It was a sheet of ice.  It's too dangerous. Thanks again for driving. We want to thank everyone who participated this past year in all our events. Looking forward to next year.

Thanks again, Ruth & Cynthia

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Honorable Mention (those with 4 points or less) – Dave Birdsall; Gene & Pattie Birdsall; Bob & Dolores Chettleburgh; Ed & Jeanine Davies; Russ Doerfer; Bob & Cherle Giles; Joe & Stacie Niedzwiecki; Dick Olmsted; Lavina Oosterhouse; Ed & Chara Potyraj; Harold & Karen Ringler; Bob & Julie Rinzema; Don & Ione Sheridan; Sally Thelen with Frank Scofield; and Keith & Dot VanderPol

5 Points: Fred & Arlene Eisen

6 Points: Len & Judy Johnson

7 Points: Sig & Margie Baumgart

8 Points: Al Preisner and John & Judy Wilson

9 Points: Leon & Shirley DeLange and John & Bonnie Woodman

10 Points: Roseanne Lynch

11 Points: Jim & Penny Nyman

14 Points: Carl & Ruth Esakson

16 Points: Roger & Frances Beard; Ken & Nancy Bogardus and Chuck & Judy Swift

17 Points: Craig & Cheryl Chalmers, Bob & Carol Diefenbaker and Casey & Ruth Meyer

20 Points: Dennis & Linda Biggins

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MembershipAl Preisner – Chair

We currently have a total of 66 families in our group!

DUES - ARE DUE!!!! They can be paid via mail or at the next club meeting. They are $20.00 per family for the year. They can be paid by check - made out to GRACC and mailed to: Al Preisner - 7973 Ramsdell Dr NE – Rockford, MI 49341-8079 OR bring them to the next membership meeting. If you have any questions, contact Al.Note: - the following is a gentle reminder that your dues have not been paid as of yet:Ken & Nancy BogardusTed & Catherine CallenderBob & Dolores ChettleburghBob & Cherle GilesMark & Elizabeth GunlachCasey & Ruth MeyerJoe & Stacie Niedzwiecki

Terry & Caroline NoffsingerLavina OosterhouseHarold & Karen RinglerDave & Debbie RoopRich & Lynlou RzemekJohn S Scott

Gary & Debby TimmermansKeith & Dot VanderPolRobert & Barbara VosRonald & Ruth WaybrantBob Woods

Extra Newsworthy News

Annual GRACC Christmas Awards Banquet

Happy New Year to All, Thank you all to the members that were able to attend our 2014 Club Awards Banquet back on

Dec 13th. We had more members attend this year than in 2013. We heard many compliments of the food, location and entertainment by “Sentimental Journey”. Here is a small quote from a lovely thank you note we received from a fellow member: “Food was delicious, entertainment was very enjoyable and room was beautifully decorated with Christmas ornaments.”

For 2015 I am looking at possibly booking again with same caterer and location. We would like to say a big thank you to Carl, Ruth, Roseanne, Arlene and our son Michael for all their help with either the set up or tear down. MANY hands make light work Thank you again and we look forward to seeing all our Car Club Family again soon.

Sean & Cindy Smith ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

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MARCH It’s time for all the cooks to get the cookbooks out and work up something grand for our March Potluck The date is Tuesday, March 24th. Bring a dish to pass and your table ware. Beverages will be provided. Come early to grab your spot. We usually try to eat at 7:00pm that night. Be sure to bring the recipe of the dish that is brought so that it can be published in an upcoming newsletter.

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April AuctionApril 28 th - It’s not too early to start thinking of the April Auction. We will have a short meeting starting at 7pm, with a brief break following, then the fun begins with the auction. For those that are new to this, you may bring in stuff laying around the house (sorry ladies, no husbands), such as gifts you received and didn’t like, something that you haven’t used in awhile or you can request donations from businesses (such as restaurants’, oil change garages, car washes, auto parts stores, etc). We do have letters for businesses for any donations given – if businesses would like one, PLUS – if you get their business card, we will advertise in an upcoming newsletter. Everyone receives a number at the door, and when the ‘auction’ begins, you just shout out your bid or hold up your number. Good times are had by all!!

A Note to the ladies (or our gentlemen bakers) there will be a “Bake Sale” during the auction, so bring in some goodies to be purchased. Have them tagged with a price for selling. There will be a separate table set up for the baked goods.

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2015 Club Directory

Deadline for sending in your Profile Sheets is Tuesday, March 24th. 65 were sent out and I’ve not yet receive all back. Please make any corrections and return – address is on the back of each – just fold, tape down and put a stamp on it – OR bring it to the next club meeting. Information is needed so that the new directories can be started and finalize quickly. Questions???? – call John or Bonnie Woodman – 997-6413 – A gentle reminder to the following to turn your profile in.

Roger & Francis BeardDave BirdsallRobert & Marge BossRobert & Dolores ChettleburghEd & Jeanane DaviesNicholas & Cathy DeWitt

Ken GatesMark & Elizabeth GundlachLarry & Carole LenonRoseanne LynchTerry & Caroline NoffsingerJim & Penny NymanAl Preisner

Dave & Debbie RoopRich & Lynlou RzemekJohn S ScottRonald & Rosalie ShookChuck & Judy SwiftRonald & Ruth Waybrandt

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We need some ‘Greeters’ for our monthly membership meetings. We have most of the months covered, just a couple more need to be set. So, if you can meet & greet and bring a little treat – please sign up at the next meeting. A flier will be passed around. It’s a great way to meet the members, especially our newer ones.

Month: Meeting Event Greeters

February: Tax Talk w/Leon Carl & Ruth EsaksonMarch: Spring Potluck Leon & Shirley DeLangeApril: Annual Auction/Bake Sale Carl & Ruth EsaksonMay: ?????? John & Judy WilsonJune: Cruisin’ after meeting Denny & Linda BigginsJuly: Cruisin’ after meetingAugust: Cruisin’ after meeting Casey & Ruth MeyerSeptember: ?????????October: Fall Potluck Chuck & Judy SwiftNovember: Election Night Chuck & Judy Swift

PS – if you think of something interesting for the May and/or September meeting – let a board member know – maybe a speaker or game or something????

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** Auto Trivia Answer: Watch next months’ newsletter for the answer to this months Trivia.

Visit our web site at www.clubs.hemmings.com/gracc

Cars/Parts For Sale and/or Wanted

WANTED: A Classic Mustang Convertivle - mid to late 60s/Early 70s – mid condition call Peggy Barber - @ 231-740-8200 03/15

FOR SALE: 1984 Corvette – Viper Red – New Paint/Interior Auto/Sharp, 68,000 miles call Dick Hayes @ 616-250-6611

FOR SALE: 1950 Plymouth Special Deluxe Club Coupe – 100% original – 47,000 miles, excellent condition, inside and out. Runs and Drives Well - $8,000 or Best Offer – call Ken

Bogardus @ 616-534-3778 or Cell 616-648-1394 (11/14)

FOR SALE: 1957 Chevy Bel-Air – 2 Door Hardtop – Yellow & Black interior – 25,449 miles, 283 4BBL V-8, Power Glide, Power Steering & Brakes – Dual Exhaust, Rear Antennas, Calif. Car until 2001, never driven in salt – lots of extras & in very good condition - $27,000 – call 616-457-2450 (11/14)

GARAGE Available – Call Al Preisner – (616) 874-9336

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Breton Auto Wash (in Grand Rapids)Eastbrook Auto Wash Oil & Lube (in Comstock Park)

Will be advertising our Car Club on their website – and feature some of the activities & events that we as a group participate in. So please, if you’re in the area stop by and use their services. And be sure to let you friends and family know. Great advertising for us!!!!!

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Ten Fabulous, Funny, Car Safety Facts 1. In 1771 the first accident involving a motor vehicle took place in Paris when Cugnot, the

French inventor's steam tractor hit a low wall in the grounds of the Paris arsenal.

2. Police women were used for traffic control duties for the first time in Paris in 1964. Delhi, India, introduced women traffic police in 1989.

3. The world's first car number plates were issued by the French police in 1893. 4. In 1895 John Henry Knight was convicted and fined for using a motor-tricycle on the

highway. He was probably the first motorist to appear in court. 5. In 1902 Tar was first used on a Macadam surface to prevent dust in Monte Carlo. It was

the idea of Dr. Guglielminetti, a Swiss gentleman. At first the tar was brushed in cold, but soon it was applied hot.

6. The Motor Car Act of Britain came into force on 1st January 1904. It required that all cars be registered and carry a number plate, and all motorists to have a driving license. But there was no driving test to pass and the license was obtained by filling up a form and paying the fee at a post office. The act made dangerous driving an indictable offence.

7. The World's first traffic lights were installed in Detroit, USA in 1919. The first traffic lights in Britain were installed in Wolverhampton during 1928. However, they were not installed in London until 1932.

8. The pedestrian crossing was instituted in Britain in 1934. The roads were marked by dotted lines. On the pavement there were striped Belisha beacon light poles named after Britain's Minister of Transport L. Hore-Belisha. The Zebra crossing with black and white stripes was developed after the Second World War.

9. Box junctions, marked with yellow cross-hatching, were introduced in London during 1964. The aim was to prevent traffic blocking junctions when it could not proceed and this was successful.

10. The first recorded motor-car accident in Britain, resulting in the death of the driver, occurred in Grove Hill, Harrow-on-the Hill, London, England on 25th February 1899.

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Back Seat Drivers MARCH Recipes

BBQ- Glazed Chicken

½ cup Zesty Italian Dressing – divided ¼ cup Barbecue Sauce4 Small boneless skinless chicken breasts (1 lb) 2 Tbsp orange marmalade

Heat grill to med. Heat. Pour ¼ cup dressing over chicken in shallow dish; turn to evenly coat both sides. Refrigerate 10 minutes. Meanwhile, mix barbecue sauce, marmalade & remaining dressing. Remove chicken from dressing, discard dressing. Grill chicken 5 to 7 minutes on each side or until done. Brushing occasionally with sauce mixture for the last few minutes. (Note: chicken can be marinated in frig up to 24 hours before grilling)

Baked Potato Casserole

8 med. Potatoes (peeled & cut into 1 inch chunks) ½ tsp ground pepper1 cup carnation Evaporated milk 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – divided½ cup light sour cream 6 slices bacon, cooked & crumbled – divided1 tsp. salt sliced green onions (optional)

Place potatoes in large saucepan. Cover with water; bring to a boil. Cook over med-high heat for 15 to 20 minutes or until tender; drain. Preheat oven to 350 – grease 2 ½ to 3 qt. casserole dish. Add evaporated milk, sour cream, salt & pepper to potatoes. Beat with hand-mixer until smooth. Stir in 1 ½ cups cheese and half of bacon. Spoon mixture into prepared casserole dish. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes or until heated through. Top with remaining ½ cup cheese, remaining bacon & green onion. Bake for an additional 3 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Éclair Cake

1 pkg. (3.4 oz) Vanilla Instant pudding 1 tub ( 8 oz) Cool whip – thawed1 ½ cups cold milk 1 cup chocolate frosting15 graham crackers, broken crosswise in half – divided

Beat pudding mix & milk in large bowl with whisk 2 min. let stand 5 minutes. Meanwhile, cover bottom of 8 inch square pan with one layer of graham squares, overlapping as needed for form even layer. Stir cook whip into pudding. Spread half over graham squares in pan, cover with one layer of graham crackers. Another layer of pudding mix, then top with a layer of graham squares. Refrigerate 3 hours. Spread with chocolate frosting.

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Spring Checklist/ Hagerty (Reprinted courtesy of Hagerty. www.hagerty.com

It's just about time to "think spring," and with that comes a few things you should do before driving your car the first time after storage. If your car has been in storage for less than six months, follow these steps: If the battery has not been removed already for storage, take it out to charge and then store it in a warm dry place until start up.

Inspect the fuel system. Be sure the choke and throttle linkages move freely and the system is free of any leaks. Check lines for signs of deterioration. Due to advances in refinery procedures, modern pump fuel remains stable for at least six months, so if you topped off the tank prior to storage the fuel should be fine for start up.

Inspect cooling system. Look for cracking or loose fan belts and leaking or deteriorating radiator and heater hoses. Check that coolant is clear of debris, at the proper level, and is still a rich green color.

Inspect the engine for signs of oil leaks and that the oil level is up. If the oil wasn't changed prior to storage, change it now; otherwise wait until after the initial start up. Also check transmission, brake, and differential levels and inspect for leaks.

Inspect the ignition system for signs of cracking on ignition wires and related wiring connections. Check the distributor cap for moisture or deterioration.

Inspect the brakes and suspension components for any signs of deterioration. Be sure all components are operating freely and functioning as designed, including the emergency brake.

Repair any problems found prior to start up.

Now you’re ready to: Install the warm, fully charged battery into your classic. Remove the ignition wire from the coil and

turn the engine over several times. You should do so until your oil pressure gauge needle moves up – if you have a light, let it spin for a 10 count.

Reconnect the ignition. Also remove the air cleaner lid and check that there is fuel squirting in the carburetor when you move the throttle. Reinstall the air cleaner lid.

Get in the driver’s seat and follow the usual starting procedures for your car. Be sure the vehicle is out of gear.

Let the engine idle until it reaches operating temperature. Closely monitor engine operation, watching for leaks, or malfunctioning systems. Listen for noises such as knocks or rattles.

After the engine has warmed up, shut it down. Change the oil and filter; this clears the engine of any moisture that gathered inside over the winter. Check for any leaks in general once again on and around the car.

Now you can start it up and check the brakes for proper operation. Take the car for a 30-minute ride close to your home.

Check again for any fluid leaks when you return home. Finally, give your classic a good wash and wax. It’s time to take a spin and enjoy the road with your

classic.

NOTE: If your car has been in storage longer than six months, a more thorough inspection and procedures may be required. Storage for long periods of time can actually leave the car in a state of disrepair due to deterioration. It is good to reserve this type of inspection and start up to a trusted mechanic.

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