This is my first message of 2019. 2018 seemed to fly by with fond memories of the ENM in Florida, with the welcome warm weather to start off the show season. This was followed by the MANM in Minnesota, with a great showing and hot weather. It was like Camelot, with a large rain storm in the evening and good weather during the day, especially Saturday for the show. The year concluding with the WNM, in Albuquerque, New Mexico with dry, windy and somewhat cool weather forecasting things to come. The distances in 2018 precluded Jeanne and me from driving a car to a meet so instead; we had to buy one – near one of the meet locations, so we could participate with Lincoln. More on that later.
The board is in the process of preparing for the Winter Board meeting in Tucson, AZ January 16-19, 2019. The membership is blessed with an excellent team of officers, staff and board members who all pull their weight to keep this organization humming smoothly. 2018 has seen many changes that continue to improve the functioning of this group of hard workers and the benefits seen by you, the members. I can assure you that behind the scenes there is a lot of time, resources and effort spent for the members. This leadership team is focused on solving the inevitable challenges that face the club to keep the road ahead, smooth and straight. 2019 is poised to have more changes in many areas as the board continues to adapt to the interests and realities of the collector car hobby.
As I look forward, we have assembled two great national meets for 2019 that I am sure you will not want to miss. The season starts with the Western meet in the Grand Junction, CO July 10-14. This is an area where we have not held a National Meet and will provide unique scenery. The Eastern meet will be held in Dutchess County, NY in the heart of the Hudson River Valley. There are many wonderful events planned against the backdrop of this historic area. The Annual Homecoming will be special this year with ALL Ford products invited as spearheaded by the host club Road Race Lincoln Registry. Mark your calendars for August 7-12, 2019 to participate event which just keeps getting better every year. The committee has some new and special events planned around this “All Ford” gathering. Remember, “Ford Blue in Kalamazoo”!
Now for the follow-up on our “new” Lincoln. Earlier in the year, we had purchased the 1937 Model K Sedan, restored by Tom Brace of Falcon Heights, Minnesota and arranged to transport it to Massachusetts. The pickup date was after the meet, so Tom delivered the Sedan to the MANM so we could drive it on tours and show it off. The weather was perfect for the Thursday tour so off we went with Steve D’Ambrosia riding shotgun and Jeanne fully ensconced in the luxurious back seat. Those rides really convinced Jeanne that this was the right addition to our Lincoln fleet. And what a great way to enjoy your “new” Lincoln for the first time, sharing it with other members at a National meet!
Until next time
John