WELCOME MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

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Hello, everybody. I was just lamenting to my wife, and Judy, that I thought that I’d run out of things to say for this newsletter. Then I started thinking about why I joined the club not owning a Model T, and always thinking I wouldn’t belong to a club that would have me for a member. Then I pondered, why do I stay? The first question is easily answered. My good friend, Bob Gee, knew I was interested in antique cars so he invited me to a meeting to give me a chance to see what the club was all about. At the time I just had our 1925 Maxwell/Chrysler Model 58F. I wasn’t sure I would be accepted not having a T. So, from here, it’s you people’s fault I’m still here. From the first five minutes of my first meeting, I was talking with people like we were old friends. A common thread from them was, we don’t care if you have a T. You have an obvious love of antique cars and that’s part of what we’re about-the love of and preservation of antique cars. Over the next few months I met and spoke with a number of different people, all with a welcoming attitude. Then, Greg Hill was putting the engine in his T and asked if anyone wanted to help. You bet I would! That’s exactly the kind of thing for which I was looking, getting hands on, and working with people who knew more than I. Bob and I both went and got our hands greasy. This is where I first met Dennis Ruh, and a few others whose names my memory fails me. Not my car, but I did have a sense of accomplishment for helping get an antique back on the road. Judy was so kind to bring out snacks (cinnamon muffins if I recall), and coffee. Next came my first and only (due to COVID and my accident) swap meet. I showed up with that ‘deer in the headlights’ look, and was quickly set to work selling breakfast burritos. I was able to meet and talk with more club members (Carol & Bev making burritos, and Phil and Dieter), as well as vendors who were all friendly and easy to talk with. About two years ago, totally by surprise the club nominated and elected me as President. I felt out of my league, but honored that the members had enough faith in me to lead us. (OK, let’s be honest, maybe it was a conspiracy because I was the only one sucker enough to take the position{?}) Still, I’d like to believe I’ve done some good. With prompting from Judy I’ve been writing these messages with the hope they offer some food for thought. Also by Judy’s suggestion we started having members give talks about who they are, hobbies and interests. I want to thank Bob Gee, Greg Hill, Dave Newman, and me for doing this. I intend to restart these talks, so watch out! We also had a tour of the Motte Museum and luncheon (THANKS again Dave!). We now have an online presence with our RCMTFC.com site (Thank you Oscar) and a Facebook page (a special THANK YOU to Ethan Armstrong for taking this on.). So where is all this taking us? One of the topics of importance that I touched on last month is, “Where does the club go from here?” I see only a few options: • Find ways to get new members and invigorate our club, • Remain as we are and see what happens, • Incorporate (if possible) with another club, i.e., Orange County, Long Beach, • Disband. Personally, I refuse to accept #3 and #4. I believe there is too much friendship and comraderrie among our members to just walk away. This is my plea: Take ownership in our club. Show up as often as you realistically can, participate in discussions and VOTE-this is everybody’s club and everyone’s voice is important. Lastly, on behalf of the club I wish to express our sincere condolences to Don Kirtley’s wife, Kerry, and family at his passing.