High Gear, January 22, 2014

Winter has returned - with a new snow cover, temperature in the teens, and a brisk Northwesterly wind.  Far different than last week!  Things seemed rather quiet in the Ridge, although several small gatherings were engaged in conversations scattered throughout the main room. On cue, Pres. George convened the group together for the usual opening, and then delivered the Invocation asking that we receive a special blessing and that each of us should know caring and sharing in all that we do - a life of service rather than lip service!  Today's lunch was one of this writer's favorites - salad, chicken pot pie, and a strawberry mousse.

Upon reconvening, our two guests, Bev Saunders and John Bucheri, were introduced and then serenaded with the Welcome Song led by octogenarians George Agnelli and Larry Frazier, who together represent 183 years on this earth!  Sgt. at Arms Jim Watts cited Ruth Sheehan as she paid in honor of Bev Saunders attendance, and Bob Buettner who paid for his granddaughter's picture in the paper.  Next were two Rotary anniversaries, Sheryl O'Connor and Larry Hangland, and Bill Saunders for a wedding anniversary -52 years.  Finally, the Birthdays - Mike Derr, Brian and Patrick Liss!  Our Raffle winner was Larry Hangland.  On a sad note, Diane Willett's brother, Bill died recently in Florida.

Our program today was home grown.  John O'Connor introduced our speaker, Dan Firestone.  Before starting the program Dan challenged the Club members to think about their interests, hobbies, or any activity which might be of interest to the Club and to share such with all of us. That said, Dan's enthusiasm for his hobby of all facets of the Hudson Motor Company was shared with the Club. Dan has three Hudson automobiles - a 1939, 1949, and 1954 - two of which are fully restored.  In its day Hudson was quite the car.  They were produced from 1909 to 1954 but couldn't overcome the pressure of a merger with Nash, and the vigorous competition from the "Big 3".  So Hudson, like Packard and Studebaker, did not survive. Hudsons were commonly used as police cruisers, fire chief vehicles, and often on the stock car racing circuit because of their speed and solid construction. Dan showed us many of the things associated with his hobby - dealer signs, books featuring advertisements, owner and service manuals, as well as accessories built and designed for the vehicles.  What was most fascinating was the collection of toys and models associated with the automobile.  He truly has a great collection and it showed as a great labor of love by him. This was a  most interesting presentation.  Thanks for sharing!  Who's next?  Be hard to top!

'til next week, Bob Wood