As I write this, it’s the first day of summer, and you may be wondering why I never wrote a Spring Director’s message. To be honest, I simply couldn’t find the time and I just procrastinated. There wasn’t much going on as regards to shows and events, but I’ve kept extremely busy just keeping up with the different organizations that I’m a member of, as well as still working three days a week, and taking care of life in general which includes maintaining four Lincolns.
Some of you may know that as well as being Director and Activities Director for the Western Region, I’m also on the board of trustees for the Lincoln Motor Car Heritage Foundation as co-chair of the membership committee, a member of all four Lincoln clubs, the Ford Car Club Council, the Early Birds of Southern California, the Huntington Beach Concours steering committee, Pageant of the Thunderbird planning committee, and administrator or editor of four Facebook groups to include the previously mentioned organizations. I do these thing because of my love of the club and the Lincoln brand. I know that many of you are in the same situation and I’m not complaining, just telling you how it is. Life just seems to get busier and more complicated as time goes by.
While there were minimal events last year, or the beginning of this year, things have now really opened up and there are many things planned for months ahead. We’ve already had successful events at the San Diego Automotive Museum and at Fabulous Fords Forever. These events weren’t without problems. Some of the problems were because of unavoidable last minute changes and a shortage of volunteers in both the planning and execution of the events. It’s my hope that some of you will volunteer to help out with future events; it will make the event much more enjoyable for everyone. You can contact me any time to find out where you might be needed.
If you take a look at our calendar you’ll see that we have some great events lined up. Not all the events are planned by us but we list them in the calendar section as events that we think our members will enjoy. I realize that not everyone can attend all of these events, as some of them are too far away from where you live, or in conflict with other things you have planned. However there are a few that I’d really like to see some good participation in. The Huntington Beach Concours is an important event for us. It’s usually held the first weekend in June and has served as our “Spring Meet”. This year it was moved to August 1st due to the pandemic, so we will call it our Summer Meet. I urge all of you to register as soon as possible, as space is limited because the vehicles from the customary two day show all will be shown on one day. Also, don’t worry if you think your car isn’t “concours” quality. There are classes for driving/touring cars as well concours.
After the Huntington Beach Concours, I’ll be driving my Mark VIII to the Gilmore Museum to participate in the Lincoln Homecoming. This year’s theme is “Marks through the Ages”. If you haven’t yet been to the Gilmore to see the Lincoln Motor Car Heritage Museum, I suggest you put it on your bucket list. In my opinion, it’s one of the finest museums in the complex. It’s one of the best because all four Lincoln clubs came together to raise money for building it and support it. In order to keep it in first class condition and operating well into the future, we need to increase the endowment fund. Please consider supporting the museum. After all, the museum is for you, and to keep the Lincoln legacy alive. If all Lincoln club members donated a minimal amount we could easily reach our goal!
The Big Four Car Meet and Picnic is another event you won’t want to miss. This event brings together Lincolns, Cadillacs, Imperials and Packards. This year it’s hosted by the Cadillac/LaSalle Club. Always a popular event and sure to be a sellout.
We’re hoping to have more events in the northern part of the state so the club has joined the California Auto Museum as part of this effort. Our Northern California Activities Director, Jim Finley, will likely be looking for volunteers to help with events there as well as with our yearly “Mike Cunningham Picnic”, which serves as our Fall Meet. If you want to help Jim organize a get together or other event, please don’t hesitate to contact him.
Lastly, with everything else going on, Ron Cressy and John Burge, as well as the rest of the board members, have been busy planning for the Western National Meet next May 4-8, 2022 in Palm Springs. With Ron and John as co-chairs for the Meet , you just know that it will be a spectacular first class event. Start making your plans now!