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President's Message for January 2012
I hope your Christmas and New Year’s Holidays were blessed and joyful. Now that the year 2011 has come to a close, the Model T Club is off and running for another year. Two popular events are scheduled in the near future and will help get us through our long Wisconsin winter. Try attending the play “Nunsense” at the Sunset Playhouse on January 29, 2012, and the “Ice Trials” on Pewaukee Lake on February 19, 2012. Both events are a fun time and great ways to stay in touch with other Model T’ers. Check out the Newsletter for details. Also, John Meinholz and Mike Zahorik graciously host Model T “Coach House” evenings in their respective garages, where members cars mechanical problems are diagnosed and repairs made. This is a good way to prepare the cars for the upcoming driving season.
The new Board of Directors has met and is eager and quite receptive to new ideas. They welcome input from all members and remind you that our meetings are open to all members and invite you to attend.
The Newsletter routinely prints a list of scheduled events projected for the entire calendar year. This is done to provide the maximum advanced notice to assist in scheduling and attending these various events. Take time to look and mark your calendars!!
Hope to see you all soon!!!
Jim
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President's Message for November 2011
On Saturday, November 12, 2011, we held our annual President's Dinner and Elections at Nardo's Restaurant in Germantown. If you missed it, you missed a very enjoyable meal and evening, socializing with other Model T'ers and friends. I am proud to say that I was elected as your new president for the 2012/2013 term. Let me begin my duties by taking this opportunity to formally thank outgoing two time, President, Bob Wirth for a tremendous job he has done over these last two years. It was amazing, his wealth of knowledge of T's and long tenure in the Club. His skills in speaking, leading and directing people when organizing and running meetings is evident. He led this Club during out special 50th Anniversary last year, 2010. How appropriate was that! Bob you are a real motivator and a great person. Thanks again.
I would also like to congratulate all new and old members to the new Board for the 2012/2013 term. I look forward to working with all of you, especially the newly elected Officers, Vice President Sharon Venski; Secretary Mike Zahorik; and Treasurer Tod Wirth. Sounds like a winning team to me.
A short note about myself for those who may not be quite as familiar with me. Besides being your Vice President for two years, I will tell you that I'm 62 years old and retired from the Milwaukee Police Department. I have been married to my supportive wife Cheryl for 40 years and have three grown children and eight grand children. The grandchildren have taken a special interest in the Model T and the Club especially in the last couple of years. We own a 1924 Ford Coupe, which I inherited from my father. He and I went to the junkyard in 1954 and it was the third junk vehicle on top of a stack. He paid a hefty $75 and it was not well received by mother, him paying so much for a "piece of junk" at that time.
I pledge to carry on the many great traditions and will try to foster as much participation from as many members and friends as I can over the next two years. I hope to see most of you at our many future upcoming events, outings and seminars. Let's keep it going!
Jim
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President Bob Wirth says Thank You
Next year Alice and I will enjoy our first Model T drive in 2012, just as we enjoyed out very first drive in a Model T fifty years ago. The car that changed the world in the early part of the 20th century has also enriched our lives because it was the vehicle that helped us meet many great people over all those years that also enjoy Model T Fords. We have been very fortunate to be (and are) involved in many other car clubs over the past fifty years that support and celebrate a variety of automobile makes. Each club has its own personality, but no other clubs have the special feeling of family that our Model T Club enjoys. The Model T Ford was envisioned to be a car that anyone could buy. That concept seems to have developed a feeling in our Club of being all inclusive, everyone is welcomed to participate and enjoy. This feeling of family has existed over the past fifty years and I know it will continue into 2012 and beyond.
I have very much appreciated the support of all of you club members and board members over the past two years. Creating and producing all the elements of our Clubs 50th Anniversary Extravaganza was only possible because of your support and participation. I especially want to thank our retiring Board Members, Frank Daily and Kent Sumner for their continuing support of our clubs activities.
Participation is always the key to your enjoyment. When you participate in club activities you help make the efforts put forth by the event organizers much more worthwhile. You gain much more out of your participation than you put into you involvement. Your enjoyment of our car hobby promotes more involvement. It is a win, win situation. Support our new Club Officers and event chairmen. Participate and we are all winners.
Best wishes for a happy holiday season to all of you. We look forward to joining you at the next event.
Bob
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President's Message for October 2011
Our clubs annual overnighter on Sept. 17/18, 2011 included a tour to view twenty of the twenty one barns in Racine county that were selected to display an eight foot by eight foot painted quilt design. Each design is different based on standard quilt patterns. Interestingly, the quilt pattern on the first barn was entitled “Wild Goose Chase”. The great route that Sharon Venski planned to allow us to view 20 barns was certainly not a wild goose chase. We drove on many great Wisconsin roads and traveled approximately 150 miles during the two days. There is a detailed selection process for the barns that will display a quilt pattern and the quilt pattern itself. Volunteer groups, supported by sponsors, paint the quilts on plywood panels that are then attached to the barns. Our tour included stops at several barns and a short visit with the owners of the barn. Sharon arranged for us to stay at the very plush suites of the Candlewood Suites in Kenosha. Sharon and Dan took advantage of the hotels outdoor patio grills to prepare a great supper with all the “fixings”. Our sincere thanks to Sharon, with Dan?s assistance, for all the effort they put in to create a very memorable overnighter.
By the time you read this article, you will have received ballots for the election of board members for 2012. The future strength of our club rests with your considered votes to select those members you feel will continue the fifty plus years of traditions of our club. I encourage you to take a few moments and vote. Your vote counts!
On Saturday November 12, 2011, our Annual Presidents Dinner will include electrons for our club officers for the next two years. I certainly hope that many of you will join us to participate in this evening of elections and club socializing. A former active Great Milwaukee Model T Ford Club member, Audrey Luedke, donated to the club, seven very nicely done scrap books covering the years 1974 through 1980. We will have these scrap books at the Presidents Dinner for your perusal. The entertainment provided by our elections will be supplemented by some entertainment that will be of interest to all Model T Ford fans. We also will determine during the evening who will obtain a new very nice Model T Ford car cover, donated to the club by a former club member, Willard Klein. We look forward to seeing you all there on November 12, 2011.
The strength of any club, as it is with our club is the active participation and enthusiasm of club members. In 2011 we enjoyed many activities and events that were the result of the efforts of event chairmen. I personally want to thank each of you that volunteered your time and talents to conceptualize, organize and then lead the participants during the activity/event. Your efforts are very much appreciated! Those of you that have participated in events also need to be recognized for your efforts. A good turnout by participants always impacts the event chairmen in that the chairmen knows that the efforts have been appreciated. Participation promotes participation.
Bob
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President's Message for September 2011
We enjoyed an absolutely beautiful sunny warm day as we toured to Port Washington on Saturday, August 28, 2011. We visited a winery, enjoyed some of their wine with our lunches and then visited the 1860 lighthouse high on a hill, overlooking the harbor in Port Washington. Our clubs sincere thanks goes to Marge and Mark Kranz for doing a great job in organizing this tour.
Our summer touring season is rapidly coming to a close, however, we still have time to enjoy our T's out in the open air. We have our clubs overnight tour, planned for September 17 & 18, 2011. By the time you read this article the overnighter will be only a few days away. Contact Sharon Venski at (414) 915-8679 to get any last minute information on how you could join us. Kent Sumner has organized his annual South Shore YMCA Car Show on Saturday October 1, 2011. This has become a very large car show. Call Kent at (414) 546-1505 for details on this event. There is a possibility that the "Pickers Tour" that was scheduled in June and then cancelled, maybe run in October. Watch for details. In addition to these events there is still time for someone to organize an impromptu tour to enjoy our beautiful Wisconsin country side in the fall. Think about it.
We have many talented people in this club that really should become more involved in our various club activities and policies. I would encourage each of you to participate in the nomination process for the 2012 Board Members before September 15, 2011 and then to accept a nomination when approached. Call Mickey Wilkowski at (262) 784-5614 with the name of a person (or persons) that you would like to see on the 2012 Board of Directors.
Dues are due on September 1, 2011. If you have already sent in your dues, the club thanks you, if you have not sent them in please fill out the membership information form and send it along with your dues to the club treasurer, Tod Wirth, promptly. We really need this membership form from each member to be sure our 2012 membership roster is correct and complete. Thanks for your help.
Bob
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President's Message for August 2011
The Model T Ford Club International Tour in Rochester Mn. in July was in many ways the most memorable national tour we have ever participated in. Alice and I had the very special experience of touring for that week with Tod and Sharon along with our two granddaughters, Stacy and Kristie, and Kristie's boy friend Travis. These tours have become very special family events. We also enjoyed time with Bill and Nancy Hansen and many other Model T Tour friends that we only have a chance to see once a year. Next years tour is in Vermont. We hope to attend.
Of the six days of touring, four days were very, very hot and humid. The first four days were 100° ± with the humidity setting record highs for the Rochester area. On Wed, July 20, with the temperature predicted to reach over 100° (it did), we decided that "discretion was the better part of valour", so we elected to drive that days tour in our air conditioned van. Our Model T's were running amazingly cool, the drivers and passengers were overheating. Many other tour members drove modern iron on that day.
In mid morning we were among the first cars to come over a small hill and see an accident that had just happened. Stacy Wirth is now registered nurse, so she was the first medical person on the accident scene. Within minutes several other tour members, who were nurses arrived at the site. Minutes later a tour member who was a doctor arrived at the accident site. Two local EMS units arrived very quickly along with the flight for life helicopter from Mayo Clinic. The 1915 Model T Touring that Ken Meeks was driving along with his wife Marge, as a passenger, for some reason threw the tire off the left front wheel rim. Ken lost control of the car and it apparently flipped two times ending up on its wheels. It is unclear of what else happened to have him lose control. (I have thrown a tire off a front wheel while cruising along a highway with no loss of control in my 1914 touring.) No one will ever be sure of what exactly happened to cause this tragedy. Marge is recovering from her injuries. Ken died of his injuries about a week later.
What we should all re-learn from this tragedy is that before we enjoy a drive in our Model T's, we must be sure that our Model T is in good, sound mechanical condition (use the MTFCI Safety Checklist). Do all the required and common sense maintenance and then as we enjoy the drive, we must drive with extreme care and vigilance. It is not possible to know if speed had anything to do with this accident. The joy of driving a Model T is the drive, not how quick you can get from point A to point B.
The Model T Ford Club International provides the Jimmy Walker Award to any young person not over 21 years of age with a valid drivers license that drives one half the mileage for any one day tour of the weeks scheduled tours. Dave Hjortnaes and his son Nils, participated in the National Tour in Rochester. Nils drove more than one half day and his efforts earned him the Jimmy Walker award. Congratulations to Nils. The MTFCI has a very active youth program that will provide the continuing interest to help keep our Model T's on the road.
I would encourage each of you to participate in the nomination process for the 2012 Board members before Sept 15th. Call Mickey Wilkowski at (262) 784-5614 with the name of a person (or persons) that you would like to see on the 2012 board. Dues are due by Sept. 1, 2011. Please fill out the membership information included in this issue and send it with your dues to Tod Wirth. We need your data to be sure that our roster is up to date.
Bob
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President's Message for July 2011
Unfortunately, we in Wisconsin will be living with a seemingly perpetual series of elections for the foreseeable future due to the opinions of some political groups that disagree with the actions approved by the leaders of our state government that will finally bring some common sense to the financial condition of the state of Wisconsin. With all of the elections and the related seemingly endless political advertising, I almost hesitate to discuss our clubs election procedure for this year. However, per our clubs bylaws I need to review what actions we must take prior to our annual meeting in November.
The bylaws of our club require that a formal request for nominations for new board members be published in the July Planetary News. We enjoy many, many very highly qualified club members that should be on the Board of Directors to assist in advancing the growth of our club as we begin our next fifty years as the Model T Ford Club of Greater Milwaukee. Let this article be the formal request for nominations for the 2012 Board. Please call Mickey Wilkowski at (262)784-5614 with your list of nominations.
The bylaws then define that a reminder of the request for nominations be published in the August Planetary News. Nominations for Board Members will be due no later than September 15, 2011. Our Dues for 2012 are due on September 1, 2011, so ballots will be mailed to all members in good standing as of October 1, 2011. All members elected to the board will be notified.
At the annual meeting (Presidents Dinner) on November 12, 2011, an election of Officers will be held. The bylaws define that the current elected Officers who have served their two (2) year term will remain on the board for an additional year. (Note: this year, since Tod Wirth volunteered to serve out Mike McOlash's term as treasurer, he will not automatically serve for an additional year.) We in effect will be electing eight (8) board members to join the existing three (3) Officers to fill out the eleven (11) member board. Then at the annual meeting (President's Dinner), the members present will choose from the board members elected and officers serving an additional year term, the four (4) new officers of our club for the next two (2) years. Your participation is encouraged during the nomination process to provide nominations, to accept a nomination and then to attend the Presidents Dinner to take an active part in the election of new club officers.
As I write these notes on the eve of the fourth of July, I have to reflect on the profound meaning of the actions taken on this date, so many years ago, by a group of brave men who signed at great personal risk a document that created the greatest nation ever conceived by man. We all need to work very hard to be sure that the freedoms that, that document envisioned (as simple as an election in our club) do not piece by piece, option by option, right by right, freedom by freedom do not get taken away from us by out of control government officials and/or agencies. We all to often take our freedoms for granted. We all need to be watchful and work to maintain the freedoms to live with the choices we enjoy. I trust you all enjoyed a memorable fourth of July.
Bob
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Boy's Girl's Club Chief (Jim Clark) goes National
Jim Clark will be head of organization serving 4 million
By Tom Held theld@journalsentinel.com
The leader of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee has been selected to take the role of president and CEO of the national organization early in 2012, the agencies announced Thursday.
Jim Clark, a former Journal Communications executive, will move from managing the organization that serves 35,000 children in the Milwaukee area to one that serves 4 million children across the country. 'On a national level, to be able to make a difference in kids' lives, especially the kids who need us most, was extremely exciting,' said Clark, 49.
'They are our future leaders, elected officials, business leaders and nonprofit leaders,' he said. 'We need to collectively do whatever we can to make sure we have a ready group and a solid group of youth to lead this country forward'.
Clark will succeed Roxanne Spillett, who has been the president and CEO of the Boys and Girls Clubs of America for 16 years.
He will finish the year in Milwaukee, then move to Atlanta and work alongside Spillett for several months.
Locally, the Milwaukee organization will begin searching for Clark's replacement, with a goal of identifying a new leader in October, according to David Radtke, the chairman of the board of directors.
Over Clark's eight years as the local chapter leader, the Boys and Girls Clubs expanded from 23 sites to 40, built up the SPARK early literacy program and increased its membership from 25,000 to 35,000. The local agency is in the midst of a Decade of Hope initiative to expand its reach to 45 locations, serving 41,000 members by 2017.
PROGRAM IN SCHOOLS
Once thought of as a gym and swim program, the Boys and Girls Clubs have become more of a complement to local schools. In the Milwaukee area, 32 of the programs are located in schools.
'We're not the school system, but we have worked carefully and thoughtfully to connect with schools so that we can effectively, efficiently and proactively help and augment what goes on in the school day' Clark said.
Clark's skills in raising money and managing a large organization earned the attention of the national leaders and the promotion. 'We are delighted to have found a strong leader with the exceptional qualities and experience that Jim Clark possesses,' said Emil Brolick, chairman of the board of governors of the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.
Clark is a Shorewood high School graduate who received a degree in finance and marketing from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. He has devoted his charitable work to children's causes, serving on the boards of Junior Achievement of Wisconsin and the Boy Scouts.
His goals for the national organization track those experiences.
'We have to get more kids graduating from high school, reading proficient and math proficient,' he said. 'We need to bring the force of many different resources together that are aimed and concentrated on improving kids life, especially those that are the most challenged.'
Article appeared in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Friday June 17, 2011.
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President's Message for June 2011
At our last monthly meeting of the Model T Club we had a spirited discussion about member participation and discussed many good ideas on how we could get more of our club members & their Model T's on the road at our events. One of the results of that discussion was the thoughtful comments by Sharon Venski that appeared in the May edition of the Planetary News. I trust that everyone has read the article (if not, please read it) and will seriously consider her comments. We belong to this club because we enjoy Model T Fords. The best way to completely enjoy your Model T is to drive it every chance you can and participate in club events.
Sometimes the name of an event turns out to be somewhat profound. Last falls 'First and Last Tour' was rained out, so it was rescheduled as the 'Washout Tour' spring tour. The weather was cloudy and threatening at the two starting points. Rain did occur by mid day. As a result only some portions of the event did again get 'Washed' out. I am sure everyone enjoyed the tour roads, poker event and I hope stayed mostly dry. We did have a good turn out of members and guests with some T's that we don't normally see on our tours. Thank you's to Sharon for all of her efforts to set up this event and to all of you that toured to Union Grove and back on May 21st, the day that the world was predicted to end. The world did not end and a little rain on a tour should not and will not deter Model T owners from enjoying their cars.
As I write these notes on Memorial Day 2011, my thoughts include giving thanks to all of those men and women who have served and are serving in our countries military to allow all of us to enjoy life in the greatest country on the face of the earth. We all come from different walks of life with different perspectives on all subjects, but we all continue to be able to enjoy the freedoms unique to the USA.
Our June calendar includes two tours. We were invited, at the last minute, by the Dairyland Tin Lizzies to join them on the Yellowstone Trail Tour on June 4. Dave Perrine has set up a 'Pickers Tour' to Waterford on June 26. The destination on this tour sounds very, very interesting. By late June it should have warmed up (by then it is officially Summer) and the sky's should have dried out. Crank up your Model T and join us.
Take a look at our clubs very full activity calendar for July. We have a variety of parades, car shows, National Tour, overnight tour, IOLA and our annual picnic. There should be an activity on that schedule that everyone will enjoy. Join us.
Bob
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Guest Editorial Sharon Venski
Heart to Heart --- Me & You
Hey, you. Yeah YOU! You, who are reading the newsletter right now. Pull up a chair—we need to talk. Seriously. First off, thanks for reading the Planetary News! Mike puts a lot of effort into this publication and it’s great to see you’re taking the time to read it and see what’s been going on. But I’ve got a few questions for you. If I were to run into you on the street (well not LITERALLY), would I recognize you? I SHOULD, I’m on the Board for crying out loud. But you know what? I read about half of the names in the Roster, and I don’t even recognize them. Then there are names that I know I recognize (I’ve been around a LONG time—I just took about 2 decades off is all) but I can’t picture you. Maybe I’ve seen you at an Annual Dinner or something. But you know why I don’t know you? Cuz you don’t show up to stuff—that’s why. How about this one. Would I recognize your car? I mean your T (or your A). Not the car you use when you occasionally attend something. Now I get that I’m pretty easy to recognize and so is my T, but seriously. I should know you and yours by now. How come I don’t? I know a LOT of you have Ts in perfectly good running condition. Well, maybe not “perfectly” good, and maybe not even always “running”. But we’ve had gatherings at the house of whoever needs help getting the car up to snuff, and I’ll bet I haven’t been to YOUR house. So your T must be running fine or you’d have asked the club to come twist a wrench with you—it’s what we do. Then why don’t I see you IN it?! Here’s the deal gang. We joined this club and pay our dues every year because we have a common interest—the CARS. We’ve got tours set up all over heck and back to some pretty interesting places, and we’re just getting started. So what’s it going to take to get you to show up, and show up in your T? You guys elected me to the Board and I thank you for that. So it’s time for me to start shaking things up. I’m not above calling around and soliciting feedback, so don’t be surprised if your phone rings soon. I really want to know why we see the same half dozen Ts or As show up to every event and not 20 or 30. There are 58 entries in the 2011 Roster, and 51 of us list at least one car. Bill—I’ll let you off the hook on this one, Georgia is outside of even my expectations! But come on the rest of you. If Dave can show up to almost everything from Iron Ridge then what excuse can you have. I’m not saying you have to attend EVERYTHING. But pull the cover off the car and join us for one or two events will ya? You can start by giving me a ring and RSVP'ing for the Poker Run to Great Lakes Dragaway. And if you’ve got any suggestions or feedback as to why we’re not seeing you, we’re all ears. This is your club too. We wish to see everyone take part in it!
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President's Message for May 2011
For awhile on Saturday afternoon, April 16 at our "Spring" Tune Up Seminar, we all experienced an enough snow to cover the grassy areas next to Frank Daily's garage. Now as I am writing these notes, the weather forecast is for a "wintery mix". We have just experienced the coldest April in fifteen years and the third coldest April since we have been keeping records. Enough already. After a rain out last fall we trust that the Model T gods will decide to provide us with a sunny, warm and dry weather on Saturday May 21, to allow Sharon Venski to lead a large group of Model T's over some great country roads and onto the drag strip at Union Grove. We hope that you will be able to join us. (Just in case the gods let us down, the rain date is Sunday May 22).
The summer car activity season will soon arrive, whether the weather cooperates of not. Alice an I plan to participate in a wide variety of car related events during the season. The partial list includes, but not limited to, the following: Out tour to the Great Lake Drag A Way in Union Grove, Tour'd Garage, a week long tour in the Finger Lakes area of New York State, British Cars Field Day, Survivors Car show in Illinois, Our clubs June Tour, Fourth of July parades and picnic, IOLA, MTFCI National Tour in Rochester Minnesota, EAA Experience, Escape to Wisconsin Tour, 60th High School reunion, Open Air Classic Tour, Port Washington Winery Tour, Masterpiece Car Show, Fall Overnighter, South Shore YMCA Car Show and a variety of other swap meets and car shows including the grand daddy of them all, as we enjoy, Hershey. (Note: this list does not include events we would like to attend, but cannot due to the inevitable date conflicts). Our "car" activity season will conclude with the President's Dinner. This years dinner will include elections for new club officers. I would suggest that you start thinking now about how you can participate in activity supporting our club events and activities. The more you participate in activities, the more enjoyment you will receive from your car hobby.
We do have a few Memory Books celebrating the first fifty years of our Greater Milwaukee Model T Ford Club available. Please contact me if you are interested in obtaining a copy for your library.
Bob
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President's Message for April 2011
Those of you that attended one or both of the seminars offered by the Dairyland Tin Lizzies Club and by our club during March enjoyed a large turnout of club members and guests, learned much more about how the Model T transmission actually works, enjoyed many hours of Model T talk and especially at Rich Elders Garage possibly gained a few pounds. Our thanks to Rich Elder and his sisters for providing the sumptuous spread of delicious food. Our thanks to Tod Wirth for all the time and effort he put into his transmission presentation at both seminars. Our thanks to each of you for attending these seminars. A good turn out at these events always makes hosting the event very worthwhile.
We have our annual spring tune up seminar at Frank Daily's garage on Saturday April 16, 2011. Let's all hope that the snow will be gone by then and that the salt will be washed off the roads by then. We never know what our weather will be in mid April, so if we have some warmth and sunshine, bring out your Model T.
Our 50th Anniversary memory books are now complete. All those persons that attended the 50th Anniversary Extravaganza on July 31 / August 1, 2010 now have their copies. We do have a few extra copies available. The book includes 190 pages, all in color, documenting the first fifty years of our club. Also included is a CD of color photo's of the 50th Anniversary event and two DVD's of that event. Anyone who is interested in obtaining a copy should call me at (262) 628-2292. These books are available for $20.00 (which is less than our actual costs) plus any shipping costs. I am sure that you would enjoy this record of our club history.
As of the date of this writing, we do not have an event finalize for June If you have the desire to organize an event, run a tour and/or have an idea of something you would like the club to do, please give me a call.
For the first time we have the potential of participating in four parades in July, three on the 4th of July and one on July 16th. Participating in these events has the potential of providing some income for the club treasury. Look at the event schedule and call the person listed for the parades to express your interest. Exact time and meeting locations will be provided at a later date.
Bob
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President's Message for March 2011
On a balmy February Sunday afternoon, we all again enjoyed our Ice Trial event, slipping, sliding and splashing the Polo Car around a short track. Everyone who was interested, was able to get in several timed laps. Kevin Helinski brought out his roadster, with tire chains on all four wheels to enjoy many many laps. John Meinholz did some laps in his speedster. I submit that the highlights of the day were to watch the expressions on the faces of our youngest members as they got their chance to drive a Model T. Out sincere thanks to Maynard Knudson for the used of the Polo Car, to John Meinholz for trailering the Polo Car to and from and along with Tim Kirst and Jim Oliva for getting the Polo Car in fine running condition. Jim Oliva did an excellent job in organizing this event. We had a great turnout of members, so thank you to all that attended to make this a very successful show.
Our 50th Anniversary Memory Books are now complete. We will be working on getting copies to each of you that registered for the event last July 31/August 1, 2010. I am sure that you will enjoy reviewing this book. A great deal of effort by many members went into organizing this document. However, this book would not have been possible with the creativity and endless hours at his computer by Mike Zahorik. Mile also found and worked with the printer to produce multiple copies. Our sincere club thanks to Mike for his efforts on this document to celebrate the first 50 years of the Greater Milwaukee Model T Ford Club. We do have a few extra copies available. Anyone who is interested should call me at (262) 628-2292. These books are available for $20.00 (which is less than our actual costs) plus any shipping costs. I am sure that you would enjoy this club record.
The next two club events are seminars that could provide some help and/or assistance in getting your 'T' tuned up and ready for the up coming touring season. Details on these events are published herein. We hope to see you are these events. As of this writing, we do not have an event finalized for June. If you have the desire to organize and event and/or have an idea of something you would like the club to do, give me a call.
Bob
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President's Message for February 2011
First Event of 2011:
For our first event of 2011, we enjoyed a very enlightening and educational afternoon at the Harley Davidson Museum on January 16. The 108 year history of the Harley Davidson Company is very will documented in this extremely well designed museum. It was very interesting to learn of the variety of products that this company has produced in addition to motorcycles. This very complete collection is a credit to the company founders fore site to save several motorcycles from each years production. After the museum visit we enjoyed a late lunch, early dinner and/or a snack at Miss Katie's Diner. Our thanks to Erv and Mickey Wilkowski for organizing this tour for all of us.
Our February event promises to be something very special. The long term weather forecasts seem to show that the ice will be sound. It has been many years since we have the opportunity to "race" (against time only) in a Model T Polo Car around a slippery, icy track. The previous runnings of this event have proven to be an absolute blast. It is amazing to feel how fast 10 or 12 miles per hour can be. Spectators will have the option to be up close out on the ice or stay warm and dry up in the lounge, viewing the activities through large windows while also enjoying some refreshments, This event is something very special to enjoy made possible by Wisconsin's weather and through the generosity of the Polo car owners and maintenance team. Dress warm and we hope that you will join us.
Our Club's 50th Anniversary Memory Books are now being printed. Each book will contain almost 200 pages printed in color. Thanks to many of you club members there are many terrific articles describing 50 years of great club memories along with many, many photos. Each book will include two DVD's, one showing our Saturday activities and one showing our Sunday activities, during our two day extravaganza in July/August 2010. Also a CD will be included showing an extensive collection of photo's from that two day event. Every 50th Anniversary event entry will receive a copy of this book. Extra copies will be available for purchase by club members and others who did not attend the 50th celebration and would like to have a copy. The books will be available in a few weeks.
Bob
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President's Message for January 2011
Happy New Year to all:
Our T's are now enjoying their long winters rest. I hope that you are not "resting" and are either tinkering with your T's and/or planning any maintenance, repairs, upgrades or restoration work required to be prepared for the 2011 driving season that is only a few short months away. As we look forward to 2011, the board has scheduled a long list of activities and events for all club members to enjoy this year. The schedule as it exists today is included in this issue. We start this year with our tour to the Harley Davidson Museum on January 16, 2011. We hope many of you will contact Erv or Mickey Wilkowski and join us. We are always open to your suggestions for event ideas that could be added to our 2011 calendar to expand your involvement in club activities. A very good way to increase your enjoyment of your Model T and our club is to volunteer to assist in creating, organizing and/or helping to run a club event. We are always looking for club members to help the event chairman. Long experience proves that the more effort you put into an event, the more you receive out of the event. We were all extremely shocked by the totally unexpected death of Mike McOlash, last December. Mike was an active member in our club, active in his church and very involved in the activities of the Boy Scouts and Badger Trails. Mike choose to miss our 50th Anniversary celebration by spending that period of time working on a church project in Nicaragua. He will definitively be missed by his family, friends and our club. In accordance with our clubs by laws, our new club treasurer will be selected by the Board of Directors. For the first time in many years the Annual National Tour of the Model T Ford Club International in July 2011 is relatively close to us, in Rochester Minnesota. It sure would be great if our club would be able to be will represented at this event. For those of you that have never attended a National Tour, July 2011 would be a great opportunity. During the first week of August 2011, the Dairyland Tin Lizzies has organized a regional tour with headquarters at the Cedar Valley Conference Center near West Bend, Wisconsin. This promises to be a great week of "T" touring and "T" activities. More details will be available very soon. Bob
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Frank Fenton has sold his line of Anderson Timers to Mark Hutchinson (Hutch) of Spokane Washington.
Hutch will continue providing the Anderson Style timer and quality service, that Frank Fenton had. Check the Links page Links to have access to the Tip Top Timer website and Hutch's email.
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The Greater Milwaukee Model T Ford Club, Board of Directors appointed, 'Tod Wirth' as new Treasurer and Membership Chairman.
At the January 5, 2011, Greater Milwaukee Model T Ford Club Board Meeting, the Board of Directors has appointed Tod Wirth as the replacement Treasurer for Mike McOlash, who passed away December 6, 2010.
Tod will serve out the remainder of Mike McOlash's term, through 2011. Tod will also replace Mike as the club's Membership Chairman.
Please welcome Tod to his new position.
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In Memoriam of Myron “Mike” McOlash
April 28th, 1939 ~ December 6th, 2010
The Greater Milwaukee Model T Ford Club sadly announces the passing of a close friend, active Board member and Treasurer; Mike McOlash.
Mike dedicated his life to helping others and was a significant leader in such worthy groups as the Boy Scouts of America, Badger Trails, and other charitable organizations. Most recently Mike devoted his structural Engineering talents and strong work ethic to help rebuild impoverished areas in Nicaragua. His dedication to our nation’s youth, to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church Mission program, to the Milwaukee Model T Club, and to anyone in need will not be forgotten, and will not easily be replaced.
We mourn our loss of a dear friend and a mentor, and thank Mike not only for the many fond memories, but for the charitable inspiration he instilled in all of us.
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President's Message for December 2010
After a long gestation period, our 50th anniversary grill badges have arrived and they look fantastic. All of you that requested grill badges, prior to ordering them to be produced, now have your badge. In order to allow these badges to happen we had to order a minimum quantity of badges. As of the date that I am writing this, we have five (5) extra badges. No more will be produced, so if you are interested in a grill badge (or another badge) before we sell out, let me know. Thank you all for supporting this club project. The large (8" diameter) 50th Anniversary logo patches should be arriving in early December. We ordered a few extra beyond the amount originally requested by members. If you would like one or two of these eight inch diameter patches, please let me know. Every club depends on a monthly newsletter of some type to allow all members to receive continuing information on club activities (past and future) and other items of interest to all members. On behalf of all members of our club, I would personally like to thank Mike Zahorik for his continuing efforts to create what is the best monthly club publication we in this club have enjoyed since this club was formed and without a doubt one of the finest publications any club of our size can enjoy. Thank you Mike. As we fondly look back on the 50th year of our Greater Milwaukee Model T Ford Club activities, we all need to be thankful for the memories we have created, for all the friendships we have strengthened, for the history of our beloved Model T Fords we have preserved and for the bright future of the next fifty years of fun and fellowship that the Greater Milwaukee Model T Ford Club members will create. Your continuing enthusiasm, involvement and participation will insure this bright future. Your President Bob Wirth
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President's Message for November 2010
On Saturday, November 6, 2010, we enjoyed a very nice gathering of members at our annual Presidents Dinner. After cocktails and dinner we reviewed the activates of 2010, recognized the members that organized our 2010 events and then enjoyed a very historically interesting video of the contributions of the Model T Ford ambulances in World War I. Thank you all who attended and enjoyed this dinner gathering. The results of our election for the 2011 board members was announced at the President's Dinner. The board meeting minutes published herein list the 2011 board members. I would personally like to thank the following 2010 board members who are retiring for their help and assistance in 2010. Thank you to Kevin Esser, John Gelfer, Lowell La Forge and Mark Paulson. I look forward to your continuing involvement and active participation in all of our club activities. The Memory Book, promised to all participants of our 50th Anniversary Extravaganza, documenting the first fifty years of our club is in the final editing process. It has grown to be almost 200 pages. It will be printed in full color. In addition to other interesting Model T Ford data, the book includes many photos of past club activities and thanks to many members memory articles by members (part and present) that describe the enjoyment that membership in this club has provided over the past fifty years. The book will be sent to the printer soon. We will let everyone know when it is published. We are now looking forward to the new year of 2011. We will be setting up our calendar of events for 2011 in the next few months. The board is always looking for suggestions of the type of events you would like to see. We also would very much appreciate your assistance in setting up some events. Our calendar of events will include some familiar activities and some new ideas and doing some things new to our club. The holiday season has arrived whether we are ready of not. The past couple of years have provided a variety of challenges for all of us, however, for now we still have to be thankful that we live in the greatest country on Earth. On Thanksgiving Day, I hope you all will give thanks for the family and friends you enjoy and for the opportunities that you need to find and then explore. Alice and I wish all of you a very joyous Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year. Your President Bob Wirth
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President's Message for October 2010
Our Club dues for 2011 are now due. In order to be sure our roster for 2011 has up to date information, it is very important that you fill out the membership application and return it to Mike McOlash with your check. Mickey Wilkowski is accepting nominations for the 2011 Board of Directors. Directors are elected to one year terms (Note: Officers are elected to two year terms). Mickey will contact you when you are nominated. I would encourage you to accept the nomination for the opportunity to help guide the direction of our club as we begin our second 50 years. If we have more than eight persons accept their nomination, and I hope that we will, we will have an election to determine the eight directors for 2011 at the Presidents Dinner on November 6, 2010. Our Clubs thanks go out to Jim Rodell Sr. and the Dairyland Tin Lizzies for inviting our Club to enjoy their Raspberry Tour on September 12, 2010. We enjoyed perfect weather for T touring. We visited the Milwaukee Light Engineering Society's Park to ride their 1/8 full sized model trains, enjoy raspberry pie alamode ( plus other good food) at the Jackson Historical Society and an amazing collection of vintage fire equipment at the venerable fire museum. We had a very nice turnout of our club members. Reservations for the Presidents dinner are beginning to arrive. Please send them before the November 1 dead line, so the final arrangements at Nardo's Passport Inn can be finalized. I look forward to having you join us on November 6th. The genuine cloisonné grill badges arrived on Wednesday September 15. These badges, in full color look great, however, I had to reject them and have them sent back to the supplier. The problem was that the mounting bolts on the back of the badge were not as long as specified and would not reach through our radiators. The supplier will replace these bolts. As of this writing, I do not have a new delivery date. As soon as they arrive, again I will contact each of you that ordered a badge or two. Your President Bob Wirth
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President's Message for September 2010
On Sunday September 12, 2010 the Dairyland Tim Lizzies club has invited our club members to join them on their 'Raspberry Tour' starting at 9:00 AM at the Washington County Fair Park, just north of Jackson. This tour includes a visit (with train rides) to the Milwaukee Light Engineering Society's large scale outdoor model railroad site, Jackson's Raspberry Festival and a tour of the venerable fire collection of antique fire engines and equipment. This will be an easy, leisurely and fun tour. We very much appreciate receiving this invitation. Please join us. The grill badges we ordered are due to arrive in mid September. Apparently there was a slight delay in production, due to the Chinese New Year. Many of these grill badges have already been reserved by club members, however, we did order a few extra grill badges to have them available for anyone that would be interested. Please contact me (262) 628-2292 if you would like to reserve one (or two). The preparation of the memory book continues. All persons who attended the 50th Anniversary will receive a copy of this book. We expect the book to be published this fall. We hope you will join many other club members to help us celebrate out clubs 50th Anniversary at the President's Dinner on November 6, 2010.This years event will be at Nardo's Passport Inn in Germantown. The Board of Directors for 2011 will be determined/announced after dinner. The two year terms of the club officers continue into 2011. We have some entertainment planned that we hope you will enjoy. Dinner choices and reservation details are included in this issue of the Planetary News, see Page 10. Reservations by the due date are required. Your President Bob Wirth
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President's Message for August 2010
Our 50th Anniversary Extravaganza celebration is now part of our clubs history. We enjoyed a great turnout for the tour on Saturday, for the Dinner on Saturday night and for Sunday's picnic. We enjoyed favorable weather on both days. Saturday started out cloudy but cleared up in the afternoon after a very few, very light sprinkles that only succeeded spotting up the brass on a few cars. We had reports of heavy rain both north and south of out tour route. Sunday was sunny and quite warm so the air conditioning the Wagner parks pavilion was very much appreciated by all. On behalf of the Greater Milwaukee Model T Ford Club, I want to thank all of you who attended this event; who helped in the planning process; who donated items for the silent auction, raffle and door prizes; who donated food products/items for the picnic on Sunday; who bought raffle tickets; who bid on silent auction items; who drove the tour route; who participated in the car games and all of you who acted as a chairman of an individual element of the event to make sure that each element of this event happened as planned (or better than planned). There are too many people to list individually in this short article, however a detailed complete list will be included in the memory book. The preparation of the memory book is well underway. All persons who attended the 50th Anniversary Celebration will received a copy of this book. We expect the book to be published by fall. You can create your own memento of this event by having the 50th Anniversary logo applied to a shirt, jacket or other item of your choice. Please refer to the information below on how you can accomplish this. Grill Badges have been ordered. I am still accepting requests for these Badges. We expect to receive them in late August or early September. Based on the quantity we needed to order, the final cost worked out to be $30 each. On Saturday, August 21, the Dairyland Tim Lizzies will be hosting the Annual Model T Day at the Wisconsin Automotive Museum in Hartford. Many members of that club supported our 50th celebration. It would be very appropriate of our club would provide a large number of cars at this event. Your President Bob Wirth
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President's Message for July 2010
On a "Sunny" June 13, 2010 a large group of Milwaukee Model T'ers met at Fleet Farm in Menomonee Falls to begin a long tour to Markesan. We had T's, A's and a variety of modern iron. Our sincere thanks to Dave Perrine and Gary Beaupre for organizing what turned out to be a very enlightening and interesting tour. We have had a good response to our 50th Anniversary Extravaganza on July 31 and August 1, 2010. Based on the registrations received, we are proceeding with the planning for the event. If you have not sent in your registration yet, even though registrations are closed, we will make every effort to accommodate you if your plans may include this celebration of our Club's 50th anniversary. It is very unlikely that a celebration/event of this nature will happen again for many, many more years. We are trusting that your generosity will help fund this event with your donations of items for the raffle, silent auction and door prizes. You can create your own memento of this event by having the 50th Anniversary Logo applied to a shirt, jacket or other item of your choice. Please refer to information on this issue on how you can accomplish this memento (see below). The Ford Motor Company has again invited our Model T's to attend two great days at the EAA Air Venture event on July 28 and 29, 2010 in Oshkosh. This event is very special and great fun for T owners and the EAA attendees that also enjoy our Model T's. Information on how to attend this event is in this issue (see page 8). Although we have had some response/interest in having 50th anniversary grill badges created, the response is far less than the minimum number of badgers required to place an order. The board will decide if we should proceed. Please call me if you would like to purchase a grill badge or two, help the board make an ordering decision. Your President Bob Wirth
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President's Message for June 2010
Remember to Register Registration Form for the 50th Anniversary Extravaganza by JUNE 25th!
We that toured to view Lake Geneva on May 16th, want to thank Kevin Esser for organizing a very nice tour on a very nice day (a bit windy for some of the open cars). The tour became very special for us when we met some old friends that we had not seen in more than three years, in a shop in Lake Geneva. Our 50th Anniversary Extravaganza on July 31/August 1 2010 will soon be happening. Registrations are flowing in. The deadline for receiving your registration is June 25, 2010. We certainly hope you will be joining us. We need to know who will be participating by June 25, 2010 so that we can make the appropriate reservations and order the appropriate number of items that will be part of this 50th Anniversary Extravaganza. This event will include door prizes, raffle items and a silent auction. We have contacted a variety of Model T Parts suppliers and they have offered to provide a variety of items for these activities. Various club members have already donated a wide variety of items including Model T parts, Model T memorabilia, Model T books and other items of general interest. The generous ladies of our club have already created and donated many beautifully handcrafted (quilted, knitted, sewn and needle pointed) items for the silent auction, door prizes and/or raffle. As a club member if you would like to help support this 50th Anniversary event by donating an appropriate item(s), contact me at (262) 628-2292. Any items that would be of interest to the other participants would be appreciated. We will be creating 50th Anniversary Cloisonné Grill Badges. Please review information included in this issue. You also can acquire an item(s) of clothing with the 50th Anniversary logo embroidered upon the item. Your President Bob Wirth
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President's Message for May 2010
With the help of many club members, the final detailed planning for our clubs 50th Anniversary Extravaganza is well underway. Registrations are now being received. I certainly hope that a majority of our current club members will attend this event. Invitations have been sent to many, many previous members of our club. Invitations have been sent to members of eight other Model T Clubs in Wisconsin and northern Illinois. The very low registration fee includes a colorful car banner (the same type as provided on national tours) and a goodie bag with the event logo. This bag will include (but not be limited to the following items) an event patch - one per person, a 50 year club Memory Book, useful auto related memorabilia item and many other interesting items. Also included in the registration fee will be all food and beverages at the Sunday Picnic. The event schedule includes a 50th Anniversary tour during the afternoon of Saturday, July 31 and an informal dinner Saturday evening. The family style dinner will include a hot appetizer buffet followed by steak tips with mushroom sauce, roast turkey including all the "Fixin's" and including fresh baked bread and beverages (coffee/tea/milk/juice/soda) with a heaping scoop of ice cream for dessert. The evening will also include door prizes, raffle items and a silent auction. For those of us staying overnight at the comfort suites, the hospitality will go on into the later evening. During the afternoon of Sunday August 1, at Wagner Park, the activities will include a picnic lunch with beverages, a car display, car games and the conclusion of the raffle and silent auction. We will be photographing and video taping this event. On the Saturday afternoon tour we would very much appreciate it if you would wear clothing appropriate to the Model T era. The photos and video will be much more memorable showing the participants in period dress. (Note: Alice and I have participated in several Horseless Carriage Club tours. Those club members generally tour in costumes appropriate to the year and type of car they are driving. The visual impact and "Fun Factor" is significantly enhanced by the costumes worn). We then should wear this period clothing to Saturday night's dinner. Even the car display on Sunday would be better if period clothing is worn. This event will include door prizes, raffle items and a silent auction. We have contacted a variety of Model T parts suppliers and they have offered to provide a variety of items for these activities. Various club members have already donated a wide variety of items including Model T parts, Model T memorabilia, Model T Books and other items of general interest. The generous ladies of the club have already created and donated six beautifully handcrafted (quilted, knitted and needle pointed) items for the silent auction and/or raffle. As a club member, if you would like to help support this 50th Anniversary event by donating an appropriate item or items, please contact me at (262) 628-2292. Any items that would be of interest to the participants would be appreciated. This Great 50th Anniversary Extravaganza will be greatly improved by your participation. I hope you will be able to join us for the celebration. Your President Bob Wirth
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Safety --- Dangers of moving backwards
This article recently appeared in an Arkansas newspaper. Sharon Venski, who submitted the article, recieved the article from her father. Appearently, this 1921 touring car was traveling up a hill when the engine died. The car then rolled backward down hill. We all know that the Model T's steering is difficult to control when traveling backward. The driver probably swung the steering wheel to one side and caused the car to flip.
FLIPPED LIZZIE --- Baxter County Deputy Aaron Brown looks over a 1921 Model T involved in a one-vechile roll-over accident Monday in Baxter County. Richard Graham, 25, of Florida was driving the all original 1921 Ford owned by his grandfther, Paul Graham, 65, of Lakeview, Arkansas. As the Model T was going up a hill on Baxter county road 1084, the engine died and the car rolled backward and overturned. Richard Graham and Steven Graham, 19, also of Florida, were taken by ambulance to Baxter Regional Medical Center. Paul Graham, also a passenger, was going to the hosipital in a private vechile.
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President's Message for April 2010
On behalf of our Model T Club, I want to thank Jim and Donna Nowak for hosting an excellent seminar on a beautiful March 21, 2010, Sunday afternoon. Thanks to Tod Wirth for leading us thru the Model T Club safety inspection check list, Thanks to Donna for providing an excellent spread of tasty snacks and on behalf of Jim, Thanks to all of the Model T Club members that succeeded in getting his 1924 Huckster running beautifully. A very enjoyable afternoon. Planning for our Clubs 50th Anniversary Extravaganza is well underway. More details along with a registration form are included with this issue of the Planetary News. Invitations have been sent to many previous members and eight other Model T Clubs in Wisconsin and Northern Illinois. Our requests for volunteers to help with this event have produced many positive results. As of the day this note is being written, I personally want to thank the following friends that have recently volunteered to help with the: Silent Auction - Sharon Venski and Evelyn Beaupre Raffle Ticket Sales - Jim Nowak Car Games - Tod and Sharon Wirth Trailer Parking - Dave Perrine and Gary Beaupre Help as needed - Maynard Knudson and Lowell LaForge Thanks to Marge Kranz for creating our Registration Form. Thanks to Kevin Esser for printing our 50th Anniversary letterhead. Continuing thanks to Mike Zahorik for pursuing leads to obtain donations for our silent auction and we look forward to receiving your written memories to be included on our memory book, that will be produced for this celebration. Your President Bob Wirth
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President's Message for March 2010
In 1962, while talking to an old friend at my ten year high school class reunion, he mentioned that he had just purchased a Model A Ford Station Wagon and he needed to sell his 1925 Model T Ford TuDor sedan. Literally within a few minutes of that discussion I had agreed to purchase my first Model T. That summer we joined the Greater Milwaukee Model T Ford Club. The 1925 TuDor was drivable, but not restored, Some areas of the body appeared to have been painted with a course brush. The original worn interior upholstery was covered with a heavy red fabric. At that time we lived in a small upper flat apartment and did not have a garage. We rented a garage some blocks away from our apartment. This allowed for car storage, but not a good place for work on the car. This situation meant that we drove the T in 'as purchased' condition. We did not participate in very many Model T club events, initially because I mistakenly thought that I needed a beautifully restored car to be welcomed. How wrong I was! I soon found that the condition of the car had nothing to do with participating in club events. I found that even if the T was not running, I could still participate in all club events. Over the years it has become clear that although the original reason for anyone to participate in club events is because of a mutual interest in Model T Fords. The long term benefits are the friendships created over the years. I have over and over realized that, as with many endeavors, the more effort you put into it, the more benefits you get out of it (with interest). The strength of our club remains with the great people who enjoy the long term friendships developed over the many years of Model T related activities. Your President Bob Wirth
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President's Message for February 2010
February 6, 2010 --- Message from President Bob Wirth.The six person cast of "Mid Life: The Crisis Musical" at the Sunset Play House, touched on, with clever humor, every situation we all in midlife (and beyond) have experienced sometimes without humor. Our sides were sore from laughing. Thank You from our club, to Mickey and Erv for organizing this annual play and late afternoon supper. We are beginning to finalize the 2010 Schedule of events for our Model T club. Part of the planning for our clubs 50th anniversary event has included reviewing the fifty years of club events. That review has brought back great memories of the fun and fellowship that we who attended some of these events have experienced. I hope that as you review the calendar of events (p.12), that you will join the group to create some great memories of your own. The planning also continues for our clubs 50th anniversary extravaganza. As details become finalized they will be detailed in the Planetary News. At this time the general plan of activities is a special tour on Saturday July 31, 2010, followed by a car display before an informal dinner. Sunday, August 1, 2010 we will enjoy a picnic at Wagner Park with lots of food, beverages and car games plus some surprises. We hope all club members will be able to join us for both days of this very special celebration. Your President Bob Wirth
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January 3, 2010 --- Here's a special message from our President.
There are two national Model ‘T’ Ford Clubs in this country, the Model T Ford Club International , started in Elgin, Illinois, with headquarters now located in Hudson, North Carolina and the Model T Ford Club of America, started in California with headquarters (and a museum) now located in Centerville, Indiana. It seems that originally the “International” Club served the Midwest and eastern states and the “America” club served the western states. Now both clubs serve not only the whole country, but also Model T enthusiasts all over the world. Both clubs organize local and national tours. Both clubs publish very professional color magazines six times each year with many interesting ‘T’ articles, stories, photographs and technical data. Both clubs provide event insurance for local clubs, if certain conditions are met. The annual dues of $35.00 is the same for both national clubs. In 2010 our club will be celebrating our 50th year being a chapter of the Model T Ford Club International. Based on our current membership data for 2010, 30% of our members belong to the Model T Ford Club International (MTFCI), while 38% of our members belong to the Model T Ford Club of America (MTFCA). We have 13 members who are members of both national clubs. Both national clubs have the same goal of promoting our enjoyment and preservation of Model T Fords. Since our club, The Greater Milwaukee Model T Ford Club is a chapter of the Model T Ford Club International, it would seem very appropriate that those members choosing to be a member of a national club, should choose the “International” Club, or join both national clubs. It would seem very appropriate if we could have more members join the Model T Ford Club International. President Bob Wirth.
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Message from President Bob Wirth. 2010 has the potential to be a milestone year for us, The Greater Milwaukee Model T Ford Club, as we celebrate our 50th Anniversary as a great group of Model T Ford enthusiasts and as an active chapter of the Model T club International. I am personally humbled by the faith the club has placed in me to be your President for this milestone year. Along with the assistance of the club officers and the board of directors we will do everything possible to create an enjoyable year. Your participation will guaranty success. As now planned, our 50th year Extravaganza will be a two day event on Saturday July 31st and August 1st, 2010. The board of directors and other members are now actively working on plans for this event. The monthly board meeting have always been open to all club members. As our planning for this event (and in fact planning for all other events) proceeds, I would encourage any member to join the process by attending our club's board meetings and/or contact a board member with your thoughts and ideas. President Bob Wirth
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Fall Snow Flurry Tour Sunday October 18. Meet at Fleet Farm in Menomonee Falls, Highway Q and 175 at 11:00 AM. Call Kevin Esser or Tim Kirst for more information.
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The Thursday Evening Garage group will not be meeting, until further notice. Tim will notify each of us if the situation changes, but for now please assume that the garage is closed.
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The Saturday, June 13th, Picnic at the Virginia Nursing Home has been CANCELED! Watch for more information regarding whether this event will be rescheduled.
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RACINE - Eugene 'Gene' Jenista, 86, passed away unexpectly on Thursday, April 9, 2009. He was born July 7, 1922, in Franksville, to Roy and Florence Jenista.
He was united in marriage to Betty Peters on August 24, 1946, at Holy Communion Luthern Church and remained a longtime faith and dedicated member.
Gene was a graduate of William Horlick High School, Class of 1941. He retired from Precise Corporation after 41 years of loyal service. During World War II, Gene served in the United States Army in the 553rd Anit-Aircraft Battalion, European Theatre, including the Battle of the Bulge. He was the Sergeant of Arms for the American Legion Post 310 and a member of the VFW. He also was a lifetime charter member of the Fifth Street Yacht Club.
Gene generously donated countless hours helping his church, community, family members and friends. He volunteered many years with Habitit for Humanity and belonged to numerous clubs, including the Model "A" and Model "T" clubs. Gene found great enjoyment in restoring many antique and classic cars throughout the years, along with spending countless hours in his workshop. With his love of wood and his beautiful craftmanship, Gene created timeless treasures that he shared with many. His latest pride and joy was his restored World War II Jeep, "Willy". We all miss seeing him in the Fourth of July parade, which he participated in for well over 30 years. Gene was a memeber of the Milwaukee Model T Club since 1975.