JanK

Wonderful topic! I just wish I had some answers.....<P>Our region has been fortunate enough to win the Master Editor Award frequently over the past 20 years. Each editor has been gracious about sharing with the subsequent editor what he/she thought were the key points to winning the award, but no one was ever sure that what he/she mentioned was really what did it. The winners never really know why they achieved that particular award, but they never turn it down!<P>Occasionally, in a bleak moment, I have wondered whether I won because of our publication's history and reputation, not because of anything I, personally, have done.<P>My husband and I have been editors for at least eight years. We do it because we feel we are good at it, we enjoy it, and we believe we are helping the club when we perform this role. Since our club is set up so that the editor is a Board member, we have been able to have breaks between stints since we don't want our family to be a continuous presence on the Board. These breaks are good for recharging the batteries and avoiding burnout.<P>I wholeheartedly agree with everyone who has said to stop when it's no longer fun. Believe me, if you aren't having fun, it will show in your publication.<P>My advice, if you decide to stop (for a while <g>), is to give them an end date and stick to it. Promise them you'll consider a return engagement down the line, if it makes you feel less like you're leaving them in the lurch, but don't let guilt make you do something your heart isn't in.<P>I receive copies of the Rambler, and you do an excellent job. I haven't seen anything obvious that would disqualify you from MEA contention. Maybe this is your year?<P>Jan K.<BR>Wis Region<BR>Editor/Web Editor

Going back to the original question -- Are we keeping out younger members by not involving them?<P>I would have to say "yes" -- at least within our region. We have very few members under forty (it just kills me not to be able to include myself in that group any more) and I have heard several complaints from them on this very topic. Either the cost of an event is too high for their budget; the timing is wrong for people with children; or there is nothing for their children at the event, which usually means they can't attend either. I'm sensitive to the child-friendly concerns, since we still have a younger child ourselves.<P>Since many of our members have grown children, they typically don't have children on their minds when they plan our events. In fact, I think a few of them would prefer to discourage their presence at all! Luckily we have a few members (some childless themselves) who make the extra effort to find stops on tours that play to the kids, and in some cases, the destinations themselves are designed for kids. For example, our Fall Tour destination was Dubuque, Iowa. Not only did our son get to hit a ball into the outfield on the Field of Dreams, but he also spent way too much time (and money) in the Ertl factory outlet. Later that day we drove to Galena, Illinois. That pleased the older "kids" in the group. All I ask is that there be something for everyone, because we'll never all agree on anything.<P>We have a secondary issue when it comes to some of our younger adult members. They are often overlooked for leadership roles, even when they volunteer. Their capabilities are questioned by some, which turns off these volunteers. Our hope of them ever offering their talents and time again is impacted by the distrust shown by a few. Instead, we should be mentoring these younger members and grooming them for these leadership roles. Someone has to take over when we're no longer able to handle the jobs!<P>Jan K.<BR>Wis Region

Dave@Moon, I think we've finally found something we can agree on...<P>I LOVE your idea about chaining up Osama bin Loopy and forcing him to watch hours upon hours of Hillary! <P>Jan K.<BR>Wis Region

I'm all for kids "seeing" cars their way -- with their fingers -- but it has to be on my terms. Yes, we usually post the "Do Not Touch" signs when we display, but we frequently invite interested people to take a closer look. I open doors, lift the hood, and open the trunk at the slightest sign of interest. Under the right circumstances, they sit in the cars and sometimes will go for a ride.<P>My eight year old friend has a number of friends who have been in, out and all around our cars, but we tell them what we expect from them first. This is no different that the behavior we'd expect from them when they enter our house! And there are some kids we won't let within 15 feet of our cars (or our house), because we've already learned that we can't trust them with things we value!<P>Like another poster mentioned, we also find quite a few adults who "forget" that someone owns these vehicles. They're taken aback when you ask them to remove themselves from your own vehicle. These are usually the same people who let, or even encourage, their kids to climb all over your car without asking permission first. (Frankly, I think this disrespect for other people's possessions is just another sign of the times, but that's another thread in itself.)<P>Jan K.<BR>Wis Region

24T42, I am so impressed by your kid's material. We're not seasonal on our page. I just try to add as I come across material. I recently added some Car Bingo squares for our members to use with their children/grandchildren on car trips. My eight year old son loves them, and it sure helped to pass the time on our last trip. He helped me to fill in the squares on the ones I posted, and we've challenged a few other kids to come up with their own suggestions. (Anything to get them involved...)<P>Next step: Add graphics. (It won't happen anytime soon, but it's good to have goals!)<P>Jan K.<BR>Wis Region AACA

If there is one drawback to email and DF's, it's that people aren't always able to determine your tone of voice. I've seen it happen more than once -- someone cracks wise, or answers a bit sarcastically, and someone else misses the joke or overreacts to something not intended to be taken seriously. Yes, the little "graemlins" help, but only to a point. <P>When it doubt, it wouldn't hurt to ask for clarification of a comment before assuming the worst of the poster or sender.<P>Jan K.<BR>Wis Region

I'm impressed, but how many of the 5000 are people who registered, reregistered and registered once again, as they learned the ins and outs of the DF? <P>Jan K.<BR>Wis Region<BR>(registered ONCE)

I must admit, I got excited when I saw that the Editor section had a new post. I'm glad that the person posing the question got an answer, but disappointed that it wasn't on topic. <P>Oh, well, maybe next time....<P>Jan K.<BR>Wis Region<p>[ 09-20-2001: Message edited by: JanK ]

In the midst of all this turmoil and emotion, we still had to focus on pulling together the September issue of The Beam. It will be mailed shortly. In the meantime, I've put the text of our Editors' Remarks on our webpage. It's not the most eloquent column we've ever written, but it speaks to our feelings at the moment.<P>To read the column, go to: <A HREF="http://www.aaca.org/wisconsin/beam_excerpts.htm" TARGET=_blank>http://www.aaca.org/wisconsin/beam_excerpts.htm</A> <P>Jan K.<BR>Wis Region<BR>Beam/Web Editor<p>[ 09-14-2001: Message edited by: JanK ]

I watched the news today in total disbelief, while warring emotions alternated in my head and heart -- sorrow for the dead, and the families and friends they left behind; and fury at the people who could have done such a thing.<P>The sights and sounds from Manhatten and DC were positively surreal, evoking scenes from science fiction and action movies I've seen. It was hard to believe that this time it was really happening. I'm still in shock over the amount of devastation that those people caused. What hurt even worse was that they used our own commercial planes to do it!<P>Here in our area, people are responding in any way they can. The wait at the local bloodcenters, for example, was over 90 minutes long throughout the day today. The local red cross agencies have been swamped with calls from people asking what they could do to help. Some of our local reservists will be leaving shortly for New York and DC. <P>I pray that this is the end of the attacks, but with terrorists of this kind, I fear that I may be overly optimistic. All we can do for now is wait and see, and help in any way we can.<P>My prayers are with the victims and their families, as well as with the leaders of our country, who have some difficult decisions to make over the next few days.<P>Jan K.<BR>Wis Region

Our region is registered as a non-profit, and we usually live up to that classification by spending all our income in a given calendar year. <P>We supplement the dues income with money from parades. We have a standard fee of $200 for parades, usually with a guarantee that we'll provide 4-6 vehicles (minimum).<P>Over the past few years, our region has also been invited to show our cars at a couple of commercial establishments, and for those we typically charge a "per car" fee. They tell us how many they want to have (or are willing to pay for) and we supply the cars. We request (but don't always get) food, goody bags, and/or publicity in any advertising they put out. Some of these shows have proved quite lucrative to our club, and they often ask us back again the next year.<P>At various times, our region has also put on "free" shows at local nursing homes. We regard this more in the nature of public service, and a way for our club to give back to the community. Even then, the nursing home will usually find a way to provide us with lunch or some other small perks, as a thank you for our time. For me, though, the look in the eyes of the residents as they reminisce with us about the good old days is more than enough payment.<P>Jan K.<BR>Wis Region

Wisconsin Business Casual:<P>I think we have a more relaxed version of Business Casual here in "fly-over" country. For example, we typically see a nice pair of pants or slacks (no jeans), combined with a comfortable shirt or blouse (no t-shirts). A man may wear Dockers with a golf shirt, for example; a woman may wear slacks with a summer sweater set or light blouse. Jackets are truly optional and ties have virtually disappeared. Shorts are usually allowed for the women if they are tailored and part of a shorts set. Of course, ladies may still wear dresses, if they want, and men may "dress up" more than suggestions made here. Comfort is the order of the day.<P>We plan to include minimal dress requirements for the banquets, which should aid you in packing.<P>One other thing to consider: July/August are typically our hottest months (80+), but they have also been known to be cold and rainy. You may want to bring something for any eventuality. Or you could help our local economy by purchasing it after you get here! <P>Jan K.<BR>Wis Region

Boy, this thread is a scorcher -- I'm almost afraid to venture in.<P>The Wisconsin Region is an 'old' club by the definitions given earlier, but it is still a lively club. Yes, there are those who want to take it a little easier, and there are others who are still very willing to make their mark. One lesson: I have to constantly remind myself (and others!) that this club is made up of volunteers. We can't treat fellow members as employees or they will balk, quit or hide. Some people are natural leaders and we strive to encourage those amongst us when they exhibit those tendencies. Some are truly followers, and the leaders have to be willing to show them the way. After all, one can't be a leader without followers!<P>We have several tried and true events that our core membership approves of and supports. Each year we also try to add new, unexpected events to coax the others (and the regulars) into attending. Sometimes we find a new favorite and sometimes we bomb outright, but at least we tried!<P>Our region is a social club, but founded on the love of old cars. It is as essential to us to meet when our cars are stored in the farthest reaches of garages across our area, as it is to tour together during the height of car season. We truly enjoy each other's company and we hope that that interest in each other comes across as welcoming rather than cliquey (sp?).<P>The biggest burden for our region is convincing the younger people that car ownership is NOT a prerequisite to joining the club. Many potential members feel at a disadvantage if they don't own at least one AACA-compliant car, yet they are often not at that time in their lives that this is an optional purchase. Yet these same people could bring a new perspective to the region, if we only gave them a chance. Like everyone else, we're struggling with the "how." I, for one, am very interested in any constructive comments offered here on the DF or in day-to-day discussions with other AACA members.<P>Keep the comments coming!<P>Jan K.<BR>Wis Region

Given that Malcolm Creighton is one of our tour planners, I can promise that there will be ice cream or custard somewhere on the 2002 Founders Tour!<P>Based on the "Roving Judge" reports he submits to the Beam (the Wis Region newsletter) whenver he attends national events -- and he attends a LOT -- he has a real talent for finding the best wherever he goes.<P>And I think it's an excellent idea to try to have a host club member run the next day's tour a day in advance, to check for unforeseen obstacles, road construction, etc. I'll suggest that to our committee.<P>Jan K.<BR>Wis Region

These comments couldn't come at a better time. We're still finalizing next year's Founders Tour tours, and all of this feedback is critical to our planning.<P>For a number of reasons, we're limiting participation to 150-175 cars. We had already decided to plan shorter days, based on comments from several of our members who had been on previous tours. The fact that there are a lot of very interesting places within a reasonable drive from the hub hotel will help us achieve that goal. We're also building in some free time to allow people to explore a bit on their own, if that suits them. Wisconsin has a lot to offer, and we can't include everything on this tour.<P>As always, if you have any questions or concerns about the upcoming Founders Tour, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us.<P>Jan Kamholtz<BR>Wis Region<BR>Publicity Chair/2002 Founders Tour

You do realize you're making my job all that harder. I wish you'd stop raising the bar! Now everyone is going to expect us to post daily pictures during the 2002 Founders Tour! <P>Jan K.<BR>Wis Region<BR>Beam/Web Editor<BR>(and Publicity Chair for the 2002 Founders Tour)<BR>Certified Masochist

The article is now on our Beam Excerpts page on our website. Check it out!<P>Jan K.<BR>Wis Region <A HREF="http://www.aaca.org/wisconsin" TARGET=_blank>http://www.aaca.org/wisconsin</A>

Thanks for the link. We originally planned to go on this tour but real life got in the way. At least we can participate vicariously through this link.<P>Jan K.<BR>Wis Region

Is there a reason this section of the DF doesn't have the "AACA" in front of it, like all the others?<P>Jan K.<BR>Wis Region

Summer seems to improve my mental health. And, like others, I seem to have less time to check in with the same regularity.<P>I'll be back to my old cranky self when the weather turns sour again. That's when I seem to make my most controversial comments. I suspect the same condition affects some of the other regulars. <P>Jan K.<BR>Wis Region

This latest issue is loaded with good stuff. I used both Doug Drake and Earl Beauchamp's articles in our July issue of the Beam. Unfortunately, our printing deadline came before the electronic versions were posted, so I had to do it the old-fashioned way -- retyping it into the files. <P>And I did keep trying the link until it came up as Summer. <P>Jan K.<BR>Wis Region

One of our members brought his Amphicar to a recent event and took several members for a ride (road and water). Another member wrote up an article about the experience for the Beam. In reviewing the article and related pictures, I thought it might be interesting to the Junior members. If you're interested in taking a look at it, let me know. I'll also be posting it on our website shortly.<P>Jan K.<BR>Wis Region

Here in Wisconsin we don't hear much argument when the judged vehicles are charged a registration fee, as long as it doesn't exceed $15 or so. <P>At our last local show we budgeted $20 each for trophies, figuring 1 in 2 would actually take one home (leaving us with a small profit). Unfortunately, in the interest of who knows what, the judges decided to be very liberal with their points. Almost everyone registered for judging took a trophy home. <P>For example, I have a typical "fifteen footer" car, and it took a second place trophy. I never expected a trophy and had regarded my entry fee as a contribution to the club. <P>If this happens when it's only club members, so be it, they've paid their dues (literally), but when more than half of the show is made up of non-members, it costs our Region. We actually ended up in the hole for that event.<P>Jan K.<BR>Wis Region<p>[ 07-17-2001: Message edited by: JanK ]

Compared to other Regions, our membership dues are rather hefty -- $30/year for a joint membership. That helps us underwrite the cost of our newsletter, and other events that the Club sponsors, such as our summer picnic. We rely on other fundraisers to bring in the rest of the money needed to keep the region going. This currently includes parades and other invitational car shows, and in the past, included a swap meet. <P>Our annual judged meet was usually a closed show, with registration fees for the judged vehicles, and we splurged on some very nice trophies as a way to repay the members for their hard work. <P>Now that the current Board has decided to host an open meet, we've had to reduce the cost of the trophies. Judged vehicles still pay a registration fee ($10 this year), and we now charge a $3 admission fee for everyone but the driver of a collector vehicle. Display only vehicles are allowed in free, but those drivers must pay the $3 admission. Children under 12 are allowed in for free. Some years we have offered a reduced rate for early registration. That helps the judging team, because they have some idea of how many cars will be participating. <P>The expectation of an open show is that this may allow us to pull in some new members, but some of our current members are not happy with having to pay for something they used to get for free (admission). Another dilemma.<P>Note: We are a "non-profit" organization, and we prove that by ending almost every year at the break even point or in the red. <P>Jan K.<BR>Wis Region<p>[ 07-17-2001: Message edited by: JanK ]

FYI: The link on the AACA home page still brings up the Spring issue.<P>Jan K.<BR>Wis Region