JanK

Our annual swap meet died a painful death for several reasons. <P>-- In our area, there are several businesses masquerading as "clubs" who have very organized swap meets. These large scale endeavors make our efforts look shabby by comparison.<BR>-- A large number of our vendors used to be members. Now that many of them are getting out of the restoration business (the median age of our region is over 60), there are fewer people with items for sale, and fewer yet to buy. <BR>-- We had to change locations, for several reasons. The prices were going up beyond our reach, and they were inflexible about dates, among others. This was the real kiss of death. Vendors like to know that an event is an established show before they commit to attending. Our meet was traditionally held in mid-January, and it didn't help that the Packers had some good post-season years. (Good for the Packers, but bad for the swap meet.)<BR>-- Partly due to the new location, we changed to a one day event. Again, this doesn't make vendors happy.<BR>-- eBay and other similar outlets make selling "in person" more of a hassle for vendors.<BR>-- Weather, as always, has an impact on the attendance, both vendors and prospective buyers.<P>We've decided that we need to pursue other fund-raising alternatives.<P>Jan K.<BR>Wis Region

Not all of our members are Internet-savvy, so I have reprinted Doug Drake's columns for them. I've gotten some nice feedback, but now I'm getting questions about when the next will appear. I don't want them to think I'm the one holding out on them!<P>Jan K.<BR>Wis Region

I'm doing some pre-planning of my July issue. Will Doug Drake have a new president's message posted in the near future? (The one on the AACA site is from March.)<P>Jan K.<BR>Wis Region

The 4th of July parades are one of the biggest fund-raisers for our region. We'll be driving in two of them, one at 10:00 and another at 1:00. I just hope it's not raining! Almost every city, village or town in our area has their own parade, but not all of them pay for people to participate.<P>After the parades, we usually grill out for supper, weather permitting, and then head out to the local Legion post later in the evening for fireworks. We have a beer/soda there first, and then walk across the street to the city park. It's a distance away from the ground fireworks, but the parking can't be beat, and you can still get the full effect of the rest of the fireworks. Then it's back home to light some sparklers (with parental supervision, for the worriers).<P>So, how does that differ from your 4th of July?<P>Jan K.<BR>Wis Region

We noticed a lot of stations at $1.409 in our travels today. Not bad, just before the holidays. We usually get a spike right before the 4th.<P>Wauwatosa is a suburb to the west of Milwaukee, but still in Milwaukee County -- just in case you wanted to know...<P>Jan K.<BR>Wis Region

Regular here in my part of Wisconsin is running $1.51-$1.59 a gallon. That's down from a high of $1.89 a gallon a short time ago. Premium went over $2.00, and is now running $1.69-$1.79.<P>Of course, we have that "funny" gas, which has less gas in it, so we have to buy more. The ethanol gas give me 3-4 miles per gallon less. The farmers in our area are benefiting financially from the ethanol decision, so not everyone is complaining.<P>We look for every opportunity to buy "real" gas, but only when we don't have to drive out of our way to get it. The nearest station is two counties away.<P>Jan K.<BR>Wis Region<p>[ 06-28-2001: Message edited by: JanK ]

I'll check out the article, if I can pry the issue from my husband's hands before he hides it on me (for some reason, he doesn't realize I like to read the magazine too). Like many others, I would start the day with a peek at that thread, to see the latest developments. I've gone though major withdrawal since then, because none of the other threads have come close to that one in intensity (or humor).<P>Jan K.<BR>Wis Region

Sal, you were missed. There's been a lot of KK talk while you were sitting on the sidelines. <P>Most important: KK is coming to Wisconsin. I've heard they'll be opening 14 stores here, with one just a few miles from where I live. <P>The down side: I'll have to WALK to the store to work off all the extra calories. <P>Jan K.<BR>Wis Region

40 wasn't so bad. And I'm told that 50 will be just as easy. Thankfully, I've got several years before I have to test that theory.<P>Has your mantle of wisdom arrived yet?<P>Jan K.<BR>Wis Region

Found them -- thanks! We had some extra space this issue and your suggestion came in very handy.<P>Jan K.<BR>Wis Region

I see the current trend away from the trades as a contributing factor in the loss of automotive knowledge. How many parents push little Johnny or Susie towards a college degree out of a mistaken impression that that is the better career choice? (And as a result, how many of them learn to say, "Do you want fries with that?" as part of their job?)<P>There seems to be a stigma to working with your hands these days. When have you ever heard a high school guidance counselor tell a good student to consider going into the trades? And in high school, who do they seem to steer towards those classes? Typically, the ones who aren't doing well in school. Whatever happened to the days when being a carpenter, an electrician or a mechanic was considered admirable? <P>Jan K.<BR>Wis Region

How could I have missed those? How long ago were they in the Rummage Box? Is there an on-line archive of the Rummage Box somewhere?<P>Jan K.<BR>Wis Region

Does anyone have a good source for automotive trivia that won't cause me copyright concerns? <P>Jan K.<BR>Wis Region

These days, the primary contact younger people have with collector automobiles seems to be in various museums and private collections. Sadly, that tells them only a small part of the story. How many of these youngsters equate those old cars with dinosaurs, since they're both in the museum? We need to help them see car collecting as a vital, ongoing experience.<P>We try to do our part by driving our vehicles as much as possible, so people have an opportunity to say, "Just what kind of car is that?" Each time I use my Rambler to run errands, I find myself answering all kinds of questions about it. (And it's not exactly an "old" car at '64, but Ramblers are rarely seen, based on the reaction I get.) Same thing happens when we have our Buick on the road. <P>We think it's important these cars be seen, but it's just as important that they be heard and smelled and felt (under restricted circumstances). It's that "total experience" that starts the fire in the next person's heart and we need to keep infecting others if our hobby is to have a future. If they aren't going to come to us, we need to go out to them.<P>Our eight year old is one of the best ambassadors for the hobby. He tells all of his friends about the cool cars he sees -- and often is able to ride in -- and they tell their parents. Next thing we know, those parents are talking to us about the hobby. And all without being pushy about it.<P>Jan K.<BR>Wis Region

I have the pages from the official "how to" book, but I'm really interested in the "we found it was important also to..." suggestions.<P>In other words, I'm interested in any of your "lessons learned." We want to build on your efforts, so that we can put on an even better tour next year.<P>I'll gather up my thoughts and be in contact soon!<P>Jan K.<BR>Wis Region

I got a good chuckle out of the Beetle Bailey comic strip in yesterday's paper. He discovers a source for Krispy Kremes and can't wait to tell Sarge about it. <P>I tell you, KK are everywhere (except Wisconsin)...<P>Jan K.<BR>Wis Region<p>[ 05-29-2001: Message edited by: JanK ]

Has anyone on the DF served as a Publicity chair for a Founders Tour? If so, I'd like to ask you a few questions as we move forward with the 2002 Founders Tour in Wisconsin.<P>Jan K.<BR>Wis Region

You won't be sorry! Welcome to AACA. <P>Jan K.<BR>Wis Region

The Wisconsin Region is just launching our Junior program, which is intended to follow National's lead. Our Board was reluctant to start charging for a local junior membership, however, when we didn't have an established program to offer for it. For the first year, they decided to make all National Junior members automatic local members free of charge, and use them as the guinea pigs to set up the program. <P>Patty K. volunteered to be our the Junior Membership Chair and she is working hard to get kids involved. She's going to be instrumental in making this program work. We're not worried -- we're confident we've got the right person for the job! <P>Jan K.<BR>Wis Region

Over the years we've done it both ways. We used to photocopy 225 copies on a small tabletop copier. Now we take it to a printer.<P>In house - Pros<BR>1)Quality control higher<BR>2)Timeliness - you decide when it will be done<BR>3)Error control - you can correct up until the last moment<P>In house - Cons<BR>1)Time commitment - it takes a long time to make the copies<BR>2)Equipment failure (copier) - it ALWAYS acts up when a print job has to get done now<BR>3)Storage - the copier and all the supplies have to go somewhere<P>Printer - Pros<BR>1)"Professional" copies<BR>2)Time savings - they copy, collate, staple and fold for us<BR>3)Advice - they can and will offer suggestions for improving the master copy<P>Printer - Cons<BR>1)Timing - our printer wants a week turnaround time<BR>2)Quality control - Joe Highschool doesn't always care about your product. Pick your printer carefully.<BR>3)Pictures - You may have to pay more to get quality pictures.<P>These are the first things I thought of in terms of the copying process. If you have a smaller print run and can create "originals" for everyone on your printer, then you have the best of both worlds, IMHO.<P>Jan K.<BR>Wis Region

Would someone in contact with Glenn and Sandy please relay all our best wishes? I can't say I know them either, but I'm pulling for him nonetheless!<P>I also have a lot of respect for the donor's family. Organ donation is not something most families want to think about when they're losing a loved one, but it can bring another family such joy.<P>Isn't modern medicine incredible?<P>Jan K.<BR>Wis Region

These Krispy Kremes are everywhere! I took a break from chores the other day and turned on the tv for a few minutes. The first thing I see is a report on an unexplained spike in the Krispy Kreme stock price. Do you think our conversations on the DF are having an impact?<P>Jan K.<BR>Wis Region

And you could title it, "Around the US in 80 days" or "See the USA in Your Car Carrier."<P>I agree, don't refer to the company by any of its names. Some companies think any publicity is good publicity, and this company may actually get something out of it if you use its name. <P>Jan K.<BR>Wis Region

Congratulations on the delivery of your new pride and joy, and belated anniversary wishes as well. <P>These cars are like kids -- the ones who have them always love them best. Others may wonder how you can love them so much, but that's their problem!<P>I spent the weekend disconnected from the outside world, and all kinds of things happened when I wasn't looking. So, what's the next interesting thread? <P>Jan K.

It seems to me that the only one with no limit on (or guilt about) "profits" is the government. Our tax burden just seems to get bigger every year, and I'm forced to tighten our budget accordingly. Why doesn't it ever work the other way? <P>Jan K.