Notes from Philly!

[R W Burgess]

<span style="font-weight: bold">Feel free to give us your notes!</span>

Below are some of the things that I observed in Philly this past weekend;

Arrived Philly Thursday afternoon, unorganized, as usual. Mike and I found out where our Meet/Tour slide show presentation was to be put on. We checked out the Sheraton Hotel for any changes from last year, didn?t notice much. Other members noticed some new improvements this year. Judy Edwards brought along a humidifier this year, just in case. We still had to take the A/C deflector off so the stale air would not blow in our faces all night.

Found the AACA Hospitality suite for our ?nightcap?. Slept pretty good, once I ?found? my room. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

Friday got started early as the slide show was put into play. Judy Edwards and I got the web site booth up and running. Judy spent most of time here alongside hubby, Barker. (Judy attended other seminars I?m not aware of.) I readied myself for a 11:30 am seminar. I hate to admit, I still get nervous putting these affairs on, not enough practice, I guess. Received my ?kiss? from Kim Miller again this year. Gosh, going to Philly sure is tough duty! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Kim Miller with "Kisses"

Our Publications Seminar came off without a hitch. Publications Vice President Earl D. Beauchamp Jr., along with June Peterson-Crane, and ?my girl Friday?, Judy Edwards guided me through the seminar. Two door prizes, Editor?s Do it WRITE tee shirts were given out again this year. They are real popular and still available at Headquarters. We had people come by the web site throughout the weekend asking about the Newsletter Awards program (NAAP) as well as setting up regional web sites, which Judy does very well. (Anyone interested in a web site needs to contact Peter Gariety on the web site, or e-mail me and I?ll contact him for you.

Earl D. Beauchamp Jr. Vice President-Publications (2007)

My son, Mike was active with the youth group all weekend, so he only looked me up when he needed dinner or money for a drink. I found out later Saturday night that Mike actually got to meet Dave Chiotti before I did. Mike was beaming after David told me he had already met Mike. Way to go, son!

I managed to take a bunch of pictures of the trade show and other members doing their thing. We attended the Museum Auction where I purchased that marvelous lamp. (See Museum Auction post) The Auction raised an ?unofficial? $6000.00 plus dollars. We shared some "war stories" with Bruce, Di and the Wheeler girls later that night "upstairs"! . Another night at the Hospitality Suite guaranteed another good night?s sleep.

Up early Saturday for the resumption of the Meet/Tour Slide Show, which has really become popular at breakfast time. I then attended the new seminar ?Recruiting Young Adult Members? hosted by Tom Cox, along with Rita Rutherford, and Peter Cullen. I took many notes and learned new angles in attracting young people to our club, a ?Live or Die? situation with the AACA. I attended the Publication?s Seminar Luncheon as a sub-committee member, along with Judy Edwards. Afterwards, I went in a little late to the Race Car Seminar to learn that panel member Buster Wanke could not attend as he had broken his hip the day before. I was looking forward to seeing Buster again. Buster is up in age, over 90 years old, so please everyone pray for Buster. I?ve heard at least three of his historical racing stories, very amusing, each and every one. I hope to learn more about Buster from Lynn Paxton later in the week. I might add here that the old Class 37 issue came up again this year. I won?t elaborate the issues and thoughts here, but e-mail me if you like more info.

Got another ?kiss?, no two ?kisses? this time, from Kim Miller.

Mike and I attended the General Membership Meeting in the afternoon, then prepared for the Awards Dinner later in the evening. I ?stood up? and introduced myself and told everyone of our (The Northern Neck Region) annual car show date for 2007. Just before the closing of the business meeting, Ray Fishcher(SIC) announced the door prize winners from the Trade Show. Very helpful as last year, a few prizes were not picked up, since the announcement was too late.

The Awards Program Saturday night opened with the installation of officers as Dave Berg took over the gavel. Dave opened his acceptance speech with a humorous story relating to Earl Beauchamp the night before. Seems those Hospitality Suites get everyone in trouble, eventually. Afterwards the awards were given out for show cars, web site awards, newsletter awards and service awards. Judy Edwards received awards for her Web Site, Newsletter, and a special award for her AACA Youth Web Site. Peter ?Pedro? Heizmann also received a service award, the Charles E. Duryea Cup, for his work with the Library.

After a long day, another trip to the Hospitality Room was in order. I realize most of you think I?m abusing the free alcohol, but in fact, the Suites are the best place to rub shoulders with the AACA Directors, learn of their ideas for our club, or even express your own feelings about certain issues important to you. I won?t mention any names here, but one Director invited me to a tour in 2007 guaranteeing a vehicle to drive if I attend. What a great idea to increase attendance at AACA Events. I also met Randy Rutherford at this time, finding out that we have a few things in common. Randy, we need to get together again in the near future.

Well, it?s another convention and many memories for Mike and I to carry home. We will definitely be there again next year. It?s fun for everyone.

Wayne

[Ron Green]

Wayne,

We also had a great time. It was nice swapping tales with everyone, especially in the hospitality suite. Got to chat with Bruce and Di for quite a while which was really nice. Your boy Mike is a nice kid, refreshing in today's world. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

My seminar went pretty good though I probably sounded like Elmer Fudd on occasion. Everybody seemed to like the sunken Amphicar segment the best. Didn't land as many kisses as you or buy an unusual lamp (lucky me). Had to leave early Saturday after doughnuts due to a home renovation project.

The only disappointing part of the trip was the king Tut exhibit. Seems they forgot to tell you in their advertisements that him and most of his burial booty isn't there, only a few small items. It was still a unique display of his ancestors artifacts and history, though with the high $$$$ of admission ($32 each) it was somewhat deceiving to say the least. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

[R W Burgess]

Thanks Ron, it was great meeting you and your wife.

I almost forgot to put this picture up guys.

My son, Mike got an Award of Distinction for his Northern Neck Region's Web Site. This was his first year, so I'd say he "done good". Gloria and I are proud of him. He's pictured above with my other "Mom", Judy Beauchamp. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Does Mike now make you a grandma, Judy? <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Wayne

[Guest BruceW]

Di and I and the girls had a great time at the Annual Meeting again this year. Mike Jones and his team did another fantastic job in planning and hosting the meeting. Thanks to Mike and his committee and anyone else in the AACA that worked to put on a successful and fun event.

Looked like the hotel was making renovations and dressing up with paint, etc., under its new owners. They were still working at it on Thursday when we arrived. The one thing that I thought was unusual was the dark purple wallpaper in the upper floor hallways at the elevators. Made everything look dark when exiting the elevator. It appeared that only one of the elevators had a mind of its own this year which was good. It seemed like the hotel staff was more friendly as they always greeted us with a greeting and a smile when we saw them in the hall. Maybe their new bosses at Sheraton are better to work for and the improved attiude is trickling down. I think the room we was one of the remodeled ones and it was nice and comfortable. The beds were done up like some B&B's we have stayed in where each bed has about a half dozen or more pillows each, most of which get tossed on the floor when its time to sleep.

I had at least four people tell me about Rex's Pizza and their cheesesteak subs... so Di, I and the girls visited it for lunch on Saturday. Its right out the back door from the hotel (17th street) and diagonally across the next corner (on the same side of the street as.. but only about 1/3 of the way to where the old St. Georges was). Its quite small, very plain inside, and not at all fancy...almost run down looking... but the food is hot, fairly priced, and what we had was good. Saw a number of AACA members there for lunch. Di had their chicken wings, and even though she got the mild sauce, the wings were well seasoned for a good taste. I tried the cheesesteak and was pleased. It also made a nice break from the box lunches in the hotel and is only a couple minutes walk from the hotel.

Thanks again to AACA and JC Taylor for their hospitality rooms. Aside from the free drinks, it is a great place to meet other AACA members and directors as Wayne mentioned. Both got quite busy at times.

Oh... the reason why Di picked up my National Award.. is that I had no idea that I was suppose to get one. I did know that I was receiving a Master Webmaster award but that was all I knew. There were two ribbons in our registration envelope when we picked it up.. the blue one for Master Webmaster.. and a red white and blue one that I didn't know what was for even though people kept asking me what it was. On Friday, I was told that the second ribbon was put in our envelope by mistake and I was receiving only one award. No problem. I stopped wearing it and never thought more about it. At the Awards Banquet, after I had received my Master Webmaster Award and watched most of the car awards, Brittani was tired and asked if I would walk her up to our room on the 23rd floor. Being a good father.. and since I had already gotten the award I knew I was receiving... I agreed and left the banquet to walk Britt upstairs. Before I could get back downstairs to the banquet, Di came to the room carrying a box and told me (rather sternly) I had received a national award..and that she had to go onstage to receive it for me.

Oh.... by the way..I heard about the comments that were made that Di was prettier than me to photograph anyway..... <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Looking forward to another good year in the AACA!

[R W Burgess]

I followed two little cuties through the hotel and onto the elevator heading for the J C Taylor Suite Friday night.......only to run into Dad. This is Bob Wallace's brother. Forget his first name, but MISTER worked real good at this point! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Wayne

[Shop Rat]

Wayne, If I were you I would be much more afraid of the red-head in front of "Dad". <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

[novaman]

The one in front is Kathy ???, forgot the last name. She is the president of the Lynchburg Region.

Bruce, I told Di when she returned to the table that this would teach you to leave the banquet early. And by the way, Thanks for advertising Rex's to EVERYONE!. I believe dad and I started that last year. I know we've told a good number of people about them.

[Ron Green]

David,

We too tried Rex's (order in) and found their cheese steak wraps were pretty good, especially after seeing a cheeseburger was $15 on the room delivery menu. Quick, convenient and priced in the acceptable range (for Philly). <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" />

PS: their 3 cheese fries with bacon were also a winner, even though loaded with calories and probably toxic, fat gram wise. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

[Guest BruceW]

Wayne,

I see in the photo how "Mister" conveniently positioned himself between you and the young girls. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

David.. When we were there I saw that Rex also delivers which is a nice option when it gets too cold to walk there. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Ron... $15 for the cheeseburger? You must have forgotten to consider tax and the 20% room service charge.

I wish someone..Rex's... TGI Friday.. or someone close to the hotel served breakfast as an alternative to the hotel's $$$$ breakfast.

[R W Burgess]

Bruce, it all started over that darned lamp. The "girls" in the elevator were remarking how well it matched my suit. What can I say? <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Wayne

[Guest windjamer]

Bruce, think spring Binghamton NY. Several spots for B/fast in walking dist. of host hotel,also Dennys grand slam 2min walk from show field. Come on down, good food good people and fab. cars. Dick <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

[Guest windjamer]

Wayne, maby I missed it. Lets see a pic. of that prize lamp. Dick <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

[R W Burgess]

Here's your lamp, Dick!

Keep those dark glasses on now? <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

lamp site

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[Guest windjamer]

Dont let them kid you Wayne. With 30 inches of snow here that shade could keep the snow off my head. There just envious. Think spring Binghamton meet.Dick. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

[Guest BruceW]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Bruce, it all started over that darned lamp. The "girls" in the elevator were remarking how well it matched my suit. What can I say? <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Wayne </div></div>

What Wayne didn't notice as they were going down the hallway was the girls secretly making a frantic call to "Mister" on their cell phone about some crazy guy in a pinstripe suit following them and waving a funny little hat on a stick.

[R W Burgess]

A short message from Randy Rutherford (He's a little shy with the forum! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />) ;

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><span style="font-weight: bold">Tell those guys if they want a good place for breakfast in Philly to go down one block to Cherry Street go left and look on your left for Yonney's. Not sure of the spelling but it isn't way over priced considering your in the city. It is small but you can eat there.</span> </div></div>

Gosh Randy, you had time to leave the hotel and get breakfast??? <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Wayne

[West Peterson]

I had breakfast there on Friday morning. It was good.

[bill pritchett]

My son, Brian, who will be 28 in a few days has just joined our chapter and attended his first annual meeting with me. He had a great time and is planning on coming back next year. I think he was pleasantly surprised at what went on. He enjoyed the seminars and interaction with other members. The auction is always fun as you never know what will be there.

We always eat at Rex's for dinner Friday night as it is a lot cheaper and close to the hotel. For lunches I bring cold cuts, drinks, potato chips, cookies, etc. and split it with members from my region. There were 15 of us this time, and it only cost us $8 for two lunches. We get to know each other a little bit better as the room gets a little crowded with all the people in it. Also, Peter Gariepy gets a free lunch from me each year for the DF luncheon. Little does he know that I will be spending a few weeks next winter at his house as soon as I invite myself (what are friends for??), just kidding about a few weeks.

[Shop Rat]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">...Also, Peter Gariepy gets a free lunch from me each year for the DF luncheon. Little does he know that I will be spending a few weeks next winter at his house as soon as I invite myself (what are friends for??), just kidding about a few weeks.</div></div>

Guess what my dad always said about free lunches is true. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

[bill pritchett]

Yes, that is a good point. I will have to see what Peter will be serving when I am staying there.

[Shop Rat]

Yeah, he might serve you something like "beaks and feet" <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />. (Anyone that watched <span style="font-style: italic">Sanford and Son</span> will recognize that menu. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />