Fall color tour:

The 2007 color tour was held Sunday October 7th; we enjoyed a beautiful sunny day. The day was very warm for October, and those of us in open cars even appreciated the occasional passing cloud. The tour departed West Bay for a tour of Leelanau and Benzie counties. John Russell led us through paved back roads just meant for our LBC’s and to a great photo shoot location; the Light House at Empire. All members wanting a photo with their cars, ok there was one motor cycle, posed at the light house. From there we made our way to a local destination watering hole; Art’s Place in Glen Arbor.

The crew had a great time putting away Art’s famous burgers. We again tip our hats to John Russell for leading us on another successful tour, and arranging a fantastic day.

Annual Charity Auction:

The 2007 annual club auction was held December 4th at our regular meeting to benefit the Boys and Girls Club and the Big Brothers and Sisters. Members donated a wide variety of items; from car parts, antiques, and even fresh bake apple pie and cookies.

A great time was had by all with spirited bidding for many items. Don and Judy were again the auctioneers this year, making this a successful event. The club raised $2000 for the two chosen charities; each received a check for $1000.

Three of our club members; Butch Faux (president), Dennis Ferguson and John Russell met with Big Brothers and Sisters and the Boys and Girls Club to present the funds raised by our annual auction. The Directors of both organizations on hand to receive the funds, Pat Lewallen for the boys and Girls Club and Nicholeen Frusti for the Big Brothers and Big Sisters. A huge "THANK YOU" to all who participated in raising the $2000.00 that these fine organizations will put to good use right here in our community. Don and Judi Shapton event co-chairs 2006

Nicholeen Frusti of Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Butch Faux TBBCC President

Butch Faux TBBCC President, Pat Lewallen Boys and Girls Club Director, Ken Rubin Regional Service Director Boys and Girls Club of America

Photos by John Russell
 

Wine Tour:

Judi and I are still reeling from the wonderful day we had on Sunday touring the Old Mission peninsula with a delightful bunch of friends. Bernie Moritz and Greg Rogers set a standard that our next chairpersons will have trouble meeting again. The scheduled stops were very educational and entertaining at the same time. The three wineries that they chose are all national winners this year and we tasted why. After the tour Bernie welcomed us to his beautiful home that looks down on the Old Mission countryside. His gardens didn't let us down. It seemed as though everything blossomed just for us.

As Lee Johnson arrived at Bernie's estate a special "Reserved for Master Mechanic" spot was painted on the ground a labeled with a sign. He found out a few minutes later that he was needed to "lay hands" on one of the gas grills that wouldn't work. We all witnessed a healing as reverend Lee made that thing get up and walk.

John Russell got all the credit for the weather even though he was off clicking at another gig. We missed him, but his weather legacy was the magic we all enjoyed.

There were certainly over 30 cars throughout the day with only one mechanical gremlin causing Aaron and Mary Kay to return to Interlochen near the start of out outing. Phil and Cristina are back from their Florida adventure and it was great to welcome them back to the family. Charlotte Blanchard came out in the Rolls with Keith Nelson at the controls. Charlotte shared the chauffeured ride with Keith's lovely wife Michelle. The Niemie's and the Paterson's drove two vintage MG TC's all the way from the Manistee/Benzie county, Lake Michigan coast.

Take a look at the 100 plus photos I snapped. I couldn't help myself. What an absolutely perfect day to own a camera.   Click here for: 2006_Wine_Tour_Photos
 

Annual Picnic:

Don and Judy Shapton were again the hosts for our annual picnic at their home and horse farm. We had great “top down” weather in the 70s with about 30 cars participating.

At a member’s suggestion, the club had the main course catered. We enjoyed ribs, chicken, pulled pork and sides of coleslaw and baked beans. Red’s BBQ (behind MC sporting goods, corner of Airport Rd. and US 31) catered and delivered. They located the Shapton’s home by GPS coordinates, supplied by Don and parked their truck exactly in the spot were Don took the measurements!

Everyone brought a dish to pass, we had plenty of food to go around in spite of planning for approx. 50 persons, and we counted about 80 hungry mouths to feed! A good time was had by all.

Craig Holmes volunteered to fill in the empty position of VP.

Thanks again to Judy and Don for their hospitality and all the efforts to make this year’s picnic another great success.

     

Northport (Woolsey airport) Fly-in:  By: T. Michael Jackson

The Woolsey airport fly-in/drive-in was held on August 18 below beautiful blue skies in pleasant temperatures. A record number of people attended in a variety of aircraft and automobiles. The TBBCC was well represented and we should consider having this become an annual club event with a segregated parking area for our club.

Some interesting history. The airport is named after Clinton Woolsey, a storied military pilot who died in a crash in 1927 over Argentina while participating in the Pan-America Good Will Flight. Woolsey was Charles A. Lindbergh’s flight instructor. Woolsey’s father dedicated 80 acres for an airport in memory of his son, and Leelanau Township contributed another 920 acres and in 1935 the airport was dedicated. In attendance at the dedication were Lindbergh, Amelia Earhart, Billy Mitchell and Will Rogers among other dignitaries. Interesting facts to remember next time you are there!!

The 2008 TBBCC Gala was held on the 26th of January at "The Top of the Park." As the enclosed pictures show, we had a lot of smiling faces. You can't beat good company, good food, and some "Wild and Crazy clubbers" trying to make you laugh. Bill and Angie were just the best, and how about those great prizes. On behalf of the organizing committee, Bill Erickson, Angie Ross, Rich Faller, and Craig Holmes, we hope you enjoyed yourselves.

The entertainment committee devised a wheel of fortune game with club information and British car related questions. Our MC was Bill Erickson and his “lovely assistant”, club VP Angie Ross. The competition was between tables and became quite lively as prizes were awarded to all at the winning table.