DIRECTOR’S THOUGHTS,  JUNE 2026

 When you are stopped behind the car in front of you, do you ever notice the different styles of taillights?  Enjoy the following:

Inventor of Buick Taillights      There is no specific historical record identifying the exact person who invented Buick taillights. Buick’s early cars, starting in the 1900s, were among the first American automobiles, and lighting technology was still in its infancy. The first automotive headlights were developed in the early 1900s by companies like General Electric and other early automotive manufacturers experimenting with electric lighting.     Buick’s founder, David Dunbar Buick, was a prolific inventor and entrepreneur who developed many automotive innovations, including the “valve-in-head” engine and the windshield Britannica+1. However, the available historical accounts do not list taillight development as one of his specific inventions. The first practical automotive lighting systems — including tail lamps — emerged gradually in the 1910s and 1920s as electric lighting became standard.     By the 1920s, Buick had become one of the largest car manufacturers in the U.S., and like other automakers, it adopted and refined lighting designs to meet safety and styling standards. The “Buick taillight” as a recognizable design element evolved over decades through Buick’s engineering teams, not a single named inventor.     In summary:      No single person is credited with inventing Buick taillights.  Early automotive lighting, including tail lamps, was developed in the early 20th century by multiple companies.  Buick’s taillight style evolved as part of its broader automotive design and engineering work, led by its own engineering teams rather than a single named inventor.

I’m putting a bug in your ear.  Das Awkcht Fescht is vastly approaching.  Will need early volunteer risers on Sunday, August 2, 2026 to park the BUICK section.  I realize I harp on this every year, but it is necessary if we want to maintain our favorite spot.  Please keep this request in mind and let me know closer to the time.  Many thanks in advance!  Enjoy your summer!~!    

                                                                                                                                                                 Your Elected Director, Sally Getz

“FREE SPIRIT” Chapter Meeting Minutes, May 5,  2026

Meeting called order 7:24 pm with 13 members in attendance plus 1 guest.  Sally “WELCOMED” everyone to tonight’s meeting, and asked if anyone would like to share any activities from the past month.  Eric shared he attended a car cruise at Pottstown with his 1955 Buick.  Ed Lenny shared he and Isabel attended a BDE event which led them to the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia.  They toured many sites, ie, Monticello, New Market, and Shenandoah Caverns.  They enjoyed their trip!  Todd Kriner shared he purchased a 1985 Buick Riviera, tan, to add to his car collection, CONGRATULATIONS, TODD and ANDREA!!  Thanks to all who shared!!

Motion to accept April meeting minutes as printed in May newsletter, Isabel  Lenny, seconded by Shirley Schaffer, so carried.

Treasurer’s report:     Report for April was presented by John Moore with a motion to accept by Todd Kriner, seconded by Kathleen Duckett, so carried. 

COMMITTEE REPORTS:     Historian: no report          Lehighton:. Show flyers are available for the taking to be handed out by members as they attend a car event. 

Membership: Money was collected from those not wearing their chapter badge.  Bill Hallman shared that “RENEWALS ARE DUE” by June 30^th.  Please remit your dues to him.  Bill has received some member dues tonight.  Thank you.

E – newsletter/newsletter:   There are no concerns.     Publicity:  no report                 Ways-n-Means:  no report  

OLD BUSINESS:  Sally reminded those to submit their BCA Board member ballots by June 1st.

Sally reminded members about attending the annual chapter picnic on Sunday, June 14^th under the Weeping Willow Pavilion, Macungie Memorial Park.  Will sit down to eat by 12:30 pm.  Picnic is held RAIN OR SHINE!  As printed in the May newsletter, everyone bring their specialty to share with others.  This is a bit different than in the past.  Will see how it works. 

During the park that same day is a “CARS & COOKIES CAR SHOW” FROM 9:00 – 1:00 PM.  We are NOT connected with that event, but feel free to attend that show then come to the chapter picnic!!       

NEW BUSINESS:    3/31/2026 Minutes from BCA BOD Meeting (Special Budget Meeting):  Members discussed comparing dues structures with other clubs, including AACA and Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club, which both are bi-monthly printed magazines with digital versions in between. The discussion highlighted that while membership is the primary source of income, investment income is expected to decline, and there was consideration of potentially adjusting dues differently for digital versus printed versions of their publication.

The Board also discussed the balance between printed and digital versions of the Bugle newsletter. Data was presented showing 515 digital members versus 4,400 printed subscribers and suggested reducing the digital version while increasing the print version. Pete Phillips, Bugle editor, will be tasked with using his judgement to edit and condense long articles in the Bugle as needed. Pete will also be empowered to edit down long articles.

The group considers a $5 annual increase rather than $10 to avoid alienating members, though the exact amount remains undecided.

The Board discussed potential cost-saving measures for the Bugle, focusing on combining issues to reduce expenses. By combining the September-October issues, could save $10,000 – $12,000.

The board discussed two key motions regarding dues and travel reimbursement. They voted to raise printed copy Bugle dues by $5 while maintaining the e-version at current levels, and to rework the 2- and 3-year renewal discounts for consistency. This will be brought to the Board for final approval.

When asked who was attending the National Meet, Albany, NY, a few hands rose.

Sally wishes everyone a safe summer and “HAPPY 250^th BIRTHDAY!”  Meetings will reconvene on Tuesday, September 1, 2026. 

Motion to adjourn Isabel Lenny, seconded by Kathleen Duckett, so carried. Time 7:57. Respectfully submitted, Sally, fill-in secretary.

IT’S TIME FOR OUR ANNUAL CHAPTER PICNIC, SUNDAY, JUNE 14, 2026

Macungie Memorial Park, Weeping Willow Pavilion, Macungie, Pa.  This event is held RAIN or SHINE!  The chapter will be supplying meats, condiments, paper products, utensils, beverages, and a hot plate.  Will gather and eat around 12:30 pm.  This year we will do things a bit differently as far as the menu.  I challenge all you “CHEFS and BAKERS” to bring a scrumptious dish to share with everyone.  Let’s see what you can come up with this year.  So, dust off your cookbooks and see what you cook/bake to bring and share.     

“FREE SPIRIT” Chapter,   Membership Renewal Form

Please fill in the following information and include a check for $15.00, made payable to “FREE SPIRIT” Chapter. 

Submit with your renewal of $15.00 to:   

                            William Hallman, 23 Prospect Ave., Norristown, PA 19403-3239             610-329-7375    wfh23@comcast.net

NOTE:    Are you a member of the National Buick Club:      ______ Yes     ______  No             Your BCA number  _____________________

                 Signature  ________________________________________

MEMBER NAME________________________________________SPOUSE’S NAME  __________________________________________

STREET ADDRESS  __________________________________TOWN, STATE, ZIP CODE  ______________________________________

CELL PHONE  (OPTIONAL)  ___________________________EMAIL ADDRESS  (OPTIONAL)  _________________________________

BUICK(s) OWNED    Year/Make/Model__________________________________________________________________________________    

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

PLEASE submit completed form to William Hallman by June 30, 2026!

Janice E. Rossetti of Whitehall passed away on April 12, 2026, at the age of 84, at Fellowship Community. Jan was born in Bethlehem to the late William Greene and Elizabeth (Andrasko) Greene.    Jan graduated from Allentown Central Catholic High School in 1960 then worked as a bookkeeper first at E.C. Machin, Inc. then in the family business at Allentown Tile & Marble Company. Over the years, she served as an office manager and bookkeeper at Blue Valley Welding Co., JWS Technologies, and ended her career at Duggan & Marcon, Inc.     She loved to tend her flower gardens, was an avid reader, and cherished time with animals—cats, dogs, rabbits, and all other types.   She is survived by two daughters, Christine (Pat) Watterson of St. Louis, MO, and Kathleen (Dimitri) Diamandopoulos of Whitehall, PA, and other family.   In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Jan’s memory to Fellowship Community, Spirit Fund for Charitable Care, 3000 Fellowship Dr., Whitehall, PA 18052, or Peaceable Kingdom Animal Shelter, 1049 MacArthur Rd, Whitehall PA 18052.    

Janice was the spouse of a past “Free Spirit” founder member, Jim Rossetti.  Both Janice and Jim held Directorship, Secrtetary,  Treasurer, and Newsletter Editor positions during 1977-1979, 1983-1984.     I was notified of Janices’ passing by her daughter, Kathy D., while I was away visiting family in Shenandoah, Virginia.                                                 

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

JUNE 2026                                                                          HAPPY SUMMER!

• 6 – Chalkpalooza Car show, Reading, Pa
• 7 – 47^th Annual GM On Display Show, Macungie, Pa
• 13 – Cool Cars In School Yard, Hatboro, Pa
• 14 – Annual chapter PICNIC, Weeping Willow Pavilion, Macungie Memorial Park
• 14 – Cars N Cookies 2026, Macungie, Pa
• 19 – 20 – Carlisle GM Nationals, Carlisle, Pa

JULY 2026                                                                       HAPPY 4^TH OF JULY!

• 7 – GM On Display, Macungie Memorial Park
• 13 – Chariots of Fire Show, Classic Auto Mall, Morgantown, Pa
• 19 – 20 – Carlisle GM Nationals, Carlisle, Pa
• 31 – August 2 – Das Awkcht Fescht, Macungie Memorial Park, Pa

AUGUST 2026                                                       HAPPY SUMMER!

• 1 – 2 – Das Awkcht Fescht, Macungie Memorial Park, Macungie, Pa
• 8 – 11^th Annual Wheels for Meals Car, Gilbert Fair grounds, Gilbert Pa
• 16 – Sticks Reunion Car Show, Wind Gap, Pa
• 19 – 22 – National Buick Club Meet, Albany, NY

ISO/CARS & PARTS FOR SALE

I have recently purchased 1942 Buick Special Eight.  I am reaching out for help sourcing some parts.  The wiper motor was missing and I bought an electric motor kit from Bobs Automobilia. When I received the motor, I realized I am missing the wiper motor transmission rods. The wiper spindle / wiper arms are intact on the windshield.  I also need the following parts … if possible;Heater Control Unit (my one is leaking);    Dashboard Gauges (mine are in poor condition);    Rear Wing Panels ??? (I think there is a panel missing on both sides at the rear of the rear wheels).    I would be most grateful if someone could help me sourced these parts.  Please contact:  Gary Keville of Ireland, gary.keville@gkt.ie, Telephone: +353 1 6674322;   Mobile: +353 86 2484503

DASHPADS & INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY (Contact Sally @ 484-464-3418, csgetz@ptd.net)

• 1. #194    1969-70 Buick Electra 225 DASH PAD w/ AIR, small crack
• 2.  #620     1966 Wildcat instrument assembly (IA)
• 3.  #621    1967  Electra 225 IA
• 4.  #622    1967  LeSabre IA
• 5.  #623    1966 Electra 225 IA w/ wiring harness, #174440/#1374439
• 6.  #624    1966 Electra 225 IA w/ vents, #1374440
• 7.  #625   1968 LeSabre IC, #7062307
• 12.  #630      PADDED Black dash
• 14.  #632            black dash pad w/ 3 legs
• 15.  #633    1967 LeSabre IAssembly, #1380371
• 17.  #635   1971-73 Centurion pad, has very small ding, w/ 2 speakers,   #1234713
• 19.  #637    1969 LeSabre green pad
• 20.  #638    1962  Lesabre/Invicta/Electra IA, #6405046
• 25.  #643    1966 Electra dash pad,  blue/green pad w/ speaker, small dent, crack
• 26. #649      1984-85 Riviera radio, #25509697, climate control bezel, plastic wood grain
• 27. #761       1960 LeSabre, Invicta dash/instrument panel mirror reverse speedometer gauge.  MIRROR INTACT! 

WILDCAT EMBLEMS/BADGES/SCRIPTS

• #1006   1 set – 1964 WC Trunk Letters  
•  1968 LeSabre/WC   Extra letters, “L,D,T”
•  1963 Wildcat Hood Letters, letter “C” w broken pin
•   1964 Wildcat extra letters:  “W x 2, L, C x 3, A, T)
• #1007   2 – 1966 WC Hood Ornament
• #1036    1 – 1963-64 Wildcat Glove Box Door, #1366241