(Editor’s Note: This month Director Larry Good has asked Assistant Regional Director Chuck Piel to write a guest Director's Message.)

We’ve all heard the mantra of our beloved old car hobby – “We come for the cars and stay for the people.”  That was never more evident than at the 5th CLC Northeast Inter-Regional Meet and Car Show held at the AACA Museum in Hershey on July 11-12. 

First, let’s talk about the cars.  We got a private tour of the AACA Museum storage facility for cars that were not on display in the Museum.  These cars were so packed into the building we could hardly get around them!  Among the Cadillacs of note were a beautiful 1969 Eldorado in a very rare color – Wisteria and two 1941s: Series 62 Sedan and Series 62 Convertible Sedan.  They were donated by the widow of a late Potomac Region member.  The Museum itself featured Chrysler Imperials, the most incredible of which was a custom 1937 Imperial open front town car built by Walter P. Chrysler for his wife.  The incredible Tucker collection and display at the museum always delight. 

On Sunday, we had a peer-judged car show that had an eclectic mix of cars ranging from a 1937 LaSalle sedan to a modern CT6 sedan, about 25 cars in all.  The Potomac Region was well represented here with multiple class wins, including new PR member Kevin McCarthy for his 1937 LaSalle (purchased as a used car in 1941 by his grandfather from a Pennsylvania Cadillac dealer!) and Terry Prevost for his 1970 DeVille Convertible, plus Mike Kerwin for winning the Best of Show award for his 1976 Sedan DeVille (see full list of winners and photos in August newsletter).

But how about the people?  On Saturday we had folks from the sponsoring regions of Central Pennsylvania, Raritan River, Valley Forge, and of course, Potomac.  With attendees from multiple states, it was like a mini-Grand National reunion.   On Saturday night, our group had dinner at Giotti’s, an excellent local Italian restaurant, which has been an annual treat at this event.  As the saying goes, “a good time was had by all.” 

The Sunday car show not only brought out more old and new friends, sharing stories about their cars, but in many cases catching up on how each other was doing.  I got to personally meet Mr. McCarthy and heard his story about his 85-year-old family-owned LaSalle. 

Hearing these stories only reinforces how interweaved our cherished cars are with our families!  For most of us, the cars ARE part of our family!  We are very fortunate to have four excellent and well-run regions in our part of the country.  The synergy of our regions, interests, and friendships only magnifies the value of CLC membership at the global, national, and especially at the regional level.

As you review the “Upcoming Events” section of the meeting minutes published within this edition, you will find many opportunities to get the cars out, but more importantly meet old and new friends.

Here's hoping the rest of the summer allows you to have many miles and smiles in our beloved Cadillacs and LaSalles.

Chuck Piel