With reminders on upcoming Holiday Activities!
December, 2013

Wolfe, Griffitts to Lead WBA in 2014-15!

Jim Wolfe, seen here with first-lady-elect Rhonda, has agreed to take the helm of the WBA for the coming two years. Jim's proven leadership was demonstrated clearly during his 2010-2011 term, and he was elected unanimously. John Parish was re-elected as Treasurer, and Gay Perry was re-elected as Secretary. Congrats to both of you!

 

 

Pictured above is our incoming Vice-President, Steve Griffitts. Steve joined us a couple years ago, jumping right into the hobby with a couple major restorations, and a willing spirit. Congrats on your unanimous election, Steve!

Christmas Party December 7, Register now for Jan. 18 Banquet!

Why wouldn't you want to come to the Christmas Party? It's this coming Saturday and will be festive, food-filled and fun. Join your fellow revelers at the annual Christmas Party, to be held at the home of David and Cheryl Kanally on Saturday, Dec. 7, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Please RSVP if you haven't already.

The annual WBA Installation banquet is slated for Saturday, January 18, 2014, at the Canyon Creek Country Club in Richardson. The curator of the Antique Boat Museum in Clayton, NY will speak! Register now!

Baldwin Traces Lawson Center History, Transformation

Wherever Bill Baldwin goes, he seems to find a way to improve the quality of life. In the summertime, Bill and Pat call Bemus Point, NY home, and they're very busy there with things nautical, including the annual Chautauqua Lake-Twin Tiers ACBS Boat Show and the nurturing of the beautiful new Lawson Boating Heritage Center.

Bill presented TLC's story, from the early years of Lawson Aero Marine which appeared at the dawn of the last century, to its re-emergence as a wonderful non-profit historical and cultural facility.

You can read the whole story on TLC's web site at http://thelawsoncenter.org. Thanks, Bill, for an inspiring presentation!
WBA Shows at Gas Monkey Grill, Helps Toys for Tots

Among hundreds of performance boats, hot rods and motorcyles on display at the Gas Monkey Bar and Grill on Sunday, November 17, were three boats from the WBA: Greg DeVore's '68 Century Resorter, Jim Wolfe's '59 Century Coronado (thank you, Phil Wolff for getting the boat there!) and David Kanally's '57 Cowell King outboard. Jim Donovan rumbled in his military Power Wagon.

  

The show turned out to be larger than even its organizers could have hoped for. Above, WBA Secretary Gay Perry strikes a pose next to a dragster which was fired up on several occasions during the day, adding several decibels to the already noisy event. Several large cartons of toys were collected for Toys for Tots by three Marine reservists on duty for the afternoon.

Lucas Heats Up During Cold Snap

Above, Troy Marshall and Robin McGeorge's '51 Chris-Craft Riviera is really starting to look complete. Seams remain to be caulked, but the upholstery work is done, so now it's a matter of getting the interior properly fitted. Below, Mark Wilson is shaping the rub rails for his '68 Grand Prix. We hear that the final rail will be done right after deer season.

  

Above, Robin McGeorge is pre-drilling a set of seat risers which will support the front seat assembly in the Riviera. Below, Marc Hill works on installing the alternator on the V-8 in his '68 Grand Prix. Fresh from a rebuild, the engine is looking great, and will surely give some giddy-up to this beautifully restored boat. Son Hunter was off looking for a bigger hammer.

Next Regular Meeting February 20, 2014

Because of the Christmas Party in December and the Banquet in January, our next regular monthly meeting won't be until February. Join us on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2014 at 7 p.m. at Two Guys from Italy at 11637 Webb Chapel Road, just south of Forest Road. WBA Treasurer and benefactor John Parish will be giving away one of his many boating and woodworking related books as a door prize. We are looking for just the right person to present the program. Maybe thats you!

Join us for a light meal and moderate libation at 5:30 p.m. at Two Guys from Italy prior to the meeting. We encourage you to join us for dinner, so we'll always have the required minimum number of diners to avoid a room charge.

Shop Talk and Musings

As WBA members, we share experiences of all the different stages of boat restoration. This month, we'd like to recognize Longview, TX WBA member Charlie Still for taking that all-important first step, removing the hardware. Sometimes the first step is the hardest one, not because of technical difficulty, but because it marks the end of our procrastination and the beginning of progress toward the boat we've been dreaming about. Charlie and his son are now fully engaged in the restoration of a 1967 18-foot Chris Craft Super Sport. Good luck, guys!

The WBA can be a source of information and advice to all its members, regardless of their location. Even if you live far from the Dallas area, please know that your updates, photos, ideas and stories are always welcome.

And, finally: Please take a look in the shed or garage for the leftover parts or other saleable items you can donate to the club. Bring them to any WBA meeting, or contact David Kanally at david@historywithheart.com for pickup.