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2012 National Convention News

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April News

April 5, 2012
Hello Fellow Model A’ers We are proud to announce that Mr. Rod Liimatainen, owner of the Twenty Millionth Ford and a Superior A’s member, has agreed to lead our Model A Tour at the National Convention with his historic vehicle. This will be very reminiscent of the days gone by, when the Slant Window Town Sedan traveled the country promoting the Ford Motor Company. This will be something you won’t want to miss. Here are just a few notes and ramblings from the last month. We are getting down to the nitty gritty. Only about two and one half months until the big event. Registrations have been coming in daily and we are about to surpass our projected goal (For budgeting). We knew what a great response we would get from our fellow A’ers. To date we have guests registered from 34 different states, 2 Canadian Provinces and New Zeeland. There are a total of 85 different clubs represented. Along with our MAFCA Chapters there are some Marc Regions and Independent Clubs in the mix.

We have had to change some of the room locations for our seminars. They will all be in the same building as before, but due to size and equipment requirements the seminars may be relocated to a different room. Please check your Registration Book upon arrival as it will show the correct rooms. The Marquette Downtown Development Authority has announced a fundraiser to coincide with The MAFCA National Convention. They have designed Model A’s to put up on the light poles in downtown Marquette. These “Model A’s, designed in the shape of a coupe, are made of plywood and can be painted to represent your family, chapter, or to remember a past member. The cutouts will be $10.00 each. If you are interested please contact Mona Lang at 906-228-9475. There has been a lot of interest shown in the Hubley races. Bill and Maxine Paxson have volunteered to assist us in this event. If you are interested in the event but don’t have a Hubley car, they will have some for sale at the convention.

When Henry Ford started his ventures into Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, he used the acronym NMO. This stood for Northern Michigan Operations. All his locations were designated with this. Examples would be: NMO/Pequaming, NMO/ Alberta or NMO/Iron Mountain. You will be seeing the NMO signs are various places during the Convention.

We have had a good response to the extra convention pins for sale. If you are interested in having one set aside for you please email modela@chartermi.net and reserve one. The cost is $4.50 per pin. You can pay when you pick it up.

Indoor vender space has been filled. We do have plenty of room left for outdoor venders. We would love to hear from any parts suppliers about vender space. If you have any questions about the convention, registration, events, or tours please contact us at any of the following:
The Superior A’s, 337 W. Washington Street, Marquette, MI. 49855 1-800-544-4321; Steven Pellinen, 272 Hill Street, Ishpeming MI. 906-485-1552; or by going to http://superioraclub.com/. You can also reply to this email with any questions, concerns, or helpful comments. Ahooga, Doug

 

added Seminars

March 11 - Convention time is fast approaching and things are looking good. The convention committee is hard at work and fine tuning things. I would like to re-mention the addition of two seminars to the program.

The Horn Seminar will be Thursday, June 21 in the Brule room at 12:30. The Model A Advertising Seminar will be Friday, June 22nd in the Brule room at 11:00. If you have already registered and would like to attend one of these seminars you can contact us at 1-800-544-4321. If you haven’t registered yet just add it to the form and send it in. The fee per seminar is $3.00. Walk ins will be welcome.

New to this year's convention is the Era Fashion Roadshow. This is your chance to have your fashion related items evaluated in regards as to whether it is of the Model A Era or not. You can do two things to take part in this event:

1. Send a picture or pictures, along with any supporting documentation or history, of your item to the Era Fashion Committee or regular mail EFC, c/o MAFCA, 250 South Cypress St., LaHabra, CA 90631. Then bring your treasure with you to the Convention to have it evaluated in person.

2. Or, simply bring in your item to the Convention without submitting advance pictures. However, sending us pictures in advance allows us to research your item prior to the Convention.
They will be evaluating the items on era authenticity and not monetary value. Thanks to Lois Przywitowski for the above information.

Due to an overwhelming response, the Welcome Party / Yoopers concert has moved to a larger venue. It will be held in the Superior Dome. The list of items in the Raffle Room continues to grow. Set aside a little cash for the opportunity to win some great items.

If you have any questions about the convention, registration, events, or tours please contact us at any of the following: The Superior A’s, 337 W. Washington Street, Marquette, MI. 49855 1-800-544-4321; Steven Pellinen, 272 Hill Street, Ishpeming MI. 906-485-1552; or by going to our web site. You can also contact me with any questions, concerns, or helpful comments.

Ahooga, -- Doug Oliver.

 

January 25, 2012

Hello Fellow Model A’ers

First I have an important notice regarding lodging. Rumors have started to circulate as to the availability of accommodations in the Marquette area. Although the Host Hotel has filled, there are plenty of rooms available. Here is a listing of some fine motels that are proud sponsors of the convention:

Holiday Inn of Marquette, 906-225-1351
Landmark Inn Marquette, Mi. 906-228-2580
Quartz Mountain Inn, Negaunee, MI. 800-330-5807 or 906-275-7165
Ramada of Marquette 906-228-6000
Value Host In, Marquette, MI. 906-225-5000
Country Inn & Suites by Carlson 906-225-1300

You can see pricing and amenities of each place on our website, www.superioraclub.com. under the accommodations heading. Please give them a call for you accommodation needs. There are other hotels available also. According to the Marquette Country Convention Bureau there are over 1300 rooms in Marquette County alone. If you have any further questions you can contact the Superior A’s at 1-800-544-4321 or Steve and Diane Pellinen at 906-485-1552

Seminars have been added. Everyone’s head turns when the “ahooga” sound fills the air. Jim Diehl will present a seminar on the “Care and Feeding of the Model a Horn”. Jim does restoration work on the horns and will give you some insight into what it takes to get the correct “ahooga” out of your horn and the principles of maintaining it. Location of this seminar is in the Brule Room. It will start at 12:30pm, Thursday, June 21st. Cost is $3.00.

The Model A Ford Advertising Seminar will be held Friday, June 22, from 11:00am to 12:30pm. The meeting will be in the Brule Room. Titled “Taking a Closer Look” the seminar examines the hidden elements within the Model A Ford ads. James Thomas will present a slide presentation. James is the author of “Advertising the Model A Ford”. You are encouraged to bring along some ads for “show and tell” and an informal swap meet. Cost of the seminar is $3.00.

If you have already registered and are interested in either of these seminars you can call 1-800-544-4321 and ask to add the seminars to your prior choices. The fee will be collected at the seminar. If you have yet to register just write it in and add it to the total. Walk ins at either of these seminars will be accepted.

Ahooga, Doug Oliver

Jan 20, 2012

Hello Fellow Model A’ers

2012 has rolled in and I would like to fill you in on the response to the convention. All of these figures are as of January 1, and our expected to continue to new heights. We have 226 registrations with a total of 438 guests. 159 will be bringing their A’s along. The welcome party will be a blowout with over 375 guests waiting to dance the night away with the “Yoopers’

The seminars will be well attended. Use of the Northern Michigan University Center leaves us plenty of room to fit everyone in. The pig roast and car parade will give you plenty of time to admire “Henry’s Ladies” without getting in trouble with the better half.

The Ford Bungalow Tour has filled up for both days, but the Pequaming area still has plenty of history for those interested. The Alberta Village tour is one that should also be seen and over 240 will be doing just that. Mackinac Island and Pictured Rocks are the two tours where you can sit back and let someone else do the driving. The Iron Mountain Tour has almost 200 guests ready to take on a little bit more of Henry’s Vacation Land.

I am keeping this short as I am recuperating from Heart surgery ( 5 by pass) done on Jan 6. Some things just can’t keep you away from a Great MAFCA Convention

If you have any questions about the convention, registration, events, or tours please contact us at any of the following: The Superior A’s, 337 W. Washington Street, Marquette, MI. 49855 -- 1-800-544-4321;
Steven Pellinen, 272 Hill Street, Ishpeming MI. -- 906-485-1552;
or by going to http://superioraclub.com/.

Ahooga, Doug Oliver

November 18, 2011

Hello Fellow Model A’ers,

I just received word that the Ford Bungalow Tour in Pequaming has been filled. This tour was limited as per an agreement between The Superior A’s and the private owner. We are very grateful to him for allowing us to share it with members of the Model A community.

This may be a good time to consider one of our suggested unguided tours, The Michigamme Museum. Michigamme is a small community west of Marquette. It is on the route to Alberta Village and Pequaming. Several members of the Superior A’s call Michigamme home. Michigamme is connected to Ford history when from 1921 through 1933 the Empire Mine was under Ford ownership. They display many photos of the mine site and town. Photos of Henry Fords camping trip on Lake Michigamme and the autographs of Henry Ford, E.G. Kingsford, Thomas Edison, Harvey Firestone, and Mrs. Henry Ford are on also on display. You can also see original fire equipment used by their fire department. A beautiful 1900 Steamer Pumper is something you may never get a chance to see again. Their 1928 Model A fire truck will be of interest to “A” people. A local restaurant, Mt. Shasta, was used during the filming of the 1959 film, Anatomy of a Murder, directed by Otto Preminger, starring James Stewart, George C. Scott and Lee Remick.

Michigamme is rich in history and proudly displays it. Watch for the signs along the highway directing you to their town. They would love to see you and be part of your 2012 Yooper experience in Henry’s Vacation Land.
Ahooga, Doug Oliver

 

November 12, 2011

The registration forms for the National Convention came out in the latest edition of the Restorer. Jim’s articles on Pequaming and the fire truck were excellent. A word of advice for those who are considering the Ford Bungalow Tour, space is limited. Tuesday has already filled up and Wednesday will be filling up fast as well. The self guided tour of the Pequaming area is still an option if the Bungalow Tour is filled.

This convention is somewhat different then others in respect to lodging. The main events of the convention will be held away from the Host Hotel. Northern Michigan University will be the host site for the majority of events. The Superior dome will also be used. The Host Hotel has had a tremendous response and bookings are filling fast. On our website are the names of several area hotels which are proud sponsors of the Convention.

A new addition to our website (superioraclub.com) is a slide show which gives an overview of the convention. There is a breakdown of the events, guided tours, unguided tours, maps, and other helpful information. Of particular interest are the floor plans of the University Center at Northern Michigan University. All rooms that we are using are listed. Hopefully you can get an idea of where you will need to be ahead of time. The campus map shows the University Center, trailer parking area, site of the outside vender location and the Superior Dome. I have attached the presentation in a PDF format for you to review.

For those of you who collect convention pins, we will have lapel pins available at the convention. A picture of the pin is on the slide show merchandise page. Check out the rest of the merchandise while you’re at it.

If you have any questions about the convention, registration, events, or tours please contact us at any of the following:

The Superior A’s, 337 W. Washington Street, Marquette, MI. 49855 1-800-544-4321;
Steven Pellinen, 272 Hill Street, Ishpeming MI. 906-485-1552;
or by going to http://superioraclub.com/.

You can also send me email with any questions, concerns, or helpful comments.
Ahooga, Doug Oliver

[Red Line]

October 23, 2011 - Hello Fellow Model A’ers

The Registration form for the 2012 Convention will be in the November / December issue of the Restorer Magazine. The Early Bird Newsletter Subscribers already have seen it and it is also available at our website, www.superioraclub.com.

The Pequaming tour is a limited tour and has already filled up for Tuesday. You can call 800-544-4321 to check on the availability of openings for the Wednesday tour. Response to the tours has been fantastic. Mackinac Island, Pictured Rocks, Pequaming, Alberta Village, and Iron Mountain’s Glider Exhibit tours will provide for exciting times. Unguided tours are also available and more information will follow on those.

The Raffle Room is shaping up with many great items coming in. The Room is a great way to support the convention and have a chance at taking home some great stuff, so plan on buying some tickets. Many thanks to our fellow Model A Chapters for their contributions: Chain of Lakes A’s, Charter Oaks A’s, Diablo A’s, Diamond Tread Chapter, Dusty Wheels A’s, Marin County A’s, NAPA Valley A’s, Pomona Valley A’s, Rogue Valley A’s, Sage Brush Model A’s, Santa Anita A’s, and the Wichita A’s.

Superior A’s member Guy Forstrom has authored a book, “Camping in Cloverland with Henry Ford”. This book gives you a historic look at Henry Ford on one of his camping trips, this one being to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. For More info on Guy’s book visit www.CampingWithHenryFord.com . One of Guy’s books will be available in the Raffle Room.

The list of seminars will make you wonder if a week is enough time to take them all in. Fashion, Technical, History, and Newsletter/website seminars are being offered. What a great chance to pick up on anything and everything you ever wanted to know. (Well maybe not everything). There are also some special interest group meetings scheduled.

If a week doesn't seem long enough, come early and stay late. There’s enough of the Upper Peninsula to go around. If you have any questions about the convention, registration, events, or tours please contact us at any of the following:

For More 2012 Convention information, you can contact:
The Superior A’s, 337 W. Washington Street, Marquette, MI. 49855 - 1-800-544-4321;
-or-
Steven Pellinen, 272 Hill Street, Ishpeming MI. - 906-485-1552;
-- or by going to http://superioraclub.com/.

September 21,2011 - The registration forms came out in the Early Bird Newsletter in late August. It will also be in the November / December issue of the Restorer Magazine. You can also find it on our website. If you go online, please note that this form must be printed and mailed in to us. As of last Friday, we had received 85 registrations.

June 2012 is fast approaching and we are anxiously waiting to see all of you.

Ahooga,
Doug Oliver

September 6, 2011 - Hello Fellow Model A’ers,

In July I had the privilege to meet Don Haygood, M.D. Don will be the Chief Judge for the 2012 MAFCA National Convention. There is always a need for new judges and he passed on this information for those who may be interested. It also has some info on what can be done to advance as a judge.

The Model A Ford Judging Standards divides the Model A Ford into 23 areas for judging. You can read each area and take a short written examination (obtained from MAFCA/internet) for each area. When you pass that test, you are certified by MAFCA for that particular area. Judges are classified into four areas:

1. Apprentice : Any individual who has expressed an interest in judging and has received credit for a MAFCA judging examination or MARC judging school.
2. Judge : An individual who has received credit for the MAFCA judging examination or MARC judging school in at least 5 areas of the Standards, and has judged 1 or more of those categories in at least 2 national meets.
3. Senior Judge: An individual who has met the judge requirements & has received credit for the MAFCA examinations or MARC judging school in at least 10 of the 23 judging areas, and has judged 1 or more of those areas in at least 3 national meets.
4. Master Judge : An individual who has met the senior judge requirement & has received credit for the MAFCA examinations or MARC judging school in all 23 judging areas, judged in at least 5 national meets, served as Team Captain in 2 national meets, and has instructed a judging school or technical seminar in at least 1 judging area.

Each car will be judged by teams of judges that will each judge 1-3 areas of the 23 areas listed in the Model A Ford Judging Standards & Restoration Guidelines (1997 revision). Each team of judges will be assigned a specific area to judge, and will consist of a team captain & several members. A team captain must be a senior or master judge. We encourage everyone (men, women, youth) to participate as a car judge. It is a great learning experience. As a team member, you will be instructed how to judge your area by your team captain.

If you have never judged, contact MAFCA and complete at least 1 area examination to qualify as an apprentice judge. If you are classed as a judge or a senior judge, this is your chance to get your required credit to judge at a national meet and advance toward your level as a master judge. If you are a senior judge, volunteer to be a team captain and get your required credit for advancement toward your level as a master judge.

Judging is a fun experience and you not only will learn a lot, but you will see up close some beautiful restored Model A Fords. Make your plans now to judge at the MAFCA 2012 national meet! We will need your participation.

Don also had some information for members who plan on having a car judged at the 2012 National Convention Model a Ford car judging will be held (using the current 1997 Judging Standards) for four classes of cars:

1) Restored (Blue ribbon): restored to original condition & meets all 14 point requirements
2) Touring (Red ribbon) : regularly driven, meets all 14 requirements except for:
a. original style 2-blade fan
b. original engine mounts
c. original carburetor
d. authentic lighting elements
e. metal valve stems
3) Modified (Green ribbon): more modifications than Touring class
4) Original (White ribbon): un-restored Model A meeting all 14 requirements with at least 50% original paint & upholstery

The 14 requirements for preliminary judging are as follows:
1. Original 4-cylinder Model A engine & drive train
2. Original style, steel, 2-blade fan
3. Original engine mounts
4. Original carburetor (Holley, Zenith, Ford)
5. Original horn
6. Original steel spooked wheels & original size / type tires
7. Authentic top & upholstery materials for year/model of vehicle
8. Authentic exterior paint color & stripe pattern for vehicle
9. Original type shock absorbers, arm & tubular links
10. Original type electrical system (lamp, generator, starter) with battery under floorboard
11. Original type metal valve stems & covers
12. Authentic type steel sheet metal (no fiberglass)
13. Original mechanical brake system
14. Pass an inspection of service brake, emergency brake, king pins, tires, wheel rims, & have no fuel/exhaust leaks or loose/missing parts affecting operating safety.

Thanks to Don for providing this information. Hopefully someone out there is interested in becoming a judge and will make their initial judging debut at the convention.

The Model A Restorations Guidelines and Judging Standards manual available from Mafca has everything you could ask for in this area of information.

For More 2012 Convention information you can contact:
The Superior A’s,
337 W. Washington Street, Marquette, MI. 49855
1-800-544-4321;

Steven Pellinen,
272 Hill Street, Ishpeming MI.
906-485-1552;
-- or by going to http://superioraclub.com/.

You can also reply to this email with any questions, concerns, or helpful comments. June 2012 is fast approaching and we are anxiously waiting to see all of you.

Ahooga,
Doug Oliver

June 1, 2011 - Open Letter from your Era Fashion Committee.
How many times have you wondered “Is this fashion from our era?” Here’s your opportunity to get some help! The MAFCA Era Fashion Committee is presenting an Era Fashion Road Show at the 2012 National Convention in Michigan. As an attendee, you will have the opportunity to have your fashion related items evaluated on whether the item falls within the Model A era, without an appraisal as to value.

To participate in this event, you only need to send a picture or pictures, along with any supporting documentation or history, of the item you wish to have evaluated. We accept e-mail (fashions@mafca.com) or regular mail: EFC, c/o MAFCA, 250 South Cypress St, La Habra, CA, 90631.

You may also bring your item to the convention without submitting advance pictures. However, sending us pictures in advance allows us to research your item prior to the Convention. Because we are not experts in the truest sense of the word, unless we find supporting documentation from the era, our evaluation cannot be used as documentation for Fashion Judging purposes.

May 29 - The convention agenda and registration are just about set. In July we will be meeting with the MAFCA Board of Directors for the final approval. Things have been hectic but are going really well.

We are in need of assistance for the Hubley races. If there is anyone who can give us info on the best way to run the event smoothly or would like to help out, it would be appreciated. We are also looking for anyone interested in joining in on the swap meets. Vendor booth space is still available.

The entertainment for the convention has been lined up. Da Yoopers, a nationally known band will be onstage.   Originally started in 1975 by Jim "Hoolie" DeCaire and Joe Potila as a working dance band, Da Yoopers have been putting a smile on faces all over the world now for over 30 years with their off-beat musical comedy act. Their music and comedy is both a reflection and a celebration of the culture found in one of the U.S.’s most unique areas--The Upper Peninsula of Michigan--as well as exaggerating some of the stereotypes that are attributed to the residents of the U.P. They are best known for their songs The Second Week of Deer Camp and Rusty Chevrolet. Maybe they will change the verse to Rusty Model A for our convention. You can get more information on the Yoopers at http://dayoopers.com

Hopefully you saw our first ad in The Restorer Magazine. There will also be an ad in the September – October issue.

Additional information is available here:
The Superior A’s, 337 W. Washington Street, Marquette, MI. 49855 - 800-544-4321;
Steven Pellinen, 272 Hill Street, Ishpeming MI - 906-485-1552;
or by going to the Superior A's web site.

You can also email me with any questions, concerns, or helpful comments. June 2012 is fast approaching and we are anxiously waiting to see all of you.

Ahooga, Douglas Oliver  

Last Updated: 05/31/2012
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