The story unfolds with conversations beginning at several SCMAFC club meetings in the fall of 2017, where it was determined that the ‘Inspection Day’ was truly to be, and formerly was, a 'Safety Check’ day, rather than an ‘Inspection Day’. This day typically included a safety checklist with only minor repairs such as adding grease and cotter pins, tightening and torquing of the lug nuts and tweaking of the horns.
Over the past decade, that day slowly evolved into more vehicles, typically from newer members without knowledge thus requiring greater assistance and need for repairs. Thus, the tremendous volunteer mechanically inclined club members continued on these larger repairs during this one ‘Inspection Day’ only, which should have been a "Safety Check" day only to determine what repairs would be required for the future. Given some members over the past few years arrived earlier in the morning and had to leave in the afternoon for other pre-scheduled commitments and/or had their vehicle waiting all day and were never checked, some changes were required. A
discussion developed to return back to the basics, with a safety check day only, following the guidelines and perhaps contemplating adding a second day just for repairs only. The second day allowed those members who required knowledge and experienced volunteer club members to assist with their learning on the repairs and to purchase the necessary parts and miscellaneous items required.
JR volunteered at an early Fall, 2017 SCMAFC meeting to coordinate and attempt to improve on the previous years by incorporating a system to include a smoother flow of vehicles in and out and to. This would encourage those members to attend so their vehicle would be checked and they could enjoy the BBQ.
On November 23, 2017, Keith Robinson, Chris Brancaccio and JR Smith met at the closest Tim Hortons to discuss a plan for a one or two day event at one or two locations on the same weekend or two different weekend days, including format and structure of time for repairs that may be anticipated in advance. A follow-up meeting transpired with Kathy and Paul on December 4, 2017, and JR prepared a draft for a two day event with the safety check first and the repair day second, which was agreed to be on the same weekend. Both Chris and Keith volunteered their shops with Dean's hangar being a back-up if required. It turned out Chris and Dean confirmed their locations and once registration began and closer to the date, it was determined that only one location was required, thus hosted by The Brancaccio's Family (Dad Chris, Mom Rose, Daughter with Grandson and Grandfather). That made for a warm and welcoming sunshine weekend of love, laughter, learning and loyalty to the Ford Model As! Thanks!
It was also noted by several unsatisfied and disappointed Club members over the past five (or more years), that a shorter time slot suggested (30 to 45 minutes) be used to conduct the safety checks rather than two to four hours to do repairs to some vehicles that were badly in need of repair to be somewhat semi road ready and safe to drive home the same day. Hence, a new Repair Day evolved.
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Saturday, May 26 and Sunday, May 27, 2018 for the "Safety Check" and the "Repair Days" respectfully, turned out to be a gorgeous sunshine day full of club members enthusiasm and camaraderie with assistance on the cars and BBQ with all the trimmings. The BBQ was hosted by Kathy and Jeff on Saturday and hosted by Kathy and Troy on Sunday at The Garment Palace of The Brancaccio's deck with scenic views. Thanks Kathy!
We were pleased to have those knowledgeable expert volunteers assist on the Safety Check day with our host, Chris Brancaccio, along with Paul Chudek, Ron Rigby, Troy Dillabough, Murray Walkemeyer, Mike Hill and Yvon Picot arriving later in the day to conduct the ‘Safety Check' for the following SCMAFC members: Colin Outtrim, Russell Moore, Jim Leew, JR Smith, Ross Rodman, Michael Hill, Ian Jarvis, and Neil Lewis.
On Sunday's Repair Day we had those knowledgeable experts of Chris Brancaccio, Paul Chudek, Ron Rigby, Troy Dillabough, Murray Walkemeyer, and Gary Callander (along with Jim). We managed to squeeze in a few 'safety checklists’ for Jim Callander, Neil Lewis, Emanuel Cohen and Phil Haggart, along with their repairs, plus more work required on Russell Moore's Tudor and some work began on JR's Tudor.
It was viewed as an organizational fun day with many thanks going to The Brancaccio Family for supplying their fabulous facilities (and supplies), family and festivities for a successful Saturday and Sunday.
Article and photos submitted by JR Smith.
