2021 Piston Pusher Events
Click on links to go to events posted on our Facebook page
Facebook page managed by Denis Jacob * Photos by Denis Jacob, Louis-Philippe
Photos by Ray Smith & Brian Moore
Because of the continued threat of the Covid-19 virus, and restrictions
and closures in place by the Ontario Government beginning in January, All events originally scheduled for the year are currently being considered postponed until official notice has been recieved
January 2021 notes from the President
Well, here we go again with Pandemic #2 or should I say the continuance of the virus, again I hope this letter finds everyone safe and healthy, This may sound a little corny but I must say, I really miss every member of the club, I sure hope we can see some light at the end of the tunnel, If any one has items they would like to share please let me know as this is the only way your fellow members will know what of interest has been going on in your lives, this also keeps us, as a close knit group. As the winter months are on us not a lot to pass along, I did have a couple of items, first, Birthdays for the month of February, Duke Snyder, Morris Brock, Mac Churchill, Gary Bowden, Roger Synden, Eric Perry, Happy birthday guys. We have had a couple of club members family pass away, Jennifer Hoffman’s Mother passed away, Charlie Baker Wheeler passed away January 7th Charlie was a member of the Piston Pushers for several years but due to poor health had resigned from the club some time ago, Shelia Schram, Barry Schram’s wife passed away January 20th, please keep both Jennifer and Barry in your thoughts and prayers, at this time as they go through this very tough period. Also please keep Larry and Christine Hussey in your thoughts as Christine’s Mother is not well, Dave Richardson and Don Douglas are experiencing some health issues again, please keep these members in your thoughts and prayers.
I know I put this message out a couple of months ago, but I have received a few calls with regards to Club dues, your club executive has decided to for go the dues until we have or can have our first meeting in 2021 possibly April or May? and at that time we would be asking each member to bring twenty dollars to that meeting, this would be your 2021 dues, assuming we can keep having meetings for the remainder of the year, this will keep the club healthy as we are OK at this time financially, if we do not have meetings in 2021 then we would not be looking for any funds or dues, as we would not be funding a picnic or a Christmas party, the operating cash we have on hand will carry us through to 2022.
(TID BIT), January is a month named by the Romans after the God Janus, the God of Gateways. This is because January is the gateway to the New Year and is most often welcomed through a celebration of great merriment and mirth – not to mention a usually-unachievable New Year's resolution! Or Goal.
Please stay safe and Healthy, please help keep me informed of any items of interest you may have, or any health issues with club members or family.
Best Regards your Club President (Brian Bowerman)
February 2021 Piston Pushers Club Letter
Hello all, it is hard to believe it has been one year since we have been able to gather as a club, I continually do my best to contact all members but sometimes I get so busy doing (NOTHING) I forget to call, for that I apologize, truthfully, I do try to keep in touch with everyone if possible. Just like some of the previous months not a lot to report but I do have a few items of interest. First, I will start with the up coming in March Birthdays, John Rocket Hoffman, Tom Herriman, Phill Winger, Brian Bond, Bill Bevan, Gary Graham Vince Brennen, Bob Devereau, Bob Simmie, Murry Tuck, Chris Newport, Dan Douglas. The best to all hope you have a great Birthday.
I would like everyone to keep five of our members in your thoughts, as these guys have had some health issues first Dave Richardson who is not doing well, he is at home but again needs our thoughts at this time. Rocket Hoffman has been battling with shingles for a couple of months now he has good days and some bad days but seems to stay smiling even with the excruciating pain off and on, here is hopes for a speedy recovery these things can go on for at least six months, in the words of Rocket if you have not had the Shingles Vaccine, then please get it and save your self a lot of pain in the future, then we have our friend Larry Hussey he to has had some health issues that saw him in the hospital for a couple of days again here’s to a speedy recovery Larry, Ken Handsaemen had some reconstruction on his knee, Ken is doing very well but getting antsy to get back to work and get working on his project Chevy Two. Ken Nuttal has had a visit to the hospital as well, he is home now and doing well, please keep our fellow members in your thoughts, as we go about our daily routines.
On a much sadder note, we lost as you all know by now Don Douglas one of the great all-time racers and one of the founders of the Kohler Drag Way in Cayuga as well the first President of the Piston Pushers back in 1954, Don will be certainly missed with the know how of building engines and giving many of us tips on how to do things in the right way to make them last, Rest in peace Don. Please keep Don’s family in your thoughts and prayers in this time of grieving. On be half of the club Gary Graham put together a great looking trophy of Don’s lifelong accomplishments, Gary, Myself and John Harris presented it to Don’s son Dan at their engine shop on the 27 of this month Dan was so grateful, when we can gather again at a meeting, we will have Dan bring the Trophy for all to see, thank you Gary for being so thoughtful.
I was corrected on something by John Harris and to set the record straight, at the 2020 March car show in Toronto John Harris took first place in his class for pick up Trucks not runner up as I mentioned, John did not want me to mention it, but I did want to set the record straight. I know there must be other projects out there but one I know of that is making some real head way is, Nick Shira’s 65 Mustang Convertible, looking real good Nick. Looking ahead a few months we have another place for our garage talks, Don Lickers is in the process of building a new garage, of course I am inviting all of you even though I have not asked Don. Dan Bratina has also recently finished his shop looks good love the heating system he installed. I had a meeting with Doug Woodley this past week and Doug was kind enough to donate some news clippings and some old memorabilia he had to the club, this will go into the Historical files, that Vince Brennen is taking care of for the club, Thanks Doug for your thoughtfulness, it was nice meeting up with you and hearing some stories of years gone by.
I have had several phone calls with regards to 2021 dues, no dues are required unless we are able to have some club meetings, if so please bring $20 with you, if there are no meetings there will be no dues required until the 2022 meetings.
Best Regards: Brian Bowerman (your Club President)
Please stay safe, keep your distance and wear your mask when required, this will ensure that we will all get together safe and sound at the appropriate time.
Roll-by for Bill & Nancy's
50th Wedding Anniversary
March 20th, 2021
Photos by Denis Jacob, Louis-Philippe
Happy 50th Anniversary Bill & Nancy
March 2021 Club Letter
Well here we are again with the only real line of communication is by telephone, skype, or on line video chats, I’m pretty sure I am not the only one that feels this( Lock Down) is getting pretty old, but here we are doing our part to not only keeping our selves safe and healthy but our loved ones and friends as well, we will get out of this, and when we do I am sure we will all appreciate what we have and what we have been through going forward, lets count our blessings, and look forward to the spring time with flowers starting to pop their heads out of the ground, the robins are back, the chipmunks are around again driving our dog crazy. Not a lot to report but in keeping members up to-date as possible, with what I know is happening here we go.
Several of our club members have been busy working on their cars / truck projects, Ron Morley has been working on his Suburban getting his motor back in, Rick McKim has been busy with his projects ranging from putting a new motor in his suburban to working on his 53 chevy cabover. Ross Hedden has been kept busy working on his model (A) his Comet and the (T), Pat Giles still working on the 53 Chev Woody, Nick Schira between taping trees for maple Syrup and working on his 65 Mustang Convertible, Don Lickers is deeply intrenched in building a new home and a garage, sounds like no shortage of work for Don, Lee MacArthur can’t wait to get his new 1935 Desoto Air Stream out this summer, like all of us we have been trying to keep busy during these tough lock down times. April Birthdays, Al McMillan, Harold Aasla, Brian Bowerman, Don Lane, Ken Crabb, Jerry Campbell, Rick Bowler, Pat Giles, Joe Tangi, Ken Cook, Jim Harris. Hope you have a great day.
Health and well fare of the club brings me to giving your thoughts to Dave Richardson who is not doing well, Larry Hussey has been in hospital for a while, he hopes to be returning home soon, Rocket is still suffering with Shingles as he says some days are good and others not so good. Ken Nuttal has been doing quite well since his visit to the hospital earlier this month. Ken Crabb Is doing very well after his knee surgery. I hope I have not missed anyone, please let me know if you hear of any of our members that are under the weather. We managed to get an early Roll By this past month for Bill Beavan and Nancy as they celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary, congratulations Bill and Nancy.
Let me end with a little tale of what not to say. Bill’s wife was hinting about what she wanted for their upcoming anniversary, Nancy said I want something that goes from 0 to 150 in about 3 seconds, Bill bought her a bathroom scale, from what I understand Bill’s Black Eye is healing up quite nicely.
Hope all is well and please stay safe.
Regards Brian Bowerman (President)
Piston Pusher May/June Letter
Gentlemen, my apologies for not having sent out a May letter. I was a bit under the weather due to an unfortunate heart attack, which brings me to thanking everyone for your cards and well wishes as well the many emails I received over the past five weeks. I am doing well and getting better as time goes on, again thanks to all.
I certainly hope all is well with everyone as we still find ourselves in lockdowns and self isolating, I am sure everyone has had their fill of masks and the stay at home orders, but I am confident that if we all follow the medical experts and scientists advice to get the all important vaccines one and two we will see an eventual slowing and possible end to these stay at home rules.
As for our health and wellness, Rocket is finally doing well, the Shingles seem to be subsiding. Larry Hussey is also doing much better and managing to stay out of the hospital (great to hear it Larry).
On a very sad note Dave and Dorothy Rickford’s son Joel passed away Saturday May 22, please everyone keep the Rickford family in your thoughts and prayers at this time, also, Ron Morley’s mother passed away May 5th, so again please keep Ron, Ronda, and family in your thoughts and prayers.
Our Social Committee has been busy trying to come up with some group events to try and keep us all together during this time, as everyone knows it is difficult due to the restrictions, but at this point the roll-by seems to be the extent of what we can do for now. So as we roll out some events hopefully we can get a good number of cars out of the garage and rolling. Looks like the 5th of June will be our first roll-by for Larry Hussey to show our best wishes for a speedy recovery. Following that a stop in Norwich at the Maddie Moo's Food Truck, a little later in the month another roll-by is being planned, stay tuned.
I have been staying in touch with the Polish Hall and they, like us, are still looking forward to the day when we can return to some normality.
Last year as everyone knew the downtown Soap Box Derby was cancelled and plans to have a makeup date was to be May of this year, however, I have kept in contact with Drew Finucane, a member of the committee for the Derby and it has been cancelled. As for the plans for the continuance of the Derby on the Labor Day event Drew will keep me informed of any new information or cancellation of the event.
Ron and Ronda have continued to keep the food bank drive going, again thanks Ron and Ronda for your dedication to this important drive on the club's behalf. The June drive will be on the 2nd.
Birthdays in June, Jim Rutyna, Greg Creedon, Ron Morley, Brian Kerr, Dave Richardson, Don Blake, Brian Page, Steve Comisky, Keith Taylor, Steve Chychul, Hope you all have a great day, (Happy Birthday)
Regards Brian Bowerman (Please Stay Safe)
Drive-By for our Brother, Larry Hussey.
Saturday, June 5th, 2021 Otterville, ON
Photos by Denis Jacob, Louis-Philippe
As some of you may know Piston Pushers member Larry Hussey has had some health issues over the last few months. He is home and doing OK but I want to do a belated roll by for him. We will be cruising past his home in Otterville and then I am heading for Maddy Moos food truck in Norwich for supper.
I apologize to any club members who may have been ill during the pandemic lock down but was not included in any roll byes.
Drive-By for John Sorensen's 100th Birthday.
Saturday, June 19th, 2021
Photos by Denis Jacob, Louis-Philippe
Happy 100th Birthday John
Drive-By for Six Nations Iroquois Lodge and 8 Grade Graduations
Wednesday June 23, 2021
Photos by Denis Jacob, Louis-Philippe
July 2021 Piston Pushers letter
Hope all are doing well, there is not a whole lot of old car activity going on except for some Roll By’s. The social committee has been desperately working on some events. First, I need to give some Health and Welfare items.
Our Club Vise President has been taken to a Toronto Hospital for an operation, not a lot of details as to the outcome of the operation at this time, I will keep you informed, Marv Vansickle was admitted to the Hamilton Hospital with some heart irregularities, I did speak with Marvin, he was in great spirits and had some tests done, he is now at home doing well and has been out fishing, great news. Some very sad news from Brian Page, his daughter passed away this week, Karen has been battling some serious health issues for some time, please keep Brian/Susan and the Page family in your thoughts and prayers as they morn their loss. Jerry and Judy Yakymchuk are also mourning the loss of Judy’s Mother this week. Again, please keep Jerry and Judy in your thoughts and prayers as well. Another gentlemen has passed away William Henry “Will” Keizer (Will ) was apparently a Piston Pusher a few years back, I’m sure there are a number of our members that would remember him.
Birthdays for the month of July, Denny Moyer, Ken Nuttal, Tom Drummond, Angelo DeFelice, Steve Graham, Brent Winchester. Ross Hedden, Ken Breau, Chris Gilbert, Allan Kellan. Happy Birthday guys hope you all have a terrific Birthday.
June had three roll bys, planned first was for Larry Hussey, a lot of members and non members participated, a great showing, we ended up at Maddy Moos, (Michell and Jim Miles) food truck, always very enjoyable. We had a drive by for Cambridge planned but due to the weather report it was cancelled, will be moved to a later date to be announced, next drive was to the Six Nations, this drive was requested by Don and Darlene Lickers, a fun and fantastic run to celebrate a birthday and a grade eight graduation for Don and Darlene’s grandson Jaxon and his friend Mason, graduates from Emily C General School, many of the graduates were waiting outside the school, we included a drive by the Iroquios Lodge. A great cruise with a lot of cars, both club members and again friends of the club participating. We look forward to what July will bring us so we can get some miles on those old cars. Thanks Ron Morley and the Social Club for keeping us entertained.
Ron and Rhonda will be heading up another Food Bank Drive July 7th, The June Food Bank run was 160 lbs and $270.00. Thanks to all members for your participation, these gifts from the club are surely appreciated. Thanks again Ron and Rhonda.
Until next month please stay safe and let me know if we have any health issues within our club. Things look to be opening up somewhat, but we still need to be vigilant in our daily routines to stay safe.
Regards Brian Bowerman
Photos by Denis Jacob, Louis-Philippe
Memorial Drive-by to honor Mr. Keith “Slim” Crofton
Deceased May 9th. 2021
Photos by Denis Jacob, Louis-Philippe
Video provided by Tom Mitchell
Tim Horton's Camp Day Cruise In.
Wednesday July 21st, 2021
Tim Horton West Brant
Photos by Denis Jacob, Louis-Philippe
Drive-By at the Seasons and Tranquility Retirement Home
July 30th, 2021 Kitty's Ice Cream Garage
Photos by Denis Jacob, Louis-Philippe
Drive-By at the Braeside Pentecostal Camp, Paris, On. &
Bartley's Dairy Bar in Woodstock, August 15th, 2021
August Newsletter
Well I am still away in Newfoundland but still being kept up to speed with club events although our club functions are still limited There has been a few cruises and roll by’s.
Health and welfare items, Ken Nuttall is home and doing well, still some time needed before Ken is fully recovered but looking better and keeping a very positive outlook for better times ahead. As I’m sure everyone is aware Ken is stepping down from the VP position but certainly plans to stay in the club and keep involved, as I mentioned in an earlier Email I wish Ken a speedy recovery and a big thanks for your VP involvement and keeping our club healthy. There are no other health issues to report at this time that I am aware of at this time. To all the members with Birthdays in September a wish for a great day, sorry I do not have my birthday list with me and do not want to miss anyone.
I hope those that took part in the Oldsmobile invitation to enjoy the Rambling Roads Brewery cruise. The Braeside Camp cruise is always well attended and enjoyed by all the residents as well as our cruisers. Cars and coffee cruises are always a great event put on by our very special club friend Randy Goudeseune. Please enjoy the Red Sox came, it was great to be chosen by the Red Sox to be a part of their game
Although I am thoroughly enjoying our summer home in Newfoundland I miss my involvement with our club members. Please enjoy what’s left of our summer, please stay safe, enjoy what few events we are able to have, again miss all of you, take care.
Keep up the great support for our local food bank, and thanks Ron and Rhonda for your continued efforts in the collection.
Regards Brian Bowerman
September 1st. 2021
Brantford Red Sox Baseball Game
Piston Pushers Car Club Photos
The Brantford Red Sox baseball game and supporting Piston Pusher car display was photographed by Crystal Young Photography and as such is copyrighted material. I reached out to Crystal Young Photography for written permission to use display images of this event on our page and as of this entry, I have still not received the required permission. To view this event, I suggest going to the Crystal Young Photography site
Thank-you
Brian
Waterford PumpkinFest Car Show
October 17th, 2021
( cloudy weather on this Car Show, they also got rain)
Photos by Denis Jacob, Louis-Philippe
Autumn Fall Cruise
October 23rd, 2021
( The Last Event in this Crazy 2021 Season was a good one)
Photos by Denis Jacob, Louis-Philippe
Piston Pushers News Letter, November 2021
Sorry it has been a while since my last update, however still not a lot to report but, we have had a couple of cruises and one great fall run to the St. Thomas Area with an overwhelming club and friends of the club turn out, we all had a great and safe day.
On the health and welfare front Ken Nuttall is doing well, I am very pleased to report.
We did lose one of our long time and founding members Tom Drummond.
Please keep the family in your thoughts at
this time of loss.
I know everyone is wondering what is going
on with regards to any upcoming meetings.
I have been in touch regularly with the
Polish Hall along with the social members as
we are all concerned as to the big question,
when can we start meeting again?
The Polish Hall at this time does not have a
cook and will only allow a maximum of 50
people in the hall at one time. They also will
not allow anyone into the hall without proof of
vaccination, their rules, but we know this is
pretty much the rule wherever we go these
days. Since we regularly have 90 to 100
members at our regular meetings it is
obvious that we would be beyond capacity at
this time.
So here is my take with a lot of things opening each month, let's hope for a January start to a somewhat return to some type of normality. Please let your Social Club Members or myself know your thoughts. It has been a long disturbing haul these past two years, so here's hoping we can get back to regular functions and meetings.
We have a few new individuals that would like to join the club so let's hope we can open things up and welcome them.
Please do your part to keep Remembrance Day a part of your November 11th, take two minutes to remember those that fought and lost their lives to give us the freedoms we enjoy today.
Best regards to all, Brian Bowerman
Piston Pushers Year in Review
What a year everyone has had, or should I say for two years this pandemic has no doubt taken its toll on all of us, hopefully we have been able to make the best of it.
I know certainly Dianne and I have tried our best to stay safe and sane, like most of us we have pretty much stayed home, through out and tried to follow the Provincial
and Federal guidelines. I’m sure most of us know someone that has been affected, we fortunately only knew one person, our niece Tammy a health care worker,
some of the aftereffects of this linger on for a rather lengthy period it is now more than a year for her and still has no taste, no smell, but worse, the PDHD from the memories of the loss of life in the facility she witnessed, I would assume this is quite common for those working in that type of Care Services.
As mentioned, Dianne and I have managed to stay clear of the disease. Having said that this April I had the misfortune of having a (Heart Attack). I am very thankful Dianne was
home at the time and had the good sense to call 911 right away, I was not so sure about the emergency call, as I said just let me sit here for a minute, it will pass, YAA Right, Dianne
did not listen to me and made the call, to my fortune it was the right move as it was more serious than I certainly imagined, (Five stints) later here I am. I have a great cardiologist,
and he is making sure along with Dianne (the watch dog) that they are keeping me on track doing the right thing both diet and exercise, so far so good I’m OK and on the mend. Thanks to all for your kind thoughts.
Not having meetings for pretty much two years, I believe as a club we did as much as we could, the participation from everyone on numerous Roll Byes, and the great trip to the St. Thomas area shows the club members are still together, thanks for all the participation.
It has been very gratifying to see the club come together to keep the Food Bank going, a huge thanks goes out to Ron and Rhonda for their continued dedication on picking up each month, the Food Bank Coordinators are most appreciative to the club, the club members donated 1,416 pounds and $2,695 thanks to all for not forgetting even though we were unable to have our regular meetings.
We are still relatively solid with our club finances. Thanks, Jim Thomson, for your continued support as our treasurer, Thanks to Ron Morley and his Social Club team they have kept us going as much as was possible with a few road trips, Roll byes and a soup night. Vince Brennen has also been working on the club’s behalf keeping the Historic materials and catalogs up to-date, Jim Harris Chair of the membership has also been keeping the membership log up to-date. As I believe and hope you agree your executive have truly been keeping the club going during this rough time.
On Health and Welfare with the club we have had one of our long-time members pass away, Tom Drummond passed away Oct of this year, Tom’s wife had passed away in March of this year, another of our members lost his spouse Shelia Schram, January of this year. Please remember these individuals’ families as we end the year. We should also keep in our thoughts at this time the loss that Chris Gilbert’s Mother and Father have had with a terrible fire that destroyed the family home they lost everything in the fire, Barb is still in the hospital, and Dave had severe burns as well.
Our Vice president Ken Nuttal has had a difficult year with his health, thankfully Ken is on the mend, Ken unfortunately finds it necessary to step down as our Vice President so I certainly on behalf of all the members thank-you Ken for his years of dedication to the club, Ken will however remain a club member and most certainly ready and willing to lend a hand wherever he can.
As for looking forward to 2022 your executive is planning to start the meetings again on January 12th, the Polish Hall unfortunately do not have a cook they are in search for one and may have one as we get into the New Year, however, in the interim we are planning to bring in pizza for the first meeting, the club will be supplying. Also, we are asking the members to continue with their regular dues of $60.00, if we can hold regular meetings going forward, if we are unable to hold meetings, we will cross that bridge when we get there, we will just have to do a wait and see. Although we are still relatively healthy in the finances another year of no dues will certainly put some strain on the club however if we are able to hold regular meetings, that would also mean we would be able to have our club picnic and the Christmas Party, adding cost that for the past two years we did not have.
Hope everyone has a great Christmas and New Year’s, please stay safe and enjoy time with family and friends Please remember those less fortunate and homeless currently
Your club President Brian Bowerman
Update To the membership, I must apologize, in my year end letter, I missed one very important individual, the passing of Don Douglas back in February, a very important member and one of the original founders of our club.
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