CRANKIN A’S MODEL A RESTORERS CLUB, INC MEETING MINUTES – JANUARY 31, 2026
The January Meeting of the Crankin A’s Model A Restorers Club, Inc. was opened by President, Bruce Hawley, at 10 AM on January 31, 2026, at the Pioneer Art Settlement, 176 Lightfoot Lane, Barberville FL, 32105. There were 33 members present. It was requested that the minutes of the last meeting be accepted as reported on our Website: crankinasfl.com. Paul Howes offered a correction to be made: Our President has to be voted in every year, not a two-year term. A motion was made and accepted.
Our Treasurer, Ed Hart, gave his Report and it will be available upon request. We have 54 current members. 2026 Club Dues are now due: $70 ($50 MARC - $20 CRANKIN A’S).
Sunshine Report: Karen Widajewski sent cards to: Sheila Wedemire. Dennis Dunn, Glen Jewell, Larry Antonelli and Barb Dlubac.
Our Question of the Day from Cleo Banfi was given by Jan Shepler. Regarding the Economy, the most impactful thing Henry Ford did was introduce the $5- a-day minimum wage and reduce the workday to eight hours in l914. Higher wages transformed factory workers into consumers driving the economy.
Paul Howes reported on Garage Project Car – weather not cooperating is not allowing finishing painting fenders & running boards, woodworking, etc. to be completed. Fred Clark & Joe Dlubac’s project car is completed.
Ed Hart has turned over to Larry Antonelli the job of taking care of Name Badges and T- Shirts. He needs a volunteer to handle the yearly Mileage Report form sent in with yearly dues. Ed has asked us to think about a single sheet listing of 2026 Memberships instead of our more expensive and time-consuming Annual Roster that we are used to receiving. Will see if he can incorporate addresses, phone numbers, birthdays & anniversaries plus e-mails, etc. that is included in the Roster all on one spread sheet.
Kevin Duffy reported on our Web Site; Currently working with our regular site to keep up and running and traffic has increased on opening & reading. His primary method of communication is our informative e-mails. Everyone needs to check and read them to be updated on current events.
The Pioneer Settlement Report: Bruce stated that as they pay our bills for us we need to be more helpful in keeping the Settlement functioning. The back gate behind the Garage must be kept shut as the Goats are running loose in back field and are not allowed into the Settlement area.
Old Business
Friday, Dec. 12, 2025 – Marina Coidakis gave a cheerful report on the success of our Christmas Dinner/Party. She thanked Gary Michael for being responsible for increasing our attendance to 64 with his entertainment band that was thoroughly enjoyed by all. This year’s Dinner/Party had a Profit of $29.17. All expressed “Heartfelt Thanks” to Marina & Jim for handling so efficiently and beautifully for us each year.
Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025 was FL Christmas Remembered at BPS and a special “Thanks” to Bruce & Paul along with Steve & Andy for working with the children attending.
Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, Tour of Stetson Mansion at Christmas was very special plus lunch afterward.
Kevin Duffy reported that the Sat. Jan 17, 2026, Cruise-in featuring the Model A had 12 cars participating and they were pleased to see so many.
New & Continuing Business:
Spring 2026 Tour: April 8 – 9 Barberville to St. Augustine. See flyer with all detail – one night stay at Best Western Bayfront. Sign up with Kevin Dufy,
Tour Director. MARC Mileage Program – contact Ed Hart with your car’s vin number as soon as possible – Due now along with Club Dues.
The Garage is planning on purchasing a stock of maintenance parts, i.e., spark plugs, points, condensers, etc. for placement in the Garage. Anyone needing will have to order replacements to keep stock in place. Herman Wedemire suggested water pump rebuilding.
Upcoming Events: Details are available on the Website (Calendar and click on Events)
Tuesday, Feb. 3 - Ladies Day 9 AM at PAS Library.
Board of Directors Meeting at Garage 10AM Monday,
Feb. 9 – 9 AM Living Legend of Auto Racing Parade & Auto Show at Drive-in Church, Daytona Beach Shores come early before 9AM
Tuesday, Feb. 10 – Guests for Tinker Tuesday – Volusia & Palm Coast Car Clubs after Noon
Saturday, Feb. 28 – 10 AM Monthly Meeting Crankin A’s – Barberville March 7 10 – 2 PM - 1st
Sat. Celebration of Olde Florida, PAS
March 15 – 11:30 – 3 PM – 3V3 Veterans Car Show, Deland March 20 – 11:30–3:30 PM
Stetson Mansion Historical Tour & Lunch
March 28-29 - 21st Annual Spring Fling & Model A Car Show 9-4PM
April 8-9 – St Augustine Spring Tour
May 2 – 9-2 PM Jamming at the Settlement
May 25 – 9-1 PM 6th Annual Lk Helen Memorial Day Tribute Car Show Car Show –
Feb. 25-26-27-28 2026 Florida Flywheelers Antique Engine Club – 33rd Annual Antique Engine & Tractor Show (Gary)
Before Meeting was adjourned a special award ceremony took place: First Responder, Don Widajewski, was summoned to the front. Gary Michael recounted the numerous times Don had helped him on a long trip; Kim Ziffra thanked Don for coming speedily to her frequent towing calls for help presenting him with a Gate Rate Plaque; Larry Antonelli recalled one of many times Don helped him in particular out of a ditch giving him a gift of headlight fluid. Gary finalized ceremony with a mug for “One More Thing” Have a “Drink on Us”. The entire Club shares in Thanking Don for all the First Responder Help he gives everyone who is in need continually.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION IS COMMUNICATED TO THE MEMBERSHIP VIA EMAIL. PLEASE CHECK AND OPEN YOUR CLUB EMAIL TO STAY INFORMED
Meeting adjourned at 11:13 AM - 50/50 won by Don Widajewski who picked Emmy’s Time Out Tavern, 2069 Old New York Ave., DeLand, FL Opens at 5 PM on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026.
Respectfully Submitted;
Elaine B. Lowe, Secretary