OLDSMOBILE CLUB OF AMERICA EASTERN MA. GMO CHAPTER ...

OLDSMOBILE CLUB OF AMERICA EASTERN MA. GMO CHAPTER ROCKET POWER NEWSLETTER!! Auto Detailing Child Sweatshop Uncovered in Methuen

GMO reporters have learned of a suspected child sweatshop in the Methuen area forcing young boys to detail classic Oldsmobiles. The boys allege that the cars are theirs but we have other suspicions. We will continue to investigate and hope to have grand jury indictments soon. GMO Attends Mass Cruisers Show in Medway, MA

Issue #26 Ma

September 2007

The Mass Cruisers Auto Club has held an annual show for the past 16 years with the last four of them in the rain. Much to their surprise, the August 19th show had perfect weather and the VFW facility was strained to find parking for over 300 show cars. The event was emceed by the legendary Bruce Palmer of WSRS and he played an Oldsmobile 442 commercial for us Oldsmobilers. Bruce has agreed to DJ our Spring Dust-off Show which we hope to hold on May 4, 2008.

The GMO club was represented by Rich & Karen Santucci, Mark Baravella, Frank St Elmo, Andrea & Nelson DesJardins, Ricky Zanco, Ted Loranz, Dave Pelletier, Dave Consoli, Ray Thierren, Pete Agris, Phil & Marcia Boucher, Cynthia Dombrowski and Richard Knights. We were beaten in club participation by the Canton Auto Club who had 15 entries to our 13 (we beat them at the all GM show by 1 entry). The GMO also cleaned up in the awards department: • • • • •

Rich & Karen Santucci - 1st Mark Baravella - 1st Frank St Elmo - 1st Andrea & Nelson DesJardins - Runner up Ricky Zanco - Runner up

The GMO needs your help so we can win best club participation at all the shows we attend.

GMO Season-end Cookout THE PARTY is September 8, the time is 5:00 PM and the place is 84 Boyd St. Newton, MA.

Last year was great & this year will be even better. The Santuccis are again hosting this event (with help from Art & Janine Profenno) and plan to have ALL your favorite cookout foods (menu will be published later).

GMO members attending were Rich & Karen Santucci, Ted Loranz, Mark Baravella, Kevin Mackenzie, Chris Arsenault, Ron Bavier, Ray Thierren, Dave Consoli, and Steve Sordillo. Oldsmobiles were also displayed by Tim Ward and Ed Vigue and several others.

Karen & Rich set up their canopy and it didn’t take long for everyone to congregate under it (maybe they need a bigger tent). The day was beautiful but the sun was bright and the canopy was a welcome relief.

GMO Attends All GM Show in Hanover, MA It was the best weather day of the week and the GMO was out in force to show everyone at the All GM show that Oldsmobile is still here. The show was held at Columbia Pontiac, Buick, GMC in Hanover, MA and is sponsored by the Yankee Chapter of the Pontiac Oakland Club (POCI). It is open to all GM and GM powered cars and this year there were also limited classes for non-GM cars.

The POCI had several events including a backup contest (Steve Sordillo tried it again this year) which amused the attendees while the voting results were tallied. The GMO cleaned up in the awards section. • • • • • • •

Ray Therrien – 1st place Mark Baravella – 1st place Rich & Karen Santucci – runner up Dave Consoli – runner up Steve Sordillo – runner up Chris Arsenault – runner up The GMO – best club participation

Ransom Notes Ransom Notes is a GMO member profile in honor of Ransom Eli Olds who founded the Olds Motor Vehicle Company on August 21, 1897. Ransom Notes is authored By GMO member David Consoli.

The year is 1967. The “Graduate” starring Dustin Hoffman was king at the box office. The Doors topped the charts with “Light my fire”. The Dynamic Duo Batman & Robin was the popular TV series. The Green Bay Packers won the Super Bowl, and our beloved Red Sox lost to the Cardinals in the World Series. 1967 was also the year that 24,829 Oldsmobile 442’s rolled off the assembly lines. Two of those units, a convertible and a coupe, are currently owned by our modern day Dynamic Duo Cathy and Steve Economou. The foundation of this love affair with Oldsmobile was built back in the 1960’s. Steve’s Grandfather, Sam Sintros, was a mechanic at the local Oldsmobile Cadillac dealership in Lowell. Steve recalls as a young child looking over the fender of Grandpa Sam’s circa 1950’s & 1960’s Oldsmobile’s for countless hours while Sam repaired them. Sam Sintros would only drive Oldsmobiles. Steve also recalls that his grandfather would know when quality cars were being traded in because he serviced them. Therefore, Sam would end up buying only the best trade-ins from the dealership when he needed a car. Sam’s love of Olds made an impression on Steve that carried on through the years. As a young man in his 20’s, Steve bought a Red 1967 442 convertible that he adored. This car was tragically wrecked three months later on I-495 one icy November evening by his friend Rich. Rich borrowed the car to impress a date. Steve was heart broken. At this point in his life, Steve was still in school and unable to replace the car. He subsequently drove what he describes as “affordable run of the mill” Oldsmobiles. Several years later, still mourning the loss of his beloved 1967, 442 Steve went through a “phase” (I call it temporary insanity) where he drove only Corvettes. Yes, Corvettes - I kid you not. As bad as that sounds, something good came out of that

“phase”... Steve met his wife Cathy. Cathy may have thought Steve was cute driving his Corvette, but that phase didn’t last long. Steve admits that he “got sick of the Vettes”. His heart always stayed true to Oldsmobile. In 1995, after 15 years of marriage, Steve told Cathy that he would love to buy another 1967 442. Cathy freely admits she didn’t know much about Oldsmobile’s, didn’t know what a 442 was, and had never been in a convertible before. It was time to immerse Cathy in the Oldsmobile experience. So the search began for a 1967 442, convertible. After months of looking at print ads and online, Steve found a one in St. Augustine, Florida. He hired an appraiser to look over the car. As luck would have it, Cathy and Steve had a nephew, (Cathy’s God son Steven) who worked in Orlando. He drove to St. Augustine and relayed that the car was a beauty. The appraiser agreed with young Steven’s assessment, so the Economous bought the car.

The car arrived late on Easter week. “This is what the Easter bunny brought Steve” Cathy joked. Upon delivery, Cathy videotaped the car coming off the truck. I couldn’t help but joke, “It sounds like you were videotaping a birthing experience.” When Steve arrived from work, he opened the garage to view their purchase and described the moment as A RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE!! His prayers were answered! Who wouldn’t thank God for a mint 1967 442 convertible? The car is black with white interior. Powered by a matching #s 400 cid V-8, a turbo 400 transmission & 3.55:1 rear axle.

special for all of us every time they attend a GMO event. World of Wheels Show in Falmouth Seven of the faithful GMOers made the trek to the the Cape’s Barnstable County Fair Grounds on Saturday August 25th to the “World of Wheels” event put on by Cruisin’ New Englands Paul Mennett.

The Economous were hooked. Years later they began a search for yet another 1967 442 to complement the convertible. In 2002, Steve and Cathy purchased a 1967 442 coupe. Like its sibling, this 442 is Jet black but takes on a more aggressive personality. It is powered by a modified 455 cid V-8, 4-speed gearbox and 3.55:1 rear axle. The interior is CUSTOM. The seats and dash are upholstered in gray tweed. The gauges are custom aftermarket gauges.

As Claire & I were preparing to leave, WBZ was announcing that there was an air show at the Otis Air Base (right next to the fairgrounds) and I immediately thought that traffic would be terrible. I was correct, but the traffic problem was in Wrentham as someone decided that a Saturday would be a great time to close off 2 lanes of 495 for paving – WRONG! After about ½ hour delay we were on our way again and it was clear sailing until the Bourne Bridge where there was a small backup.

Recently, Steve & Cathy purchased a third Oldsmobile, what I call the ultimate grocery getter, a 1972 vista cruiser. This is a car that they drive everywhere. It is great for trips to Market Basket, Home Depot, the golf course, or a swap meet. These Oldsmobile’s are impressive to say the least, but what I am most impressed by had nothing to do with the vehicles. I am most impressed with Cathy and Steve. They are fun, friendly, kind and caring. Simply stated, they are nice people. When asked about their experience with the GMO Cathy said “The classic car hobby is nice, but it is just the avenue to meet wonderful people from all walks of life who share the same passion”. Steve added, “We have met and befriended wonderful people. It has been an enriching experience”.

We arrived at the show a little before 9:00 AM and ran into another snag… they had lost my preregistration. After taking care of that, I steered the ’66 442 to the Oldsmobile parking area where most everyone was already in place. I pulled up next to the Santuccis, who had just arrived, but we had to park diagonally because of a huge Mohegan Sun truck. Karen Santucci commandeered a picnic table in the shade and we all arranged our chairs for maximum comfort.

1967 was a special year for the Economous. I agree. For me 1967 was special for a different reason. 1967 was the year a special woman carried me for nine months and gave birth to me. Thanks Mom!! Thanks to the Economou’s 1967 will be

Roy and Laura Crandall arrived shortly after, as did Steve & Cathy Economou joining Mark Baravella, Ray Therrien and Chris Arsenault. There were a total of about 12 Oldsmobiles present. Although it was supposed to be a hot day,

it was cooler at the fairground and there was a nice breeze (Karen was actually cold) but it became warmer in the sun during the afternoon. We all dined on the delicious cold cut lunch that Karen had brought and Claire provided chocolate chip cookies to round out the meal (see what you missed you non-attendees!!!).

Awards were given out about 4:00 PM & your GMO cleaned up again. Top 5 Oldsmobile awards were given to Karen & Rich Santucci, Mark Baravella, Ray Therrien, and Steve and Cathy Economou. The Santuccis were also awarded the Super Wheels pick. The Past, Present, & Future… By Doug Estabrook The last time I wrote an article for the newsletter, I mentioned how I woke up one day and realized I was mortal - my kids had grown up and started families, noticed a few more gray hairs, etc., and decided it was time for ME, hence, the 442. Over the years, I’ve had a lot of reasonably fast cars, enjoyed them all, learned a lot and just enjoyed being a "gear head." And while I’ve always enjoyed sports, my one true passion was drag racing. I was very lucky in that, early in my working life, I met a guy named Mac. He was a couple of years older than me, but as much of a car nut as I was. We got talking one day on the job about, maybe, putting a car together and going racing. He told me that he had the PERFECT car in storage in Revere, MA. (this guy’s everyday ride was a 1969 Chevy Nova with a 375HP - 396, 4 speed, the works). It was a 1966 Ford (sorry for all these "dirty names", but it gets better, I swear!) Fairlane. Without going into a lot of detail, we raced that car for 4 years and the only thing that broke was a axle! It was also the car that provided me with my ONLY racing claim to fame - we

qualified for the NHRA Division One Bracket championships at York, PA, representing New England Dragway (no, I didn’t do very well, thank you). But, that was the mid 70's, the job was getting busy, family growing and responsibility was rearing its ugly, but necessary, head. I sold the car, had various street cars, mostly of the "family kind" (hey, the first brand new car I EVER bought was a 1979 Ford Pinto wagon - at least it was a 4 speed!). Fast forward to 2003. I bought the Oldsmobile, and did just enough to it to make it the way "I" liked it. The usual stuff-headers, aftermarket intake, carb, big cam, etc. Had a lot of fun showing the 5 liter Mustangs what a REAL Rocket was off the lights! But, quite frankly, it was getting a little boring, you know? Soooooo, almost 31 years to the day, my buddy Mac (yup, we still work in same place) and I get chewing the fat about the "good old days." And then it happened... someone asked me "What do you think it would do in the quarter mile?" We both looked at each other, a gleam came into our cataract-encrusted, crowsfoot-lined eyes, and said "Well, only one way to find out!" The groundwork for a "day at the races" started to get laid out. Please pay attention to next months newsletter - THATS where the fun starts! Here’s a picture of me and the car the first day I brought it home.

Upcoming GMO Supported Events • •

September 8 – GMO BBQ/Cookout/Party September 9 – Ty-Rods Old Timer’s Meet – Lancaster, MA

• •

September 9 – NEOC Show – New Britain, CT September 16 - Milford Lions – Milford, MA

See the club website http://clubs.hemmings.com for more details. Letter From the President Well, it was quite an exciting year for all of us of the GMO club. We broke our old record of memberships thanks to a few devoted members who were "Hell Bent" on getting even more members. Demonstrating what the GMO Club had to offer all members, new and old, creative offers and persistence was what it took. And..."thank you ", especially to Dave Consoli. Dave brought in 33 new members this year alone. And "thank you "to all the new members who did join us. Welcome. We had a great show season. Our 2007 Dust Off was a huge success. "Thank you" to all the many members who helped out on both days...We had so much fun, it didn't event seem like work... We had a great time! Larz Anderson Auto Museum loved finally having us show up in force. Thank goodness it did not rain this year. A GMO member's Red 1971 W-30 was on the cover of The Improper Bostonian and was shot on location at Larz Anderson. (July issue). The Endicott show (BSAAC), in Dedham was as great as ever with 73 Oldsmobiles. We had our monthly meeting there also and the weather was perfect. All of us Oldsmobile owners were fine in "OUR" special spot on top of the hill. The ladies love that spot, just ask Karen Santucci and Cathy Economou. Some smart guy even got to purchase the blue 1972 4 speed 442 convertible that I was advising everyone to buy . He got a steal as well as he is now a member of our GMO club. We couldn't let him get away, so I asked him personally to join. We hope that we get to see more of him and his new blue 442! The Oldsmobile Nationals - what can I say other than, "if you missed out, you really missed out!" We all had so much fun and all friendships became even stronger. We were a team... the

GMO Club from Boston! Wow... 5 First Places, 1 Best of Class. We all had so much class that everyone wanted to hang with us. Our NEOC brothers received the nomination to be the hosts of the 2010 Nationals, right here in Massachusetts. I will accept NO excuses for any members not attending or helping out for this one. Oldsmobile's National President, Mr. Pat Yancy looked right at us and said, "You GMO people better start working on this and make it right" He is expecting a lot from the NEOC people and any clubs helping out. Next month we will send out the positions available. (See last newsletter for all the details). And speaking of next month, we are having like a graduation/finale BBQ at the home of the Santucci's... You are coming right? Look, the GMO club promises you we are having a BIG BBQ! I am personally making 60 dry rubbed ribs. Rich is breaking out the "Home Made" wine and many of our loyal wives are cooking up a storm, so you must attend or we are in trouble. This is not just another Hot Dog and Hamburger night! Wait until you see what George Berejik is bringing... Buffalo! I want everyone who has enjoyed being a member of GMO Club to be there. You have to eat, so eat on the GMO Saturday evening at 5PM, the 8th of September! Charlie Iantosca said he would come, so far we have about 25 signed up. “You miss it, I am a gonna kill you” Who said that? “Be there or be square” - like that one better. Ok, if you do not come, we are going to talk about you. So be there! OK, if you are coming, you “must" RSVP to Ted by email or phone so we will have enough food. I will see all you fun people there. Please do not forget that we will do an optional “GMO Cruise" for a 15 minute ride for ice cream.... Live it up, we are the biggest and the best, so enjoy it! We want you to be with us. Thanks for the memories. Paul Iantosca President of “Your" GMO Oldsmobile Club

Eastern Massachusetts GMO Chapter

114 West Street Medway, MA 02053-2226

First Class Mail

GMO Officers President Paul Iantosca – 617-543-0777 [email protected]

Events Coordinator Bill Reilly – 781-820-6552 [email protected]

Vice President Rich Santucci – 617-899-9109 [email protected]

New Member Recruiter Karen Santucci – 617-899-9109 [email protected]

Secretary / Treasurer Ted Loranz – 508-561-7613 [email protected]

Club Representative Everett Horton – 401-435-7139 [email protected]

GMO Chapter Website – http://clubs.hemmings.com/olds-gmo