Recent Event Photographs
2021 Annual Membership Banquet - Friendly Farm Restaurant
Greeting members as we arrived at Friendly Farm Restaurant for our Annual Membership Banquet were these two happy characters enjoying the brisk fall weather.
As usual, members brought their antique cars for display in the parking lot.
The 1959 Chevrolet Corvette, lovingly restored by Trip Franklin, a Chesapeake Region member we lost in 2021, was brought to the banquet by family members.
Also on the lot was the 1968 Plymouth Barracuda of long-time member John Shenton, Jr. who we lost recently. It was brought to the banquet by his family members.
Club members were encouraged to bring several non-perishable food items for donation to local food banks. The food donation was a project of student member Elizabeth, who thanked the members for their cooperation.
Over 100 members attended our Annual Membership Banquet this year and by 12:30 pm only one table remained available for late arrivals.
With the food line containers filled, our hungry members lined up to select their favorite, delicious Friendly Farm foods. Fried chicken, roast beef and fried shrimp were featured.
Then it was time to sit down ... and enjoy!
Taking full advantage of the "all you can eat" opportunity.
On the nearby side table were three cakes, elegantly decorated.
Ablaze in traditional fall colors, this one thanked President Paula for her seven years as the president of our Chesapeake Region, Antique Automobile Club of America.
Colorful centerpiece displays decorated every dining table
As everyone completed their meal and the tables were cleared, President Paula addressed the members and began the after-dinner program.
First up was the presentation of an AACA 50-year membership pin, as well as a Chesapeake Region 50-year membership pin to long-time member Harry Wilhelm.
Harry then received a well-deserved round of applause from his fellow members. Congratulations Harry!
For their assistance to her over the past seven years of her Chesapeake Region presidency, Paula presented a "Certificate of Appreciation" to a large group of our members.
Taking over for her in 2022, new Chesapeake Region President, Tom Dawson receives a commemorative gavel from President Paula.
With gavel in-hand, Tom then spoke to the members about his hopes and plans for the Chesapeake Region future.
Club treasurer, Jack Treadwell (tasked annually to obtain a gift for President Paula) in a pre-planned skit, spoke of his frustration this year in selecting a gift for the "person who has everything" and mentioned some possibilities he considered, such a a subscription to the "Jelly of the Month Club" -- at which time he was "interupted" by Tom Dawson, who initiated the presentation of the real gifts Paula was to receive,
Nick Prevas, our Vice President for 2022, presented Paula with the original documents from local officials for two of our club events: 1) A thanks for participation in the 2015 Montebello Filtration Plant Centenial, and 2) congratulations from local government officials on the clubs's 50th Anniversary.
Judy Dawson, our new Social Events Director, then continued with the presentations.
Paula's husband Gary, was then called up to the podium by Judy.
For his extensive assistance and support during the seven years of Paula's presidency, Gary was given a "First Man" shoulder banner.
For his dedication to our Toys For Tots bicycle donation campaign he was also acknowledged with a "Santa on Bicycle" award.
Paula was then presented with a commemorative coffee mug.
As Paula opens her next gift, Judy attempts to hide her amusement.
The gift: A deck of playing cards with a photo of Paula sweeping the floor after conclusion of a Howard County Swap Meet event.
The special gift, saved for last: a Shutterfly photo album commemorating the many people and activities of her seven-year presidency.
Paula quickly scans the book...
... and then, from the members, she receives a sincere round of applause for her seven-year service to Chesaapeake Region.
Those members who contributed to the production of the book were then acknowledged.
The next president of the Chesapeake Region: Tom Dawson.
The 2022 Chesapeake Region Executive Board then gathered for a photograph...
... and were then joined by the 2022 appointed officers for a joint photograph.
And with that the the 2021 Chesapeake Region Annual Membership Banquet concluded, a success on all fronts and a fitting tribute to our Seven Year President: Paula Ruby.