View a neat video  on You Tube ...  Titled: 1917X...
 @     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmHoUKq0sC8      (can copy and paste into browser)

Uploaded to You Tube on Dec 19, 2008

1917 Model T driving around in several feet of snow. This Model T has an accessory Livingood four-wheel-drive attachment, otherwise it is stock. It is dressed up to look like a WWI vehicle.
Jesse Livingood is sometimes credited with inventing 4WD. His first patent was issued in 1912.
He started selling conversion units in 1914. There is no evidence that the US government used 4WD T's in WWI, that I can find.

2016 Christmas Party

Little Rhody's Christmas Party was held on December 3rd.  We met at Richard's Pub for the second year, and had 42 members and guests in attendance.  We were able to enjoy appetizers and then a beautiful buffet in the Pub's renovated function room.  John Mennucci was our musical coordinator/DJ.  The new officers were introduced, and Dottie Cece and Susan Mosca volunteered to jointly fill the unfilled position of Hospitality Chairperson.  Moe and Jan Rousseau were selected for the Carole Hathaway Burns award, and Bob and Evie Osborne received the Herbert R. Allen award. Santa Clause made his annual visit  just after dinner. 

The long awaited drawing for Al Silvia's mystery gift took place at the same time as Santa's arrival, making for a little confusion as everyone applauded for Ken Trudel - the winner!  The mystery gift was a Model-Leg Lamp - amazing us all and causing chuckles all around.  Also included in the gift were a $100 gift certificate to the Lobster Pot restaurant and a bottle of champagne.  A large assortment of toys were donated by the members for the "Toys for Tots" program and we filled up Richard Mowry's vehicle for the trip to the donation center.  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!

arrival at the renovated function hall

 

The Andres and the Pagliarinis

 

Dale, Al, Ray, Ruth, Macie ad Sean

 

Macie, cutting up

 

Dawn, our fearless leader

 

Santa visiting with us

 

Ken wins the Model-Leg

 

2016 Donation to Toys for Tots

November 13th 2016 Meeting

During the last meeting before the Christmas Party, and according to the club "tradition", our generous club members brought lots of food to donate to the needy.  Richard and Joan Mowry took charge of distribution through the churches in Smithfield.  Moe and Jan Rousseau had arranged for a brown bag auction - always a good time!  Sparky was our lively auctioneer putting us through our paces and earning the club some money.  We finalized The Christmas Party plans, started collecting dues, and got the next to the last chance to buy raffle tickets for Al Silvia's mystery prize, voted for award winners, and posted the slate of officers for 2017.

We also were able to order tee shirts, jackets,  etc. through our new "clothing and accessories" coordinators, John and Barbara Budziak!

Last minute rush for raffle tickets

Sparky as our special auctioneer

2016 Veteran's Day Parade in Wickford

Several Club members with their cars ventured out to participate in the parade.  Fortunately, the Hussey Bridge, which had been closed, re-opened just in time for the parade!  The weather was good, and the turnout of parade watchers was great.  Richard Preliasco led the Little Rhody Group this year. As has become a tradition, we toured the Rhode Island Veteran's Cemetery after the parade.   We were able to have lunch afterwards at the Homestead restaurant - always a nice place to relax and enjoy each other's company.

 

Crossing the Hussey Bridge

Taking pictures on the run....

Richard led the way!



At the RI Veteran's Cemetery