2016 Dust Off Tour April 23

The 2016 Dust Off Tour

It was a beautiful day on April 24th - clear, cool and breezy, just right for going on the first ride of the season!

Bob Osborne led the group up into Massachusetts to Purgatory Chasm over some beautiful Model A roads.   It was so nice out that the parking lots were crowded, and everyone from miles around were there...so we did not stay long.  At noon, the first day that the West End Creamery was open this year, we drove just a short distance and enjoyed the views, and some of us even got some ice cream!  Then it was off to Harmony, RI, another nice ride to Chester's Restaurant for baked stuffed chicken - yummy!     A very nice day!

 

March 2016 Meeting

On March 13th Little Rhody did the annual Pot Luck Dinner.  We remember last year when the "annual" Potluck was cancelled due to snow, snow, snow!  Although Dottie Cece could not come, she sent along all the Irish theme table cloths with Angel and Dennis.  The room was festive and the food was great as always.  And you can see by the pictures we all enjoyed the day. 

Setting up

Our "Just" Desserts

The Febrary Meeting on the 14th, 2016

On a bitter cold and blustery February 14th, 2016 - Valentine's Day - the club met at 2 pm.   The American Heart Association has deemed February Heart Month.  Using this as a theme,  Moe and Janice Rousseau arranged for a demonstration of Basic Life Support.  Chief Fenwick Gardiner from the North Kingstown Fire Department had Lt. Ernie Robin come to the meeting and do the presentation.  Ernie was terrific!  Just the right amount of information and a thorough demonstration of the 30/2 CPR guidelines.  He also did a demonstration of the Heimlich Maneuver and the Automated Electronic Defibrillator (AED).  His style was informative, but encompassing just the right amount of comic relief!  He readily answered all of our questions.  Afterwards, members who wanted to have their Blood Pressure checked stopped by  to see Janice Rousseau. 

 

Members awaiting the meeting

Ernie Robin Demonstrating CPR

Manikin and AED

Janice Rousseau does blood pressure readings

1/10/16 Program on Pouring and Machining Babbit Bearings for the Model A Engine

Ray Pagliarini collaborated with Bob Osborne and Moe Rousseau to create a program demonstrating the making of babbitt bearings specific for a Ford Model A Engine.  The Power Point program included still pictures and videos of Ray actually making the bearings in his home workshop.  He was able to narrate the process in the films. Input from Bob and Moe was offered during the presentation.  Ray also brought some of the machines and tools used with him to the meeting on January 10th.  Many of the members approached him with expressions of interest and questions after seeing the program.

Ray Explains the process to Ken and Richard

Simulated Cam Shaft and Boring Bar

Cam Shaft to Boring Bar Aligning Tool

Line Boring Fixture

Line Boring Fixture at the Meeting

Connecting Rod with Babbitt Mold

December 12, 2015 The Pizza Party at Fran and Nick's

This is the second year we have been invited to share a bit of Christmas cheer and Pizza with Nick and Fran at their home in Kensington,  Connecticut.  Several members of the club arrived at the now famous home about 11:30 on that Saturday.  We were treated to a tour of the Christmas wonderland - going room to room viewing lavishly decorated Christmas trees, ornaments, knick-knacks, lighted centerpieces, collections of dolls and toy/model cars and trucks.  WOW!  then on to the basement where Nick and his elves had the brick fire oven all stoked up.  There were appetizers galore.  Then, we were enticed to make our own pizzas - rolling the dough, adding sauce & toppings, and waiting while our creations were baked to perfection in the oven. Nick entertained us with a few jokes, and introduced us to some of his friends. To top it off, we were able to choose from a variety of desserts. We presented Fran with a new "showman" centerpiece.  Then to top it off, Fran came around with special ornaments for all the ladies - what a nice day!

 

 

 

December 5, 2015 Christmas Party

The Little Rhody Christmas Party was held at Richard's Pub in East Greenwich on December 5th, coordinated by  Susan Dunn.  Marilyn Ricci gave the blessing, and the meeting was begun with a moment of silence for John Cece, a long term club member,  who died last week.  The meal was scrumptious and the mood was festive.  A total of 46 people attended.  Members brought toys to be taken by Richard Mowry to the Toys-for-Tots collection center.  Sparky entertained the group in that wonderful Santa outfit - and he also wandered through the restaurant to amuse Pub customers!  Sue Dunn made party favors this year - sparkly ornaments with Model A cars on them.  Officers were voted in by one vote by John Mennucci.  The Carol Hathaway award was given to Paula Taylor for her contributions over the years, especially the making of Christmas Party favors and centerpieces.  Al and Dale Silvia received the Herb Allen Award for their tremendous work organizing the picnic in July, the memorable Model A Mailbox, and numerous other contributions to the club in 2015.  The Mailbox raffle drawing was won by Rosalie Pagliarini!  $750 was contributed to the club treasury related to the famous Mailbox. thanks to Frank Almeida for some of these pictures....