Long Island Chapter

from The Buick Bugle - July 2021

by Buick Club Of America

Buicks of 1931

Above; Long Island socially-distanced the members and their cars and a 1972 Skylark Custom two-door hardtop made an appearance.

Long Island Chapter, Keeping Active During the Pandemic!

Article and photos by Marc Alssid, BCA #39143, North Bellmore, New York

It certainly has been an unusual year for our chapter! While 2020 seemed to have started off in the usual manner, things changed by our March meeting which was abruptly cancelled due to warnings from the CDC and local health department relating to gatherings, especially for those over age 50. Since the majority of our members are in that category, it seemed wise to pay attention to the information.

We were able to host some meetings using the seemingly new video chat “Zoom” platform. It was great to be able to see and talk with each other, but people were really looking forward to the upcoming warmer months and being able to enjoy their cars. By the end of May we were able to gather some of our members to take a nice ride through some lesstraveled areas of North Western Long Island. We were worried about being able to find places open and the availability of restrooms. We were able to stop in a parking area in one of our small towns, Cold Spring Harbor, to have somewhat of a picnic. Luckily the town had decided to put a portable restroom in the parking lot! Definitely an uneasy time.

The summer was pretty much a wash-out as far as organized car shows went. There were some “cruise” spots where people would meet at shopping center parking lots, but none of the usual car shows, including what would have been our 41st Annual All-Buick Car Show which was supposed to take place on May 24th, 2020.

Luckily we generally have our monthly meetings at a local park. While we were not able to use the meeting room facilities, we did get the okay to meet outside socially distanced. Our Director, Marty Jablonski, tried to keep things interesting for our members. At one meeting he and several other members demonstrated how judging would be performed at a National Meet for those of us that have not participated at the national level. My brother Larry volunteered the use of his ’69 Skylark convertible. He and the other members present enjoyed the exercise and learned a bit about judging.

At one meeting, we had members bring their own food and we were able to have our annual picnic. Member Andy Marone also gave an interesting talk about work he was doing on his 1917 Buick. Quite a bit different than working on more modern vehicles.

We were able to hold meetings through November because we had nice weather. Our November meeting was held next to Sun Buick GMC in Wantagh, owned by chapter member Patrick Cassino. Patrick was kind enough to provide several

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new Buick and GMC models for us to check out. One of the new models recently introduced at the time was the Encore GX. We were also able to have a bit of a show, too, but didn’t want to advertise it as such because large gatherings were still prohibited, and the town was not issuing permits. Our member Anthony Gatta and his boys were nice enough to bring their DJ equipment and provide music throughout the day. We have been trying to keep to a schedule of meeting once a month either live or by Zoom.

1916 Buick six-cylinder touring car. 1947 Buick Special sedan.

1960 Electra 225. 1966 Wildcat

Larry Alssid's 1969 Skylark convertible.

1962 Skylark convertible.

1975 LeSabre pace car and a Reatta convertible.

The weather cooperated in March of this year and we were able to have a meeting outside which was a very nice change of pace after all the snow we had here this winter.

We are looking forward to being able to have some more activities and to hold our annual All- Buick Show this year. We have the show slated for Sunday, September 5th which is on Labor Day weekend. ♦