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September, 2017

Volume 44, Number 9

Seventh award View more club information on our website at: www.thunderbirdcircleoc.com

Joe’s Jalopy

President’s message

Thunderbird members

September is upon us and we will all enjoy the family back yard picnicking and of course labor day fun. But don't worry we will be having our annual Oktoberfest outing at the Juranka’s house. Since the Juranka’s are, as always doing all the shopping for us we need a head count if you are intending on attending this great event. Please RSVP the Juranka’s or me by email or by phoning us that you will attend. This year Chris has a novel idea. All those bringing a side dish are asked to name it. Everyone will then vote on the best name. The idea is to name it something with a German flair if possible. The one with the most creative name will win a door prize. So set your calendar for this event and remember the name game. WE (your board) has decided to ask the members to get more involved in the functioning of the club. To start with, we are asking that someone step up to do the table decorations for the Christmas party. Remember everything you purchase and the cost will be reimbursed. No money out of your pocket the club will pay for everything. Of course like any other club we have a budget in mind and will work with you. SO PLEASE STEP UP AND SUPPORT YOUR CLUB. You’re President Joe Lipuma

Attention

Next Club Members Eat/Greet/Meet will be

September 21st

Joe & June LiPuma’s home Did you know we have a Facebook Page?

Our name is Thunderbird Circle,

Orange County. Come visit!

Inside this issue: President’s Message page 1 Club Information page 2 Coming Events page 2 Meeting Information page 2 Editorial page 2 Sunshine Report page 3 Anniversaries & Birthdays page 3 Schedule of Events page 4 Pageant of the Thunderbirds Flyer page 5 Oktoberfest Flyer page 6 Chili Cook-off page 7 Chili Cook-off 2 page 8 Health Tips page 10 Tech Tips page 13 Board Meeting Minutes page 14 Unknown Story of 9/11 page 15 Oktoberfest Side Dish Naming Contest page 17 Membership has its Privileges page 18

September 2017 page 2

President: Joe LiPuma 714-961-8468 president@thunderbirdcircleoc.com

Vice President: Ed Zaleski 714-544-6698 vp@thunderbirdcircleoc.com

Secretary: Janet Walsh 714-970-5817 secretary@thunderbirdcircleoc.com

Treasurer: Gary Zimmerman 714-579-0459 treasurer@thunderbirdcircleoc.com

CTCI Representative: Juanita Bigelow 909-370-2758 ctci@thunderbirdcircleoc.com

Membership Chairperson: Juanita Bigelow 909-370-2758 mc@thunderbirdcircleoc.com

Sunshine Chairperson: Irene Zaleski 714-544-6698 sunshinechair@thunderbirdcircleoc.com

Director at Large 1: Dave Natali 949-494-5632 director1@thunderbirdcircleoc.com

Director at Large 2: Pete DePaola 714-637-7486 director2@thunderbirdcircleoc.com

Editor: Bob DePaola 714-974-9334 editor@thunderbirdcircleoc.com

Advertising Chairman Tom Peluso 949-746-3375 editor@thunderbirdcircleoc.com

Web-Master Rik Hendricks tbird@zuidlimburg.com

Tech-Tips Bob DePaola 714-974-9334 editor@thunderbirdcircleoc.com

Wagon Master Tom Peluso 951-746-3375 wm@thunderbirdcircleoc.com

Contacts for Events

Date Contact Event

September 16th Anita Nunez Pageant of the Thunderbirds

October 7 Dan & Chris Jurenka Oktoberfest

October 13 & 14 Tom Peluso Murrieta Rod & Run Car Show

The monthly Board & General meetings have been re-scheduled to an officer’s home for the time being. The next meeting will be on Thursday September 21st at 7:00 PM at Joe & June LiPuma’s home at 624 Longfellow Dr., Placentia, CA. All members are encouraged to attend the meeting. If you have a specific question, please give any board member a call and we will make sure you are put on the agenda. All members are always invited and are encouraged to attend the board meetings. Get involved!

The Birds-Eye-View is published monthly for the benefit of the members of the Thunderbird Circle, Orange County and its advertisers. All members and advertisers are welcome to submit articles for publication at any time. Articles must not be copy protected, if so the copy right must accompany the article. Send all articles to the editor via e-mail to: editor@thunderbirdcircleoc.com or to the editor’s home address via snail mail. The editor, with the approval of the president has the right to edit any article submitted for publication. Questionable language will be omitted. All articles must be received on or before the 20th of each month to be placed in the following month’s issue. All articles submitted become the property of the Thunderbird Circle, Orange County, California.

Editorial

As they say things don’t always go the way you plan them. And neither did the sale of our home in Anaheim Hills, Calif. First off we had the house on the market for 5 ½ months with only a nibble or two, but no firm offers. I was informed that if I take a small statue of St Joseph and bury him in our back yard upside down the house would sell. Well-being a skeptic, with nothing to lose I did and 2 weeks later the house sold and get this for 1 dollar less than what we were asking. I told my realtor I would accept the offer if he threw in the extra dollar and he agreed. Originally the closing day was set for August 13th so we setup the packing date with the moving company to pack us up on the 3rd, 4th & 5th. The moving company was on time. They started packing on the 3rd and by the 5th the moving truck was pulling away from my home on its way to Texas. The only problem was the house did not close. It didn’t close until the 24th. So Rita & I stayed at my brother Pete’s house for the remaining days.

Our furniture was on its way to Texas & we are still in California. I had my son rent two 10 x 30 foot storage units near his home. He met the moving company and they filled both to the brim & I do mean the brim. Floor to ceiling is jam packed with all our stuff. It will stay there until our house is built in 6 months.

September 2017 page 3

By Irene Zaleski

Welcome to the Sunshine Corner! I have heard some news about some of our club members other than what I reported last month, I was told: Janet Walsh let me know that Dave is improving slowly. He is getting physical therapy to get out of bed, sitting and walking. Being that their house is a 2-story, they will have it equipped so that he can get up the stairs when he comes home.

We wish all of our members a speedy recovery and a healthy year. If I have missed anyone, please give me a call and let me know how you are doing or if you have any planned surgeries.

See Sunshine Corner continued on page 9

Please wish a Very Happy Birthday to each of the following members who may be adding another candle to their cake but stay young at heart and certainly do not age in our eyes!

7th Henry Wong 12th Yomar Cleary 15th Tom Peluso 17th Catherine Campbell 18th Juanita Bigelow 21st Nancy Robins 25th Irene Zaleski

If we missed your birthday, please let the editor know

Please take a moment and if possible, we would like to ask you to wish a

Happy Anniversary to the following couples who are celebrating another wonderful year together.

6th Ron & JoAn Barnett 19th Michael and Donna Langmack

If we missed your anniversary, please let the editor know

September 2017 page 4

2017 CLUB EVENTS

Date EVENT Club Event Contact

February 13

Dr. George Car Show, Palm Springs for more information go to: www.palmspringscruisinassociation.com

Yes

Juanita Bigelow

March 4

Festival of Whales Parade and Car Show, for more information go to: www.festivalofwhales.com

Yes

Tom Peluso

April 1 Los Angeles County Fire Museum Yes Joe LiPuma

April 30

Fabulous Fords Forever, Knott’s Berry Farm, for more information go to: www.fabulousfordsforever.org

Yes

Tom Peluso

May 20

All Ford Year’s Swap Meet, 3855 E. La Palma, 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM. www.socalefv8.org

Yes

Joe LiPuma

May 21 Back In the Day Classics Dealership and Museum www.backinthedayclassics.com

Yes Joe LiPuma

May 21 Yes Everyone

June Open for Graduations, weddings and the like

July 4 Morning

Lake Forest Parade www.lakeforestca.gov/4thjuly/default.asp

Yes

Tom Peluso

July 4 Afternoon

July 4th Bar B Que at Ed & Irene Zaleski’s House

Yes

Joe LiPuma

July 14

7th Annual Collector Car Appreciation Day “To particiapate all you need to do is drive your car” www.semasan.com

No

You

August 2-6, CTCI Region 1 Convention, Whippany, NJ at NJ2017@njortc.org Yes Pat LeStrange

August 13 Chili Cook-off, Yorba Regional Park, Shelter #5, Anaheim Hills Yes Joe LiPuma

August 27 Open House at Tom & Joyce Peluso’s new home. Yes Tom Peluso

September 16 Pageant of the Thunderbirds Yes Anita Nunez

October 7

29th Annual Placentia Days Car Show. For more info. call the Heritage Festival Committee at 714-524-8535

No

Joe Lipuma

October 13 & 14 Murrieta Rod & Run Car Show www.murrietarodrun.com No Tom Peluso

October 7 Great German food, fun & drink

Yes

Dan & Chris Jurenka

November TBD Ronald Regan Presidential Library & Museum Yes Ed Zaleski

December

Annual Christmas Party, Newport Rib Company www.ribcompany.com

Yes

Ed Zaleski

December

Laguna Niguel Christmas Parade www.lagunaniguelparade.com

Yes

Tom Peluso

Please contact the contact person or look for further information in the Birds-Eye-View

September 2017 page 5

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By Pete DePaola

The famous (to us) chili cook off is now in the record book. Four of the finest chilies ever made (our conclusion) were entered into the competition. But first the story leading up to this extravaganza.

The September morning dawned bright and sunny with temperatures in the 80’s. A perfect day to take a Thunderbird out to play, in fact four Thunderbirds came out to play. The drive to Yorba Regional Park was a real top down treat. Our meeting place had been reserved by club President Joe Li Puma and his wife June. Our Thunderbirds were parked right next to picnic area.

Nine (9) members: the LiPumas, Zimmermans, Myers, Zaleskis and De Paola brought some side dishes to share and compliment the BBQ’ed hotdogs and trimmings. The club provided, buns, condiments, soft drinks and water. Gary

Zimmerman again took on the role of chief fire starter and cook as the other members (men)

watched and advised. The advice must have been good as the fire turned out perfect! Then the placement and cooking of the hotdogs were also complimented by the advice of the other non-working members (men). Meanwhile the other members (woman) took the opportunity to find a quiet shady spot to catch-up on the latest news and information. They first insured that the picnic area was set up with tablecloth plates, food and chili pots to cooking. The latest news of members having undergone medical procedures and their present state of health. Another topic was the moving of Bob and Rita to Texas, this being their first time away from an event. The picnic went well with the food being plentiful and tasty. The hotdogs were cooked to perfection. Obviously all that advice paid off. Thank you Gary your skill, perseverance and disregard of the “helpers” interference paid off.

The chili cook-off was won by Irene Zaleski (it is unknown if Ed had his hand in it). Her chili was delicious and different from the traditional chili. Mary and I want the recipe. I (Pete De Paola) slaved

See “Chili Cook-Off 2” continued on page 8

September 2017 page 8

Continued from page 7 By Ed Zaleski

over a hot crock pot for many hours and only received an honorable mention. We want to thank all the chili cooks for their outstanding efforts. Now all that remains is putting it all into the record books and looking forward to next year’s chili cook-off. Well here it is August and the weather is sunny and in the 80's. The Thunderbird Circle of O.C. Chili Cook-off started out with Joe & June Lipuma along with Pete DePaola setting up the picnic area at about 9:30AM. Irene and I pulled into the area with our '66 Thunderbird which I just managed to get back on the road. Shortly thereafter, Gary Zimmerman and his wife Nancy rolled in. Afterwards, Wade Myers & Carol pulled up in their beautiful black '66 T-bird.

We then started to set up the four crock pots filled with different types of delicious chili. Additionally we got the charcoal going to cook up some good old-fashioned hot dogs. The event took on the atmosphere of a typical warm lazy summer day in Southern California which meant that we got comfortable in our portable chairs with cool drinks in hand and chatted about everything until the chili was warmed up and ready for test sampling and grading. During this time we also took

a look at each other’s' cars to see how they are holding up during the warm summer months. Pete's

yellow '56 T-bird was re-shoed with four brand-new wire wheels and period correct tires which made his car look even better than before. Gary's has reworked his power windows of his '57 T-bird using

motors from a Toyota which turns out to be an excellent reliable and functional fit. He also installed air-conditioning a while back and indicated that it is functioning quite nicely. Wade's black '56 T-bird is still running on the warm side so I offered to help him install a bypass restrictor that is positioned in the small black hose that goes from the intake manifold back into the water pump. Hopefully we can get the temperature down in the next month or

See “Chili Cook-Off 2” continued on page 9

September 2017 page 9

“Chili Cook-Off 2” Continued from page 8

so. As for my '66 T-bird, I finally got it put back

together with new interior and running gear. The Chili Cook-off event was the first time I was able to drive it; however, I still have lots more to do but at least I have it running.

Now that the chili entries were hot it was time to vote by sealed ballots to pick which one of the four is the best. I must say that the voting count was very close. I personally had trouble making up my mind as to which I would vote for. The ballots were counted and Irene Zaleski took first place by one vote. We even had one ballot that voted for all four, that's how difficult it was to pick the best. After the contest was completed we all settled down for a wonderful chili lunch. Some of us (including myself) mixed the four chili dishes together, others elected

to make chili dogs with the hotdogs cooked on an open grill. All in all it was a great afternoon for our August Chili Cook-off.

Continued from page 3

We wish all of our members a speedy recovery and a healthy year. If I have missed anyone, please give me a call and let me know how you are doing or if you have any planned surgeries.

Please don’t forget to keep me in the loop once you hear of anyone who is ill or is having or had surgery. We wish everyone good health, and stay safe! Until next month:

Irene Zaleski Sunshine Chairperson: Phone: 714-544-6698 Email: sunshinechair@thunderbirdcircleoc.com

September 2017 page 10

By Rita DePaola

GEARING UP FOR SCHOOL Whether your children are heading to kindergarten or college, health and safety should always be at the top of the list. When preparing for school make sure to keep these tips in mind. Check that your children are up to date on

vaccinations. Know the ABC’s of concussions. Be aware of warning signs and effects of bullying

and other youth violence. Pledge to keep your teen drivers safe. Stay involved in your children’s school life to

support their health and learning. EAT MORE FRUITS & VEGETABLE’S Fruits and vegetables contain essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber that may help protect you from chronic diseases, including stroke and certain cancers. Take a few minutes to add more fruits and vegetables into your diet. Make half your plate fruits and vegetables. Grab fresh or dried fruit to eat on the go. Bring cut-up vegetables or fruit from home. Add fruits and vegetables to your favorite recipe

or snack. Serve fruits and vegetables to party guests. Be Active Regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health. People who are physically active live longer and have a lower risk for heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, depression, and some cancers. Take a few minutes to figure out how to add physical activity to your life and overcome barriers. Find something you enjoy,

such as jogging or running, dancing, or playing sports. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Park farther away and walk. Walk the dog. Take family walks or play active games together.

SEASONAL INFLUENZA (FLU) Flu activity is low across the United States, but influenza viruses circulate year-round and flu outbreaks can occur during the summer months. CDC recommends flu vaccination to prevent influenza and antiviral drugs for treatment, for high risk people especially. The single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year, but good health habits like covering your cough and washing your hands often can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu. There also are flu antiviral drugs that can be used to treat and prevent the flu. All 2017-2018 flu vaccines will expire by the end of June. Vaccine for next season is expected to be available beginning late summer.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick

If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick.

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.

Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.

Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

See “Health Tips” continued on page 12

September 2017 page 11

September 2017 page 12

Continued from page10

Back to School Means Sharing the Road School days bring congestion: Yellow school buses are picking up their charges, kids on bikes are hurrying to get to school before the bell rings, and harried parents are trying to drop their kids off before work. Vehicles should always be prepared to use their brakes when driving near school buses. Yellow flashing lights are the universal symbol for a bus preparing to stop, while red flashing lights and an extended stop sign means stop. When driving on a two-lane street or undivided roadways, all cars (Both direction) must stop. If a barrier separates the two directions, only cars traveling in the same direction must stop; however, all cars should proceed with caution as children can be unpredictable. While some states have stricter stop requirements than others, all 50 have severe penalties for violators from hefty fines to multiple points on licenses and even license suspension for repeat offenders. More importantly, however, obeying these basic laws can help save not only children’s lives, but your own. It's never more important for drivers to slow down and pay attention than when kids are present especially before and after school. Dropping Off Schools often have very specific drop-off procedures for the school year. Make sure you know them for the safety of all kids. More children are hit by cars near schools than at any other location, according to the National Safe Routes to School program. The following apply to all school zones:

Don't double park; it blocks visibility for other children and vehicles

Don't load or unload children across the street from the school

Carpool to reduce the number of vehicles at the school

Sharing the Road with Young Pedestrians According to research by the National Safety Council, most of the children who lose their lives in bus-related incidents are 4 to 7 years old, and they're walking. They are hit by the bus, or by a motorist illegally passing a stopped bus. A few precautions go a long way toward keeping children safe: Don't block the crosswalk when stopped at a red light or waiting to make a turn, forcing pedestrians to go around you; this could put them in the path of moving traffic In a school zone when flashers are blinking, stop

and yield to pedestrians crossing the crosswalk or intersection

Always stop for a school patrol officer or crossing guard holding up a stop sign

Take extra care to look out for children in school zones, near playgrounds and parks, and in all residential areas

Don't honk or rev your engine to scare a pedestrian, even if you have the right of way

Never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians Always use extreme caution to avoid striking

pedestrians wherever they may be, no matter who has the right of way

Sharing the Road with School Buses If you're driving behind a bus, allow a greater following distance than if you were driving behind a car. It will give you more time to stop once the yellow lights start flashing. It is illegal in all 50 states to pass a school bus that is stopped to load or unload children. Never pass a bus from behind – or from either direction if you're on an undivided road – if it is stopped to load or unload children If the yellow or red lights are flashing and the

stop arm is extended, traffic must stop The area 10 feet around a school bus is the most

dangerous for children; stop far enough back to allow them space to safely enter and exit the bus

Be alert; children often are unpredictable, and they tend to ignore hazards and take risks

By exercising a little extra care and caution, drivers and pedestrians can co-exist safely in school zones.

September 2017 page 13

NOT SO TRIVIAL QUESTION

It may seem to be trivial to some, but it may not be to others. Just a few quick facts to help you understand your Thunderbird a little better. Here are a few answers to some of the questions I have received over the years. If you want to install a new ignition switch cylinder and

keys? Here are the simple directions to install it.

You need to insert the key into the new tumbler

cylinder, turn the key about 1/8 clockwise, and then

push the small button down at the top rear of the key

tumbler cylinder. Then insert the tumbler into the

switch housing and then turn the key back to the 12

o’clock position. You will see the button pop back up

into the slot on the top of the switch housing. Remove

the key. The tumbler cylinder is locked into the switch

housing. To re-move the tumbler, insert the key and

turn 1/8 turn clock-wise and push the button down,

and pull tumbler out of the switch housing using the

key. Trail Bird News: Martin Bierman

Did you know that the your 55 Thunderbird has a

TRUNK LIGHT? By accident Ford had a better idea:

When the 1955 T-Bird trunk is open, the rear license

lamp actually does function as a trunk light as long as

the headlight switch is pulled out one or two notches.

When having your wheels rebalanced or new tires put

on your T-Bird be sure to check the fit of the hubcap.

Lead balancing weights are being replaced with steel

weights, which are thicker than the lead ones and may

not let your hubcap seat properly on the wheel rim.

You may need to have the wheel balanced by installing

the weights on the inside of the rim. Which is better

anyway because this way they will not chip the paint

on your rim.

All Classic Thunderbirds were equipped with

Holley Carburetors. 1955 and 1956’s had 4 barrel

carburetors as did most of the 1957’s. Some

1957’s however were supplied with a two barrel

carb (“C” Birds) and some were equipped with two

4 barrel carbs (“E” Birds).

Interior information Although the original upholstery looked and felt

like leather, it was not. Carpet was loop pile. The sewn in heel pad was

smaller in '55 than it was in '56 & '57. The grain of the vinyl was the same for '55 & '56

and smoother than that used in '57. AII of the exposed painted surfaces of the dash

had a simulated vinyl grain pattern to match the vinyl. Painted surfaces were not glossy.

AII '56's but only early '57's had an embossment in the center of the seat back.

Seat frames are different for each year and power is different from manual.

'57 dash was covered by a moulded foam and vinyl. We know of no way to replace just the foam. An optional padded half-dash was offered in '56 and was applied over the standard dash vinyl.

Door & kick panels were made from the same material. All were heat seamed -'55 had ribs -'56 had ribs with a simulated stitching -'57 had moulded in T-Bird emblems.

The metal armrest spacer at the front is gloss body color except '55 black & yellow in which case it is gloss black.

The vinyl floor covering behind the seat was small just covering the hump area in '55 and '56's without tonneau covers. '56's with tonneau covers & all '57's had a full width cover.

Windlace was cloth covered in '55 & '56 -vinyl covered in '57.

Tonneau covers were available in '56 & '57 only and were not completely removable. They were attached to the rear deck similar to the drop curtain. Birds with a tonneau cover did not have a drop curtain.

Hardtop headliners were white-white in '55 & '56 and bone-white in '57. All '55's were 5 bow -all '57's were 4 bow -all porthole tops were 4 bow.

'55 convertible tops were black canvas with a sewn-in back window -'56 & '57 tops has a straight zipper over the back window. Colors available in '56 & '57 were black canvas & white vinyl with a tan underside. Also available in '57 was blue canvas & tan canvas.

September 2017 page 14

Thunderbird Circle Meeting Minutes

August 17, 2017

Members of the Thunderbird Circle of Orange County, Chapter 78, Classic Thunderbird Circle International (CTCI), met at Pete DePaola’s home. The meeting convened at 7:00 PM The following officers were present:

President: Joe Lipuma

Vice President: Ed Zaleski

Treasurer: Gary Zimmerman

Director at Large: Pete DePaola

Sunshine Chair: Irene Zaleski

Officers Absent:

Secretary: Janet Walsh

Advertising: Tom Peluso

Juanita Bigelow: Membership Chair/CTCI Rep.

Director at Large: Dave Natali

Editor, Tech Tips, Website: Bob DePaola

Other members in attendance: Dan and Chris Jurenka Guests: None Treasurer’s Report: Gary Zimmerman:

Gary Zimmerman our treasurer gave us his report and we are in good shape so far this year. Ed moved and Joe seconded that we accept the treasurer’s report. The motion passed. Secretary’s Report Janet Walsh:

Janet was not present. Joe moved and Ed seconded the minutes from the February meeting be approved as printed in the newsletter. The motion passed.

Vice President’s Report: Ed Zaleski On what may be a future event Ed & Irene went to the Regan library to see if it would be something the club would like to attend? Now is the time to open this for discussion. Membership Chairperson Report: Juanita Bigelow

Juanita was not present, hence not report was

given.

CTCI Representative’s Report: Juanita Bigelow Juanita was not present, hence not report was

given.

Sunshine Chair Report: Rita DePaola Irene inform the board of the status of Dave Walsh. Further updates/details can be found in the Sunshine Corner of the newsletter. Editor: Bob DePaola

Bob was not present as he is looking for garages in Texas I believe that is what was reported. Bottom line is we had no report from the editor.

Web Coordinator: Bob DePaola

No report as Bob was not present. Tech Tips Chairperson Report: Bob DePaola No Bob, no report. Advertising Chairperson Report: Tom Peluso Tom reported he is still working with the owner of Santa Margarita Ford and he is considering purchasing a ½ page ad. Tom will keep us updated. Director at Large 2 Report: David Natali Dave had nothing to report. Director at Large 1 Report: Pete DePaola Pete had nothing to report at this time. President’s Report/Old-New Business Joe Lipuma Joe LiPuma went over the upcoming Christmas party and how we need members to volunteer to help with the table decorations. We are going to ask for

See “Minutes” continued on page 16

September 2017 page 15

THE UNKNOWN STORY OF 9/11 Dateline: September 9, 2011 By Katharine Herrup The opinions expressed are her own Much has been written and said about September 11, 2001, on the occasion of its 10th anniversary, but one story much less known is the one about the band of boats that came together to rescue nearly 500,000 New Yorkers from the World Trade Center site on the day the towers collapsed.

It was the largest boatlift ever to have happened – greater than the one at Dunkirk during World War II. Yet somehow a story of such large scale became lost in all the rubble. But a new 10-minute documentary called Boatlift by Eddie Rosenstein captures the boat evacuations that happened on 9/11. The film is part of four new short documentaries that were created for the 9/11 Tenth Anniversary Summit in Washington, D.C. “Boats, usually an afterthought in most New Yorkers minds, were, for the first time in over a century, the only way in or out of lower Manhattan,” says Tom Hanks, the narrator of the film. New Yorkers don’t really think of Manhattan as an island since everything from the basics to beyond your wildest imagination is so accessible — not typically a feature associated with island life. But on September 11, 2001, those trapped below the World Trade Center site who could not escape without swimming or being rescued by a boat were acutely reminded of that fact. “People were actually jumping into the river and swimming out of Manhattan. Boats were very

nearly running them over,” says NY Waterway Captain Rick Thornton in the film. The captains and crew of the fleet of boats who rescued so many on 9/11 came together with no idea what they would be getting into and no idea whether Manhattan would be attacked again let alone their very own boats. All they knew were that desperate people were in need of help and they couldn’t turn their backs on them, even if that meant putting their own lives at risk. “If it floated, and it could get there, it got there,” engineer of the Mary Gellatly Robin Jones recalls.

“I never want to say the word ‘I should have’,” says Vincent Ardolino, captain of the Amberjack V. “I tell my children the same thing, never go through life saying you should have. If you want to do something, you do it.” The New York Waterway, the Coast Guard, ferries, tug boats, private boats, party boats, small professional diving boats, and more ferried

hundreds of thousands of people to Staten Island, Brooklyn, upper Manhattan, the Bronx and Queens

See “Story of 9/11” continued on page 16

September 2017 page 16

Story of 9/11 Continued from page 15

in less than nine hours. Their crews are typical (in every best sense of the word) New Yorkers and ordinary civilians who came together after a distress call came in from the U.S. Coast Guard in New York. “I’ve never seen so many tug boats all at once,” captain of the Staten Island Ferry James Parese says. “I worked on the water for 28 years, I’ve never seen that many boats come together at one time that fast. One radio call and they just all came together,” Jones said. Perhaps one of the most amazing aspects of this mass-scale operation was that were no evacuation plans for such a rescue. “You couldn’t have planned nothing to happen that fast that quick,” Jones said. It was the ethic code of the seas that made the boat rescues such a success. If a boat needed refueling, another one would pull up alongside it and give it 10,000 gallons of fuel with no questions asked or no one asking for payment. If a woman in a wheelchair needed to be lifted over the fence on the water’s edge to get into one of the boats, there were more than enough hands to help lift her. If people were stranded on a ledge by the water, they would get picked up by a boat. No one was left behind. One of the arresting images in the film was of a massive throng of people pressed up against and even hanging over the rails along the water waving

their hands, hoping someone would come to their rescue. They were at land’s end in downtown Manhattan, no easy place to conduct any sort of boat rescue since there aren’t many docking places or spots to put a boat ramp. It was a day that lots of local, ordinary people become heroes. It was a day that was supposed to tear America apart, but instead brought Americans together. It was a day that brought out the best in many people.

“We wanted to tell a story that reminds Americans that this is a country that bounces back from adversity,” the President of the Center for National Policy Stephen Flynn, who had been a U.S. Coast Guard officer, told me. “Our national DNA is resilience. The key for us is to move forward with some key lessons and one of the lessons missing is the strength of civil society and how it responded when 9/11 happened.”

Meeting Minutes Continued from page 14

help on this at the Oktoberfest party. Maybe we will have a sign-up sheet that day to see who will attend the event as well. Ed secured the Newport Rib Company for our annual Christmas Party. It will be held on December 3, 2017 at 2:00 PM. (Thank you Ed).

Old Business: Dan and Chris Jurenka attended the board meeting to discuss the upcoming Oktoberfest outing to be held once again at their house on October 7th. Not only did they go over the menu but also who will assist to set-up the party. Then they shared the following idea. Thought we'd share some language to include in the next newsletter to explain the "Name that side dish, salad or appetizer" idea. Also, we think it might be worthwhile sending out a separate email or two about Oktoberfest to highlight this change. It seems like people have to hear and/or read anything that is new or changed multiple times before they "get it." See flyer in this newsletter.

Next meeting: The next meeting will be on Thursday, September 21, 2017, at a restaurant to be determined following our outing.

Meeting adjournment: A motion was made to adjourn the meeting by Pete and seconded by Tom. The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 P.M.

Respectfully submitted for Secretary Janet Walsh By Joe Lipuma

September 2017 page 17

September 2017 page 18

Birds-Eye-View Classic Thunderbird Bob DePaola-Editor Club International 5933 E. Camino Manzano Chapter 78 Anaheim Hills, CA 92807-3214

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Thunderbird Circle, Orange County, California ▬ Chapter 78, Classic Thunderbird Club International

Check us out on the web www.thunderbirdcircleoc.com

Thunderbird Circle, Orange County, California Chapter 78, Classic Thunderbird Club International

Check us out on the web www.thunderbirdcircleoc.com

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