by Ashley Johnson
The Three Rivers chapter has enjoyed a busy year of car shows, cruise ins, fellowship and community involvement. The chapter is growing in members and participation. The chapter united throughout the year celebrating many accomplishments as well as up-lifting each other through many hard personal times. Many new members are beginning the process of preparing their cars to AACA standards while others are continuing to maintain their cars condition receiving preservation awards. Our club is a diverse club with Pontiac lovers, Buick lovers, Ford lovers and just car lovers. Our members are blessed with wonderful automobiles they enjoy sharing with others through shows and cruise in’s. Many members’automobiles have been recognized throughout the 2012 year for various well deserving reasons. Members Ed & Anita Jobe received a RedBird preservation and a First Junior. Members Tina & Terry Hopper received a National DPC award and their third DPC repeat award. Members David & Cheryl Merricks participated and completed the Bandit Run from Texarkana to Atlanta a 2485 mile trip.David & Cheryl also received the class Champion award in the Special Edition stock class at the Trans Am National as well as best of show at the Tarheel Tigers BOPC show. Members Jerry & Joan Bodden have been busy this year with their cars. Their 1963 Buick Riviera received three separate Driver Participation Awards throughout the year at AACA shows as well as one at the Buick Club of America National Meet, and was also shown at
the fall Buick Club of America show in Charlotte. Joan & Jerry’s 1941 Buick Super Convertible Coupe which was feature on the dash plaques for the NC Region Spring Meet received 1st place in its class at the ODMA Meet, the Alamance Region Annual Show, and The Tarheel Tiger B O P Car Show.This Buick also received a repeat Senior Preservation award at both the Buick Club of America’s National Meet and at the ODMA Meet. This 1941 Buick Coupe was also one of the ten Buick s chosen to be on display in the History of Buick at the Charlotte Motor Speedway at Spring Auto Fair. Members Tim & Carolyn received most original in the GM Toys Club at the fall auto fair with their 1970 Pontiac GTO.
Our chapter hosted the spring meet at Shiloh Airport, in Stoneville NC.The show proved to be an exciting time for many who received their Red Bird and preservations. This was the first year our club hosted any events at the airport. Our location animal shelter was on location with many dogs available for adoption. Spectators and AACA members were entertained during judging with a flying show demonstration. The event was a success with quality cars, great weather and a wonderful atmosphere. Three Rivers Chapter AACA also hosted theEden Cruise on the second Saturday of each month from May through October. Each cruise event was a success thanks to all the hard work and dedication from all members. The Eden cruise was able to donate $1,500 to the local elementary schools; Snack Back Pack Program and $1,000 to the Rockingham County Rely for Life. The Eden Cruise also presented William Hunter Foulks with a $2,500 scholarship to pursue his career in the diesel automotive field at Guilford Technical Community College. Three Rivers plans to continue hosting the Eden Cruise, offering support to its community and serving its region. Three Rivers Chapter is excited to begin the 2013 year fulfilling its purpose of“Restoring cars, while resorting lives in our community”. We would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!