Our President Gary and First Mate Peggy were unable to be at the meet. Gary’s meet write-ups are legendary, and always capture the events of the day in a colorful and interesting way. This write-up will be the Joe Friday version – just the facts.

First a big thank-you to Mike and Judy Seachrist, our generous hosts for the Atwood meet. Mike and Judy have hosted this meet almost every year since 2005, and it is always a member favorite. This meet was no exception – a delicious lunch of pulled pork sandwiches, jumbo dogs, potato salad, macaroni salad, chips, hand-pressed apple cider, drinks and chocolate chip cookies. There was lots of good conversation, stories, motor tips, catching up with fellow members, and some good-natured ribbing. Thanks also to the 28 attendees who braved yesterday’s cool temps and gray skies to bring 14 boats and even more motors to run. Everyone who launched a boat got out on the lake for at least a short run. We all agreed that traveling in the direction of the wind was OK, but heading back to the ramp and docks into the wind was a chilling experience.

Pulling into the parking lot at 8:05 AM, it was good to see the sun and a calm lake, but neither lasted long. As I was launching the boat, Mike arrived to lend a hand, and soon our group began to arrive and rig their boats. Our surprise guests were Milt and Joan Moos from the Central Ohio Chapter; great to see them both and thanks for coming!

Bob Davidson came with Paul Wood who brought his beautiful Penn Yan with a ’58 Evinrude 18 Electric. Donut Bob arrived with donuts, the Patina Special and an Evinrude Sportwin 10. Steve Schmitmyer had his Sylvan and ’55 Johnson 5-1/2; Tom Kenepp brought his red 12-footer and ’55 Johnson 10. Steve Justice had two motors to run on his Starcraft SL14 – a 1953 Mercury Mark 7, and a ’64 Merc 9.8. Five members brought Crestliner boats: Dan Curran’s Larson/Crestliner Model E with ’54 Johnson 25, John Reed’s Commander/’55 Johnson 10 combo, Milt’s Commander and Johnson P-50, Ryan Hollingsworth’s Crestliner and ’55 Johnson 25 Electric, and Randy Wilcox’s Commander with ’55 Evinrude Fastwin 15. Nice job on the wood trim Randy!

Two boats took the speed record yesterday, Rex Jackson’s Lone Star and very impressive 1951 Mercury KG9, and Bill Reed’s Alumacraft with “slightly” modified Merc. Both boats looked great on the lake, and they were fast! A crowd pleaser was Steve Pollock’s 1956 Meyers aluminum 12-footer powered by a ’58 Johnson Sea Horse 18 Electric. The black vinyl-covered decks look great Steve. I also spotted a 1947 Peterborough Lakeside and ’54 Fastwin 15. On display was Rex’s Wizard Super Power 25 Electric. Also in the crowd were Chip Rabbitt, Randy Heinle, Tony Torgersen, Al Gammon, Reynoldsburg Dave, Rick Whitman, Marty Belfi, Emma Hollingsworth, Joe Iocabucci, John Fairgrieve, and Jay Miller.

Thanks to all who attended the Atwood meet. Your support of the Western Reserve Chapter is what makes our group so great. Gary and Peggy – see you at the next meet.

Respectfully submitted by John Hagerman.