Lake Ariana is a favorite meet site for the Florida AOMCI, and this year’s meet did not disappoint the members. The site is a beautiful park with lots of shade and a large cabana for lunch and the awards presentation. There is a large boat ramp area and lots of nice beach. Diane and Bill Augspurger are always the perfect meet hosts, but this year the weather and the lake did not cooperate for us. The day was very windy and somewhat cool, and members were reticent to launch their boats because the water was so rough. Thirty two members were in attendance and their wives and guests brought the total to fifty. We are pleased to welcome new members Jerry Johnson from Elk River, Minnesota, and Frank Erion from Paw Paw, Michigan (both joined our club at the Mt. Dora show). Welcome to special guests Mike Williams from Alabama who came to the show with Dave Dolive, and Wayne Tribett, AOMIC National member from Frederick, MD, who displayed some small engines. It was nice to see missed members Ron and Nola LaMonica and Rod and Hazel Champkin (who are now back home in England). The Champkins displayed a nice collection of beautifully restored engines. It is always nice to see Paul Adams who was able to get away from his busy Mecury dealership in Dunnellon, Fl.
Motors were displayed by Tom Goepfrich, the Champkins, Dave Dolive, the Ruhlands, Frank Erion and Wayne Tribbett among others. Boats displayed included a Merc powered PennYann Swift owned by Jim Dunn, George Emmanuel's aluminum boat with his opposed Evinrude, Hank Wendt's beautifully restored Century with a 1956 30hp Evnrude, and Tom Goepfrich had his little cedar strip boat on display. Jeff Rieth brought his latest find, a very rare Speedicraft powered by a supercharged 4 cycle Fageol (Crosley) inboard engine with an outboard gearcase mounted under the boat. Charlie Cundiff had his Mark 55H powered class DU raceboat "Flying Coffin" along with Bob Walwork and his KG9 powered DU Raveau. Bob Parkinson had his great display of raceboats and old Mercs. As mentioned above, there was no action on the water...too rough for the "old timers" ! Fleas maket displays included those of Dick Hinds, who only stayed a short while as he wasn't feeling good, Bruce Bolton with a few items and Dave Dolive, among a few others.
Judging was done by George Emmanuel and Top Goepfrich. Dave Dolive won the meet theme trophy for best small motor display. He has spent many, many hours restoring and polishing this collection while staying home caring for his aging uncle. He really had a beautiful display of small engines.
Lunch was delicious pork barbeque, baked beans, potato salad, deviled eggs, chips, brownies, cake and cookies. There was no 50/50 as the tickets arrived too late.
Special business for the day was a discussion about the need for a new VIce President for the club. Bob Leduc has tendered his resignation for the coming year. A reminder that the Annual Meeting will be at Trimble Park in Mt. Dora in June. Elections will be held at the meeting so everyone is encouraged to be present.
A warm thanks to George Emmanuel and Tom Goepfrich for the wonderful judging job and to Bill and Diane Augspurger for a wonderful day!!