Model A's of Greater Orlando 

"The First Spark"

On February 8, 2006, the members of the Model A’s of Greater Orlando marked 19 years as a club and have built friendships that will last a lifetime.

This club got its first spark at a "Model A Round Up" hosted by Jim and Edith Perkins on Jan 10, 1987. Those who attended that meeting came away wishing they had a local Model A Club. So, on February 8, 1987 fourteen families (and 6 A's) held an organizational meeting at Dick and Louise Hardman's home and decided to form a Model A Club. Since we had long time members of both MAFCA & MARC present, we voted to form a dual chartered club. Officers were elected and applications for national charters were signed. Our officers were: Sandy Pedersen -President; Wayne Thalasinos - Vice Pres; and Dick Hardman - Secretary/Treas. The rest of our charter member families were: Adamski, Armstrong, Bandy, Dubois, Gamble, Gilbreath, Miller, Morris, Nappo, Perkins and Tipton.

Who would have ever imagined that the Model A hobby would grow so quickly in the greater Orlando area.  Our monthly meetings average over 20 Model A’s with over 30 families attending.  Many of our members have attended national MARC and MAFCA meets.  Our members attend many parades and display their A’s at nursing & retirement facilities, which is always a heartwarming experience.  There are seminars and swap meets and BBQ’s as well as the annual Model A Olympics. 

Some of our A’s have toured north as far as Perry and south as far as Ft. Myers.  We have been to Jacksonville and St., Augustine for the Model A Roundups.  In February 2005 we had a group tour to Florida Flywheelers Park in Avon Park for a 3-day event.  “LuLu the Pig” is awarded to everyone with a breakdown on a tour.  LuLu has been a lot of fun.

On several occasions we have had joint events with the Citrus A’s of Citrus County, Heart of Florida A’s of Lake County and Crankin A’s of Daytona Beach.  It is always fun to meet new people who have the same interest.

Our 2006 Officers are Dennis Kent – President; Dick Brown - Vice President; Aggie Wendling – Secretary; and George Babcock – Treasurer.

Thank you to the charter members for "the first spark”, the officers and committee volunteers for their dedication, and all of our members who have worked very hard to make the Model A’s of Greater Orlando a great family club.

A’s Always,

Carol Martin

Copyright © 2007 Model A's of Greater Orlando