President's Page

December 2022

It has been an honor to serve as your President for 2022. It has been a wonderful experience to be involved with the operation of our great national club. I want you know that our board of directors has done our best to serve you by listening to your ideas to make the club better.

My number one goal for this year was to grow MAFCA. I am happy to report that our membership has grown from last year, some say that the old car hobby is dying, I am excited to tell you that the Model A Ford hobby is alive and well. We are seeing new members join every day. This year MAFCA has added four new chapters including our first ever chapter in West Virginia.

I have visited chapter meetings this year and have observed that there are certain elements that lead to fun and successful meetings. I hope these suggestions will help you to build the club and your chapter. These successful meetings begin with a well-planned meeting, an agenda, a program, a raffle, refreshments, and time for fellowship. When your members have fun at meetings, they will want to become more involved and come back often. A quality newsletter is another thing that will strengthen your chapter. This communication tool is the lifeblood of an active club.

This year we have introduced exciting new products that are available at our MAFCA Store, www.mafca.com. Our latest edition in the “How to Restore your Model A series is Volume 10. I believe it to be our finest publication yet. We have also added a new, a high-quality baseball cap in Navy Blue, and two new Christmas Cards featuring a Budd Cab Truck and a Phaeton. Proceeds from sales help to offset the costs of running the club.

I am looking forward to attending our National Awards Banquet, in Golden Colorado where we will be introducing our 2023 Board of Directors and presenting the MAFCA National Awards along with the opportunity to visit the wonderful sites in Colorado.

Wishing you all a happy holiday season

Happy Motoring, Jay McCord

November 2022

As we enter the Fall Season of the year, the weather is changing It is time to think about others. It is a time for holiday festivities and gathering. This is also a time to reach out to the less fortunate around us. In our area, holiday meals are served to the less fortunate and many of the clubs are working on projects to gather warm clothing. Others are collecting toys to brighten the holidays for children. I would hope that our chapters would be involved in these community projects.

I would like to call your attention to MAFCA’s social media efforts this year. Our Facebook group has gained 10K members. Michael Eisenbise and Melanie Whittington have spent countless hours to keep our page a safe and fun place to visit. One of our goals has been to welcome anyone who has an interest in the Model A Ford. Rick Black has continued to administer our wonderful website where you can keep up on the daily activities of the club. It has been a big job and our readership continues to grow. Terry Whittington, our Constant Contact Editor assumed the duties this year and has brought some innovative ideas to these monthly newsletters. If you are not receiving the monthly edition of the Flying Quail, please send an email to Flyingquail @ yahoo.com.

My number one goal for this year was to grow MAFCA. I am happy to say that our membership has grown from last year, It is often said that our hobby is dying, I am here to tell you that the Model A Ford hobby is alive and well. We are seeing new members join every day. I realize that some of our chapters are having their problems. The best way to build the club and your chapter is to be sure your meetings are well structured with an agenda, a program, a raffle and of course, refreshments. When your members have fun at meetings, they will want to become more involved and come back. A quality newsletter is another thing that will strengthen your chapter. This communication tool is the lifeblood of an active club.

Our MAFCA Store has introduced several exciting new products this year. Our latest edition in the “How to Restore your Model A series is Volume 10. I believe it to be our finest publication to date. We have also added a new, a high-quality baseball cap in Navy Blue, and two new Christmas Cards featuring a Budd Cab Truck and a Phaeton. Proceeds from sales help to offset the costs of running the club. I hope you will continue to support the club and make some of your holiday purchases here.

Wishing you all a happy holiday season

Happy Motoring, Jay McCord

October 2022

The Chapters of MAFCA are where the Rubber Meets the Road. These club meetings are where friendships are begun. It has been fun to visit many meetings this year. I have enjoyed seeing clubs conduct their business, present programs, hold raffles for Model A items, and enjoy refreshments. The bottom-line regarding club meetings it to make them a fun activity that your members want to attend. One club provided name tags so when someone new attended, they were self-introduced. It has been rewarding to watch MAFCA Grow this year.

By now, you should have received your MAFCA membership renewal form, the election information and an offering of new products that are available for your holiday shopping. I urge you to renew your membership now. This will allow you to continue receiving our Award-Winning Restorer Magazine along with the many benefits of membership. Another important duty we all have is to elect our new Board of Directors for 2023. Please read the bios of each of the candidates and select the five who you feel will best represent you and cast your vote. Just put your ballots in the envelope with your renewal and send them to the MAFCA office. There is still plenty of time to get your new Christmas Cards, books, hats, and other gifts for friends and club members. Please cast your vote as soon as you receive the ballots and renew your membership promptly. By sending in your ballots and renewal form, you will help our office staff to get the membership renewal process done efficiently.

September has been a wonderful month for the Club and me. I have had the opportunity to meet many of you at local club meetings, Car Shows and Model A Days at the Model A Foundation Museum. It was truly an honor to represent Past President and Life Member, Merle Smith as he was inducted into the Model A Hall of Fame. These events take lots of work and I would like to say thank you to those who host events. Many of you are preparing to attend the Hershey Fall Meet. We will have our usual tent there with seminars, sale items and fun. Please stop by to say hello, see our display, and meet Sandra, our business manager and some of our board members.

As always, I am happy to help you. Please feel free to send me an email.

Happy Motoring, Jay McCord

September 2022

I would like to call your attention to the upcoming MAFCA Election of officers for 2023. The candidates have been approved by the board, their Biographical material has been submitted and you will see it the next Restorer. Your ballots will be arriving soon. Included in the mailing you will find your membership renewal forms. I would like to encourage you to study the candidates qualifications and VOTE for the five who you feel will represent you best. I urge you vote as soon as you receive the ballots and renew your membership promptly. By sending in your ballots and renewal form, you will help our office staff to get the membership renewal process done efficiently.

As we enter the month of September, there are many Fun events ahead. I am looking forward to attending Model A Days at the Model A Ford Foundation Museum in Hickory Corners, Michigan. This year’s dates are September 16th and 17th. The swap-meet promises to hold many treasures, several seminars will teach and inform us, and a few surprises are instore. I am planning to spend time at our MAFCA Information booth where we will have some of our new products for sale. Later in the day, will be the annual induction ceremony for the Model A Ford Hall of Fame.

A few short weeks later, October 3rd through 7th, will be the Hershey Fall Meet. We will have our usual tent there with seminars, sale items and fun. I would like to invite you to stop by and see our display and meet Sandra, our business manager and several of our Board members.

The Chapters of MAFCA are where the Rubber Meets the Road. These club meetings are where friendships are developed, It has been fun to visit many meetings this year. I have enjoyed seeing clubs conduct their business, present programs, hold raffles for Model A items, and enjoy refreshments. The bottom-line regarding club meetings it to make them a fun activity that your members want to attend. One club provided name tags so when someone new attended, they were self-introduced. It has been rewarding to watch MAFCA Grow this year. Send an email to Tech Questions.

As always, I am happy to help you. Please feel free to send me email.
Happy Motoring, Jay McCord

August 2022

It has been fun to watch MAFCA Grow this year. In April we approved the “Almost Heaven A’s” serving West Virginia and the “Southwest Model A’s” Special Interest Group in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The Southwest A’s was formed to host our 2024 National Convention. In June, we welcomed the “Oklahoma Model A Restorers Group” serving the Oklahoma City area. The process of starting a new chapter is quite easy. The basics are to bring five enthusiastic members of MAFCA together with a vision and desire to have a club. You then apply to the National Club for approval. Our Chapter Coordinator, Robert Bullard will be happy to assist you. I would like to invite you to start a chapter in your area.

There are numerous benefits to membership in MAFCA. We can all agree that the Restorer Magazine is one of the finest publications available. We strive to provide fresh publications to the membership. Our latest offering in the How to Restore your Model A Series is Volume 10. Volume 10 is a collection of the best technical articles from our Restorer Magazine. This book sets a new standard for the series printed in full color. I have just purchased my copy and my impression is that it is the finest MAFCA publication to date. Look for the ad in this issue for more information. Please order yours today.

Watch your mail for information about our upcoming election for the 2022-2023 Board of Directors. There will be five new directors elected. Please support the candidates that you feel will best represent you. And vote early.

I would like to thank you all for the support you have given me this year. Our board is working hard to provide you with help with your club activities and technical problems with your cars. Remember that you can join our Facebook page, Model A Ford Club of America for help from our knowledgeable membership. Ed Tolman, our Technical Director has teamed up with Paul Shinn to provide you with another source of help. Send an email to Tech Questions.

As always, I am happy to help you. Please feel free to send me email.
Happy Motoring, Jay McCord

July 2022

It is nice to be home from our National Convention in Kerrville, Texas. There were many highlights of the event built around the very well-organized program that kept us busy from early morning to the late evening. Our Best of Show in Car Judging went to Doug Clayton with his Victoria earning 497 Points. Our Era Fashion activities were fantastic with the emphasis focused on Fun. It is an honor for me to announce that MAFCA’s Highest Award, Life Membership was presented to our former president, Doug Linden. It was great to see the more than 200 Model A’s that arrived from 31 States and to be able to visit with so many of our members. It is hard to beat Texas BBQ and we had plenty of it. A Big Texas Thank You to the Alamo A’s and other clubs that were our hosts.

With pleasure I would like to tell you about the latest items available in the MAFCA Store. Les Andrews and his team have produced the finest, first full color edition of “How to Restore Your Model A” Volume 10. This terrific reference book is a compilation of technical articles from our Restorer Magazine. It is a must have for your library and will fit nicely next to the other 9 Volumes. We are also offering a new high-quality Navy-Blue Ball Cap that is now available.

On July 4th we will be celebrating the birth of our nation by attending parades and other fun activities. I would like to ask you to keep our country in your thoughts and prayers. Enjoy your club and have some fun with your Model A’s. It is a time when we all can do something to help our fellow members. Whether it means visiting a club member who has not come back to club meetings or helping to get a member's Model A’s running. Sometimes just a phone call can make a significant difference in someone’s life. I recently heard a message in a talk that struck a chord with me. “Let us learn from the past, prepare for the future, what we do now is the only time we have to make a difference." I hope this inspires you to do something great for someone right now. I hope to see you on the road soon.

As always, I am happy to help you. Please feel free to send me an email.

Happy Motoring, Jay McCord

June 2022

It is hard to believe that June is upon us. This month many of us are heading to our National Convention in Kerrville, Texas. I know that you are preparing your A’s for the drive, please make sure you have a well-prepared car, adequate spares, cell phone, National Roster, and a roadside assistance Card. Last year on our trip across the country, all of these came in very handy.

A call to your insurance carrier to make sure you have adequate coverage is a wise idea too. I am looking forward to meeting all of you at the meet. It is not too late to register, go to www.mafca.com.

I am proud to announce that our new MAFCA Mission Statement was approved at our April 30th Board of Directors meeting. Thanks to Dean Potter and his team for this effort.

MAFCA Mission Statement 2022
The Model A Ford Club of America (MAFCA) seeks to bring people together worldwide interested in collecting, restoring, maintaining, and driving the Model A Ford vehicle manufactured between 1928 and 1931. Our members’ interests range from blue ribbon restorations designed for judging to all aspects of Model A Ford history, including fashions and traditions of the Model A Ford Era, touring and social events.

You still have time to submit your name as a candidate for election for the 2023-2024 Board of Directors. If you have a love for the Model A and a desire to serve at the National Level, I urge you to submit your application. More information at www.mafca.com. The deadline is June 17th.

I am happy to announce the new Volume 10 edition to the “How to Restore Your Model A” Series is coming shortly. This will be the first edition printed in color. Many thanks to Les Andrews and his team. Please watch for an announcement on our website and Facebook page. As always, I am happy to help you. Please feel free to send me an email at president @ mafca.com.

Happy Motoring, Jay McCord

May 2022

Welcome to the best time of the year. The last of the snow has fallen and the wildflowers are beginning to emerge. It has been wonderful to finally be able to get my Coupe out for daily drives. I have been fortunate to attend several events this year. The Central California Regional Jamboree, hosted by the Paso Robles As had over three hundred in attendance. The Orange County A’s held their 59th annual pancake breakfast with record attendance. I am looking forward to attending many Chapter Meetings and a swap meet or two. I know you will be spending time with your A at different activities too. I hope that you will keep a membership application for your local chapter and the national club in your car. When people want to visit about your car, I hope you will tell them about the many benefits of our wonderful club.

I would like to remind you that we have proclaimed May as Model A Youth month. We have joined forces with the Model A Youth Restoration Award and the Model A Youth Scholarship organization. Check out our website for more information on these fine organizations. I would like to ask each chapter and group to actively promote the hobby with our young people. Our chapter is hosting a BBQ at a members ranch where we will have a variety of Model A’s on display. We have invited everyone to bring their children and grandchildren. There will be opportunities to check out the cars and honk the horns. Those with drivers licenses will take the wheel and develop their driving skills. If we provide memorable experiences, these young people will develop a love for the Model A just like we enjoy. Remember we have the A World Magazine available for the children. You can subscribe by sending your email address to Aworld@mafca.com. This is a wonderful electronic publication written by our editor, Sherry Winkinhofer. I hope you can do your part to share your car with grandchildren and neighbors.

I am getting excited for the fun time that we will have as we attend our National Convention in Kerrville Texas. It is not too late to send in your registration for this fun filled week in the Texas Hill Country. You can find the registration form on our website. See you there.

Happy Motoring, Jay McCord

April 2022

It’s been a long and hard winter for many. Much of the country has sprung forward with our clocks and are now enjoying an extra hour of daylight. I love this extra time to be in the shop working on my Model A. I encourage you all to make some time to get your car ready for the upcoming touring season.

I want you all to know that MAFCA has joined forces with the MAYRA, Model A Youth Restoration Award team, to proclaim the Month of May as Model A Youth Month. These young people are essential to the future of our hobby. I would like to encourage each member of MAFCA to take the opportunity to involve your young people in the hobby. Many times, I have been invited to bring my Model A to a school event to share the joy of owning a Model A. It is always fun to have the young people sit in the car, honk the horn and pretend to drive. Remember we have the A World Magazine available for the children. You can subscribe by sending your email address to Aworld@mafca.com. This is a wonderful electronic publication written by our editor, Sherry Winkinhofer. I hope you can do your part to share your car with grandchildren and neighbors.

Most of you know that I have a great desire to grow the club membership. Recently I have visited several chapters and made a pitch for the chapter members to join MAFCA. On every visit I have signed up new people. This is a great place to start. Chapter members already have an interest it the hobby and many own a car. Remember the first year of membership is available at no charge. I have been asked, “What’s the catch”? There is a catch for sure. We want these new members to continue as members of the chapters and MAFCA for many years to come.

I am anxiously awaiting the day we will attend our National Convention in Kerrville Texas. The dates are June 12 through 17th I know that many have reserved rooms and now is the time to send in your registration forms. This will be a unique chance to see the Texas Hill Country as presented by our host Chapter the Alamo A’s. There is so much wonderful history in the area from the River Walk to the Alamo. Be prepared for some of the best Model A Roads offering some great country touring. I’m looking forward to the Era Fashion show, the Fine Point Judging and of course the Restoration Class Evaluations. There will be something there for everyone. You can find a link to the registration forms on the front page of our website, www.mafca.com. I would like to thank the many fine members of the Texas Clubs who are contributing to the success of this event.

I’m looking forward to seeing you soon,
Ahooga, Jay McCord

March 2022

I’d like to use this month's letter as a reminder of things to come. First and foremost, I would like to encourage you to renew your membership in MAFCA for 2022. It is critical so we can send your Restorer out with the bulk mailing each time. Second, I need your help as we work to grow our club. As I stated last month, we are reaching younger folks through our social media efforts. I would like to encourage you to talk about the club. Let the Model A Ford become your brand by wearing our hats and clothing items. As you do you will find people who will share their experiences with the Model A.

We are holding our National Convention this June 12 through 17th in Kerrville Texas. I am looking forward to experiencing the Texas Hill Country as presented by our host Chapter the Alamo A’s. There is so much wonderful history in the area from the River Walk to the Alamo. I’m told that some of the best Model A Roads are there so be prepared for some great country touring. I’m looking forward to the Era Fashions show, the Fine Point Judging and of course the Restoration Class Evaluations. There will be something there for everyone. You can find registration forms on the front page of our website, www.mafca.com. I would like to thank the many fine members of the Texas Clubs who are contributing to the success of this event.

Our board of directors have decided to move the printing of our National Roster book ahead by one year. I am excited to see this book revised as it is a useful tool. I use mine many times a week as I help new members find Model A Club members in their area. It is also a must book to have when long distance touring. It was very helpful to our group when we drove from Maine to California last year.

Lastly in our board meeting our membership director, John LaVoy had his selection for the National Nominating Committee approved. They will be conducting a nationwide search for members to run for election to the 2023-2024 Board. Please contact John at membership @ mafca.com if you have a desire to serve as a director of MAFCA.

I’m looking forward to seeing you soon,
Happy Motoring, Jay McCord

February 2022

I’d like to tell you about the great success we are having with our social media initiatives. The latest news revolves around our Technical Director, Ed Tolman. Ed and Paul Shinn of YouTube Fame have teamed up to create a technical help email address to provide a quicker source of answers to your questions. You can send your requests to modelatechquestions@gmail.com. We have established a team of experts to help provide the answers to your questions. If you are enjoying Paul’s YouTube Channel, I’d like to invite you to subscribe to receive notices of the next show. You can do so at www.paulshinn.us.

Our Facebook Page, Model A Ford Club of America, continues to grow. We have been running very well under the direction of Happy Begg, our MAFCA Board Liaison, with Michael Eisenbise and Jay McCord as the Administrators. We are very happy to announce the addition of Melanie Whittington as the newest member of our admin team. I would like to encourage you to check this out. We have a fun topic of the day and would like to see you post pictures of your cars and projects. Click here to visit our Facebook page.

I would like to thank you all for the work you put in to make your Chapters and MAFCA the strong club it is. I urge each of us to do what we can to promote the Model A Hobby. We are attracting many new members. Here are a few things you can do to help us retain these new people. Each new member needs a mentor-friend, a job or responsibility in the club and the good fellowship of the members.

I am so grateful of those who have guided me through my Model A Adventures. Remember that The Model A Ford Club of America is a national historical society dedicated to the restoration and preservation of the Model A Ford vehicle as manufactured from 1928 to 1931.

Happy Motoring, Jay

January 2022

Happy New Year to each of you.

I am delighted to serve as the 2022 President of MAFCA. Many of you know that I have worked for the past two years as Administrator of the MAFCA Facebook Page. This has helped me see the club with a more global perspective. I have watched many of you join our National Club. I believe the hobby is alive and well.

My major goal for MAFCA is to grow the club. To do this, I would like to ask for some help. I need each of you to do your best job to find new members. I am sure that you may know people who have a Model A that are not a member of your group. Invite them to a meeting or if their car is not currently running plan a club meeting to help get them back on the road.

We are seeing many grandchildren receiving cars from grandparents. Let’s welcome them to become a part of the group. Finally, we are seeing many people who have always wanted to own an A buying their first car. All of these will benefit from the fellowship of the Chapter and your personal friendship. I would ask If you will share some of your old issues of The Restorer you can easily bring them to the club.

To me the most important thing you can do is to let people drive your car. Remember our free membership program continues. We need these new members. I love my Model A Coupe and the excitement it brings to people when I honk my horn. I’d like to hear your ideas on how we can bring in new members that will stay with us in the years to come.