Letters to the Editor

Hi Dick,

Just had to say that our Brightwork newsletter is a joy to read and the high standards you have achieved remind me of Classic Boating magazine. After reading George Zeth's letter, I reviewed my old files and also found an original Shorelines newsletter -- everything has advanced so much from that humble beginning. A lot of water has gone under the hull since then.

Best, Jim Brennan

We owe a lot to humble beginnings. Without them, we wouldn't be where we are now. Many thanks to you and everyone who started it all back in 1977. -Ed.

Dick,

Another outstanding issue. My Dad was so pleasantly surprised when I showed him the picture of our Lyman underway that he asked if there might be any additional copies so he could have one. If so, please let me know how I could get my hands on one. Once again, great job! Dave Freund

Extra copy found and sent. -Ed. Dick,

Kudos to you on Brightwork! We received our copy today and it is SUPERB! Thanks for publishing the lovely letter you received about Dick. I've always known I married an amazing man, and am so happy to see that others recognize that as well. You made our night! Kaye Newcomb

Mr. Editor: Thank you for sending the September 2007 issue of Brightwork. This letter concerns the letter sent by Mr. Howard Hopson, a first-time boat exhibitor, to Janice Miller, the Skaneateles Boat Show Dock Master, concerning one of the judges at the 2007show. That letter was on the front page of your newsletter and concerned Dick Newcomb, who was in the spotlight.

On two occasions I have had the privilege to judge boats with Dick and have found him to be completely involved when judging, and to be very knowledgeable when local area boats are concerned. As in Mr. Hopson's case, Dick is always ready to discuss boats in competition. This year, Dick's wife, Kaye, joined the judging group to try her hand with judging. Later, she said she had enjoyed the experience. As with Mr. Hopson, I will be back to Skaneateles to judge. (I have been invited.) Hopefully, I will see him at that event. Mr. Editor, this is the first time that I have ever seen a letter of this nature on the front page of any newsletter. My hat is off to you.

Congratulations to you upon winning the newsletter award at the ACBS Annual Meeting. Best regards, Herb Anthony

Did You Know�? �that the Sunnyland Chapter, ACBS is planning to move its annual Antique Boat Festival from Mt. Dora, FL across Lake Dora to Tavares, FL? 2007 was the 20th year of the event at Mt. Dora which had grown from 70 boats in 1988, to 238 boats this past March. In 2008, Sunnyland organizers plan to team with the Classic Raceboat Association to put on a single event at Wooten Park which is better-equipped to handle the increasing number of boats and the 20,000 annual boat show visitors. Tavares has also offered to make an investment of $250,000. for portable docks to meet the needs of the boat show and its many visitors.

�that according to a 2005 survey conducted by the National Marine Manufacturing Association, boating ranks among the top three stress-relieving activities available to adults? There's every indication that antique boaters were not included in the survey!

�that a new Radio Talk Show called Classic Car & Boat Network went on the air on Sunday, November 11th on clear-channel station 950 AM radio? It is broadcast live from Houston, Texas every Sunday morning from 8:00 to 9:00, and will also be Podcast on www.the950.com or www.keels-wheels.com and can be heard on the internet anywhere around the world. The show will be about every aspect of owning, collecting, restoring, showing, buying, transporting, remembering, lusting after and enjoying Classic Cars and Wooden Boats. The show can be contacted at 713-256-8707 or classiccarsandboats@4U.com

�that a twelve-page article covering the history of Penn Yan boats was published in the September/October issue (No. 139) of Classic Boating Magazine? The article was compiled by Bill Oben, President of the Finger Lakes Boating Museum.

�that a reproduction model of the Curtiss twin-engine flying boat, America, has been built in the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum Restoration Shop in Hammondsport, NY? It was taken out on Keuka Lake for its inaugural flight on September 15th, but was unable to get airborne due to insufficient power. More powerful engines are now on order. The original America last flew over Keuka Lake in 1914.

�that members of the Canal New York Marketing and Business Alliance traveled to England last month to attend a London trade show that attracts travel industry professionals from around the world? The group wants tour operators to know that there's more to the Erie Canal than 15 miles and a mule named Sal! Besides marketing, the alliance also lobbies Albany and is creating an educational program. FLC member Peter Wiles is chair of the Alliance's Board of Directors.

�that the August 2007 issue of Adirondack Life carried an eight-page article on the Fulton Chain Rendezvous and the Lake George Antique Boat Rendezvous? FLC Past President Rob Kidd plays a prominent role in putting together the annual Fulton Chain event, and his 1934 Chris-Craft is pictured in one of the article's several photos