| The Mid-Atlantic Fall Rainy Day Tour By Chris King First of all, Howard and I would like to say thank you to all who participated in the fall tour on October 15-17. We were very happy to have 60 participants and 29 cars. On our first rainy day we visited Shelter Systems. We chose it because it is a company that has grown with Carroll County and their technology is very interesting.We could tell that everyone enjoyed seeing such an innovative company. We would like to extend our thanks to the Hikel family for their hospitality to the VMCCA and a special thanks to Lenny, our tour guide. Then it was on to a special lunch at the New Windsor Conference Center where it was warm and dry, and the food was outstanding. Some of the ladies weathered the rain and hiked up to the SERRV Store to buy gifts from all around the world. All proceeds go back to help those nations. Then it was on to an afternoon visit to Union Mills Homestead and an interesting part of history. With part of their familybeing Northern sympathizers and part being Southern sympathizers, I wonder what they talked about at Thanksgiving dinner. Some of the group went in the Westminster Antique Mall, which is one of the largest ones around. Howard and I go in there often. The second rainy day, Howard planned for us to go to Herb and Mary Wessel’s. Their collection of Case cars, tractors and Dodge cars is impressive, but then add in the farm tools, implements, equipment and all the related memorabilia,---WOW. We appreciated the hospitality. Our next stop was Linganore Winecellars at Berrywine Plantations. Tours and tasting were enjoyable. We ate our bag lunches in our cars because of the rain and chilly weather. All participants took it like troopers. Everyone said it could be worse--it could have been snowing.!!! We were happy to see the gang in the little town of Mount Airy in the shops and coffee house. We know a lot of you enjoyed the General Store which housed the soda fountain where everything dates from 1870 -1920. Mr Howard Parzow the collection’s owner, shows great excitement when he gives a tour of the olden days. A special thank you to Wilma Davis for pointing out the article in the local Gazette about the fabulous collection. On Saturday, our last rainy day, we drove to Emmitsburg to the Shrine of the Grotto of Lourdes. It really is a beautiful peaceful place and allowed us to slow down and take in the nature on the mountain (even in the rain). We headed back to our luncheon through the countryside using the historic covered bridges. It is always great to get together even in the rain. Howard and I hope everyone enjoyed themselves. We know the Hospitality Room was well received. A big thanks to Carl Davis, who was a super trooper and became the official sign placer and parking attendant. He was rained on just a little. And a thank you to our daughter who got up extremely early to bring us hot coffee and her homemade breads. Until the next time, safe travels. Your Hosts, Howard and Chris King |