Look toward this space for News on our Youth Chapter and news on the Youth Scholarship and other programs.

By Jim Lank

Most Model A hobbyists have experienced International Model A Ford Day by participating in their club activities during September.  This wonderful annual tradition celebrating Henry’s Lady didn’t just happen. Bruce Adams had the idea in 2009. It grew at the grass-root level and then got the heft of MARC and MAFCA. The Model A Youth Restoration Award (MAYRA) is proposing to start a new tradition.

MAYRA is kicking off May as Model A Youth Month. We encourage clubs to select one day during May to conduct an activity for youth by displaying, demonstrating, explaining, teaching about, giving rides in, and experiencing the Model A.  The goal is to expose and interest youth in the joys of the ownership, maintenance, and operation of Model A’s.

Why focus on youth? Because involving youth and the younger generation is essential to the hobby’s future.  Most Model A’ers are concerned about that future and would be willing to do something to help keep it growing. Clubs need to take the lead in reaching out to youth. Articles in newsletters and magazines don’t have the same impact.

We Model A’ers have been surrendering the old car restoration interest to the ‘muscle cars’ or the ‘rice rockets’ for too long now. But many of us know that our grandchildren, having been exposed to our Model A’s at a young age, continue to hold them in a special place in their memories. That’s not to say they don’t want a GTO or Mustang Boss 302, but the Model A stays dear to them. Our thinking is that if we can widen that circle of grandkids through programs where we invite youth to sit in our cars, honk the horn, go for a ride, help in the maintenance, and just be part of the Model A ownership for a time, they, too, may get a soft spot for Model A’s that will last a lifetime.

We know that some clubs are very steeped in encouraging youth interest and participation while others are not.  We certainly don’t want to change the plans of clubs that are.  Wouldn’t it be wonderful if every club would hold at least one youth-oriented event during May – at a school, a scouting event, in a Boys and Girls club setting, a park, to give these kids a real hands-on experience with Model A’s, instead of merely watching and hearing them in parades. MARC and MAFCA have already endorsed the plan. The rest is up to us to make it happen.

Start small this May. But start! Designate an interested member to spearhead the effort, and everyone get behind the program.

If your club has a thriving youth program or if you have an idea for one to try in May, please share it with us by emailing David.Sheehan1999@gmail.com.

We look forward to your help in making this campaign a great success!

Jim lank is treasurer of MAYRA, editor of the San Fernando Valley Model A Club MAFCA newsletter, The Rumble Sheet, and the auctioneer for the San Gabriel Valley MARC.

Hello, everyone!  My name is Emily Ellway , and I am the Model A Restorers Club’s new Youth Coordinator.  I am very excited to take on the position, having grown up in this amazing environment!  As far as my love for Model A’s go, it is a strong love,  built on  a sturdy foundation.  I have been attending MARC National Meets since before I was even born with my first meet being in Cincinnati in 2001! I grew up in my parents’ (Kevin & Teresa Ellway) 1929 Roadster Pickup, and it will always have a special place

in my heart. Growing up, I enjoyed going to the summer meets and seeing all of our friend s, participating in the chassis rebuild and Hubley race , and enjoying all the other children’s activities!  I also spent many years helping my mom in touring class judging, which I really enjoyed.  The meet has always been one of my favorite parts of summer because it is my way of seeing our country one state at a time, and I am so excited to see you all at the National 2021 Meet in Oshkosh!

As far as introducing myself personally, I am Ohio born and  raised.  I would describe myself as being determined , outgoing and  adventurous.  I have just entered my first year  studying  at  Cleveland  State  University  in the hopes of pursuing a career in the pediatric medical field someday.  I graduated from high school  this  past May  as class  president  and  president of the National Honor Society, and I spent my free time working a part-time job and volunteering around town. I also spent a semester of my sophomore year  studying  abroad  in  Argentina,  which  was  an  amazing  opportunity! I enjoyed high school and growing up around cars of all ages , and I am looking forward to the next chapter in my  life.  I am very excited  knowing  that the next chapter includes continuing to be a part of MARC, and I look forward to spending time encouraging our youth to enjoy this amazing organization  with  all  it has to offer! If you  have any questions , comments  or advice, please reach out to me at YouthCoordinator@Model-A-Ford.org.  I am truly excited to start in this position, and see you all soon!

Click here to go to Youth Section

MARC National Meet
Gettysburg 2017

Fun at the Pizza Party Gettysburg Nation Meet 2017