June means graduation time, and I'm proud to announce the graduation of an NIA member I happen be rather fond of - - his name is Garrett Frederick, NIA Member #14787 and a graduate of the Chadron, Nebraska High School Class of 2009. He also happens to be my oldest nephew. Time flies; seems like only yesterday that I became an aunt, and now he's ready for college!
Garrett is an all-around great guy, but kinda quiet like his dad (my brother), so I thought I'd brag on him a little bit. He's headed to the Black Hills School of Mines & Technology in the fall to study engineering, and I've seen some of his report cards, so I know it will be a breeze for him. College moves him about 100 miles away from home, but close enough so he can keep working on his classic Chevy - a 1958 Apache stepside truck he bought before he could even drive, and has been putting together over the past few years. He's gotten some help from his Dad, but it really is his project. He's done his research and has spent long hours working on it.
Check out this truck bed! He made it for his senior Wood Shop project. WOW! All of the wood came from Ponderosa Pines that were felled during the 2006 wildfires that devastated the Nebraska bluffs where he lives - he does outstanding work, don't you agree?
Garrett told me that so far he's put in new brake lines, drums, wheel cylinders, dual master cylinder set-up, rebuilt Rochester carb, and replaced the rear axle (with a little help from his Uncle Jody). Garrett gives 110% to everything he does from school to sports to this great project, so I know his truck will be a beauty when he finishes it. Can't wait for a ride!
Besides graduations and weddings, June brings warmer weather, and it has been absolutely gorgeous here in Minnesota. Perfect weather for a convention, don't you think? The NIA Regional Convention is this week, and we're excited to see so many NIA and MIC members as they arrive - if you're in the neighborhood, stop by anytime this week - you can still register onsite - details are further down in this e-newsletter.
fyi - the latest issue of Impala News just rolled off the presses and is headed to a mailbox near you ...but we still have room in the next issue for pictures of YOUR car - drop me a line and let me know what you've been working on!
