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26 | SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | JULY 2019 | Yiddish Culture Club Cruzin' Cronies Here's more interesting history about cars and the auto industry from the Cruzin' Cronies: Chrysler introduced the Hemi V-8 engine in 1951, and GM introduced the overhead valve V-8 engine in 1955. Longer, lower, and wider bodies came next, with exterior styling influenced by jets and rockets in the beginning of the space-age. Rear fins became larger, and front bumpers and taillights were often designed to resemble rockets. Chrome plating and two-tone paint grew in popularity, exemplified by GM's 1959 Cadillac Eldorado and Chrysler's 1957 Imperial. The 1953 Chevrolet Corvette and the 1955 Ford Thunderbird were designed for the sports car market. The Thunderbird grew in size in 1958 and became a personal luxury car. The Interstate Highway System resulted in the growth and development of suburbs, which made automobiles more than just a luxury. People began to see the automobile as an extension of themselves. The $33 billion Federal Aid Highway Act of 1956 led to construction of a network of regional and interstate roads. Urban areas became even more crowded, and more families moved to the suburbs. Between 1960 and 1970, 70 percent of the U.S. population growth was in the suburbs. Imports grew during the 1950s, with the Volkswagen Beetle being the biggest seller. The compact Nash Rambler had been around since 1950, and American Motors Corporation (AMC) expanded into a range of smaller cars than were offered by the Big Three. By 1960, Rambler was the third most popular brand of automobile in the United States, behind Ford and Chevrolet. In response to this the domestic auto makers developed compact-sized cars, such as the Ford Falcon, Chevrolet Corvair, Studebaker Lark, and Plymouth Valiant. Cruzin' Cronies is a Classic Car Club, and you don't need a classic car to join. Meetings are held on the first Saturday of each month. We display our cars at 8 am in the Main Clubhouse parking lot, have a short meeting in the Multipurpose Room, and then go to breakfast. There are no dues, no extra fees, just friendship, stories, and laughter. Call Sandra Glickman, (951) 267-3187. "Summertime And The Livin' Is Easy" should be the theme for the YCC after a winter of "Stormy Weather" when most of us were "Busy Doin' Nothing" because "Baby It's Cold Outside." So before there is "A Tropical Heat Wave" the YCC members will come together to celebrate "America's" birthday on Wed., July 10 for our annual barbecue dinner and "A Grand Night for Singing" at 6 pm in the South Clubhouse (on "The Old Chisolm Trail") and no one will need to "Take The A Train" to get there. Our barbecue dinner menu, by Thomas Catering, will include both barbecue baby back ribs and chicken, corn-on-the-cob, potato salad, coleslaw, baked beans, lemonade, coffee, and apple pie with whipped cream and all for the price of $17 pp for members and $20 pp for non-members. You may BYOW. This "Enchanted Evening" will include the performance of songstress Nancy Ford as she entertains us with her vast repertoire of songs and each of us will remember this event "With A Song In 'Your' Heart." The YCC welcomes all to our events and "Getting To Know You." Paid reservations should be sent to Diane Stone, 1800 Litchfield Ct. in Sun Lakes by July 5. You may request to be seated with certain others and we will do our best to accommodate you, or you may reserve a table for eight by sending in all eight paid reservations together. If you have special dietary needs, you may call Diane at (951) 769-0130. A reminder to members that membership dues should be sent to Pat Corrall, membership VP, at 5826 Lake Buena Vista Way before July 1 if you wish to be included in the drawing for one of the two $25 gift cards to the Sun Lakes Restaurant..

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