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24 | SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | MARCH 2015 | SOCIAL CLUBS & GROUPS Cruzin' Cronies We hope you've enjoyed the history of the auto industry that we've shared over the last few months. Our aim is to encourage new members to join our club, the Cruizin' Cronies. After WWII, the Big Three (Ford, GM, Chrysler) dominated the automobile market. By 1950, the U.S. produced ¾ of all automobiles in the world. Factory conditions for autoworkers remained poor and very hazardous, even though the Big Three had recognized the United Auto Workers by 1941. Workers demanded improved conditions and fair pay. After a lot of labor unrest and pressure from the new union, conditions began to improve. The Big Three granted company-paid pensions to employees 65 years old with 30 years seniority. In the mid-1950s, they agreed to set up a trust fund for unemployed auto workers. Major design changes in engines and styling also came along in the 1950s. Exterior styling was influenced by jets and rockets as the U.S. entered the space-age. Rear fins, front bumpers, and taillights were designed to resemble rockets. Chrome plating and two-tone paint were introduced, and the Corvette and the Thunderbird were designed for the sports car market. The Interstate Highway System introduced in 1956 led to the construction of regional and interstate roads across the country. Cities became more crowded, which encouraged the development of suburbs, and the automobile was seen as more than just a luxury. People began to view vehicle transportation as a necessity. In 1973, the Big Three agreed to make pensions available to any worker with 30 years seniority, regardless of age. By then they had also agreed to cover the entire health insurance bill for its employees, survivors, and retirees. The rising costs of oil and the demands of labor in the 1970s, plus increased competition from foreign manufacturers, adversely affected American auto companies. The U.S. was overtaken as the largest automobile producer by Japan in the 1980s, and then by China in 2008. Cruizin' Cronies meets at 8 am on Sat., March 7, with our monthly display of classic cars in the Main Clubhouse parking lot. Breakfast follows at a designated restaurant. In the works for this month is a chili cook-off and car show. For info, call Sandra Glickman at 692- 6991. Bible Study Our Bible study group is non-denominational. All are welcome. We meet together every week for fellowship and study. On the first Wednesday of each month we meet for dinner before our regular meeting. Reservations for dinner are taken in the meeting the last Wednesday of each month. Bring your Bible, any version, and listen to or participate in our discussion of the evening topic. We're all learning together. We'd be delighted if you'd join us. We meet every Wednesday at 7 pm in the Main Clubhouse Multipurpose Room. Air Conditioning & Heating Residential Sales & Service Have You Serviced Your System Lately? Monte Beach State Lic. #C20-278262 • All Major Credit Cards Accepted 56 Years Experience • Solera Resident (951) 845-6889 • (909) 798-8933 Family Owned & Operated • Heating & Air Conditioning Service • Maintenance Contracts • HVAC Consultants • Thermostats • Filters • We Carry Parts • FREE ESTIMATES HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!

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