Report on the Day trip to St.Martins

     Today's run (a drive actually, it would be a looong way to run) took five, then six cars down to Spinney's sea food take-out in St. Martins.  The weather was excellent (it's about time too) and only got warmer as we wandered down the not-horrible 102 heading south.  The ferries at Evandale and Belleisle Bay provided fun little breaks, just long enough to stretch one's legs and chat a bit.

    Once in Long Pointe, JD (DeWitt not Irving) took control and led us via a scenic route into Hampton where we met Carol and  John Dixon.  There was a quick and informal CoC (Change of Command) and with the blue Porsche now in the lead, we continued towards the coast. As we drove along we could feel the Atlantic breeze cooling the temps a bit.  The air also seemed crisper and cleaner.    

     I had assumed that most folks would be going out on Monday, the long weekend, leaving Sunday relatively quiet.  I was wildly wrong.  The parking lot was packed and cars lined the streets.  Despite the throng of people, we received our orders quickly and sat down to eat as the coastal wind did its best to liberate anything lightweight.  The star of the show was Barb and Gary's choice of the 'Seafood Feast'.  The picture tells the story and I'm sure that I'm not the only one who'll be ordering that the next time we visit.  

     There was an offer to visit the sea caves not far from the restaurant but it was declined due to the lateness of the day.  I'm determined to visit the place again (maybe late in June?) and this time go earlier so that we can visit the sea caves.

   Thanks to all who attended, we all seemed to have a great outing.

    Rob E.  

May 20th FABAC Meeting/Eating

May’s mtg will be at the Carnation Chinese Restaurant in the Days Inn, 60 Braydon Blvd, Oromocto.  I’ve booked the private dining room for 5:30 on Wednesday, May 20th. With the  room accommodating a maximum of 25 people, pls confirm your attendance online no later than noon this coming Tuesday.  

FYI, Gary & I plan to drive through Maugerville making a short stop at Moxon’s Country Pumpkin for some of their delicious cookies before crossing the Burton Bridge to get to Oromocto. If anyone wants to join us, post so online and we will arrange to meet at the Ramada for a 4:30 departure.

Hope you are able to make the meeting!

Barb

Sunday Sunny Run to St. Martin's this Sunday

      For your enjoyment, a run is offered.  Taking place this coming Sunday, the 17th of May,  a trip is planned to attend lunch at Spinneys:(https://www.facebook.com/p/Spinneys-Seafood-Market-100057512795943/).

     Weather is expected to be fine with warm temperatures.  Bring a warm jacket as seating is outside only.

     We will meet at the Burton courthouse (upper parking lot) for an 11:00 AM departure down the scenic (and just repaired) 102. The route takes us to the Evandale Ferry, a couple of nice roads to highway 1 for a couple of minutes to pick up the 111 which will take us to St. Martins and Spinney's.  The return route follows the 111 north to Sussex and highway 10.

JD (DeWitt not Irving) is invited to comment on the route since he knows that roads better than I do.

Bob Earl  :-)

Lise Hoffman passing

I just received this included announcement of the passing of Lise Hoffman, wife of Alex Hoffman. Both of whom were just wonderful people who for years actively participated in our club. I, like many of you, would have many fond memories of Lise and Alex.

  Our sympathies to her family and friends. 

    Gary

https://www.echovita.com/ca/obituaries/nb/nackawic/lise-hoffmann-21486622

St. George trip

Great day for driving, great company and wonderful conversation. The reason there are no photographs—too busy talking with everyone. I would like to thank Gary Arsenault, Gary Hetherington, Chris Daigle and Ernst for coming along on the first road trip of the year. There were 2 MGBs, 1Triumph, 1 BMW and a Mazda. 

- John D.

St. George Fish 'n' Chips run this Saturday

Ernst and I are thinking of driving to St. George for a feed of fish and chips on Saturday, the 25th, at Birch Grove Restaurant. I have booked 14 seats at the restaurant. Please let me know if you are interested in going so I can let the restaurant know how many seats will actually be required. 

Meeting in Harvey at the Irving Gas bar at 10:45am—leaving by 11am drive route 127 to Saint Andrews. Then route 1 over to St. George to the Birch Grove restaurant for lunch at around 1pm. After having lunch, drive to St. Andrews, then on to St. Stephen, stopping at Tim’s for a break. Then, back on route 3 to Fredericton. 

Cheers John 

April FABAC Meeting/Eating Report

    The Hilltop (an increasingly popular spot with us) was the scene of much merriment as spring did it best to (finally) break through.

• The agenda was short as Gary wasn't there and I'd forgotten what he'd asked me to talk about. Oh well, that'll give him more to chat about next month at the Carnation Restaurant in Oromocto.
• Ernst reminded everyone of our 25th anniversary blow-out on June the 7th at Oakland Farm (http://www.oaklandfarmandlodge.com/location) in New Maryland.  It will be potluck and someone(?) has volunteered to coordinate the food.  As always, there will be updates.
• The lovely and talented JD  (Dewitt, not Irving) has a run to the Birches in St George on the 24th of April.  There will be updates here as well.
• Spinney's, just outside of St. Martins has just opened for the season and I'll be leading a run there in early May.  Yup, there will also be an update soon.
• A mystery proposal for our next meeting was made for the Carnation Restaurant in Oromocto. There was no other suggestion so the Carnation it is.  Please note that those of us who pass that intersection often—oh yes—it's just Dianne & I isn't it—should let everyone else know that the intersection of Waasis and Restigouche is once again mostly blocked as 'they' do something expensive with the bridge over the highway.  Folks will have to access the Day's Inn either by getting off the Trans Canada and hanging a left off the off ramp, or going through the Gateway complex.  Don't say I didn't warn you.

   Rob E.

Report on FABAC Meeting 18th March, 2026

    With St. Patrick's Day barely out of the way, we met at the shiny new location of one of our favourite eateries, Namaste for the March meeting and dinner.

      As always (do I still need to state this?) Gary took the floor once we'd all ordered our meals and brought us date on recent happenings. Since it's still early—and cold—and snowy, there's only been one event, which was our annual (and always well attended) run up to Dumfries for maple syrup and pancakes. 

    Upcoming events were then mentioned:

• John and his entourage are planning a couple of summer runs to a car show on the Island and a jaunt around Nova Scotia. Details will be forthcoming. 
• Ernst reminded us of the 25th anniversary bash in New Maryland on June 7th, This will be a pot luck. 

    I distributed a few copies of what I hope is the final version of our club brochure. With all comments and revisions done, I'll print a few AND have David post it on the site for everyone to download and print their own. These can be carried in a person's car and handed out (or stuck in a windshield) of an interesting or appropriate car. Everyone can write their own number and/or email on the brochure for a more personal touch. 

    Next month's dinner will be at the good ole Hilltop on April 15th. We have the large front window seating area on the left as you enter. 

    This brings up a point that has been circulating a bit within our group. We're talking about having a few regular spots that we meet at every month. Going somewhere different each month has led us to spots that weren't up to our standards and sometimes resulted in confusion. The Hilltop is popular and has lots of parking at the front door. We also have a somewhat large, private area by the front window and it's never crowded. It looks like Namaste will also be a regular spot. The food is excellent, the service is terrific and like the Hilltop, there's a ton of parking right outside. There's a few other spots we've frequented that we can keep on our list. This doesn't preclude trying someplace new either. 

    Rob E.

FABAC Meeting March 18/26 - Namaste Bistro

IMPORTANT: Please respond if you plan to attend this meeting. I have to confirm numbers by Monday. gararsenault@gmail.com

     Our March meeting will be held at the new and improved Namaste's Bistro (formerly the Namaste restaurant located in the Capital Curling Rink). Its new location on 5 Acorn St. is located off Bishop Drive near Hanwell Rd.

They specialize in Indian foods especially curries. Here is their menu:

         

       https://www.namastebistro.ca/menufrederictonnav

     I've made our reservation for the usual time at 5:30. This is going to be a popular restaurant so I will need attending numbers in order to confirm our seating. 

    I'm looking forward to experiencing the new location and their new expanded menu. 

    Also, please bring ideas for runs and events that could help us celebrate our 25th anniversary. Again, it does not have to be a big event.....a short run somewhere with a meal is always well appreciated.

   Looking forward to seeing many of you at the new Namaste Bistro.

          Thanks,

           Gary

Proposed Nova Scotia Tour

I’ve been planning to go to a long-standing car show on Yarmouth, NS this summer.  The show starts on the evening of July 10^th with a downtown parade and the car show on July 11^th from 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM.  My plan is as follows:

• Take a two and one half hour cruise on the 10^th from Saint John to Digby, leaving at 2:15 PM.  Rates have been lowered substantially this year.
• Travel to Yarmouth via Rt. 101 and Rt. 1, take in the evening parade, staying at the Comfort Inn, Yarmouth and attend the car show the next morning.  You may want to enter your car in the show. Information about the show at https://www.facebook.com/roaringautos  
• Leaving Yarmouth on July 11^th after the show and travel to Bridgewater and Lunenburg via Rt.103 staying at Travelodge in Bridgewater.  The evening of the 11^th and the morning of the 12^th can be spent touring Lunenburg.
• After lunch on July 12^th, we will drive to Peggy’s Cove for a short visit and a stop at the SwissAir Memorial, then on to Truro and Fredericton via some back roads.
• More detailed information later for those interested in the trip.  Hotels in NS are booking up already for the summer.

Please let me know if you are interested.

- Phil O.