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Cruisers pay tribute to fmr. judge Michael L. Heishman

(May 25, 2017) Organizers of Saturday’s spring Berlin Cruisers paid tribute to former event judge Michael L. Heishman by creating a new Judge’s Choice Award in his honor and surprising his widow, Vickie.
Heishman lost his battle with cancer earlier this year.
Bill Hoshal, an event organizer, said Heishman was also a regular participant during the twice-yearly classic car and truck showcase.
“He started coming to Berlin Cruisers and brought his Oldsmobile from Carlisle, Pennsylvania. He was probably around for at least [the last] four years,” Hoshal said. “I asked him about being a judge and he judged for us for a couple of years after that.
“I never had a problem with him saying’ no,’” Hoshal continued. “The only time he could not judge is when his car was picked to be the feature car at the Ocean City Convention Center [during Cruisin’ Ocean City]. Other than that, he was always so gracious. He loved everybody and he was always willing to help out if he was able to do so.”
Hoshal and Heishman had talked about the struggles with cancer several years ago.
“It sounded pretty bad and he was going to try to fight it. For those last few years, he’s been in and out of Johns Hopkins,” Hoshal said. “And then, finally, it just took him. He died probably four-to-six weeks ago.”
Organizers Tanja Giles, Mike Wiley and Hoshal decided to create to new trophy to honor Heishman.
Giles, who emceed the awards ceremony, asked for a moment of silence before surprising Vickie on Saturday.
“For the past several years, we’ve been very fortunate to have one of your own as one of our judges,” Giles said on Saturday. “[He was] a wonderful gentleman who has touched our hearts for so many years.
“Heishman [was] a car lover, like every one of you, to the core. [He] came here and helped us every time [and was] a hands-down wonderful person,” Giles said. “So this year we’ve decided, in honor of Michael, we have a new award that we’re presenting and we will continue to present this award every year [during] spring and fall Cruisers.
“This award is about more than just the car – it’s about the people that meet,” Giles said.
The award was given to Larry and Sandy Comp for their 1929 pickup truck.
“Mr. Heishman was a big Oldsmobile lover – it’s got an Oldsmobile engine,” Giles said. “And they’re from Pennsylvania.”
Hoshal presented the award to a tearful Vickie, who then gave it to Larry Cobb.
“This would have meant a lot to my husband,” she said. “Thank you.”
Additional winners on Saturday included Rick Harrick (Best Classic, 1932 Ford 3 Windsor Coupe), Paul and Randi Jordan (Best Antique, 1955 Ford Thunderbird), Jeremy and Christi Shultz (Best Hot Rod, 1953 Chevy 3100), Gary Fee (Best Truck, 1969 Chevy Camaro), Lewis Stanley (Best Pony Car, 1930 Ford A), Jody Sheeder (Best Unclassified, 1967 Chevy C-10 Truck) and Ricky Greer (Best in Show, 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona).