PRES PEN by John

 

Here we are in March. If you are like us, we feel that this winter has been way too long, and we are looking forward to spring.   We had a good showing of members at Autorama on Friday the first day of the show. I did not think the show was quite as good as prior years, but it still was a nice show. There seemed to be a lot more Classic cars than street rods this year. We had a nice day looking at all the cars knowing our cars will be coming out soon. Thanks to Gerri and Don McKinnon for the dinners and the breakfasts at Luigi’s. It has made the winter go by a little faster. Gerri and Don have also signed up again this summer to do the sales of tickets at the Farmington Cruise. These two members have given a lot of themselves the last few years, and I would like to say thank you for a job well done.   Bill Carner has drawn up a sample picture of what we intend to put on the cruise shirts this year. He, again, came up with a great theme picture for the cruises. The tee shirt sales have allowed our club to help a lot of people. We have had a lot of good things said about our club for doing this. Here is another person who has in the past, and now, gives a lot of himself for the better of the club. These are just a few people who have made this club a better club. Just think what we could achieve if we all gave just a little of ourselves.   The club has seen good success with the cruises. The people who attend seem to like our members and even the oldies playing a little loud. The new owner of Bellacino’s is our number one sponsor this year again. Most of the other sponsors are signing up again this year. Hopefully, the gas situation will not affect the cruisers coming out to cruise with us this year. I hope we can continue to have good success with the cruises, so we can afford to make our club that much better in the future.

Here we are in March. If you are like us, we feel that this winter has been way too long, and we are looking forward to spring.

 We had a good showing of members at Autorama on Friday the first day of the show. I did not think the show was quite as good as prior years, but it still was a nice show. There seemed to be a lot more Classic cars than street rods this year. We had a nice day looking at all the cars knowing our cars will be coming out soon. Thanks to Gerri and Don McKinnon for the dinners and the breakfasts at Luigi’s. It has made the winter go by a little faster. Gerri and Don have also signed up again this summer to do the sales of tickets at the Farmington Cruise. These two members have given a lot of themselves the last few years, and I would like to say thank you for a job well done.

 Bill Carner has drawn up a sample picture of what we intend to put on the cruise shirts this year. He, again, came up with a great theme picture for the cruises. The tee shirt sales have allowed our club to help a lot of people. We have had a lot of good things said about our club for doing this. Here is another person who has in the past, and now, gives a lot of himself for the better of the club. These are just a few people who have made this club a better club. Just think what we could achieve if we all gave just a little of ourselves.

 The club has seen good success with the cruises. The people who attend seem to like our members and even the oldies playing a little loud. The new owner of Bellacino’s is our number one sponsor this year again. Most of the other sponsors are signing up again this year. Hopefully, the gas situation will not affect the cruisers coming out to cruise with us this year. I hope we can continue to have good success with the cruises, so we can afford to make our club that much better in the future.

 TREASURY REPORT by Harvey

 I am happy to report that, with one exception, all of our members have renewed. This means that our membership stands at 50 families and the treasury is adequately funded to nearly meet this years expected expenses.

Motor State has agreed to give some of our charity fund to the group restoring an old fire truck (I believe it is a 1937 Seagraves) to be used as a hearse for any Michigan or Southwestern Ontario firemen who lost their lives in the line of duty. A car show is being planned to raise monies for this project. Currently these plans call for holding it at Kensington later this year. We intend to attend and make our donation during this event. Hopefully, our club will be represented by many members with their cars.

Election Year Thoughts by Harvey

 You may not realize that 2008 is a big election year. No I am not talking about one on November 11th where we have to decide what direction our country is going, but the really big one that determines who will be running our club for the next two years.

 I assume that, as in the past, there will be the usual fighting going on with all the members clambering for one of the positions available. Membership will have to reduce the numbers so only two or three candidates are running for each position. Then the elections can be held according to the by-laws.

 If you didn’t notice, that last paragraph was an April Fools. We will be lucky to find enough people to have someone running for each position. (President, VP/Secretary, Treasurer and two Directors). If I remember correctly, our last President held the office longer than FDR did. Only in our case, it was because no-one else wanted the post.

 Now is the time to start thinking about who should be nominated. Discuss it with your friends and, hopefully, we will be able to hold an election.

 Just remember that a member must have been a Director before they can run for Pres, VP or Treasurer.

Telephone Fan-Out by Harvey

The recent unfortunate passing of Dale Reno allowed us to test our emergency telephone fan-out process. It worked beautifully as everyone in the club was made aware of Dale’s death and funeral arrangements.

 For those unaware of the process, when a significant event (like a death) of a member occurs, others are to inform one of the main contacts (currently John Glenfield or Pete Deptula). They will then notify the key contacts who will, in turn, phone all members so that everyone is aware of what has happened. This insures that members without internet access or those that do not frequently check their e-mails will be made aware of what has happened.

 A special thanks goes out to our key contacts for making sure that the process worked as the word was rapidly passed around.

 By the way, I have placed John and Pete’s phone numbers on the last page of the newsletters so  you can easily contact them.

Card Care Corner by JoAnn

We have sent cards to the following members since the last newsletter.

 Jenise Reno — For the death of her husband Dale

Carl Kilpela — Cancer — receiving treatments

John Schlagel — Cancer — receiving treatments

 We need to keep these members in our thoughts and prayers. If anyone knows of a member that is sick, having surgery or has lost a love one, please contact JoAnn Nash at 517-223-4882 or E-Mail her at bojonash@netscape.com

New Members by Harvey

  Three members have made it through the probationary period and are now official members of our fine club. Lets all give our usual warm welcome to Kurt & Sandy Kiser, Tom & JoAnn Mann and Daryll & Mary Hart

Farmington Interagency Council by Harvey

Farmington and Farmington Hills have created The Interagency Council consisting of representatives from different organizations within these cities. The intent is to meet four times a year to discuss how these agencies can work together and help each other in their efforts to help the less fortunate. MSSR has joined this group and we will report on any needy individuals or groups that we feel the club might be able to help.

Autorama by Harvey

One of the indications that spring is near is the Autorama. As usual, it was a top notch show with magnificent vehicles of every description to satisfy any and all car nuts. I went on Friday (retirees and students day) and only saw several hundred cars I would love to own. I must add that it was really nice seeing our members wearing their club jackets, shirts and jerseys. It gave us plenty of visibility. 

Special Thanks by Harvey

Once again, a special thanks goes to the McKinnon’s. The monthly dinners and breakfasts that Gerri and Don worked hard to schedule not only gave us a chance to get together and chat, it helped the winter to pass by rapidly.

Bob Steinhaus by Harvey

Bob gave us that great cruise coverage in Hot Rod Hotline last year. He had a large internal growth removed and is doing fine. He is working on the committee for the “Crooz and Schmooz” charity car show. He is actually looking forward for spring to arrive. Health wise, He is improving but still under weight and taking medication, but no other complications. This is his fourth year on the car show committee and it will be their fifth consecutive show. Bob asked if we could add it to our calendar. All club members of course will be invited, and the show will have new  and expanded trophy categories this year including Traditional Hot Rods. The show info is as follows:  Temple Beth El's 5th Annual Crooz and Schmooz Charity Car Show (7400 telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, Mi) Benefiting Children's Leukemia Foundation of Michigan July 13, 2008 12 to 4 pm (July 20 rain date) $15 pre-registration, $20 at show - 3 raffle drawings per hour, Dash plaques and goodie bags for the first 100 cars Beautiful glass trophies, expanded categories, judging by Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press Auto Critic Show coverage on Hot Rod Hot Line (of course)   Bob thanks everyone for their thoughts  and sends his best to all our members.

Birthdays

4-11      Jack Miller

4-12      Russ Demers

4-15      Nancy Glenfield

4-17      Ron Keeney

4-17      Mary Ann Shantz

4-21      Gerri McKinnon

4-23      Pam Carner

4-24      Richard Pickens

4-28      Marge Lazo

5-12      Bob Houchins

5-17      Tim Keenan

5-19      Bill Carner

5-19      Bob Nash

5-24      Sheila Sabo

6-17 Ann Reilly

6-18 Dwight Fackender

6-23 Judy Carter

6-25 Jim Booher

6-30 Ann Prine

7-09 Ralph Simons

7-24 Rita Laird

Anniversaries

4-01      McKinnons

4-03      Mosella

4-11      Millers

5-01      Plopans

5-07      Carners

5-07      Houchins

5-12      Carters

6-01      Schlagels

6-12      Simons

6-16      Sabos

6-18      Kilpelas

6-18 Wymans

6-23 Deptulas

Upcoming Events

 April 16   First Novi Cruise

 April 21    First Farmington Cruise

 April 27   Club Meeting @ clubhouse

May 18    Can-Nats in Windsor

 May 18   Club Meeting @ clubhouse

May 31 Gilmore Museum Tour (Jim Stocke)

 June 6-8    Indy Hot Rod Nats

 June 14   Cruisin Gratiot

 June 14-15 Motor Muster

 June 28 Downriver Cruise

 June 29 2PM Fackender’s Informal Mtg.

 July 11-13 Goodguys Columbus Nats

 July 13 5th Crooz and Schmooz (Pg.3)

 July 26 Telegraph Cruise

 July31-Aug 3 Louisville Street Rod Nats

 July 27 2PM Reilly’s Informal Mtg.

 Aug 13-16 Back to the Bricks

Aug 8-10   WAMBO (Jim Stocke has info)

 Aug 16 Woodward

 Aug 19-24 US-27 Tour

 Aug 24 2PM Stocke’s Informal Mtg.

 Aug 27 Cruisin Harper

Sept 05 Frankenmouth

Sept 05 Blue Suede Cruise

 Sept 12-14 Nats North

 Sept 28 2PM Informal Meeting @ Deptula's House

Oct 05* Ypsi Cider Run

 Oct 13 Last Farmington Cruise

 Oct 15 Last Novi Cruise