Rod Connection

The Official Journal of the Motor State Street Rods Car Club

Vol 32 Issue 1

Jan-March 2008

Prez  Pen   by John Glenfield

It feels like the time has been passing by faster this year than years before. It seems like we just put the cars away yesterday. We had our first snow this evening and they’re talking on the news about people forgetting how to drive in this (four letter word). They must be getting my age.

The Christmas Dinner is on December 2, at Alfoccino’s, in Farmington Hills. Karen Plopan has taken care of the party, so I am sure it will be another nice evening. Hope to see everyone there.

Treasury Report by Harvey

The 2007 cruise season was a financial success for the club. With the help of the Plopans, McKinnons, Baldwins, John Glenfield and many others, we were able to add $ to our charity fund and $ to our anniversary fund.

The website, which was started to save newsletter distribution costs, drew many visitors as people logged in and checked out club information, including pictures of member’s rides and 2007 cruisers.

For those of you that have not renewed your memberships, please do so soon. The by-laws give you until January 31st to renew. Those that have not are supposed to be removed from the roster on February 1st and are required to reapply for membership after that date. Lets not get into that situation. It makes it much easier for your sweet lovable treasurer to handle the books if you renew before Feb 1st.

If any of you would like your cell phone number added to the roster, please give it to me soon.

MSSR Job Calendar by Sheila

In an effort to (positively) get some help for the regular cruise workers, I have made a job sign up calendar for the cruises. It has the cruises, both Monday and Wednesday, for the entire cruise season shown on it. On those nights, we have 4 basic jobs you can sign up for: 1. DJ, 2. Tickets & Prizes, 3. Shirt sales, 4. 50/50 sales. We need to do this in pencil, in an attempt to keep it neat, because inevitably there will need to be changes. For example, if for some reason someone is unable to keep their scheduled time, it will be up to them to make arrangements with another member to take their place or swap with someone that has a different night. I will put the work schedule in the newsletters as a reminder to those working. So far we have all of the DJ positions filled by John Glenfield and he said that he will work it out with Dan Plopan if he needs a substitute. If anyone has an interest in learning the DJ job, see John. Don and Gerri McKinnon have signed up to keep their job of the Monday 50/50 sales. That still leaves lots of opportunities to work. See the big MSSR Job Calendar at one of the meetings to sign up. It.s not to early, if something comes up, you can always change it....

Other MSSR Events -- 2008 by Sheila

When I was making up the above calendar, it occurred to me, that we have lots of other events happening besides the cruises that could become club events, so I started a sign up list for other events too. On this sheet I listed all the past events that I could think of, some that had been suggested to me and I invented a few. If anyone has an idea of any other events that they would like to do, you can just fill it in or tell me and I’ll put your name down. If traditionally someone else does an event, and you would like to, pencil yourself in and we’ll check with them to see if they want to give it up. They might be happy to...... Judy Stocke has said that she would be happy to give up the August Picnic/Meeting if anyone was willing to do it this year. Just let me know if you’re interested. This is what we have so far:

Mid Winter Garage Crawl - Jim Stocke   Coldwater Car Show/Swap - Bob & JoAnn Nash

Automotive Hall of Fame - Jack Miller     Columbus Goodguys - Don McKinnon

Autorama - John Glenfield                       Woodward Dream Cruise - Jim & Sheila Sabo

June Picnic/Meeting – Fackender’s         Kalamazoo NSRA Games - Bill Carner

Summer Car Tour - Jim & Sheila Sabo   Fall Color Tour - Dan & Kay Laskey

August Picnic/Meeting – Stocke’s           Winter Dinners/Breakfasts - Gerri McKinnon

Kalamazoo NSRA Rooms - Sheila Sabo

This is what’s still available (coordinators needed) or anything else that you think of, that the members might like. We’re always looking for new and different stuff to do.... Knoxville NSRA; Can-Am Nationals; York NSRA; Louisville NSRA; Woodward Pre-Cruise Cruise; Frankenmuth Car Show; Cider/Pumpkin Run; Ididit; Fall Bonfire/Weenie Roast; 2008 Christmas Party Being a Coordinator doesn’t have to be a huge job. It can be as simple as making reservations for an event or as elaborate as planning an entire week long trip. It all depends on you and what you want it to be. If you’ve never done it before and would like to give it a try, let me know and we’ll fix you up with a mentor. Or, just go for it! Somebody once said, ”There’s no such thing as failure, just delayed success”.

CLUB  TELEPHONE   FAN-OUT by Sheila

We have reestablished the club telephone fan-out. It was recently brought to our attention that some members weren’t getting important information, because it was only being sent out by e-mail. This fan-out will be used to relay important information, such as deaths and meeting cancellations, to everyone by phone. We have divided the members into 6 groups, each group having a group head and six or seven members under them, to be contacted. JoAnn Nash, Jan Quill, Ann Reilly, Shirley Miller, John Mosella and Vic Hollingshead have volunteered to be  the group heads. Judy Stocke and I are substitute group heads, in the event that one of the group heads is unavailable. If you hear of a death of a member or of a friend of the club, please get all the information including: funeral home and address, viewing dates and times and service date and time. Then please notify the main contacts, John Glenfield at 248-474-5750 or Pete Deptula at 734-254-9008, as soon as possible. In this manner, we will be able to better inform other Club members.

THE WAY I SEE IT..............      By Bill Carner

As each new year rolls around we look forward to getting the cars ready for another year of cruising and getting out, seeing what’s new, seeing new faces and enjoying the surroundings. As the years goes by some of us go on cruises to events out of state, trips up north and different car shows around town, just to name a few. As we all know, on any given night you can find at a half dozen or more things to drive to.

Last year we celebrated 30 years as a club. Looking back over those years we have been able to do some remarkable things with our charities, at Christmas time, giving away food baskets to needy families in the area , donating money to local organizations and helping some of our own members in need. Over the years we’ve been able to help a lot of families.

As cruise season starts to wind down comes NATS NORTH, one of the last big events in the area. As many of us make the trip west to Kalamazoo, for the weekend, excitement is in the air. It’s the excitement of making the trip, seeing old friends, different cars and being apart of the event.

The swap area back in it’s early days, was just south of where we park now, in the white fenced in area, by where the campers come in. Times have changed. As long as the event has been going on the game area has been a tradition for us. Can anyone remember where the games used to be years ago? I’ll give you a hint there’s a picture on the clubhouse wall. Back then each club had one hour for their game. Over those years many club members hauled games to Kalamazoo, boy it was sure fun on Saturday morning trying to find a park ranger to help us locate a wheelbarrow, for our blind wheelbarrow race. One time we borrowed one from a vendor in the swap meet. A $10.00 deposit was required for it’s safe return.

As Nats North grew and grew, we moved to our present location. The game area has sure changed, with the help of sponsors and Bargains 4U, it hasn’t been that difficult. You still get a few butterfly’s hoping that everything turns out. Wondering if the games will get there on time and will we have enough help.

Speaking of help, what a cast of people we have that help, Millie who for as long as I can remember has painted more faces than some of us can count. To all of our members who are at the games every year helping and being supportive and to our photographers, Dan Plopan (early) and Jim Stocke (later), to John Glenfield for bringing up the games for the last two years and to Pam for letting me run the games. Not once have I had to come and ask for help. Thanks to all of you.

The answer to where we used to do the games is: Right behind the men.s bathroom by the safety area.

NATS NORTH 2008 ~ by Sheila

We have a great spot, with water and electricity. This year we brought our coffee pot and Jim Laird brought a huge box of doughnuts and Kay brought dozens of her famous cookies. We had our little grill and some hot dogs. Several of the gals got together with Dan & Karen and got potato salad and more hotdogs and of course there was lot’s of snacks going around. I’ve learned that there’s never a shortage of food when this club gets together. I love the team work, everyone pitched in. We did the games that Bill talked about that John Glenfield, Reilly’s, Carter’s, Millie Fackender, Pam Carner, Dick Chave, Judy Stocke, Pete & Nina, my Jim and more members worked. I’m doing this from memory (that’s bad). Everyone took part in the setting up, taking down and moving of the tents each morning and night. Again, if I missed anyone, I’m really sorry.

Motor State did very well, prize wise, this year. Three of our members won prizes. Dan Laskey won an under dash type, heater/air conditioner, valued at $500.00, Don McKinnon won a radiator worth $832.00 and Bob Nash won a package of 4 gift certificates, valued at $400.00, for wire retainers, Mustang II front springs, car cleaning products and mirrors. Plus, Bob and JoAnn was also a NSRA Nationals award winner. Their car got the Host Club Pick award. They also, made it into the November issue of Streetscene, who said, .You don’t see many ‘36 Nash Lafayettes that are as bitchin. As Bob and JoAnn Nash’s. The Sedan looks great with it’s molded lowered headlights, and smoothed out complexion. The slick mods helped the car get the Host Club pick.. Way to go Bob and JoAnn!

NATS NORTH 2008   accommodation information by Sheila

MSSR has 17 rooms blocked at the Fairfield Inn (Marriott), in Battle Creek. We have a special group rate of $99.00 for Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. We’re guaranteed a lesser rate, if there’s one available. You have a choice of two double beds or one king bed, first come first serve. They have wonderful beds! The building is three floors, all non smoking, with an elevator. This price is good until August 11, 2008, after that the rate will go up to $132.09.

Other important information: They have a hot continental breakfast, which will be setup from 6 AM to 10 AM each morning. There’s coffee in the lobby, 24/7. The lobby is big, perfect for a group. They have a big screen tv, tables for games, couches and a fireplace for cozy conversation. They have an ice machine on each floor. If you want a refrigerator you have to request one. They have a pool, hot tub and whirlpool, so bring your suit. The cancellation policy is 6 PM day of arrival, if you do not cancel by that time or don’t show, your credit card will be charged $132.09. For further information go to their web site at: http://marriott.com/property/propertypage/BTLFI . To reserve a room please contact Kate Sillman at 269- 979-8000. Remember to tell her you’re a MSSR member. Last time I checked we had three rooms left.

NEW MEMBERS   by Harvey

With this summer’s addition of six new families, we appear to have reversed the slow downward trend in our membership. Here is a brief story on each so we can all be more familiar with them and their backgrounds. As usual, I ask each and every member to greet them with open arms.

Dale and Jenise Reno  (05-14-07)

Dale started with a ‘55 Chevy as his first car and progressed through many other cars. They included another .55 Chevy they bought and restored in ‘89. That followed by a red ‘65 Chevelle Wagon and his current ‘51 Ford Sedan.

He held a supervisors position at Chrysler before he retired and she still works at DHL delivery.

Kurt and Sandy Kiser (08-09-07)

The Kiser’s currently live in Livonia. Kurt was raised in Lapeer while Sandy came from Redford where she went to Redford Union. They have a daughter Emily who was married last year and lives in Romeo.

His first car was a used ‘65 GTO he bought while in high school. He currently drives a yellow ‘40 Ford Coupe powered by a 5.0L Ford with a top loader 4-speed. His  winter project is to replace the top loader with a T-5.

Kurt retired from Ford Customer Service Division last year. He was diagnosed with Lymphoma cancer 8 years ago and is a cancer survivor. If any members want to  discuss cancer, he will be more than happy to go through his experience.

Tom and JoAnn Mann (08-18-07)

Tom and JoAnn currently live in Taylor. They were both raised locally. She is from Dearborn where she went to school with Judy Stocke and he was raised in Taylor.  She had one daughter that died from breast cancer at the tender young age of 33.

His first car was a 1930 Ford Model A Sedan he bought with money he saved. He has had several cars between that Model A and his current 1937 Ford Coupe.

He is currently retired from Detroit Diesel where he worked as a tape machine operator. Tom’s car photo is unavailable, at this time.

Daryll and Mary Hart (08-18-07)

Their current Brownstown residence is not to far from where they were raised. Daryll came from Lincoln Park and Mary came from Ypsilanti. They have a daughter and three grand children (1 boy and 2 girls).

At the tender age of 16, Daryll purchased a ‘56 Mercury as his first car. He has had several cars since then including a ‘40 Ford Coupe with an Olds dual quad J-2 engine, a LaSalle trans and a Mexican rolled and pleated interior. The car was abandoned at a gas station when the owner couldn’t pay to have it repaired. Daryll bought it, repaired it and obtained a mechanics lien title for it. He later sold it and still wishes it was his. His current ride is a ‘64 Dodge.

Tom and Marge Lazo (10-08-07)

The Lazo’s were both raised in the metro Detroit area and have settled into a home in Dearborn Heights. They were Motor State members in the late 70’s and early 80’s Marge has two sons, one granddaughter and one grandson.

His first car was a 56 Buick Super four door with air conditioning. In spite of having the Dynaflow transmission, the car won a trophy drag racing at Detroit Dragway. At one time Tom had a friend with a ‘57 Chevrolet 4 door station wagon that Tom wanted badly. His friend was told that he would buy it if it ever was going to be sold. One day this friend gave him the title and stated that the car had a bad miss. After simply changing the distributor cap, the Chevy roared to life. Tom would still own the car today if it had not been rear ended and totaled. He currently can be seen cruising around in a nice ‘56 Chevrolet Sedan Delivery.

Tom is retired from Detroit Diesel and Marge is currently teaching in the Detroit Public Schools.

At one time, he was President of the Honey Radio Car Club and currently is the DJ at the Friday

Sears Cruise where he is paid 25% of the 50/50 money collected.

Anniversaries for next quarter: 

Glenfields 1/12; Manns 1/27; Baldwins 2/3; Kisers 2/23; Fackenders 3/5; Ambroziaks 3/9; Royals 3/22.

Birthdays for next quarter:

Dan Laskey 1/8; Pete Ballinger 1/16; Kathleen Ettinger 1/18; JoAnn Nash 1/26; John Mozella 1/27; Will Johnston 2/8; Kim Shay 2/10; Bob Wyman 2/17; Jim Sabo 2/19; James Cotter 2/23; Lee Schagel 2/24; Sharon Ambroziak 3/1; John Gavasso 3/2; Don Prine 3/14; Karen Plopan 3/17; Jim Stocke 3/17; Willi Kilpela 3/19; Dick Chave 3/25;

Rose Jelken 3/26.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

We’ll be gone for a while this winter, visiting our friends, down in sunny Florida. If you need to get a hold of either of us, please send us an email. Do it anyway just to keep in touch and let us know what’s going on. Everyone have a happy and safe Holiday! Sheila & Jim Sabo sheilasabo@yahoo.com .

MOTOR STATE STREET RODS — Want Ads

Wanta sell it or wanta buy it, post it here! 1- 248-685-2268 or sheilasabo@yahoo.com

Get rid of that stuff .....

1942 GMC cabover (cab and chassis) and 1995 GM P-30 chassis (this is the chassis of choice for this truck).

Hot Wheels Collection - 600 Cars.

Engine Stand from Harbour Freight, $20.00.

            Call Bob Nash, Gregory, Mi., 517-223-4882 or email bojonash@netscape.com

Mallory Unilite Distributor & Pro Comp Coil for small block chevy, $150.00.

            Call Al Piggott, Farmington Hills, Mi., 248-426-6227

1936 Ford Pickup Truck, Hot Rod Project, call for more information and a list of what’s included (to

much to mention). Priced to sell, $5,000.00.

            Call Jim Sabo, Highland, Mi., 248-685-2268 or email sheilasabo@yahoo.com

Nasta Stainless Running Boards. Came off a 2004, GMC, 4 wheel drive, extended cab, pick-up. New

price $399.00, will take $100.00.

            Contact John Schlagel, West Branch, Mi., 1-989-345-1295

1996 Buick Regal 4 door sedan. Burgundy exterior. Burgundy leather interior. Aluminum wheels. 4

wheel disc brakes. Most every option. Excellent condition. $4900.

            Contact Jim Stocke 734-971-8732

Please print this up and share it with your car buddies at work, cruises etc. The more it gets spread around the better our coverage....

Don’t forget the IDIDIT seminars coming up for this winter/spring season

1/19/08 Welders Series; 2/16/08 Vintage Air; 3/15/08 Classic Instruments; 4/12/08 Wise Guys Seats $10.00 per person, includes material, refreshments, lunch and knowledge. Five days advance reservation required. For more information call 517-424-0577 or go to www.ididitinc.com .

Up and Coming Club Events Mark your calendars..........

December

MSSR breakfast, Sunday, December 9, at 9:30 AM, at Luigi’s, in Farmington, on Farmington Road, just south of Grand River, on the east side. For more information call Gerri McKinnon.

January

MSSR Winter Garage Crawl, Saturday January 5, at 9:30 AM, starting at Bill Milliken’s facility in Ypsilanti. Also, touring (close by) the worlds only Hudson dealer, in Depot Town, RM Auctions showroom and the Fire Fighters Museum. Please call Jim Stocke, at 734-971-8732, if you want to go.

MSSR dinner, at Claddagh Irish Pub, located on Haggerty Road between Six and Seven Mile Roads, on the East side. We have a reservation for under MSSR. If you wish to attend please contact Gerri McKinnon, at 313-837-9571.

MSSR breakfast, Sunday, January 13, at 9:30 AM, at Luigi’s, same as above.

MSSR Automotive Hall of Fame, Sunday, January 20, at 12:00 noon, in Dearborn, on Oakwood Blvd., next to Greenfield Village. Guided or self tour. Admission $4.00. For more information contact Jack Miller at 313-383-4703.

MSSR January meeting, Sunday, January 27, at 5:00 PM, at the club house.

February

MSSR dinner, Saturday, February 2, at Dario’s, on Ford Road between Merriman and Venoy on the North side. We have a reservation at 6:30 PM under MSSR. If you wish to attend please contact Gerri McKinnon, at 313-837-9571.

MSSR breakfast, Sunday February 10, at 9:30 AM, at Luigi’s, same as above.

MSSR February Meeting, Sunday, February 24, at 5:00 PM, at the club house.

March

MSSR dinner, Saturday, March 1. To be announced.

Autorama, Friday, March 7. For further information, please contact John Glenfield, at 248-474-5750.

MSSR breakfast, Sunday March 9, at 9:30 AM, at Luigi’s, same as above.

MSSR March Meeting, Sunday, March 30, at 5:00 PM, at the club house.

Editors Note:  If anyone’s planning on coordinating or heading up an event, please contact me with the details, so I can put it in the next newsletter. The deadline will be March 15th. Anything else going on, the members might be interested in, just let me know. Stories about any of the events, cool projects or other car related stuff, from the club members, would be much appreciated.

The opinions and articles expressed in the MSSR Rod Connection do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Board of Directors.