December Newsletter.cdr - Tucson British Car Register

The Desert Octagon
December 2005
Volume 11 Number 11
Seasons Greetings
January
January 14 is the scheduled day for the Breakfast Run. 8:00 start from McDonalds at 12th
and Valencia; destination Piazza Gavi nerar Sunrise and Kolb. Also, starting on the
14th and running thru the 22nd, the Barrett-Jackson Auction will be held in
Scottsdale. If you have never been...it is really worth seeing. Check their website.
January 21 is the scheduled date for the Tubac Car Show. Hopefully you have your entry
into the Santa Cruz Valley Car Nuts by this time. If not, get on line and register at
www.carnuts.org. If you do not plan to enter, at least go to the show. It is always an
outstanding event.
More information on upcoming
events can be found on line:
Http://www,geocities.com/tucson_british_car_register
Monthly
meetings are held at Ernie’s British
Car Parts, 1121 W. Wetmore.
Board meeting
at 6:00 PM.
General meeting at
7:00 PM. On the second Tuesday of the
month.
Members, guests and visitors are
always welcome at both meetings.
January 28 is the normal date for Cruise and Schmooze. Information on this event will be
forthcoming on Email
February
TBA
From Marc Cherry, our Foreign Correspondent
“Unless the Christmas party is in late January, I won’t be able to come.
I won’t be back in the States until then. Thus, even though my social
calendar is wide open, I remain unavailable. I have to get my car fix
by building 1/24 scale slot cars in my room. So far I’ve built Jim Clark’s
1963 Lotus-Ford Indy car and am close to finishing a 1968 Firebird 400
(had one before the Jag) and a replica of my E-Type. I’ll have them
finished before Christmas. I’ll submit an article on this odd job later.”
Marc’s E-Mail is [email protected] - I’m sure he would appreciate
hearing from any of you.
Many thanks to Karen Martin and her elves, Susie Gilchrest,
Jackie Cole, Myrtle Ann Rabb, Sandy O’Harra and Marianne
Mandziak for their hard work in putting together a spectacular
Holiday Party.
A reminder that this month is the time to send in your registration for
2006. An abbreviated registration form is included in the Newsletter for
those who do not get it online. Please note that the application and
check for $25.00 should be sent to:
Brenda Johnson c/o TBCR, P.O. Box 35748, Tucson AZ 85740-5748
If you need an additional registration form, you can pick one up at
1
Ernie’s British Cars
2005 ELECTED OFFICERS
PRESIDENT ~ Christine Erkman ~ (520) 4071690
[email protected]
VICE PRESIDENT ~ Jim O'Harra ~ (520) 2974584
[email protected]
TREASURER ~ Brenda Johnson~ (520) 5292346
[email protected]
SECRETARY ~ Harold Beekhuizen~ (520)7426708 [email protected]
EDITOR ~ Missy O’Harra (520) 297-4584
[email protected]
~ DRIVING EVENTS ~
Geo. Hahn ~ [email protected]
Ben Cohen ~ [email protected]
Notes from the Editor
Starting with next month’s newsletter, I will be adding
and subtracting some of the items you see. Once
again, I emphasize, this is your newsletter and it is
important that you are seeing the information that you
want. The design that was set up and handed down
is very professional and eye-catching. I’d like to retain
that quality, but would like to see more room for
information that might be helpful and enjoyed by the
readers. I can only do this if I get feedback. Please
get online and let me know how I am doing as the
year progresses. If you don’t use a computer, call me.
I will be open to any and all suggestions.
Sandy O’Harra,
Interim and newly elected Editor
[email protected]
(520) 297-4584
Have a wonderful Holiday everyone....
APPOINTED CHAIRS
MEMBERSHIP ~Christine Erkman~ (520) 4071690
[email protected]
Tool Tales
(A few favorite items found in your garage)
No new information from any of you British Car owners...a reminder that I need you to let your
fellow “tinkerers” know about any tricks you have developed over the years. In the meantime, Jim
O’Harra wants to remind you that you are welcome to utilize his services as the “trailer man” any
time you have a need. Just give him a call at 297-4584.
Here are a couple of tech-tips taken from the Windscreen, the BMC of Southern New Mexico’s
newsletter:
Sometimes those grease fittings don’t point in the right direction when installed. Try using those
tiny composition gaskets found in carbie kits to shim the fitting.
Before you install your rebuilt head, it’s wise to slightly countersink the corresponding holes in the
block - just to be sure there are no raised edges that would interfere with the fit.
2
State of the Union Jack
When I became TBCR President in 2003, someone jokingly thanked me for being “conned” into accepting
the job. Having a good team of hardworking people on the TBCR Board is what honestly made it fun and
interesting. I’d like to express my gratitude to those who served as TBCR Board members during my 3-year
presidency: Greg Ogden, Brenda Johnson, Sandy O’Harra, Harold Beekhuizen, Steve & Vicky Swanson,
Missy O’Harra, Jake Jacob, Jim O’Harra, George Hahn, Ben Cohen, Bob Swetzer, Newton Johnson and
Scott Martin. Together, we saw our membership climb to over 80 members, updated the membership roster,
acquired TBCR baseball hats, and produced the Desert Octagon in electronic format on the Web. Our
website had its ups and downs and some driving events declined in popularity while others increased. Many
TBCR members volunteered to help with other activities throughout the years, such as the annual Holiday
Party, the La Tour de Garages, and car shows. Thanks to Karen Martin, Susie Gilchrest, Jacque Cole,
Graham and Betty Barton and Gene Rudolf for your efforts. In truth, every TBCR member has contributed
through involvement in out club activities. At our holiday party on Saturday, December 10th, George Hahn
was officially installed as TBCR President along with the full slate of officers for 2006. I am fully confident
that George’s organizational talents and leadership skills will be aptly applied to benefit TBCR in many ways.
Thanks to all of you, it has been my honor to serve as President, to have worked with the Board members,
and to share my British car interests with everyone. Best wishes for a wonderful holiday with family and
friends and Happy New Year 2006.
Christine Erkman,
President
Pictures from the impromptu ride we had with Ben on the 25th. Not a bad showing ... Especially when no food was involved.
3
Membership Application Form
Tucson British Car Register membership includes a monthly subscription to the Desert Octagon, our award-winning
Newsletter. You may obtain the newsletter via E-Mail or by U.S. Mail. Membership renewal is annual, effective
January 1 and ending December 31. Membership dues are payable as follows:
Date Joined
Amount Due
January - March
$25.00
April - June
$18.00
July - September
$15.00
October - November
$35.00 (includes the following year)
December
$25.00 (for the following year)
Foreign membership is $37.50 if the newsletter is to be sent by U.S. Mail; if received by E-Mail, the above applies.
Please make your check payable to:
Mail your payment to:
Tucson British Car Register
Brenda Johnson, Treasurer
Tucson British Car Register
P.O. Box 35748
Tucson, AZ 85740-5748
Complete the following information:
Name: ________________________________________________Partner’s Name______________________________________
Address:_____________________________________City___________________State____________Zip________
Country, if other than U.S._________________________
E-Mail Address:_________________________________Home Phone (
Desert Octagon Newsletter to be received:
)_________________Work/Cell ( )_______________
____________via E-Mail____________by U.S. Mail
If receiving by mail, please indicate mailing address if other than above:
__________________________________________City_______________State________Zip________Country_____________
Vehicle information: A photo of your vehicle(s) can be posted on the TBCR website:
(Http://www.geocities.com/tucson_british_car_register). Please provide us with a good quality color photo or a digital file.
Vehicle #1:
Condition:
Year_________ Make____________________________ Model___________________________
____Showroom ____Nice ____Driver ____Project ____Parts
Vehicle #2:
Condition:
Year ________ Make ____________________________Model___________________________
____Showroom ____Nice ____Driver ____Project ____Parts
Vehicle #3:
Condition:
Year_______ Make_____________________________Model___________________________
____Showroom ____Nice ____Driver ____Project ____Parts
Vehicle #4:
Condition:
Year_________Make_____________________________Model____________________________
____Showroom ____Nice ____Driver ____Project ____Parts
Signature:________________________________________________Date:___________________________
4
Payment method:
____check ____cash
December 10th was the evening of the Holiday Party. There were, unfortunately, many more positive
RSVPs than attendees. This resulted in an over-abundance of food, but did nothing to diminish the fun
and spirit of the evening.
The evening began with a bit of “trivial” fun with everyone trying to match information from members’
pasts with who they might be. You would never guess what some of we folks have done in our
“former” lives. This was followed by another guessing game involving old British cars. One of the
youngest members was the winner...the miracles of youth!
After filling up on all the fine Mexican fare, the new Board members were announced by Christine,
and the Founder’s Trophy was awarded to Ben Cohen for his continued work and support of the Club.
Christine was also presented with a gift certificate to Ernie’s in appreciation for her long and difficult
tenure as president. Both she and Ben were pleasantly surprised and appreciative of the recognition.
It was then time for the fun. A karaoke machine helped to put the group in the Holiday mood and we
had several unabashed performers step forward to try their hand at the sing along. It really was a
enjoyable evening.
Those of you that did not make it will, I hope, try a little harder next year. You can’t beat the food and
the opportunity to hobnob with so many of your fellow TBCR members.
“Soup’s On!”
Home made enchiladas!
the Founder’s
Trophy
is presented to
Ben
Ernie & Gene
No waiting in this line
Exchanging
Stories
More stories
Who’s the best karaoke singer?!
Member’s Moments
A little aside from Ralph and Ingrid Klestadt
Due to a little mix-up with the staff at the Iron Door our breakfast destination was changed at the last
minute in November, but not everyone drove to the Good Egg for breakfast. Ingrid and Ralph decided
to go on up to the initial destination:
“We did head up to Ski Valley after we split from the group at Windy Point, and had breakfast at the Iron
Door. The (first) photo shows a dining room bereft of customers - we were the only ones there. When
we asked the hostess what happened with regard to the fact that we had called previously and gotten
the OK to come, but that changes this morning... (we made a point to have this discussion only after we
had been fed), she claimed that the cook didn’t show up today, so the owner (Karen) had to cook.
When we called from the McDonald’s parking lot, the hostess fielded our call, and based on our
impressions from talking to her in person, ...well, let’s say that there were a few “screws loose” there.
It’s probably worth trying again in the future (the food was good), but Karen is clearly the only one who
appears to know what’s going on there. Of course, it may be a two-edged sword: if Karen answers the
phone, we get a reservation, but the food is no good..(or) if Karen is cooking, the food is good, but no
reservation...”
6
Just a few pictures from the Mystery Run - they say it is one to repeat!
Getting ready to go
On the road...look at the scenery
uhm...who was driving????
Breakfast - at last!!
7
The year wrapped up with our usual December Saturday double-header, the Mystery Breakfast Run and
the Holiday Party. I had a hand in one, and looked forward to the other, but unfortunately, missed both.
The holidays this year find me (unexpectedly) a few thousand miles away from home and already
thinking about 2006.
The Mystery Run was to a breakfast spot in Patagonia with desert drives to and from the eats. The
“winter” months are such a fine time for driving in Southern Arizona that I hope many of you got a
chance to participate in this one. If not, then, like me, take comfort that the 2006 driving events are well
in hand with Ben and his cast of supporting characters arranging a couple of road activities each and
every month.
As many of you know, Kathleen’s and my favorite mode of long-distance travel is our 20-year-old VW
Campmobile. Like our British cars, this is an always interesting and sometimes challenging way to get
to your destination. In this case, it was a trip to Florida with out travel almost exclusively on the old
federal highways. US 82 in particular is an excellent east/west alternative to the Interstate system and
presents the driver with a lightly-traveled fine road nearly free of billboards and big trucks. A bonus with
selecting such routes are the many charming small towns and rural scenes all along the way.
Ben tells me the January 14 Second Saturday Breakfast Run will depart from the McDonalds at 12th
and Valencia at 8:00 am with a drive to breakfast at Piazza Gavi near Sunrise and Kolb. Maps will be
on the website in advance of the event. Hopefully we will see some Southsiders and Green Valley
members join us on this one.
This edition of the Driver’s Seat concludes my latest tour of duty as driving events chair. I enjoyed it all,
both the drives and the great people who have shared them with me, but everyone needs a change, and
a new assignment in 2006 will be a welcome move. Though the self-imposed term limit is giving me a
chance to participate in club activity in other ways in the coming year, be assured I will continue to...see
you on the road.
Geo Hahn
8
Business Advertisements
1/8 page (2-7/16 x 3-3/4 in.)
1/4 page (4-7/8 x 3-3/4 in.)
Half page (4-7/8 x 7-1/2 in.)
Interior
Address page
6 Issues
$25
$45
$80
$90
12 Issues
$40
$75
$140
$160
Full page inserts (Customer furnished) - $10 per issue. Inserts can either be black and white or color. Inserts must be provided to the Editor by the 20 of
the month.
th
CLASSIC-fied advertisements are free to members of the Tucson British Car Register and are limited to 2-runs per ad. CLASSIC-fied advertisements are
limited to the private sale of personal vehicles, parts, regalia and British automobilia. Paid members can also receive a complimentary business card sized
commercial-for-profit advertisement. Anything larger than business card size would be charged at the above rates. Each advertisement is limited to four
lines.
CLASSIC-fied advertisements for nonmembers are $15 for a 3-issue run and conform to the above requirements.
For further information contact Sandy O’Harra by E-Mail at [email protected]
or (520) 297-4584.
TBCR MEMBERSHIP
Dues for membership in the Tucson British Car Register are $25 per year. Annual membership runs from January 1 through December 31. If an
individual joins after the end of March, the dues are prorated to reflect the remaining months of that year. See the Membership application form
on the TBCR website. If an application is needed, please call Brenda Johnson or contact the Club via E-mail at [email protected].
Make checks payable to Tucson British Car Register and send to:
Brenda Johnson c/o TBCR ~ P.O. Box 35748 ~ Tucson AZ 85740-5748
Members who obtain three new members automatically
get their membership renewed for one year gratis.
WE WANT YOU!!!!
O.K. Maybe Just Your Stories/Ideas.
Help us add to the Octagon with your
great stories and ideas on what you
would like to see in upcoming issues.
Submit to:
[email protected] or
mail to: Desert Octagon c/o TBCR,
PO Box 35748, Tucson, AZ 85740-5748
THE OFFICIAL
TBCR JACKET
Modeled here by
Jake Jacob, the
stunning blue
TBCRnylon
windbreaker will
be an essential
ingredien in your spring
wardrobe. To get yours,
simply fill out the form
below and mail to Jake
with your check.
Name____________________________________
Address___________________________________
Phone_____________________________________
Quantity__________@$30 ea = _____________
Jake Jacob
6665 E. Mary Drive
Tucson AZ 85730
790-1156
Note: We have to order at least twelve jackets at a time. Orders will be
accumulated and placed whenever practical. Contact Jake for details.
ERIC A. PABST
Executive Sales Associate
(520) 577-7433 BUS., (520) 577-5417 FAX
(800) 733-0703 TOLL FREE
(520) 529-7566 VM / PGR
Each Office is
Independently Owned And
Operated
SUCCESS SOUTHWEST
5605 E. RIVER ROAD, SUITE 219
TUCSON, AZ 85750
TBCR hats are now
available - $14 is the
cost, and Jake will
have hats available at
upcoming TBCR
events for your
acquisition. Hats are
available in any color
you want, as long as
it’s Red...
9
c/o TBCR
P.O. Box 35748
Tucson, AZ 85740-5748