The Octagon

NEWSLETTER OF THE CLASSIC CLUB

Vol. 45 No. 12 Issue 531 December 2007

MAINTAINING THE BREED FOR OVER FORTY YEARS

PRESIDENT: Kathy Cook. 8554 Amber Oak Dr., Orlando, FL 32817. Phone 407 678 6814

E-mail – kcook@mail.ucf.edu.

EDITOR: Send Articles to Tony Roth, 551 Gilbert Rd., Winter Park, FL 32792. Phone 407 671 6888 - E–mail – ClassicMGClub@cfl.rr.com.

MEETING: This month, we will hold a tour of Christmas lights on Thursday, December 20^th in lieu of the regular meeting. We will meet at Star Bucks on Tuscawilla Rd. just South of Red Bug Road at 6:30 in the evening. The tour will leave at 7:00 and last about an hour before ending up at Tuscany’s Restaurant for our 8:00 PM reservations. There are a lot of roads with lots of lights in the Country Club area, so please be on time. We are looking forward to a great evening of MG touring, eating and fellowship. Hope you will make it.

NEW PRESIDENT: Word has leaked out that new President will take over the reigns of the Club come the first of the year. For those who have wondered how our political process works, here are a few ways the new #1 could be chosen: #1 the gavel could be wrapped and put under the tree at the Christmas party. The person who picks it – you guessed it! #2 the gavel could be sent at random via Fed Ex. The person who signs for the package – Congratulations! #3 A couple of years ago, a bottle of wine was given out as a door prize at a meeting. Ask Dean Sprague what was really in the box #4 Paul Plasschaert handed out paper ballots with everyone’s name on them for a vote at a meeting. You were to punch a hole in the box next to your choice. - - - Problem was there was a metal plate under all the boxes except one. Do you think the election was rigged? #5 for the last election we arrived at the meeting to find a throne set up. Then the cover was removed; there was a sign, “Long live President Kathy”

We don’t know what evil lurks in the eyes of the electorate, or for that matter, who they are. Remember, it cost $15 to quit the club. However, if you are the new president, multiply that by at least 100. GOOD LUCK!

CLASSIC MG CLUB WEBSITE: We have come of age in the electronic era. Yes, we now have a website. Our thanks to Paul Plasschaert for working with Ann’s nephew in Canada to get it set up. It will contain pictures of events, information on events, the newsletter and just about anything that you the members want to include. To view our website, click on www.classicmgclub.com. Please let us know what you would suggest we add to the site.

FLANKEY MINI CAR SHOW AND CHILI COOK-OFF: There was another great turnout for the annual Flankey outing. As you know this is the longest running event in our Club. This was something like 37th annual outing. Over the years, the format has changed from a breakfast picnic, to a cookout, to fired chicken etc. All the time the theme has remained the same: Show off the cars and enjoy fellow owners. This year the Chili cook-off was well received. There were some six entries in the competition. Everyone seemed to enjoy testing and comparing each of them. If that wasn’t your bag, there were about fifty cars on the field to view and kick the tyres. Our hearty thanks go to Jim and Camille for coming up with the new theme for this year and for doing al the work to make it the tremendous success it was.

Kathy and Al Cook will host the annual Holiday Party at their house on December 15. Hors d’oeuvres will be at 5:00 with dinner to follow. The club will provide the meat, coffee and tea. Some wine and beer will also be available. Bring a side dish or appetizer and any other beverage you may desire.

While dress is not optional, your choice of dress is up to you! I hear that some people may show up in a tux and others in a Hawaiian shirt! It is sure to be a festive occasion.

The annual Christmas gift “exchange” will be held following dinner. If you wish to participate, bring a wrapped gift. You never know what choice items may appear. Someone may resurrect the lighted Christmas tree or you may have some neat MG memorabilia.

Directions: House is off Hall Road between University and Aloma. If you are coming from University Blvd. Turn onto Hall Road and take the second right Lake Pearl Estates (Landmark).If you are coming from Aloma, turn left into Millers Cove. (Amber Oak Drive)The House is on the corner of Landmark and Amber Oak Drive, Blue with White trim. Please RSVP by December 12 and let Kathy know what you will be bringing to share.

NOTE FROM THE PRESIDENT: I want to thank all of you for your support during the last two years. The Classic MG is a great group of people. We have had a lot of fun with our beautiful classic cars and the fellowship of other MG owners. Rumor has it that the next president will have a faster MG than either Al or I have.

I look forward to the January overnighter and driving my MG with friends for many years to come.

JANUARY OVERNIGHTER: on: January 26, 2008 to: Palatka, FL – Quality Inn and Suites

• Arrangements have been made with the Quality Inn for a block of 10 rooms. We can have more if needed.
• The Group rate obtained is $75 facing the road or $80 overlooking the St Johns River.
• Reservations must be made by January 12, 2008 for the group rates. Cancellation must be a minimum of 48 hours prior to January 26, 2008
• Call 386-328-3481 for reservations and mention you are with the Classic MG Group
• The Quality Inn has a covered Porch and two boat decks. One deck has no boats moored and has ample room for our cocktail party prior to dinner. Must bring chairs from the room or bring your own foldable chair.
• The restaurant is only open for breakfast.
• Reservations for dinner have been made for 7:00 PM at the Gator Landing about ½ Mile away on the St. Johns River. A private room for max 20 people is reserved but if we wish we can sit on their large outside deck… weather permitting or other arrangements can be made.
• Tour Departure is from the Burger King in Longwood on State Road 434 just west of the I4 at about 9:15 AM January 26, not in beautiful downtown Maitland).
• We will stop on the way up in Crescent City for lunch.
• Prior to departure Sunday morning we are planning a side trip to the Ravine Gardens State Park about 1 Mile from Palatka.
• Any suggestions or questions contact Paul Plasschaert at pplasschaert@cfl.rr.com or 407 331-7531.

Several members of the Jacksonville club expressed interest in participating in the January overnighter. Also some interest from the Nature Coast Club in joining ii on the fun. MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS NOW.