The Octagon

NEWSLETTER OF THE CLASSIC  CLUB

Vol. 47                       No. 2                    Issue 557                     February, 2010

MAINTAINING THE BREED FOR OVER FORTY YEARS

PRESIDENT:   Jim McSweeney.  3516 Seaford Ln., Casselberry, FL 32707 phone 407 695 2981  E-mail jimspeedmaster@aol.com.

EDITOR:   Al Cook, 8554 Amber Oak Dr. Orlando, FL 32817.  Phone 407 6678 6814- E–mail arcpa@mpinet.net.

WEBSITE:  www.classicmgclub.com  WEBMASTER:  Paul Plasschaert, E-mail: webmaster@classicmgclub.com.  Or pplasschaert@cfl.rr.com.

 MEETING:  It is the third Thursday, February 18st at 7:00 PM, At the Maitland Senior Center.  Directions: from Horatio and Orlando Ave. (AKA 17-92), Go West on Horatio to Maitland Ave. Then left (South) on Maitland Ave. to Packwood. Go right (West) on Packwood about ½ a block to the parking lot. Pull into the 1st driveway on the left.    As with all of our Meetings, when we conclude our business, we will have dinner at a suitable gourmet dining establishment, to be determined.    

JANUARY EVENT REVIEW:  On Saturday, January 23, 2010, we gathered at the home of Ann and Paul Plasschaert for a breakfast feast, while waiting for everyone to arrive.  Paul’s promise of “perfect MG driving weather” certainly came true.  With the overcast skies and cool-ish weather facing us, we could easily imagine ourselves in Merry Ole England, as we set off on our tour.  Like the parades in New Orleans at a certain time of year, our parade grew as we drove along.  We picked up extra participants at two stops along the way, and had quite an entourage by the end of our tour at O’Keefe’s  in Tavares.  There, we met even more of our members who had already arrived and were sitting in the dry, drinking beer, and waiting for us to arrive.  Do I need to mention that we had a great turnout and a great time?  It was good to see the turn-out of our friends in the Lake County area!

FEBRUARY EVENT:  This month’s driving event is a reach for some of our members with older MGs.  At Pete’s suggestion, and with the hearty approval of the slightly impaired group at OKeefe’s last month, we decided to visit the Don Garlits Museums in Ocala, Florida on Saturday, February 20, 2010.  As you know, “Big Daddy” Don Garlits established a Museum of Drag Racing to display his long and storied career in drag racing, but he has also an affinity for antique cars and has set up a Classic Car Museum for us “Old Car Nuts” (OCNs).  I’ve never been there, but I’m told that there is even an MG that snuck into the show!  It should be a great event for the hard core OCNs.  For a preview of what we will see, go to www.garlits.com.   To sweeten the deal for those of us who have spouses who can just barely stand our love of old iron, we plan to tour the Russell Stover Candy Outlet on our way back to town.  Tell your sweetie that you are going to be celebrating Valentine’s Day a week later!  (Does anyone really think that will work?)

 Here’s how we will do it:  First, we want you to come, even if you think the trip is too long for your little MG (or your sitter).  We won’t make fun of you if you ride in your “tank.”  We promise.  On the other hand, we do plan to travel off the big highways (I-75 and the Turnpike) so the ride will be enjoyable, no matter what you drive.  We will meet at the McDonald’s Restaurant in Maitland (17-92 and Horatio) at 8:30 A.M. for those inclined to have coffee or breakfast there.  We plan to leave promptly at 9:05 A.M. (not MG Time) so that we can get to our destination with time to tour the Museums before lunch.  We plan a lunch at one of the many restaurants in the area (to be determined), followed by a leisurely return by way of Russell Stover’s.  Paul has called and the Museum has group rates of $12 for adults and $10 for seniors.  Rumor has it that some of our group may qualify for the cheaper rate.

 OTHER IMPORTANT EVENTS :   GOF South, Mark 44 will be hosted by MG Classics of Jacksonville and will be held on April 9-11, 2010 at Jekyll Island, GA.  The hotel is the Oceanside Inn and Suites and, in your own best interests, as well as a courtesy to our hosts, you need to make both your overnight reservations and to register for the event, at this time.  For more information, go to their web site (www.mgclassics.org/gof2010) or get information at one of our monthly meetings.  This is the Gathering which is organized by the three Florida-based clubs.  Please do all we can to support, encourage and participate in this fine tradition.  You can do this by sending in your registration NOW! 

February 27, 2010, Vintage and Custom Car Show & Super Car Corral – Villages Vintage Car Club, Belleview, FL

March 6, 2010, Zephyrhills Celtic Festival & Highland Games British and European Classic Car Show, Zephyr Hills, FL

April 24, 2010, Legends on the Green, Concours d’Elegance – Tournament Players Club, Sawgrass, FL

A SPECIAL HELLO:  Good friend and frequent attendee at GOF South, Jose Ignacio writes:  “I hope everyone is in the best of health and spirits…I am getting pretty old.  In April, I will be 97 years old.  I have some trouble walking any distance, but still can dance the waltz, which I do about three times a week.  (I am still waiting to have that promised dance with Jean Camichos that we were to have, but never did).  I must say it was wonderful to have been able to come to GOF, South for so many years and to have known all of you.” 

Our best wishes to you, Jose.  We hope you continue to enjoy life and we hope to see you in Jekyll Island in April! 

CLASSIFIED ADS:  Note: space permitting, we will run your ad for cars/car services or car parts for sale/needed, for one month.  If you want the ad modified or placed in the OCTAGON for another month, let us know.  Send all requests to your editor.