SECOND QTR
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2011
MBCA | Carolinas Section
THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE MERCEDES BENZ CLUB OF AMERICA, CAROLINAS SECTION
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Style Picnic Join Us in Columbia on May 21
We’re just a few days away from Memorial Day, our official introduction to summer. So, why not celebrate one weekend earlier with all of your friends in the MBCA Carolinas Section at a fabulous summer picnic?! Hosted by members extraordinaire Linda and Bob Galphin, who are graciously opening their home to us on Saturday, May 21st from 1 - 4pm, this picnic looks like a lot of fun for everyone. The picnic will be a traditional Southern style affair, with a menu including: Fried Chicken, Grilled Bratwurst with honey mustard dip, Shrimp and Pasta salad, Ham and Biscuits, Tossed salad, Baked Beans, Cheese and Fruit Tray with crackers, Banana Bread and Cobbler with ice cream. We already have a large number of members are the guest list- why not join
us for the afternoon? The Carolinas Section board of directors will meet prior to the event, starting at 11:00am. If you ‘d like to attend the board meeting, you are welcome to arrive early and listen or offer your ideas to the section leadership. The address to use if you are plugging it into your GPS is 168 Columbia Club Drive West, Blythewood SC 29016. The Galphins may be reached by phone at (803) 429-5596. Detailed directions are as follows: From the north: I-77 to the Killian Rd. exit. Go left at the end of the off ramp. Killian changes names to CLEMSON RD. almost immediately. Go straight to the 3nd traffic light, and then go left. This will be Longtown Rd. There is
a CVS and Walgreens on the corner. Go about 2 miles, watch for the entrance sign to LONGCEEK PLANTATION. It is a sign with a waterfall. Sand Lapper Elementary will be on the left. After passing this sign, go left at the stop sign. This is Long Town Rd West. Go 1½ miles, go right on Columbia Club Dr. Go .5 mile. We are on the right side of the road, the number is on the mailbox. White fence. Gate, call box for entry is on the left post. From the South: I-77 to Killian Rd exit. Go RIGHT at the end of the off ramp. From there, follow the directions above.
Mercedes Benz to Open School for U.S. Teens
D
riving
Aiming to make young people better and safer drivers, Mercedes-Benz plans to launch a teen driving school in the U.S. in late 2011. The Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy will feature a curriculum that combines interactive classroom sessions, online learning and behind the wheel training. The groundbreaking driving academy will make Mercedes-Benz the first and only automaker to offer a state-certified driver’s education program in the U.S. Specifically tailored to the environment and needs of the U.S., this unique, research-based education program reflects the best teaching methods from around the world. The goal of the program is to go beyond the basics of learning rudimentary driving skills and traffic rules. The standard U.S. driver’s education program now calls for 30 hours of classroom education followed by six hours of training behind the wheel. Research has shown that this amount of instruction is not sufficient to make a non-driver into a safe driver. “Despite the dramatic changes in vehicles, highways and the driving environment over the past 60 years, driver education remains relatively unchanged in the U.S. The skills required to simply get a license do not fully prepare young drivers to meet the demands of the road,” said Alexander Hobbach, Senior Manager, Daimler AG in a press release. “Mercedes-Benz recognizes this issue and as a result is creating an educational program for the U.S. that is based on the best teaching methods and tools available.” Using a similar curriculum, Mercedes-Benz opened a driving academy in the UK in 2009. Since its opening, 4,500 students have enrolled in the innovative program. The U.S. program will combine elements of the UK program to fit with U.S. Department of Motor Vehicles requirements. The driving academy will also strive to comply with Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) regulations. The GDL program combines classroom or online learning with on-road training, mandatory supervised practice and restricted driving privileges once new drivers begin driving on their own. Research has shown that only 10 percent of vehicle crashes are based on mechanical failure with 90 percent being attributed to human error. Therefore, it is clear that more education is needed especially among new drivers who are most at risk. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens in the U.S. Teens between the ages of 16 and 19 are four times more likely to crash than adults. By designing a more thorough driver’s education curriculum, Mercedes-Benz hopes to curb the trend of these devastating statistics. Mercedes-Benz has always been committed to improving vehicle safety and achieving accident-free driving. By developing an innovative driver’s education program and bringing it to the U.S., the company is determined to make teens better drivers, in addition to safer drivers. Educated drivers are safer drivers and Mercedes-Benz is revolutionizing the way young drivers are being taught.
Legends of the Autobahn WEST
COAST
SUMMER
CONCOURS
LEGENDS OF THE AUTOBAHN CONCOURS RETURNS TO MONTEREY HISTORICS WEEKEND IN AUGUST 2011 After a very successful 2010 inaugural year, the Legends of the Autobahn: West Coast Summer Concours returns as part of the Monterey Historics Weekend in 2011 on Friday, August 19. Co-hosted by the Mercedes-Benz Club of America (MBCA), the BMW Car Club of America (BMWCCA), and the Porsche Club of America (PCA), Legends of the Autobahn has become one of the “must see” attractions of this world-renowned automotive weekend. The one-day Legends event brings enthusiasts, owners, and aficionados of distinctive German cars together to view some of the finest marques in the world. Held on the greens of the beautiful Rancho Cañada Golf Club in Carmel Valley, California, Legends attracted an audience of over 1,000 to view the 250 cars on display in its first year. Organizers are expecting an increase in numbers for 2011. “This year Mercedes-Benz is celebrating the 125th anniversary of the invention of the automobile and MBCA is celebrating the club’s 55th anniversary,” according to Laura Simonds, MBCA National Treasurer and an event coordinator. “With Mercedes-Benz as a featured marque at the weekend’s famed Pebble Beach Concours, this is sure to be an epic weekend for any Mercedes-Benz enthusiast.” New, experienced, and non-auto enthusiasts are encouraged to attend for the fun and fervor of the show. For those interested in entering the Concours (1991 or older vehicles), a $60 entry fee will apply. For those wishing to enter their vehicle in display-only corral (any vintage), a $30 entry fee will apply. Spectators are welcome with no admission fee. There will be food, displays, and club booths where guests can enjoy the cars, mingle, get educated, and more. Organizers of the event encourage MBCA members to arrange their own caravans for travel to Monterey in August. Hotel reservations should be made as early as possible as this weekend draws people from all over the globe to local hotel rooms. A good on-line resource for reservations can be found at www.resort2me.com. The San Francisco Bay Area Section of MBCA is planning a post-concours reception and dinner for all MBCA members and their guests. For details on the dinner visit the section website at www.mbca.org/sfba and navigate to the event calendar. To register on-line visit www.legendsoftheautobahn.com/mbca. The discounted “early bird” registration deadline is August 1, and all registration closes on August 12. For more information, contact Laura Simonds at simondsl@pacbell.net or 650-592-7613, or Robert Schilling at res.mbca@offserver.com or 650-619-7550.
President’s Message MBCA CAROLINA’S SECTION PRESIDENT, RICK DEIBER Having a passion for cars often gives you the opportunity to meet new people and attend interesting events. Recently, several members of the MBCA Carolinas Section attended the Broad River European Classic/European Car Show in Shelby, North Carolina. Organized by the relatively new Broad River European Motor Club, the show was held on Saturday, April 30th. One of our section members, John Salazar, sent us the information and a group from the Carolinas Section went to show our support. If you’re reading this message, you’re most likely already a member of the Mercedes Benz Club of America. What I’ve found is that a person interested enough in his or her favorite type of car to join a car club is likely to enjoy the car hobby as a whole. Being in the company of other “car guys and gals” is a lot of fun. Connecting other car folks is one of the missions of our club; sharing our passion for Mercedes Benz gives us friendships, names and numbers of people to call for technical questions, the chance to see both the newest models and the great classics from years past and above all, a sense of community.
rick@deiber.biz THE CIRCLE LAKE HURON TOUR Sept. 24 - 30, 2011 Great Lake Mille Join fellow MBCA members in a tour around Lake Huron, including the Bruce Peninsula and Georgian Bay. Registration includes kick-off dinner, reception, ferry, German buffet, tour binder and commemorative vest. Contact Ron Harshman: r_harshmen1234@msn.com
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I encourage you to get involved in your car club. Take a look at the extensive list of events and activities planned for the rest of the year and find one (or many) to attend. You’ll have a great time, I promise.
WELCOME
Dorothy Andrews Tom Bailey B.E. Barksdale IV Richard Beversdorf Ronald Blum Mike Cacioppo Rocky Caullwine Wendy Ellis Marvin Fadden Greg Gisler T. Buckingham Glans William Godfrey
EW MEMBERS! Joseph Hanley William Horton Patrick Laporte Jonathon Lawrie John McCandless George Pappas Charles Pflum John Rice Brian Robinson Herbert Rowland Mark Walker Julie Wheeler
Cannon’s Specializing in Pre-Owned Mercedes 2640 Asheville Highway Hendersonville, NC
JERRY CANNON Owner
828-606-7255 Cell 828-692-6541 Office
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WHAT’S
APPENING...
2011 Schedule of Events, MBCA Carolinas Section
Spring: May 21: MBCA Carolinas Section Picnic Southern Style (Blythewood, SC) Host & Hostess: Bob & Linda Galphin June 11: Dock Party @ The Dunbars (Charleston, SC) Host & Hostess: Henry & Katherine Dunbar Sittin’ on the dock of the bay – watchin’ our cars glisten all day! Come celebrate with the MBCA Carolinas Section at the annual summer Dock Party at The Dunbars. Jump in your favorite Benz & enjoy a laid back afternoon in gorgeous Charleston, SC featuring Frogmore Stew and a delicious Surf ‘n Turf menu. We know you love your Mercedes Benz and what better way to enjoy a beautiful Saturday than to meet with good friends, taste delectable dishes & see other great cars, too! Summer: July 29-30: Asheville Driving Tour & Bele Chere Festival Preparations for the 33rd Annual Bele Chere Festival are underway! Join MBCA Carolinas Section members in Asheville, NC at Bele Chere, the largest free street festival in the Southeast, held in beautiful downtown Asheville each July. Arts & crafts, food, entertainment, interactive events, and a children’s activity area will fill the streets, drawing over 300,000 visitors throughout the three-day event, including our club members! August 7: Tax-Free Shopping Event (Gaffney, SC) Join our members for the annual tax-free shopping event - It’s a great day of car talk and tax-free shopping! As a club, we get together to enjoy a laid-back day with something for everyone – shopping, car gazing and dinner. Costs are only what you buy including dinner & drinks! Directions: Gaffney, SC: Exit 90 on I-85 at the Prime Outlets. 27: Shelton Vineyards Mercedes-Benz Show (Dobson, NC) Polish up your favorite ‘Benz and join fellow Carolina Section members for this fabulous display of Mercedes automobiles at the picturesque back-drop of Shelton Vineyards and Winery in Dobson, NC. Join the Carolina’s Section for its 2nd annual participation in this event, including displaying your ‘Benz at the car show (no fee), tours of the winery and dining at the vineyard’s Harvest Grill. Awards for “Most Original,” “Oldest,” “Best of Show”and“ Most Unique” will be given, and we would love to see a Carolinas Section Member be selected! What a wonderful weekend to enjoy such fun festivities! September 11: Euro Classica Car Show (Winston-Salem, NC) You are invited to EURO CLASSICA , featuring the cars and motorcycles of Europe. Vehicles will be displayed with the buildings of the 1700’s town of Old Salem as a backdrop. The event will take place at historic Old Salem located in Winston-Salem, NC. The event is scheduled for Saturday September 10 and Sunday September 11, 2011. Let’s show everyone our Mercedes-Benz pride and come out strong as representatives of the Carolinas Section! You won’t want to miss this awesome event!
WHAT’S HAPPENING, CONTINUED... Sept. 24: Member BBQ (Columbia, SC) Come one, Come all – It’s a MBCA Members’ BBQ ya’ll! Venture on out to Columbia, SC and enjoy some delicious, down-home BBQ! Hosted by our own MBCA Carolinas Section editor, Melissa Sprouse Browne and her husband Chip, you’ll enjoy Southern BBQ and just a good ‘ole time! You won’t want to miss this Members’ event on the gorgeous Saluda River – especially for all of ya’ll who live in Columbia! Let’s get this party started!
Capriccio Ristorante Make Your Reservation for a Romantic Rendezvous!
10% Discount for MBCA Members!
1034 Chuck Dawley Blvd. Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464 (843) 881-5550
Fall: October 7-9: OktoberFest & Road Rally (Hickory, NC) Oktoberfest is a three day festival which brings 100,000 people to Downtown Hickory for a juried craft show; “KidsFest” ethnic crafts, rides and games. You should come with an appetite since thirty-three food vendors will be selling an enormous variety of irresistible food, including home-baked chicken pot pies. roasted corn-on-the-cob, the always-popular “funnel cakes” and, of course, hot dogs and hamburgers. MBCA Carolinas Section will meet Saturday morning for a scenic drive in the mountains and convene in Hickory to enjoy the festivities later in the afternoon. 14-16: EuroFest (Greer, SC) Join MBCA Carolina’s Section members for the 16th EURO Auto Festival 3-day event on the beautiful campus of BMW in Spartanburg, South Carolina. As in years past, featured and honorary marques will lead the field of one of the largest European car shows in the Southeast, including celebrating the 1961 introduction of the Austin Healey Sprite/MG Midget models affectionately know as “Spridgets”. The new host hotel will be Greenville’s Embassy Suites and Golf Resort, offering great rooms, attractive rates and a beautiful setting. Exciting new programs are being added such as technical sessions, wine & history tours and even a spouses program. EURO is also bringing back your favorites - factory tours at BMW Manufacturing with driving events at the BMW Performance Center. November 5-6: Concours D’Elegance (Hilton Head, SC) Be a part of MBCA Carolina’s Section tradition and join fellow members at the Concours d’Elegance, literally translated, means “parade of elegance.” Since its inception, the term referred to a very special type of carriage or automobile show, and the Concours D’Elegance at Hilton Head, SC is no exception. Featuring BMW as the honored marquee, Dennis Gage from SPEED Channel’s My Classic Car as the Honorary Chairman and Boris Said as the Savannah Speed Classic’s Grand Marshal. The club participates in the Saturday Car Club Jamboree. The Event itself covers several days, and culminates on Sunday with the official Concours display and judging. December 3: Annual Dinner (Charleston, SC)
Mercedes-Benz Skyland Automotive, Inc.
255 Smoky Park Highway • PO Box 6359 Asheville, NC 28816-6359
(828) 667-5213 • (828) 667-8463
www.skylandautomotive.com
H & H Auto Service
35 Hunter Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
Proud Members of the MercedesBenz Club of America Since 1983
•Sales and Service of Pre-Owned Mercedes-Benzs •Service by Experts Trained on Mercedes •Great Advice and Helpful Information H&H Auto Body - Check out our website at www.hhautobodyhhi.com
(843) 681-8384 • www.handhautos.com
MBCA | Carolinas Section
Concours – Track – Rallye
101 Medical Circle Drive West Columbia, SC 29169
Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts from across the country will be gathering in Ohio this May for Gemutlichkeit 2011 – four days of fun, action, Concours, plus track and driving events. For 2011 we will be celebrating the 125th anniversary of Mercedes-Benz Automobiles and the 50th anniversary of the Western Reserve Section of MBCA. We will also have a special celebration, held at the beautiful Kingwood Center Gardens in Mansfield, Ohio where we will be honoring the SL “sport leicht” and all six SL generations, including the 190SL, 300SL, the W113 “Pagoda”, the w107 “Panzerwagen”, the R129 and more.
Kingwood was designed by prominent architect Clarence Mack, who made a career of building fashionable homes in Shaker Heights, Ohio, Grosse Pointe, Michigan and Palm Beach, Florida. Today the historic estate is open to the public and has magnificent gardens, the horticultural library and décor with original furnishings of the period.
If you’ve never been to an MBCA National Event, Gemutlichkeit 2011 is the one to attend. Your host this year is the Western Reserve Section of MBCA, which has a reputation for dynamic events and activities that appeal to both veterans and first timers alike. Things kick into gear on Saturday, May 21, with a very special Concours d’Elegance recognizing 125 Years of the Automobile and also featuring the Six Generations of the SL at the Kingwood Estate, followed by a welcome reception at the Richland Carousel Park. Driving events commence on Sunday, May 22 with defensive driving practice, autocross, and a Road Rallye. The evening concludes with the Concours Banquet. There will be plenty of social time to make new friends and get reacquainted with old friends.
MBCA CONTACT INFORMATION Carolinas Section Officers Contact List PRESIDENT Richard Deiber Huntersville, NC (704) 948-1433 president@mbcacarolinas.org
TREASURER Roy L. Davis Columbia, SC (803) 331-1852 treasurer@mbcacarolinas.org
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Anthony Santagati Beaufort, SC (843) 522-9444 sandspub@aol.com
MEMBERSHIP CHAIR Fred Harris Statesville, NC (704) 902-6253 harrisfred@hotmail.com
VICE PRESIDENT Soren Pedersen Waxhaw, NC (980) 722-5651 vicepresident@mbcacarolinas.org
EVENTS CHAIR Odette Sigler-Pedersen Waxhaw, NC (704) 290-2257 odette@overgaardweb.com
SECRETARY Position Vacant
NEWSLETTER EDITOR Melissa Sprouse Browne Columbia, SC (803) 791-3800 info@mbcacarolinas.org
About MBCA Established in 1956, MBCA has approximately 20,240 active members and 9251 additional household members in 12 regions which are comprised of 80+ local sections throughout the United States and Canada. Each region is adminstered by a regional director who is responsible for assisting and inspiring the sections in the region. The regional director also fosters the formation of new sections, coordinates regional activities and represents the constituents as a member of the national board of directors. Hundreds of events are organized by sections, from social gatherings to tech sessions, from car shows to driving events. Most sections publish a newsletter of information and events and each section has its own officers and bylaws. National Board: Rodger Van Ness, President: rvann40398@aol.com; Steve Dierks, Vice President: sdierks007@cs.com; Mary Alice Cozza, Secretary: marcozza7@neo.rr.com; Laura Simonds, Treasurer: simondsl@pacbell.net. Eastern Regional Director, William Hopper, wwhrestoration@att.net. Additional officers and contact information may be found in the latest issue of The Star magazine. From the National Business Office: With every email and address update that we receive at the NBO, we will send a 10% off coupon for one item in the Club Store. One coupon per member will be sent electronically (so it must include a valid email address). Please send these updates to Geni at geni@mbca.org.