Volume 21, Issue 1 January, 2010

INDEX

January Events Page 1

Board Members Page 2

Board Members Page 3

Upcoming Events Page 4

Scheduled Events Page 5

Ferry Boat Run, Dec. 5 Page 6

Christmas Lights Ralle Page 7

SCCA Winner Forrest King Page 8

MMG XI Update Page 9

Tech Page Page 10

2009 In Review Page 11

2009 In Review Page 12

Club Bulletin Board Page 13

Letter from Publicist Page 14

National Events Page 14

Sponsorships/Advertisements Page 15

J anuar y 2010

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

Happy New

Year’s!

2

3 4 5 6

MMG Meeting

7 8 9

10 11 12 13 14

Monthly Miata

Meeting

15 16

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

24 25 26 27 28 29 30

31

Page 1

Breakfast

Connie Welch, President

Meet your 2010 board members

2005 Speed, Lava Orange

(slightly modified and still

a work in progress). I have

had my Miata and been in

the club for four years. I

have been to most events in

the midwest. The club has something for

everyone, driving curvey roads, eating

lots of food and enjoying a lot of great

company. I especially like driving like a

maniac on the track and the Miata is a

great car to do that in, but I also enjoy a

casual drive down a nice road.I invite eve-

ryone to join us and become part of our

Miata family. ZOOM ZOOM!

Charlie McBride, Vice President

I have a 2007 Copper Red

Grand Touring (Rozet: short for

"small rose) and my husband and I

joined the Gateway Miata Club in

January 2007. The Club has been a

fantastic experience and certainly

has given both of us an additional

positive life experience thru all the related events as

well as the opportunity to meet new people and form

new friendships. In January I will have worked 39

years and my husband and I are small business owners

looking forward to hopefully retirement so we can en-

joy more "fun time". I totally enjoy the outdoors,

sporting clays, hiking, reading (when I get a chance),

movies, art, and especially traveling. I'm looking for-

ward to 2010 and participating as much as possible in

our Miata Club.

Kathy Nagel, Membership I work for SAVVIS Communica-tions as a Procurement Manager for the last 12 years

I am married to Doug Allen for 28 years and we are both gradu-ates of the University of Missouri St. Louis

Doug is a corporate pilot and flies for an aerial mapping and

surveying company

We live in St. Charles , Missouri and have lived in the St. Charles area for 29 years

We don’t have children, but we do have 3 cats (Riley, Rosie and Leo) We drive a 2008 Copper Red Mica Miata with a saddle tan interior, we refer to her as Lucy (our li-cense plate read 24 SUN, it was suppose to read “ 24SUN”, yes the state of Missouri messed that up) When we aren’t driving the Miata we spend our spare time cycling, boating and scuba diving, this last summer I rode my bike in and completed the MS 150, which is a 150 mile bike rally which is done over a weekend in Columbia (Very Hilly), Mis-souri , to benefit the MS society of Missouri

Dawn Allen, Secretary

Hi, I am Connie; a 52 year old fun, not very serious, graying fe-male. Oh, this is not an ad for dating. Never mind. I am an accountant for Metro (no planes, yes trains, and some automobiles and buses). I have

worked for them the past 10 years. I have enjoyed living in Illinois, next to a Metropolis for the past 20 years. I have owned two Miatas; the current one is a 2003 Em-erald Green named WICKED W. I have been in the club since 2003 and the first time I went on a Miata run of curves and hills, I found it to be the most exhilarating thing. I knew this was the club for me and that I had to volunteer to do something: lead runs, be an officer, whatever was needed. I have been the President of the club for the past two years and plan to serve again in 2010 (MMG here we come). I know and appreciate very well how talented the other club officers are for they support me and the club in a remarkable way. We ask you to come join us on a run or a weekend event (that’s when you really get to know us). We will welcome you with open arms. Let’s Miata.

Page 2

Larry Rector, Treasurer

Meet your 2010 board members

My wife, Ramy, and I bought our

2007 Copper Red PRHT in Octo-

ber 2006 and joined the club a few

months later. We have thoroughly

enjoyed meeting other club mem-

bers, organizing runs and events,

and taking out-of-town trips with

our new Miata friends. It’s like

having a 2nd family!

In 2009, I became the Public Relations officer which

was a lot of fun and got me more actively involved with

the club’s web site, working with local sponsors and

planning new activities. I was re-elected for 2010 and

look forward to another great year with the club.

I encourage everyone to participate in club events and

activities, and help us promote the club to other Miata

owners. And, think about organizing and leading your

own event in 2010. We’re always looking for new ideas

and volunteers so don’t be shy!

Happy holidays and see you in 2010!

Steve Thoma, Public Relations

Thank you for electing me as your new web-

master! I’m originally from Decatur, Illinois

but after an incredible career in the U.S. Air

Force, I’ve settled in the St. Louis area. I’m

currently a government contractor working

in Systems Engineering. My wife Cyndy

and I have been married 5 ½ years and we

have 4 kids and 6 grandkids between us.

My first Miata was a ’92 Silverstone that I purchased from

my father-in-law when he bought a new one in 2004. Our

first Miata trip was to the ―Miata Mountain Mania‖ in Penn-

sylvania and our longest trip was to ―Miata’s in Moab‖ by

way of the Grand Canyon and 6 other national parks. We pur-

chased a 2008 PRHT Copper Red in February 2009 and are

planning a trip to Yellowstone this year with my father-in-

law.

We are currently members of both the Gateway Miata Club

and the Abe Lincoln Miata Club in Central Illinois. I have

been the webmaster of the Abe Lincoln Club for a couple of

years and am looking forward to serving as the webmaster of

the Gateway Club.

Dave Woller, Webmaster

Welcome to the new (and hope-

fully) improved Miata File. Thank

you for electing me to this creative

position within the club. I have

held the position of treasurer for

the club prior to my husband, so I

am glad to be a part of the team

once again.

I have a 2008 Stormy Blue Miata (Smokn 10) and am

trying to drive on more of the events (I do better when

no one is behind me). We have made many of the out

of town trips, and I look forward to the time you can

join us in one of these adventures.

Even though I truly enjoy any and all time spent with

my Miata family, I do have another life, you know the

one that helps pay the bills. I am in my 33rd year at

Ameren, the electric company in St. Louis. For the last

27 years of that time, corporate income tax compliance

has been my assignment, which means lots and lots of

numbers. Looking forward to seeing all of you again!

Dona Rector, Publicist

Since getting my 1990 Mariner

Blue Miata, I have worn many hats

for the club. I have held the offices

of president and publicist; and am

the current treasurer for both the

club’s normal activities and for the

upcoming Midwest Miata Gather-

ing.

As most of you know, I love to

―work‖ on my car. I have replaced almost everything pos-

sible (if it needed it or not) to see if I could decrease the

weight, increase the speed or just because I wanted to.

Being a mechanic by trade allows me the pleasure of fine-

tuning my baby; being retired allows me the time. Thus,

my car spends a lot of time in the garage on jack stands;

good thing we have two, otherwise you might not see me

on many runs.

I enjoy auto sports, gardening and doing small projects

around the house; however, Miata runs are at the top of

my list. Out of town runs and track days, especially Hal-

lett are the best.

Looking forward to working with you throughout 2010.

Page 3

What: Another club breakfast gathering awaiting Spring.

When: 8:30 A.M., Saturday, January 16.

Where: The Original Pancake House, 17000 Chesterfield

Airport Road, Chesterfield MO

Special Instructions: Please bring cash & change to

expedite payment of single check for group.

RSVP: Connie Welch

(618) 210-7595 woodstk1@ juno.com

We don't let the fact that our team won't be at the big game

stop us from enjoying the event. The annual Super Bowl

party is just an excuse for all of us to gather during the win-

ter and do what we do best - eat! So come join us! It’s

best to show up about 2 hours before the game. Chili and

drinks will be provided. The rest is Potluck! Bring your

favorite dish or dessert. Please RSVP by February

1st (636-332-8755 or lpfleckl@mail.win.org). Other than

2003 (moving) and 2007 (putting in a driveway), we've

held every Gateway Miata Club Super Bowl Party since the

club was founded. Usually there are two parties happening

at once. One for the avid football fans, and one for those

just interested in camaraderie, commercials and

food! With 2 televisions, pinball, pool, ping-pong, a car lift and multitude of things to eat, there is something to entertain

every club member. This year we even have a new 'family' member who is sure to entertain everyone. Missy is our very

friendly lap cat who loves company.

When: Sunday evening, Feb. 7

Where: Home of Bonnie & Louis Pfleckl, 126 Kersting Farm Dr., O’Fallon, MO 63366.

Directions: If you are coming east from the 40/61 and 1-70 interchange, go east on 70 (1 mile) and exit at first ramp la-

beled "A‖. Turn left, go under bridge to the north 1 mile and turn right on Josephville Road. Go 3 miles (You will pass a

church on the right.) to a Stop sign. This stop should be the intersection of ―P‖ and JosephvilIe Road. Cross "P" where

Josephville Road turns into Eisenbath Road. Continue 1/2 mile on Eisenbath, and turn right on Kersting Farms

Drive. Then measure another 1/2 mile on Kersting Farms Drive to our driveway on right. Our mailbox has the number

126. Our house is the only one around with a turret. Park behind saw-horses (toward house) on both sides of concrete

driveway. (For those traveling west from 70/270/370, go west on 1-70 past Mid Rivers Mall and continue past the Lake

St. Louis exit. Take the next exit, ‖A‖, and turn right (going north) where you would follow the above directions.

.

Page 4

SCHEDULED EVENTS

MMG Meeting January 6 Kathy Nagel’s Home

Monthly Meeting January 14 America’s Incredible Pizza Company

5254 S. Lindbergh Blvd.

Breakfast January 16 Original Pancake House

17000 Chesterfield Airport Road, Chesterfield MO

Super Bowl Party February 7 Louis and Bonnie Ffleckl’s Home

Monthly Meeting February 11 America’s Incredible Pizza Company

5254 S. Lindbergh Blvd.

Monthly Meeting March 11 America’s Incredible Pizza Company

5254 S. Lindbergh Blvd.

First Day of Spring March 20 Ted Drewe’s

Monthly Meeting April 8 America’s Incredible Pizza Company

5254 S. Lindbergh Blvd.

Doing The Charleston Apr28-May 2

Monthly Meeting May 13 America’s Incredible Pizza Company

5254 S. Lindbergh Blvd.

Club Picnic June 12

First Day of Summer June 21 Ted Drewe’s

Miata Mountain Mania June 20—27 Steve/Kathy Crouse

Page 5

Monthly Meeting July 8 America’s Incredible Pizza Company

5254 S. Lindbergh Blvd.

BBQ and Fireworks July 10

Charlie/Karen McBride’s Home

Monthly Meeting August 12 America’s Incredible Pizza Company

5254 S. Lindbergh Blvd

Day in the Country August 15 Terry and Sharon Meyer’s Home

Eureka Springs, Arkansas August 12

MMG XI September 10-12 Doubletree Hotel, Chesterfield

Hallett Race Track September 17-19

First Day of Fall September 23

Monthly Meeting October 14 America’s Incredible Pizza Company

5254 S. Lindbergh Blvd

Ferry Boat Run October 23

Winery Run October 24

Holiday Party November 13

Monthly Meeting December 9 America’s Incredible Pizza Company

5254 S. Lindbergh Blvd

Christmas Lights Ralle December 11

ALL DATES AND RUNS ARE SUBJECT

TO CHANGE, AND THERE IS STILL

TIME TO SCHEDULE YOUR RUN!!!

Everyone was amazed at the wonderful December 5th turnout for the mini ferry boat run. We had several new faces show up and some that we had not seen in a while. We had 18 cars and 33 people on a cold, 25 degree, sunny morning. It is amazing that we had three brave souls ride with their top down, Deb, Mike and Larry. The rest stayed bun-dled up while running along the Mississippi river and the magnificent bluffs. It felt so peaceful. It is fun to hear people honk, wave or yell when they pass our long line of cars. After crossing Brussels Ferry, we toured a newer subdivision, Winneberg Homes, in Cal-houn County along Gun Club Road. With the trees void of leaves, the hill top overlooking the Mississippi was breathtaking. It was a picture-taking moment. The homes lining the river made you wish you had one just so you could enjoy the serenity of the river view. (Until you realized they are pretty isolated; dependant on bridges or ferries to get to gas stations or large stores.) We made our way to the Wittmond Hotel; they were glad to see us since their December business is slower. After gorging ourselves on sausage, fried chicken, roast beef and all the fixins, we waddled our way out for a group picture. Everyone was in high spir-its. Thanks to all who made it a fun! Connie Welch and Mike Thompson

Ferry Boat Run to Whittmond Hotel

Page 6

It was again a dark and stormy night when, what

again to my surprise...came 32 little reindeer...err...I

mean 32 tiny sports cars all in a row. Come Miatas,

come Minis, come OTMs, come all.

Once again rain dashed away thoughts of sugar

plums dancing in our heads. We had equal numbers

of Minis and Miatas but not a single topless braveheart amongst them. Did I

mention the rain? A number of the the 12 light displays sported synchronized

lights and music via local FM. Several of the displays showed some new

lighting tricks and one display spread over 5 houses in synchonization. The

warm coffee, tea, and desserts chased away the cold shivers post rallye

and quite a few stockings were filled with "major awards." Next years rallye

will be on Dec. 11 so mark the date.

Santa Mick

Page 7

The SCCA says, "Solo is the SCCA brand name for autocross competition. Solo events are driving skill con-

tests that emphasize the driver's ability and the car's handling characteristics. This is accomplished by driving a course

that is designated by traffic cones on a low hazard location, such as a parking lot or inactive airstrip. While speeds are

no greater than those normally encountered in legal highway driving, the combination of concentration and car feed-

back creates an adrenaline pumping experience. It is like being in a movie chase scene, only you are holding onto the

steering wheel instead of a box of popcorn! "

The St Louis Region of the SCCA hosts Solo events at the Gateway International Raceway, 5 minutes from the

Arch, in Illinois. The events are held in the parking lot and staging area normally used by the drag racers. This area is

wide open and free of almost anything that could damage your car. I say 'almost' because with some effort, and care-

lessness you could find a way to scratch the paint. At each event a new and unique course is set up and competitors

are allowed to walk through the course as many times as they would like in the 2 hours preceeding the event. While

walking the course drivers will memorize the turns and plan out their "line" that allows corner entry and exit in the

shortest time possible. Competitors normally get to drive the course at least 5 times, the best time counts toward the

competition. Often, additional "fun runs" are conducted at the end of the day for those who want some more experi-

ence or need to test out a suspension or tuning change.

There is a class for everybody! The SCCA has a class for almost every car, from a Geo Metro or Ford Festiva

all the way up to the Ferrari F430 Pininfarina that was seen competeing this year. Of course a Miata is no match for a

Lotus Elise, and so the SCCA classes the cars by power, weight, and handling. For the purposes of scoring, your lap

times are only compared to similar cars. But it is also neat to see that "I was only 7 seconds slower than a two hun-

dred thousand dollar car." It should be noted that the rules of the SCCA generally only permit cars, no trucks or SUVs

- you will need a low center of gravity to play this game.

There is always somebody there to help. New drivers always want to make sure they are in the correct class

and there car is safe to drive. Many of the SCCA members will provide you with assitance and there is always a "First

Time Driver" booth at the event to help you fill out the paperwork, class your car, and get registered. The entire proc-

ess takes about 10 minutes. Before you drive on the course there is also a basic technical inspection. Your battery's

positive terminal must be covered, you must have removed all loose objects from the car, like Coke Bottles and floor

mats, and your car must be generally fit to drive - no bald tires, full brake fluid, nothng hanging off th ebody, etc.

(Participants normally unload their car and leave their items in their parking place while competeing - no need to take

the floor mats out at home or leave the spare tire behind.)

You do not have to join the SCCA to drive at a weekend event. Entry to the events is usually 25 dollars and

there is a 15 dollar temporary membership that provides liability coverage for the SCCA - this is required if you are

not a full member. Once you drive in an event and decide "this is for me!" the 15 dollar temporary membership fees

can be credited directly to your full membership costs. Full membership is about 80 dollars per year.

In 2009, Gateway Miata Club member Forrest King campaigned his supercharged 2001 Mazda Miata in the SSM

class of the St Louis Region SCCA. Forrest says he had a great time, learned a lot about the car's capabilities and han-

dling characteristics and enjoyed striving to improve with each lap at each event. There were a total of 7 competitors

in the SSM class and Forrest finished first in the points race at the end of the season. His final score was calculated by

taking the 5 highest finishes from the eight total races and comparing the scores to the 5 highest finishes of the other

competitors in the SSM class.

Autocrossing is fun, safe and is the exact kind of driving a Miata was designed to do. Visit stlsolo.org for

event dates and times for the 2010 season.

Congratulations,

Forrest King!!!!

Page 8

MMG XI Update

Page 9

Overall Chairperson –

Connie Welch

Event Treasurer

Larry Rector

Overall Co-Chairpersons

Kathy Nagel, Dawn Allen, Steve Thoma,

Charlie McBride, Dave Woller and Dona Rector

Venues and Food

Dawn Allen – Chair

Kathy Nagel – Co-Chair

Team Members – Connie Welch, Mike Thomp-

son, Terry Meyer

Sharon Meyer, Jim Kramer, Glenda Kramer and

Mick Keenoy

Public Relations

Steve Thoma – Chair

Registration

Dona Rector – Chair

Larry Rector – Co-Chair

Team Members – Karen McBride, Terry

Meyer, Sharon Meyer,

Dylan Hibbs, Jerry Blair, and Shelia Donelson

Runs and Events

Charlie McBride – Chair

Jack Muirhead and Mick Keenoy – Co-Chairs

Team Members – Terry Meyer, Jim Kramer,

Mike Ballowe,

Connie Welch, Darwin Bretsch and John

Russo

Website

Dave Stroup – Chair

Steve Thoma – Co-Chair

If you would like to volunteer, we still need you, please contact any chairperson, co-chairperson or board

member. With all of us participating, our event can be the best Midwest Miata Gathering yet!

The planning process for the Midwest Miata Gathering (MMG) XI hosted by our club is well underway.

Meetings have been held the last three months at the McBride, Rector and Muirhead homes, with the next

meeting scheduled for January 6th at the Nagel’s home in Florissant. A special thanks to all who have open

their homes, brought food, and/or gave their time to help in the planning thus far.

So far, we have a pending contract with the Doubletree Hotel in Chesterfield. The hotel will supply lunch and

dinner for all paying attendees and complimentary hot/cold breakfast for two with each double room booked.

The price for a double room will be approximately $89 plus tax and hotel fees per night. There will be a block

of 100 rooms for both Friday and Saturday night. As we expect these rooms to fill up fast, if club members

plan on staying at the Doubletree during the event, registration should be open in early March. Kathy Nagel,

Mick Keenoy, and especially, Dawn Allen where instrumental in negotiating a very good and promising loca-

tion.

The event logo for MMG XI has been approved. Thanks to Arlene Warmke (Carol Muirhead’s sister) for an

outstanding job!

Registration forms and the process for registering are in the discussion phase. Activities, runs, T-shirts, pins,

menus, etc. are also in the planning stages.

As you all know, there were sign-up sheets at the Holiday Party and several club members ―stepped up to the

plate‖. However, more volunteers are needed to make this event a success.

The chairperson, co-chairperson(s) and the members who have already volunteered and have attended the

planning meetings are as follows –

Taking Your Miata to a Shop for Service The one thing that virtually everyone experiences at one point or another (and that most people dread) is taking your Mazda Miata/MX-5 into a shop for ser-vice. The history or track record of the shop is important, and then establishing good communication with the mechanic is crucial. Hopefully these few pointers will help make that experience both less intimidating and more fruitful for your Miata.

Before you get there

Some things are pretty logical – like picking a shop with a solid track record for your type of vehicle (and this goes for your OTM (“other than Miata”) as well). The relationship with your mechanic should be just that – a relationship. And we all know that solid relationships are founded on solid communication. Take

the time to talk with your mechanic, and make sure he or she listens to your needs. Often mechanics are good technicians, but that doesn‟t mean they‟re good at communicating – so be picky. If you have a specific problem, you shouldn‟t expect a complete diagnosis on the phone. All too often people call, describe some symptoms, and expect a complete diagnosis and cost estimate. Mechanics are good, but in most cases (just like a doctor) they‟re going to want to thump on your car‟s chest and look around to

get a more accurate diagnosis. When you call, make sure to have the specifics of your car ready – year, make, model, and perti-nent modifications, etc. If it‟s your first visit, gather up any pertinent history on your car such as copies of previous repair or-ders. This will help your mechanic get a better feel for what has and hasn‟t been done, and in the end help you.

Describing Symptoms

Before taking your car in, gather up any information that may help you explain what‟s going on. If it‟s a noise, pay attention to exactly when it happens – going over a bump, turning left or right, when you put on the brakes, while the car is stopped, in a specific gear, first thing in the morning, etc. (And hopefully Murphy‟s Law won‟t prevail –that the car will stop doing whatever the problem is about a mile from the shop.) For some situations (“it only does it when I start it cold in the morning”) be pre-pared to leave the car overnight.

Symptom Checklist Being a mechanic is often more like being a detective, and there are only two ways of getting clues – one being the car itself and the other is you! So the best thing for you is to develop a vocabulary that will help your mechanic solve the puzzle. You may even want to jot down some notes when the car is exhibiting its problem so you are prepared to give a better description. For instance – is it a sound, a smell, a leak, a vibration, or a drivability/performance problem? Handling, steering, suspension,

brakes or dash light? When does it happen – when the car is cold, fully warmed up, in the morning, only when it‟s raining, etc.? Does it happen all the time, only on the highway, driving slowly, when the brake or clutch pedal is depressed, up hills, turning

left or right, or in a certain gear? The best thing you can do for your mechanic is be ready to give a good clear description! A typical situation (and yes, this has happened) is when a guy comes in with a problem and says “I need a tuneup.” When asked why or what‟s wrong – he‟ll only say “It‟s not running right – it needs a tuneup.” Then later he‟ll call back and say “You didn‟t fix the problem.” What is much more valuable is the lady who comes in and says “When I first start my car in the morning it goes

„pucketa pucketa‟ and feels like it‟s running rough for awhile, but then starts to run more smoothly when I‟m on the freeway and it‟s all warmed up.” Now that‟s something a shop can work with! So in conclusion – develop a communication system with your mechanic – and that‟ll be the first step in keeping your Miata purring!! - Moss Motors, with technical contribution from Rick Weldon, PR Motorsports

Reprinted with permission from Moss Motors www.mossmotors.com

Page 10

CLUB BULLETIN BOARD

Membership Birthdays

Kathy Nagel 01/07

Carol Muirhead 01/17

Terry Meyer 01/21

Page 13

Say Hello to Jack and Carol Muirhead’s

first grandchild —

Proud parents are Brian and Melinda

Smith

Nathan Gabriel Smith was born Wednes-

day December 9 at 7:52am. He was 8lb

4oz and 20.75 inches.

Welcome to the 2009 New

Members

Larry Allen

Michael Ballowe

Don Berlemann

Gearld Brady

Darwin and Mary Lou Bretsch

Michael Brozyna

Karen Crecelius

Jerry and Sara Crump

Connie Curran

Judy Davinroy

Gary and Cam DeLancey

David and Shelia Donelson

Ralph Farnsworth

Bill and Lisa Garffie

Mel Goldberg

Joanna Gray

Robin and Tina Hanson

Dylan Hibbs

Paul Hines

Dave Hodson

Charles Hunter

Forrest and Hailey King

Dana LePoidevin

Chris Lindsey

Dennis Nieweg

Mel Parentin

Rich Pennington

Lynn Richardson

David Stukenbroeker

Gerard Teague

Chuck Von Bokel

Steve Ward

Page 14

More Information on these 2010 National Events

at

Miatas Doin’ the Charleston 2010

www.miatasdointhecharleston.com

Miatas in Moab IV (2010)

www.utahmiataclub.com

Miata Mountain Mania 2010

www.westpennmiataclub.com

Miatas at the Gap (2010)

www.gapmiatas.com

Surf ‘n Safari (2010)

www.surfnsafari.net

The MiataFile is published monthly for the

members of the Gateway Miata Club. The

Gateway Miata Club assumes no liability for

any information contained herein, or injury or

damage resulting from use of this information.

The ideas, opinions, maintenance or modifica-

tion tips expressed are to be used at the

reader’s discretion. Individual contributors

and/or the editors express no approval, au-

thentication or endorsement.

Gateway Miata Club Members:

First and foremost, I would like to

wish everyone a new year filled with

happiness, good health, and lots of

Miata fun. Secondly, I hope you en-

joy the new format for the Miata file.

As you noticed in this issue, each

board member wrote a small intro-

duction; I would like to continue this

introduction for all club members. I

feel this is a good way to put names

and faces together, plus an unique

way for you to tell your story, intro-

duce new members and reacquaint

long-standing ones. So, please sub-

mit your story. This can be why you

join the club, what you have done to

your car, or what you would like the

other members to know about you.

Attach pictures, and I will begin post-

ing these in the February newsletter.

Also, we have a new club bulletin

board. I hope to show birthdays, an-

niversaries, promotions, etc. I want to

make this your newsletter, so any-

thing you would like to share with the

Gateway Miata family, just let me

know. Add any pictures and I will get

them in there as well.

Thanks,

Dona Rector

smokn10@yahoo.com

Miata_file@yahoo.com

CLEAR AUTO BRA, LLC . . . in Webster Groves MO (Phone 314-518-6111). A link to their web site is now available on our menu page. The company spe-cializes in clear auto bras and window tinting, and have done several cars in the club including Thoma’s and the Woller’s. The owner, Mark Parafiniuk has agreed to offer our members a 15% discount. The company works with many local dealers and car clubs throughout the STL area. You can find more information on their web site, along with a gallery of photos showcas-ing their work.

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