explore the wonders of the universe · explore the wonders of the universe by don penney, director...
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VOL. 51 • NO. 1 SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA SECTION January 2013
2013 CALENDAR OF COMING ACTIVITIESJAN 6 First Sunday DriveJAN 26* Chabot Space & Science Center, Don Penney (707) 310-0460JAN 27 SFBA Board Meeting, Mauna Wagner (925) 934-7220FEB 3 First Sunday DriveFEB TBD Mozart Museum Tour, Eva Gordon (650)-834-2614 or [email protected] 3 First Sunday DriveMAR 23 Tech Event: Selecting Engine Oil for your Mercedes-Benz, Richard Simonds, (650)592-7613 or [email protected]
*Register online at http://sections.mbca.org/sfba/section_calendar.htm (or form on page 7)
EXPLORE THE WONDERS OF THE UNIVERSEby Don Penney, Director at Large
What: Chabot Space & Science Center Tour When: Saturday, January 26, 2013, 5:30-10:30 p.m. Where: 10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland Cost: $20 per person
Join your fellow club members for a wonderful experience at the chabot Space & Science center. our evening begins at 5:30 p.m. with a group photo opportunity of our cars near the main entrance upon arrival. Then we move to the Planetarium for the cosmos 360 show at 6:30. At 7:30 we will see the second show, Tales of the Maya Sky. our experience wraps up with the telescope private viewing at 9:00.
founded as an observatory in 1883, today chabot offers visitors the very latest in hands-on, interactive exhibits, displays, and Planetarium shows that explore the mysteries of the universe and of life on earth.
Set amid beautiful redwood parkland in the hills above oakland, chabot is home to Nellie (36” reflector telescope), Rachel, and Leah—three magnificent telescopes and the largest public telescope facility in the country. The center includes a digital, full-dome Planetarium and MegaDome Theater. In addition there are simulated space missions to the Moon, Mars, and more in the challenger Learning center. Here visitors can experience for themselves the wonders of the cosmos as they gaze through the telescopes at distant stars and planets.
The center includes the Skyline Bistro with a diverse, fresh, healthy, and locally-grown menu including a variety of beverages.
Photography and/or videotape for non-commercial purposes is permitted with the exception of the Planetarium and children unrelated to you. Parking is available in the parking structure.
Registration deadline is friday, January 4. Please register online http://sections.mbca.org/sfba/section_calendar.htm. Questions? Please contact Don Penney at (707) 310-0460 or Kara Pannu at (415) 205-0790
RACING INTO HISTORY AND
MOUNTAIN VIEWby Eva Gordon
What: Mozart Museum TourWhen: February, TBDWhere: Mountain View, CA
In April of 2011, John Mozart opened the doors to his state of the art auto museum in Mountain view. The museum houses anywhere from 60 of his 100 cars, some of the world’s finest automobiles on display—including exotic examples like the famous Duesenberg and ferrari nameplates. Alongside his 1937 Alfa Romeo 8c2900 Spyder, an unusually sleek piece of automotive history that has won recognition in some of the world’s finest car shows, including the Pebble Beach concours d’ Elegance. Mozart enjoys vintage racing and has many of his racing cars on display.
Many of Mozart’s 100 cars are priceless in today’s world and today, Mozart’s collection is world-renown. A search on the Internet turns up numerous references and photos of him driving his cars on racetracks such as the famous Laguna Seca in Salinas.
All of the restoration is done by his crew in the adjoining “auto shop”. They have the ability to fix anything on a car — and sometimes have pieces manufactured when they are no longer available. The building features walls of an unusual composition. The walls are translucent, but not transparent. Grids of small lights are attached to the metal-framed ceiling to bounce off black
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MERCEDES-BENZ CLUB OF AMERICASAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA SECTION
www.mbca.org/sfba
Board of Directors
Activities, Don [email protected]
Advertising, Janet [email protected]
Editor, Dianne [email protected]
Photographer & HistoriansanDy DroBilisch408.782.2305 Fax [email protected]
First Sunday Drives, shawn merrill650.359.8939 Cell [email protected]
Hospitality, Kara christelle [email protected]
executive Board
President, gloria loventhal408.289.1933 Cell [email protected]
Vice President, eva gorDon510.234.4574 Cell [email protected]
You can send that wonderful article or ad via E-mail or FAX to me for inclusion in the Golden Gate Star [email protected] or FAX 831.649.8568. Dianne
The GOLDEN GATE STARPublisher Anza Group - San JoseEditor Dianne BussePhotographer Sandy Drobilisch The Golden Gate Star is published monthly by the San francisco Bay Area Section, Mercedes-Benz club of America, Inc. copy deadline: 10th of the month preceding the month of issue. Please type and double space copy.
ABouT ouR ADvERTISERS: We hope you will support our advertisers. No inference, however, should be made that advertising in THE GoLDEN GATE STAR implies approval of their products or services by the Club, its Officers or members, or by Mercedes-Benz - uSA Inc. or Daimler AG.
MEMBERSHIP information or renewal, call toll free 1-800-637-2360
Treasurer, lou Piccinini650.697.1618 Cell [email protected]
Secretary, mauna wagner925.934.7220 Cell [email protected]
Ex-Officio, JacK weirCell 925.899.4298 (8AM to 10PM)[email protected]
Membership, ann Bornstein831.786.0782 Cell [email protected]
Technical, steve roBinson925.803.1829 Cell [email protected]
Webmistress, lois [email protected]
Director at Large, Jerry [email protected]
Director at Large/Advertisingtheo Burger650.906.5275 Cell [email protected]
Director at Large, eric wee650.855.9141 Cell [email protected]
Director at Large, Peter r. JuDy408.353.2292 Cell [email protected]
INVOLVED MEMBERS +STRONG BOARD =
OUTSTANDING SFBA SECTION!By Gloria Loventhal, President
Welcome to 2013! We are looking forward to another great year of varied activities and opportunities for member involvement, learning, and fun!
our Board has new enthusiastic and knowledgeable members to replace the previous enthusiastic and knowledgeable members. We say goodbye (as Board Members) to Laura and Richard Simonds, two people--the dynamic duo--who have dedicated 20+ years of their lives to serve in leadership roles both nationally, regionally, and locally, and Robert Schilling whose guidance and initiative took the board to greater heights. Jack Weir, our visionary past president, will stay on the board as Ex-officio and continue to support our club in being the best it can be. Jack is credited with moving our Board to work in more collaborative structures and increased teamwork. Lois Wong is also stepping down as our super-efficient Treasurer.
Eva Gordon, in her new role as vice President, brings energy and continued hard work.
Lou Piccinini takes over as Treasurer. His integrity along with the love of numbers and money make him the most appropriate person to be in this critical role.
Don Penney takes on a busy role of Director of Activities. our year has some outstanding events planned – locally, regionally, and nationally! His background and talents make him well qualified to serve in this leadership capacity.
Steve Robinson brings grace and knowledge to the role of Technical Director. With big shoes to fill, we are confident in Steve’s interest and experience and are excited by the programs planned for 2013. Shawn Merrill, our Director of first Sunday Drives, has quickly moved into the position with ease, planning, and foresight.
Dianne Busse also has big shoes to fill in her role as Newsletter Editor. With her expertise our newsletter will continue to be a model of quality and excellence.
Both Eric Wee and Peter Judy, Directors at Large, bring new ideas and wisdom to our board, and we look forward to their contributions.
continuing in their roles are Mauna Wagner, Secretary; Janet Migliore and Theo Burger, Directors of Advertising; Kara Pannu, Director of Hospitality; Ann Bornstein, Director of Membership; Sandor Drobilisch, Director of Photograpy and Historian; Lois Wong, Webmaster; and Jerry Terstiege, Director at Large. These “seasoned” Board Members are the kind of people that every successful Board dreams of, and as your new President, I am very excited to work with all of the Board members new and “long time” while we build on our strengths and continue to move our organization into the 21st century.
With the above Board as organized, dedicated, and committed as they are, there is nothing we can’t take on and make happen with passion and excellence! We are here to serve you our members and be of service. Please contact us, share your ideas and suggestions. Get involved. All of our contact information is right here and in every newsletter for easy access. We are listening. We wish you a healthy and happy New Year and safe driving in our amazing Mercedes-Benz automobiles.
Western Regional Director,allen [email protected]
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On this beautiful sunny Los Gatos morning, five MB’s and their owners roamed through the back roads of Santa clara county and its breath-taking parks. We beheld the sights of scampering deer and the mesmerizing sounds of cascading waterfalls…
WAIT oNE MINuTE! Reality check, if you please!
Yes, there were 5 MB’s and their owners, but these MB owners are the TRuE driving enthusiast who should be commended for their bravery and who dared to attend December’s fSD. The weather was most abominable; the buckets of horizontal rain, caused by wind gusts of up to 40mph in some areas, pummeled us as we traversed through standing water, fallen trees, and rock/mud slides to arrive at the casa Grande, the old cinnabar/mercury mining historical site, where we were met by Heidi of the county Parks Department. We were given a private tour of the old house and insight into how the mercury was first discovered, along with learning about its mining operations. After the tour, we all bolted back to our cars since umbrellas were of no use in the rain against the forceful winds, and headed onward to Morgan Hill where we savored a waiting hot meal at a local restaurant.
Although I cannot promise this much “fun” for the January fSD, January’s drive will be in the North Bay and will take us from Sebastopol to the Sonoma coast, through Guerneville, and onto forestville. I hope you can make it. contact me at [email protected] for more information. until then, drive safe and see you on January 6, 2013!
First Sunday Drives are casual driving events that are held on the first Sunday of every month. To be notified of the next First Sunday Drive and for more information to links and event photos, please find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/FirstSundayDrives, or go to www.FirstSundayDrives.com, or send an email to [email protected] to join the distribution email list. Questions? Contact FSD administrator Shawn Merrill at [email protected].
FIRST SUNDAY DRIVESSAVE THE DATE: MARCH 23, 2013,
OUR FIRST TECH EVENT FOR THE YEAR
Featuring George Murphy and our own Richard Simonds on
Selecting Engine Oil for Your Mercedes-Benzby Steve Robinson, Technical Director
When: Saturday, March 23, 2013, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM with lunchWhere: Fletcher Jones Motorcars, FremontWho: MBCA membersWhat: Technical Seminar: Selecting Engine Oil for Your Mercedes-Benz
our friends at fletcher Jones Motorcars in fremont will be hosting this special event for our SfBA section including an auto clinic with their technicians following our catered box lunch.
We are very fortunate to have George Murphy, our National Technical Director, and Richard Simonds presenting.
I suggest that you prep for this event by reviewing the article on page 54 of the September-october issue of The Star compiled by Richard.
cost of this very special event to follow next month.
Look for the on-line registration information in the february and March newsletters.
Questions? contact Steve Robinson at (925) 803-1829 or [email protected].
HAPPY NEW YEAR 2013By Dianne Busse, Editor
My best wishes for blessings this year. As 2013 begins, I take on the role of your Newsletter Editor of the Golden Gate Star, the monthly newsletter for the San francisco Bay Area Section of the Mercedes-Benz club.
As an expert in producing quality computer software education for companies in the Silicon valley, I have vast experience in writing skills. After moving to Pacific Grove a number of years ago, I have taught Business Communications as well as have set up and manage the Business Skills center at the new Marina campus of Monterey Peninsula college.
Laura has done an outstanding job in producing a quality document for the SfBA members. My goal is to continue in that tradition. I look forward to working with club members to produce this informative offering of news and events.
Happy New Year!Dianne Busse
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WELCOME, NEW MEMBERSNovember 2012
(Order name badges from the National Business Office, (800) 637-2360, or online at the Club Store www.mbca.org.)
John Bermudez, South San FranciscoJames franzone, San FranciscoEvelyn Griffiths, Napachristopher Medley-Pole, San AnselmoJohn Rodenburg, LafayetteDenis Whitfield, HerculesMarkus Woehler, Monterey
MEMBER ANNIVERSARIESWe’re proud to recognize our SfBA Section members who have recently celebrated a milestone MBcA membership anniversary. We appreciate that you’re part of MBcA and hope that you continue to enjoy the benefits of your membership for a long time. congratulations!
John Daly, Scotts valley, 35 yearsPerry Carlston, concord, 35 yearsPhilip Martin, Redwood city, 30 yearsDavid and Geri Horsma, Palo Alto, 30 yearsMichel Harris, fremont, 25 yearsLex Collins, Alameda, 20 yearsStephen Leach and Lawrence Button, San francisco, 15 yearsDavid Howland, oakland, 15 yearsPaul Hock, Sebastopol, 15 yearsDavid and Carol Anderson, Belvedere, 15 yearsPetro Danchak, Monterey, 10 yearsPaul DeWorken and Richard DeWorken, Watsonville, 5 years
CLASSIFIEDS
FOR SALE: 18-inch Mandrus Regenmeister wheels for 2001 CLK 430 (8.5-inch-wide front, 9.5-inch-wide back), heavy scratching on edges, worn tires still on, whole set for $200 cash only, buyer must pick up. [email protected]
FREE: Five Bankers Boxes filled with The Star magazines from 1980s - 2008 with a few Porsche Panorama (including 50th anniversary issue) included.No “cherry-picking” it is “all or none.” contact me to arrange to get them at my home. Richard Simonds, [email protected] or 650-592-7613
Please support our commercial advertisers! They support our club. Be sure to tell them that you’re a member of the club and saw their ad in this newsletter.
[Remember, classified ads are free to members, $25 for non-members. Your classified ad will appear both in the newsletter and on our web site for one month. Send your “for sale” or “wanted” ad to Dianne Busse, Editor, [email protected], or (831) 649-8568 fax.]
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What: StarTech® 2013, a premier bi-annual event of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America
Why: Join us at StarTech® 2013 in Birmingham, Alabama for an adventure in Mercedes-Benztechnology & tours YOU WON’T GET ANYWHERE ELSE!
Your adventure includes: A VIP tour of Mercedes-Benz US International (MBUSI) — the ONLY U.S. factory that produces every
ML-, GL- and R-Class in the world. You’ll also meet & learn from nationally-known experts in the art of restoration, modification, maintenance & repair; all inside MBUSI’s on-site Training Center
Take touring laps around Barber Motorsports road course & explore their world-famous Motorsports Museum
Visit Classic Car Motoring to see how Mercedes-Benz models are polished & prepped for the world’s finest auto shows
Tour the U.S. Space & Rocket Center
Stroll the beautiful Aldridge Gardens
Enjoy the snow-white sands of Alabama’s Emerald Coast & nearby Florida Panhandle
So much to see & do — make StarTech® your May vacation. The perfect time of year!
Who: StarTech® 2013 is open to all MBCA Members and their guests
Cost: Accommodations at the Hilton Perimeter South Hotel from $111/night (double occupancy)
How: Visit www.StarTech2013.org or www.alabama.mbca.org or contact Liz Roberson at [email protected] for details/information
Hosted By: Mercedes-Benz Club of America | Alabama Section
MBUSI Factory Birmingham, Alabama • May 18-22, 2013
StarTech 2013®
Aldridge Gardens
Barber Motorsports Museum
U.S. Space & Rocket Center
MBUSI Visitors Center
Come for the Tech. Stay for the Fun.
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CHABOT SPACE & SCIENCE CENTER TOURSaturday, January 26, 2013
RESERVATION FORM
Names of attendees:Address:city/Zip:Phone:Email:
first Event: Y N
____ persons @ $20 ea. = $________
Make checks payable to SfBA/BMcA and mail to:
Ann Bornstein61 Devon Court
Watsonville, CA 95076(831) 786-0782; [email protected]
Reservation deadline January 4. for confirmation, include phone # or email above, or register online at http://sections.mbca.org/sfba/section_calendar.htm
REGIONAL MYSTERY TRIPJune 7-9, 2013
The Decker’s from central coast Section will be hosting this event, which for many years has been the most popular annual activity of the central california Section. As the name implies, it is a “mystery,” so a minimal amount of information will be divulged. There will be a significant amount of driving by way of caravan. We will depart from Point “A” on friday morning, and complete our trip midday Sunday at Point “B.” Set these dates aside, and look for additional details in future newsletters.
SFBA ANNUAL AWARDS– 2012 –
Member(s) of the Year
Richard and Laura Simonds share this well-deserved award this year. Both have served the club at the national level – Laura as Director-at-Large and National Treasurer, and Richard as National President and Publisher of the award-winning The Star magazine.
In addition to their years of service on the national board, both have contributed at the section level, Richard most recently as our Technical chair and Laura as our long-time Newsletter Editor.
Officer of the Year
Lois Wong is one of our quietest but most dedicated board members. Lois volunteered to serve as Web Administrator, and guided us through a challenging conversion to the new national web structure. In addition, she stepped up to take over as our section Treasurer mid-term, and put our finances in good order. We very much appreciate her cheerful willingness to help out.
granite floors, providing just the right amount of light to make the cars “pop” in the light.
The Mozart museum is used only for charitable events, and opened up to car clubs. Join us for a private tour of this unique collection. We are sorry that as of this writing, the date is yet to be determined.
Please check back online to see when the registration for the event is available. Then please register online http://sections.mbca.org/sfba/section_calendar.htm. Questions? Please contact Eva Gordon (650) 834-2614 or [email protected].
RACING INTO HISTORY AND MOUNTAIN VIEW
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E-NEWSLETTER NOTICE—All members with e-mail addresses in the national MBcA membership database automatically receive the e-newsletter. Be sure that the MBcA National Business Office has your current e-mail address to receive the e-newsletter by contacting Renee Herbert at (800) 637-2360. or send your address correction to Ann Bornstein (SfBA membership director) at [email protected]. Members with no e-mail addresses receive the printed and mailed newsletter. If you want to receive the printed and mailed newsletter, you need to opt-out of the electronic version by contacting editor Dianne Busse at (831) 649-8568 or [email protected]. To avoid being “undeliverable,” be sure to put our editor’s address ([email protected]) in your list of safe senders.
VOL. 51 NO. 1 • SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA SECTION • JAN 2013
MAILING ADDRESS: 2918 RANSfoRD AvENuE, PAcIfIc GRovE, cA 93950
Please send any address changes directly to MBCA at 1907 Lelaray Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80909, or call 1-800-637-2360. We cannot process address changes locally.
2013 CALENDAR OF ACTIVITIESBe sure to check your monthly newsletter and the section’s web site for the latest updates on activities.
JANUARY 6 first Sunday Drive26 chabot Space & Science center27 Section Board Meeting
FEBRUARY3 first Sunday DriveTBD Mozart Automobile Museum Tour
MARCH3 first Sunday DriveTBD filoli Tour23 Tech Event: oils
APRIL7 first Sunday Drive21 Section Board MeetingTBD Train Ride
MAY5 first Sunday Drive18-22 StarTechTBD Blues, BBQ & Benz
JUNE2 first Sunday Drive7-9 Regional Mystery Trip
JULY2 first Sunday DriveTBD off-Road TourTBD Section Board Meeting
AUGUST4 first Sunday Drive16 Legends of the Autobahn16 carmel Dinner
SEPTEMBER1 first Sunday DriveTBD Sf Bay cruise
OCTOBER4-6 Sierra Nevada Rally6 first Sunday Drive13 fleet Week Aircraft carrier Tour20 Section Board Meeting & 2014 Planning Meeting
NOVEMBER3 first Sunday DriveTBD Winery Bottling
DECEMBER1 first Sunday DriveTBD Holiday Gala