Newsletter for the Alabama/Northwest Florida Section Das Mercedes-Benz Club of America Heimatblatt Sternblick (Star View) December 2020 Inside this Issue...
Presidents Message: 1 Schedule of Events: 2 President's Message Section Business 3 My Dear Fellow Members,
Do overs……mulligans…..part deaux….pentultimate……. Future Events 3 - 6 For myself, 2020 was a year whose end was anxiously Past Events 7 - 9 anticipated. COVID-19, lockdowns, mail in election chaos, separation of families, multiple cancellations of events, fear of contagion Membership 10 makes me happy to see the end of 2020 and no need for reruns. Rear View Mirror 11- 21 2020 in Review On the other hand, many of us living in Alabama and Florida lived in an alternate universe when we compare our lives to Amelia Island Xtra 21 - 22 the experiences of our families and fellow Americans living in the Northeast. Jim Roberts carefully constructed events that Membership News 23 - 25 respected the medical considerations by arranging scenic driving events that got us out and about in our beautiful area, FLORIDA enjoying outdoor picnics in lovely settings and the fellowship experience many of our fellow Americans missed completely. Truly a great alternate universe compared to New Jersey. As members of the Alabama /NW Florida section you will have more of these safely structured fun events in the New Year.
Ein fahrt……Aus fahrt……Winterfahrt!!! In and out of the turns up the hills and curves of the Cheaha State Park on Saturday January 23 to me is the perfect start to the new and hopeful 2021 driving season. One of my all-time favorites, this year we can get exuberant and get some pedal to the floor exercise on these roads. The top of the mountain is a great picnic stop. Bring your sandwiches and beverages to fully enjoy the day.
Stay tuned for some fun events along with some sport driving as the year progresses and the COVID-19 panic is beaten down. ALABAMA / NORTHWEST Stay safe and protect others. 1 Jim Sparacio, President Schedule Of Events MERCEDES-BENZ CLUB OF AMERICA ALABAMA/NORTHWEST FLORIDA SECTION https://alabama.mbca.org December Executive Board Holiday Brunch 27 President Vice President Grand Hotel, Point Clear JIM SPARACIO WAYNE NOVY Birmingham, AL Birmingham, AL January [email protected] 205.243.7727 205-994-4520 26 Stammtisch, Huntsville [email protected] 19 Stammtisch, Birmingham Treasurer Secretary BILL HICKS DONNA KALINKIEWICZ 23 Winterfahrt, M-B Irondale Birmingham, AL Mt. Brook, AL [email protected] [email protected] February 205.871.5601 6 Pensacola-Atmore Rallye 16 Stammtisch, Birmingham 23 Stammtisch, Huntsville Board of Directors March Member-at-Large Member-at-Large 5-7 Amelia Island Concours HEINZ NEUNZIG MASON BEALE 5 6:30 pm Dinner DoubleTree* Tuscaloosa, AL Hoover, AL 6 MBCA Cars & Coffee 18th hole [email protected] [email protected] 6 6 pm Dinner DoubleTree* Member-at-large Member-at-Large 7 Amelia Island Concours d'elegance DAVID SHEPHERD, vacant -- 16 Stammtisch, Birmingham Pensacola, FL [email protected] Member-at-Large 23 Stammtisch, Huntsville John Murray Member-at-large Albertville, AL April GEORGE SMITH [email protected] Vestavia, AL 9-11 Indy Cars, Barber Track [email protected] 20 Stammtisch, Birmingham Member-at-large Membership / Reiseführer DOUG BLOOMBERG MBCA| Director at Large 17 27 Stammtisch, Huntsville Meridianville, AL [email protected] JIM ROBERTS May Mt. Brook, AL 205.529.0071 15 Performance Driving, Talladega GP Eastern Region Director jertoothsaver@bellsouth net DOUG GEGANTO 18 Stammtisch, Birmingham [email protected] 22-23 Historic Sports Car Racing, Barbers 25 Stammtisch, Huntsville das Heimatblatt Please watch your email for possible changes * Sponsored By Alabama/NW Florida, SW Florida Sections EDITOR: DOUG BLOOMBERG Dinner at DoubleTree Jacksonville Airport [email protected] das Heimatblatt is published quarterly by the Alabama/Northwest Florida Section, Mercedes-Benz Club of America, Inc. Copy deadline: 10th of the month preceding the month of issue.
ABOUT OUR ADVERTISERS: We hope you will support our ad- Stammtisch noun
Questions? Call your Section President at 205.243.7727 or the National Business Office at 1.800.637.2360 M-F, 8am-5pm MT.Or visit www.mbca.org future events Look for these check marks, click nearby a web link
Delayed to July 10 due to Covid-19 Concerns Jim Roberts, MBCA Director at Large Christmas in JULY Dinner July,10th,Noon $42.00 / person at the CLUB birmingham reserve send email to Jim Sparacio [email protected]
Indycar Race weekend at Barber Motorsports Park 9-11 April Tickets will go on sale in January. Be sure to order a car corral pass for your Mercedes-Benz and let them know you are bringing it. This is the best place to park at the track inside the park. It is adjacent to the best viewing area as well as the fan zone. Shuttles will take you all over the park including the paddock. We always manage to meet Mercedes-Benz owners we don’t know and recruit new members. I could use some help with this, so let me know, if you can help [email protected]
Barber Historic Races 21-23 May This features cars from the 1950’s-1990’s. There is also a car corral and shuttle. I will be racing my red/gold/white 1966 Lotus 47 which should run near the front of group 2. Other cars in the group have much larger engines, but the Lotus is agile enough to get through the turns quicker. (plus Jim is a Fantastic driver, ed.) Please come visit our paddock area. My trailer is painted like the race car, and we fly German, British, Alabama, and Mercedes-Benz flags. Jim Roberts, We will have something cold to drink, but it can’t be alcoholic. MBCA Director at Large
Section Business: Jim Sparacio, Section President chaired a Zoom meeting December 14 Approved was to place a deposit on Talladega Gran Prix track for Performance Driving event May 15. Future Events, Winterfahrt, Jan 23, Next Stammtisch, Birmingham "Filling Station" Jan 19. Huntsville, "Hildegard's" Jan 26, Rebates to Members at Benz dealers, helped increase MBCA roles by 900 3
Questions? Call your Section President at 205.243.7727 or the National Business Office at 1.800.637.2360 M-F, 8am-5pm MT.Or visit www.mbca.org stammtisch's resume The popular Tuesday evening Dinners resume in January 2021
Huntsville: January 26, 6:30 "Hildegard's German Cuisine," 2357 Whitesburg Dr, Huntsville, AL 35801 Birmingham: January 19, 6:00 "The Filling Station" 5524 Crestwood Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35212 Outdoor restaurant future events with ceiling heaters and plastic curtains to ward off the cold.
note: We shall continue with these venues for future Stammtisch's
Save January 23rd for the 2021 WINTERFAHRT
O ver ten years ago the first Winterfahrt (Winter Drive) was held. It was a Multi Marque event then. Only the Benz's now drive this event, and in any weather. Why? Because we can. Our cars were designed for this type drive, no matter the weather.
Destination: Cheaha State Park
On Saturday, 23 January at 8:30 am we will meet at Mercedes-Benz of Birmingham to set off on our 12th consecutive challenge to the grip of winter which we have never had to cancel or postpone.
Our route will take us down Alabama 25 (The Copperhead), across Logan Martin Dam and up the serpentine Cheaha Road (unnumbered) through Talladega National Forest. I count 187 turns in this 14 mile stretch vs. 216 in 12 miles for the famous “Tail of the Dragon” in TN/NC. I get the same 180-190 turns for that run, so there must be some difference in opinion about what constitutes a turn.
The nice thing about Cheaha in winter is that your We should have multiple places to have our sight lines of the road are not obstructed as much picnic lunch. Just bring warm clothes or eat by foliage. The traffic is light, so the drive is in your car. exhilarating. In case of snow on the mountain, there is an The state park extends from the base of the alternate route. mountain over the summit. In the park we begin the “Talladega Scenic Drive” which is built out similar to Led by Jim Roberts, the Blue Ridge Parkway with multiple vistas of the MBCA Director at Large forest below as it follows the crest of Horseblock Mountain. 4 Pensacola-Atmore Rallye 6 February 10am
This multimarque non-competition drive is a long-standing tradition in N.W. Florida/ Southwest Alabama. Kristen Paul’s father, Bill Moseley has planned this for years starting on Nine Mile Plaza,US 90 in Pensacola to David’s Catfish in Attala, Al. Since this involves about 100 cars and 150+ people, it might be a challenge to accommodate everyone with proper social distancing at one time inside the restaurant. We can probably arrange carry-out service to the cars. If the traditional event is cancelled, MBCA will still stage an event on this date. We will keep you posted with Nicht Vergessen.
Amelia Island March 5-7 Concours d'Elegance Jim Roberts, MBCA Director at Large
Mercedes-Benz has sponsored this event from its inception 26years ago.
Amelia Island Concours d’ Elegance is still on! Today it is the premier East coast concours with cars The concours committee is adjusting the you will not see anywhere else. There is a huge concours and the seminars to provide the Mercedes-Benz presence with all the new models recommended social distancing. available for test drives at the Ritz Carlton and a giant pavilion with priceless classics from the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center. The field consists of 300 of the finest cars in the world.
The hot tip is to arrive early enough to join “Cars and Coffee” on the show field of the 18th fairway on Saturday morning where 30 places will be reserved for MBCA cars. You can then check out the cars that will be auctioned or attend the show and racing seminars on the show field.
The Alabama – N.W. Florida section hosts at 6PM the Fri & Sat night dinners. This year we are combining ours with S.W. Florida section at the Jacksonville Airport Doubletree Hotel. This allows enough space for safe social distancing, and the hotel is giving us a special rate of $132 along with free parking and car washing facilities. Book at Hotel Directly +1 855 605 0318 only Please RSVP to Jim Roberts [email protected] for Fri night and Sat night. On Saturday morning MBCA will be featured in the Cars & Coffee. We have traditionally been in front of the Mercedes-Benz pavilion near the entrance. We don’t think MBUSA will be there this 5 year, so we are not sure where our area will be. Alabama / N.W. Florida and Peachtree Sections co-sponsor Performance Driving May 15 Steve Spector Greater Washington Section
Jim Roberts, Talladega Gran Prix Raceway MBCA Director at Large
Gary Edwards Peachtree Section
About The Track This is not the oval superspeedway, but rather the https://talladegagp.com/about/ 1.4-mile 5 turn road course a bit east of the oval.
Talladega Gran Prix Raceway is ideal for novices to learn on. While the turns are challenging to drive correctly, there is plenty of smooth run off area without barriers, if you make a mistake. If you have ever considered Performance Driving this is affordable at $250. More advanced drivers will be challenged, and we will provide both classroom and in-car instruction. If you are undecided about this we have a Performance Driving Experience group. For $100 you get to attend the classroom sessions for the novice and intermediate student performance drivers. After the first you ride with the instructor at highway speeds (i.e. 60 MPH on straights, gentle braking, and cornering at about 7/10 of what the car can do). After the second classroom you drive your car with the instructor beside you in the same manner. Because you are driving as you would on a public road, you do not need the special technical inspection or a helmet. For more information and registration got to www.motorsportsreg.com scroll down to TGPR (Talladega Grand Prix) and MBCA to 15 May. Alternatively email me at [email protected] or 205-529-0071
Waiting for Track Time
6 past events
October 17, A drive to Dismals Canyon, Natural Bridge
Jim Roberts leads this drive Our start from Mercedes-Benz of Birmingham, Irondale Campus was at 8:30. Members met several minutes before the departure, enjoying coffee and baked goods from Edgar's Bakery. We experienced 70+ mile drive along beautiful undeveloped countryside of I-22 where we exited the interstate and traveled the Forested roadway to Natural Bridge, a quick 30 minute stop. Natural Bridge
Dismals Canyon
Dismals Canyon, our stop after lunch, is a micro ecosystem left over from the last ice age 10,000-15,000 years ago with wild Hemlock, Fir, Sugar Maple and other flora from 1000 miles north of Alabama today mixed with our native poplar (largest in Alabama), Dogwood, etc. 7 MBCA Ferrari & Friends November 7, 2020 Performance Driving at Talladega Grand Prix Raceway Performance Driving By Jim Roberts, MBCA Director at Large
Alabama Section member, Dr. Tommy Cosgrove asked if we could bring MBCA into a Performance Driving event at TGPR on 7 Nov. The local Ferrari Club of America leadership has no experience in staging this type of event, but Ferrari Club of America (FCA) was supportive if I would co-chair, serve as chief instructor, and bring MBCA participants along. I had served in this capacity several years earlier. I contacted Southeastern, Eastern, Mid Atlantic, and Central Region presidents The NBO sent an eblast to the members.
Stan Brown Steve Spector, 07 SLK350 Greater Washington Section Gary Edwards Instructor Driver
The result was that we had MBCA members from several sections participating including Alabama, Greater Washington, Carolinas, and Peachtree. The Alabama Section members were helping me with instruction, registration, and tech inspection. Steve Spector (GWS), and Gary Edwards (Peachtree) Don Birdwell and I from Alabama Section instructed and drove. Due to the short notice, we also invited our friends with Lotus, Ltd who also assisted with instruction. We had a total of 50+ participants in 23 cars with about an equal number of Mercedes-Benz (including 2 GT’s) and Ferraris with a couple of Lotus cars, and 3 Alfa Romeo’s. I instructed 3 MBCA members as well as a novice in a brand-new Ferrari 488. A brief rain shower at lunchtime sent several of the Ferraris home. In spite of a couple of damp sessions there were no off course excursions, so we had no incidents of damage to cars. We were able to have an enjoyable event where everyone learned a lot. Traditionally FCA does not require instructors, but as they observed MBCA students being quicker than they were, they asked us to instruct them as well. Alabama And Peachtree with additional support from Carolinas Section are committed to staging an event at TGPC in 2021. Lotus, Ltd is already our partner for Watkins Glen and Salt Lake City in 2021, and it looks like FCA also wants to join in. At this event we had a close to even split of “regular” and AMG driving participants. At Summit Point we had about 80% AMG driving participants. The momentum is growing.
8 Questions? Call your Section President at 205.243.7727 or the National Business Office at 1.800.637.2360 M-F, 8am-5pm MT.Or visit www.mbca.org Süd Feiertagsfest: (South Holiday Party)
The Grand Hotel at Point Clear December 27, 2020 Jim Roberts and Jim Sparacio – event planners This 1847 jewel of Mobil Bay has been a favorite for many generations of southeastern society. Thanks to connections we made in planning StarFest® 2018 we have been able to join their very popular and delicious holiday Sunday brunch events for the last 4-5 years. Alabama has mask requirements while Florida does not, but our majority Florida resident group complied well. There was the required table separation, but the brunch is a huge buffet. Now, I have avoided these due to everyone handing the same serving utensils. The Grand solved this with disposable gloves served to you by a machine that opened a glove for your right hand. Rather like the 80’s-90’s Mercedes-Benz open cars and coupes that present you the seatbelt. This and the extended shields for the food certainly minimized contamination. The weather was delightful. We could see all the way across and up the bay to Mobile. Adjacent Fairhope is the most elevated part of the Eastern U.S. shore between Maine and the Rio Grande. What a wonderful way to close out Alabama – N.W. Florida section 2020 activities.
Alabama – N.W. Florida Section
Mobil Bay, Section Members safe distancing.
Beautiful Grounds The Grand Hotel
A Cozy fire and Christmas Decor, The Grand Hotel 9 The Alabama Section, MBCA
The Alabama/NW Florida Section Herzlich Willkommen!
(Sincere Welcome) Welcome New Members
To our Members, New Members, and those who found our section worth Renewing their membership. JoAnn LaGatta Gardner Owens Cross Roads Alabama Robert Bell Huntsville, Alabama Your Officers and Board are working hard to open opportunities for you to participate in Section events. Jennifer Francisco Albertville, Alabama This Newsletter, and updates will appear in your chosen emails. Xavier Thigpen Elkmont, Alabama Kelsey Sonego Athens, Alabama The Board and Officers Welcome your participation and efforts in suggesting and preparing for a Section event, Genna Wooten Grant, Alabama we are most willing to help you succeed. Gaynell Adams Harvest, Alabama Attending Section events is the best way to make new Danielle Robinson Crestview, Florida friendships, sharing your passion for Mercedes-Benz Makisha Pray vehicles. Madison, Alabama As a member you will receive copies of the Richard Jasper Tallahassee, Florida newsletter das Heimatblatt and timely updates. Terry Matkins Huntsville, Alabama Renita Payne Killen, Alabama Please visit our web page Christopher Powers Athens, Alabama https://alabama.mbca.org Craig Brent Hartselle, Alabama Here you can browse old and current newsletters, a Gerald Marshall Guntersville, Alabama calendar of future events, view past events and much more. Sharon Mikell Huntsville, Alabama
PLUS + as a member of MBCA you can visit and log into the National web page. Try it, Read back issues of The STAR, view articles for Enthusiasts, Classifieds, Tech articles, all with your Mercedes Benz Club of America Thank You to our membership. Renewing Members
https://www.mbca.org
Allan Lamberti Pace, Florida Monthly Events. Bernard Quinn Harvest, Alabama Our monthly events are presented for the pleasure of All Dan H Cash Mountain Brook, Alabama Mercedes Benz Club of America Members. Each event is Greg Long Miramar Beach, Florida purposely presented to promote friendship and comradery, Franklin Reyher Niceville, Florida plus experience a new vista from within your Mercedes Mason Beale Hoover, Alabama Benz. Robert Marchman Rainsville, Alabama James Campbell Birmingham,Alabama As a Member of the Alabama / NW Florida Section Dodie Roberts Birmingham, Alabama Rebecca Moore we encourage you to suggest a monthly event. Or to Warrior, Alabama Frank King Alabaster, Alabama enhance your participation in Section Events is to Arrange Jay Oglesby Birmingham,Alabama and Lead a monthly event. Ernest Spinner Panama City, Florida Malcome Morrow Birmingham, Alabama It is not difficult to Lead an event, we are here to help you. Stan Brown Pell City, Alabama Several events have been led by members. Craig Cruzen Madison, Alabama Contact any of the Section Officers or Board member. OR Kurt Hagerbaumer Pensacola, Florida Shelly Hickman Tellico Plains, Tennessee Jim Roberts [email protected] Richard James Summerville, South Carolina Jim Sparacio [email protected] James Dittman Tuscaloosa, Alabama Doug Bloomberg [email protected]
WE now have 192 Active Members and 55 Associate members
Questions? Call your Section President at 205.243.7727 or the National Business Office at 1.800.637.2360 M-F, 8am-5pm MT.Or visit www.mbca.org 10 Despite The Nations Lock Down The Alabama/Northwest Florida Section The Rear View Mirror Continues to be busy! 2020 in Review 11 driving events this year and 3 MBCA Dinners
Our New Name Since February the world has been in turmoil - Cancel this, postpone that, but our section goes on. For example, We changed our sections Name. Now we are the The Alabama / Northwest Florida Section Western Florida was merged with the Alabama Section several years ago. The Officers and Board Members felt the name change was appropriate as it represented All of our section’s members. Also, this has encouraged the Members in Florida to put together and sponsor some interesting drives. Besides how many sections can claim to Have the Capitol cities of Two states as part of their section. Within our section we have a unique opportunity to be with friends, sharing a passion for driving, viewing new vistas and favorite roads through the windscreens of our wonderful Mercedes Benz. When stopped, we know what we must do to be safe for our friends and loved ones. But on the road, it is as we had been just a year ago, open roads and conversation with family in our rides.
The 11th annual Winterfahrt January 18, 2020 The First event of 2020
This year we had about 15 autos on a blustery rainy day. While some of us like to drive any time, we always have several new and first time participants. This year was no exception as we tackled the sinuous ,Sicard Hollow “Copperhead”, and the roads through the Cahaba Wildlife Management area. Along the way we paused at the 1862 Brierfield Furnace. This was destroyed in March 1865 by Union forces and is now a state park. We also visited the new $1.6 billion expansion of Mercedes-Benz US International as well as the visitor center of the current factories. Mercedes-Benz has now invested almost $7 billion in Alabama with 8,400 people working in the MBUSI factory every day and another 15,000 for the suppliers in the area. The group speed picked up significantly on I-20/59 as we headed RtoL for our delicious lunch in a private room of the historic Bright Dave and Fiona Pratt, Ralph Neely, Jim Roberts, Ken Champlin, Ellena and Merrill Bradley 11 Star restaurant in Bessemer. Jim Roberts, MBCA Director at Large Two, Yes Two events on February 8th in Western Florida they were, "Seaside Car Show" and long time favorite 2nd and 3rd Event "Pensacola-Atmore Rallye" Feb 8, 2020
Warm Florida Sunshine, produced two Driving events in North West Florida. The 16th Annual Pensacola-Atmore Rallye and the Seaside Car Show Ralph Neely
Seaside Car Show Pensacola-Atmore Rallye
The 15th Pensacola-Atmore Rally was held February 8, 2020. This was a new event that was staged in conjunction Ralph Neely and wife Flora went down to Pensacola, FL Friday, with Seaside Institute and arranged by Lawrence with his R 107 and participated in the Pensacola-Atmore Rally Pugh’s wife, Victoria Lee. Alabama/N.W. Florida, on Saturday. Jim Roberts, National Director at Large, was Section President, Jim Sparacio and National there with his W116 during the registration period he went on Director at Large Jim Roberts along with Nashville to Seaside Beach for the other event being held on Saturday. Section members Steven & Patti Undercoffer and David Shepherd from Pensacola, FL. was also in attendance others participated. (3rd event) with his W140 V12. A total of 100 cars participated in this event (2nd event)
4th Event New Models and Tech at Ingram Mercedes-Benz Feb 29, 2020
On 29 Feb several members of Alabama Section gathered at Jack Ingram Mercedes-Benz in Montgomery, Al to see the newly introduced GLB as well as the new GLS 450. General Manager David Ingram greeted us with breakfast from Chick-Fil-A and nice gift bags. Tony Campbell went over the new MBUX “Hey Mercedes” system which all agreed was extremely intuitive. We were especially impressed with the fit and finish and the spaciousness of this model. Chris Dowd is 6 ft 2 and he could easily “sit behind himself” with plenty of room. One of the technicians went over the 3 liter 400 hp inline EQ six in the GLS 450.
12 Amelia Island March 5-8th 5th and 6th Events Concours d'Elegance March 5-8 2020
Cars & Coffee at the concours was taken over by the Amelia Island committee rather than by the MBCA concours chairman, Pete Lesler as has been the custom. We still had a large crowd around the cars. Josie Lesler and her team at the tent and among the cars stayed busy greeting members and recruiting new members. I even recruited 3 new members after the tent area closed down. For the last 7 years the Alabama/N.W. Florida section has taken responsibility for the Friday and Saturday dinners for MBCA members from all over North Cars and Coffee at Mercedes Benz Pavilion America. Friday the Section hosted dinner at the Crab Shack in historic Fernandina Beach. (5th event) Saturday, DoubleTree Hotel manager, Cedric Jones, who is a Mercedes-Benz enthusiast, was willing to make a change in policy and accommodate us with a buffet. S.W. Florida section was willing to join us for the buffet. The result was 70 + for dinner in spite of the Corona virus scare. Alabama Section accounted for 8-10. (6th event)
It is a special treat to me to remain in the afternoon as the cars start to enter. You get to see them and hear them move. The owners are usually with their cars and are glad to talk with you. The 30+ cars of Roger Penske were impressive, but the 6-foot-tall Borg Warner trophy from the Indy 500 was an amazing and unexpected treat. The Mercedes-Benz pavilion displayed the new Maybach from MBUSI in Alabama as well Alabama Section Hosts Saturday as the 1905 American Mercedes from the display at the Night dinner at the DoubleTree MBUSI Visitor’s Center.
The Sunday invitational concours d’elegance included an unimaginable array of exquisite cars. It was most exciting to see many I talked with the day before receiving their awards. If you have never attended be sure to make plans to be part of this great event.
Jim Roberts MBCA | Director at Large
Cars and Coffee at Mercedes Benz Pavilion 13
Questions? Call your Section President at 205.243.7727 or the National Business Office at 1.800.637.2360 M-F, 8am-5pm MT.Or visit www.mbca.org Mid March 2020
Covid-19 became the watch word for the Covid-19 Shutdown!!! year. Nation wide shutdowns affected everyone. Our Section was affected.
Events Canceled North (Birmingham) 2020 Holiday Party FIVE RIVERS AND BELLINGRATH December 5th March March 28 2020 Performance Driving School 28-29
Indycar Grand Prix of Alabama April 3-5
Barber Historic Races and Car Corral May 16-17
Also Our monthly Dinners. "The Stammtisch" the Birmingham and Huntsville Stammtisch for March, and April, held May June July Outdoors
Doctor Jim Roberts, MBCA Director at Large posted.
Advice for participants: Future Events. Jim Roberts,DMD MBCA | Director at Large The virus is serious, but we can be safe. Those who are immunocompromised are the most susceptible. This includes poorly controlled Diabetics (i.e. fasting blood sugar > 125 or A1C > 6.5), smokers, asthmatics controlled with corticosteroids, rheumatoid arthritis controlled with steroids, IBS, psoriasis controlled with corticosteroids, H.I.V, advanced cardiovascular disease, organ transplant recipients, people with morbid obesity, and some other conditions including, of course those diagnosed with COVID 19 or its symptoms.
All these people should consider the greater risk they are taking.
We want you to be safe while having a good time.
Be sure to bring our hand sanitizer, mask, and surface disinfectant. I will give a demo on correct hand washing and mask use. 14 May 2020 the Alabama / NW Florida section resumes events.
COVID - 19 Guidelines The COVID pandemic has forced us to adapt and completely rearrange our schedules to provide events that our members enjoy.
While some sections suspended all activities, and some developed innovative online activities, Alabama section has done a complete rearrangement of our schedule to allow real car and social events while following the Alabama COVID guidelines.
I have a scientific background in practicing what we refer to as “universal precautions” in dentistry as well as full operating room surgical sterility. I have worn not only a mask but cap, gown, eye protection and gloves 5 days a week for over 50 years. It has simply been a matter of adopting these principles to allow our members to have their own household members in the car with them, bring their own food which is eaten outside with the recommended social distancing from other households.
Scientifically this makes a mask redundant outdoors, but Alabama’s Governor and Health Officer have mandated masks in all “public places” with multiple exemptions (e.g. being the speaker). You will note that everyone except the presenter is wearing a mask, because it was difficult to see and maintain 6 ft spacing. Jim Roberts,DMD
The Great Covid-19 Rallye 7th Event
May 2, 2020 Jim Roberts, May 2, 2020
Moving the date to allow Alabama’s “Stay at After signing in and a brief tutorial on proper hand sanitizing Home” orders to soften, Alabama Section and mask use we set out with the oldest cars first and the members gathered maintaining the 6 ft “social track ace Kristen Jebeles and her dad Dr. Chris Jebeles distancing” directive. We had to divide into two serving as the sweep car in the their ML. It was easier for groups at the start to follow the guidelines. Our cars ranged from 1978 to 2018 models and me to keep it in sight, and I knew she could keep up. included models ranging from classic sedans to The first stop was at Gadsden’s Noccalula falls. The recent SLK to Alabama built ML including both gas and rain had produced an inspiring display of the power of diesel models. falling water. This is literally the southern end of Lookout The participants ranged from 19 to 77 years old, Mountain which is a plateau., Little River is the only river in with 40% women. All were enthusiastic about the Mercedes-Benz and driving, and fuel was very inexpensive. U.S. that starts and flows its entire course on top of a After a very wet winter and spring the weather mountain. Actually, it has cut the canyon so deep that it was perfect: 60’s in the morning rising to about flows directly into Weiss lake. This makes for a dramatic 80˚ in the afternoon. canyon. The longest and deepest east of the Rocky Mountains. Fortunately for us Alabama has carved out a scenic road that runs along the rim of the canyon for 23 miles (i.e. up to the falls of Little River). After a dramatic corniche road down the Eastern face of Lookout Mountain we entered the National Park Services Canyon Mouth Park area and made the steep ascent to the rim of the canyon. The road seems to be simply asphalt laid over the forest floor. The elevation changes are as dramatic Little River Falls as the turns. 15 After a short tutorial on the technique of downshifting, using all the road/ lane width, and acceleration through the turns everyone kept up the pace and had great time. The biggest problem was that the most popular viewing areas were overfilled. We found a relatively empty one and we were soon overcrowded by a large group of motorcyclists who were most interested in our Mercedes-Benz cars. I recommended a restaurant that seems to be popular with motorcyclists, so they set off for it. We found a nearby completely empty viewing/picnic area that we could completely fill while keeping the required 6 ft distance. We were able to make a round in this area and visit with each other. The vista of the canyon with hawks gliding just over our heads as these large birds used the updrafts from the Gadsden’s Noccalula falls sheer walls of the canyon was mesmerizing.
Noccalula falls Little River Falls
Sept 22 Huntsville Stammtisch
Gary Andrew and son Neal joined members at Hildegard's German Cuisine. They met us in their beautiful 1966 230 SL. The Pagoda was purchased in 1978, as he was serving one of three Army tours in Germany. Recently as father and son they restored the car. See upcoming story in "The Star" Gary (L), Neal Andrew Please welcome them to our Alabama/NW Florida Section
16 Questions? Call your Section President at 205.243.7727 or the National Business Office at 1.800.637.2360 M-F, 8am-5pm MT.Or visit www.mbca.org Covered Bridges and 8th Event May 2, 2020
June 13, 2020 Medieval Italy
Section members meeting up at Oneonta As the COVID-19 restrictions are decreasing, Alabama Section members are responding with record participation in events. Perhaps the ideal weather: sunny, highs in the 70’s with low humidity has played a role. Mercedes-Benz of Birmingham provided wonderful breakfast treats from their in house branch of Edgar’s Bakery. Our Huntsville group enjoyed similar faire at a favorite bagel shop. Led by Doug Bloomberg from Huntsville and Jim Roberts from Birmingham the two groups took scenic routes to Oneonta (Own- é- own-ah) which was named after Oneonta, NY where about half picked up take-out barbeque. The others had brought lunch from home.
Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament After carefully crossing the spectacular 74 foot high Horton Mill covered wooden bridge we proceeded along the narrower winding but little traveled back roads of Blount County to Palisades Park operated by the City of Oneonta.
We were able to find beautiful shaded picnic areas with enough space to allow the recommend 6ft physical spacing between family units. We found that we can easily converse in a quiet outdoor setting with the arrangements.
Jim Roberts, MBCA Director at Large Horton Mill Bridge 17 Drive to Buck’s Pocket and Guntersville State Parks 9th Event July 26, 2020 July 26, 2020
18 Alabama NW Florida section members, families, and friends participated in a drive across the Sand Mountain, Alabama plateau to Buck’s Pocket and Guntersville State Park. Participants ranged from teens to 70’s and vehicles from 60’s SL’s to current G63 AMG. The participants all dutifully wore masks and kept 6ft social distance between household units as per CDC and State guidelines. We used 2 ways radios to be sure everyone makes each turn. Our first hundred twenty-five miles only had one traffic light! The roads are well paved and great fun to drive with very light traffic. The scenery is spectacular with dramatic views over the gorges at Buck’s Pocket and over the massive Guntersville Lake. Additional treats included a visit to an AMG collection as well as some of the most adorable baby animals ever. Following this we made our way to the Guntersville Sailing Club where Bill Hicks had made arrangements for us to use the club’s pavilion for our picnic lunches. This was great, because we had a typical afternoon rain shower. I took advantage of this to squeegee and dry my car and have no spots.
Buck's Pocket State Park
Jim Roberts, Lake Guntersville MBCA Director at Large
Stammtisch Resume's
After Covid-19 lockdown rules were relaxed the Sections Stammtisch's resumed.
Stammtisch- Birmingham Stammtisch – Huntsville Mt Brook City Hall Park in Crestline Village Hildegard’s German Cuisine Tuesday, 19 May 6 pm Tuesday, 2 June 6:30 pm
The Stammtisch's were canceled March and April 18 Questions? Call your Section President at 205.243.7727 or the National Business Office at 1.800.637.2360 M-F, 8am-5pm MT.Or visit www.mbca.org Alabama/NW Florida Section Tech with “Klink” 10th Event at Mercedes-Benz of Birmingham August 29, 2020 Section Member and Master M-B diagnostic technician David “Klink” Kalenkiewicz went over several features of the current cars including letting us hear the sounds of starting and the direct injection which probably saved him answering questions about the unusual sounds or lack of sounds. David seems to have total recall of the new pioneering mechanical features of all 15-18 member owned cars that ranged from current back to 1977 in a rather even progression with no duplicates. What could be better than a 40+ year historical technical progression to the present. It was most gratifying to see a large number of participants ranging from 30+ years to several first event and new members. Many thanks to Mercedes-Benz of Birmingham public events coordinator Eden Gosney as well as diagnostic technician David Kalenkiewicz for an enjoyable and stimulating event. The weather cooperated so well that most of our event took David 'Klink' Kalinkiewicz place outside. This was safer, freed the showroom for the many customers, and let us see and hear more cars.
KWM rh3w
Going over New Features Thank you Klink Klink Pointing our Suspension nuances of the W126 Suspension
Time to renew your membership? Sign up for
Auto Renew. https://www.mbca.org/renew/national (click auto renew YES)
19 Questions? Call your Section President at 205.243.7727 or the National Business Office at 1.800.637.2360 M-F, 8am-5pm MT.Or visit www.mbca.org Alabama / NW Florida Section 11th Event September 12, 2020 The first drive for our renamed Section
Led by Ted Love Florida's Blackwater State Forest to Defuniak Springs and Chautauqua Winery
Longtime Alabama–NW Florida Section member Ted Love grew up in Fairhope, AL and lives in Destin, FL as a retired airline pilot. He is also a motorcycle enthusiast who is very familiar with the roads in NW Florida as well as south Alabama and SW Georgia.
The drive that Ted laid out opens a beautiful world of “The Other Florida” for both coastal residents as well as those of “upper Alabama”. Our participants from Birmingham to Pensacola to Destin brought cars ranging from a 1964 230 SL to a current SL63 AMG with a nicely spaced assortment from the 1970’s, 80’s, 90’s, and 2010’s. While I’ve heard complaints from some sections that only new cars are at their events, we always have a variety of Hurricane Lake, Florida models and years at ours. Many thanks to Ted Love for letting us see “The Other Florida” while enjoying our wonderful Mercedes-Benz cars.
Hurricane Lake
Blackwater River State Park 20 Yes, There are Curvy roads in Florida October 17, A drive to Dismals Canyon, Natural Bridge* 12th Event
MBCA Ferrari & Friends * November 7, 2020 13th Event Performance Driving at Talladega Grand Prix Raceway Talladega, AL
Süd Feiertagsfest: (South Holiday Party) * December 27, 2020 14th Event Grand Hotel Point Clear, Fairhope, Alabama
Alabama / NW Florida Section 2020 The section has successfully conducted 14 events. Previously reported in this issue. * PLUS: 15 Stammtisch Dinners
Considering going to the Amelia Island Concours???
A question was posed to Jim Roberts, MBCA | Director at Large . What can I expect if I go to the Amelia Island Concours? His reply: --everything in Florida is casual. The mother of one of my college friends from Louisville, KY complained, “they won’t even put on a tie for dinner in Naples (FL)”. That was over 50 years ago.
If you can wrangle a pass to the Mercedes-Benz gala at over $200/person, it is, indeed formal. Alabama – NW Florida and Southwest Florida sections are co-hosting Friday night and Saturday night dinners at the Jacksonville Airport Doubletree hotel. We have a room rate of $132 including breakfast and parking. The Amelia Island concours picks the cars for the Cars & Coffee. Go ahead and register for that as soon as you can. Advance tickets for Sunday concours $100. It draws some spectacular street and race cars. This has become the best East coast concours. —second only to Pebble Beach. All the major auction houses except Mecum have events starting Thursday. There are also seminars on Fri & Sat (but Cars & Coffee is 9-12:30 on Sat). Mercedes-Benz has been setting up the largest pavilion for the whole history of the concours, but I’m not sure they will this year.
Questions? Call your Section President at 205.243.7727 or the National Business Office at 1.800.637.2360 M-F, 8am-5pm MT.Or visit www.mbca.org 21 Amelia Island Concours (continued)
The Amelia Island concours picks the cars for the Cars & Coffee. Go ahead and register for that as soon as you can. Advance tickets for Sunday concours $100. It draws some spectacular street and race cars. This has become the best east coast concours. —second only to Pebble Beach. All the major auction houses except Mecum have events starting Thursday. There are also seminars on Fri & Sat (but Cars & Coffee is 9-12:30 on Sat). Mercedes-Benz has been setting up the largest pavilion for the whole history of the concours, but I’m not sure they will this year. Typical weather is stormy Wen-Thus, clearing on Friday. Twice in the last 5 years there has been a threat of rain on Sunday which moves the invitational concours to Saturday and displaces Cars and Coffee to another fairway. It can be cool and windy on Saturday, so bring layers you can shed as the day warms. I leave either Thurs or very early Friday morning, as I like to arrive by Friday afternoon
The hotel will set up a car wash area for Friday. This is a fun way to meet members from the eastern 2/3 of the country as well as a few Europeans.
We typically have 12-20 Alabama – NW Florida members in attendance. Remember, our section extends to less than 75 miles from Amelia Island. I’m sure you will enjoy the event Alles beste, Jim
What is a Stammtisch? Jim Roberts, DMD May 19, 2020 Birmingham Stammtisch MBCA |Director at Large n traditional German restaurants a table near the entrance is reserved for the “regular patrons”. There is a stanchionI or banner on it proclaiming this as the “Stammtisch”, the regular's table. Sitting there is by invitation only. It took me several years and an intro from a member of that group to get an invitation to sit at the Stammtisch in the 1468“forella”(trout) on the bank of the Blau (Blue – my mother’s family name) River in Ulm about 80 km (50 miles) from Stuttgart, the home of Mercedes-Benz
Heinz Neunzig, the man who saved the G-wagen who splits his time between Tuscaloosa, AL and Stuttgart, Germany dubbed our Alabama section monthly social gathering in Birmingham, “Stammtisch” several years ago.
This year, of course we had to adapt. We used the same technique as our drives earlier by gathering outside in the same park in front of the Mt. Brook City hall on a Tuesday evening. We adapt keeping in open air venues when possible. Maintaining safe distances and observing guidelines.
It was pleasant and easy to maintain social distancing with perfect weather in the low 70’s / high 60’s as the sun sank slowly in the west. There are multiple restaurants with take-out service in the village (no fast food chains).The fountain and our cars provided nice backdrops.
The Alabama / Northwest Florida Section Schedules monthly Stammtisch's in Birmingham, 3rd Tuesday, and Huntsville, 4th Tuesday. With plans to have a regular Stammtisch in the Northwest Florida area. Please watch your email for the locations. 22 Mitgliedschaftsnachrichten Membership News
MBCA Rebates have increased Now you can Save up To $6500.00
To take advantage of this great offer You must go to this web page. https://www.mbca.org/mbusa-incentives
MBCA primary members are eligible for exclusive rebates on the lease or purchase of select Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Members must login and scroll to the bottom of this page, click the Generate Rebate button, then submit their information. This will create a Control Number, CAN and Generated Date, to give to the participating dealer at time of purchase. After the form is submitted, the rebate information can be found at the bottom of the rebate page while logged in, or in the My Membership area of your Profile. If you have any problems generating your Rebate information, please contact the NBOat 800-637-2360 .
BUT
Along with the Above good news there is a dark side. Daimler AG, Mercedes-Benz has withdrawn their monetary support of our club.
ReNew NOW!
The Club has decided to cut costs overall. But this is not enough on it's own. there are new programs to retain Membership such as Auto Renew. https://www.mbca.org/renew/national (click auto renew YES)
Several Members of the Alabama / NW Florida Section have enrolled
in Auto renew . See the next page why You should renew and the benefits of Your being a Member of the Mercedes-Benz club of America
23 Questions? Call your Section President at 205.243.7727 or the National Business Office at 1.800.637.2360 M-F, 8am-5pm MT.Or visit www.mbca.org 24 How can I get a MBCA Name Badge? Look for these check marks, click nearby for a web link Name badges are available from the MBCA Club Store. You can choose blue, silver, or gold. Magnetic or safety ping clasp. 2 lines $13.00, 3 lines printed $14.00 (25 characters/line) mailing costs included. Click this Link to order online… https://www.mbca.org/name-badge
Should you prefer to use US Mail.
Please send: ______Name badges. Backing Type: Magnetic: ______Safety Pin:______Color: Blue _____ Silver ______Gold ______Name: ______(line 1) Have You looked at the MBCA 1 (line 2) Alabama/NW Florida Section, MBCA web site Lately??? NO!!! ======Name: ______(line 1) Check it out, https://www.mbca.org 2 Alabama/NW Florida Section, MBCA (line 2) or our own web page Ship to: Name: ______
Address: ______https://alabama.mbca.org City, State, Zip: ______Do you want to sell a M-B item?
Enclose Check for amount, send to: Contact Das Heimatblatt MBCA 1907 Lelarary, Street [email protected] Colorado Springs, CO 80909
Join us for our Monthly Stammtisch a casual get together for dinner
Huntsville Stammtisch Birmingham Stammtisch
"The Filling Station" "Hildegard's German Cuisine " 5524 Crestwood Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35212 2357 Whitesburg Dr, Huntsville, AL 35801 Outdoor restaurant with ceiling heaters and 6:30 PM Fourth Tuesdays each Month plastic curtains to ward off the cold. 6:00 PM Third Tuesdays each Month
Click link to Google maps, Filling Station Click link to Google Maps, Hildegards
Mercedes-Benz Club of America Alabama/NW Florida Section, 1907 Lelaray Street MBCA Colorado Springs, CO 80909 3834 Cove Drive 1.800.637.2360 Birmingham, AL 35213 https://www.mbca.org https://alabama.mbca.org 25
Questions? Call your Section President at 205.243.7727 or the National Business Office at 1.800.637.2360 M-F, 8am-5pm MT.Or visit www.mbca.org