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Sorry Safari Touring Society - A Gathering of MG Enthusiasts

THE PRESIDENT SPEAKS! Happy New Year

Happy New Year to all Safarians and British Car enthusiasts! It’s 2020 – the year of perfect vision. Lynn Bryant leaves this post after 4 years of hard work and commitment. He brought a great deal of energy and plethora of new ideas and Lynn will be a tough act for me to follow. Thank you, Lynn, for your service! I know Ben and Roberta played a major role in Lynn’s successful presidency. Further, I wish to thank all the SSTS officers for their hard work and commitment.

Lynn has set a high bar for me… Now, I must transition from thinking and espousing about technical car musings to leading the Sorry Safari. For that I ask for your help and support. The greatness of the Safari is due to you, the members, by your energy and commitment! It’s been said that having serious fun is hard work – are you up for it?

I believe that we must drive and enjoy our MGs. Our cars make people happy. They bring back memories of different times and life experiences while we experience new things to remember. Looking back at this last year there were some great tours and shows. The Sierra Tour to Bass Lake was a blast with lodging as big as a small home right on the Lake! A large contingent trekked to the Rendezvous at the Spirit Mountain Casino in Oregon for a week of serious fun (gambling and such) and significant MG car show in the casino parking (the Safari brought home more than our share of the gold and we finally sorted out the problem with Kirk & Amy’s Magnette…). MGs by the Bay was a pleasure as always. My recollection was that there were tours every month and then some considering the MGOC events…

It is with great sadness that I report of Barbara Pesek’s passing. Barbara was a beautiful and caring person and Safarian for many years. She will be missed. John, on behalf of the membership, please accept our sincere and heartfelt condolences.

Our next major event is the Planning Party at Lynn and Roberta’s home on January 11th. Bring your energy and ideas! No idea for a tour will be dismissed. My objective is to have more fun this year than last! Oh, and bring your MG to the Planning Party – I’ll bring one of mine. See you then!

Jimbo

NEXT EVENT

PLANNING MEETING

JANUARY 11TH

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OfficersPresident Jim Brady mgtdjab@gmail.com H 925-256-3685Vice President Kirk Prentiss kirkprentiss@gmail.com H 510-436-3574Treasurer Tim Arnold tandparnold@att.net H 925-443-8449Secretary Carl Brown tooctb@aol.com H 510-278-7987Informed Source Don Cowgill dfcowgill@yahoo.com  H 925-449-4013Appointees Sunshine & Membership Judy Guidry memeandbubba@comcast.net H 925-455-8539Editor / Photographer Kirk Prentiss kirkprentiss@gmail.com H 510-436-3574Regalia Maris Cowgill motherhen05@yahoo.com H 925-449-4013Webmaster Kirk Prentiss kirkprentiss@gmail.com H 510-436-3574Advertising Eric Baker mgpb36@yahoo.com H 510-517-2165

Meeting Minutes The following represents the Minutes, and my recollections, of the Club’s December Holiday Party meeting at the Home of Keith and Pam Shukait in San Jose.

PRESIDENT – You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vinison, you know Comet and Q.?!? Oops, that’s wrong – let’s go back. You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen, you know Comet and by now all the rest too. Yes, there was reindeer talk and talk of all things Holiday and delicious Holiday bites to eat – desserts too - at the annual SSTS Holiday Party. The gala gathering took place once again at the lovely and, lovingly, period restored and furnished Victorian home of Pam and Keith Shukait in San Jose. The P Lynn called the group to order for what was promised to be a short interruption in the Holiday merriment with a BiG “Thanks for coming and gOOd to see everyone,” greeting. He quickly then got into the bizness at hand, culminating in the hand off of the duties of President to incoming 2020/21 President, Jim Brady. Ben will hand over the reins of the VP office to Kirk P. “Is Kirk aware of that?” someone inquired. “Yes,” answered Lynn. “Kirk’s gonna have his plate full as Wind Machine editor, SSTS webmaster and now Da Vee P. You go Kirk! On behalf of The Club Lynn gave a big thanks to Pam and Keith for opening their home to us for the Holiday Party. BiG Yeas and well done ole chaps Hi 5s went up around the rooms from membership.

VICE PRESIDENT- VP Ben reminded us of the January Planning Meeting to be hosted by Lynn and Roberta. Ben encouraged all to attend and to be thinking of tours and events in 2020. “There’s lots of stuff out there to do,” said Ben. Don, and our newest member Ray, both said they already have ideas for outings. Again, Yeas and well done ole chaps Hi 5s rattled the house.

The 3rd Tuesday of every month, 7:00 PM, at The Englander Pub, San Leandro

Club webpage: www.sorrysafariMGclub.com

CLUB MEETINGS

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TREASURER- Tim is back after a couple of meetings away and pronounced our yearend riches at $Thirty-Three and Forty-Two .00.

SECRETARY- CB offered a motion to adjourn in order to get back to the dessert table. Ken Gittings offered a quick 2nd… But the motion was largely ignored by management. Bah Humbug! Someone pass me one of those brownies and some fruitcake please.

INFORMED SOURCE- Lynn offered the Club’s appreciation to Jim for stepping forward to take on the duties of President. Lynn said it has been a pleasure and a treat to lead The Safari over the past 4 years and stated that “Jim has our telephone number should he have any questions.” “Not if we change our number,” offered Roberta. The rooms again rattled with laughter and Hi 5s. You go Roberta.

MEMBERSHIP– Dues are Due! Dues-R-Due and Do-si-dos too. Don’t forget to promenade and circle back for another piece of pie. WIND MACHINE/WEBSITE– Kirk was in the Holiday Spirit elsewhere with Amy this fine afternoon. “I have a joke,” said Herb. No one seemed surprised by his admission and Herb offered a punchline that spelled out the reason that the angel is on top of the Christmas tree. You go Herb, Hi 5s ole boy. Baddah Bing Baddelujah, Badd e lu uu jah.

REGALIA- Lynn said that soon after the New Year a sale will begin to clear out the existing regalia inventory to pave the way for regalia purchases online. Maris seems pleased with this move to online regalia. See Maris for all your New Year touring fashion needs.

OLD BUSINESS – Keep on your way, there’s nothing to see here folks. Just move along now. Go home and roast chestnuts.

NEW BUSINESS – Without further ado, Lynn ceremoniously handed The Club gavel to Jim Bo and the mantle of leadership was passed. “Yes Lynn, There is a Santa Clause.” And there’s a little bit of that fruitcake left too. Let’s go. Fa La La La La La La La La. “And to all a good night.” And a job well done, Lynn and Ben. Very well done ole chaps. Meeting adjourned, Happy New Year by the way. Don’t just read the Minutes, be part of the fun. Join us for the next meeting at the SSTS Planning Meeting January 11, 2020 …. And that’s the way I think it was. Respectfully, submitted by Carl Brown.

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THE PRESIDENT SPEAKS! Hello to our SSTS family. This will be my last President’s report and I wanted to take a moment to thank some people who have made being the President so much fun. First off that would be my wonderful wife who has been the most supportive one on this four year journey. I want to thank Ben and Jan Lenci for talking me into joining the Sorry Safari and for their support. And to Kirk and Amy Prentiss for their work in the Club.

So as we move forward I feel confident in the new leadership with Jim Brady at the helm, assisted by Kirk Prentiss. The SSTS Club will be in good hands.

Thank you to everyone who led tours and hosted parties over the years including our recent Holiday Party at the Shukait’s home.

As I leave the President’s office and become a regular member, I look forward to seeing our SSTS family on our tours and meetings at The Englander.

And remember, it’s not how far or fast we go, it’s how much fun we have getting there. Lynn Bryant, Outgoing President

Fin

al

Rep

ort!

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JANUARY

2020 Planning MeetingLynn & Roberta Bryant’s January 11th.

U p c o m i n g E v e n t s !

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Saturday January 11th, 2020

WHERE: Lynn & Roberta Bryant’s home

543 Starlite Way, Fremont

TIME: 1:00 - 5:00 PM

WHAT TO BRING: A - L Appetizers

M - Z Desserts

Please RSVP by January 4th: lynnnberta@sbcglobal.net OR 510-651-8539

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Time to pay your SSTS membership dues! Make your $25.00 check payable to SSTS and send to:

Judy Guidry

4251 Pomona Way

Livermore, CA 94550

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Kitchen Mechanic

OLD DOMINION CORNBREAD PUDDING CHEF DIAN BROWN

1 Box Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix1 Can Corn, drained1 Can Cream Corn1 Cup Sour Cream1 Stick Butter, melted2 Eggs

Combine ingredients and pour into a baking dish. Bake at 350° for about 50 minutes or until golden brown.

If you have a favorite recipe you would like to share with the club, please send it to me to be published in The Wind Machine. Thanks, Jan

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Caps $17.00 Men’s Polo Shirts $35.00

Pith Helmets $25.00 Ladies Polo Shirts $30.00

Hooded Jackets $65.00 Denim Shirts (Long Sleeve)

$35.00

Fleece Vests $40.00 Men’s T-Shirts $25.00

Ladies V-Neck T-Shirts

$25.00 Ladies V-Neck Placket $30.00

Hoodie Sweatshirt zipper front

$40.00 Club Embroidered Patch $7.00

Club License Plate Frame

$15.00 Club Grille Badge $25.00

Club Door Magnet Club Cloisonne Pins $5.00

Club Pen Lights $3.00 Club Cork Screws $6.00

MGB 50th Anniversary Patch or Pin

$6.00 MG Blanket $30.00

List your desired items, total purchase and make checks payable to SSTS.

Send your order to:

Maris Cowgill 2714 Farnsworth Drive Livermore, CA 94551

Regalia!

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Advertisers: Please let me know if your ads are still current. If I do not hear from you, I will remove them from the next newsletter. kirkprentiss@gmail.com.

CLASSIFIEDSFOR SALE

Bone-Boen-Ster BH4031 Red Bonester Mechanics Creeper - $50.00

One ton chain hoist - $25.00

Brooklands style racing windscreens - $200.00

(similar to Moss 224-100 $118.99) Never installed!

Contact Terry Sanders: taterr@aol.com or 510-465-2771.

FOR SALE

4 Painted wire wheels (1970 B/GT)

1 Aluminum bonnet (1970 B/GT)

2 Rear quarter windows (1970 B/GT)

FREE! Contact Michael Black at black@ravensrock.net.

FOR SALE

1971 MGB 4 speed trans. Works perfectly, $200.00.

1976 MG Midget differential. Good shape, $75.00.

Contact Lynn Bryant at lynnnberta@sbcglobal.net

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Our Sponsors!

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Our Sponsors!

(408) 782-1100http://www.ontheroadagainclassics.com

R o y a l R e s t o r a t i o n

Vintage Sheet Metal

226-500-6554

royalrestoration7@gmail.com

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Our Sponsors!

Contact Eric Baker to advertise!

mgpb36@yahoo.com

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Postcard Greetings

To: Sorry Safari

From:Ben & Jan Lenci

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Holiday Party Photos: Jan Lenci

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Hello Safarians,

I take great pride is being selected as the new Informed Source for the SSTS and know it will be hard to live up to the sterling wisdom provided by the outgoing Informed Source (IS) and new president, Jim Brady. It’s an honor to be considered knowledgeable about things MG by some real gear-heads. However, I hope you realize that I didn’t learn MG lore by reading copious treatises and blogs that purport to know stuff. Also, please don’t expect me to inform you with gems of historic knowledge. Nearly all I will write about comes from basic reasoning, experimental discovery and trial & error. I will give you my opinion regarding MG care & upkeep and perhaps how to make your little car even more fun to drive.

My 66 Blue MGB was purchased for $400 in 1975 as a highly rusted but hopefully fun-to-drive sports car with perhaps a little life left. For almost 45 years, I have kept it on the road as my main commuter vehicle by hook or by crook. Maris and I have taken it on long drives throughout the west, which included summers to mountain campsites and winter trips to Ski Resorts. More than once we experienced pulling off along side the road for repair or “some adjustment”. This little car handles beautifully and is a real joy to drive. I can’t imagine replacing her with modern wheels. My other MG is a 52 TD, assembled from parts of various cars, and is one I like to mess with. I try different non-stock but British things on Wiskers. My aim is to relate to you some of the quirks of each MG as well as various fixes performed along the road on each car. I also plan to describe basics of what goes on in the garage before the drive that I think reduces the likelihood of a negative experience. You can take this as you want, as useful information or purely mumbo jumbo.

Don

Don CowgillInformed Source

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So long 2019 and welcome 2020. Where did the year go? POOF! But it was a good one with lot’s of MG activities. Let’s look back…

JANUARYThe annual planning party was held at the Guidry’s house. Kitchen Mechanic Jan started the year off with a Broccoli Cheese Casserole. Jim gave us “What’s In A Curve” as the Informed Source. This was not about baseball by the way.

FEBRUARYWe joined MGOC for the Mozart Museum tour. A private collection of absolutely stunning cars. Our Informed Source reminded us of essentials to carry in your boot. Dan Shockey submitted a post card, “Greetings From Jackalope Country.” The events calendar filled up for the year!

MARCHTreasurer, Bob Engelhart provided a detailed report on the club’s financial situation. Happily we had funds to spare. The Shukait’s hosted the Soquel Village Run, billed as “rain OR shine” event and apparently it was not OR, it rained. The Prestons coordinated their annual St. Paddy’s Day Tour over the back roads of Marin County, ending with lunch at Dinucci’s.

APRILDan Shockey coordinated the CSRG Sonoma Raceway event for a second year. It was great fun to drive the track! Don & Maris Cowgill lead us on a Delta Tour and it ended with a lovely lunch at Freeport Bar & Grill. Chef Jan Lenci tempted me with the “Southern Baked Ham”…just like my grandma from Arkansas used to make.

MAYSteve & Vicky Kellogg lead MGs on parade as part of the Pacific Grove “Good Old Days.” Vicky was driver of honor for U.S. Congressman, Jimmy Panetta. Having the four door saloon we drove Princess Ruby and Princess Amethyst in our Magnette. Ben & Jan Lenci sent the club a postcard from Kool Redding Nights. Informed Source Jim Brady reminded us of the cost of gasoline in California, followed by a mention of putting big Mikuni carbs on his GT.

JUNESSTS took home many (9) awards from the MGs By The Bay car show. Jim Brady and Marja van den Hende coordinated the Tune & Spoon and BBQ lunch. Bob & Susan Engelhart moved to Florida and Bob Lubbert moved to Utah. Miss you guys!

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JULYRendezvous at Spirit Mountain Casino Oregon! Safarians swept the awards. Thanks to Jim Brady, Lynn Bryant and many others, my intermittent issue with the Magnette was finally isolated to a faulty fuel pump. Of course not before a harrowing stall going up hill on a two lane road on the way up the coast! YIKES! Lynn & Roberta Bryant sent the club a postcard from Alaska. The flounder they caught was taller than Lynn. Carl & Dian Brown hosted a drive to the Fiddle Fest in Castro Valley.

AUGUSTWe joined the MGOC for a tour of the Cobra Experience Museum. Great collection of cars! August was another fun month with Monterey Car Week. The Pacific Grove Little Car Show and the Rotary Club Rally were a hoot. Bob & Marcia Freitas and Terry & Cindy Sanders drove to Prescott Arizona for the GoF West event.

SEPTEMBERThis was a big month for activities. The Scottish Highland Games MG car show began the month followed by Steve & Vicky Kellogg’s Pebble Beach 2.0 event. Then the big event of the year, the Sierra Tour, coordinated by Rod & Sue Schweiger and Mike & Mary Sindicic was a good time had by all at Bass Lake.

OCTOBER Herb & Judy hosted the Halloween event.

NOVEMBERSadly, the Sonoma Tour coordinated by the Prestons was cancelled due to the major wildfires in the area. Jim Brady reflected for the Informed Source about driving his TD on the Sierra Tour. Jim Brady and Jeanne Haslam lead us on the Fabulous Fall Foray Tour which included a visit to the Glass House in San Ramon. We found out that as a child Jeanne used to slide down the stairs of this house with her childhood friend. Carl Brown submitted a “how to” install an MGB windshield article that was also run in the MG Driver magazine!

DECEMBERThe year ended with the SSTS Holiday Party, hosted at the Shukait’s in their Victorian home in San Jose. Carl & Dian Brown coordinated the British Sleigh Ride Tour.

It’s that time again to begin the year by planning new events for 2020. Please do come to the Byrant’s on January 11th. Volunteer to lead a tour. Your participation makes the club great. Happy New Year!