MG Car Club, Central Jersey Centre
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The January 27, 2026 meeting of the MGCCCJC was called to order at 7:25 pm by President Butch O’Connor at the Morris Plains Community Center. There were 24 in attendance. Butch welcomed everyone to the meeting and remembered fondly, long time member Karl Marx, who passed away January 15. Paul Flexner was introduced as member of the year and was presented with the Healy Hooch honorary carafe. Novembers minutes were accepted as presented in the last newsletter without additions or corrections. Rob Alper presented the treasurers report which was accepted. He also mentioned an invitation to the Morris Plains Memorial Day Parade. Several members participated last year and information will be forthcoming for anyone interested. Butch introduced new member Dave Carlson. Welcome Dave!! Old Business: Ed Orna offered to relieve Steve Wagoner of the Britfest registration packets, remove the dated materials over the course of the winter and store them until needed. New Business: Larry Gersten reported the Red Mill car show will be held June 20, 2026, the Saturday of Father's Day weekend. 100 car limit. Butch asked about a donation in Karl’s memory and it was decided to send a $500.00 donation to the Morristown Minutemen First Aid Squad. Rob will check into dates available in June for our spring picnic in June. Paul Flexner reminded members of the weekly Wednesday lunch gathering at Millers Ale House in Parsippany. All are welcomed. He also reminded the club that Miller's is one of our sponsors. Paul also asked about organizing drives. Linda Wagoner brought up memories of Tintcum Polo Park and Bobbi Bettle agreed to check into their schedule. During our February meeting we will be celebrating with great pride, Samantha Orna’s deployment to Air Force boot camp. Please join us in giving her a rousing sendoff! Meeting was adjourned at 8:30 pm. Respectfully submitted |
December 2025 It’s the day before Thanksgiving, it’s quiet at work and after not doing a column for several months, our loyal webmaster, Dick Bettle, reminded me that it was long overdue. Last evenings meeting was well attended despite the sorely needed rain. No MGs, but that wasn’t a surprise given the weather. At the last meeting (thanks to Rob for chairing it while Diane and I visited our newest granddaughter and her parents in Ireland!) there was a lively discussion about a Britfest alternate location. While it won’t change for 2026, Charlie invited the membership to look at alternatives for the future. Also under “old Business” it was announced that Doug Miller will be our new Newsletter Editor – THANK YOU DOUG. I don’t have to tell you how difficult it is to keep everyone informed without one, even with our excellent website. Rob will be assisting Doug, but everyone needs to contribute content. Under “new Business” the slate of officers for the Board was announced. After many years of service to the Board, Ole has stepped back, although he assures us, he will still be active. Thank you Ole! Taking on his role as Vice President is Vinny Viglione, who accepted only after reviewing my current medical records. Thank you, Vinny! Taking Vinny’s spot as Trustee is Paul Flexner, a long-time member of the MGCC-CJC, who spent many productive years with the Peachtree Chapter in Georgia. Welcome back Paul! The slate was approved by a unanimous vote of the members. Beth Miller and Paul addressed the group about a possible Spring car show in conjunction with the Edison Museum. Many members were interested, and a committee was formed to work on making that happen. Stay tuned for further developments and contact me if you would like to get involved. Next up is our Holiday dinner, chaired again by Loretta and Vinny and taking place at Capisce Trattoria, December 9 at 6:00 pm. It’s the same place as last year, but they keep changing the name. There’s an excellent menu and it’s BYOB, so bring your favorite adult beverage and join us. If you are like me, the MGs are all put away for the Winter. I have a long list of projects to accomplish before the racing season begins for me in April. The MGA and Midget are in pretty good shape, needing only new tires and the usual “nut & bolt” inspection. The MGB is another story. It has been at least 15 years since I built the car, including the suspension. Last year I noticed some handling issues and it appeared the left front shock was done. Closer inspection revealed the right front sway bar mount had ripped completely out of the mounting points. I’m still not sure how to fix that issue. And the street cars need attention too, as they always do. Remember, no December meeting as the dinner serves that purpose. Our January meeting will take place on Tuesday, January 27 at 7:00 pm. This will feature our “unstuffing” the Britfest envelopes. Items which might expire before Britfest 2026 will be raffled off to those in attendance. These would mostly be event tickets, discounts with expiration dates and the like. There may even be some pizza to help with the work. I wish you all a joyous and healthy Holiday Season and a Happy New Year! Until next time.
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