September 2014 N e w s l e t t er of the M ile - H i g h S ec ti o n Mer c e d es - B e n z C l u b o f America OVER 500 COPIES DISTRIBUTED MONTHLY IN COLORADO, WYOMING, AND UTAH IN THIS ISSUE.. HAPPY CAR COLUMN President Niels Haubold FALL UTAH TRIP September 5-8, 2014 2 3 Oktoberfest No Questions Asked Rally and BBQ Saturday, September 27, 2014 ANNUAL MEMBERS MEETING Oct. 11, 2014 CHARITY POKER RUN ESTES PARK/STANLEY HOTEL October 12, 2014 MHS HOLIDAY PARTY 2014 Dec 6, 2014 SCULPTURE SHOW RECAP CHICAGO TO KEY WEST Aug. 16-26, 2015 4 4 7 5 8 SEPT. SOCIAL Sept. 17, 2014 6:30 pm Quaker Steak & Lube 10392 Reed St. Westminster 80021 303-460-9464 www.thelube.com It s not just about their award winning wings! There is so much more! Sandwiches, Steaks, Salads, even Asian Rice Bowls! Not to mention a large variety of gluten free items, and their willingness to cater to those with food allergies. A very cool atmosphere and a good time will be had by all. We hope you ll join us for this fun social. For more information contact Lou Rogers at 303-550-6543, or via email- lou.rogers@comcast.net. SEE YOU AT THE SOCIAL! Meet at Mercedes-Benz of Loveland 4040 Byrd Drive, Loveland, CO 80538 at 9:30 am We will depart from the Dealership at 10:30 am It s that time of year again; time for a wonderful scenic drive along the Front Range and into the mountains Hopefully the trees will be displaying their most magnificent color during our drive. Please plan to join us for the Mile-High Section s Oktoberfest Rally on Saturday, September 27. At the end of the drive we ll meet at the Lass Resort (Ron and Laura Lass s home) for a BBQ. The menu will include brats, grilled chicken breasts, smoked pork, sauerkraut, German red cabbage, hot German potato salad, beer, wine, soft drinks, water, and Black Forest cake. We are meeting at Mercedes-Benz of Loveland, 4040 Byrd Drive, Loveland, CO 80538. From I-25, take exit 259 Crossroads Boulevard. The dealership is on the west side of I-25 in the Metroplex Centerra. We are meeting at 9:30 a.m. and will leave the dealership by 10:30 a.m. The cost is $30 per person. Bring your camera for great pictures along the drive and bring your appetite. We ll have lots of great food to enjoy at the end of the day. A headcount for the BBQ is required so get your application in by no later than September 24. For those driving the rally from quite a distance, you could spend the night in Longmont at Super 8 Motel, 2446 N. Main Street, Longmont, CO 80501, located at Hwy 287 & Hwy 66 Phone: 303-772-8106. This is just four miles south of the Lass Resort. We encourage members from Utah, Wyoming, and Nebraska to attend. The rally will have no questions - You can thoroughly enjoy the scenery without searching for answers! For more information, contact Laura Lass at 303-776-8276. RESERVATION FORM ON PAGE 7 There is still time to sign up for The Regional Road Trip to Utah Sept 5th-8th Article and Registration Info on 3!
SEPTEM BER 2014 T HE C O NS TE L L A T I O N PAGE 2 The Happy Car Column With Niels Haubold, President, Mile-High Section This Month: What Do Turn Signals Really Indicate? It was a local news story dating back a decade or so. A family of four was killed while they were passing an 18 wheeler. The truck appeared to be randomly slowing on a stretch of two lane highway. But, the truck was not randomly slowing. The truck turned left at the same moment the van was passing. The truck driver did not signal his turn. There it is the lowly turn signal. That stalk on the left of the steering wheel. Now known as a multi-function switch - this stalk can control the windshield wipers and all of the associated functions, - headlights, bright lights, fog lights, trip computers, cruise control, and... turn signals. Modern automobiles are the result of over a century of fluid design and innovation. Failures and tragedies resulted in safety improvements more often than not. Once Motorists realized car crashes could be fatal, they demanded safer cars and safer roads Drivers came to understand that having a way to communicate their intentions to others was imperative. First gaining popularity in Europe, turn signals came in many shapes, sizes, forms, and functionality before becoming standardized and mandatory. Semaphores were the first standardized turn indicator and were fashioned after railroad signals. These consisted of mechanical arms that extended outward from the right or left side of the car, indicating which way it was turning. Later models had electric lights in them. Despite the reluctance of many manufacturers to embrace turn signals, their effectiveness at reducing accidents and improving traffic flow resulted in government regulation mandating the installation, specification, and use of turn signals across the globe. Modern cars have signals that flash three times and stop to indicate lane changes and even self-cancel after a turn. It only takes one finger to activate the device and be in compliance with the law (without even removing your hands from the steering wheel). Doing so allows other road users to understand where and in what direction you intend to go, and alerts others when a turn or lane change is intended. Aside from being mandated by law, common courtesy, and proven to save lives, turn signal use seems to be at an all-time low. Think about it. We ve gone from legally binding auto manufacturers to give us this tool, to a point where many would rather stand our ground instead of extending courtesy. There is no particular demographic of driver that doesn t signal other than, perhaps, the self-absorbed. Happy Motoring! Niels WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!! Brian Anderson Robert Baggs Louis Ennis Heather Gentry David Howarth James & Barbara Moses Michael Schmutz Maryann Stroub Richard Voninski If you have not received your New Member Packet, or if you have questions about your membership, please contact MHS Membership Chair Laura Lass by phone at 303-776-8276 or by email at laurawlass@gmail.com. Mile-High Section, Inc. of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America Executive Board Officers President: Niels Haubold...303.949.7673.. n.hauhold@outlook.com Vice President: Randy Williams..303.799.4806 ranphil39@aol.com Secretary: Reiner Haubold...303.986.5035. reinbold1@comcast.net Treasurer: Max Townsend.303.770.1128... diandmaxt@aol.com 2014 Mile-High Section Board Members Michael Davison...720-233-7411,.. mhd539@msn.com Jay Hokanson...303.935.8270. jhokanso@comcast.net Deb Hokanson...303.935.8270....dhokan@comcast.net Mike Redel.....303.637.0219..... mikeredel@comcast.net Norm Franklin... 303-789-3915....gskolout@aol.com Lou Rogers...303-550-6543... lou.rogers@comcast.net Bob Mashburn..303-988-2710... bob_mashburn@yahoo.com Natalie Mashburn 303-988-2710 nataliemashburn@yaho0.com Membership Chairperson Laura Lass...303.776.8276. laurawlass@gmail.com Social Chairperson Lou Rogers...303-550-6543... lou.rogers@comcast.net MBCA National President Terry Kiwala...312-286-0532 tkiwalajr@aol.com MBCA Vice President Laura Simonds..650-592-7613.simondsl@pacbell.net Rocky Mountain Regional Director Charlie Bennett..719-576-9737.charlesibennett@comcast.net MBCA 1-800-637-2360...www.mbca.org The Constellation Newsletter of the Mile-High Section, Inc., Mercedes-Benz Club America, Inc. Mile-High Section, Inc. MBCA, Publisher DEBORAH & JAY HOKANSON, Editors PO BOX 16913, GOLDEN, CO 80402 Phone: 303-935-8270 / Email: constellation@comcast.net We ask our readers to support the advertisers appearing in this publication. However, no inference should be made that advertising in The Constellation implies approval of products or services by the publisher, the Mile-High Section, its officers or members, or by the Mercedes- Benz Club of America. We encourage editors of other Mercedes- Benz Club newsletters to reprint articles that may be of interest to their Section s members. We appreciate credit being given to The Constellation. Those articles reprinted in The Constellation with permission from owners of copyrights on those articles may not be used without written permission from the original owners. Members are welcome to submit articles. Deadline for submission is the 10th of the month prior to the month the issue comes out. Articles should be relevant to the interests and activities of MBCA and its members. The Publisher reserves the right to edit or reject any article.
SEPTEM BER 2014 T HE C O NS TE L L A T I O N PAGE 3 MHS Fall 2014 Regional Event! September 5-8, 2014 Friday, Sept. 5th Meet at 8:00 am at Perkins Restaurant 1495 Simms St. (Corner Simms & Colfax) We will depart from Perkins at 9:00 am Lunch in Grand Junction Tour Castle Creek Winery in Moab Dinner at the Blue Pig In Moab Sunday, September 7th Canyonlands National Park - You won t want to miss spending time atop the mythical sounding Island in the Sky. We ll feel like we re on top of the world as we enjoy our catered box lunch picnic in this beautiful location. Views from the Island encompass thousands of square miles of colorful canyons, mesas and buttes. Dead Horse Point State Park The view from Dead Horse Point is one of the most photographed scenic vistas in the world. Towering 2,000 feet above the Colorado River, the overlook provides a breathtaking panorama of Canyonlands' sculpted pinnacles and buttes. Dinner at Buck s Grill House in Moab Late Night Stargazing in Canyonlands Saturday, September 6th Arches National Park -- Over 2,000 arches are located within the park's 76,518 acres, as well as a variety of other geological formations, including colossal sandstone fins, massive balanced rocks, soaring pinnacles and spires that dwarf visitors as they explore the park's viewpoints along a paved scenic drive and a variety of walking and hiking trails. Lunch in Moab Drive the Scenic Potash Byway along the Colorado River Dinner at the Moab Brewery Monday, September 8th Members may return to Denver. Information on optional activities and lodging will be provided for those wanting to stay another day. We have built in free time for other activities you may want to pursue on your own. Hospitality Suite will be open each evening so plan to drive, eat, drink, relax, enjoy and have a great time! A block of rooms has been arranged at the La Quinta Inn & Suites, 815 S. Main Street in Moab. Phone (435) 259-8700. Participants are responsible for making their own reservations. Mention the Mercedes-Benz club when making your reservation. Please note: The reservation deadline for rooms at the La Quinta Inn has passed. Rooms may not be available, and you may need to arrange for alternative accommodations. REGIONAL ROAD TRIP TO UTAH REGISTRATION FORM Event Registration Fee $37.50 per person (Sunday Box lunch in Canyonlands is $10 additional per person) Contact Bob or Natalie Mashburn at 303-988-2710 or email form to bob_mashburn78@yahoo.com Name Section Phone: Email: # Attending Box lunch # x $10.00 = x $37.50 per person = $ Registration fee covers cost for trip planning, printing of maps, trip documents and materials, Hospitality Suite items (wine, beer, snacks served nightly in the Hospitality Suite), rally materials and prizes. Lodging, meals & beverages (other than free hotel breakfast and Hospitality Suite), park admissions, other entrance and visiting fees (if any) are not included as part of the registration fee for this event.
SEPTEM BER 2014 T HE C O NS TE L L A T I O N PAGE 4 Charity Poker Run To the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park Benefiting the Parkinson s Association Sunday, October 12, 2014 Meet at Starbucks, 114 N. Ruby Drive in Golden at 8:30 am Save the date Sunday, October 12 for the Mile-High Section Charity Poker Run to the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park. We will leave from Starbucks at 9:00 am. The drive will be approximately 70 miles with fun stops along the way to draw a playing card to try to get the best poker hand. Prizes will be awarded based on the Best Poker Hand at the final stop at the Stanley Hotel. We will have lunch at the Cascades Restaurant at the Stanley, and, after lunch there will be an optional opportunity to take the Ghost and History tour of the Stanley Hotel. Cost to participate in the Rally is $30 per car (includes one poker sheet). Extra Poker Sheets may be purchased for $15 each. Proceeds from the Rally benefit the Parkinson s Association. The $30 Rally cost does not include cost for lunch and/or the Ghost Tour at the Stanley. These costs are additional to be paid to the Stanley Hotel. Lunch menu items range from $10-$20; Costs for the Tour are $17 for Seniors; $20 Adults and Children 10 and older (the hotel does offer AAA and military discounts); and $15 for Children ages 5-10. The Stanley does not allow children under 5 years old on the Tour. There is a fair amount of walking outdoors on the Tour (tour route is about 1 mile in length). For more information contact Lou Rogers at 303-550-6543, or via email lou.rogers@comcast.net. RESERVATION FORM ON PAGE 7 Notice to Mile-High Section Members Annual Membership Dinner & Meeting Saturday, October 11, 2014 6:00 pm Le Central 112 E. 8th Ave., Denver, 80203 Your input is especially important this year! President Niels Haubold is stepping down. Board Members Jay Hokanson and Deborah Hokanson will also step down. The 2014 Annual Membership Meeting for the Mile-High Section of MBCA is scheduled for 11 October at Le Central Restaurant in Denver. One important part of this meeting is to elect directors who will guide the Section s affairs for the next two years. The following positions will become vacant and are up for nominations and election: Niels Haubold s position as Board Member/President will be vacant & open for nominations/election Jay Hokanson s position as Board Member will be vacant & open for nominations/election. Deborah Hokanson s position as Board Member will be vacant & open for nominations/election. Michael Davison s position as Board Member will be open for nominations/ re-election. Max Townsend s position as Board Member/Treasurer will be open for nominations/ re-election We are seeking nominations for President and for the two Board positions being vacated by Jay and Deborah Hokanson. In addition, Max Townsend s (Board Member/Treasurer) position is up for re-election this year. Michael Davison s position as Board Member is also up for re-election. If you are interested in serving on the Board, or would like to nominate someone for any of these positions, please send an email to constellation@comcast.net. This is an opportunity for members to become involved in the management of the Section and the planning for and scheduling of events. This is a volunteer effort to socialize and enjoy a common interest and have fun at the same time. We will enjoy dinner starting at 6:00 pm followed by elections. So, mark your calendars, come to the meeting, enjoy a great dinner and become involved and include your important (and welcomed!) input into MHS activities and events. Note: The restaurant has no parking lot but parking on the street is free after 6:00. You may also park in the pay lot next to the restaurant. Street parking before 6:00 pm is a dollar an hour, coins or prepaid keys only. RESERVATION FORM ON PAGE 7
SEPTEM BER 2014 T HE C O NS TE L L A T I O N PAGE 5 LOVELAND SCULPTURE SHOW August 9, 2014 Article and photos by Michael Davison This show drew large crowds and artists from many areas in the United States and abroad. What Connie and I found most impressive was the work of Ken Acton, an artist from Billings, Montana, who created exquisite wood carvings inside of hollow slices of tree trunks. Another man, Alex Chitura from Africa, displayed several beautifully carved African animals. Most attention grabbing was his door carved from mahogany. I could easily see that replacing my undistinguished metal front door. The $6300 price kept my wallet in my pocket. In any case how was I to get that thing home in my 2-seat sports car? A third artist that caught our eyes displayed several 6 diameter slowly rotating Earth globes and one 8 sun each held up at three points not fixed to the globe. I could see no electrical connection that could account for the rotation. Relying on my engineering background, I guessed that each globe enclosed a magnet that moved the globe inside of a rotating induction field. Pleased with my explanation I did not ask how it was done.. The rest of the show displayed an eclectic collection of everything from the sublime to the absurd and from abstract to life-like realism. On the small negative side, the show was actually two shows separated by 29th Street and each with a $7 entry fee. That was not the case when I last attended years ago. An excellent lunch at The Next Door Restaurant attracted 13 MBCA members. Additional photos (below) taken at the Sculpture Show courtesy of MHS member Mike Redel
SEPTEM BER 2014 T HE C O NS TE L L A T I O N PAGE 6 The Back Lot Sales and Services for MBCA Members by MBCA Members FOR SALE: 1977 450SL Black on Black 61K miles Both Tops like new Original optional chromed wheels Immaculate Condition $16,500 OBO Contact Mark 801-707-0811 Located in Salt Lake City 09/14 FOR SALE: Ronal wheels, set of four 15x7 with 205/50R15 tires (50% tread). Made in W. Germany. Penta/early AMG style rims. 7Jx15 H2 et35. Wheels are in very good condition. Center caps included. Hard to find! $800/offer. Call Tim @303-810-0681 09/14 Running Board Trade I have a 2012 ML 350 that needs running boards. I m looking for someone with a 3rd generation ML who has running boards but really wants rocker panel covers. Let s trade. It s not a hard job to do. Dan Kerbs & Gary Gagnon can walk us through it and we ll each save over $1000. Contact Dave Carpenter at dave@ dcarpenter.us or 719-532-0257. 09/14 FOR SALE 1958 Mercedes-Benz series 219 Owners Manual Original in plastic sleeve. Also included in the package are 2 other books in German listing the Mercedes-Benz dealers in Europe, as well as a map of Europe depicting dealerships in Europe at the time. All in very good condition. $150 or best offer. 303-697-4059 and leave message. 04/14 FOR SALE: 1986 560SEL One owner 113k miles, taupe with beige leather interior. Excellent condition, well maintained, all service manuals. $4,500 or best offer Call 303 916-9348, ask for Gaynor 04/14 FOR SALE: Custom Cotton Flannel Car Cover for 2003 SL500. $75.00 Contact Don Nelson at 303-431-5154 12/13 FOR SALE: Two MB hardtops in excellent condition. One blue and one black. Will fit 1990-2002 model years SL. Asking $500 each/best. Contact Greg at 303-884-8578 02/14 JOIN MBCA AND GET THOUSANDS BACK IN DISCOUNTS AND REWARDS Enjoy instant savings on parts & service at participating Mercedes-Benz dealers; discounts on items and apparel at our Club Store; free classified advertising; free technical advice from automotive experts; (up to) $1,500 off the price of a NEW Mercedes-Benz, and more. Pay just $49 a year for membership (slightly less when you join for multiple years). Go to www.mbca.org and fill out a Membership form on line, or call the National Business Office at 800-637-2360 Monday-Friday, 8 am - 5 pm Mountain Time. REMEMBER, MBCA MEMBERSHIPS MAKE GREAT GIFTS! Classified Advertising in The Constellation Members of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America, Inc. may advertise in The Constellation to buy, sell, or trade Mercedes-Benz automobiles and related items at no charge, provided no commercial venture is involved. Ads may include a photo. Copy for the classified advertising must be received in writing by the 10th of the month prior to the month of issue. Ads will be published one time. To re-run, the ad must be resubmitted. Current membership number must be included for free ads. LET US KNOW IF YOUR ITEM SELLS MAKE ROOM FOR ADS FOR OTHER MEMBERS. Non-member and commercial venture advertising will be published at the rate of $10.00 for 3 lines per issue, plus $10.00 for a picture. Advertising in this category may run one, two or three times as requested and paid for in advance by the advertiser. Copy for the ads must be received by the 10th of the month prior to the month of issue and must be paid in advance, payable to Mile High-MBCA. Mail ads to: MILE-HIGH SECTION MBCA, P.O. BOX 16913, GOLDEN, CO 80402 or Email to: constellation@comcast.net The publisher reserves the right to edit or reject any ad.
SEPTEM BER 2014 T HE C O NS TE L L A T I O N PAGE 7 EVENT RESERVATION FORM /INSTRUCTIONS The treasurer will not count anyone in an event until he receives a check (if there is a cost) for that event. Your name will be put on the roster, but you will not have a reserved spot until the check is received. If you will not have time to mail the form before an event registration deadline, contact the event coordinator listed. OKTOBERFEST RALLY & BBQ September 27, 2014 Reservation deadline is September 24, 2014 # of Persons attending x $30 per person = $ ANNUAL MEMBER S MEETING Saturday October 11, 2014 Location TBD # of Persons attending (No Event Fee Dinner is on your own). POKER RALLY/STANLEY HOTEL IN ESTES PARK Sunday, October 12, 2014 # of Persons attending. # of Cars at $30 per car = $ The $30 event cost does NOT include lunch or the Ghost Tour at the Stanley Hotel Name(s) Total Enclosed for event(s): $ Phone: CELL Phone: Email: Send check for total due for all event(s) made payable to Mile-High Section MBCA and completed form to: Max Townsend, 6088 E. Otero Drive, Centennial, Colorado 80112-3043 Mark Your Calendar The 2014 MHS Annual Holiday Party Saturday, December 6, 2014 Cocktails at 6:00 p.m. Dinner at 7:00 pm Mount Vernon Country Club Watch the MHS Website at milehigh.mbca.org and future Constellation issues for updates! MHS RIDE SHARE Don t have a ride? Don t like to drive (especially at night)? Don t want to go it alone? Don t pass up participating in an event you d like to attend, just cuz driving is an issue. We have lots of folks who will be glad to have you ride along and enjoy an event with them. Call Jay Hokanson at 303-935-8270 or email constellation@comcast.net. Upcoming Pikes Peak Section Events: Sept. 20, 2014 Gold Mine Tour in Victor Contact Henry & Sylvia Russell 719-599-5503 Sept. 28, 2014 Chile Run to Pueblo Contact Julie Nelson 719-634-7522 or ottobahn2@gmail.com Oct 18, 2014 Halloween Rally Contact Andrew Nelson 719-634-7522 Dec. 1, 2014 Pike s Peak Section Christmas Party Contact Gary Gagnon 719-282-9313 or gagnong4@msn.com
S E P TE M B E R 2 0 1 4 PAGE 8 THE CONSTELLATION 2014 Event/ Activity Schedule Mile-High Section Mercedes Benz Club Revision date 24-Aug-14 For the latest updates and info visit the MHS website at www.milehighmbca.org August 2014 September 2014 9/5-9/8/14 9/11/14 9/17/14 9/27/14 October 2014 10/2/14 10/11/14 10/12/14 10/15/14 November 2014 11/19/14 TBD December 2014 12/6/14 Fall Utah Trip September Board Meeting 7:00 pm Moab - Arches/Canyonlands The Mashburn's Bob Mashburn Niels Haubold 303-988-2710 / bob_mashburn78@yahoo.com 303-949-7673 / n.hauhold@outlook.com Monthly Social 6:30 pm Oktoberfest Quaker Steak & Lube Fall Drive/BBQ at Lass Resort Lou Rogers Laura Lass 303-550-6543 / lou.rogers@comcast.net 303-776-8276 / laurawlass@gmail.com October Board Meeting 7:00 pm Annual Members' Meeting 6:00 pm Poker Run Monthly Social 6:30 pm Norm Franklin's Le Central Estes Park / The Stanley Hotel The Golden Europe Niels Haubold Michael Davison Lou Rogers Lou Rogers 303-949-7673 / n.hauhold@outlook.com 720-233-7411 / mhd539@msn.com 303-550-6543 / lou.rogers@comcast.net 303-550-6543 / lou.rogers@comcast.net Monthly Social 6:30 pm Garage Tour Three Tomatoes Steakhouse & Club, Golden Venue TBD Lou Rogers Niels Haubold 303-550-6543 / lou.rogers@comcast.net 303-949-7673 / n.hauhold@outlook.com Holiday Party No monthly social in December Mount Vernon Country Club Max Townsend 303-770-1128 / diandmaxt@aol.com The Mile-High Section Has a New Website Check Us Out At milehigh.mbca.org