April 10, 2024 – Beer & Banter

It was back to Chumley’s Pub & Grill in New Berlin for Beer & Banter Wednesday, 10 April. Though relatively early in the season, a nice day saw Russ Gaouette drive his lovely MGA and Bill Lemoine made the scene with his slick MGB. At first, folks gathered in the “front room” that had fewer tables & chairs than in past years. The club banner was hung in one of the windows. All of a sudden a parade of members walked in, such that the whole group moved to claim tables in the main bar room that could accommodate us at 2 tables pushed together and a 3rd alongside. All the better: the pool table had been located to, & dominated, that front room; we would have crowded those other patrons who wished to shoot pool. Scott the owner took our orders for drinks & food and served the tables, staying busy. A qt. can of pistachio nuts was passed around, honoring the late Bill Hentzen. Thanks to those who showed.

Participants:
Dave Jefferson
Russ Gaouette
Ron Videkovich
Bill Astley
Anne Astley
Cliff Muehlenberg
Tom Piontkowski
Bill Lemoine
Bill Baas
Scott Crouch
Garry Kelley

Writeup courtesy of Dave Jefferson

March 13, 2024 – Beer & Banter

MG3ers gathered at Libby Montana Bar & Grill in Mequon for the 1st Beer & Banter of the 2024 season. No one drove an LBC due to a threat of rain, but conversation was lively before folks ordered dinner. We sat at an octagon shaped table. Thanks to all who showed up.

Participants:
Dave Jefferson
Mike Harrington
Ron Videkovich
Tom Piontkowski
Tamara Crouch
Scott Crouch
Bob Tatterson
Garry Kelley

Writeup courtesy of Dave Jefferson and photo courtesy of Tamara Crouch

November 8, 2023 – Beer & Banter

Wednesday the 8th, MG3ers met at Mo’s Irish Pub for Beer ’n Banter. While we waited to order & be served our dinners, a quart sized paint can full of pistachio nuts was passed around. This was a ritual begun by the late Bill Hentzen and carried on today in memory of him. The club banner was draped over the end of the table. We welcomed member John Baas, new to the club such that his club name tag was ordered only days ago. On a dark and rainy evening, no MGs were seen driven to the pub.

Here are the participants:

Bernie Evans
Russ Gaouette
Dave Jefferson
Bill Lemoine
Charlene Lemoine
Ken Hall
Tom Piontkowski
John Baas

Writeup courtesy of Dave Jefferson and photo courtesy of Bernie Evans 

October 21, 2023 – Poker Run Rally

A good time was had by all! I believe this late October Poker Run will become an annual event, the colors and camaraderie were both on full display! We met in Waukesha and traveled to Hartland; no thanks to yours truly, no one got lost, and we all enjoyed a superior meal at Uncle Larry’s Rustic Inn. Pete, Ron, Bernie, Teri, Bernie Jr., Rosie, Brett, Bob, Thomas, and Joe the co-creator rallied outside to show their poker hands – It was an Evan’s family sweep with 1st place (2pair high card) 2nd place (two pair) and 3rd place (high card) taking home cash, gift cards, and candy! Unfortunately, our friend’s Fred and Meg had some clutch issues that took them out of the run early on- we hope to see them as winners next year! I’m so very grateful for all of you; it’s your club, make the most of it!

Ron Willman – your benevolent President

Photos courtesy of Ron Willman and Bob Tatterson

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October 7, 2023 – Autumn Color Drive

This year’s drive was COOL in more ways than one! The forecast temperatures were low enough to cause many to raise their hoods prior to the start. Some chose to bundle up to fend off the chilly condition on a breezy day. However, the sun shone for most of the day to highlight the turning colors and… warm the spirits. The pace was relaxed enough to allow watching the lovely scenery pass by us as the group of 17 cars motored over the twisty roads surrounding Holy Hill. A stop was made at Pine Hill apple stand for a break in the driving before heading out for the 2nd leg of our scenic tour. Our timing was good as we pulled into the destination parking lot with 5 minutes to go before the stated reservation time for lunch at Sawmill Inn.

A number of anecdotes:
Brand-new members Rick & Anne Astley drove on their 1st MG3 event
New member Mark West joined the club at lunch after the drive
A TD & TF were part of the mix with MGBs dominating the numbers with 9 cars
Non-MGs were Sunbeam Minx, Corvette, Jaguar, and MINI
Total of 23 people participated

Participants:
Dave Jefferson MGB lead car
Wayne Radaj MGB
Ron Videkovich Sunbeam Minx
Lauren & Ron Willman MG Midget
Tom Piontkowski Corvette
Bob & Alice Wirth MG TF
Pete Probst MGB
Rick & Anne Astley Jaguar
Mark Westerfield MGB
Ken & Jean Hall MGB
Bill & Charlene Lemoine MGB
Bob Tatterson MGB
Bob Strysick MGB-GT
Garry Kelly MGA
Mark West MG TD
Alan Luening MGB
Scott Crouch MGB
Patty (non-member) MINI
Bernie Evans meeting the group at lunch

A special thanks to Al Luening & Pete Probst for making walkie-talkies available for use by the lead car. Thanks also to all who ventured out on beautiful, sunny cool day.

Photos courtesy of Ron Willman, Lauren Willman, Robert Tatterson, Dave Jefferson, and Scott Crouch

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September 22-24, 2023 – Fall Color Tour

The Joint Fall Color Tour, hosted this year by the Wisconsin Austin-Healey Club, brought members from MG3, The Madison British Car Group and WA-HC together for 3 days of Little British Car enjoyment! On Friday, September 22, club members met up for lunch at the Crawfish Junction restaurant in Milford, Wisconsin. It was a great treat to have Judy and Gene Davis of MBCG join us for lunch for their final Color Tour appearance as they enter their next phase of retirement in Mexico! Judy and Gene have been a staple at Club events for many years and they will surely be missed!

From Milford, we traveled the back roads to Princeton, Wisconsin for a few hours of shopping the eclectic boutiques, Amish shops and unique antique stores. The trip was not without mechanical failures and empty gas tanks, but I’m happy to report that with the help of Joe Lacy, Vic Soderstrom, and a friendly mechanic from Gagne Ford in Princeton, fixes were accomplished, and we all soldiered on! Sue and Mike Swanger joined us in Green Lake for the rest of the weekend fun. Dinner was at Norton’s Supper Club with a breathtaking view of Green Lake!

Saturday morning brought rain – sorely needed due to drought conditions in Wisconsin, but not too desirable for our planned morning driving tour! We were joined Saturday by Charlie and Anita Wojciechowski, and Bob and Deb Jozwowski. Bob did not have his side curtains along so he and Deb were a bit damp by the time they made the Bayview Motel to join the group.
The rain cleared by 10:30 and we were off for our Green Lake- Montello – Green Lake Tour! Montello has a fabulous waterfall right downtown and we took this moment for a Fall Color Tour group picture! Hosts Teri and Bernie Evans presented each couple with a commemorative Gold Medal for their participation and perseverance in another Fall Color Tour!

By afternoon, we were back in Green Lake to partake in the Golden Days Harvest Festival. Unfortunately, our rain delay caused us to miss the Hospital Bed Street Races but there were plenty of other activities including craft fair, farmers market and entertainment.
The group thinned down to 5 couples by our dinner time at Chop’s Seafood and Steakhouse. The place was slammed with guests from the Harvest Fest, so Chop’s graciously put our group in a private dining room (the Wine Room, no less!) which made our dinner conversations much more auditable!

We had a special spot reserved at the Golden Days Harvest Festival Car Show on Sunday, but fatigue from too much fun was getting to our group. By this time, only the Lacy’s, Soderstrom’s and Wojciechowski’s made the car show.

All in all, there was actually TOO MUCH for almost everyone on this year’s Fall Color Tour!

Participants in this year’s Fall Color Tour were as follows:
Gene and Judy Davis (Friday Lunch)

Bernie and Teri Evans – ’60 Austin-Healey 3000

Bob and Deb Jozwowski – ’59 MGA 1500

Joe and Sandy Lacy – ’75 MG Midget

Tom and Shirly Smith – ’76 Triumph TR6

Victor and Joy Soderstrom – ’60 MGA 1800

Mike and Sue Swanger – ’17 Honda Accord Hybrid

Fred Thomas and Penny Rushing – ’67 Austin-Healey 3000

Charlie and Anita Wojciechowski – ’71 MGB

Event recap and photos courtesy of Bernie Evans

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August 2023 – Doing the Twist

Club member Bob Tatterson had the opportunity to represent MG3 and the entire state of Wisconsin at the first revival in many years of MG mechanical guru John Twist’s famous “summer picnics” in Grand Rapids Michigan this past August. Bob shares his story:

During the Covid lockdown, I started to participate in John Twist’s weekly virtual zoom tech sessions. I quickly discovered what a revered character Twist is in the MG community. When I saw that he was reviving this year what had been a longstanding and huge annual gathering of MG’s at his homebase in Michigan I signed up for the multi-day adventure. In the past, these gathering drew 500+ MG cars to tech sessions, car shows and lots of parking lot beer drinking.

I packed up my Iris Blue B and headed out via the Milwaukee-Muskegon car ferry. Due to the popularity of this in the summer, I had to take the 6 AM ferry which was not fun, but I did get to drive over the Hoan bridge at 5:15 AM all by myself in the dark! Arriving in Michigan in the late morning, I spent the balance of the day visiting friends and enjoying their beach house. Saturday was the big day, where I joined the crowd at the host hotel in Grand Rapids and caravanned as a group to the park where the car show was held. The weather was perfect and turnout was great, but not as big as back in the day, and with a more limited agenda of activities. I met a lot of great people from all over the midwest and even folks who had flown in from great distances.

The day ended with a wonderful banquet and program and prizes, all hosted by John. Due to availability, I got stuck with the 11 PM ferry home, which was delayed, so I didn’t hit the sack till 2 AM back in Wisconsin. What an adventure! I encourage others to experience this if it is held in the future, and to make your ferry reservations early. Enjoy the photos and a link to John Twist’s web site. https://universitymotorsltd.com/. 

Photos courtesy of Bob Tatterson

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August 29, 2023 – Newcastle Place Car Show

Great weather prevailed Tuesday, 29 August when 4 club members met to display their cars at this assisted- / independent-care facility in Mequon. The forecast of rain was bothersome, but thankfully, inaccurate. Sunny, blue skies with white puffy clouds prevailed as the backdrop for this 2 hour event.

This show was not listed on the club calendar for this reason: we were invited to show our MGs, yet limited in number from 6-8 vehicles. Members residing in the nearby North Shore suburbs were invited. This was something of a charitable event for the residents during their “County Fair” outdoor celebration. The cars were a featured attraction, with residents asking questions, and even taking pictures with cell phones! Toward lunch time we were offered, & ate, walking tacos”.

The planning started a year ago when MG3 member & Newcastle resident, Fred Horwitz, asked if MG3 would be willing to have some members show their cars at the complex. Finally, in 2023 plans came together and a date was set by management. And how could I resist organizing & attending; I live only one mile from the campus and besides, my grandmother Agnes was born in Newcastle, Durham Co, England.

MG3 Participants:
Fred Horwitz MG TF
Frank Ruebl MG Midget
Garry Kelley MGA
Dave Jefferson MG TC & MGB

I am in debt to those who answered the call to pull off this mini display. Thank you.

Dave Jefferson

Photos courtesy of Dave Jefferson

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August 19, 2023 – Lakefront Car Show

Good things come to those who wait.

Finally, the rescheduled date rolled around after being delayed in July by, of all things, the kite store cancelling because of Harley Fest. Saturday August 19 turned out to be gorgeous, partly sunny with a cooling breeze that made for ideal conditions to display our 21 cars on the grass strip in front of the Gift of Wings. This was MG3’s 5th annual club-only show, and it has become so popular with members. Is it the complimentary popcorn & ice cream?

What a nice mix of eras as we saw 3 “T” cars, 3 MG Midgets, a couple of MGAs, a Minx, and a tsunami of MGBs. What a great lineup… and rainbow of colors!

Thanks to all who showed up, and especially those who helped set up & take down MG3’s red pop up “headquarters”.

MG3 Participants at the Lakefront Car Show
Dave Jefferson MG TC
Wayne Radaj MGB
Frank Ruebl MG Midget
Scott Gilbert MGB
Ron Videkovich Sunbeam Minx
Larry Shimp MGB-GT (V8 conversion)
Pete Probst MGB
Alan Luening MGB
Russ Gaouette MGA
Mike Harrington MGB
Scott & Tamara Crouch MGB
Mike Smith MG Midget
Andy & Diane DeLeon MG Midget
John Stark MG TD
Gary Stefanski MGB
Tom Piontkowski ’72 Corvette
Ron Willman MG Midget
Garry Kelley MGA
Bill & Charlene Lemoine MGB
Jason & Wanetta Fricke MGB
Duane Delaney & Jenny Freckmann MG TD
Kurt & Tari Emerson, Brianna Hayman, and Raania Sethi

Recap courtesy of Dave Jefferson
Photos courtesy of Tamara Crouch

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July 29, 2023 – Lost Soul Rally

On July 29th, fourteen participants enjoyed one of the most beautiful summer days you could ask for tracing the carefully planned route designed by Ken Rizzo and Bernie Evans for the annual Lost Souls Rally. Seven cars assembled at LeDuc’s Frozen Custard parking lot by 9:40 am to assess the competition and get their drive instructions. MG3 Club members displayed their vehicles and Ken displayed the magnificent silver trophy to help motivate the teams to drive their best without speeding, as it is not a timed race.

Ken warned that the route would be challenging and to keep careful watch of your miles to know where the upcoming turn would be, as several of the roads were not marked with a street or road sign and others were marked with signs, but were visibly blocked or disabled in some way. This turned out to be good advice because all of that was true and some backtracking was necessary along the way to find missing roads. Cliff Muehlenberg arrived to help with the timing of the send-off starting promptly at 10 am.

The challenging route dotted with thought-provoking clues twisted its way through Waukesha and Walworth counties, skirting the rural countryside and small villages along the way. First traveling from Wales, then Waterville, North Prairie, Eagle, Palmyra, Dousman, Delafield, Nashotah and ending in Stone Bank.

The entire range of thrilling Kettle Moraine topography kept the drive very stimulating. Additionally, apparently this area is favored by every bicycling team/club, hiking club, equestrian and jogger, making the 51.4 mile route a target-rich environment for drivers and navigators alike.

The route was doubly challenging as the storm the night before had left a number of hazards and a variety of debris strewn patches of road requiring slow cornering and careful scanning of road conditions –  all the while looking for the unmarked turns and people/horses/bikes. Clean-up crews, equipment, barricades, and one actual roadblock (which was violated by at least three of the teams), were part of the day’s challenge.

Some drivers found themselves on a three-mile stretch of very hilly shoulderless road stuck behind clean-up equipment unable or unwilling to exceed 15 mph, making first gear the only choice. Left thighs got a workout manning the clutch in a foolish attempt to make it from 1st gear to 2nd gear only to slow back to 10 mph going up a hill again.

The cars rolled to a glorious ending north of Oconomowoc at Boondocks BBQ Burgers and Brews in Stone Bank, WI where they were greeted by hosts Connie and Ken Rizzo who placed last in 2022. Dave Jefferson arrived in time for lunch and to display the club’s banner. Everyone agreed it was a great place for a get together. The food was delicious and very good value.

All the “road scores” were very close, but as a final chance to improve their scores, after ordering lunches, teams were given six trivia questions to answer which were added to the rally scores.

Taking home the silver trophy was Bob Balderson and his navigator, Jack.

Bernie Evans, Jr., and Margaret Fisher and her son Pete tied for second place, but Margaret generously conceded to take third place as she felt Bernie competing without the aid of a navigator was a disadvantage.

The lowest score was achieved by President Ron Willman and first lady Kahleah. They have earned the role of planners for the 2024 Lost Souls Rally.

Part of the fun of coming in last is that you can spend a leisurely year coming up with a challenging course; you never have to do this by yourself as there are always club members eager to assist in putting this traditional club event together.

Competing for the 2023 Lost Souls Rally title were: Doug and Nancy Breneman, Bernie and Teri Evans, Bernie Evans, Jr., Bernie’s friends Claire and Sharon who came all the way up here from Decatur, IL, Ron and Kalleah Willman, Ron Videkovich, Ken Hall, Margaret Fisher and son Peter Doering, Bob Balderson and his friend, Jack.

Many thanks to Ken, Connie, and Bernie for keeping this club tradition alive and for providing another memorable MG3 Club event. We are certainly looking forward to next year.

Recap courtesy of Margaret Fisher
Photos courtesy of Ron Willman

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June 18, 2023 – British Car Field Day

Thanks to ALL of our participants that helped make the British Car Field Day event on Father’s Day a great success! We were blessed with great weather and a fabulous variety of Little British Cars and Bikes!

The voting results/awards and pictures from the event are now posted on the new website: http://britishcarfieldday.org. Look for the tabs on the right at the top of the page.

We look forward to seeing all of you again next year!

Your BCFD Committee

Also, a special shout-out to club president Ron Willman and membership chair Dave Jefferson, who both received recognition for outreach to the next generation of British car owners! 

June 10, 2023 – Fireside Theater Drive and Show

Great weather, great drive, GREAT SHOW!! What an unusual event for MG3: in some ways it was like a one-day version of the Fall Tour that saw MG3 & MBCG (Mad Brits) members driving to have lunch together, followed by a stage show at the Fireside Theater in Fort Atkinson, WI. Members prepaid for reservations & food choice for the Fireside’s restaurant and a seat at the theater-in-the-round. We arrived and parked out front in spaces reserved for us, creating an impromptu car show. Our car group was announced from the stage and certainly contributed to the British theme.

The live show was a musical review titled “Legends in Concert” , British artists being portrayed by actors paying tribute to the following legends: Dusty Springfield, Rod Stewart, Freddie Mercury, Adele, and Elton John. The singers were backed up by singer/dancers and a live band ensemble playing in the center of the intimate stage setting.

Participants:

Ron & Anne Willman MG Midget
Dave Jefferson MGA
Scott & Tamara Crouch MGB
Joe & Vickie Hazard MG Midget
Bill & Charlene Lemoine MGB
Ken & Jean Hall MGB
Ron Videkovich SUV
Andy & Diana DeLeon SUV
Bob & Kathy Tatterson SUV
Tom & Shirley Smith TR6
Jean & Judy Davis (MBCG) Lotus Elan

Photos courtesy of Dave Jefferson, Andy DeLeon and Scott Crouch

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May 27, 2023 – Joint MG3 and Austin-Healy Drive

From Garry Kelley:

Saturday, May 27th was a beautiful sunny and clear day. Fifteen (15) wonderful MG’s and three (3) Austin Healy’s gathered for 85 miles of driving fun. The roads were smooth and the entire group was able to stay together to make the opening day of Memorial Day weekend a true automotive parade. The drive started near Mitchell International and headed south along Lake Drive. Then, we joined Hwy 32 and 31 south to Hwy 142. From there we headed west with a pit stop at Kwik Trip and a smooth, fast run through Bong recreation area and on to lunch.

The group gathered for lunch at Michael’s on Eagle Lake in Kansasville, WI. Twenty-two (22) participants enjoyed a great lunch before we began out return trip. A handful of drivers treated themselves to ice cream at Leon’s and then bid farewell.

Thanks to all who participated and made this a great road trip!

Photos courtesy of Dave Jefferson

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May 25, 2023 – Waukesha West Auto Tech

Today, Dave Jefferson and I had the opportunity to visit the automotive tech. class at Waukesha West High School…future petrol heads of America!! The event was set up by the BCFD committee, and included members of the Jaguar club, the Austin Healy guys, MG3, and a charming man who owned a rare Sunbeam Tiger. Each member gave a synopsis of their respective automobile, I presented a check for 300.00 from the BCFD committee, and then the kids had a chance to ask questions and sit in the car of their choice! Our man Dave brought his A, gave an excellent overview of the MG brand, and I’m sure I saw smiles and thoughts of wrenching on a few LBC in the audience! It sure was a great morning getting involved in the community through the love of the automobile!

-Ron Willman

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May 13, 2023 – Town ‘n Country Drive

From Dave Jefferson:

The first group drive of the season took place 13 May after a week’s delay due to unfavorable weather the previous Saturday. Over a dozen cars pulled into the start point parking lot to begin the day’s journey. The rain before the start had let up, and the group left on time. A small detour was necessary in Bayside for a closure of Brown Deer Road, and some subsequent driving was on temporary, narrow lanes in a construction zone along side I-43 (no problem for our MGs!). The group arrived at the Grafton midway point to find a few cars waiting for us, but no where near the dozen or so from a year ago. With the sun out and warming temperatures, many chose to lower their tops. The 15 minute stop lasted 40 minutes before the group again set out on the northern leg. After a great country tour we pulled into Wayne’s Drive-In to find a fairly full parking lot, causing the group to scatter for parking spots. A handful gathered to get a picture taken holding the club banner (see photo). All told, 18 cars participated:

Participants (N signifies name tag) :
Dave Jefferson MGB N
Peter Probst MGB N
Ron Videkovich Sunbeam Minx N
John Stark MG TD N
Russ & Leslie Gaouette MGB N
Ron Willman MG Midget
Chauncey Martin AH 3000 N
Ken & Jean Hall MGB N
Fred & Meg Fleischmann MGB-GT N
Wayne Radaj Corolla N
Bill & Charlene Lemoine MGB N
Scott & Jack Crouch MGB N
Bob & Terri Strysick MGB-GT N
Bob & Tom Tatterson MGB N
Bob Gehweiler MGB
Tom Piontkowski Corvette N
Mike Massa & Karla Sandrin MGB N
Garry Kelley MGA N

Thanks to Pete Probst & Chauncey Martin for managing the walkie-talkies, and to all who toured to get the season started. A special club welcome to newer members Bill & Charlene Lemoine who joined in late 2022 and Ken & Jean Hall, 2023. The next group drive is scheduled for 27 May led by Garry Kelley. As always, check calendar listings at mg3club.org and click on the little arrow to see drop-down screen for details.

Photos courtesy of Ron Willman and Dave Jefferson

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January 28, 2023 – Chili Cook-Off

Thank you to Margaret Fisher for hosting! 

5 chilis competed for 3 prizes with the winners being:
Most Unique – Pete Probst
Best Flavor – Margaret Fisher
Most traditional – Bob Tatterson

These three will receive 5 bonus participation points for winning their categories.

Other points were awarded to participants for attending (1), bringing chili (1), wearing your name badge (1), and organizing the event (2). Check the google sheet for the latest score totals.

Photos courtesy of Bob Tatterson

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Jenga Video!

2022 – 50th Anniversary Archive

Wow, the 50th Anniversary of the MG3 club was amazing! The archived page is at this link: 

50 Year Anniversary Activities

November 14, 2022 From the Garage

From Dave Hanson

The body and chassis of my 1960 MGA Twin Cam Roadster had been separated for way too many years. I had finally got the chassis ready to get reacquainted with its body, which had been bolted to a wooden dolly since it came out of paint. It was the last 70 degree plus day of the year when fellow club members Dave Jefferson, Bernie Evans, Sr., Wayne Radaj and former club member and friend Dale Schmidt showed up at the garage. The group quickly removed the 4 wings (fenders) to lighten the lift and to prevent any damage to them. We hooked up the hydraulic engine lift to the spreader bar between the front and rear cowls. We quickly found the center of gravity to have a level lift and up it went until it would clear the top of the engine.  With one person on each corner, it was rolled over the chassis and slowly lowered down. Minor adjustments to alignment were made as it lowered –  we had only 3 minor interferences; the distributor cap, the flexible fuel line to the carburetors, and the carburetor linkage. All were quickly resolved without damage. It’s was like putting 10 pounds of engine into a 5 pound engine bay, but it worked and the holes to bolt it all together still lined up. We were done in one hour and 15 minutes. Not Formula One time, but not bad for a bunch of guys that did this for the first time.

Now I’m hoping for mild temperatures this winter so I can keep adding bits to the car little by little, and who knows… maybe have a driver by spring.

A huge thank you to David, Bernie, Wayne and Dale who helped me clear a hurdle I couldn’t on my own. They show the true spirit of MG and MG3.

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October 29, 2022 Pints & Pumpkins

From Ron Willman

The first annual Pints and Pumpkins event was a smaller turnout than expected, but fun nonetheless. Dave Jefferson, Carol Schuh, Ron Videkovich, Pete Probst, Chauncey Martin, Al Luening, and myself enjoyed carving pumpkins, listening to 70s tunes, throwing back a few beers and root beers, dinning on pizza, and enjoying each other’s company while we talked about MGs! Carol acted as judge, and decided that Al took first place, Dave grabbed second, and Ron V. beat out Pete narrowly for third. Each received a gift basket for their efforts. Pete, Al, and Chauncey had some great stories about slalom racing in various parking lots in their youth; I alway enjoy hearing how people got interested in cars! Hope to see you all there next year!!

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October 8, 2022 Autumn Color Drive

October 8 morning was chilly… but the sun was cheery. It was decided that calling a postponement until next week’s rain date might be risky, therefore, we tolerated the cold in trade for a clear day.

Special attention was given to a past problem: folks missing the first turn off of Holy Hill Road at the beginning of the drive (the 5.8 mile mark). Ron Willman placed a sign at the turn and parked his Midget at the intersection before the group arrived.

Unfortunately, a mechanical breakdown happened to Larry & Anne Golding’s Midget, which suffered a blown head gasket. This forced them to call for tow service and miss the scenic drive. Ron Videkovich stopped in the Rolls Royce chase car (turned rescue car) and made sure all was OK under the circumstances. Amazingly, Larry & Anne picked up their modern car back home in Sussex and rejoined the group for lunch at the Sawmill Inn. What determination & MG Spirit!

Greg Gabert, Meg Fleischmann’s brother, joined the club during the event.

A new feature saw the group stop into Pine Hill Orchard apple stand for a short layover and car show. We gathered together on their large grass parking lot. When it was time to leave, the stand owners stood out on the busy road to stop oncoming traffic in order to keep our group together. How thoughtful that was of them.

We arrived back at the start point around 12:30; the Sawmill Inn had tables ready for us in the bar room where about 13 members ordered and enjoyed a meal ordered off the regular menu. Thanks to all who turned out.

Those participating:

Bernie Evans AH 3000
David Jefferson MG TC
Ron Videkovich Rolls Royce
Fred & Meg Fleischmann MGB-GT
Wayne Radaj MGB
Larry & Anne Golding MG Midget
Bob & Teri Strysick MGB-GT
Scott & Tamara Crouch MGB
Ron & Kalleah Willman MG Midget
Frank Ruebl MG Midget
Larry Shimp MGB-GT V8
Mike Smith MG Midget
Bob Balderson MGA
Greg Gabert Cobra (RC-Vette)
Mike Harrington MGB

Photos courtesy of Ron Willman and Dave Jefferson

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September 30 – October 2, 2022 Fall Color Tour

From Dave Jefferson

The weather was made-to-order for a group of roadsters with their tops down to motor around rural Wisconsin on the last day of September and first 2 days of October. How fortunate we were to luck out that way. Daytime temperatures were cool, not cold, and brilliant sunshine prevailed. There were no reported breakdowns.

The Madison British Car Group (MG3’s sister club) was the host and planner for this year’s edition and lived up to its reputation for the most interesting stops and tours, as well as great scenic roads. MG3 members met up on time with the Mad Brits (and one AH Club member) at the Mineshaft in Hartford for lunch before a long drive over still green countryside. Next stop was the Hamburger Haus in Campbellsport for frozen custard, where Bob & Deb Jozwowski from Wautoma met up with us driving in their lovely MGA. Another drive leg saw us pull into Sheboygan Falls.The group drove on the main street through town just before it was closed for the high school homecoming parade. How neat as hundreds of people that lined the sidewalks cheered & applauded us, apparently thinking we were the beginning of the parade!! We soon checked into the Amerivu Inn & Suites, unloaded luggage, with little time to rest, before making our trip to Road America, Elkhart Lake for 3 laps on the track, the “Sunset Cruise”, with about 60 other cars. The group then motored into Sheboygan for a late dinner at Scenic Bar & Grill, packed on a Friday fish-fry night.

Saturday after breakfast was another drive back into Sheboygan for a tour of Wisconsin Hydrographics, a shop that does the most wild process to apply artwork onto anything, such as helmets, gun stocks, steering wheels, car and motorcycle parts. The start-to-finish procedure is most intricate and tedious, with beautiful results being demonstrated to us. Next was lunch at nearby Shuffs, then a tour & wine tasting at Silarian Vineyards in Reedsville. Back at the hotel, members staged a car show, and concluded the busy day with dinner at the Roadside Bar & Grill in Plymouth. What a great mini-vacation & way to lengthen what remains of the driving season.

MG3 members participating:
Dave Jefferson MGB
Bob & Deb Jozwowski MGA
Ron Videkovich Jaguar
Tom & Shirley Smith TR6
Bernie & Teri Evans TR6

Photos courtesy of Bernie Evans and Dave Jefferson

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September 10, 2022 50th Anniversary – Drive

One picture is worth a thousand words. That’s true enough, but if you look at just five or six photos of the cars and drive teams that participated in the 50th Anniversary competition drive, you’d be made speechless. 14 teams assembled at approx. 9:30 am in the park behind the Newburg Fire Department on the Milwaukee River to try their luck at earning up to 100 points in one very challenging drive. Drive teams were given a start number and a drive kit in a red metallic tote consisting of 4 page instruction/quiz with clipboard and pencil, a route map in a tightly sealed brown envelope, a photo of the Beatles Abby Road Album Cover, packages of British biscuits and candies, two tea bags and two bottles of water.

First out: Wayne Radaj & Dave Jefferson. Interesting that they were second last in, a full hour behind the previous car. Followed by Tom & Shirley Smith, then Rodenkirchs.
Next up, new member Mark Westerfield was navigated by Joe Hazard who was the planner of the Lost Souls Rally this year. After they left the parking lot, they were followed by Paul E. Martin who was navigated on the spur of the moment by out club Treasurer and Past President Dave Hanson as Pauls navigator fell ill just before our event. This is not a drive to do alone, it’s challenging enough with two people as it is. Next up, another new member who just joined THAT DAY (!) Clint Price and his friend Bob Brownell. Clint brought his whole family to the Party later that day as well. The only yellow car in the pack owned by Floyd and Mary Roberts left next and close on their heels and eager to drive was Doug and Mary Breneman. Bob and Terri Strysick had placed 7th in the Lost Souls rally in July and were eager to improve their score on this drive and they took off next. Chris and Pete Probst followed them and they were followed by Meg Fleischmanns brother Greg Galbert in a Cobra he is restoring. If you attended the Tech Session hosted by Tony and Kathy Losiniecki you’ll remember their ambition; they went out next. Fred and Meg Fleischmann went out followed by Cliff Muehlenberg and his navigator Greg Wernisch.

The route went North out of Newburg and the rest of the trip was on small, quite country roads continuing west and north up to the Sheboygan County line, through Fredonia, Waubeka, Farmington, Saukville and finally Grafton. The Milwaukee River was crossed 7 times and most of the scenery was farms or woods. The rolling hills and surprising curves held the secrets of the answers of over 45 questions. Sharp eyes did well to spot the answers to clues. Drive teams needed to get out of their cars from time to time to complete challenges. 15 points if you and another team reinacted the Beatles Abbey Road Album cover and took a photo of it. Another 5 points for a photo of a sign containing the number “5050”, 3 points for each sign containing “50” or “72”. If you produced a receipt from a gas station with the date 9/10/22 on it, 2 more points for that. Since the drive was not a timed race, it mattered more that teams came close to the actual mileage of the route. Teams that got out of their car and found two answers to questions in a little cemetery got 2 points to determine how long Margaret Hames lived and a bonus 3 points for taking a photo of the marker for the Grande Duchee de Luxembourg”. Further on at Tendick Park, teams needed to determine what project BoyScout Troop 855 completed in 2019. If they took a photo of themselves in the Gazebo at that park, they earned 3 more points. Getting out of these low, cramped cars is sometimes a good thing and a welcome relief to passengers with stiff knees! Of all the teams, no one got terribly lost, at least not lost enough to break the seal on the route map envelope. If they did, it would have cost them 25 points.

Many, many thanks to long time member Bernie Evans and assisting Doug Breneman for working tirelessly to accurately tally the Drive worksheets as the teams arrived and turned them in.

Best Mileage Award: Paul E. Martin and Dave Hanson with 42 miles. Actual route mileage was 41.7 miles.
8 Teams achieved the Beatles Abbey Road Album cover challenge
Best Q & A Scores: Bob & Terry Strysick: 43 Correct.
Overall Combined Standings of Mileage, Q & A’s Challenges and Photos:
First Place: Bob & Terry Strysick (91 points)
Second Place: Doug & Nancy Breneman (86 points)
Third Place: Fred & Meg Fleischmann (81 points)
Fourth Place: Paul E. Martin and Dave Hanson (79 points)
Fifth Place: Tony & Kathy Losiniecki (78 points)
Sixth Place: Mark Rodenkirch & Dan Kaehler (72 points)
Seventh Place: Pete & Chris Probst (66 points)
Eighth (tie): Greg Galbert (56 points); Mark Westerfield & Joe Hazard (56 points)
Ninth Place: Dave Jefferson & Wayne Radaj (54 points)
Tenth Place: Clint Price & Bob Brownell (41 points)
Eleventh Place: Tom & Shirley Smith (37 points)
Twelfth Place: Cliff Muehlenberg & Greg Wernisch (28 points)
Thirteenth Place: Floyd & Mary Roberts (no scoresheet turned in)

Thank you to everyone who participated and who took the time to drive the distance on that beautiful early fall day to get to the event, drive the event and then drive back home. You’ve earned the respect you deserve.
Photos courtesy of Ron Videkovich and Ron Willman

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September 10, 2022 50th Anniversary – Party

The lovely Zaun Pavilion at Lime Kiln Park in Grafton, WI was the happy scene of those intrepid Vintage British Car aficionado’s who run with the MG3 tribe. It was a glorious sunny day in the mid-70’s with a few puffy clouds sailing past wishing those celebrators below a happy 50th anniversary. More than a year in the planning, the club’s executive board made careful provision to create a memorable experience for all members new and early. Nearly 100 people attended the event and participated in just the party or the party and the drive or just the car show and the party or the car show and the drive or . . . . well, you get the picture! Long time member Bernie Evans diligently set out a month before the event to see that as many as our early members were able to attend. This resulted in the appearance of Bob & Alice Wirth members since 1982 and Past President 1985 – 1987; John & Mary Wackman members since 1987 and Past President 1997 – 1998; Kristi Mirocha and Dale Schmidt Past President 1995 – 1996; Dave Hanson member since 1998 Past President 2003 – 2005; Mark & Gloria Rodenkirch lifetime members; Bob Gehweiler member since 1985; Tom & Shirley Smith Members since 2011 (Tom & Shirley are also volunteer leaders of the Mid Brits club) Dave & Darlene Keca members since 1998, Bob Balderson member since 1999, and of course, Bernie & Teri Evans themselves, members since 1991.
It was a challenging drive in the country, it was a car show, it was a party and social, it was fish and chips and corn on the cob and beer and coleslaw and baked beans and pulled pork and marble rye and malt vinegar sprinkle and pickles and pickled onions and pasta salad and cake and ice-cream and so much more but, mostly it was the chance to visit with long time or brand new members about the little British cars, the “ludicrous dink-mobiles” we love. Too small to get in two bags of groceries and no cup holders, too small to be filled with our enthusiasm; too big to be called a motorcycle.
In a way, it was for some like a class reunion. Members laughed and recalled their experiences and mishaps of long past drives, journeys and events. Some of which were across the country or across the border of Canada and Mexico. Some friendships solidified by another member extending the hand of assistance. And of the unforgettable experiences some of which were even held as off-road time rally’s in early member Bill Hentzens’ back yard. Imagine that.
As is fitting with all the other challenges this year, many members came prepared to earn points and move up the Leaderboard. Those folks brought costumes fitting the style of the year their cars was built. Meg Fleischman wore a pink poodle skirt and got the pony-tail swing going. Margaret Fisher managed to not kill herself on the platform wedge sandals and bell-bottom jeans favored by the students of the 70’s. had to take off the platform wedge sandals but, kept on the John Lennon round sunglasses and long beads. Since the clubs, Gala back in April, members who show a coin of the same year as their cars build year earn points for that and several earned up to 20 points for those.
More than anything, participation is valued because without it, the party would not have happened. Ron Willman and Joe Hazard spent the entire party in the kitchen preparing the wonderful lunch and no one went away hungry. Many, many thanks to all who made this memorable anniversary day possible with great dignity, fun and finesse.
The Leaderboard remains active until after the December traditional club Cookie Exchange in early December. You can continue to earn points for a few months and if you want to know how to earn some, just contact Margaret Fisher, Club Secretary and she will supply the list.
We’ll see you at another event real soon!

September 10, 2022 50th Anniversary – Car Show

The sunlight bouncing off the shine of the vintage British cars at the MG3 50th Anniversary Car Show must have reached the moon and lit up the general vicinity of the atmosphere on Saturday September 10th at Lime Kiln Park in Grafton.

Over 30 beautifully appointed and maintained cars were proudly displayed in all their glory. “CLEAN” doesn’t begin to describe it. Even the cars that just came rolling in from the 41+ mile long challenge drive looked like they were just out the door of a swanky showroom. The pride of each owner is clear to see in each vehicles paint, upholstery, carpet, boot and under the bonnet. Club members participated in the “Viewers Choice” ballot system. Members could evaluate as many cars as they wanted to. Ballots were distributed by long-time volunteer member Bob Balderson. Member car evaluators took a clipboard loaded with evaluation sheets and judge each car from 1 – 10 in individual categories of Paint and Bodywork, Modifications, Exterior Trims, Interior, Engine Compartment, Boot, Cleanliness, Accessories and a Safety Checklist.

Ballots were placed by the members in the wooden ballot box at the Regalia table. Car Show Tallymasters Bob Balderson, Tom Pecus, and Bob Tatterson compiled the scores and Board member Bob Tatterson announced the winners.

Prizes and points were given to several members:
First Prize: 1962 Iris Blue MGB owned by Bob & Kathy Tatterson
Second Prize: 1975 Blue MGB owned by Pete & Chris Probst
Third Prize: 1966 Austin Healy 3000 owned by Chauncey Martin
4th Place: 1952 BRG MG TD owned by Mark & Gloria Rodenkirch
5th Place: 1972 Red MGB owned by Doug & Nancy Breneman
6th Place: 1967 Red MGBGT owned by Fred & Meg Fleischmann
7th Place: 1980 Sable Grey MGB owned by Clint & Erin Price
8th Place: 1962 White MGA owned by Bob Balderson
9th Place: 1968 MGB owned by Tom Pecus
10th Place: 1979 MGB owned by Russ & Leslie Gaouette
11th Place: 1976 Lime Green Triumph TRB owned by Tom & Shirley Smith
12th Place: 1973 BRG MGB owned by Tony & Kathy Losiniecki
13th Place: 1974 Red MGB owned by Jim & Margaret Maslowski

August 27, 2022 4th Annual Lakefront Car Show

What a fabulous day to hang out down by Lake Michigan!

By scheduling & designating a contingent “rain date”in advance, we enjoyed superb weather one week after the postponement on the 20th. For this 4th annual club-only show, September 27th at the kite store, record numbers of cars and owners gathered to show off… and answer questions from the public; pedestrian traffic was more numerous than most could recall from the preceding 3 years. The more…the merrier!

When the parking began on the east end, the initial 5 or so cars, all red or orange/red, was referred to by someone as “the red section”. When the grass parkway north of the sidewalk filled, Scott, the kite store owner, for the first time allowed us to start a new row on the opposite side. Four MGAs took their place there, dubbed “the A team”. Dan Belongia joined the club during the show. Of note was when Joe Kramer (Charter & Lifetime member) & son John arrived. Joe’s 1949 MG TC, the oldest MG on the line, providing a contrast to all the more modern cars. Next oldest car was John Stark’s 1950 MG TD, driven from Pleasant Prairie (Long Distance Driven award?) Andy de Leon, who lives almost within sight of the kite store, displayed his 1977 MG Midget (Shortest Distance Driven award?)

Many thanks are in order for volunteers who helped to plan, e-blast, set up, photograph, direct traffic, etc.:
Ron Videkovich, Ron Willman, Joe Hazard, Scott Crouch, Ken Rizzo, Andy de Leon, Dave Jefferson, and point-person Wayne Radaj.

Speaking of Wayne, a special thank you goes to Wayne Radaj for organizing a fun and well attended car show in front of the Gift of Wings kite shop.  We wowed the crowd with our colorful automobiles, signed up two members, and enjoyed complimentary ice cream and popcorn!  Fun in the sun was had by all!! Thanks again Wayne for bringing your idea to fruition, and growing the event year after year!

A great big shout-out to all members who gathered on the lakefront to celebrate, on a gorgeous day, 50 yrs since the club’s founding. Safety Fast !

Photos Courtesy of Ron Willman and Andy de Leon

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August 6, 2022 Tech Session

A special thank-you goes to Sir Cliff for organizing the event, including set up, clean up, and borrowing tables and chairs from the Pewaukee Historical Society! And to Ron Willman and Cousins for supplying delicious subs for lunch. 

Ron Willman reported: Who knew such talent lurked on a sleepy suburban street in Pewaukee? Sir Cliff knew, and from that knowledge a fantastic tech. session was born!  Big thanks to Tony and Kathy Losiniecki who graciously hosted a bunch of us “MG3ers” as Tony walked us step by step explaining his current project, which is installing a Ford 302 into a 1974 MGB-GT.  Tony does all mechanicals himself, including welding, electrical, painting, upholstery, etc. Tony really knows his stuff, and had us all captivated with his detailed PowerPoint, and intrigued with the actual car on display to walk around and observe.  What a great way to spend a few hours on a beautiful day in August! 

Photos courtesy of Ron Willman and Scott Crouch

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July 31, 2022 Lannon Car Show

Ron Videkovich reported that he attended with his 1979 Rolls Royce and that Jim Talos was there with his Ford Mustang. There was at least one other MG3 MGB with a car badge. Great time, great food and lots of interesting (and loud) cars.

Sir Cliff reported: Last year was the first time I participated in the show. I thought it was a fun show with cars parked on both sides of the street and every out lot not developed. It’s not an all-asphalt show which affords respite from the sun. And I wanted to go again this year. The day was perfect with a light breeze.

Ron Willman had gotten an inquiry from a non-member asking to meet up with any MG3 members attending. Ron was unable to attend and I replied to the inquirer. I was already driving in tandem with Hap Washburn in his yellow/black ’79 MG-Bumble-B. We met Dan in his ’72 TR6 at Whiskey Corners and the three cars continued to Lannon.

The Lannon Show is run by the Lion’s Club and one of the only shows I’ve been to that charges a show-car admission ($10). But they raise money for good causes. 

We parked in a mowed field just east of the fire station. The fire station is where the Scouts (formerly “Boy Scouts”) hold their pancake breakfast which is where I was headed. 

With breakfast out of the way, it was time to see cars as they continued to roll in. 

Dash plaques were given to the first 500 cars. But by 10am and they were already out of plaques.

It’s largely an American car show but you’ll find every thing there. I walked the entire show and reflected on what I saw, I’d guess there were two Chevy’s for every Ford. Or at least it seemed like it.

I’ll go again next year but get there before they run out of sausage.

– Sir Cliff

Photos courtesy of Ron Videkovich

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July 25, 2022 Lost Soul Rally

Thirteen MG3 Members gathered on Saturday morning to say “Hi” and/or participate in this year’s Lost Soul Rally, fittingly put together by Joe Hazard (aka last year’s “Lost SouI”). Club President Ron Willman assisted Joe with his duties, as a veteran member and a former Lost Soul himself!  This is one of Ron’s very favorite events, and he always look forward to participating –  it provides a little friendly competition, some scenic driving, and lunch at the end!  This year’s participants were:

LISTED AS DRIVER & NAVIGATOR
Jim & Margaret Maslowski 
Garry Kelley & Margaret Fisher
Doug & Nancy Breneman
Bob & Teri Strysick
Ron Videkovich & Cliff Muehlenberg
Bernie & Teri Evans
Ken & Connie Rizzo
Fred & Meg Fleischmann
Joe & Vickie Hazard – Organizer 
Ron & Kalleah Willman – Co-Organizer 
Carol Schuh, who met us all at the starting point, graciously treated us with donuts!!

For those not totally familiar with the Lost Soul Rally, it is a milage based competition with a twist.  As you drive the turn-by-turn written route you are given, along the way you are asked to solve clues that are visible along said route.  For example:  “After the second turn on the left, continue 2.6 miles. On your right, what type of flag is flying next to the red barn?”  Points are assessed, bonus questions are asked, and the closest you are to the perfect number of miles scores points too!  It’s a bit hard to explain, but easy and fun if you are there in person!  Please think about joining us next year! Conversely, the driver with the least points gathered and largest number of miles racked up against perfect miles is…you guessed it…the LOST SOUL!   So, without further ado, here is how our participants fared:

First Place:  Jim & Margaret Maslowski – 161 points (bonus points edged them to the top).
Second Place:  Margaret Fisher & Garry Kelley – 148 points – PERFECT MILEAGE!
Third Place:  Fred & Meg Fleischmann – 137 points – good mileage and points got them to 3^rd place.  
4th Place:  Doug & Nancy. 
5th Place:  Ron & Cliff.
6th Place:  Bernie & Terri.
7th Place:  Bob & Terri.

And…Drum Roll Please….. Great Sports, but LOST SOULS…
Ken and Connie Rizzo

**P.S.  Can’t wait to see what’s in store from them next year!!!

Photos courtesy of Ron Videkovich and Ron Willman. 

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July 13-14 2022 GOF Central

This year’s Gathering of the Faithful was hosted by the Minnesota MG T Register, which decided to cross the Mississippi River into Wisconsin and stage the event in LaCrosse. This may have been the 1st post-Covid gathering, so it was great to see something of a return to normalcy. Our MG3 club banner was brought and displayed. In the official booklet that each registrant received in their goodie bag, the MG3 logo appeared in-color on the page showing all 11 founding clubs, and we were listed and thanked among 4 clubs which made cash contributions sent to the hosts to help defray expenses. MG3 is trying to reestablish a presence at GOF-Central after a lapse following the passing a few years ago of club member and representative Bill Hentzen. Well… we’re back!

Wednesday, July 13 was car show day as participants drove from the hotel parking lot (a car show in its own right) to lovely Pettibone Park across the river on the Minnesota side. In the center of the displayed MGs stood a huge, 3-story antique octagon gazebo. About 80 cars or so filled the grounds, arranged by class.

As has become a routine, the MMM Register teams up for their national meet with the MG T Register. MMM is made up of those precious and rare pre-war MGs, the oldest MGs at this show being two 1930 M Types (one, the early fabric covered and the other, the later metal covered). They weren’t the oldest cars, however, as on the lawn was a Morris Cowley “bull nose” from the early 1920s. The late Bill Hentzen’s ultra-rare MG TB Tickford was displayed by it’s proud new, Minnesotan owner. Five MG3 club members were registered for the GOF: Mike & Diane Marini (Sheboygan), Baird & Rose Cook (Rhinelander), Dave Jefferson (Mequon). Attending the car show was Ron Videkovich.

Not long ago, it was not unusual for a hand full of MG3 club members to caravan to a GOF-Central and spend the whole week together. Perhaps interested members could do so in the future. By the way, the GOF-Central 2023, celebrating 100 years of MG sports cars, is June 20-23, South Bend, Indiana.

Dave Jefferson

Photos kindly supplied by Ron Videkovich and Dave Jefferson. 

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June 19 2022 British Car Field Day

Amazing weather and a great turnout! Several club members took home prizes at this great event showcasing British marques.  Thanks Ron V for providing photos!

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June 4 2022 Founder’s Day Tea

A very special thank you to the Tatterson’s for hosting! We enjoyed excellent English sandwiches and treats, tea, beer, and a mini-car show on the front lawn! Photos supplied by Margaret Fisher, Cliff Muehlenberg, & Tamara Crouch. 

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May 21 2022 Joint Austin-Healey and MG3 Club Drive

Rainy weather held off and turnout was good! The joint Austin-Healey and MG3 drive was a rousing success! The tour began in Mequon, had a stop in Port Washington, and took in some automotive history in Elkhart Lake. 

Photos courtesy of Ron Videkovich, Walker Young, and Margaret Fisher. 

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May 14 2022 Fox Brits Club Cars & Coffee

Ron Videkovich provided a recap and photos of the Fox Brits Club Cars & Coffee event. The club has their own club house with car storage, working bay with tools and lift, a banquet area, and their very own English Pub! They support a wide variety of British marques, and had around 20 cars in attendance (plus more in storage). Very cool setup and great people! 

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May 7 2022 Town ‘n Country Drive

MG3 members officially said goodby to Winter on Saturday, May 7, when over 2 dozen cars teamed up for the 1st drive of the season. The starting group took off from the airport McDonalds and motored thru Milwaukee and into the North Shore suburbs, picking up a couple of waiting MGs along the way.

When the group stopped at the McDonalds pit stop in Grafton, folks were astonished & delighted to see a like number waiting to add to the parade count for the 2nd leg. MGs dominated the parking lot. We stayed at the impromptu car show beyond the time allotted but no one was complaining. The sun was out… and as the temperature went up… the tops came down! Of note was the “on the road” fuel filter replacement performed by Ron Videkovich on his Sunbeam Minx right there in the parking lot. Country roads awaited in Ozaukee & Washington Co for the 2nd leg of the drive. At Waynes’s Drive-In non-members Floyd & Mary Roberts were waiting in their bright yellow MGB; when all those cars landed, they must have liked what they saw as they joined MG3 on the spot. All in all, a splendid day to begin the 2022 season. A special thanks must go to Al Luening who provided walkie-talkie communication for the long conga line.

Participants:
Dave Jefferson MGA
John Stark MG TD
Garry Kelley MGA
Paul Martin MG Midget
Ron Videkovich Sunbeam Minx
Pete Probst MGB
Al Luening MGB
Ron Willman MG Midget
Dave & Rose Luther MGA
Chauncey Martin AH 3000
Scott & Tamara Crouch MGB
Pat Goetzinger MGB
Fred & Meg Fleischmann MGB-GT
Tom Piontkowski MGB
Bob & Terri Strysick MGB-GT
Russ Gaouette MGA
Wayne Radaj MGB
Frank Ruebl MG Midget
Mark Rodenkirch MG TD
Mike Harrington MGB
Margaret Fisher MGB
Bob & Tom Tatterson MGB
Bob Gehweiler MGB
Adam Forsberg
Floyd & Mary Roberts (new members) MGB

Thanks to the hearty souls who ventured out on this inaugural drive.
Safety Fast! Dave Jefferson

Photos courtesy of Margaret Fisher, Ron Willman, and Ron Videkovich. 

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April 23rd Annual Gala and Business Meeting

Our annual Gala event was held Saturday, April 23 at the Delafield Brewhaus with 35 attending. It was our second year at the Brewhaus and they again receive four stars for food, beverage, attentive service and hospitality! This year’s event was held in the lower level private banquet room with large screens for continuous visual presentations.

Thanks to Dave Jefferson for supplying the library of photos and Scott Crouch for selecting and melding them into a pleasing plethora of LBC’s.

Of course, some business was shared that involved those in attendance. Mainly, a few by-law changes and the election of officers. Thanks to our outgoing president Ron Videkovich and temporary co-treasurers: Ron Videkovich and Dave Jefferson. And congrats to our new officers: President: Ron Willman; Treasurer: Dave Hanson; Board members: Bob Tatterson and Scott Crouch (technology). It was a busy and fun evening. Thanks to all for your past and future contributions.

A special Gift of Appreciation was given to Ken and Connie Rizzo for creating our website and the online Exhaust and to Connie for maintaining our membership directory and continuous updating.

There was a nice selection of silent auction items from large framed car prints to side-view mirrors.

Secretary Margaret Fisher took the opportunity to explain how the Leadership Board works for our 50th Anniversary Year. She explained how points are earned by participation in this year’s events, wearing your name tag, buying a 50th Anniversary shirt, and many other ways. And she did an excellent job at being our impromptu emcee! Thanks Margaret! (Do I get a point?)

 – Sir Cliff

March 9th 2022 Trivia Challenge

On March 9^th, the MG3 Club had its first Trivia Challenge night. Two relatively convenient locations ran the challenges simultaneously, participant gathered for Trivia Challenge Northeast at Cedars3 Bowling Center in Cedarburg and Trivia Challenge Southwest gathered at Matty’s in New Berlin. Participants who remembered to wear their club nametags were awarded a point, as it consistent with ALL Club activities this year.

The “MG3 Trivia Northeast” group had a fun time as six current members new and old, and another prospective member, enjoyed dinner and banter before getting down to the serious business of MG trivia. To kick things off and warm-up for the main contest, Kathy Tatterson presented a “warm up round” of ten easy car-themed trivia questions. The round proved not so easy, as only one person aced the test. New member Garry Kelley scored 10/10 in the warm-up. After the warm-up and easing the choke, competitors were ready to engage first gear and tackle the first 12 of 25 trivia questions. Club secretary Margaret Fisher, who created the questions, had her name invoked repeatedly with colorful embellishments, as everyone slogged through some very obscure and challenging questions. In the end, after refilling the tanks and completing the second round of 13 questions, a winner emerged!  Vice-President David Jefferson scored 12 correct with Bob Gehweiler and Dave Kelley trailing closely at 10 each. 

Similarly challenged at “Trivia Challenge Southwest” located at Matty’s in New Berlin, nine attendees arrived to eat and make themselves merry. Club Board member Cliff Muehlenberg challenged six trivia players with a similar round of 25 questions. First place with a perfect score was long-time member Dave Hanson! Second place was Pete Probst with 19/25 correct. Everyone said it was a fun evening and a great place to get together with nice amenities, good food and service, and ample parking.   Thanks to our spectacular club volunteers Bob & Kathy Tatterson, and Cliff Muehlenberg for facilitating the game and keeping score for the Leaderboard, which you will soon be able to view.  The Leaderboard will be updated with each event that falls within our 50^th Anniversary year. Sorry you missed out?  Another Trivia Challenge is planned for November.  Want to improve your score? Just read online articles and watch YouTube videos that have something to do with MG.

Competitors at Northeast: Gary Kelley, David Jefferson, Ron Videkovich, Bob Gehweiler and Dave Kelley.

Competitors at Southwest: Dave & Anne Hanson, Russ Gaouette, Pete & Chris Probst, Tom Piontkowski, Scott & Tamara Crouch and Ken Rizzo.

Hosts: Bob & Kathy Tatterson, Cliff Muehlenberg

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February 5th 2022 MG3 Chili Cook-Off 

Club members came together during the off-driving season from Burlington, Racine, Mequon, and West Bend to the small rural area of Ixonia.

All the chilis were very good and it was hard to say whose was the best. However, we had independent food critic, Russ Antos, who came in from Milton to judge. Russ had only good praise for all the chilis, making it a hard, but not impossible decision.

Our winner for Hottest Chili went to Sir Cliff Muehlenberg for his Chinese Chili, while Best Overall went to Meg Fleischmann. 

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December 5th 2021 MG3 Holiday Cookie Exchange Party

All 120 members of the club were cordially invited to attend the “party of the year” held on Sunday December 5^th at Club Secretary, Margaret Fisher’s house located between West Bend and Newberg, WI. The traditional Cookie Exchange format was observed with numerous delightful, carefully baked and designed treats provided by the intrepid members who made good on their RSVPs despite the snowy/sleety weather. No one drove their “fair-weather cars” to the event. 

Gerry Brown and Victoria set the style tone with sportscoat/tie/polished shoes- the whole nine yards. Some were practically walking holiday decorations themselves as several members attended in fashion forward holiday themed sweaters including some directly from the knitting obsessed Scandinavian countries. 

Champagne was handed around and those less likely to favor the bubbles chose from Beer, low-alc flavored spritzers, juice, etc. Partiers worked up an appetite by challenging themselves to an art contest in which each attendee put a paper plate on top of their own head and drew a snowman on it. The resulting “Snowmen (!)” were judged by UWM-Peck School of Fine Arts student Peter Doering. In all fairness, Meg and Victoria won hands down with figures most accurately depicting what we commonly refer to as a snowman. After a solid round of congrats to the winning artists, everyone vied for stacks of prizes including cash prizes in the “Unwrap the Lump of Coal game” in which two boxes of plastic wrap were wound around an ever-increasing ball of prizes and directives. Contestants had 10 seconds to unwrap as much as they could to find how ever many prizes they unwound in that amount of time. Passersby remarked that the house was positively shaking with the robust, repeated counting from 1-10 as the ball was passed to the next contestant over and over. 

Finally, the contestants were given a chance to relax their facial muscles from all the laughter and shouting by diving into the buffet line and loading up with the delectable gourmet stylings provided by the amateur/semi-pro culinary whizzes who quite obviously did not hold back on their food offerings. The hungry partygoers feasted on two kinds of meatballs in sauces, pickles wrapped in cream cheese and prosciutto, cashews, venison jerky, Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo, Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage, Roast Turkey and gravy on hard rolls, more cookies, red velvet cake and more. 

Those who attended and who will not forget this for a long, long time include: Charles and Gail Haskins, Jim and Linda Talos, Fred and Meg Fleishmann, Dr. Mark O’Meara, Gerry Brown and Veronica, Bob and Kathy Tatterson, Chauncey Martin, and Club Exec Board members President Ron Videkovich, Cliff Muehlenberg, Dave Jefferson, and Margaret Fisher.

A giant thank you goes out to Margaret for her generosity for hosting the Holiday cookie exchange for the club.  Dave Jefferson remarked  “Margaret planned and attended to everything that made for a hospitable gathering…she was a generous hostess and each member felt welcomed in her home. I think this was a throwback to an earlier time in the club when this event was held in someone’s house, pot luck style…a great contrast to recent meetings at an impersonal pub or restaurant Thank you, Margaret, for rekindling that spirit.”

October 9th, 2021 Autumn Color Drive Participants.

Pictures of  the October 9th, 2021 Autumn Color Drive taken at the start in Delafield, WI by Ken Rizzo. Place your cursor on the first picture and click. The picture will enlarge. Click on the >> and << symbols to navigate.  Press your escape “esc” key to exit the photo gallery. 

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British Car Field Day – Sunday August 22, 2021

The following pictures of the August 22nd, 2021 British Car Field Day were randomly taken with no mission or purpose in mind.  I just photographed what appealed to my eye that day.  Ken Rizzo

Pictures of  the August 22nd, 2021 British Car Field Day taken and edited a little by Ken Rizzo  Place your cursor on the first picture and click. The picture will enlarge. Click on the >> and << symbols to navigate.  Press your escape “esc” key to exit the photo gallery. 

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Lost Soul Rally – August 14, 2021

Probably one of the most ideal days was this years LSR on August 14. My grade school friend Sir Greg (Wernisch) of Highland Park IL and I planned the August drive earlier this month driving it seven times to make sure “all was accurate”

The route was easy and the questions maybe a bit too easy so we had to devise some way of adding a degree of challenge. Driving the route between Eagle Springs and Mukwonago on Hwy LO, it struck me there were many speed changes and the light “went on.” Then many speed changes in the entire route? The number would surprise you!

That caused a second lap that same day to begin counting. But I needed Sir Greg’s help to do it very carefully. And we did. This did indeed become the most challenging part of the questions. And it was different and kept the “nav” very busy!

For the second year in a row Nancy and Doug Breneman came in first, with Lauren and Ron Wilman coming in second. In last place new members Vickie and Joe Hazard received the Big Trophy replete with silver bowl engraved with MG logo and “Lost Soul Rally.” This unique find was discovered in an antique store many years ago by Bernie Evans when he was a much younger man! The Hazard’s have agreed to design next year’s LSR. They are good sports!

Not helping the Hazard’s come across the finishing line in a timely fashion, was a train which they estimated delayed them 3 minutes. Math never being my strong suit, I believe it was much longer than that!

All had fun and seemed to enjoy the challenges of the “Old LSR.” 

 – Sir Cliff, MG3 and Sir Gregory, ISOA

Pictures of  the August 14th, 2021 Lost Soul Rally Lannon Car Show taken by Sir Cliff Muehlenburg and and edited by Ken Rizzo  Place your cursor on the first picture and click. The picture will enlarge. Click on the >> and << symbols to navigate.

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Pictures of  the July 25th, 2021 Lannon Car Show taken and edited by Ken Rizzo  Place your cursor on the first picture and click. The picture will enlarge. Click on the >> and << symbols to navigate 

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MG3ers Gather for the Town ’n Country Drive

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The 3rd annual MG3 club-only car show at Gift of Wings kite store Saturday, July 10 came off splendidly with help from the ideal weather that prevailed. Previous turn-out figures were matched (or exceeded by a few cars) as over 20 lined up along the grass parkway in front of the store. President Videkovich brought and set up the club pop-up awning ahead of time and festooned the ground with feather flags and banner to make our presence seen & known. The store provided complimentary ice cream & popcorn to club members. Some new couples joined because of our display. Thanks to Wayne Radaj for acting as Champion for the event and all those who participated.   -David Jefferson

Pictures of  the July 10th, 2021 MG3 Car Show by Ron Videkovich and Ken Rizzo  Place your cursor on the first picture and click. The picture will enlarge.Click on the >> and << symbols to navigate through the pictures.  Press esc key to exit the photo slide show. 

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Pictures of  the June 20th, 2021 Fathers Day Drive by Ron Videkovich. Place your cursor on the first picture and click. The picture will enlarge.Click on the >> and << symbols to navigate through the pictures.  Press esc key to exit the photo slide show. 

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Pictures of  the May 22, 2021 Joint MG3-AustinHealey Club Spring Drive taken and edited by Ken Rizzo. Place your cursor on the first picture and click. The picture will enlarge.Click on the >> and << symbols to navigate through the pictures.  Press esc key to exit the photo slide show. 

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Drive you MGA (-eh! or other British car) Day – May 1, 2021

This was the club’s first drive of the year.  It started out a little cold at the first gathering point. At the second gathering point we experience light drizzle. The drive start coats came off and tops down a the temperature warmed that morning. The drive continued straight to Menomonee Falls, which was a little detour from the route instructions due to confusion between Town Line Road and Town Hall Road. Then it continued through Lake county to Lake Five Mobil for a rest stop. Highlight of the route was the double curve going under the high train trestle near North Lake. Our final destination was Water Street Brewery in Delafield for fellowship.  The first drive of the season totaled 9 cars and 14 People.  Participants were:

Ronald Videkovich                      1951MGTD Replica (Duchess)                                                                 Jim and Margret Maslowski     1974MGB                                                                                              Doug and Nancy Breneman     1972 MGB                                                                                                   Scott and Tamara Crouch        1972 MGB                                                                                              Jerry Brown &  Veronica Arivs  1974 MGB                                                                                              Fred and Meg Fleischmann      1967 MGB GT                                                                                            Russ and Leslie Gaoutte            MGB                                                                                                          Cliff Muehlenberg                       1980 MGB                                                                                                Greg Wermisch                            TriumphTR6

Pictures of  the May 1, 2021 Drive Your MGA Day taken by Ron Videkovich and edited by Ken Rizzo. Place your cursor on the first picture and click. The picture will enlarge.Click on the >> and << symbols to navigate through the pictures.  Press esc key to exit the photo slide show. 

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Thanks to all for coming out for the drive. Thanks to Ken Rizzo for pictures.

– Dave Jefferson 

Pictures of  the October 10, 2020 Autumn Color Drive taken by Ken Rizzo and Cathy (Ron’s navigator).  Pictures are taken randomly as opportunity arises.  If we missed taking a photo of your auto it was not intentional.

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2020 MG3/A-H Fall Color Tour to Door County, WI. 

A youtube video of the tour to Door County produced by John Seaman is available for viewing.  Just CLICK HERE to view.  

Special thanks to Dennis Flancher for bringing the pop-up for shade, Rob Gustafson for his pop-up that was not used, the Gift of Wings kite store for ice cream & popcorn, and Wayne Radaj for conceptualizing & championing the event. Thanks to all who attended. Dedicated to Bill Hentzen (1932-2020), whose passing we learned about as the show went on. 

—Dave Jefferson, MG3 Membership Coordinator

Pictures of  the August 29, 2020 MG3 Lakefront Car Show taken by Dave Jefferson, Mike Massa, and Ken Rizzo. Place your cursor on the first picture and click. The picture will enlarge.Click on the >> and << symbols to navigate through the pictures.  Press esc key to exit the photo slide show. 

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Lost Soul Rally – August 1, 2020 

Saturday August 1st was a beautiful day for a car rally.  MG3 Members gathered at the BP station on College Avenue near I-43 and Racine Avenue in Muskego.

Many thanks to Bernie Evans for planning the event and seeing us off.  Bernie gave us a brief history of the Lost Soul Rally and our traveling trophy.

It was nice to see the traveling trophy with the addition to the base for future winners and losers of this annual rally.  Losers of the rally have the privilege of planning next year’s Lost Soul Rally (maybe even with a little revenge, all in good fun of course.)

Scores were tallied at the end of the rally by Ronald Videkovich.  There were 3 cars tied for first place in scoring, so mileage was used as the tie breaker.

Participants:

Doug and Nancy Breneman                              MGB                           1^st Place                                          Ron Willman and Joe Hazard                             MG Midget                2^nd Place                                        Ridge Howard                                                      Triumph Spitfire       3^rd Place                                        Fred and Meg Fleischmann                               MGB GT                      4^th Place                                        Sir Cliff Muehlenberg and Greg Wernisch      Triumph TR6              5^th Place

Non-competing Participants:                                                                                                              Ronald Videkovich and Ling Gao                   MGTD Tribute (Hybrid MG Wannaby)                      Dave Jefferson                                                  MGA

Pictures of  the July 11, 2020 Fundraiser/Poker Run taken by Ling Gao. Place your cursor on the first picture and click. The picture will enlarge.Click on the >> and << symbols to navigate through the pictures.  Press esc key to exit the photo slide show. 

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Poker-Fundraiser Drive, Saturday July 11, 2020

A break in the week’s high humidity and warmth greeted the participants of the 2nd Annual MG3 Fundraiser Drive on July 11.  Nine teams with two members completed the winding drive through lake country that included five stops. At each stop, a team member jumped out of their car…and pulled a sealed envelope out of a larger envelope containing a playing card.  At the end of the drive at LeDuc’s Custard, each team opened their envelopes to reveal and evaluate their playing hand.  For small fee, the team could purchase an additional card to enhance their chances of winning.  The team of Ken and Connie Rizzo won with three aces in their hand.  Ironically they were the last car in the drive and had no choice other than to chose the one remainder envelope at each of the five stops.  Second place went to John and Mary Wackman.  Taking third place was the team of Pete Probst and Al Luening. Everybody enjoyed the custard and food at LeDuc’s afterwards and the club’s treasury was enhanced with some additional funds.  

Teams (driver listed first…navigator second) that participated were:

Ron Willman and Joe Hazard                                                                                  John and Mary Wackman                                                                                        Dave Jefferson and Wayne Radaj                                                                            Ron Videkovich and Cliff Muehlenberg                                                                          Dave and Anne-Marie Hanson                                                                                  Pete Probst and Al Luening                                                                                          Bernie and Rosie Evans                                                                                                Ken and Connie Rizzo                                                                                                  Fred and Meg Fleischmann                                                                                     Rob Gustafson and Kellie Commons

Pictures of  the July 11, 2020 Fundraiser/Poker Run taken by Ken Rizzo. Place your cursor on the first picture and click. The picture will enlarge.Click on the >> and << symbols to navigate through the pictures.  Press esc key to exit the photo slide show. 

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The need to get outdoors and socialize (at least from a distance!) was obvious with a huge turnout at our annual Joint MG3/WA-HC Spring Tour that took place on Saturday, May 23.  Hard to believe, but this is the 9^th Joint Spring Tour as the two Clubs teamed up for the first event in 2012!

As COVID-19, self-quarantine and social distancing remains part of our lives, it was great to have nice weather and a driving event to see old friends and enjoy a great route – mostly following the scenic Kettle Moraine Drive from Delafield to New Fane. Thanks go out to Walker Young for choosing some fabulous roads!  No reported breakdowns….only one hungry Healey running short of fuel just a few miles from the final check point! 

With advanced apologies if we missed anyone, those that were able to participate are:

Jim Clemons and Nephew –  A-H 100
Bernie Evans Jr – Lotus Elise
Bernie and Teri Evans – A-H 3000
Fred and Meg Fleischmann – A-H 3000
Ben and Lizel Holzem – MGB
Dave Jefferson and Wayne Radaj – MGA
John and Jill Johnson – A-H 3000
Al Luening – MGB
Mark O’Meara – A-H 3000
Pete Probst – MGB
Ken Rizzo and Jeff Bruss – Triumph Spitfire
Mark Rodenkirck (MG3 Charter Member) – MG TD
Carol Schuh (Thanks for coming to send us off!)
John and Sandi Seaman – A-H 3000
John Stark – MG TD
Mike Swanger – A-H Sprite
Jim and Robin Swernoff – A-H 3000
Fred Thomas and Penny Rushing – A-H 3000
Ron Videkovich and Ling Gao – SUV
Walker and Susan Young – A-H 3000

Pictures of  the May 2, 2020 Drive Your MGA Day taken by Ken Rizzo, Ron Videkovich, and Dave Jefferson Place your cursor on the first picture and click. The picture will enlarge.Click on the >> and << symbols to navigate through the pictures.  Press esc key to exit the photo slide show. 

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Youtube video of the May 2, 2020 Drive by John Seaman of the WA-H Club.  Just click here to be taken to the Youtube video. 

Drive Your MGA Day…May 2, 2020

The following are the known participants.  For some reason there were 17 cars at one point in the drive but we can’t account for all of them.  We miss a couple of cars with their drivers.  Sorry about that.  

1. Dave Jefferson and Wayne Radaj	MGA
2. Russ & Leslie Gaduette	MGA
3. JD & Gaylene Townsley	MGA
4. Doug and Nancy Breneman	MGB
5.Ronald Videkovich & Ling Gao	MGB
6. Dennis Flancher	MGB
7. Don Soderberg	MGB
8. Gerald Brown	MGB
9. Ken & Connie Rizzo	MGB
10. John & Cabranes	MGB
10, Cliff Muehlenberg	MGB
11, Jim and Margret Maslowski	MGB
11. Carie and Roseann Evans	Triumph GT6
12. Bernie Evans Jr.	Lotus
13. Bernie & Terri Evans	Opel GT
14. Fred & Nancy Anderson	Corvette
15. Michael & Sharon Harding	SUV

Pictures of  the May 2, 2020 Drive Your MGA Day taken by Nancy Breneman, Ken Rizzo and Ron Videkovich.Place your cursor on the first picture and click. The picture will enlarge.Click on the >> and << symbols to navigate through the pictures.  Press esc key to exit the photo slide show. 

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