Meeting Minutes December, 2008

Here’s hoping that everyone had a joyous holiday and wishing all a happy new year. Now comes the hard part of the season, paying off those credit cards. If you can’t sleep at night worrying about how to pay those Christmas bills, I have the solution. The all-new 2008 (yes ’08) edition of the Illinois Vehicle Code. I guarantee reading this will cure the worst case of insomnia. Expanded from 544 to 613 pages, plus an additional 200 or so pages of indexes, it does contain everything you need to know about vehicle laws in our fine state.
For something a little lighter, we also have a biography of Ken Miles, plus the materials we mentioned back in November.

Ken Miles
By Art Evans
2004, softbound, 124 pages, B&W photos

Ken Miles was known as ‘Mr. MG’ back in the 50s, winning in an MG special he designed and constructed. He then moved on to Porsches, Cobras, and Ford GTs.
“Evans has created a biological scrapbook. Interspaced with the author’s own writing are period magazine and newspaper articles plus remembrances written by some of those who knew Miles well, including his employer and close friend, Carroll Shelby.
“The book starts off with a complete chronology from birth to death and ends with the eulogy delivered by the author’s father and a never-before assembled record on Miles’ races”
-- Wilbur

Let's Try That One More Time (January 13, 2009)
  The final search in 2008 was scheduled for December 9th. Maybe you remember, we had something a little different stop in mind, but boy, did it snow hard that night. There were just 5 of us, more or less locals or members on the way home from work.  So, lets try it one more time and go to the same cool place.
    It is kind of an experiment. No Irish Pub, no micro- brewery, no yuppie bar, no gourmet quiche, no flavored cafe lattes, no stone pizza oven and no wood burning grill. Just a plain old and simple neighborhood bar with really great home made Pizza, friendly service, inexpensive brews, ample parking and several TV screens to follow your favorite game. We think you'll like it.  This is more like a low-key local establishment.
    Coming from the South on I-294 you take exit Dempster East, go for about a 1/4 of a mile and turn North on Potter. After another 1/4 of a mile turn West on Ballard and the Country Side Saloon is on the left side of the road. From the North it is exit Golf, go East and after about 1/4 of a mile turn South on Potter. After about 1/2 mile turn West on Ballard and you'll find the saloon on the left side.
    The place is quite large and we have no formal reservations. Let's just go on the right side of the bar when you enter. We can hang out at the bar or grab a couple small tables so that we can mix and talk to all MG friends. And make sure that you get your own tab when you order food and/or drinks.

Country Side Saloon
2501 E Ballard Rd
Des Plaines, IL 60016
(847) 827-5577

  If you have any questions, please call Reinout Vogt 847 342 9804 You can now visit the website for the Countryside Saloon at www.countrysidesaloon.com

Amtrak Road Trip January 23 - 25, 2009

The general interest was towards the Ford Museum, the very first of the Amtrak Road Trip destinations. However, the Detroit Auto Show, also known as the North American International Auto Show, will still be running at Cobo Hall in central Detroit in case anyone would like to get some of the very last of the Big Three promotional literature.
The details:
Depart Union Station, Chicago (CHI) 6:00 P.M. on January 23, 2009 arriving Dearborn, Michigan (DER) at 11:59 P.M. on the 354 Wolverine
Depart Dearborn, Michigan (DER) at 12:13 P.M. on January 25, 2009 arriving Union Station, Chicago (CHI) at 4:41 P.M. on the 353 Wolverine
John Schroeder wished to pass along the following ticket information update: There is an AMTRAK promotion for a companion ticket at ½ price.  It is saves about $17 over AAA/AARP price.  You have to book on the phone and ask for Promotion Code H777.  I just rebooked our trip and the total was $87 instead of $104.40. There is limited availability.  You have to purchase and travel between 11/1/08 and 3/14/09.  It should work for anyone who wants to join us. The arrival in Dearborn will be after the hotel shuttle is over for the evening, but the taxi ride is only a few dollars when shared.
Make your reservations at the Best Western Greenfield Inn in Dearborn at 1-800-342-1600. The reservation code is