It started out to be a chilly 38-dergee pre-dawn morning on October 16th as I headed out in my MGB to set up for the Car Care Safety Clinic for seniors. I had confidence it was going to be a good event, once the sun came up, and it turned into a beautiful day. I couldn’t be happier with the turnout of volunteers and the seniors who brought their vehicles to be inspected. We drew 61 cars in this still lingering Covid-19 era!

We learned last May that the Car Care Safety Clinic is safer and more efficient with the vehicle's driver remaining in their vehicle throughout the whole process. We implemented this measure in abundance-of-caution due to the pandemic, making the event a

A Triad volunteer restocks her supplies to register arriving vehicles..

"drive-through" operation. The October session refined theassembly-line methodology, with separate crews inspecting the 11 items in the "LIGHTS" category (Ford Model T Club and Triadvolunteers), and from there, the vehicles went into the garage, where a second crew (Chicagoland Miata Club) worked on the "TIRE" inspection category.

The "UNDERHOOD," "INTERIOR," and "MISC" inspections and follow-up review were performed by the Chicagoland MG Club. Bill Kalafut, Dean Hickenlooper, Steve "Sparky" Sparks, Gerald Chapman, and Melissa Gonzales were on the crew, and Jim Compton, with Bob Dorley, did the majority of reviewing the inspection report results with each vehicle's owner. Gerald and I did some of those reviews and recommendations as well. Also, thank you Jamie Schafer for putting it on the club’s driving events calendar and promoting it.

A MG crew in action. (from nearest to farthest ) Den Hickenlooper, Sparky Sparks, Gerald Chapman, and Melissa Gonzales.

I am blessed to have so many volunteers who helped make it such a smooth-running process. Thanks also to my fellow committee member Debbie Breihan, who coordinated all the other event functions. She had a crew (one Triad member and one Triad volunteer) who registered each vehicle, and another crew assembled and delivered Triad goodies and snacks directly to the drivers in the line-up of cars. Debbie also took care of the catered food, treats, and sandwiches for all of the volunteers. We couldn't have done it without the eager support of the Chicagoland MG Club, and I am extremely grateful for your support of this worthwhile event.

~~ Jim Vondran