In With The New

In the time of old, the English Motoring Club and the Deep South Alfa
Club joined occasionally for events and 2008 was a return to some
combined gatherings first with DSAC’s Rally in April and then with the
2008 Christmas Party held on December 6, 2008 down in Raymond MS.

The Rally, a first for myself in I guess 30 or so years was a blast and
we’re looking forward to doing that again in April 2009.

The second, the Christmas Party was a heck of a lot of fun with new
faces and acquaintances that made for a perfectly enjoyable evening.
A few even made the evening trek at risk of the Lucas powers, to be
or not to be. My understanding was that everyone made it home
without incident. Bonnie and Andy Menapace put on a great spread,
everyone got the chance to pop, poppers and wear funny hats again
in 2008. The Christmas Party was a great way to end a fantastic
year with all the members of the EMC and others that joined us
for a little four wheel fun.

Thanks everyone that made 2008 such a fun and enjoyable time
to be involved with the EMC.

On January 17, 2009 sixteen members of the EMC gathered at
Sal and Phil’s in Ridgeland MS to kick of the 2009 EMC year.
Our gatherings are notorious for the limited amount of business
undertaken but this one was the exception. It looks like we’ve got
another great line up of activities for the new year. I’ll give you
a couple of teasers here. We’ve got four yes, four tech sessions
planned for the year. Andy Menapace is working on the DSAC’s
2009 Rally and get this, it’ll be held on April 4th (oh my!) this year!
David Crawford is putting together our famous overnight Drive
Thru History around central Mississippi for May. Dennis Loftin
and Keith Anderson are pushing for a group foray to The Mitty
and there are caravans planned to traditional area car shows
in the spring and fall. Keep and eye out for the updates to the
2009 Events Calendar at www.msemc.org and make plans to
get out and join us.

Other notes of business included some changes in the club
officers for 2009. Barbara Cashman will handle the steering
of the EMC for 2009 as president. I’m excited and hope that
you’ll join me in welcoming her to that position and offer your
support and assistance throughout the year. Clay Johnston will pick-up
her treasurer duties along with his secretarial functions. Jim and Faye
Enzman in absence were given the proper title of Regalia Chairman (couple?)
for 2009 and lest you think I’ve gone away I’ll continue to assist with
submissions to the Off-Side Undo.

I’ve got a few request to make of the membership for 2009:

Please keep an eye out for the 2009 dues notice. For 2009 they dues
will remain at $25.00 and still include a subscription to The British
Marque. What a deal!

Please, keep an eye on the Calendar! We’d love to see everyone join
us at the gatherings. The more the merrier.

And based on the amount of ah, well, ah grease slinging that goes
on around us car folks anytime we get together please consider writing
it down and submitting to me for the Off-Side Undo.

Here’s a glance at upcoming events. Please make plans and mark
your calendar.

FEBRUARY 21, 2009 - EMC Tech Session I / Eddiceton MS

Our kick-off Tech Session for 2009. Jim’s got traveling on
his mind in 2009 so make plans to help get him on the road.
Jim’s attempting to makeup for lost time on his projects so
wear your working dungarees. Bring a dish and / or a box of chicken. Wrenching begins at 11:00am with lunch break about 12:00pm. Details: Jim and Faye Enzman (601) 532 - 6293

MARCH 14, 2009 - EMC Tops Down / Rocky Springs MS

Our annual rite of passage is on tap again this year. This trip down the
Trace (or perhaps up) is a great way to ensure that the top of that LBC
is permanently dropped for summer. Bring a dish and settle back for a
relaxing day under the trees at Rocky Springs.
Lunch begins at 12:00pm.
Details: Keith Anderson (601) 829 - 2573

MARCH 20-21, 2009 - New Orleans British Car Day / New Orleans LA

Word is spreading. The British Car Club of New Orleans is getting together
for the 19th Annual New Orleans British Car Day. Plans are underway
for another great show in the Crescent City so keep an eye on their web site.
Details: www.bmcno.org

Happy Motoring

Gene Johnston