Volume 46 - Vol 5 | October 2024 |
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Dear Members of MBCA Peachtree,
It has been my distinct privilege to serve on the MBCA Peachtree board since 2019 in various capacities—as a Board Member, Membership Director, Vice President, and, most recently, as your President. The experiences, camaraderie, and progress we have shared together have been immensely rewarding, and I am profoundly grateful for the trust and support you have extended to me throughout my tenure.
As I prepare to embrace the exciting opportunity of becoming editor for The Star Magazine, I must inform you, with sincere reflection, that I will be stepping down as President, effective at our upcoming October board meeting, one year earlier than initially planned. While this decision was not made lightly, I am confident that our club's momentum and future are in strong hands.
A vital part of leadership is ensuring continuity, and after careful consideration, I have recommended that our current Vice President, Rusty Duncan, assume the role of President. Rusty's consistent vision, his dedication to innovation, and his unwavering commitment to welcoming new faces and fresh activities to MBCA Peachtree make him an ideal candidate to lead our chapter forward. Additionally, I have suggested that Sam Kamber be appointed as Vice President. Sam’s remarkable success in delivering high-quality events, combined with his genuine passion for enriching the club’s experience, makes him a natural fit for this important role.
I wish to express my deepest gratitude to the entire board and membership group for your tireless dedication to our shared vision. Together, we have not only strengthened our chapter but also elevated MBCA Peachtree to a level of national recognition that we all take pride in. The compliments we have received from across the country are a testament to your commitment and efforts.
Though I will be transitioning out of my leadership role, my connection to this club remains strong, and I look forward to continuing to support MBCA Peachtree in every way I can. Thank you all for your unwavering dedication, trust, and friendship throughout this journey.
With warmest regards,
Rubin Howard |
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| Member Spotlight - JoAnne Taylor |
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by Marisa Hegyesi
JoAnne Taylor is the current Mayor of Dahlonega, a jewel in the North Georgia Mountains. Originally from Brooklyn, JoAnne obtained her Bachelor of Arts from New York’s Mercy College. She is also a Certified Sales Executive.
Her first job was babysitting and being a lifeguard. After a 32-year career with IBM, she retired from her position as Vice President in the Global Telecommunications Industry. Her extensive career included positions in global executive and line management, as a consultant and practice principal to the Utility industry, and in detailed technical roles. When asked how she balances work/home life, she stated that being Mayor keeps her “pretty busy! I turn off my city phone on weekends, take trips scheduled around meetings, and don’t react to Facebook inaccurate posts!”
Married for 31 years, with grown children JoAnne enjoys family time, reading, bird watching, singing choral music, traveling, golf and baking bread. JoAnne’s favorite food is good bread. JoAnne – Got any bread recipes you would share? Read More about JoAnne |
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10/7 | Star Summit Performance Driving at AMP | register | map 10/18 - 10/20 | Return to the Dragon Fall Drive |register| map |
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| November / December Events |
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Welcome NEW Members Robert Alexander John each August Elliott Dale Garber James Oldham Andrew Schmidt Karl Snell
Thanks to our RENEWING Members!
Charles Allen Mike Dougherty Anthony Clark Benjamin Everest Frank Hills Joerg Hohler Ire Isaacson Alfonso Jessie Jr Sam Kamper Alan Kidson Nelson Loh Charles Mendez John Olson III Douglas Porter Joseph Ruda Kent Sauter Barry Spurlock Demia Torres-Bohl Jack Winter Kurt Wolfe S Lyle Zuck |
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By Reijo Haarla, Membership Director
The Star Summit, Peachtree’s largest event of the year will take place this weekend, Friday to Monday, October 4 – 7, 2024. If you have not yet registered, please do so to attend this very versatile and interesting event. Check the registration site to see what activities are still open for registration.
Also, check the event calendar in this Newsletter and register to attend for other upcoming events as well. Attending club events is the best way to meet members that share your interest in Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
How does a member Renew? Members who are within the Renewal window (60 days) can either renew by logging into Glueup and Renew from their profile (Memberships) or they can just simply pay from the reminder email.
An easy way to ensure that your membership stays active is to simply select YES to Auto-Renew option when renewing your membership. |
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Renewing your Membership is EASY! 1. Renew from the email reminder that comes in your email * 2. Log into your MBCA account and Renew from your Membership profile * 3. Mail a check to the National Business Office: Mercedes-Benz Club of America 10 Boulder Crescent St, Suite 200 Colorado Springs CO 80903 4. Call the National Business Office and renew over the phone Tues-Thurs: 9 am - 3 pm MT Phone: 719.633.6427 * 60 days before membership expiration, must log into mbca.org
Logging into your Glue Up Accountwith your MBCA login credentials. If you have not established your MBCA login, you can easily register by clicking on “Register”. ⚠️ If the system warns you that the email is already linked to an existing Glue Up account and you forgot your password, click “forgot password” to recover it before logging in. |
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by Gary Edwards, Technical Advisor
This is another story of how fault codes don’t necessarily tell you what’s wrong. They typically point you in the general direction of the issue, but very often problems masquerade under misleading fault codes. If the component reporting the fault codes itself has a problem, it can get challenging. I finally got a first generation ML, a rode-hard and put up wet 2000 ML55. After dealing with a misfire, weird ride motions over bumps, non-functional windshield wipers and a hood that wouldn’t stay open, I started driving it on local errand runs. I was particularly pleased that the AC worked well, that is until I started going on trips more than 10 minutes long. At about 10 minutes, the AC quit; that is the compressor stopped running and the air coming out of the ducts got warm! This was accompanied by a loud whining fan noise from under the hood. This summer was hot, and I needed the AC to work so I could get some use out of the car. The first thing I do for AC issues is to hook up a set of gages. The pressures looked a little low so I added some refrigerant, however at about 10 minutes the compressor shut off so I couldn’t add any more. I got a good enough look at the pressures, though, that I could tell it wasn’t a low refrigerant charge causing my problems. I also noticed that the huge single electric radiator fan was running at maximum speed.
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| Join us on Sunday, October 6th at 10:00 am. for Stars and Coffee and for the start of the Georgia Mountain Drive at Noon.
One Mercedes-Benz Drive Sandy Springs, GA 30328 |
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Atlanta is home to Mercedes-Benz, and now home to Star Summit - MBCA Peachtree's largest event of the decade.
MBCA Peachtree will start the weekend off with a Tech Session: AMG Buyers Guide at DC Motorwerks on Friday afternoon from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Friday evening Stars of Road and Wrist cocktail reception, sponsored by Mercedes-Benz Experience Center in Alpharetta, GA will be held from 5:30 - 7:30 pm. This by invitation-to-show event will feature a curated display of Mercedes-Benz history whilst inviting watch enthusiasts to display, network, and mingle while enjoying hors d’oeuvres and drinks. Hospitality tickets includes hors d’oeuvres and drinks. Spectator viewing of the cars is complimentary. |
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| WEATHER IS GOING TO BE COOL AND SUNNY |
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| COME PARTICIPATE IN THE CONCOURS |
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Concours Royale will commence on Saturday morning at 10:00 am. at Halycon in Alpharetta, GA, This years Concours will feature the following classes: - Concours Class - this class is designated for cars that are 25 years old or older that are in original or restored condition.
- Street Class - this class for cars less than 25 year old
- Custom Class - this class is for cars that do not fall into any of the above categories.
- Show and Shine Class -this class is for cars that do not wish to be judged but wish to show their car.
Participants in the Concours should plan to arrive by 8:30 am.. Each participant will receive one Commemorative Star Summit 2024 T-Shirt specifically designed for this event, a bag full of Mercedes-Benz swag from our sponsors, an opportunity to win one of our exclusively designed Concours trophies.
Saturday evening invites guests to a marvelous black tie event with the flair of Monaco at the Casino Royale Gala. at RBM of Alpharetta dealership at 7:00 p.m (note the change in the start time). This Mercedes-Benz Inspired by a true Casino experience, guests will have the opportunity to play Poker, Blackjack, and Craps following the awards ceremony.
Sunday morning at 10:00 am. guests are invited to Stars and Coffee. at Mercedes-Benz USA, located at One Mercedes Benz Drive, Sandy Springs, GA 30328. Plan to join the North Georgia Mountain Drive after Stars and Coffee. This mountain drive will begin at NOON and will wind through the roads of the gorgeous North Georgia mountains to Kaya Vineyard and Winery in Dahlonega, GA.
Make the most of your weekend by extending it to a Monday, at a Mercedes-Benz centric High Performance Driver Education Day at Atlanta Motorsports Parkhosted by the Mercedes-Benz Club of America Performance Driving Academy starting at 7:00 am. Classroom and in-car instruction will teach you the joy of driving your Mercedes on the track, plus we will have a Women Only Novice Class. |
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The Chattanooga Motorcar Festival is in its fifth year and has grown immensely. Below is a copy of this year's press release that will fill you in on the goings-on for the week. This is a fantastic weekend full of activities, great people, excellent restaurants, and a great time enjoying and celebrating all things automotive in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. Please consider being a part of it this year!
Proceeds from the Chattanooga Motorcar Festival support neuroscience research through Fifty Plus Foundation, Inc. Approaching 13 years of supporting Alzheimer’s and neuroscience research, Fifty Plus Foundation created the Chattanooga Motorcar Festival to bring both local and global support to back research that is already making a difference in saving lives. |
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Diana Quinn, Event Planner Our Harold Wilson Memorial Fall Drive will return to the Murphy/Robbinsville North Carolina area to drive the Tail of the Dragon and the Cherohala Skyway. If you are unfamiliar with the “Tail of the Dragon”, this road is famous for its 318 curves in 11 miles.
We will start our adventure on Friday October 18th arriving in Murphy, North Carolina for a optional tour of the John C. Campbell Folk School. After which we will gather for dinner in Murphy, NC.
Saturday, choose your own adventure as to whether you will want to drive the “Dragon” first and then the Cherohala, or drive the Cherohala and finish your drive on the “Dragon”. Regardless of your choice you will ultimately find yourself in Tellico Plains Tennessee for lunch. Return back to Murphy via the alternate route to join the group for dinner.
Click the REGISTER button for hotel booking information and to register for this fun filled weekend! BOOK YOUR HOTEL reservations NOW!!! Rooms booked after October 1st will be based on availability. |
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Ernie Smallman and Patricia Duer, Event Planners
Olde Blind Dog Irish Pub Milton, GA December 14 | 11:30 am
A change from a traditional holiday luncheon-an Irish seasonal buffet. Olde Blind Dog has been a popular waterhole in Milton for the past ten years. Ole Blind Dog’s authentic reproduction of an Irish Pub was selected as the “Irish Pub of the Year” in 2015 by the Irish Global Pub Federation of Dublin Ireland.
Our private room buffet will include their renown Shepard’s Pie made with mutton in addition to entrees of salmon and corn beef: - Broiled Salmon
- Shepard’s Pie
- Corn Beef and cabbage, potatoes, carrots
- Seasonal vegetables
- Cheese Grits
- Side salad
- Tea, Coffee, or Water
The pub cash bar has an exhausting array of beer on tap and can mix cocktails to order. Parting words of Slainte Gaelach! -May your glass be ever full, -May the roof over your head be always strong, -May you be in heaven a half hour -Before the devil know you’re gone!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS, and JOIN US for a FESTIVE OL' IRISH LUNCHEON
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| The new Mercedes-AMG GT3 Edition 130Y Motorsport |
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August 17, 2024 – Affalterbach
Mercedes-AMG is celebrating 130 Years of Motorsport under the iconic three-pointed star. The anniversary dates back to the first automotive competition, from Paris to Rouen on July 22, 1894, where a Daimler licensed engine secured a victory.
To commemorate this historic milestone, Mercedes-AMG is celebrating the world premiere of the new AMG GT3 Edition 130Y Motorsport under the theme "Racing Legend Remastered" at the 2024 Pebble Beach Automotive Week. Limited to just 13 units worldwide, the highly exclusive model blends two iconic eras of motorsport.
Modern motorsport technology meets traditional design elements of the legendary race cars from the 1950s. With 671 hp, the non-homologated special model is the most powerful GT3 ever built in Affalterbach. It represents the final Mercedes-AMG GT3 variant to be powered by a naturally aspirated engine. |
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Peachtree’s MBCA Driving Academy at Columbia County Sheriff’s Driver Training Center 17 drivers and 7 instructors assembled at the Columbia County Georgia Sheriff’s Driver Training Center on July 20th for the first MBCA Driving Academy Driving Skills course. Students learned ABS braking, ABS braking while turning, emergency lane changes, vehicle dynamics using wet and dry slaloms, a wet figure 8, and a vehicle handling course, plus they were presented with distracted driving challenges and a slow speed backing and maneuvering course. Drivers ranged from a teen with a learner’s permit to an octogenarian, and each had a great time doing the exercises. Participants also enjoyed lunch from Reinhardts, a very popular local seafood restaurant. Each driver received a certificate of completion, which could allow reduced insurance rates, depending on the insurance provider. MBCA Performance Driving Committee Chair Gary Edwards commented, “Some will recall this as the Safe Driver, Safe Family Program; we’ve updated it and re-christened it as the MBCA Driving Academy, and we’re willing to help other sections put on this program. We’re especially thankful to the Columbia County Sheriff Clay Whittle for allowing us to use this magnificent facility – this is the best facility for this type of training that I have ever seen!” He continued, “We had perfect weather, great drivers and instructors and great hosts for the event; I’m very happy with how this turned out. We look forward to doing this again next year.” |
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| Peachtree Chapter Officers |
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Peachtree Chapter, MBCA Officers and Board of Directors and Leadership Support Members
Rubin Howard Rusty Duncan Brett Butler Rubin Howard (Ex-Officio)
Directors Reijo Haarla Sam Kamber Joseph Ruda Jr.
Past presidents Steve Chapman Ernie Smallman JoAnne Taylor
Committees Reijo Haarla - Membership Diana Quinn - Newsletter Rusty Duncan - Sponsors Gary Edwards - Technical Diana Quinn - Webmaster
Director at Large Will Coloma Dietmar Schmidt |
Eastern Regional Director Diana Quinn |
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Events Rusty Duncan Rubin Howard Gary Edwards Jim Fekete
For information or questions about the Peachtree Section, please contact us at 770-376-0669. |
Your MBCA Membership card is now in the My MBCA mobile app (Available for IOS and Andriod).
- Log into the app with your MBCA email and password. To set/reset your password go to www.mbca.org > Login > Forgot Password
- Select the Mercedes-Benz Club of America organization
- Click on Profile
- Click on Memberships
TIP: Take a screen shot of your membership card and save to your photos in your phone |
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