Gateway News – March April 2012 – Page 1 

SAINT LOUIS GATEWAY SECTION MERCEDES-BENZ CLUB OF AMERICA GATEWAY NEWS

MARCH 2012 APRIL 2012

“Serving the Greater St. Louis Area since 1972 !”

AUTOMOTIVE CLINIC EXTRAVAGANZA ! ST. LOUIS GATEWAY LADIES DAY OUT !

Reid Vann Luxury Import Service Saturday, March 17th, 2012

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Make your reservations NOW for an Automotive Clinic not to be missed ! The date of this Activity is scheduled for Saturday, March 17th, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Long-time Gateway News advertiser and supporters, Reid & Liz Vann of Reid Vann Luxury Import Service will host this event at their facility. St. Louis Gateway Section members will discover what is necessary to transform a “nice car” into a true concours winner. And what perfect timing, as the St. Louis European Auto Show will be taking place less than two months later.

Other professionals who will be involved in the day’s activities will include Mark Parafiniuk of Clear Auto Bra (314.518.6111 or mark@clearautobrallc.com), Saul Davidson of A&G Mobile Detailing (314.575.0953 or saul_davidson@ag-mobiledetailing.com), Alloy Wheel Repair Specialists of St. Louis (877.859.4335 or awrsmidwest.com), Steve Schuchmann of Walco Auto Interior (314.220.7251 or upholsteryrepairs@att.net), & Greg Miravalle of Professional Dent Repair (314.495.6162 or gmiravalle@msn.com).

Food, drink, and give-aways will be provided. PLEASE contact Rick Siefert (314.825.1903 or siefertrf@bv.com) to RSVP for what will assuredly be a fun and educational event.

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PURINA FARMS / HAWTHORNE INN Gray Summit / Labadie, MO

Saturday, April 21st, 2012

Purina Farms, located in Gray Summit, is a family-friendly facility that features an Event and Visitor’s Center, along with several Outdoor Canine Competition Venues, is an all-inclusive destination for animal lovers and enthusiasts of all ages. Fred Travis is in the process of putting together a visit for us to Purina Farms. Unfortunately, the facility is not taking reservations for group events until March 1st.

After our visit to Purina Farms, we will travel a short distance to the historic community of Labadie. It is here where we will have lunch together at the Hawthorne Inn.

Stay tuned for upcoming e-mail blasts that will provide details of what will assuredly be a fun and educational activity for all of

us. You can also contact Fred Travis at 636.742.2256 or alamoft@gmail.com.

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CALLING ALL ST. LOUIS GATEWAY LADIES ! !

Please join us on Saturday, March 17th for a Ladies Day Out. This activity will include shopping in Kirkwood and lunch with good friends and “non-car-related” conversation at Ameci’s !! If you would like to be a part of this fun outing, PLEASE contact Patti Siefert to RSVP at 314.378.0432.

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MASTODON STATE PARK / BLUE OWL INN Imperial & Historic Kimmswick

Saturday, May 19th, 2012 v 

Looking to take a trip to where something big happened? Why not join us for a short jaunt south on I-55 to the Mastodon State Park? It is on this site, located outside the small community of Imperial, where one will find the home of the Kimmswick Bone Bed. This is one of the most famous and extensive Pleistocene ice age deposits of fossils, including a number of bones of giant mastodons.

Join us on Saturday, May 19th, at 10:00 a.m., when we will depart from the Home Depot parking lot, located at the southwest corner of Watson Road and Lindbergh.

Our group is scheduled for 10:30 to participate in a short video and stroll through the museum, which Kacey and Bill indicate is quite impressive. We will then witness a demonstration and “try-it-ourselves” with a prehistoric tool that Missourians used to bring down big game. They fitted their arrow or spear into the tool for greater distance and power.

Departing the Park, our group will caravan on a short drive together to Kimmswick and an opportunity to view the little shops and just spend time enjoying each other’s company. Lunch is scheduled for 1:30 on the outdoor veranda at the Blue Owl Restaurant.

Cost for a fun-filled day with friends is a mere $3 for the Park Tour and about $21 for one of the 3-5 specials that the Blue Owl typically offers. This amount generally includes a beverage (no alcohol), dessert (a piece of mile-high pie, etc.), and tax and tip.

For further information and to RSVP for what will assuredly be an enjoyable and educational day with your St. Louis Gateway Section Friends, contact Kacey Cowdery at 314.968.5041 or kaceycowdery@swbell.net. ⇔⇔⇔⇔⇔⇔⇔⇔⇔⇔⇔⇔⇔⇔⇔⇔⇔⇔⇔⇔⇔⇔⇔⇔⇔⇔⇔⇔⇔⇔⇔⇔⇔⇔⇔⇔⇔⇔⇔⇔⇔

Gateway News – March April 2012 – Page 2

   

2012 MBCA SAINT LOUIS GATEWAY SECTION Officers and Board Members

SECTION OFFICERS

President Rick Siefert siefertrf@bv.com 314.825.1903 Vice-President Ed Barutio edbarutio2@att.net 636.273.9046 Secretary Dodie Frank dodiejerroy@yahoo.com 314.961.8881 Treasurer Dana Faerber ronfaerber@sbcglobal.net 314.434.4269

BOARD MEMBERS Alan Barker alan-barker@att.net 314.962.6857 Mimi Barutio mimibarutio@att.net 636.273.9046 Sally Edmiston rfedmiston@sbcglobal.net 636.536.1033 Mike Fults mndfults@yahoo.com 636.575.2161 Jim Gruss (Membership Chair) Jbgruss88@yahoo.com 314.452.3974 Russell Hughes 300sl@sbcglobal.net 636.938.4111 Patti Siefert siefertpatricia@rockwood.k12.mo.us 314.378.0432 Bill Valle (Newsletter Editor) cwvalle@swbell.net 314.968.5041

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John Dorsey (President Emeritus) johndorsey@centurytel.net 636.456.3974

Jonathan Devers (Webmaster – Administrator) 314.306.0793 webmaster@gatewaymercedesclub.com

Cliff Reyle (Central Regional Director) 901.754.8574 Cliff.reyle@youthvillages.org 

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

- Hello St. Louis Gateway Section Members -

Ah.........Spring, its right around the corner ! And yes, although our winter was in no way considered a “bad” one this year, I look forward to being able to enjoy the warmer weather activities. Don’t get me wrong, 2012 may be young, but we’ve already had a lot of fun together at the New Year Brunch in January and our Member Appreciation Reception in February. And, coming up in the next few months will be some great outdoor activities.

On Saturday, March 17th, we will gather together for what will assuredly be an interesting and educational clinic at Reid Vann Luxury Import Service, hosted by owners and club members, Reid & Liz. At the same time, Patti will be leading the St. Louis Gateway Ladies on an afternoon jaunt to historic Kirkwood for shopping and lunch together at Ameci’s. For April, Fred Travis is putting together the final touches on a tour of the Purina Farms facility in Gray Summit and then lunch together at the Hawthorne Inn in historic Labadie. And, on Saturday, March 17th, Kacey Cowdery has assembled something different for us at Mastodon State Park that will assuredly be interesting and educational. Topping off this day’s activities will be lunch together at the renowned Blue Owl Inn in historic Kimmswick.

2012 is an election year for our Section. Please consider running for one of the Officer or Board positions, as it can be a very gratifying experience. Feel free to contact me for further information.

The St. Louis Gateway Section Board of Directors very much appreciates the support provided by the advertisers in our Gateway News publication. By far, the greatest expense that a Section has during the year is the production of their newsletter. Advertisers offset these costs dramatically. Please consider advertising with us, as our rates are very reasonable, providing a great deal of bang-for-the-buck. Our newsletter is distributed to our 240 memberships, as well as being placed in dealerships and other automotive-related businesses. We also include our advertiser’s websites on the St. Louis Gateway Section website.

You are encouraged to continue to enjoy the wealth of opportunities and activities planned for the remainder of this year. We look forward to seeing and hearing from each of you soon.

Gute Fahrt

Rick

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January New Year’s Brunch

February Member Appreciation

A GOD WINK WITH THE ST. LOUIS GATEWAY SECTION Harry and Jauneta Hosmer

Rick Siefert asked if I would write a bit about our lives and meeting with St. Louis Gateway Section friends. Harry’s and my history with Mercedes-Benz began with the purchase of a 1989 500 SL. It ended up being totaled when it rolled down a steep drive because the ignition key could be removed before putting it in Park. The ‘89 was replaced with a ’95 500 SL, which we still have at our home in California. We purchased our 550 SL in June of 2008. After an extensive orientation, I wasn’t sure if I would be able to remember where all of the buttons and switches were. It was dark as we left the dealership and thankfully I found the lever to click the night vision screen just in time to miss a deer lying in the middle of the freeway. An accident was avoided for me, Harry, who was following behind, along with several others. Kudos to Mercedes Advanced Technology. Also, the car has to be in Park before the key can be removed! We are happily still driving the 2008 SL in 2012.

A few years ago I read an interesting book called "God Winks." It is a collection of stories about highly coincidental connections that happen while people are just going about their everyday lives. We’ve had our good share of these and one very special one was the day we connected with our friends of the St. Louis Gateway Section.

In September of 2008, I drove our then three month old 550 SL from our home in Hannibal to Springfield, Illinois to visit the Lincoln Museum. I checked in at the Hilton and visited the museum early the next day. At lunch I found a folder that someone had left on the table. Looking inside I discovered the itinerary for the St. Louis Gateway Section’s Springfield tour. They were also staying at the Hilton. Seeing the planned evening activities, I took the folder that night to the club’s Hospitality Hour to return it to its owner. Upon hearing that I was a Mercedes-Benz owner, I was most cordially invited to join the group for dinner, even winning the prize for coming from the furthest distance. I will admit that I cheated a little, as I counted the distance from our winter home in California.

A heavy rainstorm overnight kept several couples from starting home, myself included. Again I was invited to breakfast, after which Rick and Patti Siefert asked me to join them and others to see the Frank Lloyd Wright House, which was closing the next week, thanks to then Governor, Blagojevich. The weekend was the start of great friendships and an invitation to join the St. Louis Gateway Section.

Earlier that year we had acquired, by another set of “Winks,” a Historical Register property in need of major restoration. The house was built as a Summer House in 1870 from quarried stone, cut and carted on Ox Cart by emancipated slaves of James B. Brown. Mr. Brown was a pharmacist at the old Grants Drug Store, made famous by the books of Mark Twain. Thus my interest in

Lincoln and the 1865 Emancipation Proclamation freeing the men that built Stonecroft Manor. Imagine my delight, when I found a replica of the Lincoln White House Bed at the Museum and subsequently purchased it for our Manor House. Many of you were among the first to see it when you visited in 2009.

We have just returned from a trip to the country of Jordan. Our years have been full with the many trips we have had in building our Company as well as trips meeting with European Parliament Members, Mid Easterners, and U.S. Congressional Members, all working together for reconciliation around the teachings of Jesus.

Stonecroft is now restored. We are heading back to Hannibal in May and invite you all to come visit us again this summer.

 

Gateway News – March April 2012 – Page 6

PLEASE WELCOME OUR NEW MEMBERS

Please help our membership grow. Member referrals are the best way to recruit new members. And, for each referral, you, as an existing MBCA member, will receive a FREE month of club membership, simply added on to your current membership period.

To the many of you who referred your family, friends, neighbors, and business associates to become a part of our Club, thank you so much for contributing to the success of the St. Louis Gateway Section.

Since the last publication of the Gateway News we are proud to announce and WELCOME the following new members:

Marsha Andreoff

Larry Crain

Sam Farrell

Chris & Laura Graczyk

Mitchell Halpern

Kenneth Haugk

Ted & Teddy Johnlikes

Mike Warakomski

Welcome to the St. Louis Gateway Section of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America. We have nearly 250 members within a 200-mile radius of St. Louis and invite you to join us at our Club Events.

The success of our Club depends on the participation of the members to our scheduled activities. Thank you for joining. We look forward to seeing you at our next event.

The St. Louis Gateway Section Officers & Board Members

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NEW YEAR’S BRUNCH TOUTED AS BEST EVER !

On Sunday, January 8th, St. Louis Gateway Section members certainly kicked off the New Year together in style, as they enjoyed a wonderful brunch together at Bixby’s. Bixby’s is located on the top floor of the Missouri Historical Museum, providing a spectacular view of Forest Park.

Of course how could a Champagne Brunch exist without a glass of champagne? Along with our champagne was a buffet to die for, including the Benedict of the Day, bread pudding with caramel sauce, Bixby’s signature omelet, smoked salmon, Belgian waffles with pecan maple butter and strawberry syrup, chilled salads, and a wide array of desserts!

What more could we ask for on a beautiful day in January – Fun, Camaraderie with fellow club members, and an awesome array of delicious food to choose from? ! Thanks are extended to Dana Faerber for hosting such a wonderful Event for us !

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MBCA Membership Form

Please print clearly _________________________________________________________

Full name _________________________________________________________

Associate member (spouse or dependent) _________________________________________________________

Address _________________________________________________________

City State Zip (_____)________________(_____)_____________________

Home Phone Business Phone _________________________________________________________

Occupation E-mail address _________________________________________________________

Mercedes-Benz cars now owned (Model/Year) [] New Member [] Renewing Member (check one) If renewing, Member Number__________________________

Interests [] Driving Events [] Car Shows [] Social Events [] Car Care [] Technical [] The Star

Please enroll me as a MBCA Member for:

[] 1 Year ($49) [] 2 Years ($95) [] 3 Years ($139) Make check payable to MBCA; Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express also accepted. If using a credit card, please complete the following [] Visa [] MasterCard [] Discover [] American Express _______________ Expiration Date __________________________________________________________

Account Number ___________________________________________________________

Applicant’s Signature

St. Louis Gateway Section____________________ Applicants Section Preference Sponsor’s Member #

Annual membership dues include six issues of The Star.

Phone: 800/637-2360 8 AM to 5 PM M-F (Mountain)

Mail: MBCA, 1907 Lelaray St., Colorado Springs, CO. 80909

Web: www.mbca.org

One Mile West of Clarkson on Manchester636-458-5222 • www.tristarmercedes.com

At Tri-Star Mercedes we are committed to providing the finest Mercedes-Benz experience in the area.

For those of you, who have a special affinity to the Mercedes brand, be assured that we share that

commitment. To us, it is the only brand and, the only brand we represent.

We agree that there is only one choice in cars. We hope, you agree there is only one choice in dealers.

Yes, Membership does have its Privileges.

Gateway News – March April 2012 – Page 11

CARS AND PARTS FOR SALE

Replica of 1936 540K Roadster. Car was built as close to an original as possible. Bright red with tan leather interior. Six-cylinder in-line engine with 4-speed floor shifter. All independent suspension from 1960 300d M-B. Both headlights (Bosch) & steering wheel are Pre-War parts. Beltline & fender trim are custom made stainless steel. All parts are Mercedes where possible. Runs well. All records available. $30,000 OBO. 636.456.3974 or johndorsey@centurytel.net.

CLS500 Limited Edition Sedan, 2006, Excellent condition, Indium Grey, 864 Cashmere beige interior, 54K miles, 5.0 liter/302 hp, Harmon Kardon sound system, sunroof, fully-loaded. Asking $38,500. Kent Graves at 636.537.9100, ext 165.

230SL, 1966, Papyrus White with tan leather interior and tan top, 4-speed, Euro headlights, wire wheels, 3.23 ratio differential, 24K miles on engine and full restoration, power steering/brakes, air conditioning, hard top, mint condition. Alan Barker at 314.962.6857 or alan-barker@att.net.

Bosch left side headlight assembly (US version) for W123 model (from a 1984 300D) 123-820-9461 and 0 302 653 002. $75. robert_nauss@umsl.edu.

Bosch left and right European model headlight assemblies (including turn signal housings) for W126 models (from a 1985 280SE). Never used—installed US model headlights during conversion. 0302 050 007/8. $275 for both. robert_nauss@umsl.edu

450SL, 1974, Aqua Blue with blue leather seats (like new) and blue soft top. 83,685 miles. 3-speed automatic trans., 4.5 liter single overhead cam V8 delivers approximately 190 hp. Newer Bilstein shocks, newer brakes, stock alloy wheels, hard top. Professionally appraised as condition grade 3 (very good). Asking $12,500. Joe Folk @ 314.772.3171 or Jnmfolk@gmail.com.

Set of OEM wheels and centers for 1996-1999 E320. Very good condition but rubber is minimal. $60.00 each or $200 for all 4. Hazet 2780 shock absorber wrench (M-B part 202 589 00 09 00) like new, $50. Matador sparkplug wrench (M-B part 123 581 00 67), Like new. Olin Conley at 314.849.1889.

Set of (4) OEM wheels and centers for 1996-2002 E320 (210). Very good condition, 16"x 7.5" 11 spoke alloy whls. Tires are Goodyear Assurance with approximately 30% treadlife remaining. All (4) wheels for $275. Dale Kammerich - 417.894.7684 or kammerichd@yahoo.com.

TRI-STAR EXCEEDS ALL EXPECTATIONS FOR MEMBER APPRECIATION RECEPTION !

It was a bright sunny winter day and the showroom at Tri-Star Mercedes was filled with beautiful Mercedes-Benz and over sixty enthusiastic members of the St. Louis Gateway Section, enjoying good food, drink and companionship. Chris Strom and Kate Hennekes, of Tri-Star, did an outstanding job of putting together this annual event for us. The food & drinks were first class, as was the home made desert, which was graciously provided by Chris.

Paul Buch, Tri-Star’s new General Manager, welcomed the members, after which Rick Siefert, our President, opened the activities by introducing the Club Officers and new members to the group, and talked about upcoming events. Chris then did a walk around presentation of the new Mercedes-Benz ML Class and pointed out all the new innovative features. She then went on to preview the new SL “Launch Edition”, which will be arriving in May. Following the presentation there was a drawing for attendance prizes. The Grand Prize, which was a complete detail job, was won by Jerold Anna.

It was evident that all the attendees enjoyed the food, presentation and in particular the interaction with fellow club members. Looking back on the afternoon what stands out most is just being involved with the unique and friendly group of members we are privileged to have in the St. Louis Gateway Section. They are truly an outstanding group of individuals, and we would encourage those members who do not regularly attend our events, to come out and experience the warmth and companionship that the club offers through its members.

Our sincere thanks once again to Tri-Star Mercedes-Benz for sponsoring this event and in particular to Chris and Kate for making the day so special for us. - Ed Barutio - ⇔⇔⇔⇔⇔⇔⇔⇔⇔⇔⇔⇔⇔⇔⇔⇔⇔⇔⇔⇔⇔⇔⇔⇔⇔⇔

FREE CLASSIFIED ADS TO ST. LOUIS GATEWAY SECTION MEMBERS

ADS WILL RUN FOR (2) CONSECUTIVE NEWSLETTERS. TO RE-RUN, ADS MUST BE RESUBMITTED.

If you would like to place an advertisement, please mail or e-mail it by the 15th of the month to:

David Wade dwade@meadobrien.com

505 Redondo Drive Chesterfield, Missouri 63017

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PHOTO CAPTIONS, See Page 3 (Left to Right, Top to Bottom)

- Carolann Sternberg and Marion Hughes - Kent Trimble and Ron Faerber - Mary Yager and Raul Peralto - Cathie & Jerry Wille, Alan Barker, and Grace & Bob Bennett - Tri-Star Host & St. Louis GW Section Member - Chris Strom - Mike Fults entices Mark Saunders to order an “official” namebadge

Gateway News – March April 2012 – Page 12

ST. LOUIS GATEWAY SECTION 623 WESTBOROUGH PLACE WEBSTER GROVES, MO 63119-3536

AUTOMOTIVE CLINIC

LADIES DAY OUT Reid Vann Luxury Import Service

Saturday, March 17th

PURINA FARMS / HAWTHORNE INN Gray Summit / Labadie, MO

Saturday, April 21st

MASTODON STATE PARK BLUE OWL INN Saturday, May 19th