Frank Ochal Blog

We loaded up 6 truckloads of items from my mother’s house in an attempt to clear out all of the accumulated items from over 40 years. Still a few more loads to go tomorrow and then painting and cleaning prior to placing the home at 1016 Circle Ave. in Forest Park, Illinois for sale.

Note:  As many of you know, my mother passed away on October 28, 2009 which is why the above is being done.

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I had a great time at the British car parts swap meet in Wheaton, Illinois on Sunday, February 28, 2010. It was the first time I had been to this event even though this was its 14th year.

I attended with Bruce Magers of the American MGB Association and we had a vendor’s table set up with club merchandise and membership information. We did manage to sign up a few new members and met many of our current members at the show. It was also good to see so many of the friends that I have made throughout the years because of my involvement with the club.

British Car Swap Meet in Wheaton, Illinois

British Car Swap Meet in Wheaton, IllinoisBritish Car Swap Meet in Wheaton, Illinois

British Car Swap Meet in Wheaton, Illinois

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I have tickets for the White Sox – Cubs game in Glendale, Arizona on March 19, 2010. Looking forward to seeing the new spring training home of the White Sox – Camelback Ranch.

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There are specific forms to use when filling for the 2009 new home credit and 2009 energy credit.  Be sure to include them if you wish to take advantage of these credits on your income taxes.

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I made my annual trip to the Chicago Auto Show at McCormick Place on February 16, 2010 with Bruce Magers of the MGB Club.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: The American MGB Association at 773-878-5055, meet@mgclub.org or www.mgclub.org

The American MGB Association’s 33rd Annual Meet – AMGBA MEET 2010 – for the MGB, MGB-GT & Midget – Sussex, Wisconsin – June 20. 2010.

MG sports car production as we know it was discontinued in 1980 with the closing of  the famed Abingdon-On-Thames works in the United Kingdom. But these modern  day classics are being preserved forever here in North America by members of the American MGB Association. There recently has been renewed enthusiasm with the introduction of new MG models in Asia.

Headquartered in Chicago, the AMGBA serves enthusiastic MGB, MGB-GT, and MG Midget owners throughout the USA, Canada and throughout the world. Each year, the AMGBA holds its National Meet.

The 1978 initial gathering was held in Chicago. In 1979 and 1980 the  AMGBA National Conventions were held in New York state, in Ithaca and Glens Falls. The organization’s growth and success led to renting the world famous  Indianapolis 500 Motor Speedway in 1981 for that year’s AMGBA National  Convention. In 1982, the AMGBA held its first National Convention outside  the USA in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. In the years 1983 and 1984, the AMGBA went west for the first time in Lake Tahoe, California and Boulder,  Colorado. In 1985, the AMGBA held two conventions in Santa Barbara,  California and Abingdon, Illinois. In 1986, we visited Texas during its 150 year anniversary in San Antonio, Texas and in 1987 we visited the Saratoga  Springs area of beautiful upstate New York. In 1988, the convention site was Kansas City, Missouri. In 1989, we visited the Great Northwest part of our country in Springfield, Oregon.

In 1990 the convention was held in Atlanta, Georgia which was a first for the Southeast portion of the country. In 1991 we returned to the site of our first convention in Chicago and in 1992, we returned to the West Coast to the beautiful San Francisco Bay area in Palo Alto, California. In  1993,  we traveled to New England at  Keene, New Hampshire / Westminster, Vermont, the site of the Westminster MG Museum.  In 1994, we went for the first time to the San Diego, California area at the world famous Del Mar race track.  In 1995 we went to Memphis, Tennessee, home of the blues and the Graceland Mansion of Elvis Presley.  In 1996 we joined with all of the major MG clubs in North America for MG Indy ’96 in Indianapolis, Indiana at the Indy 500 track. In 1997 we were on the West Coast in the San Francisco area at Palo Alto, California. In 1998, we were in Charlotte, North Carolina at the Lake Campus of Davidson College. In 1999, we went  to Los Angeles, California.

In 2000, we went to Armagh, Pennsylvania and joined with the TRF Summer Party and in 2001 we were in Houston, Texas for the Houston MG Club’s All British Motor Vehicle Exposition. In 2002 we again went to the San Francisco, California area for the Palo Alto British Car Meet. For 2003 we visited Florida and the Space Coast in Titusville, Florida. In 2004, we visited picturesque Cape Cod in Massachusetts for the Cape Cod British Car Club’s British Legends Weekend. In 2005, we were in San Diego, California at Fairbrook Farms in Bonsall for San Diego British Car Day. We were in Maryland in 2006 at the MGs on the Rocks Show and in 2007 we went to Charlotte, North Carolina at the MGs on the Green Show. In 2008 we were in Armagh, Pennsylvania with The Roadster Factory Summer Party and for 2009 we planned for a show n the Central Valley of California.

And for 2010 we will be for the first time in Wisconsin for the British Car Field Day just outside of Milwaukee. Join us for a great time!
It promises to be a great time and a memorable experience for all that attend.

For more information contact the above, write to the American MGB Association, P.O. Box 11401, Chicago, IL 60611, call 773-878-5055, email us at meet@mgclub.org or explore our web site at www.mgclub.org.

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Over 800 British car owners and enthusiasts were greeted by picture perfect weather at the 23rd annual Chicagoland British Car Festival. The event took place on Sunday, September 13th at Oakton Community College in Des Plaines, Illinois, just outside of Chicago.

There were nearly 600 cars in the field. All British cars no matter what condition were welcome as was anyone who enjoyed British cars. The cars ranged from a rare Morgan three wheeler to a Concours condition Aston Martin. In addition, a selection of British motorcycles was welcomed.

In addition to the joy of exploring other marques and meeting other enthusiasts, a full range of vendors, local, national and international lined the field. You could find that rare part, discover a new book or enhance your collection.

All registrants received a free special gift and many donor prized were awarded during the day. For the hungry car lover, food vendors presented traditional delights.

Mark your calendar for our next festival on September 12, 2010 when we gather again at Oakton Community College. It is an event you will not want to miss.

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The crosstown series between the Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox is now history with both teams sweeping the three games at their home. The White Sox won the last 3 and that is what feels better! Will they meet again in the World Series. Unlikely but you never know!

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by Frank Ochal

The American MGB Association held its 31st annual Meet on June 20 – 21, 2008 at Armagh near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The event was held in conjunction with the annual Roadster Factory Summer Party. This event has been going on for many years and this was purported to be the last one. I will be sad to see it go but there were hints that it may be resurrected in a different format and not every year.

On Friday, there was a barbecue picnic for the participants which consisted of hamburgers and hot dogs. They were then treated to music by Roadster Factory employee. The traditional Summer Party bonfire and a bedsheet drive-in movie showing “Animal House” followed the barbecue.

On Saturday, many of the cars participated in a “poker rallye” consisting of 86 miles of scenic driving. Participants received a playing card at stops along the way. The winning poker won a cash prize. Technical and information seminars were given at the Roadster Factory headquarters in Armagh during the afternoon.

Late Saturday afternoon, a downtown Indiana, Pennsylvania street near the Coventry Inn was closed off for the car show. The Coventry Inn is a British restaurant owned by Charles Runyan and he also serves at its chief chef. The cars lined up on the street in various classes awaiting popular vote balloting.

A fine meal was prepared for each of the participants at staggered times so that a quality meal could be served. This also allowed for a three hour voting and display while dinner was being served.

Secretary Margie Springer and myself handled the AMGBA awards presentation.

It was great to meet many of our long time members in the this area of the country.

Margie Springer and myself were kept busy all day signing up new members and providing other member services at the AMGBA table.

The AMGBA wishes to thank Charles Runyan an John Swauger at the entire staff of the Roadster Factory and Coventry Inn for hosting the event.

Winners of the American MGB Association popular vote were as follows:

RUBBER BUMPER MGBs

1. ’77, white – James Young, Canton, OH

2. ’79, black – Jeff Lee, Belle Vernon, PA

3. ’79, black – Howard & Joan Henry, Indiana,PA

CHROME BUMPER MGBs

1. ’65, white – Jim Royal, Warren, OH

MGB – GTs

1. ’72, green – Marilyn Phillippi, Homer City, PA

2. ’74, white – Scott Reinhardt, Spencer, OH

MG MIDGET

1. ’72, red – Bud Osborne, McDonald, PA

For information on next year’s event or on the American MGB Association, please contact the AMGBA, P. O. Box 11401, Chicago, IL 60611; phone: (773) 878-5055; email: meet@mgclub.org; website: mgclub.org .

1st place chrome bumper B – ’65 of Jim Royal	1st place rubber bumper B – ’77 B of James Young
1st place B-GT – ’72 V-8 of Marilyn Phillippi	1st place Midget – ’72 of Bud Osborne
2nd place B-GT – ’74 of Scott Reinhardt	2nd place rubber bumper B – ’79 of Jeff Lee
3rd place rubber B – ’79 of Howard and Joan Henry	Charles Runyan saying farewell to his Summer Party attendees
Margie Springer announcing the winners	The Roadster Factory – site of AMGBA Meet 2008

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With the Bulls and Blackhawks not in the playoffs, everyone is excited about the upcoming baseball season. As I write this both the White Sox and Cubs are in first place. Not a surprising start for the Cubs by the start of the White Sox is a pleasant surprise.

I went to the White Sox opener and tailgated in the parking lot. They won the game on Joe Crede’s grand slam. I also went to the Yankees game in Chicago with an ardent Yankees fan.

The White Sox erected a monument outside the front gate to the 2005 World Series Champions. My mother bought me a brick for Christmas that will be part of it with the inscription “2005 White Sox, Dreams Come True, Frank Ochal”. Look for it when you go to the park.

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