Anniversary Party

Date: March 19, 2005

Location: Skippack, PA

Host: Niner

What do “Hey Dude”, “flower power”, “peace”, “dreadlocks”, “polyester” and “bellbottoms” have to do with the DVC celebrating its 35th anniversary? Actually, a whole lot! Our theme this year was the “70’s” and our members went all out trying to out do each other. Who the heck saves tie dyed shirts, polyester bellbottoms, old army fatigues and funky vests? DVC members, that’s who! We had our own mini protest set of groupies that except for a bulge here and there and an occasional wrinkle sure looked like they were going to march somewhere and protest or maybe just chill out. Top honors went to Greg (Lost in the 70’s) Lake who was astonished that he won because “Geesh, that’s what I always wear!”

More prizes and honors went to Chuck & Judy Goelz for driving the oldest MG (‘58 MGA). Lew Phillips and daughter won a prize for driving the newest MG (‘80 MGB). Longest continuous dues paying member went to original DVC members Barre and Eleanor Williams. Newest member honors went to Joe & Sharon Lamando (they joined that day!). Best picture award went to that 70’s guy - Gregg Lake. Best scrapbook went to Liz Niner and best memorabilia went to Earl Wanklin for his jacket of MG GOF patches that went from the sixties through the nineties.

The Book (which just happens to be the most prized and coveted of all DVC memorabilia) was awarded to Lew Phillips by last year’s recipients, David and Gloria Schwab. This most sacred artifact, while heaped in secrecy, is rumored to have done everything from providing answers to life's deepest secrets to providing relief to migraines. Lew of course promised never to divulge its secrets to another living person. The penalty for doing so would be to have to own a Triumph or if you told several people, an Alpine.

No DVC anniversary celebration would be complete with our version of that 70’s comedy team - The Smothers Brothers. Our own duo of little Tommy Rippert and little Dickie Suffredini presented their infamous 2005 “Owards”. They’re called “Owards” because when you get one you tend to exclaim “Oh S_ _ _! This years “Owards went to Gregg Lake - Bent Bumper Oward, Bob Wagner - Cold Teeth Oward, Elanor Williams - Weeble Oward and Lee Niner - Blown Clutch Oward. In a strange turn of fate Tommy presented Dickie with the Eye Brow Extender Oward and then Dickie presented Tommy with the Hi Tension Oward. Beware TTalk readers, these two wild and crazy guys are always watching out for next years Oward winners!

Other DVC members attending were Jaimee Rippert, Paul and Evonna Phillips, Sandy Suffredini, Roy and Sue Dougherty, Ernie & Barbara Feldgus, Jim & Marie O’Brien, Wolfgang & Gudi Fischer, Bill & Evelyn Webb, Betsy Polock, Steve novella, Chris Pollock, Larry & Carol Kain. Missing in action were Bob & Terry Tiley—they were probably in 70’s outfits and wondered into a street shelter where they were welcomed by residents dressed just as they were! All told we had a crowd of forty people and eight MG’s but who’s counting!

The snacks and food were delicious as was the Guinness and Bass. Thanks go to Liz Niner for volunteering to do this Herculean task of organizing and running this affair. Also, many thanks to the DVC members that assisted with the cleanup afterwards. It’s appreciated!