Ohio Chapter Summer Meeting Details...
Registration Deadline is Approaching!
for the
Ohio Chapter of the New England MG-T Register
Gathering of the Faithful (G.O.F.), Mark LXXXII
June 14-17, 2012
The Inn at Ohio Northern University
401 West College Avenue, Ada, Ohio
Simply put, we are
friends, well over one hundred seventy-five in number, of greatly varied
ages. Our vocations are diverse; some of us are retired. Most of us have
children, some grandchildren. Although most live in Ohio, other states are
represented in the Ohio Chapter, as well.
Our friendships are perhaps consequences of a shared fondness for, and often
ownership of, the T series of MG sports cars, as well as other models. We are,
as the name suggests, an affiliated chapter of The
New England MG-T Register. We were founded in 1970 when
a small group of MG enthusiasts met in Central Ohio; that meeting became the
first Gathering of the Faithful (GOF), and a 
number of founders still remain
active in the club.
Meeting Overview
Follow The Road Less
Traveled to Hardin County for the 82nd Gathering of the
Faithful of the Ohio Chapter of the New England MG-T Register. Vintage MG sports
cars, dating from the mid-1930's to the early 80's, plus other British marques,
will travel from all corners of Ohio and surrounding states, gathering at The Inn at Ohio Northern University in the Village of Ada for a weekend full of car
talk, driving events, good food, fine accommodations, fun and fellowship among
friends, both old and new.
Small rural villages, streets lined with Victorian homes, quaint shopping experiences, meandering back roads; all this and more awaits when you visit the road less traveled in Hardin County. Here you won't find a 4-lane highway; nothing larger than a two-lane road here! Wide open spaces await you. The Village of Ada was founded in 1853 as a lumber site for the early railroad. The town grew with the Pennsylvania Railroad and the founding of Ohio Northern University. Today, Ada's tree-lined and restored Main Street offers a variety of businesses which meet the needs of local residents and students. Home to the Wilson Sporting Goods football factory, all NFL footballs have exclusively been made here since 1941. Founded in 1871, Ohio Northern University is a selective, private, comprehensive university, comprising five colleges (Arts & Sciences, Business Administration, Engineering, Pharmacy and Law) with nationally ranked programs. Talented students enter motivated, engage in abundant opportunities, and leave prepared with an education to take on the world. The University enrolls 3,611 students, representing 42 states and 18 countries, and boasts 30,000+ alumni. 700 faculty and staff are employed (the largest employer in the county) and Ohio Northern's reputation for excellence continues to grow. In just the last few months, ONU has received recognition for superior teaching quality, high graduation rates, commitment to volunteer service and, most impressively, providing some of the best return on investment (ROI) rates in the state.
The Venue
Ohio Northern's scenic, safe and modern campus rests on nearly 342 acres in the Village of Ada (population 5,582). Our location provides a quaint small town atmosphere that complements the friendly environment found on campus, while still offering some of the finest restaurants, shopping and culture the Midwest has to offer just a short drive away. Located in northwest Ohio, Ada is 69 miles south of Toledo, 80 miles northwest of Columbus and 15 miles east of Lima, Ohio. Dayton is a 1:15 hour drive and Detroit is 2 hours via I-75; Fort Wayne, IN is one hour west via U.S. Route 30, a new four-lane highway. Indianapolis is 3 hours, Chicago, 5 hours; Cleveland, 2.5 hours; and, Pittsburgh, 4 hours. ONU is firmly committed to sustainability and environmental awareness on campus. Our on-campus housing derives 30 percent of its heating and cooling from geothermal technology and three new 400 kilowatt wind turbines provide between 5-10 percent of our electricity needs. Our fleet of hybrid and electric campus vehicles and our many environmentally themed student organizations are always finding new ways make ONU a better place to live, learn and work. Welcome to ONU!
The Inn at Ohio Northern University
Ada's first-class hotel, The Inn at Ohio Northern University, offers
more than 70 deluxe guest rooms, luxurious amenities and more than 3,000 square
feet of flexible meeting space. Guests enjoy everything the ONU campus has to
offer: athletics, fine art, theatre performances and much more. The friendly
and helpful staff follow the highest standards of hospitality and strive to deliver
outstanding, personalized service to every guest. Luxurious comfort and
distinctive elegance... The Inn at Ohio Northern University is a true destination
and will serve as the host property for our weekend event. Please remember to...
Call The Inn at 866-713-4513 for room reservations. Request "MG Car Club" for our special rates: $95+tax/single, $105+tax/couple; $10+tax each additional adult (age 13+).
Update, as of May 17th... It is important to note that our room block at The Inn is set to expire on Tuesday, May 22nd!
There are currently 19 rooms left on Thursday night, 5 rooms left on Friday night (!) and 13 rooms left on Saturday night. Please call immediately to reserve your room if you have not already done so!
Once The Inn has filled to capacity, I would recommend the following options: The Comfort Inn, located 10 miles north in the small town of Bluffton. The address is 117 Commerce Lane, Bluffton, OH 45817; 419-358-6000 or www.comfortinn.com (search Bluffton, OH, which is the S.R. 103 exit off of I-75).
There is another option available, which may (or, may not) appeal to everyone... I can offer a room in an empty ONU student apartment, located on campus, just a short walk from The Inn. These are two-bedroom apartments (consisting of two bedrooms, each with one twin bed, plus a living room couch, which a child could sleep on)... The rate is $78 per apartment per night, or, $39 per person/night, if you're travelling alone and want to share an apartment with another GOF attendee (you would have a key to your own bedroom and share the bathroom). We would provide a "linen packet," which includes 2 sheets, blanket, pillowcase, bath and hand towel, washcloth and a pillow. It is important to understand, this is low luxury at it's finest, but, you would be located on campus within walking distance to all of the weekend's activities. If The Inn sells out and you are interested in this option, you need to CALL ME no later than June 7th so I can reserve an apartment/room for you.
Several other local lodging options are listed Here for your convenience.
Agenda for the Weekend...
Thursday, June 14, 2012 *** Two Optional Events...***
Based on popular request
from the ladies at the meet last fall in Marietta, plans are being made for an
optional trip to one of the largest herb farms in the Midwest, Carolee's Herb Farm. Located in
lovely rural Blackford County, Indiana, Carolee's Herb Farm offers visitors a
unique herbal experience! Lose yourself in the gardens and shops at the farm, which
is 105 miles (2+ hours) drive from Ada. Visitors can stroll through 20
different gardens, highlighting historic herbs, old-fashioned flowers, exotic
treasures from faraway lands, or hidden woodland beauties. Each garden is
designed around a main theme, and has self-guided tours.
Carolee Snyder began growing herbs for teas in her backyard in the 1960's. By 1978, she was growing a wide selection of herbs on a small farm in southern Indiana, selling to farmer's markets, restaurants, and mail order. In 1992, she dug and moved 80,000 plants on 22 U-Hauls to her new location in Blackford County, IN. Now, as one of the Midwest's largest retail herb farms, Ms. Snyder grows over 2,000 varieties of herbs, perennials, everlastings and old-fashioned flowers. Carolee's Herb Farm has 20 display gardens, hosts dozens of workshops and special events each year. Her current passion is her U-Pick field of lavender, where she grows 47 hardy varieties, with another 10 tender varieties in the greenhouses.
When she's not in her gardens or cooking up herbal goodies, Ms. Snyder travels throughout the country, encouraging gardening, speaking on the pleasures of landscaping and crafting with herbs, or giving slide presentations on the gardens of the U.S. and England. She also authors articles for magazines and newsletters on gardening and herbs, has written three booklets and authored her first novel, Herbal Beginnings.
Ms. Snyder is a member of the Herb Society of America, the Central Indiana Herb Society, the International Herb Society, and Garden Writers of America. She is also active in several horticultural societies and garden clubs. She has traveled throughout the U.S., England, Ireland, Scotland, Germany and France in pursuit of gardens and great plants. Ms. Snyder has a degree in Education from Indiana University, is the wife of retired Muncie engineer, David Snyder, has four children, and six grandchildren.
Carolee's husband, David,
prefers driving his 1946 MG TC English sports car, playing golf or gardening. However, he is invaluable at keeping the farm's mailing list up to date,
posting invoices, organizing data, and all the other computer work that makes
Carolee's life easier! As a retired engineer, he's also a great travel
companion, business consultant, and detail person, when he's not too busy
volunteering for other organizations.
Please indicate on the Registration Form if you and your spouse or guest(s) are interested in participating in the Optional Herb Farm Tour. You will then be contacted with more detailed information.
Transportation for the optional tour to the herb farm may involve attendees carpooling from The Inn, or, the use of a van(s) or a small bus, as needed. For those who would find it convenient, before or after this optional day, The Inn will honor the special group rate for Wednesday and/or Thursday night(s)...
Now Confirmed! The Wilson Football Factory Tour will be at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday ~ We have confirmed arrangements for a tour of the Wilson Football Factory. Ada is the only place in the world where all N.F.L. footballs are made, by hand! The factory is closed on Fridays in the summer, so our tour is set for Thursday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. If you are interested in the Wilson tour, please indicate so on the Registration Form and you'll be contacted with details closer to the event... This is a very interesting tour, so, if your travel plans allow you to attend on Thursday, I would highly suggest you take advantage of this unique opportunity!
Friday, June 15, 2012
The meet begins on Friday, June 15. Since many club members have indicated a desire to arrive early, there will be events planned throughout the day...The Hospitality Room will be located in # 146 at The Inn.
6:30 - 10:00 a.m. ~ Breakfast at The Inn. Thursday night guests staying
at The Inn will enjoy a full, hot complimentary breakfast as part of their room
rate. Others may order off the menu in the dining room.
11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. ~ Walking historical tours of local attractions in the Village of Ada, with lunch on your own in the downtown business district. This self-paced, self-guided route will incorporate rallye-like challenge questions, using your feet, instead of your car. With prizes, of course! Representatives of the Ada Area Chamber of Commerce and the Community Improvement Corporation will open the restored Ada Railroad Depot for us, during this time, which includes a collection of local area history.
*** Special Opportunity *** We are working to arrange to have a display of the Wilson Football Museum memorabilia set up in the Ada Railroad Depot between 11:30 - 2:30 on Friday. Stop in and see an important part of our local history!
3:00 - 4:30 p.m. ~ Leisure and recreation time. As guests of The Inn, take advantage of the hotel fitness
center, the ONU sports center
facilities, campus art galleries,
Ada Municipal Pool, War Memorial Park,
embark upon a botanical walk, try your hand at Frisbee on the campus 18 "hole" disc golf course, or,
enjoy the unique Remington Walk, which features 12
cast bronze statues by noted artists Frederic Remington, Charles Russell and
James Fraser.
5:00 - 7:00 p.m. ~ Just-Jazz-Inn - We'll enjoy this popular weekly event by having our own
cookout, buffet style, located just off
of the courtyard, in conference rooms 3-4. Our buffet is being especially
designed for us by the chef and will provide a relaxing, down home evening
meal. We'll have our own tables in the courtyard to enjoy the live music... we
may even tee up our own games of croquet or badminton! This weekly event is very
popular in the community and with the other events being held on campus, we
expect it to be crowded. Order our buffet dinner on the Registration Form; $20 per person.
If you arrive after 7 p.m., the dining room is open until 9 p.m., or the Pub menu is available until 11:30 p.m.
After dinner, folks are
welcome to visit in the Hospitality Room # 146.
8:25 p.m. ~ Hardin County is home to one of the few remaining drive-in theatres... the Hi-Road Drive In Theatre in Kenton, OH. We'll caravan there together, departing by 8:25 p.m., travel back roads and arrive at the drive-in, just in time to settle in and enjoy an evening right out of the history books! Self-pay, on your own, upon arrival at the cashier's booth.
9:05 p.m. ~ Movies begin at the Hi-Road Drive In, located 8059 U.S. Route 68, north of Kenton. Now offering two screens, a package deal for special treats from the snack bar is in the works. How long has it been since you've been to the drive-in? J Behave yourselves now! Pay your own admission upon arrival. Return to The Inn as early or late as you'd like, i.e. after the first show, or, stay for the 2nd... Afterwards, back at The Inn, the Hospitality Room # 146 will be open.
Saturday, June 16, 2012
7:00 - 9:00 a.m. ~ Our group will enjoy a full, hot, breakfast buffet in conference rooms 1-2 at The Inn. The price for breakfast is included in room charge for guests staying Friday night; others may purchase using the Registration Form at a cost of $12/each.
8:30 - 9:30 a.m. ~ The Funkhana, in an adjoining parking lot, will combine driving
dexterity, navigational skill, mental and physical coordination, teamwork,
luck, and above all, a sense of humor. Planned by club member, John Olman, founder of www.funkhana.com, we're sure to experience both driver and navigator tasks or games while competing on a tricky driving course, for prizes, of course!
9:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. ~ Morning tour with challenge questions. You'll depart ONU at timed intervals with a set of directions and questions to be answered. The goal? Win the award, of course! Great country driving and local scenery is guaranteed. This fun event will conclude at the same location where we'll enjoy our lunch.
12:30 - 1:45 p.m. ~ Authentic Amish Lunch at the rural Logan County home of Rosetta Burkholder, 8164 U.S. Route 68 North, Bellefontaine. We'll gather in the lower level of this country farm home and enjoy a lunch consisting of your choice of broccoli or layer salad, oven-baked chicken salad with green beans and dinner rolls; iced tea, lemonade or coffee, with black raspberry torte, peanut butter torte or strawberry yum-yum frozen dessert. Please register for lunch on the Registration Form; $12 per person.
2:00 - 5:00 p.m. ~ Organized tours of the Hardin County Old
Order Amish community. Hardin County is home to a large community of Old
Order Amish. Living a centuries-old "plain" lifestyle, the horse
and buggy remain the primary form of transportation. We'll plan short visits to
specified farms/businesses, such as the cabinet shop, harness shop, buggy shop,
green houses, soap and quilt making, horse training/shoeing, maple syrup,
furniture, toys, rugs, windows, honey, baskets, purses or metal working shop. We'll also
stop at an Amish
bakery and Pfeiffer
Station's historic general store.
6:30 - 7:30 p.m. ~ Happy Hour, at The Inn, with cash bar, conference rooms 3-4; includes complimentary appetizers.
7:30 p.m. ~ Awards Banquet, in conference rooms 1-2. Our sit-down,
served, dinner will consist of pre-dinner Hors D'ouevres (served during Happy Hour),
The Inn Salad (mixed greens, apples, walnuts, feta cheese, tomatoes and
raspberry vinaigrette), Surf & Turf (grilled petite filet mignon and
salmon topped with a citrus herb butter), chef selected side dish
accompaniments (one starch, one veg.), coffee, hot or iced tea, and chocolate
torte for dessert. Please register for dinner on the Registration Form; $38 per
person. Special requests for allergies or other dietary needs will gladly be
accommodated; please provide an explanation with details on your Registration Form.
The evening will include awards presentations from the weekend's activities, an after-dinner speaker and/or live entertainment, followed by the showing of historical movies from the early years of the Ohio Chapter, in the Hospitality Room # 146.
Sunday, June 17, 2012
7:30 - 8:45 a.m. ~ Our group will enjoy a full, hot, breakfast buffet in conference rooms 1-2 at The Inn. Price for breakfast is included in room charge for guests staying Saturday night; others may purchase using the Registration Form at a cost of $12/each. (Breakfast will continue up until the time of the business mtg.)
9:00 a.m. ~ Ohio Chapter Board Meeting. We'll hold the annual business meeting of the club in the same room as our breakfast. It's Father's Day and folks may want to get on the road earlier than usual that day...
10:00 a.m. ~ Good-byes, farewells and departures. Safety Fast!
Your thoughts, comments, suggestions and advice are welcome and encouraged.
Please make us aware of any special needs or requests which should be brought to our attention regarding room accommodations, allergies, special dietary needs or requirements so that we can ensure the upmost comfort during your stay.
Please make your room reservations immediately by calling The Inn directly at 866-713-4513. Please reserve your room as soon as possible!
We look forward to hosting a quality event for you; all are welcome. This will be a fun event and we encourage you to attend. Watch for the buggies as you travel to Ada! J
Click this link to obtain the Electronic Registration Form. This version will allow you to open the Registration Form in Adobe Acrobat Reader (free via the Internet), type on your computer to complete the fields (it will even do the math for you...) and Submit your registration to me by E-mail. It will also allow you to Print a copy for your records (plus, I would ask you to please also Print a second copy and enclose it with your payment...)
Or, if you prefer, click this link to obtain a Printable Registration Form. Print a copy of this version using your browser's Print button, complete it by hand and mail it to me with your payment to register.
Please return your
Registration Form with payment by May 31st! Later registrations may be
able to be accommodated, as space permits... please inquire about last minute
availability... We look forward to hosting
you here! The Smittle Family 115 South Johnson Street Ada, OH 45810 419-230-8147 Registration is Deadline is Approaching for This Event! Please return meet
Registration Form with payment by May 31st. Of course, your consideration in returning your registration
form as soon as possible can better help gauge attendance and make planning
easier. Thank you. We look forward to seeing you here! Click this link to obtain the Electronic Registration Form. This version will allow you to open the Registration Form in Adobe Acrobat Reader (free via the Internet), type on your computer to complete the fields (it will even do the math for you...) and Submit your registration to me by E-mail. It will also allow you to Print a copy for your records (plus, I would ask you to please also Print a second copy and enclose it with your payment...)
Or, if you prefer, click this link to obtain a Printable Registration Form. Print a copy of this version using your browser's Print button, complete it by hand and mail it to me with your payment to register.
Please be sure to read the paragraph above about us nearing the end of our room block at The Inn and other lodging options which may be available when The Inn reaches capacity! Simply call me if you have any questions, or, if I may be of assistance in any way.