Ohio Valley Austin Healey Club
Serving Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky
Monthly Meetings
Meetings are the 2nd Monday of the Month unless indicated - 7:00 PM
Family, friends and guests are always welcome!
January 2026: No Meeting
February 2026: Jacobs
March 2026: Wallace's
April 2026: Lindauer's
May 2026: Conclave No meeting
June 2026: Skipping due to MAC
July 2026: Wolfer's
August 2026: Cox's
September 2026: Ben Grabow
October 2026: Parrot's Bonfire
November 2026: open need volunteer
December 2026: Christmas
Activities Calendar
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Video of Grace - Drive away Cancer Take a look it is great!
Tid-Bits
How does your gasoline rate ?
The Golden Age of British Sport Cars
Green BJ8 in " Every one wants to rule the world "
PHOTOS of Conclave - Https://Dropevent.com/Conclave2019
Bellefontaine Hill Climb revival
PHOTOS at www.jlofoto.net
April 15 .............................................................................................................. Romeo Lunch 1:00 Mt. Carmel Brewing
4362 Mt. Carmel - Tobasco Rd. Cincinnati
Crystal River manatee Tour
at Conclave 2023
April OVAHC Meeting Minutes
Club Meeting Minutes and Activities
Opening Remarks
The meeting was officially called to order, and the hosts were thanked for their hospitality. Attendees shared their appreciation for the delicious salad, pizza, and outstanding wine, noting that the food and atmosphere were fantastic. Gratitude was extended to both hosts for providing an excellent experience.
Approval of Previous Minutes and Reports
The minutes of the February meeting were published without errors. Vice President Dale Ballinger announced that there would be no report until upcoming events. The Treasurer’s report began, with the speaker addressing challenges due to the lack of a microphone and urging participants to signal if they had trouble hearing.
Treasurer’s Report
After the March 21st meeting hosted by John Wallace, the club’s opening balance was $6,480. Multiple credits were noted, including:
· Split the pot for March: $45 to the club
· Local-only dues: one additional renewal
· Multi-club member dues for AJ Klein, whose primary club is Mid Ohio and who has now joined this club
· Sale of a club 50th celebration T-shirt: $5
· Donation to the club: $5
·
Secretary Update
The club is organized and ready to welcome new members. Mary Ann, the secretary, reported no changes.
Club Activities and Events
Dale for Jeff Porada discussed potential interest in a drive through the covered bridges of Preble County, an event previously completed by the Mini Club on April 12th. The route includes both steel and covered bridges, a lunch stop, and finishes at a winery. If the club is interested in participating, Dale will coordinate with Jeff Porada to select a date. Members were encouraged to watch for announcements in the club newsletter.
Another activity involved lunch at the New Richmond Mexican, The Casa Del Rio restaurant . Scott Brown and John Wallace decided to extend the invitation to all club members, scheduled for Thursday at 11:00 AM at Scott’s house. This event is informal and open to anyone interested in a good lunch or a car outing.
A possible trip to Maysville was discussed, considering Wednesday, April 29 or Thursday, April 30. Restaurant opens at 2:00 PM during the week. The group may stop at Augusta, noted for its ferry and reputation as an eagle town. Flexibility was offered for scheduling the trip in early May if needed.
Summer Activities and Trips
The club is considering a summer trip to Bardstown, Kentucky, to visit the Cooperage, where barrels are made. Reservations must be made online and in advance. Bardstown also features the Old Talbot restaurant, recognized as the oldest stagecoach stop in America. The trip is tentatively planned for late July or early August, and members are invited to express interest. The Cooperage is in Lebanon, about 30 miles from Bardstown, and hotel accommodations in Lebanon may be more affordable. Distillery tours and winery visits are possible during the trip. Members are asked to indicate preference for staying in Bardstown or Lebanon and their interest in the cooperage tour.
Miata Club and Fall Road Trip
The club is still finalizing dates for activities, with another club planning a road trip in late September or early October. The trip is limited to 10 cars, with the possibility of inviting additional members if spots are not filled. The itinerary includes:
· Travel to Auburn, visiting museums and staying overnight
· Visit to Gilmore Car Museum in Hickory Corners, MI
· Travel to Holland, MI, with time to explore state parks and lighthouses
Visit to Windmill Brewery for beer and pie
The route aims to avoid interstates where possible, and members are invited to join these planned drives, some of which are tentative.
Membership Report
The club currently includes 46 Ohio Valley Austin Healey Club national members, 5 multi-club members, 10 local members, and 3 honored members. Eileen was recognized, and several new members, including Max, a sophomore in high school, were welcomed. Max’s grandmother was the original owner of his Austin Healey. Danny Mortensen, another member, recently turned 80 and has owned his MGT since college 60 years ago.
Other notable cars were discussed, including an Austin Healey with a Jamaican body, a front windshield from a 1953 Corvette, a Porsche 912 back window, and Kharma Ghia side windows. Opportunities to purchase 1953 Corvette windshields for $300 were mentioned, and Ken was noted to have acquired a 1958 Corvette.
Tech Team Update
The tech team’s recent projects included bringing home Joe Yannone’s TR6, now on his new lift and garage extension. To access the drive shaft, the exhaust system was disassembled, with plans to remove the engine in the next session. Scott brought his optical tool for cylinder inspection. Joe has one cylinder that needs attention, and Ken requested help with his Corvette’s fuel system and brakes. Members were encouraged to share tech team needs.
Advice was given for dealing with oil spots under cars, suggesting regular checks and using cardboard to protect the garage floor until repairs can be made.
A recent drive was reported as enjoyable despite pollinating, windy, and dusty conditions. The group managed well, encountering rain and cold fronts, with Ben Grabow putting up his Miata’s top in response to the weather. The parking lot at Millers was a dust storm, but the drive featured many nice cars, including a TVR and a variety of British and American classics. Donuts and coffee were provided, and the rain did not deter attendance.
Website Update
Don Klein reported progress on updating the club website, incorporating suggestions from Mary Ann and Jake. The Newsleak was successfully posted online, despite challenges transitioning from Windows 10 to Windows 11. Members appreciated the effort and encouraged continued improvements.
Old Business
The MAC event update indicated 25 cars registered, with representation from various clubs and regions. Committee members were invited to discuss assignments, and preparations for the silent auction and baskets were underway. Members are asked to bring items and lists of contents for the May meeting. The grand raffle for the women’s event is set, and the men’s grand raffle is being finalized.
Wednesday is the final day to secure the hotel at the event rate, with 13 reservations out of 40. After this date, rooms will revert to regular pricing. The hotel serves as the event’s base of operations.
A road rally designed by Dale and Scott invites all club members to participate as contestants. Preparations for trophies, show signs, and activity documents are ongoing. Banner options were discussed, with plans to estimate costs for event banners.
The Concours financial request was discussed, with consensus not to donate money to the Concours group based on thorough analysis by Jeff and Jake. The group prefers to remain independent and not join the National Austin Healey Club. Judging standards and past controversies were reviewed.
Additional tech team updates included greasing rear shackle points on John’s Healy using the club grease gun and lock and lube fittings. Eight Concours D’Elegance tickets remain available, and members can purchase them for discounted admission.
New Business
Thanks were extended to the ladies sewing packets for goodie bags. Mary Ann contributed fans, and members are invited to provide items for the bags. Name tags were available for members to be picked up.
The ladies will meet for lunch at the Golden Lamb on Wednesday at 1:00 PM, with alternative dining options nearby for the gentlemen. Jerry Cox and others plan to visit the car show site to review parking and routes. The Romeos will gather at the Back Porch Saloon on Wednesday, May 20th at 1:00 PM, aiming to include Richard Pratt in the festivities.
The next meeting will be at the Ballingers, May 16nd 1:00 kick tires and 2:00 meeting. Members are encouraged to bring auction items, and registration forms. You can bring baskets if you wish, or you can just submit the list of items you are including and bring the baskets to the event.
Split the Pot
The meeting concluded with the split-the-pot drawing. After mixing the tickets, the winning number was announced, and luckily nobody shot the winner. Business cards are available for those interested, and the meeting adjourned with thanks for everyone’s participation.
April 22 ...................................................................................................................... Juliette's Lunch 1:00 Golden Lamb
27 South Broadway St. Lebanon, Ohio 45036
April 19 ..................................................................................... Meeting at Lindauer's kick tires 1:00 meeting 2:00
1750 Hicks Pike, Walton, KY 41094
( Details in Newsleak )
May 9 Saturday ............................................................................................... Driver training , Live Oaks, Milford, Ohio
Registration 9 to 10 am 5956 Buckwheat Rd. Milford, Ohio
( Details in Newsleak )
June 7-10 .................................................................................................... Mid America Classic 2026 Lebanon Ohio
September 13-18 ........................................................................................ 2026 Conclave Galena, ILLINOIS
April 18 ............................................................................................................... Kurt Neimeyer's Spring Drive
