[laughscott]

Please note that the Deck the MINIs Rally scheduled for Saturday, 6 December has been postponed until Saturday, 20 December due to the N'Oreaster that has placed upwards of 6 inches in the area.

Please scroll through if you wish to attend, now on the new date.

Scott

What a wonderful day!!!

More photos have been uploaded!!

From LaughScott - www.clubphoto.com, then put in laughscott@aol.com, and look for Deck the MINIs - One and Two photo Album.

From Alan - http://www.ofoto.com/I.jsp?c=17bsf0k...d&x=1&y=2ab67g

From bpenglase - He had a preview of my pictures from DTM that are now posted at http://mysite.verizon.net/vze25nbi/ .


More as they arrive!

Scott

[laughscott]

Moderator, PLEASE keep this posted in both New York/New England and Mid-Atlantic Forums!

Since so many of our Northern bretheren have come South for previous MINI Rallies, we wanted to make sure you all knew of another AMAZING get together!!! If you wish to make a week-end out of the event, one of our MINI Elves is looking into hotels!!

Nothing like advanced planning!!!

Well, we all know how everyone's Holiday schedules get crazy, so put this one in your diaries NOW!!

Joan Logan, Julie Hoffman and Scott Laughlin are your co-hosts for this festive holiday MINI gathering. Chester County, PA is known for putting on some of the best holiday events, and we plan to partake in many during the all-day event! If you like to feel the warmth of the season, and take a step back in time, don't miss all the activities!!!

Details are still in the works, but here's a rough idea of what your MINI Elves (Joan, Julie and I) are cooking up for you!!!

Winterthur Yuletide - Holiday decorations at the famous DuPont Mansion!
A Longwood Gardens Christmas - holiday decorations and night-time light show!
Simon Pearce on the Brandywine - Art Glass shopping for holiday gifts!
Deck your MINI contest - prepare to dress-up your MINI and win prizes!
MINI Polyanna - get creative (with less than $10) and swap your gifts amongst friends!

The plan is to meet at 10:00AM at Winterthur, tour the museum, Motor around Chester County, shop at Simon Pearce, Motor around Chester County, visit those always hopsitable friends at Otto's MINI for our contests, partake in a little light refreshments, then Motor off to Longwood for the holiday night-light shows!!! Longwood closes at 9:00PM, so plan accordingly.

There IS a cost (on a per person basis) for this event, to gain access to the museums, which will be $25.00pp (group rates, MUST be paid in advance!) to gain access to both Winterthur and Longwood, so we will work through the logistics of money collections, etc.

So, start your holiday planning, and register by going to the following:

http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/phillymini/database

See you all in your holiday finest (Shep & Phyllis, we expect great things from you to match your attire to that lovely Red MC!) and come celebrate to season with your MINI Family!

Cheers.

Scott (Joan and Julie)

If you haven't already joined the PhillyMINI Club, do so while you're there!

[AprilWhine]

With all those red MINIs, you may need one in green, too. Sounds like great fun, sign me up!

[laughscott]

Sherry!!!

Coming North!! Woo Hoo!!!!

Red, Green, Blue and Pepper Whites!! We have all the holiday colors available in our MINIs! So, how do I tie-in Liquid Yellow into a holiday theme??? Hmmmmm, have to work on that one!

Don't forget to go register at the link above!

And.... See you on Saturday in Hampton!

Scott

[AprilWhine]

Thanks Scott! The fuzzy one has about a mile of rope lights, he's looking forward to decorating the MINI.

See you Saturday!

[acetonic]

We will be there with bells on. A MINI drive starting here in Delaware? gasp!

[laughscott]

Ace,

You may be a small state, but you ARE the first state!!!! Hey, don't tell anyone, but Winterthur is in DE!!! Granted, it's 5 minutes across the PA border, but isn't DE part of the Mid-Atlantic region?? Don't want you guys to feel left out.

Hey, and NJ_DED_GRL is rolling through your state too next month, so twice in one Quarter, you should be pleased!!!

Don't forget to sign-up on the PhillyMINI database link!!

Cheers.

Scott

[MoonPie]

fun fun fun! Sign up MINIMiller and MoonPie please!

great planning!

can already picture RP dressed up as an elf or little Cindy Lu

[AprilWhine]

Scott, what was that web site with the hotel info?

[laughscott]

Joan Logan will be looking into B&Bs, but if you want to look on your own (and AprilWhine, maybe you can find a B&B for the HRClubMINI and DCMetroMINI contingency!), the Chester County Visitor's Bureau is as follows:

www.brandywinevalley.com

Then, first button at top, Planning a Visit, then B&B listings on the left!

Great to see you yesterday, and relax in the company of a few of the VA friends!!! Bring a contingent with you, in OCT for the Cape May Rally, then in DEC for the Deck the MINIs rally!

Cheers.

Scott

[acetonic]

The Millers coming to Delaware? Is hell scheduled to freeze over in December?

I am already on the PhillyMINI group and looking forward to the foliage run next month. We tried to get the Millers to come on that one but it's hard to tear them away from octoBEERfest.

Quote: Originally Posted by MoonPie

fun fun fun! Sign up MINIMiller and MoonPie please!

great planning!

can already picture RP dressed up as an elf or little Cindy Lu

[MoonPie]

Quote: Originally Posted by acetonic

The Millers coming to Delaware? Is hell scheduled to freeze over in December?

I am already on the PhillyMINI group and looking forward to the foliage run next month. We tried to get the Millers to come on that one but it's hard to tear them away from octoBEERfest.

hahaAce, part of the fun will be hanging with you two goobers

[Redpanda]

*Redpanda begins planning her costume*

YAY! The Millers come to DE! I'm so excited!
*Redpanda starts counting down the days*

[laughscott]

Hello Everyone!

PLEASE save this email, and read to the very end when you have time. Details at the end regarding payment, registration, etc.

Well, on a rather wet Saturday this past week-end, your ever-industrious organizers spent a better part of the day mapping out what looks to be another stellar event for all of our MINI Familia! Joan Logan, Charlie Beck, Julie and Ed Hoffman and I had fun mapping out detours around ravaged bridges, and looking for the most scenic runs!!

There are some absolutely beautiful roads out in western Chester County, and we think we've found quite a few that will keep your Motoring hands grinning with anticipation!!! Even found an un-paved road that is only 1-lane wide, and climbs a beautiful hill with vistas for days for the more adventurous in us (and, hopefully, no ice or snow cover in December!).

We continue to fine tune the routing, and the event particulars, but things are firming up nicely. This is truly going to be a wonderful day, and we know that EVERYONE is going to be in the liveliest of Holiday Spirits!!

OK, a few more details since the first posting:

Date:
Saturday, 6 December, 2003
9:30AM Registration

First Event:
10:00AM Sharp - suggest you get there around 9:30AM, as our first scheduled tour will begin promptly at 10:00AM. You will be on private tours of Yuletide at Winterthur - and if you've never been there, the Colonial-era decorations are wonderful!!! Each group can be only 10 people, so we will start-off in waves. In addition, the grounds are also decorated, and there is a lovely train to drive you around!

First Motoring Time:
12:00PM - We've mapped out a lovely 1.5 hour ride along the creeks and fields. We saw much devastation from Isabel and the following storm (including a tree through the window of a first-floor factory)! The roads along the Brandywine Creek are mostly clear, and just beautiful!

Second Event:
1:30PM - Simon Pearce Art Glass Studio - If you are truly into glass, you are in for a special treat. Only once a year, the "real" Simon Pearce comes to this store (from Vermont) to personally sign pieces (and hence, increasing their value) and, SURPRISE, he'll be there the day we're coming!!! It will be crowded, but think of the collectibles you can buy and leave for your grandkids to take to Antique's Roadshow in 2103!

Second Motoring Time:
2:30PM - More country lanes, twisties and creeks!!! Weather permitting, We'll take the more hearty of the group up Hilltop View Road, and see how well our DSC works!!! A wonderful elevated dirt road not for the faint of heart! Don't worry, there's a paved alternative around for those still trying to pamper their babies!

Third Event:
3:30PM - Ottos MINI - plans are still being finalized, but remember to pack all your decorations in your MINI, because we'll be on prime display at Ottos, and you'll have 30 minutes to "Deck your MINI" for all to see!! Get creative, celebrate other holidays (i.e., maybe Kwanza?) and have fun! Food and prizes, plus a Polyanna, what more can you ask for?

Third Motoring Time:
6:00PM - Just a very short jaunt over to Longwood Gardens, but make sure your decorations can withstand the drive!!

Fourth Event:
Christmas at Longwood Gardens - Festive lights, beautiful trees, 3 acres under glass and the smell of pine and poinsiettas fill the air!!

Ending Time:
9:00PM

Further details will be forthcoming. We are still working on getting B&Bs lined up for those coming longer distances.

Please note, we will need to collect payment for the Museums IN ADVANCE, as they must be paid for with 1 single check. The cost is $25pp, which covers admission to Winterthur and Longwood. This represents a 40% reduction from walk-up prices, and includes a "little" extra ($2.00pp) to pay for some of our organizing costs.

Since we will have to pay for these centrally, we are requesting that your ticket fees be made payable to myself (you can trust me!!) and upon receipt of your checks, we will send you brochures and a few other neat items to confirm your payment. Tickets will be distributed at the event!

So, please mail checks to the following:

Scott Laughlin
219 West Gravers Lane
Philadelphia, PA 19118

If you are uncomfortable making your check payable to me, they will take walk-ups (space permitting) but you will not be guaranteed to take the tour with the MINI group.

To register for the Event, please go to the following:

www.groups.yahoo.com/phillymini

If you're not a member of Yahoo Groups yet, it's very easy! Join the PhillyMINI group, you'll get a very nice email from Julie Hoffman (aka CooperSQT) and just respond quickly!

One final point!! We took a few photos on Saturday, so check them out at the following:

www.clubphoto.com, then put in my email address (laughscott@aol.com) and look for the Deck the MINIs photo album!

Let's get this one up to the scale of the Bucks Rally!!

Cheers.

Scott

[laughscott]

Hello Everyone!

PLEASE save this email, and read to the very end when you have time. Details at the end regarding payment, registration, etc.

Well, on a rather wet Saturday this past week-end, your ever-industrious organizers spent a better part of the day mapping out what looks to be another stellar event for all of our MINI Familia! Joan Logan, Charlie Beck, Julie and Ed Hoffman and I had fun mapping out detours around ravaged bridges, and looking for the most scenic runs!!

There are some absolutely beautiful roads out in western Chester County, and we think we've found quite a few that will keep your Motoring hands grinning with anticipation!!! Even found an un-paved road that is only 1-lane wide, and climbs a beautiful hill with vistas for days for the more adventurous in us (and, hopefully, no ice or snow cover in December!).

We continue to fine tune the routing, and the event particulars, but things are firming up nicely. This is truly going to be a wonderful day, and we know that EVERYONE is going to be in the liveliest of Holiday Spirits!!

OK, a few more details since the first posting:

Date:
Saturday, 6 December, 2003
9:30AM Registration

First Event:
10:00AM Sharp - suggest you get there around 9:30AM, as our first scheduled tour will begin promptly at 10:00AM. You will be on private tours of Yuletide at Winterthur - and if you've never been there, the Colonial-era decorations are wonderful!!! Each group can be only 10 people, so we will start-off in waves. In addition, the grounds are also decorated, and there is a lovely train to drive you around!

First Motoring Time:
12:00PM - We've mapped out a lovely 1.5 hour ride along the creeks and fields. We saw much devastation from Isabel and the following storm (including a tree through the window of a first-floor factory)! The roads along the Brandywine Creek are mostly clear, and just beautiful!

Second Event:
1:30PM - Simon Pearce Art Glass Studio - If you are truly into glass, you are in for a special treat. Only once a year, the "real" Simon Pearce comes to this store (from Vermont) to personally sign pieces (and hence, increasing their value) and, SURPRISE, he'll be there the day we're coming!!! It will be crowded, but think of the collectibles you can buy and leave for your grandkids to take to Antique's Roadshow in 2103!

Second Motoring Time:
2:30PM - More country lanes, twisties and creeks!!! Weather permitting, We'll take the more hearty of the group up Hilltop View Road, and see how well our DSC works!!! A wonderful elevated dirt road not for the faint of heart! Don't worry, there's a paved alternative around for those still trying to pamper their babies!

Third Event:
3:30PM - Ottos MINI - plans are still being finalized, but remember to pack all your decorations in your MINI, because we'll be on prime display at Ottos, and you'll have 30 minutes to "Deck your MINI" for all to see!! Get creative, celebrate other holidays (i.e., maybe Kwanza?) and have fun! Food and prizes, plus a Polyanna, what more can you ask for?

Third Motoring Time:
6:00PM - Just a very short jaunt over to Longwood Gardens, but make sure your decorations can withstand the drive!!

Fourth Event:
Christmas at Longwood Gardens - Festive lights, beautiful trees, 3 acres under glass and the smell of pine and poinsiettas fill the air!!

Ending Time:
9:00PM

Further details will be forthcoming. We are still working on getting B&Bs lined up for those coming longer distances.

Please note, we will need to collect payment for the Museums IN ADVANCE, as they must be paid for with 1 single check. The cost is $25pp, which covers admission to Winterthur and Longwood. This represents a 40% reduction from walk-up prices, and includes a "little" extra ($2.00pp) to pay for some of our organizing costs.

Since we will have to pay for these centrally, we are requesting that your ticket fees be made payable to myself (you can trust me!!) and upon receipt of your checks, we will send you brochures and a few other neat items to confirm your payment. Tickets will be distributed at the event!

So, please mail checks to the following:

Scott Laughlin
219 West Gravers Lane
Philadelphia, PA 19118

If you are uncomfortable making your check payable to me, they will take walk-ups (space permitting) but you will not be guaranteed to take the tour with the MINI group.

To register for the Event, please go to the following:

www.groups.yahoo.com/phillymini

If you're not a member of Yahoo Groups yet, it's very easy! Join the PhillyMINI group, you'll get a very nice email from Julie Hoffman (aka CooperSQT) and just respond quickly!

One final point!! We took a few photos on Saturday, so check them out at the following:

www.clubphoto.com, then put in my email address (laughscott@aol.com) and look for the Deck the MINIs photo album!

Let's get this one up to the scale of the Bucks Rally!!

Cheers.

Scott

[GMINI]

woah!

[AprilWhine]

I'll get a check out right away Scott.

[AprilWhine]

Scott, I've merged the two threads and left a redirect in the New England forum. That should make it easier for folks to follow the posts. The redirects are only good for a month, so if it drops off, just send me a PM to renew it.

[AprilWhine]

This thread needs a little bump.

[laughscott]

Thanks for the bump Sherry,

You still planning on coming North for this one, and bringing Cajun?

Haven't seen anything from you yet!!

Cheers.

Scott