President’s Message
Terry Kiwala
A Family Affair
During my 23 years of Mercedes-Benz Club of America membership, I have noticed an increasing trend of families enjoying Mercedes-Benz automobiles and club events together. In every region of the country, it is clear that families enjoy the beauty of vintage cars, the incredible performance of new cars, and come closer together as Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts.
At StarFest® 2016, Ed Owen ran a spectacular concours event with a lot of help behind him, particularly from his son, Denton, who worked overtime to properly prepare and present customers’ cars from European Auto Solutions. Denton worked hard all day and then walked up to the podium to receive awards for many absentee owners of the cars that placed well in the concours judging. Even though he does not yet have a driver’s license, Denton has a lot of enthusiasm for Mercedes-Benz Club of America, and I look forward to seeing Ed and Denton at our events for years to come.
In the middle of Amish Country in Pennsylvania, the Taylor family has taken part in club events for nearly 25 years. Larry and Mary Taylor have been avid enthusiasts and participants in MBCA events at the local, regional and national levels. As proud parents of their son Robert, the family enjoys attending Mercedes-Benz events on a regular basis. Robert even served as a Junior Judge at June Jamboree 2016; his father spearheaded the program which included several young enthusiasts. Be sure to take a look at Robert’s inagural column on page 80 of this issue. The Taylor family recently received a letter of appreciation for 25 years of membership and service, altogether fitting for their dedication to MBCA.
Amy, Jason and Lauren Bogart of Three Rivers Section
And in Fort Wayne, Indiana, the Bogart family is a cornerstone of the Three Rivers Section’s success, and they make it a family affair. Jason, Amy (Three Rivers’ Member of the Year in 2016) and their daughter Lauren are always working behind the scenes to ensure that every member who attends Section events has a positive experience. The Bogarts were the driving force behind each of more than a dozen events the Three Rivers Section hosted in 2016. Their efforts have attracted many new serial attendees, with undoubtedly many more to come as Jason takes the helm as Section President in 2017. As Three Rivers assembles its upcoming event calendar, the Bogarts plan to continue enjoying the cars, the people – and their family – by way of MBCA. It has been fun to watch this family together at MBCA gatherings over the years, And there are many more fun years ahead.
As for me, Mercedes-Benz enthusiasm has always been in my family. My grandfather, Dr. Edward Kiwala, was always a strong advocate for the quality and longevity of the brand. He purchased five different new Mercedes-Benz vehicles in the 1950s and ’60s. According to the documents I have, he joined MBCA in the mid-1960s and wanted to participate in a German trip, which required a personal interview! Fortunately for me, there was no interview required for MBCA membership or participation.
If you are still reading to this point, my guess is that Mercedes-Benz enthusiasm permeates your family. Whether your car is old or new, I hope you use your membership in the club to spark interest among your loved ones. Keep up with the upcoming events calendar in The Star magazine and follow updates at the mbca.org website: And then go out and enjoy your car with your family. If you are organizing events, encourage families to participate and enjoy themselves in the company of MBCA members – and their cars. I hope to cross paths with you at an event this year and meet your family.