NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA SDC MARCH MEETING MINUTES

The March meeting of the North Central Florida Chapter of the Studebaker Drivers Club (NCFSDC) was called to order by President Edith Fifer at 2:00 p.m. on March 9, 2002 at The Gathering restaurant in Lake City, Fl.

Twenty members and four guests attended. Studebakers included a 1961 Hawk, a 1962 GT Hawk, a 1961 Lark Convertible, a 1954 Wagon, a 1964 Daytona, a 1957 truck, and a 1963 Avanti. Charles Grant tried to bring Maxine and Bill Morgan's 1947 Convertible, but bad luck hit on the road when his engine decided to quit. He was near a call box and did get help home.

President Fifer extended a thank you to Dee and Ernie Keith who hosted the meeting and provided the drinks for everyone.

The first order of business was the review and acceptance of the February meeting minutes which were published in the March edition of the Hogtown Headlights. The minutes were accepted as written by a unanimous voice vote.

Bill Delli, the membership secretary, reported that the NCFSDC had 71 individual members included in 53 families. There also was a last call for dues. Anyone who had not paid dues will be removed from the roster as of March.

Danny Thomas reported on the progress on the club's web site. He explained that it had not changed in the past few weeks because he had been out of town, but that he would get the web site back in shape quickly. He polled the members to make sure that the web site could be accessed quickly. Anyone who has suggestions should e-mail them to Danny. He also reported that in one day over 60 "hits" had been received at the web site. It was also noted that the club received a new member from the Internet site. Danny Thomas discusses the web site. Upcoming changes to the site include adding technical tips. George Matt also suggested that a gallery of pictures of club members' cars be added. Danny requested that members e-mail pictures or send photographs.

The first old business to be discussed was the time for the April meeting. The meeting will be held at the Southeast Zone Meet in Jacksonville FL on April 6, 2002. The time will be posted in the hospitality suite. Several times were discussed. There was concern that the members who were judging would not be able to attend the meeting. It was finally agreed that the meeting will be held between 2"30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. with final directions posted the day of the meet.

Bill Schettino reopened the discussion about club shirts. He provided samples of women's style shirts that could be made. These shirts would not have the collar like the golfstyle shirts previously shown. All shirts will have the club logo (without the border) and the person's name. The cost will be the same for each type of shirt. The price will be $25.00 with $2.00 back to the club. He can also customize shirts with pictures of individual's cars; this would be an additional cost which will vary according to the type of picture and detail needed. It was voted unanimously by voice vote to adopt the shirt with the logo and name as the official club shirt. Orders can be given to Bill.

Other old business included a discussion of the club badge. George Matt presented several samples from the company that provides badges to the Hudson club. He said that he was not that satisfied with the samples and was looking for companies that would use the club logo in the badge. He requested that additional time be allowed until the next meeting to see if he could find some better badges.

George Matt announced that he had pictures from the last meeting that were duplicates if anyone wanted to take them home. He also explained that he had a printer make a car window decal with the club logo if anyone was interested. They come in a sheet with twelve to a sheet at $2.00 each. The decals must be placed on the outside of the window. Roger Thelin asked if an inside decal could be made. George was not sure but said that he would check on it. He also stated that the club might want to consider baseball caps and license plates with the club logo. He will provide more information at a later meeting.

Roger Thelin announced that there were still a lot of XL size T-shirts from the state meet last October and wanted to know what the club wanted to do with them. After much discussion, it was unanimously voted that the shirts would be donated to various cruise-in meetings in the area to be given as prizes.

It was noted that there would be a cruise-in on March 16, 2002 at the Burger King, Roger Thelin pointed out that the University of Florida would have one of its competition cars on display. The cars are built as part of an annual competition sponsored by several large companies. The cars are built by engineering students from the various universities. The cars are judged on originality and endurance. The highest that the University of Florida teams have been able to place is fourth. They do not do better because they do not have the financial support needed to buy such things as tires so that they can complete practice runs. Roger will investigate to get a general idea of the cost and type of support the team needs. It will be considered at the next club meeting.

Various cruise-in meetings were discussed including the one sponsored by the Wanderers and the Hospice. President Fifer reminded everyone of the cruise-in at the Villages that the club is participating in on April 20 . Jerry Fairchild is providing information which will be published in the newsletter. It was pointed that this was not just a car show. There will be entertainment. President Fifer is trying to have the Studebakers parked so that club members can come and go as needed.

The floor was opened for new business. Danny Thomas pointed out that several changes had been made concerning the lifetime membership, meeting days and dues payment date that may require amending the club's bylaws. Charlotte Delli volunteered to investigate and report at the next meeting.

The date and location for the May meeting was discussed. It was agreed that the meeting would be in High Springs FL. Stephen Cade volunteered to provide lunch. That was unanimously accepted.

President Fifer introduced a discussion about the 2002 State Meet. It will be hosted by the Orlando Chapter. Apparently, they are having problems with a site. One place wanted a $100 per car fee for parking. The date has not been set because of this problem. NCFSDC members indicated that they would help Orlando if asked. It was also noted that the Orlando Chapter newsletter contained kudos for NCFSDC and its 2001 State Meet.

The meeting ended with a plea from Roger Thelin to become better educated about legislation that was being proposed which would have a very detrimental effect on old car buffs. Charlotte Delli indicated that she was doing research on this and would provide information in the next newsletter. A motion to adjourn was passed unanimously and the meeting was adjourned.