MEETING MINUTES
AUGUST 2002

The August meeting of the NCFSDC was called to order by President Edith Fifer at 2:00 p.m. on August 17, 2002. The meeting was hosted by Georgia and George Matt at their home in Waldo, FL.

Twenty-six members and special guests Anna Kint and Jon LaPerriere, University of Florida students, were present for the meeting. Studebakers included a 1963 GT Hawk, a 1962 Champ, a 1962 Daytona, a 1956 President Classic, two 1964 Daytonas, a 1965 Daytona, a 1964 Land Cruiser, a 1951 Champion, a 1937 Coupe Express and a 1963 Lark.

President Fifer opened the meeting by announcing the marriage of two club members Loyd Weaver and Mary Ellen Tice. Congratulations were offered to the happy couple.

Roger Thelin continued the meeting by introducing two engineering students from the Formula SAE car team at the University of Florida. He explained that the NCFSDC participated in the team by sponsoring the purchase of four tires for the car. Every year a car is designed and manufactured by students and competed in an international competition. (Editors note: See article on page 4.)

After a brief delay when heavy rain on a metal roof made it impossible to hear, the meeting continued with old business. President Fifer asked Derwood Thompson if he would present the winners from the NCFSDC at the 38th International SDC Meet which took place in June. He identified three first place cars owned by Dr. Robert Cade: a 1911 Flanders, a lemon-lime Speedster, and a 1951 Studebaker better known as "Spot." Dr. Cade explained that it was called Spot because when he first purchased it, a big oil spot always accompanied the car wherever it went. (Editor's note: Look for the story of Spot in the October issue of the Hogtown Headlights.)

President Fifer related a story about their move to Port Charlotte, FL. After they moved in June, the Fifer's Studebakers have been parked in the driveway of their new home. This has brought considerable attention to them. People have even knocked on the door in the middle of the night with questions about the cars. Apparently, Studebakers are a rarity in Port Charlotte.

President Fifer announced that the local officer liability insurance is in effect and was retroactive to July 1, 2002. As previously approved by the club members, $100.00 will be paid to the National SDC for a twelve month coverage. The insurance includes the offices of tour master and membership secretary if they are elected positions, which is the case for NCFSDC.

Danny Thomas presented the web site report. So far, there have been over 2,000 hits on the site. He asked that anyone having problems with the web site contact him. Pictures from the current meeting will be posted shortly. It was pointed out that there were very good pictures from the 38" International SDC Meet posted.

Bill Delli reported that the club has 58 families registered with over one hundred active members.

President Fifer presented other old business for discussion. She explained the issue of the revision of the NCFSDC By-laws had been carried over from the June meeting. To resolve the confusion about the associate members, President Fifer e-mailed the question to Gordon Shelton, Southeast Zone Coordinator, and to Edward Burris, Southeast National Director, for an opinion as to the best way to resolve the issue. Both sent similar ideas about how to revise the conflict between Article 11 and Article V in the By-laws. It was recommended that the "associate" category of members be deleted and that spouses be added to the "active" member definition. As Mr. Burris said, "There are no second class citizens in the SDC." Spouses should receive equal recognition. A question was raised about including children. It was pointed out that there is a provision for youth membership and that anyone under the age of 16 did not have voting rights. Charlotte Delli provided a copy of the proposed revisions, which club members reviewed. It was moved and seconded that the revised By-laws be approved as written and the motion carried with an unanimous voice vote. Charlotte Delli stated that revised By-laws would have to be reviewed by the National SDC. President Fifer authorized her to send the By-laws to the National SDC on behalf of the NCFSDC.

Other old business inducted the sponsoring of an international meet President Fifer stated that the issue had been overcome by events. She pointed out that all future meets will be managed by the National SDC. Sites for the next three years have been selected: 2003 in Sacramento, CA; 2004 in Charlotte, NC; and 2005 in Spokane WA. She called members attention to the survey in the July issue of Tuning Wheels concerning the national meets and encouraged everyone to complete the survey and return it by September 1, 2002.

There was a question about the plan for future international meets. It was explained that the SDC will manage the international meets, use a contractor for hotel selection, select the site and use a host club for manpower to operate the meet. The host club will receive $5,000 for providing the labor.

New business was introduced. The only new business presented was the arrangements for the next meeting. It was determined that September 15th, a Sunday, would be the best date for the meeting. Derwood Thompson agreed to contact the Don Garlits Car Museum to see if a meeting could be held there. A notice will be placed in the newsletter.

President Fifer reminded everyone that they need to let Mickey Prankas know if they were going to attend the Turkey Rod Run in November. If enough Studebakers come, a special spot can be planned for them. She also stated that reservation should be made for the Florida State Meet in October. Hotel rooms were still available.

The final item of business was to thank hosts Georgia and George Matt for their hospitality. She mentioned that they were giving away kittens as door prizes if anyone was interested.

By unanimous vote the meeting was adjourned.