General Meeting Minutes

 January 17, 2008

The general meeting was called to order at 7:32pm by President Norm Kassoff.

Program:

Norm introduced our guest speaker, Bill Beckham who discussed auto insurance in general and antique automobile insurance in particular.  There was a lively discussion with many good questions.

The minutes from November’s Board meeting were read by the Secretary and unanimously approved.

Mel presented the Treasurer’s report.  The Treasurer’s report was unanimously approved.

Old Business:

Mel discussed the Art Deco show.  The Friday night parade has 28 cars pre-registered.  Please be there at 5pm to help; the parade begins at 7:15pm.  There are 50-55 cars pre-registered for each days show

Ernesto discussed the Coral Gables show scheduled for 2/10/08.  To date, eight cars have pre-registered.

Mel discussed the Downtown Show scheduled for 3/29/08 from 9am-2:30pm.

Norm discussed the Homestead Show on 4/17/08.

New Business:

Mel presented the financial results for the year-ended 12/31/07.  Approximately $37K came in via membership dues and sponsorship money while $41K went out on show expenses and social events causing a decrease in cash flow of $4K in 2007.  Mel went through each line item and added commentary where appropriate.  Mel discussed how the deficit from the previous year along an expectation of reduced sponsorship funds led our board to decide to charge for the Coral Gables and Downtown shows this spring.  His research supported the idea that other car clubs charge for events and after much deliberation, a charge of $15 per car, $10 for each additional charge and $25 for day of show was appropriate for our events.  We are intending to keep the other events free of charge while continuing to prosper as an organization.

The following club members had these comments:

Eugenio: Eugenio felt that people did not want to pay for shows.

Mel: He explained that our intention is to balance our budget.  If charging doesn’t work, we will change our direction.

Ira: He mentioned that the Homestead show has always included an entrance fee.

Juan Contreras: He believed that the membership should have been consulted first.

Gerry: Gerry’s opinion was that charging for shows doesn’t work.

Greg: Greg mentioned that we have formed a budget committee to look at all expense items and make cost cutting suggestions.

Jean: She mentioned that the following items were being reviewed: Sidelights, Sunshine Matters, board meetings, lower printing cost alternatives and opting-out of receiving physical copies of Sidelights.

Bill Stern: He wanted to amend the By-Laws to put these kinds of votes back upon the general membership.  It was seconded.

Ira: He stated that this motion is against our By-Laws and therefore nullified.

Irwin Adler: He suggested that we let the committee do their work and report back to the group on their findings.

Stan: Stan has brought many new members to the club.  He feels that other items should be cut.

Greg: Greg proposed a motion that we let the committee do their job and we added three general members to the committee: Juan Contreras, Eugenio and Irwin Adler.  This was unanimously approved.

Eugenio: He made a motion that we communicate a proposed change to Article 11 saying that the board’s vote can be overridden by a simple majority after notification in Sidelights and voted on at the next general meeting.  The motion was defeated 24 to 8.

Juan Contreras: He made a motion to waive the Coral Gables fee until the committee reported back to the group.  The motion passed 17 to 12.

Sunshine Report:

Jean/Marianne Sebastian relayed that Nancy Bahn slipped and fractured her hand.

Other:

Norm provided an update on Danny Berrios, the Robert Morgan student that we sponsored.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:15pm.

Andy Leavy
Regional Secretary

The general meeting was called to order at 7:32pm by President Norm Kassoff.

Norm presented Bob Squier with the national award for chapter website excellence.  Our chapter finished in the top 15 of the chapters in the US and abroad.

The minutes from November’s Board meeting were read by the Secretary and unanimously approved.

Mel presented the Treasurer’s report of the Region’s account.  The Treasurer’s report was unanimously approved.

Philip introduced new members: Luis and Desiree Fiallo.

Norm mentioned that he was meeting with the Homestead Raceway group to discuss the potential site for a national show hosted by our region.

Old Business:

Andy and Ernesto discussed the Coral Gables show.  It was a beautiful day and 85 cars were in attendance.  The show lost approximately $1,256 and we returned $585 to club members in refunded fees.

Mel discussed the Downtown Show scheduled for 3/29/08 from 9am-2:30pm.  We will have a smaller show field to make it easier.  No sponsorship funds have been received as of today.

Corey is the new chairman (Tony is the co-chair) for the Homestead Show on 4/12/08.  The time will be 10am-3:30pm.  The charge will be $15 per car and $10 for each additional car.  Car corral participants and vendors will be charged $25.  The first 75 cars get a commemorative plaque.  We are expecting 100 cars on Main Street.

Jean discussed the Finance Committee Report.  As previously discussed, the club is projected to have a decrease in cash flow of approx. ($11K) in 2008 vs. 2007.  The group discussed further cost reductions relating to Sidelights and potential charging for physical copies of the publication.  Jean and the group were commended for their hard work on this project.   The group will meet again next month to continue their work.

Norm commended Juan Gonzalez and Grand Prize for their contribution of the snacks at the general meetings for 2008.

New Business:
 

Norm reported about the national meeting in Philadelphia.  There are currently 388 regions/chapters around the world.  He attended workshops (including judging classes) and learned that our club should designate a safety officer for each show.  Our show chairmen will act as safety officer for each show.  He mentioned national level benefits including free entrance to the museum.  Norm mentioned that all other chapters that he spoke to charge for their shows.

Al mentioned that the Boca Concours show is on 2/24/08, the Grand National show in Melbourne is 3/13/08-3/15/08 and the Kendall Chevy Corvette show is 3/16/08.

Sunshine Report:

Jean relayed that Nancy Bahn requires rehabilitation and that Nelson Reyes had back surgery.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:09pm.

Andy Leavy
Regional Secretary

Our guest speaker, Kimberlee Poulton, Director of Communication and Marketing, FL Department of Transportation discussed the history and future of the Turnpike.

The minutes from February’s meeting were read by the Secretary and unanimously approved.

Andy presented the Treasurer’s report for Mel. The Treasurer’s report was unanimously approved.

Old Business:

Tomas mentioned that 21 cars are pre-registered for the Downtown Show on 3/29/08.

Tony mentioned that 19 cars pre-registered for the Homestead Show on 4/17/08.

Norm discussed further negotiations with the Homestead Speedway group regarding a potential national show in 2010 or 2011.  They are encouraging us to host a show every two or three years.

Jean discussed the Budget Review Committee.  The group met on 3/10/08 and determined that the summer BBQ and Progressive Dinner will cost each member $10 while kids are free.  Charging for events like this is a must as sponsorship funds continue to be a challenge.

New Business:

Maurice Hawa brought some of the challenges from the 1991 national show held by our region to light.  Several members met with the local chapter at the recent Melbourne national/grand national show in which 493 cars attended.  The group thought that we should enlist support from the general membership since it will take 75-100 members to take on such a large responsibility.

The Matheson Hammock annual picnic is scheduled for 7/20/08.  The past Presidents will do the cooking and serving.

The membership report from Philip stated that 165 families have paid their dues for 2008 and 47 have opted for E-Lights instead of Sidelights.

Sunshine Report:

Jean reported that: Phyllis Jacobs, Ed Brown and Bonnie Mayer had surgery, Phyllis Roscoe broke her nose, ribs and rotator cuff and Harry Goebel had a grandchild.

Other:

Norm announced that our club won an award from the Dade County Heritage Fund as an outstanding organization for 2007 for restoration of antique automobiles and history.  They were also impressed with our scholarship program.

Andy Leavy
Regional Secretary

Norm introduced our guest speaker, Mike Guilfoyle, who instructs at the Robert Morgan Vocational School.  He discussed hybrid technology and showed an interesting video about different types of hybrids.

The minutes from the previous meeting were read by the Secretary and unanimously approved.

Mel Mann presented the Treasurer’s Report.  The Treasurer’s report was unanimously approved.

Old Business:

Tomas Hernandez and Mel discussed the Downtown Show (3/29/08).  42 cars were in attendance on a beautiful day.  The downtown sponsor group was pleased and asked us to return again next year.

Corey Gold and Tony Cueva mentioned that 72 cars were at Homestead on 4/12/08.  The City of Homestead was happy with our car display and has invited us back again next year.

Jean Hawa discussed the Budget Review Committee.  The group will meet again on met on 4/22/08 to discuss the upcoming social events and whether we should charge a nominal fee for these events.

New Business

Norm discussed the latest developments with the Homestead Speedway.  The Speedway has determined that security and clean-up are expenses that they are looking for financial support on.  Norm asked for a show of hands of those who would be willing to help at a potential national show in early 2010.  Ira Shapiro mentioned that he has discussed a potential show with the Fort Lauderdale and Naples chapters and their enthusiasm for lending support has been encouraging.

The Matheson Hammock annual picnic is scheduled for 7/20/08.  The past Presidents will do the cooking and serving.  Stan Jacobs has resolved the parking issue and we can park near the pavilion as in previous years.

The membership report from Philip Williams stated that 168 families have paid their dues for 2008 and 45 have opted for E-Lights instead of Sidelights.

Sunshine Report:

Jean reported that: Rosita Cotarelo passed away, Sybil Greenstein fell and was injured, Mel Mann had kidney stones and Nelson Reyes continues to struggle after back surgery.

Other:

Eugenio Tormes suggested that we plan our car shows so that they do not coincide on the same day or too closely with other group’s shows.  He also suggested that we have a 50-50 raffle at our events to raise funds and offer a cash prize to participants.

Juan Contreras suggested that we contact members that have not renewed their dues for 2008 and gain an understanding as to why they have not rejoined.

Eugenio and Stan each read a statement regarding some of their issues with the club.

Andy Leavy
Regional Secretary

The general meeting was called to order at 7:35pm by 1^st Vice President Greg Paiewonsky.

The minutes from the previous meeting were read by the Secretary and unanimously approved.

Ira Shapiro presented the Treasurer’s.  The Treasurer’s report was unanimously approved.

Greg and Al Roscoe discussed automobile fires and statistics relating to injuries.  Many people are injured attempting to put out automobile fires.  Al displayed and described several different types of fire extinguishers.  A lively discussion ensued.

Old Business:

Ira discussed the Matheson Hammock Picnic set for 7/20/08.  Awards are planned for the best covered dish and dessert.  This event is free to members and $5 for non-members.

Ira mentioned that our club won the Dade Heritage Trust Award for community involvement and importance. 

Jean Hawa discussed the Budget Review Committee.  The group recently met and covered such issues as whether we should charge a nominal fee for the social events and would discuss their recommendations with the board at its next meeting including charging for the Progressive Dinner and decreased subsidization for the Holiday Party.

New Business:

Sunshine Report:

Jean reported that:

·        David Rose is in hospice care.

Other

Bob Squier mentioned that 170 families have paid their dues for 2008.

Bob discussed feedback that he gathered at Felipe Cos’ car show and that members are unhappy about our club’s need to charge for shows.  Bob discussed this at the last board meeting.

Andy Leavy discussed a potential limited order of club shirts and caps for those that were interested and will finalized pricing and ordering quantity minimums.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:02pm.

Andy Leavy
Regional Secretary

Norm presented our annual Robert Morgan Educational Center scholarship to Rogelio Rodriguez.  Rogelio received $500 and a commemorative plaque with his name on it.

The guest speaker was Rolando Abesada from Napa Echlin.  We discussed ignition systems.

Andy Leavy read the Secretary minutes from the previous meeting which were unanimously approved.

Mel Mann presented the Treasurer’s report reconciled as of 5/31/08. The Treasurer’s report was unanimously approved.

Old Business:

Norm discussed a potential national show for Winter/Spring 2010.  He is meeting again with the Homestead Speedway to work through more specifics.

Andy discussed club merchandise and showed a couple of examples from the Café Press website.  These items were raffled off at the meeting.  He will be setting up a website that sells embroidered items along side our existing merchandise for those interested in directly purchasing items.

Ira discussed the Matheson Hammock Picnic set for 7/20/08.  This event is free to members and $5 for non-members while children attend for free.

Norm reminded members that they can email Bob Squire with agenda items for our meetings.  

New Business

The Progressive Dinner is scheduled for 9/20/08.  Mel is looking for hosts and is trying to arrange for us to visit one sponsor along the way.

Mel discussed Memory Lane.  This year, we will not have the membership volunteering as security guards.  Instead, the show will supply security.  Members are welcome to watch the vehicles as well, but parking/food expenses will not be reimbursed.  Car owners will be required to stay for three shifts during the week in conjunction with the show’s security force.

Sunshine Report:

Jean reported that: Juan Gonzales’ mother-in-law passed away, Oscar Castro requires surgery and the Hawa’s celebrated their 37 year wedding anniversary.

Other

The Hawa’s toured the Southeast via the AACA Sentimental Tour and visited historic sites, college campuses, cruise-ins, shopping and dining establishments.  105 cars were in attendance.

Andy Leavy
Regional Secretary

The general meeting was called to order at 7:29 pm by President Norman Kassoff.

Andy Leavy read the Secretary minutes from the previous meeting and they were unanimously approved.

Mel Mann presented the Treasurer’s report. The Treasurer’s report was unanimously approved.

New Business:

Norm discussed the national show set for the first weekend in March 2010.  Volunteers so far: Overall show chair: Norm Kassoff, Operational chair: Ira Shapiro, Administrative chair: Greg Paiewonsky, Merchandising: Ben Harris, Field Marshall: Vern Glenn, Judging: Al Roscoe, Registration: Philip Williams and Harry Goebel.

Several members discussed the upcoming Wings over Miami (formerly Weeks Air Museum) show scheduled for 11/22/08 in conjunction with the Sunshine Corvette Club.  Antique cars will park inside the hanger and there will be vintage airplanes.  Entrance will be $10 which includes a t-shirt and two lunch vouchers.

The Matheson Hammock BBQ is set for 7/20/08.  76 people have pre-registered.

New Business:

Norm announced that Corey Gold resigned due to increased responsibilities at work.  Greg described the position’s responsibilities via the club’s by-laws and mentioned that there were three interested board members (Ernesto Romero, Tony Cueva and Andy Leavy).  Marianne Sebastian and Jean Hawa tabulated the votes.  Norm announced that Andy Leavy had been voted in to replace the open 2^nd VP position and that Bob Squier would take over as interim Secretary until the end of the year.

Sunshine Report:

Jean reported that: Irwin Adler had knee surgery, Oscar Castro requires surgery and Nan Carnavale requires kidney surgery.

Other:

Mel mentioned that the new Bill Ussery Mercedes dealership in Cutler Ridge will display 10 of Guy Lewis’ cars.  In lieu of the dealership paying him, Guy will have the dealership donate $5,000 to the club’s treasury and has asked us to spend it on our community.  We can use these funds for the Robert Morgan scholarship for years to come.

Mel discussed Memory Lane.  The show will take care of security for $1,200 (to be subtracted from our fees).  All members will continue to receive free admission but parking will not be reimbursed.

Andy Leavy
Regional Secretary

The meeting was called to order by President Norman Kassoff at 7:28 PM.

The guest speakers Eric Pozner, S.E. Region Manager, NAPA Tools & Equipment and Russell Eggert, NAPA Tools, explained the safety advantages of the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and how it works.  The TPMS used to be found only on some more expensive models, but are now found on all new cars and tucks.  He discussed things to watch out for when having your tires serviced if you have the TPMS..  He also discussed the advantages of nitrogen filled tires.

The secretary’s report was read by Bob Squier, and with the change of the meeting date to read July 17, 2008, was approved as amended.

The treasurer’s report was presented by Mel Mann.  A portion of our treasury is set aside for community service at the request of Bill Ussery Motors for its sponsorship and will not be used for club operations.  It will be used for scholarships and community service only.  The treasurer’s report was accepted as presented.

Old Business:

Norman Kassoff indicated that National Show in 2010 would be at the Homestead Miami Speedway and that through negotiations by Norman and Mel we will get the facility for $3,000 per day which includes security, clean up, and a mandatory fire rescue unit.  In exchange for the reduced cost, the Speedway will receive a multiyear sponsorship package.

Tony Cueva discussed the joint AACA/Sunshine Corvette Club Wings Over Miami Air Museum Auto Show set for November 22, 2008.  We have 6 cars registered and each has already purchased raffle tickets for the 50/50 drawing and plane ride.  All antique cars will be in hangers. Modern corvettes will be outside.  The $10 dollar entry fee will include a t-shirt and 2 lunches.

Andy Leavy told us that the Progressive Dinner preparations were almost complete and much of the shopping has been done.  The locations are the Hawa’s for appetizers, the Ash’s for dinner and Bob Squier’s for dessert.  Ben Harris as agreed to play the piano at the dessert venue. There is a $5 reservation fee so that we can plan the event.

Mel Mann indicated that for Memory Lane we have about half the cars we need, with some coming from the west coast of Florida.  If you have a #1 or high #2 car please submit an application to show it. Security is taken care o, so there will be no required volunteers other than the car owners. Entry is free to all members, but there will be no reimbursement for parking this year. If you wish to volunteer some time feel free to do so.  The Best of Show Award will be made opening night, November 7th and there will be drinks and snacks for those who attend. Our sponsor, Peterson Harley-Davidson will provide some vintage Harleys.

New Business:

According to Andy Leavy, the Holiday Party will be at Fleming Restaurant on December 7th.  There will be a car show in the parking lot, with appetizers and beverages served, and then dinner inside.  The cost of the meal will be $28.  Eugenio Tormes suggested that we give actual gifts rather than gift cards like we did last year.  Norman indicated that this idea would be discussed at the next board meeting.

Norman Kassoff told us that he let the board know that he wanted to fill a vacant position on the board with Juan Gonzalez and that the board unanimously approved.

Jean Hawa, in the Sunshine Report, let us know that Nan Carnevale was doing well after kidney surgery and the Al Roscoe had recovered from a serious illness and would turn 80 on Friday, August 22, 2008.

Other Business:

Jean Hawa was appointed to be the election committee chairwoman and will be contacting the membership to find 3 non-board members to help in the selection process. Norman Kassoff will also be on the committee. The nominating committee shall present a recommendation of candidates for Officers and the Board of Directors at the October general membership meeting. The floor will be open for nominations from the floor at the October general membership meeting, and closed prior to the election at the November general membership meeting.  The board will be sworn in at the holiday party in December.

George Duvall, III, a valued long time member, is quite ill, and at the request of his good friend Paul Cotner, the club will be presenting him with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his years of dedication to the hobby, his Sidelights column, Duvall’s Doodles and Drivels, and support of this club.  There were no objections to this. 

Adjournment: 9:07

Bob Squier
Regional Secretary

The meeting was called to order by President Norman Kassoff at 7:30 PM.

The secretary’s report for August 21, 2008 was read by Bob Squier and was accepted as read.

The treasurer’s report was presented by Ira Shapiro and report was accepted as read.

Old Business:

Norman Kassoff indicated that the date of the National Show in 2010 has not been set and is contingent upon the scheduling of races at the Speedway. We should have a date sometime in November.

Ira Shapiro indicated that on the Operations side of the show that the all the chairman of the committees are in place.  Having a flea market is still under consideration.  The advent of EBay has reduced the number of vendors that come out for a flea market.

Greg Paiewonsky indicated that on the Administrative side of the show that all of the chairman are in place with the Sid Greenstein and Irwin Adler filling the last posts on the Trophy Committee.

Tony Cueva discussed the joint AACA/Sunshine Corvette Club Wings Over Miami Air Museum Auto Show set for November 22, 2008.  We have 6 cars registered and each has already purchased raffle tickets for the 50/50 drawing and plane ride.  All antique cars will be in hangers. Modern corvettes will be outside.  The $10 dollar entry fee will include a t-shirt and 2 lunches.

Andy Leavy told us that the Progressive Dinner preparations were complete and much of the shopping has been done.  He reminded us that it was this Saturday, September 20th and that the locations are the Hawa’s for appetizers, the Ash’s for dinner and Bob Squier’s for dessert.  Ben Harris has to work and Alex Faredales has agreed to play the piano at the dessert venue.

Ira indicated that for Memory Lane we have all the cars we need, with some coming from the west coast of Florida.  Security is taken care of, so there will be no required volunteers other than the car owners. Entry is free to all members, but there will be no reimbursement for parking this year. Please wear your club badge or shirt. If you wish to volunteer some time feel free to do so.  The Best of Show Award will be made opening night, November 7th and there will be drinks and snacks for those who attend. Our sponsor, Peterson Harley-Davidson will provide some vintage Harleys.

According to Andy Leavy, the Holiday Party will be at Fleming Restaurant on December 7th.  There will be a car show in the parking lot, with appetizers and beverages served, and then dinner inside.  The cost of the meal will be $28.  The music will be provided by the gentleman who played at our Progressive Dinner last year.

Ira Shapiro discussed Art Deco Weekend set for January 16-18, 2009. The sponsor has made the following requests: no rods or modified cars on both days of the show, and that we use modern cars for the parade to prevent breakdowns.  So if you have a modern convertible please bring it out to the parade.  Alex Fardales that “My Classic Car” has contacted him regarding taping a show about our Art Deco Weekend Show.

New Business:

Jean Hawa listed the names of the three non-board members who graciously volunteered to help in the selection process. They are: Bud Miller, Jesse Kelly, Pat Carnevale and Harry Goebel - alternate. Ira Shapiro moved that they be accepted, seconded by Philip Williams and unanimously elected.   Norman Kassoff will also be on the committee.  The nominating committee shall present a recommendation of candidates for Officers and the Board of Directors at the October general membership meeting. The floor will be open for nominations from the floor at the October general membership meeting, and closed prior to the election at the November general membership meeting.  The board will be sworn in at the holiday party in December.

Jean Hawa reviewed the Memorial Procedures because there was some discussion that a card was just not enough for members going through illness or loss. The amount of the remembrance is to be kept under $25 dollars, but what the club sends is left to the discretion of the Sunshine Chair.

Jean Hawa, in the Sunshine Report, let us know that Nan Carnevale is recovering nicely and the Al Roscoe has liver cancer.  Eugenio Torme told us that Oscar Castro is doing much better.

Norman Kassoff, Maurice Hawa, Paul Cotner and Harry Goebel presented longtime member George Duvall III with a crystal plaque and certificate of appreciation designed by Ernesto Romero which included a picture of his 1949 Willys Jeepster.  George is homebound due to illness. Jean Hawa read a beautiful thank you letter from George.

Other Business:

Andy Leavy told us about our sponsor, Peterson Harley-Davidson’s open house.

Andy Leavy threw out the idea of another Turkey Rod Run club trip similar to the one we did last year.  It would be on the Saturday after Thanksgiving and it would leave very early in the morning and end late in the evening.  The bus firm we used last year is out of business and there was talk of caravanning up there with shared gas expense.

BREAK

Program:

Ira Shapiro discussed the many benefits of belong to AACA National and showed a short video about the museum and the various organized tours that national sponsors.

Adjournment: 9:00

Respectfully submitted,
Bob Squier, Regional Secretary