Michiana Monthly

Comments from the President

How’s the winter treating you? Hopefully not too badly. As I have grown older, I can appreciate why people go to Florida and Arizona. For me it has already been a long winter and I am looking forward to spring and getting the cars out.

I received a letter from Coachmen Auto Club about the Cavalcade of Wheels. Due to events beyond their control, the Cavalcade is cancelled for this year. There are plans to have the 2010 Cavalcade of Wheels at the South Bend Century Center on March 20-21. That leaves us plenty of time to plan for next year.

There are plans for a trip to the Chicago Auto Show. At this month’s meeting, there will be discussion on the possibility of two groups going the show. One group can go by car either Friday, February 13 or Friday, February 20, as there are no South Shore trains to McCormick Place during the week. Another group could go either Saturday, February 14 or Saturday, February 21 by South Shore. We will be discussing the particulars at the meeting. If you cannot attend the meeting, give me a call for information

I hope that this day trip will help all of us to get out of the winter blahs and think about spring and our cars. Looking forward to seeing you at our meeting.

Bob

Minutes from last month’s meeting:

Newly-elected club president Bob Goeller opened the meeting and welcomed all members and guests. Those in attendance were: Art Anderson, Scott Anderson, Howard Barrett, Art Campbell, Pat & Bob Goeller, Terry Gunderman, Rob Killingsworth, Blair Knaak, Carl Kindig, Neal Lewis, Rose & Hal McClure, Brad Milliken & Veronica Niedbalski, Charlotte & Ron Newcomer, Phil Nicodemus, Arnie O'Blenis, Jon Oram, Kevin Price, Diane & Ken Reed, Robert D. Relos, Pat & Ted Sauerbeck, June & Jim Schmidt, Mona & Dick Spitaels, Mark Taelman, Shirley & George Wachs, Jane & Dave Yoder, and Steve York.

The minutes were approved as written.

MCA Regional Director Jim Schmidt reported that the Mustang Lover's Cruise has been canceled.

Show entrants may not have to sign the insurance forms any longer, since it is a blanket policy.

The MUSTANG TIMES is looking for articles on local shows and activities, personal "My Mustang" articles, and other articles of interest.

Jim stated that our club should have no problem getting the President's Award with the pictures and activities that he has reported.

Bob thanked the club members for being so generous with their toy contributions for Toys for Tots. Also, a thank you to Howard Barrett for delivering the toys. Our club donated 89 toys and there were 3 truckloads of toys taken to the donation center--a great showing with the slowing economy.

Under New Business, Bob had several suggestions for the new year. One, that at election time, all candidates stand and introduce themselves, so that new members would know who they are.

All members should wear a name tag and starting in March, members not wearing a name tag would be fined $.50. A motion was made and passed to that effect. The purchase of new nametags is being investigated.

Car show chairmen will list all job openings so that they are assigned before the show date and members will know where they are to work. It was suggested that all workers be given a show t-shirt, but since that is one of our best money-makers, the cost would be prohibitive. Armbands or hats were suggested instead.

On the Pumper Award, it was suggested that a $50 restaurant gift card be given to the recipient. Art made the motion, second by Howard and passed that this be done.

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Minutes from last month’s meeting (continued):

Some members have suggested that we change our meeting place. Bob had found that the Honkers Restaurant in Mishawaka will give us a room rental-free and we could order from the menu. This location would be closer for some members, but considerably farther away for others. After much discussion, it was decided to send an e-mail to members who have it available, and they would be asked to state their preference. SEND IN YOUR VOTE. It would be the Board of Directors who have the final say, but your vote would count.

The location of the Cavalcade of Wheels will probably be changed because of renovation of the hockey rink. Members are welcome to show their cars individually, but the club will not participate this year.

Bob will check with Toni Estrada about the Tire Rack Event. Since few events are given insurance coverage by the MCA, it is important that we get our event scheduled and apply for the insurance.

Since there will be a National Show in Indianapolis this June 5-7, Bob wondered if the club would want to volunteer as a group to help there. There not being much interest shown, it was decided that it would be left to individuals to volunteer, rather than the club as a group.

If you have ideas for club activities, please give them to Brad Milliken. Some suggestions have been: bowling and pizza for February, the Chicago Auto Show, a Saleen Plant Tour (tours are not available at the Mustang Plant), or bus tours like we have had in the past.

Newsletter Editor Art Campbell suggested having a "Member Profile" section in our monthly newsletter (see page 6 - Ed.). A form to be filled out will be emailed to members or can be picked up at the next meeting. Be sure to get your Mustang featured in the newsletter. If you need help writing an article, contact Art. He will be glad to assist you.

The treasurer's report was approved as read.

Show chairperson Carl Kindig suggested August 8 or 15th for our 2009 show. The 8th was chosen.

Discussion was held concerning moving the site at the Mall. Most thought it was the best site for visibility by the public.

There will be a show committee meeting after the regular February meeting. ALL are invited to attend and bring any suggestions that you might have.

The Scholarship Fund was discussed. Some members wondered if other than children of members should be considered for the scholarship. Scholarship fund chairperson Ron Newcomer stated that would up to the Decker family and the Board of Directors. So far no applications have been received, and they are due March 1st.

Long-time member Alan Wright has been having some medical problems with his throat. Please keep him and any other members who are under the weather, in your prayers.

The $21.50 in the 50/50 was won by Neal Lewis, whose numbers were drawn 2 more times. Other winners were Charlotte Newcomer and Bob Relos.

There will be a Board of Directors meeting after the regular meeting. All are welcome to attend.

A motion was made and passed that we adjourn.

June Schmidt, Secretary.