January 15, 2009

AACA General Membership Meeting – Thursday, January 15, 2009

Our January meeting was called to order by our Vice President, Andy Leavy at 7:30pm, our President, Greg Paiewonsky was unable to attend.

 The Secretary report was read, accepted and past by a unanimous vote.

 The Treasurer’s report was presented by Mel Mann which also involved a year end report. After much of the itemizing, cutting of expenses such as the cost of the Sidelights, and the mailing of the Sidelights, and the membership registration fees for our events, our operation costs for the year dropped.  Mel did mention due to the current economic crisis, we’ve lost two sponsors, Dade Jeep Chrysler Dodge, and Tropical Chevrolet. 

 Mel also introduced Chico Goldsmith as one of our new Board Members.

 Old Business:

 Andy Leavy  spoke about the Holiday Party, recently held at Flemings on Dec. 7^th.  We had 86 people, and 26 cars in the car show.  The weather was picture perfect, and good times were had by all.  There were plenty of raffle gifts, and the Most Valuable Membership award was presented that evening to Norman Kassoff.  We took in $1,900, and the expenses involved were $4,200.00.  The club picked up the tab on $2,200.00 on this well attended event.

 New Business: 

Art Deco – Mel Mann spoke to us about our upcoming Art Deco event which will take place the weekend of January 17 and 18.  There will not be a Friday parade, instead the parade will take place Saturday morning at 11am.  There is already an expectation of over 100 cars to attend, some driving as far as Melbourne and Naples to attend.  Cars not participating in the parade will be parked to the left side of 8^th Street, while cars in the parade would be parked on 5^th and 6^th Street.  Modern Convertible Cars are the preference for the parade, but these will not be part of our car show.  After the parade, the cars will be parked in the center of the street, as was from past years.

 National Show – Norman Kassoff met with the Show Chairman at Corey Gold’s office on Tuesday the 13^th.  The following was agreed:

Friday night, March 5th, 2010 will be the Barbecue on the Track property, welcoming everyone to the event.  There will be a $15 fee for the barbecue.

Saturday, March 6th, 2010 will be the Judges breakfast, a $7.50 continental breakfast. And the Awards Banquet would be held at approximately 5pm, $23-$25 per person.

Host Hotel to be determined, however, Norman was looking at the possibility of a brand new Hampton Inn which will open in August 2009. This is a 5 story building with 125 rooms. Other motels are the Holiday Inn Express, the Best Western,  and the Ramada Inn.

Our next step will be to finalize the food, rooms and meet with Track officials to study the lay-out for the event.  Also, a discussion of tours such as the Everglades Boat rides, etc. to be decided.  Next meeting with track officials would be at the beginning of February.  Greg and Ira will be traveling to the next National Meeting in February to promote the event, and to present the logo of the event. 

Downtown Show – Tomas spoke of the event, scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 21 from 10am to 3pm.  There will be no other car shows on this day.  Flyers were already printed, and distributed at the last Fuddruckers car gathering. 

Miracle Mile - Andy Leavy spoke of this event.  The original date of March 22^nd has been changed due to the conflict of the Miccosukee Kruse & Krome event that will also be occurring, so we will have our Coral Gables show the Sunday prior, which will be on March 15^th.  

Homestead – Tony Cueva and Norman Kassoff will be the Show Chairmen of this event scheduled for Saturday, April 11.  More information to follow.

Norm mentioned we are up to date with the insurance issue of all of our events.

Sunshine Report - Luis Fernandez’s daughter is doing better however our member, George Duvall is not.  He will no longer be doing his articles for the Sidelights.  It was also mentioned that Nan Carnevale was not doing well, but expects to be well enough to attend the Art Deco event this weekend.  We all wish her best wishes.

Phillip Williams spoke of renewal notices.  If you are due to renew your membership, please get this to him ASAP. 

Andy Leavy presented a letter from Connie Kostyra from Neva King Cooper Education Center thanking us for our donations to the kids last month.  This is a center that tends to mentally ill children, and Santa made a very good delivery on Dec. 18 on behalf of our club, and the Sunshine Corvette Club.  We donated $200 while the Corvette club donated $5,000.  The children were ecstatic as well as grateful.

Jean Hawa requests any articles of interest pertaining to our hobby to please be submitted to her to appear in a Sidelights issue.

The meeting adjourned at 8:30 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Alex Fardales
Club Secretary

Greg Paiewonsky called the meeting to order at 7:35pm

Greg welcomed everyone to the meeting and announced that John Jones was appointed to the Board of Directors as a special appointment.

Greg introduced Jean Hawa as presenter of the evening’s program. The program was to be a video about the Hersey Meet. Do to technical difficulties the video did not present so we went on to the business portion of the meeting.

A motion was made to forgo the reading of the minutes from last months meeting. It was seconded and accepted.

The Treasurer Report was presented by Mel Mann Treasurer.  A motion was made to accept the report as read it was seconded and accepted.

 Art Deco report was made by Mel Mann. Mel thanked Andy, Bob, Philip, Alex and Ira for all the hard work. The weather was great and we had a very good turn-out of cars. Plans are already in place for next years show. 

Downtown Show, Tomas reported that all plans were in place. We had 25 cars pre registered. Ira added some details about the entering the show field from Biscayne Blvd.

Miracle Mile Show, Andy reported that plans were falling in place for the March 15^th Show. Because of St. Patrick Day, he was making some plans to tie in the St. Patties Day theme in the show. Show field entrance was off of Salzado. South motors will display cars and the show will run from 10am to 3:30pm

 Homestead National Show, preparations are moving along. Prices are being worked out for a Friday Night Banquet, the Judges Breakfast and the Award Banquet. Vern Glenn Maurice Hawa and Harry Goebel are working on the show field layout. Norman and Bob are working on finalizing the hotel arrangements.

 Jean Hawa made a sunshine report; Whitney Ash Huttig was out of the hospital and making a speedy recovery. Phyllis Roscoe was recovering from her bout with shingles.

Greg spoke about the National Meeting in Philadelphia. The meeting was very interesting. He learned quite a few things and is hoping to implement some of the ideas he learned over the next year. The principal thing learned was to shake things up, get out of the rut of doing the same events year in and year out.

Andy informed us that he is working to develop better relations with our fellow Broward Region. He will be attending their up coming meeting and will invite them to our Downtown show and Miracle Mile show.

Philip informed us that of the 184 Family member units 121 have so far renewed their membership.

Frank Spinelli introduced his guest Fred Warring from Blake Chevrolet.

Norm made a report on the VW Show in South Miami; the VW Club presented a check for $10,000, the proceeds from the show, to Habitat for Humanity.

Ann Marie Clyatt thanked the club for our contribution to the Parkinson’s Foundation, in honor of AB. She also thanked us for all the well wishes and support received after AB’s passing.

Tony told us that plans were proceeding for Homestead Show, more detail at the next meeting 

Jean informed us that the following day there would be a free car show on Krome Avenue. Ira voice considerable concern for the success of our show in light of Jeans announcement.

AnnMarie mentioned that AB’s truck was for sale, the members present agreed that we should run an ad in Sidelights.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:00pm
 

Respectfully submitted,

Ira Shapiro
Substitute  Secretary

Greg introduced our member, John Layzell who presented us with his tour of Australia, in an antique Alvis car, along with other Alvis enthusiasts.   The presentation was very informative, and enjoyed by the members present.  After which, we took a short break.

Ira made the motion that since I was not present at the last Gen. Membership meeting, and also since Mel Mann was not present at this meeting, that the Secretary and Treasurer’s report be by-passed.  All present agreed, and the reports were not presented.

Andy Leavy spoke of the past Coral Gables Show, held on Miracle Mile March 15^th.

The event was a success.  There were some that were from other AACA chapters, and he expressed appreciation to those, and all that participated to make this event such a success.

Norman spoke of the upcoming Homestead show.  11 registered so far.  The City of Homestead has already fulfilled all they were going to do; a local DJ has been selected. All is ready to go.  Norman also spoke of the National Show, which is now less than a year away.  

There are already members throughout the US making reservations at the host hotels of the event.  Norman plans on attending the Charlotte National event, and will hand out flyers.  Norm asked if there were any interests among those present to attend a tour of the Homestead track on a Saturday sometime soon in the future, all those present unanimously agreed; more info to follow.

Norman also brought to the attention of the general membership that the Dade County Heritage Foundation was organizing a museum displaying boats, and was interested in also displaying antique automobiles.  What they would like if anyone was interested donating their car as a will testament; it would be well displayed in your honor. At the present time, no one showed interest.

Greg also commented that he attended the Lakeland Car Show, and recognized some of our members, including Mel Mann and Guy Lewis for receiving awards for their cars at the Lakeland event, he distributed several flyers. .He also mentioned that mostly everyone he handed flyers to were excited to learn of our National event being held next year.

Tomas reported on the Downtown Car Show event. .  There were 55 cars present, along with the Bike Fest that was also taking place.  The show was a success, all present were quite pleased. 

Greg and Andy spoke about the recent Auto Show held in Ft. Lauderdale, similar to our Memory Lane Show held in November.  Three of our members’ cars were on display belonging to Norman, Greg and Andy.  Andy also spoke of participating in joint events with our friends from the Ft. Lauderdale AACA Region.

New member introduced, and welcomed, Tom Taylor from the Sunshine Corvette Club.

Jean attempted to present the Sunshine report, but was too saddened, so Norman spoke for her.   Our member, and friend, Nan Carnevale passed away earlier this month.  Norman spoke on how wonderful it was to know Nan, who battled cancer for quite some time. She was an inspiration to many members of our club, and will sadly be missed.  Pat Carnevale was in attendance, along with his grandson.

Jean then reported that Larry Huber was undergoing medical treatments in Houston, and also that Phyllis Roscoe was doing well.   

Andy asked for a show of hands on who would be interested in participating in a weekend trip to Punta Gorda to attend a Muscle Car Museum, which displays various Muscle Era Cars of different eras, mostly, GM.  All expressed interest, more info to follow. This will take place possibly during the month of May. 

Greg also reminded everyone of the upcoming Elks Club Saturday Night Cruise-In, which would be this Saturday March 21^st.

The meeting was adjourned by 9 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Alex Fardales
Secretary

The meeting was called to order by our President, Greg Paiewonsky at 7:34pm.

Jean Hawa spoke of AACA Car tours, some she and her husband, Maurice, had participated in over the years.  She spoke of this also relating to our National Show, and she brought many AACA tour souvenirs, such as window decals, etc.  There will be more discussion to follow should we decide to do a tour.

Phyllis Roscoe, wife of the late Al Roscoe, attended our meeting, and spoke very highly of our club that she refers to as an association.  She thanked everyone for the friendship extended to her and her family over the years, and our humanity.  Norman expressed, as with the majority of our club members that Al will be very much missed, and will never be forgotten.  As part of our 2010 National Show he will be the Honorary Chief Judge.

The Secretary and Treasurer’s report was bypassed.

Tony Cueva spoke of the Homestead show, which took place this past Saturday, April 11.  The show was a success, with 49 cars in attendance.  An extra street was set, and this event was enjoyed by all.  The participant’s judging worked out very well.  An extra “thank you” was extended to all involved.  Eugene mentioned for future events, to allow modifieds and to specify “no hot-rods or customs” instead of the word “modified”.  A discussion of this subject followed, but we would consider to the term of “modified” in the future.

Maurice spoke briefly of how the layout of the Homestead track was in place, where cars will be in place, etc.  Greg and Norman also spoke of the National saying they expect to have another meeting pertaining to catering, etc.  Ben Harris will be in charge of the merchandise, T-Shirts, etc. and more news to follow.

New business:

Andy Leavy spoke of plans next month to attend the Muscle Car Museum Saturday May 16, 2009, and overnight to attend the Ford museum on the 17^th.  If you have not received an email concerning this event, you are encouraged to contact Andy.

Our May meeting WILL NOT be at the Elks Club.  Instead, we have all decided to hold our May meeting, (and possibly, from there-after) at the Muffin Tin in Pinecrest.  This location hosts other car club meetings, such as the Corvette Club. The Corvette Club has thus far been delighted.  This particular restaurant does is not usually open for dinner, however, they will make the exception for us.  If we show up around 6:30pm to 7pm, we can eat before the meeting starts.  Worse case scenario, we can eat and have the meeting at the same time.  The address of the Muffin Tin is 12655 S. Dixie Hwy., (East side of the highway).  We hope to this will encourage more members to attend our meetings.

Jean Hawa presented an update on our Matheson Hammock gathering.  It is scheduled for Sunday, July 26^th, same location as before.  Oscar Castro has volunteered to be Chief Chef; all is set and ready to go.   Jean also reported the “Sunshine” report, and on a good note, Ira’s mother is doing better, and also, congrats to Ira’s son on attaining Eagle Scout.

Andy spoke of a possibility of a Car Show Gathering to the new hamburger restaurant, 5 Guys Hamburger located on SW 120^th St. and 137^th Ave close to the new Costco; more information to follow.   There are many car shows in the area; all are encouraged to visit the web for more information.

The meeting adjourned at 9:18pm

Respectfully submitted,

Alex Fardales
Club Secretary

Meeting held at our new meeting place, the Muffin Tin, which was called to order by our club President, Greg Paiewonsky at 7:30pm.  

We had our guest speaker, Pete Azor of B.A.S.F. Paint speak to us about automotive paints.  All were impressed with his presentation.

Old business:

National Show.  Norm Kassoff was unable to attend our meeting, but Greg Paiewonsky spoke about the contract being completed, and was now being looked over by our club attorney, Guy Lewis for advice.  We are just about completed with the banquet arrangements, and are in the process of working out something for the barbecue luncheon.  Greg mentioned that Ben Harris should have something put together in about 2 weeks on the subject of merchandising, Jean had volunteered for the hospitality committee.

 Ira Shapiro spoke of the need for judges, and judges would need to be involved with judging school.  He also mentioned that we will need every volunteer we can get for this event to be successful on the day of the event, from guiding cars to their show spot, etc.  We are also in need of supporters.  Please visit our website on how you can be a supporter/ volunteer for this event.

 Bob Squier mentioned that The Robert Morgan School will have a Youth Program set up at the event. Many youths, and even, adults will be welcomed to participate.  A tour of the track is being arranged for June 20^th, at 8:30am.  Please R.S.V.P. to Phillip Williams as soon as possible.

Greg mentioned that we had been asked to also host a National again in 2013.  Mel mentioned our name had been “penciled” in for the 2013 event. 

Andy Leavy spoke about our recent trip to the Muscle Car City Museum, in Punta Gorda, Fla., which took place Saturday May 16^th.  This was an extraordinary trip; a Wal-Mart converted into an automotive museum of GM Muscle, classic / antique cars from the ‘30s, to 2002, mostly, Chevrolets.  There was one 1926 Chevy, and an array of every year Corvette made, except 1953.   For those who stayed overnight, the following day, Sunday, May 17, the club visited the Ford and Edison museum.  A good time was had by all those that went.  We plan on repeating this trip sometime in the future.

New Business:

Jean Hawa spoke of out Matheson Hammock picnic, which will be held Sunday July 26^th.  Same procedure will be the same as previous years, Oscar Castro has volunteered as the main chef.  Past Presidents are encouraged to participate as chefs as well. 

Jean also spoke about our Progressive Dinner, and Holiday party.  We first asked for an input on the dates of our traditional annual Progressive dinner.  In the past, we have always held this event late September / early October.  Jean was asking if we would like to move this date up a little, being careful not to over-lap with Memory Lane at the Auto Show.  This year, the Auto Show will be running from the last week of October into the first week of November.  Mel suggested we had our Progressive dinner the Saturday after the Auto Show, well in advance before our “Wings Over America” show, and Thanksgiving.    A vote was taken, no-one voted to have it in September, 2 was for October, but the overall majority agreed for November.  As far the Holiday Party, Jean asked if the members would like to have a “picnic” type Holiday Party, or the traditional Holiday Party as what we’ve done up to now.  From a vote of 6 to 5, it was decided to keep our Holiday Party as we’ve done it traditionally.  These votes excluded members of the Board.

Another vote was taken to allow the Marines to do their Toys for Tots program with us, all present voted yes. 

Jean also presented the Sunshine report.  Harry's daughter is recovering very well after receiving a harsh and severe bite from a cat.  Phyllis Roscoe was in the hospital, but now doing well at home.  Oscar Castro was present at our meeting, we were all glad to see him.

Mel Mann extended a special “thank you” to Juan Gonzalez of Grand Prize Chevrolet for their support and help in organizing our meetings. 

The Miami Lighthouse would like to hold a car show event October 4^th, more info to follow.  Cutler Bay Mercedes is also interested in organizing a car show in October, and now Rosie’s Burgers ( formerly known as Fuddruckers ) are holding a “muscle car show” event every 3^rd Saturday of the month, which extends to all years of model cars. 

Greg recognized and introduced 2 new members, one of them an old member that returned to our club.  Tom Kosky, with a ’62 Chrysler which was displayed in Memory Lane 4 years ago, and a new member, Jack Russell with a ’53 Mercury.

All present agreed that the Muffin Tin is perfect for our meetings.

The meeting adjourned at 8:24pm

Respectfully Submitted,

The meeting was called to order at 7:30pm by our President, Greg Paiewonsky. The meeting was held outside the Pizza Parlor as the Muffin Tin was closed. Andy apologized for the miscommunication. We presented our annual scholarship this year, to Frederick Chavaria from Robert Morgan Educational Center. Frederick expressed his thanks to his teachers, and our club. He also has interests in antique cars. We then had our guest speaker, Rafael Acosta, speak to us on car appraisals, and automobile insurance.

Norman Kassoff spoke to us on the past tour that was held at the Miami Homestead Speedway this past Saturday June 20th. Thirty one members attended. On the website, you will see a time-line, which is what we need to do for the March 2010 event. This timeline was completed this past Wednesday, and advises everyone to check.

Jean Hawa spoke of the upcoming Matheson Hammock picnic scheduled for July 26. If you can volunteer for this picnic, please contact Jean. Jean also spoke of the Progressive Dinner, which this year will be held Saturday, Nov. 7th, 2009. If any members can offer their home for this event, please contact Jean.

Jean also presented the Sunshine report. Nelson Reyes’s mother fell and was hospitalized and Nelson had back surgery. We wish him and him mother well. Harry Goebel’s grand-daughter was ill, but is now doing well.

There was a mention of a car show on July 3rd being held at the Miami Springs circle on July 3rd. Chico Goldsmith also made mention of this event for next Friday, and they would like cars in red/white and blue type colors. Please see website for more information.

The meeting adjourned at 7:50pm

Respectfully Submitted,
Alex Fardales
Secretary
 

Meeting called to order by president, Greg Paiewonsky at 7:30pm at the Muffin Tin Restaurant.

2010 WINTER NATIONAL SHOW – Show chairman Norm Kassoff presented various information about the 2010 Winter National Meet.  Vice Chair, Ira Shapiro stated that Corey Gold has stepped down from banquet chairman, and thus vacating the position.  The food contracts are set. Juan Gonzalez accepted the position of Trophy Chairman.

Mel Mann spoke about the main named supporter: The Miccosukee Tribe of Indians.  He presented a reduced price supporter list, making it cheaper for business & personal advertisements in the event journal.  Mel thanked Guy Lewis for his help in securing the Miccosukee Tribe. They will also be supplying the goody bag, t-shirts and caps.

Jean Hawa spoke of upcoming Matheson Hammock BBQ on Sunday, July 26^th.  There are 99 people signed up thus far.  

Jean Hawa spoke of the Progressive Dinner, which is scheduled for November 7th. Philip Williams has volunteered his home for the appetizer, we are seeking another host.  Mel Mann said that he is talking with Harley Davidson to inquire if they would be willing to host at their showroom.  He emphasized that there is no expense on the part of the host, and that the club will do all of the shopping for food, etc..

Bob Squier discussed that we have been invited to a car show at a Florida Marlins game on Sunday, Sept. 13^th.  The event would include antique & modern cars.  Registration would be $50, which includes 2 tickets and parking for each club.  2 winning cars would be selected to drive inside the stadium. Gates open at 10:30am, game starts at 1:30pm, see web page for more details.

MEMORY LANE 2009 – OCT. 23 THROUGH NOV. 1^ST:  Show chairman Mel Mann spoke about our display at the 2009 South Florida Auto Show.  Same format as last year, with a larger display of approximately 30 cars.  Security will be handled the same as last year, all members are encouraged to volunteer and gain free entrance to the auto show – but parking expense will not be reimbursed.

WINGS OVER MIAMI AIR MUSEUM CAR SHOW – NOV. 21^ST:  Show co-chairman Mel Mann spoke about the event. This show will be co-chaired by Chico Goldsmith, in conjunction with the Sunshine Corvette Club.  Same format as last year, but we will have a food vender this year.   (Mel also mentioned that he is working on arranging a fly-by overhead during our National Show in March, 2010).

ART DECO WEEKEND CLASSIC CAR FEST – JAN, 16/17, 2010:  Show co-chairman Mel Mann discussed this event.  The first planning meeting with ART DECO is on July 23^rd. along with co-chairs Ira Shapiro and Bob Squier.  The theme for the event will be the history of the automobile, and we will be responsible for the theme.  The parade is on Saturday morning with participating cars eligible for to park at a show afterward.  Sunday will be a car show with our normal rules.  The AACA will supply lectures on South Beach during the event, and national board members have been invited to attend.  This event will kick off the 75^th anniversary of the AACA and the 2010 national meet.

Jean Hawa mentioned in her Sunshine report that we are happy to see Nelsen Reyes, Eugenio Tormes and Oscar Castro all healthy and present at our meeting.

Meeting adjourned at 8:05pm.

Respectfully Submitted,

Alex Fardales

South Florida Region AACA Secretary

The  AACA General Meeting of  8-20-09 was held at the Muffin Tin, off of US1 & SW 128^th St

Since Greg was unable to attend, the meeting was called to order by our Vice President, Andy Leavy at 7:30 p.m.  There were 30 members in attendance.
 

Ralph Thiele was our guest speaker who talked  about the history of the automobile, particularly Cadillac.  

New Business:

Jean Hawa spoke of the Holiday party, scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 6, 2009 from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Kendall Indian Hammocks Park.  It will be catered. A $10 per person cover charge will apply.  Everyone will be asked to bring a toy for the Neva King Cooper School children.
 

Norman Kassoff was unable to attend, so Andy Leavy asked Bob Squier if he had information  pertaining to the AACA National, scheduled for March of 2010.   Bob reported that everything was moving along smoothly and complimented the Homestead officials for their co-operation.  We still need volunteers for this event. Maurice Hawa then spoke of his tour of the central area and the media center at the Homestead Track.  He said that the M.C. café is an excellent location for the hospitality room.  Maurice mentioned that all traffic coming from US 1  would come from the south side onto Palm Drive and into the speedway.  You would go through the most Southern most tunnel in the USA.  Ira Shapiro spoke, but couldn’t add any more than what was said. Mel Mann reported on how successful the Miccosukee Indian involvement has been as a sponsor.  The Miccosukee Indians will run buses to and from the Speedway for the participants to go to the  shows, restaurants, etc. A very good keepsake, with the number of social events that is being worked out would be beneficial.  The cost of some of  the shows and displays ranges between $20 to $25, which includes the bus shuttles.   There are also glass bottom boat shows in the works.  We will be hosting another National in 2013.

A "hello" was extended to new members attending our meeting: Norman and Carmen Lee,

members who haven't been active for a while, have a 1929 Model A and a 1967 Ford Mustang  and Frederick Chavarria (received $500 scholarship from our club in June), is working on a 1993 Ford Mustang,  and Ron Mitro, who has a 1974 Corvette.

Jean recapped on how successful our July 26^th Matheson Hammock picnic was. We had perfect weather and biggest number registered, 157.  Special thanks to Jean, and all the cooks involved. We were able to hold this event under  budget.

Jean also spoke of  the Progressive Dinner, which will be held Saturday, Nov. 7^th, 2009.

Philip Williams will host the appetizer, and our meal and desert location will be held at the Harley Davidson location. A $5 cover charge per person, we expect the appetizer to be at 5 p m. and the dinner at 6 p.m.