The first meeting of the North Central Florida Chapter of the Studebaker Drivers Club (NCFSDC) for 2002 was called to order by new President Edith Fifer at 2:30 p.m. on January 5, 2002. The meeting was held at Jerry’s Drive-in in Palatka FL. (It should be noted that Jerry’s furnished the drinks for all of the members.) 28 members attended. Studebakers included a 1963 Avanti, a 1957 Silver Hawk, a 1961 Hawk, a 1947 Champion convertible, a 1990 4-door Avanti, a 1956 President Classic, a 1960 Lark, a 1962 Daytona and a 1964 Dayton .

Before starting the official meeting, President Fifer made some opening remarks. She identified herself as the new President who was elected at the only meeting she did not attend. She also pointed out that this was the first time she has been president of anything and that all constructive criticism was welcomed. The members voiced their confidence that President Fifer was the one for the job and the meeting was started.

A special welcome was extended to all of the visitors and new members. The newest member introduced was Stephen Fifer, President Fifer’s grandson. Stephen has pledged to get a Studebaker when he is seventeen. This announcement was met with a round of applause from the members.

The next order of business was to introduce the new NCFSDC officers. These included Derwood Thompson, vice-president; Charlotte Delli, secretary and editor; Bill Delli, membership secretary, Roger Thelin, tour master, and Ronda Scarabino, funds raiser. Not present was Barry Thelin, treasurer. President Fifer indicated that any changes or new ideas should be brought to the attention of any officer. She stated that in a good club every member must have a voice and that she was very open to new ideas.

President Fifer continued with a special thanks to Stephen Cade, the NCFSDC president for the past two years. She explained that she came to like Studebakers due to the efforts of Stephen Cade. He talked her husband into buying a Studebaker. Everywhere she goes, the mention of Stephen’s name evokes a positive response which usually is that Stephen is so nice and always has an answer for Studebaker problems.

President Fifer then yielded the floor to Charlotte Delli so that she could discuss the NCFSDC newsletter. Charlotte referred to the January edition of the newsletter that was handed out during the meeting. She explained that the newsletter could be done in the format (booklet style) of the current edition. The only drawback to this format is that it can only be done in black and white because her printer won’t accommodate the 11" by 17" pages used to make the booklet. If color print and pictures are included, the pages would have to be printed double-sided on separate sheets stapled together. Charlotte explained that the cost of having color printed at a copier company such as Kinkos is prohibitive at over a $1.00 per page. She also indicated that the newsletter normally will contain 8 pages. Adding more than 8 increases the postage, which makes it too expensive except in special cases. The newsletter will be mailed by the 15th of each month prior to the next meeting. Charlotte also asked that everyone contribute ideas and comments on how to make the newsletter better. She stressed that this is the Club’s newsletter and it should reflect what the members’ want. Gerald Tucker was also introduced as the volunteer for technical editor but everyone was requested to contribute to technical tips. It was also noted that a new column called "Eats & Treats" has been added to the newsletter for recipes and household hints.

The meeting continued with a discussion about the time and place for the February meeting. It will be held at Rainbow River. (See Meeting on Page 2)

(Meeting…) President Fifer recalled that the meeting held there last year was very wonderful. Charles Grant, the meeting host, pointed out that the meeting will be on Sunday, February 3rd at 12:30 p.m. There will be a pontoon boat available for rides on the river. The Grants will provide the BBQ and vegetables. Club members can pitch-in sweets and salads.

The March meeting was also discussed. Ernie Keith mentioned that Floyd’s Diner in High Springs Fl is new and very nice. It was agreed that Ernie would investigate. The February meet will be on Sunday so the March meeting will be on a Saturday if arrangements can be made. This in keeping with the Club’s plan to alternate Saturdays and Sundays for meetings on the first full weekend of each month.

President Fifer also noted that the Southeast Zone Meet will be held in Jacksonville FL the first weekend in April. After discussion, the NCFSDC members agreed that the April meeting will be held on April 6, 2002 at the Meet.

Bill Schettino, who has been working on designs for emblems on club shirts and the club logo, was introduced. Using a basic design by Danny Thomas which uses the shape of Florida with the Studebaker circle imposed upon it, Bill had finalized a proposed design. A sample was passed around to all of the members. It was agreed by unanimous vote to use the logo as shown in the sample. Roger Thelin suggested that artist who will be working on the final design could make minor artistic changes on the final product. Bill also showed samples of vehicle emblems that he has made for various club members. He can reproduce a shirt emblem for any vehicle from a picture. Bill’s e-mail address is XX and his telephone number is XX

George Matt proposed other new business by identifying a possible need for a club badge, which has the club’s new logo, to wear at meetings and shows. He stated that he has obtained badges for the Hudson Car Club and would investigate what it would cost for badges for the NCFSDC. Ronda Scarabino suggested that George bring his Hudson badge to the next meeting for the members to see.

President Fifer then recognized Danny Thomas. Danny announced that he is putting together a web page for the club. It will have pictures, meeting minutes and other items of interest. It was agreed that the treasurer’s report would not be included in the on-line minutes.

President Fifer opened a discussion about the Turkey Rod Run, an annual event held by the South Florida Chapter SDC in Daytona Beach FL. It is held Thanksgiving week and is a great family celebration. More information will be provided in the future.

Members were advised that a 1954 Packard project car was spotted. The price is $200.00 and the car is on Highway 17 north of Palatka.

Jerry Fairchild informed the club that a car show is held the third Saturday of every month at The Village Highway 441, about 10 miles south of Bellevue FL. It starts at 3:30 p.m. and has a lot of activities for car hobbyists. The show usually has 200-300 cars; there is no charge for the show.

Before the meeting concluded, President Fifer added a final remark. She noted that earlier she had praised Stephen Cade, but she wanted everyone to know what an outstanding job all of the past years’ officers had done, especially Danny Thomas serving as secretary.

On this note, the January meeting was adjourned.

CORRECTION TO DECEMBER MEETING MINUTES

Credit was given in the December Meeting Minutes to Derwood Thompson for arranging the Christmas party at Catfish Johnnies. This was in error. Billy Montgomery made these arrangements. Belated thanks go to Billy for arranging for the Christmas party.