Written by Nutmeg Miata Minutes Monthly Meeting Saturday May 11, 2019
The meeting was held during the Spring Tech Day at Scott and Riata Chamberlain’s residence in New Milford, CT
Meeting called to order by Joe Wall, President
Attending Officers:
Joe Wall, President; Dave McCaughan, Vice President; Bob Barron, Treasurer; Peter Amato, Webmaster.
Members in attendance: No count was taken but over 30 Miata’s arrived for Tech Day
Joe Wall opened the meeting by thanking the Chamberlains for their hospitality and remarking that unlike the rainy spring Tech days of the two previous years the sunny day has made this year’s event very pleasant.
Membership Report – Week Ending May 11, 2019 from Jim Merchant (provided by Robert Barron)
Current membership stands at 105 as of May 10, 2019
There are 4 who have their applications in, but payment not confirmed.
There are 29 members from 2018 who have not yet renewed their membership. Of those, 2 or 3 have specifically stated they will not be renewing. Consensus of the club officers is that after May 15th, non-renewing members will be classified as “expired members”.
Robert Barron encouraged all members to review and update their personal profiles on the new website. The information regarding the member’s car details and club activity preferences were not included when the member list was imported to the new website. Members can add this information by going to their personal dashboard on the website and editing their profile. Completing your profile and indicating your club activity interests will help the club plan activities and events that our members want to participate in.
Treasurers Report (Robert Barron):
Deposits Membership dues $1,632.70
Balance $22,248.
Expenditures: $341.75 (bereavement flowers, refund Lime Rock; Slot replaced, $27. Name tags, Dyno Day lunch $56.)
Balance: $21,906.75
Lime rock sign up: $3,421.74 (Will need to pay the second half and we already paid the deposit of $2,668.38) There will be expenditures to cover lunch will probably end up with a net plus at the end (per Joe Wall).
Balance: $18,474.71
Discussion:
Dave McCaughan noted that Jim Merchant has done a great job and has spent a lot of time with membership renewals and Robert Barron has done a great job keeping track of the finances. Robert Barron mentioned there has some issues using Pay Pal. Members using Pay Pal need to pay as “friends and family” to avoid the Pay Pal fee. One member suggested using the tax ID and set up a new Pay Pal account. Peter Amato suggested to increase the membership fee that includes the processing fee and to add a way to make the payments through the website. Robert stated he has contacted Pay Pal numerous times with no response and at this point it will be easier to leave the account as-is.
Upcoming Events:
5/15 ( Wed) Ice Cream Social
Joe Wall reported that the first of five ice cream socials is next Wednesday at Popeyes in Morris at 7:00pm. Popeyes sells hamburgers and hot dogs; members could arrive earlier for dinner. There also is a deli next door. Route 109 is a good road for a nice Miata ride.
6/23 (Thurs) Memorial Day Classic Weekend at Limerock Park
Memorial-day weekend at Lime Rock Thursday afternoon until Monday. Joe Wall will be camping and there is always food and beverage at Joe’s camp site. The boy scouts collect cans and bottles. Free admission for Veterans.
6/2 (Sun) Scavenger Hunt Run (watch for details on club website)
6/6 (Thurs) Tennessee Trip to Bristol Motor Speedway
Joe mentioned that information about the Tennessee event can be found on Miata.net. Registration is about $100.00, and it is well worth the money. Joe and Dave attended last year, and Dave reported the roads are fantastic and the high bank at the speed way is amazing! All proceeds benefit the Bristol Motor Speedway Children’s Charities. July run is wine and dine.
6/12 (Wed) 2nd Ice Cream Social and Monthly Meeting 7pm (watch for details on club website)
6/23 Wine and Dine Run Dick & Holly Benton hosting for the 9th year (watch for details on club website)
7/13 (Sat) Lime Rock Auto Cross
Participation slots sold out quickly and there is a waiting list. Club members are encouraged to come and watch the day-long event. Spectator admission is free. Joe Wall will be putting more information about Auto Cross on the website soon.
Joe thanked Dave and Cindy for a fabulous job on the Spring Run which was held on May 13th. Everyone loved the ride!
New Business:
Peter Amato encouraged members to put pictures and historical information on the website. A member asked if there is a size limit for pictures. Peter replied there is an article on the website with that information and a link to resize your photos on the website. Robert Barrows reminded members to edit your profile and fill in the information on your dashboard so we can tailor events to your needs.
Disclaimer – All meetings and dates are subject to changes, best way to stay updated is to check the website. All events will be detailed with times and places as the year progresses.
Respectfully submitted by,
Terry Amato
