MINUTES OF NORTH COAST OHIO MEETING
February 2, 2009

The meeting was held at Dimitri’s restaurant, Independence Ohio and called to order at 6:30 pm.  In attendance was President Walt Stashkiw, Vice President Jeremy Goldstein, Treasurer John Vorhies, Secretary Jack Lynett was out of town and Gil Maringer was asked to record the minutes.  Also in attendance were Greg Glick, Sylvia Chappell, Cliff Wolfe, Gary Kosiba, Bill Hunter, Joe Nemes, Dave Williams, Al Jones, Tim Rash, Mary and Don Emery, Keith Myers, and Bud Long.

Before the meeting started Cliff reported that Ray and Rose McFarland’s home had been robbed of their prescription medicines recently.  Before the medicines could be replaced Ray suffered congestive heart failure, which required hospitalization for four days.  Thankfully Ray is expected to return home on Tuesday.   We were all relieved to hear that Ray and Rose are apparently recovering quickly from these sad events.

Walt opened the meeting and asked that the January minutes be approved.  It was moved and seconded.

Treasurer John Vorhies reported the treasury was down just $500 from last year at this time, primarily due to IX show expenditures for signs and carpet.  He next reported on membership and noted he had received 20 renewals today from ACBS.  There are still about 20 last year members who have not renewed.  Currently we are at approximately  90 memberships, which includes 5 new memberships.

Next Walt reviewed the IX show and thanked everyone for what was considered the “Best show ever”.   Jeremy was thanked for the excellent new signage and shin protectors.  Cliff was recognized for his efforts in scheduling workers, helping set up the booth, and storing boats.  Julie West’s  efforts to sew vests for the booth attendees, and Les and Marilyn Demaline’s major effort to bring much of the display equipment, plants, and boats, all contributed to making the show a huge success for NCO.

The issue of former member Jim Bassett’s complaint and emails to a broad list of Antique Outboard Motor Club as well as NCO members was discussed at length.  The point was emphasized that NCO had no intention of alienating the outboard club and recognized their contributions to the event in the past.  It was unfortunate that Bassett’s personal sensitivity was enlarged by him to be something our clubs were involved in.  It was decided that Walt will send a letter to the outboard club’s president stating NCO’s wish for continued good will as we have had in the past.  Tim Rash, an outboard club member, will get the contact information for Walt.

Further discussion followed regarding what if anything needed to be done about Bassett’s unauthorized communication to members.  It was decided to discuss a response with Les and Marilyn upon their return.  Greg will formally let Bassett know he does not have the right to utilize NCO member email lists.  Cliff reported that he contacted ACBS headquarters to let them know this situation was only inspired by one ex-member’s dissatisfaction.  They perceived that to be the case and not a chapter issue.

Bill gave a summary of his observations of the show.  He said the videos and TV were great, the vests were a nice addition although he thought the logo on the back could be improved.  Some of the boats needed more documentation and history such as the Lyman in the crate, which drew a great deal of interest.  The winch stands should be removed if at all possible for a better appearance  and the shin gaurds were an excellent addition.  More engine compartments showing finely detailed engines need to be open and the club should offer shrink wrap to all the boat owners who bring their boats to and from the show.
 
Next the upcoming workshop at BoatCraft, Saturday April 4 was reviewed.  Gil talked about bringing in a nationally recognized speaker that he is currently trying to book.  The topics will be finalized before the next board meeting.  It is planned to invite the Chautauqua and Indian Lake chapters.  Don and Mary offered to supply coffee and donuts as they have done in the past.  Prepayment of lunch will be part of the rsvp so that food purchase can be closely planned better than last year’s pay at the door.

The May 30 Rendezvous at Turkeyfoot Island Club is scheduled but needs an activity.  Don offered to do fly-by photos.  That option will be considered since we need new shots for the calendar.  Bill will check with the Portage Lakes State Park for an exclusive use of the speed lane.  Gil has arranged overnight accommodations at TIC for our ACBS guests, The Turners, for Friday May 29 and Saturday May 30.

Walt next covered the Portage Lakes Show, June 27, worker assignments.  The poster has not yet been selected and Walt wants to increase the number printed from 100 to 150.  Cliff will again arrange the printing.  Additional launching help besides Bill will be Joe and Ron Hodges.  The need for signs on the lakeshore directing boaters to the show site was noted.  Joe Nemes is again coordinating the awards and Julie West will develop t-shirts.  Bud will solicit sponsor donations, Gil will organize the judging, and Walt will handle registrations.

Next Walt mentioned that Larry Prebis was unable to continue as a director-at-large.  Walt announced that Tim Rash was being appointed to that position.

It was noted that the next Beacon newsletter was in the works and coming soon.

New business included a recommendation to have an activities director, responsible for communication to members, media, and headquarters of all NCO events, meeting dates, and minutes, as well as website updates.  Anyone in the membership interested in this vital role is asked to notify the president or any officer/director.

A letter from ACBS was discussed asking for new venues and chapters to arrange annual meetings.  The possibility of NCO hosting in 2012 was discussed.  Cliff brought up some conceptual plans such as a boat tour from Algonac, to Toledo, then across to Put-In-Bay with a final destination of Cedar Point for the show site.  Before any such major commitment would be discussed with ACBS, it was felt a Feasibility Committee should investigate the practicality and challenges for such an event.  Cliff offered to assemble the committee and try to have a meeting before the regular April board meeting.

Walt pointed out  that NCO intends to support the Chautauqua show July 12th at their new location in Bemus Point and also the Lakeside show July 19th.

Cliff offered to get pricing and item ideas for new NCO embroidered shirts to be presented at the March meeting.

Bill mentioned that any members planning to attend the ACBS annual meeting in Canada this September should make certain to have a US passport.  Application can take many months so it is recommended to apply without delay.

Gil asked about the whereabouts of the NCO banners, and it appears they have been lost.  The last use of the banners was last year’s Portage Lakes Show.  It is possible Tom Belfi had the banners for the July 4th parade and Gil will call him.  If they aren’t located, Jeremy offered to price out new ones.

The next board meeting was scheduled for Monday March 2, 6:00 pm, again at Dimitri’s.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:35 pm.

Past minutes

January 5, 2009
December 13, 2008
November 3, 2008
October 6, 2008
September 8, 2008
May 5, 2008
April 7, 2008
March 3, 2008
February 6, 2008
December 8, 2007
November 6, 2007
October 9, 2007
May 1, 2007
March 3, 2007
February 6, 2007
December 9, 2006
October 24, 2006
September 18, 2006
May 8, 2006
March 6, 2006
February 6, 2006
January 9, 2006
December 3, 2005
November 7, 2005
October 10, 2005
September 12, 2005
May 2, 2005
April 9, 2005
March 7, 2005
January 3, 2005
December 11, 2004
November 1, 2004
October 4, 2004
May 3, 2004
April 5, 2004
March 3, 2004