2011 Club Meetings

Meeting January 6, 2011

The regular monthly meeting of the ETMGDC was held on Thursday evening, January 6th at O'Charley's restaurant in Morristown. There were twelve members present. Our incoming president, Jim Watson opened the meeting with an introduction of the new club officers. Following that introduction, Jim offered his thanks to George Greene for serving as the club president these past two years. George was given a round of applause by those present.

Items brought forward for discussion included scheduling drives for the coming months as well as possible sponsoring or participation in car show events. One particular event under consideration is the annual Memorial Day event held in Rogersville at Otis Eldridge's.

Jim asked the club to give thoughts to ways that we can increase club membership with the emphasis on attracting new members that would be willing and enthusiastic participants as opposed to those who join but are seldom seen again.

Lastly, all current members are reminded that $20.00 annual dues are now due and payable for 2011 membership.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

Meeting February 4, 2011

The regular monthly meeting of the East Tennessee MG Driver's Club was held on Thursday, February 4th at O'Charley's Restaurant in Morristown. There were seventeen members present including our newest member, Donna Duty. Donna is the proud owner of two fine MGBs, one of which is a daily driver.

The meeting was called to order by our president, Jim Watson. The minutes of the January meeting were read and accepted by the membership followed by the treasurer's report.

Under old business there was a brief review of the drives schedule with Jim Watson suggesting a February drive to Jonesborough to include a group luncheon at a local Jonesborough restaurant. The date of this drive has not been confirmed, it will probably be scheduled for Saturday the 19th. Other drives would be the Metcalf Bottoms Brunch sometime in March; April Fools Bash in Louisville on April 2nd; Townsend Car Show on May 13-15th; picnic at Susanne Neidert's lakeside home on June 19th; August remains open at this time; Pine Mountain, Kentucky on tap for Sunday, September 10th; The Annual Fall Colors Drive on October 22nd; November will feature the Chattanooga Choo Choo All British Car Show. Herren Floyd initiated a discussion regarding our participation in local drive-ins.

Under new business, Susanne Neidert suggested that the club might boost interest and attract new members by contracting our local newspapers, requesting that they might publish our meeting time, date and location in their regular Community Service Announcements section. The members present all agreed that this should prove worthwhile. Teresa Greene volunteered to contact the newspapers.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

Meeting March 3, 2011

The regular monthly meeting of the East Tennessee MG Driver's Club was held on Thursday,March 3rd at O'Charley's restaurant in Morristown. There were 13 members present.

The meeting was called to order by our vice president, Mark Bourne, in the absence of Jim Watson. The club secretary read the minutes of the February meeting which were accepted as read by the membership. The total in the club treasury was reported to be $950.49 and the flower fund stands at $116.00.

Under old business, Mark stated that he had a short list of topics given to him by Jim Watson. Primary among these was a review of the provisional drives schedule. The members were reminded of the forthcoming April Fool's Bash, hosted this year by the Blount Club and to be held at Louisville, on the lakefront, near McGee Tyson airport.

Jim Stepp presented a thank-you card that he had received on behalf of the club, thanking us for the donations of foodstuffs to "The Daily Bread".

Under new business, Mark passed out informational flyers containing the schedule of events as well as entry forms for "Springtime In The Smokies" to be held on May 13th through the 15th. Mark also brought forth the suggestion that the club agree to schedule "Brunch At Metcalf Bottoms" on Saturday, March 26th. A lively discussion followed with most of the members present in favor of a mid or late April date for this event.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

The club met at O'Charley's restaurant with eleven members attending with club president Jim Watson presiding. We welcomed two new members, Rick Myers and Mike Thomas.

In Secretary’s JoAnn Hamilton’s absence the minutes of the March meeting were provided by Liz Bauerle and read by Herren Floyd. There is $951.98 in the club treasury and $26.00 remaining in the flower fund after flowers were sent for Karyn Boune’s mother who died in Florida. The cost of the flowers with shipping and delivery was $90.00. Donations by members to the flower fund, which had been stopped was resumed. A motion was made, seconded, and approved asking the club officers to establish guidelines for how the flower fund should be used. Jim said he will give the club a report on that at the next meeting.

The brunch at Metcalf Bottoms will be about 10 AM on Saturday, April 16. George Greene will send more details by email

Pre-registration forms were handed out for the 24 th annual “Springtime in the Smokies” gathering in Townsend on May 13, 14, and 15 sponsored by Blount British Cars. There will be old movies shown there on Friday night.

Flyers were handed out for the 2011 British & European Car Show sponsored by the English Auto Society of Knoxville to be held in Maryville on Saturday, June 4

About a dozen other drives and events to be occurring from May through November were announced.

There may be an opportunity to drive our British cars as a club to area ball games. Jim Watson will follow up and get more information about that.

Meeting May 5, 2011

The regular monthly meeting of the East Tennessee MG Driver's Club was held on Thursday, May 5th at O'Charley's Restaurant in Morristown. There were fourteen members present.

The meeting was called to order by vice president Mark Bourne, in the absence of our president, Jim Watson. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and the treasurer's report given by JoAnn Hamilton. The club treasury currently stands at $990.98 with $68.00 in the flower fund.

Under old business there was a brief discussion concerning arriving at guidelines for use and application of the flower fund with the matter to be left to the club officers to come up with recommendations to be presented to the membership. Along with this discussion, JoAnn Hamilton filled in the members on the sad passing of Paul Kern's wife, Glenice, in Australia. The members present all agreed to contribute $50.00 from the club treasury joining in with other local area clubs for a group donation to a charity of Paul Kern's choice in memory of Glenice.

Several members voiced regret concerning not being able to attend the scheduled Breakfast at Metcalf Bottoms drive on the Saturday preceding Easter Sunday. All present voiced the desire to reschedule the event with an early September date proposed.

Under new business, Otti Floyd informed the membership that the annual Memorial Day car show at Otis Eldridge's in Rogersville will not take place this year. This car show, which is one of East Tennessee's largest will reportedly resume next year. Susanne Neidert has again offered her lovely lakeside home for a club picnic. The date selected by members present is June 12th with the club funding the meats and breads. Susanne will provide a list of dishes to be provided by participants in an effort to avoid duplication.

Members wishing to participate in a group drive to "Springtime in the Smokies" at Townsend on Saturday May 14th along with members of the ABCS driving from the Tri-Cities area would meet up with the ABCS drivers at Chestnut Hill, Bush Beans parking lot. Details to follow by e-mail after conferring with ABCS club members.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

Meeting June 2, 2011

The regular monthly meeting of the East Tennessee MG Driver's Club was held on Thursday, June 2nd at O'Charley's resturant in Morristown. There were 16 members present.

The meeting was called to order by our club president, Jim Watson. The club secretary read the minutes of the May meeting followed by a report on the status of the club treasury, stating that the current balance in the account stands at $984.70. Current funds in the flower fund amount to $30.00. The club sent a potted plant arrangement to member Otti Floyd who underwent surgery in Kingsport with wishes for a speedy recovery.

Under old business, Jim Watson advised the members that in all likelihood the planned picnic at Susanne Niedert's lakefront home, slated for the 12th, will be postponed due to the unfortunate passing of Susanne's Mother. Jim reported on the "Springtime in the Smokies" car show.

New business started off with the information that there will be a Euro car show to be held this coming Saturday at Maryville College. Next years' "April Fools Bash" will be hosted by the Plateau English Car Club with Crossville to be the potential site. There followed a brief discussion of Rugby, Tennessee as a great potential site for a British car show or gathering. Another possible site for a car show is the Greenville City Garage Car Museum.

Jim again brought up possible interest by the membership in participating in local "cruise-ins". Local area "cruise in's are Sears, at the mall in Morristown, Rogersville Main Street and Jefferson City. Lastly, Mark Bourne has agreed to accept the position of Chairman of the Website Committee with Herren Floyd continuing to serve on that committee.

There being no further business to come before the membership, the meeting was adjourned.

The regular monthly meeting of the East Tennessee MG Driver's Club was held on Thursday, August 4th at O'Charley's restaurant in Morristown. There were 13 members present and one visitor.

The meeting was called to order by our president, Jim Watson. The club secretary-treasurer read the minutes of the July meeting. The club treasury now stands at $1,030.70. The amount in the flower fund is currently $48.00. The latest flower fund expenditure was for flowers purchased for Al Bauerly who underwent recent surgery.

Under the category of old business, attendance at local Cruise-Ins was again discussed. Jim Stepp informed the membership that the city of Morristown will be hosting a Cruise-In in downtown Morristown.on Friday, August 26th. Jim Stepp has arranged for the club members to have a premium parking area providing that enough club members will respond and show their cars. Members should plan to arrive at the first block of Main Street off of Cumberland around 5:00 p.m. This is a very good opportunity for the club to make their presence known and all members are encouraged to participate. Call Jim Stepp at 423-231-5524 for details.

Under new business, Jim Watson was pleased to announce that the Blount British Car Club won the trophy at the recent Special Olympics Car Show. He also announced that the Blount club would host their Annual Fun Rallye on August 20th at Vonore.. The Annual Muscle Shoals Car Show is scheduled for Joe Wheeler State Park ,near Muscle Shoals, Alabama on September 10th through the 12th. Further discussions centered on upcoming drives and the possibility of a club picnic to Douglas Dam on August 27th or 28th. Jim will ask Melinda to check on the availability of the large picnic shelter on either of the two dates. Bob Mabey and Jon Whitt discussed the upcoming Archie Campbell Days Car Show to be held in Bulls Gap on September 3rd.

There being no further business. the meeting was adjourned.

MINUTES OF THE SEPTEMBER, 2011 MONTHLY MEETING

The regular monthly meeting of the East Tennessee MG Driver’s Club was held on Thursday, September 1 st at O’Charley’s restaurant in Morristown. There were 14 members present and one visitor. Four British cars were driven to the meeting by members, all were MGB’s.

The meeting was called to order by our president, Jim Watson. The club secretary-treasurer read the minutes of the previous monthly meeting. The club treasury currently stands at $1043.20 with the flower fund remaining at $48.00.

Old business began with a discussion of club participation in local Cruise-Ins, with the August 26 th Friday evening Cruise In that took place in the downtown section of Morristown as the principal topic of discussion. Club participation was quite good and several British cars from as far away as Bristol and Tellico attended. Jim Stepp was the primary organizer for the club and stated that he was well pleased with our participation. The last Cruise-In for Morristown will be on Friday evening, September 30 th. The club will again participate.

New business began with several members commenting about the lack of club activities and the need for a good drive schedule. Several proposed drives were discussed along with participation in scheduled drives already planned by nearby clubs. After some spirited juggling of dates, it was decided that the next drive would take place on Saturday, October 1 st, to the Paint Creek area, to be led by Mark and Karen Bourne. This will be a picnic drive as last year. Meeting place will be the McDonalds located on highway 25/70 in Greenville, at 10 a.m. Also in October, the club will participate in the ABCS annual Fall Colors drive on Saturday the 22 nd. The November drive will be to Pine Mountain, KY on Sunday, November 13 th. The Inn at the state park there serves up a very nice Sunday buffet.

There being no further new business, the meeting was adjourned.

MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER, 2011 MONTHLY MEETING

The regular monthly meeting of the East Tennessee MG Driver’s Club was held on Thursday, October 6th at O’Charley’s restaurant in Morristown. There were 14 members present and one visitor.

The meeting was called to order by our Secretary/Treasurer, JoAnn Hamilton in the absence of both the club president and the vice-president. The club secretary-treasurer read the minutes of the September meeting. The club treasury now stands at $1,043.20. The amount in the flower fund is currently $9.00. The latest flower fund expenditure was for flowers purchased for Melinda Watson in sympathy for the recent loss of her mother.

A special welcome to members Micky and Linda Walka and Mike and Joyce Thomas whom we were pleased to have with us after several months absence.

Under new business, the members were informed that there would be an All-British Car Show to be held in Nashville this coming week-end (Oct.7 - 9). Blount British Car Club’s annual Octoberfest will be held at 5 p.m. on Thursday October 13th at the Pearson Springs Park pavilion. Those planning to attend should bring a covered dish, your favorite beverage and a folding chair. Bratworst will be furnished by the BBCC. On Saturday, October 22nd, The members are invited to participate in the ABCS Annual Fall Colors Drive. Members Al and Liz Bauerle are the drive leaders. Meeting time and place are 10:00 a.m. at Burger King located at the 11W traffic signal in Rogersville. Members were reminded of the upcoming Gold Cup vintage sports car races at Virginia International Raceway November 4-5-6th. Several members planning to attend as a group with more welcome. Joyce Thomas suggested a future drive to Townsend to listen to a free concert offered by the Townsend Flute Circle. Concerts are scheduled on the third Saturday of each month 10:00 a.m. to noon.

Under old business, there was a discussion of the picnic drive this past Saturday led by Mark and Karen Bourne. Those participating agreed that it was an enjoyable event despite the chilly an somewhat uncertain weather conditions. George Greene announced that club calendars would be made available once again for the coming year. Members wishing to have a photo of their car included should e-mail a photo of their car to George and Teresa.

There were three MG’s driven to the meeting including a really nice blue chrome bumper “B’
driven by the Walkas.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

MINUTES OF THE NOVEMBER, 2011 MONTHLY MEETING

The regular monthly meeting of the East Tennessee MG Driver’s Club was held on Thursday, November 3 rd at O’Charley’s restaurant in Morristown. There were 13 members present and two visitors.

The meeting was called to order by our president, Jim Watson. The secretary -treasurer read the minutes of the October meeting. The club treasury now stands at $1030.70. The amount in the Flower Fund is $25.00.

Under the category of old business, Jim Watson gave a report on the recently held Annual Fall Colors drive led by Al and Liz Bauerle. As in past years, the drive was very well attended including participation by drivers and cars from other nearby clubs. The weather co-operated again this year, the leaves were near their peak and the barbeque at the PIG and Chick every bit as good as in years past.

Under new business, Jim reminded members that the Southern British Car Club was hosting their annual Chattanooga Choo-Choo car show and dinner this coming week-end.

Next, he reminded the membership of the scheduled club drive to Pine Mountain on Sunday, November 13 th. Jim suggested that the club consider group attendance at one particular car show in the coming year, perhaps the Rugby car show. In the coming year, the Blount club’s Townsend show is scheduled for May 10 th. The April Fools Bash is to be hosted by the Plateau British Car Club.

Members present agreed that the club Christmas party would again be held on the regular monthly meeting date next month at O’Charleys.

There being no further new business, the meeting was adjourned.

MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER, 2011 MONTHLY MEETING

The regular monthly meeting of the East Tennessee MG Driver’s Club was held on Thursday, December 1 st at O’Charley’s restaurant in Morristown. There were 22 members present and five visitors. Three of the visitors presented their applications for membership and joined the club.

The meeting was called to order by our president, Jim Watson. The secretary-treasurer read the minutes of the November meeting. The club treasury now stands at $969.20 inclusive of dues paid by the three new members as well as a Christmas gift to our faithful and attentive hostess. The amount in the Flower Fund is $39.00

Under the category of old business, Jim asked for a report on the Gold Cup races held a few weeks ago at V.I.R. Bob Maybe responded letting everyone know just what it was like to drive the course in his MGA during a cold driving rain. Friday and Saturday were not the best days for sports car racing or watching. Sunday was a much more pleasant experience. Next, Melinda Watson gave a report on the Chattanooga Choo-Choo car show. Melinda drove down solo. She reported that both the car show and the drive were very well attended.

Under new business, John Whitt announced that MG 2012 would be held in Dillard, Georgia, “just over the mountain”. The date for this national event is June 6 th through June 10 th and will be held at the Dillard House Conference Center and Resort ( www.dillardhouse.com). There are numerous accommodations in the immediate area of Dillard and Clayton, Georgia for those planning to attend.

Jim appointed Teresa Greene, Chuck Hamilton and Al Bauerle to serve as the drive committee for the coming year.

Karen Bourne won the 50/50 drawing at long last !

There was one MGB driven to the meeting by new member Mark Masingill.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.