Attendance: 36 members

Vice-President Dino Perez opened the meeting at 8:00.

Car Projects
Jim Evans updated the membership on his MGB renovation progress. The engine has been reassembled and mounted successfully. Various under-chassis connections have been completed. Remaining tasks include reattaching various engine components – radiator, water pump, etc. – and final tests will hopefully be performed this weekend. Anyone wanting to assist (or watch) can contact Jim.
Larry Colangelo noted that he recently completed a windshield replacement. After hearing the comments regarding the complexity in this type of repair from others, Larry concluded the repair invoice of about $300 to do the work was money well spent.

Past Events
Halloween Tour – 10/30 – Twelve cars from the CMGC & VMGCCC took part in this year’s 2-1/2 hour tour ending at Flatlander’s Restaurant & Brewery. The day started out cold & wet, but the weather cleared in time for the event to begin. Winners were announced and trophies awarded at the finish of the event.

Fall Tune-down & Chili Party – 11/6 – Dave Bralich estimated 14 cars were present and utilized Dave’s garage to perform various maintenance tasks – brake repair, carburetor spring replacement, oil changes – in preparation of winter hibernation.

Charity Oil Change Day – 11/19 – Reinout Vogt coordinated this event with “Journeys from PADS to HOPE” and Dave’s Auto Clinic in Mt. Prospect. CMGC members assisted with changing oil and performing safety checks of 10 vehicles belonging to homeless people in the area.

Upcoming Events: - (additional information available on the CMGC website.)
Cruise to the Rock – 11/24 – Jake & Ann Snyder noted that this event will start at 9 am at the rock. A drive to a local restaurant will take place after the event.

Holiday Party – 12/3 – Ralph Arata stated the arrangements are all set for event at the Bella Vista Banquets & Catering in Bensenville this year.

Amtrak Trip – 1/20-22 - This annual event sponsored by Ann & Jake Snyder will be leaving Union Station on Friday evening en route to Detroit, MI and returning Sunday afternoon. More information to be available in the Driveline and on the website.

16th Annual Swap Meet – 2/26 - Jim Evans reminded the membership of this club fundraiser and asked for volunteers to assist in the show set-up, operation and take-down. Jim noted that this would be his last year to organize this event and is looking for an ‘understudy’ to assist this year to take over next year.

Staff Reports
Driving Events - Reinout Vogt noted that 2012 will be a busy year for driving events. The major events scheduled for next year are: MG-2012 event (6/6-10), Jo Daviess Tour (6/29-7/1), 34th annual Midwest GOF (7/24-27), John Twist Party (8/17-19), Wine, Cheese & Beer Tour (9/21-23). With this heavy schedule, there will possibly be fewer rallies and day tours scheduled next year.
Library - Wilber Mennell noted that there are a few new books available for club members.
Regalia – George Phariss remarked that there is still time to purchase some fine CMGC items on the Fieldhouse website and be shipped before Christmas.
Treasurer – Ralph Arata noted that the club commissioned an independent audit of our finances and received a clean bill of health.

Election Nominations - Nominations for staff positions were closed during today’s meeting. The following is the slate of nominees: President – Dino Perez, Vice President – George Phariss, Secretary – Victor L’Heureux, Treasurer – Ralph Arata. Ballots will be inserted into the December Driveline newsletter for return to the election judge in a pre-addressed envelope.

Guest Presentation –
Ann Snyder provided a slide presentation surrounding the history of the first auto race in the Americas that took place in Chicago, IL. Ann clarified a number of the reporting discrepancies for this historic event in preparation for the CMGC annual ‘Cruise to the Rock’ in Jackson Park.

Meeting adjourned at 9:29 pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Victor L’Heureux, CMGC Secretary