May 24, 2005 SMMCC Meeting

LOCATION: Mellow Mushroom Pizza, Farragut

ATTENDEES : Zane & Sarah Hagy David & Sarah Blakey Mary Lou Yoder David & Nancy Bruchietto Cathy & David VanO Frank Beeler (Martha had to work) Loraine Webster Chris Ford & Carmella Yovella David & Donna Kimble Catherine Geise Glenn Sterling Jim Overdorf Alan Rigby & Rachael Tyler W. Cox, Melissa and Virgil Alan Carnell

Meeting was called to Order by Donna Kimble, President

INTRODUCTIONS: Donna asked if there were any new members or guests.Ê Alan Carnell was visiting the club for the first time

Welcome Alan Tyler Cox and Melissa, and his Dad, Virgil came to our club meeting and are now new members of the Smoky Mountain Minis club. Let's all be sure to give Tyler and his family a warm welcome. A returning guests was Carmella Yovella who accompanied Chris Ford (She may become a regular see later notes)

MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING: All members present at the club meeting approved the April meeting minutes as written.

TREASURER'S REPORT: Last meetings balance was $405.06. David Blakey the new Treasurer has submitted the following Treasurer's report.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Dues are now due for renewal. Loraine is sending out e-mail reminders. Many of you have already paid your renewals - Many Thanks!

OLD AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Dragon Run Reports.

The Chili Cook-off was a success. The event took in over $1500. We believe that over 3000 samples of chili were tasted. The club made a $500 donation to Friends of the Smokies and fun was had by all. North American Motoring also contributed $250 to Friends and Atlanta MINIs is also making a donation. Donna reported that her touring rally was also a success. There were 60 that signed up and 47 actually ran the event. It was quite well received. Donna said that she would not be promoting the event next year when 2 guys from Michigan, who participated with three stop watches and a computer, said that they loved it so much that they would manage the event next year. They are sure to need some help from SMMCC to help stage the event. There was one accident on the route when a MINI driver dropped a wheel off the pavement and over-corrected. At first it was believed the car was a total loss, but the couple had their car towed back to Texas and word is it is repairable.ÊNo injuries at all occurred.

NEW BUSINESS: DRAGON RUN COMMITMENTS 2006: Smoky Mountain Minis is not committed to any dragon events next year. The Atlanta Mini club will be doing the chili cook-off next year. Donna did say that she is considering promoting an autocross event at the dragon if she can work out the insurance/course setup. If this goes it will be at the 411 speedway. She is also considering since there is a drag strip at the speedway to do a "Draggin' on the Dragon" there as well. More later... Tom Spray will retire as a teacher in the Knoxville School System after 15 years. He has accepted a new position with Phil Wicks to head up Phil's Teen Safe Driving School. Tom is looking forward to this new adventure and Smoky Mountain Minis is honored to have a member of our club who is doing such a great thing. SMMCC is proud to announce that our own Chris Ford will wed Carmella Yovella. They will be married in October of this year. Congratulations to both Chris and Carmella - Glad to have the new member!

POTENTIAL 2005 EVENTS:

Evening June drive to Elkmont - This is one of two places in the world where fire flies blink in sequence.Ê Cathy VanO will gather information on this one.

Kings Island IF Ride Opening (June 18th) Write Donna Kimble if you wish to join the caravan meeting up in Knoxville.

Mini of Nashville Homecoming, July 23rd (Sat) - If those of you who are planning to attend could e-mail David Blakey so he can give John Monk a head count of people who plan to attend. Potential August picnic at Fall Creek Falls (potentially meet up with the Nashville Club)

EAS Cross Tennessee Drive - This is Labor Day weekend

Casper and Friends Ghostly Drive, October 29th. This was a great time last year so I know it will be equally fun this year.

Downtown Christmas Parade with Antlers (December 2)

Zane Hagy wanted to make everyone aware of a potential event that might be fun: Tom Cronan, pancreatic cancer survivor, has just completed a 7300-mile journey across the United States on a Harley. It appears that he is going to be making one more ride, from Knoxville to Nashville to meet with the Governor. If this happens, a few folks would be needed to escort. Likely dates are June 10 and June 24. Zane will put a posting on the message board as things develop.

AVAILABLE MOTORSPORTS ACTIVITIES: Wicks School at Nashville Speedway May 29th. Wicks School at Little Talladega June 25 and this event may be all Minis. SCCA Autocross school for beginners.Ê The school will be only Minis and sponsored by the Atlanta Mini club contact Amanda with the AtlMINIs for further information Upcoming local SCCA Autocrosses Sunday June 19th at Oak Ridge Mall Sunday July 17th at Oak Ridge Mall Sunday August 14th at Rockwood Sunday, October 16th at the Smokies' Stadium.

ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: Swap & sell Announcement - SMMCC receives a 15% discount on any parts at Mini of Nashville. David Kimble has oil filters if anyone needs one. Chris Ford will be in Nashville, Friday, May 27th; if you need anything contact him and he will get it for you. Glenn Sterling has a tensioner tool for a Pulley installation. If anyone is going to install a pulley please contact him to borrow it.

Also, if anyone is interested in installing a new pulley especially the Dinan assembly there are enough club members who have done this installation to provide all the technical support a person would need. Feel free to contact Glenn Sterling, David Blakey, Tom Spray and after this weekend Bill Geise. David Blakey gave everyone a raffle ticket and had a drawing for the remaining T-shirts and Cups from the Chili cook-off. Donna raffled off some EYES. We will have to open the Mary Lou Yoder's hood at the next meeting to see if she installed them correctly.