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HISTORY OF THE
CLASSIC NIGHTS CAR CLUB
Revised January 23, 1998
The Classic Nights Car Club was formed in November 1984 by five men. Although the main
theme of the club is 50's oriented, there are three classes of membership. The three
classes are: those with 50's cars, those owning vehicles produced in the 1960's or newer
but is of special interest, and those who do not have a car in these categories, but
intend to purchase one within a year of joining the club.
The founders wanted a club that would be run by its members, not by any one individual. In
order to accomplish this, a Steering Committee was formed. The Steering Committee consists
of seven people and one alternate, it's purpose to make suggestions to the club body,
discuss any problems and bring them before the club body. They also have permission to
make impromptu decisions on behalf of the club when necessary.
Since the Classic Nights Car Club is a family oriented organization, it has one
main principle...friends are more important that beautiful cars. People come to the clubs
cruise night to see friends. Club members feel in order to make the first and subsequent
cruises successful, it is very important to make our visitors, participants and friends
feel comfortable and welcome as a whole.
The Classic Nights Car Club is open to anyone, only if the 45 member quota is not
filled. A prospective member must attend two (2) club meetings, two (2) club functions and
be on a 60 day probation before being voted into the organization. When a person becomes a
member, a $45.00 membership fee is paid, and $30.00 dues are paid each subsequent year.
There are no "officers" of the Classic Nights. The Two Funds Coordinators are
accountable for all monies for the club. One Funds Coordinator handles the checking
account (deposits and handing out checks as needed) while the other keeps track of
receipts. The purpose of having two Funds Coordinators is so that one can check the other.
The Minutes/Registration Coordinator takes minutes of the meetings and keeps track of
membership, and is also responsible for correspondence
Club meetings are held once a month from November through May, and are headed by the Club
Spokesman. If he or she should be absent, the Alternate Spokesman takes that place in
directing the meeting.
There are other positions within the club. The Cruise Coordinator is partially responsible
for setting up the parking lot before a cruise night, and is in charge of parking guests
cars. The Public Relations Director handles all publicity for the club and its various
functions. The Minutes/Registration Coordinator handles all applications for membership
and keeps track of the number of meetings and functions a potential member attends.
As a body, the club participates in car shows, cruise nights held be local and some
out of state car clubs and various organizations. The club also enjoys taking an active
part in community service events. In past years we have worked closely with The
P.T.
Barnum Foundation, running the car show and taking part in the City of Bridgeport's 4th of
July Great Street Parade. The Classic Nights Car Club donates time and cars for many
worthwhile causes, such as MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving.) We also donate money to
charitable causes such as the American Cancer Society and Southbury.
There are also other activities in which the
club has directed; an annual dance, picnic, Christmas party and what
has become fondly known as the "Fall Foliage Cruise." This
is usually held in mid October when the fall foliage is at its peak.
The club members and their immediate families choose an out of state
restaurant and cruise to its location by way of the scenic route,
hence the "Fall Foliage Cruise."
The Classic Nights Car Club Preamble and Club Purpose states that the
club has been created to provide a forum for individuals who enjoys
sharing their interests in automobiles, primarily reflecting the
"Cruisin' 50's" era and who enjoy and seek the fellowship of
other individuals. To an extent reasonably practical, members cars
reflect those interests. There are written rules concerning
membership, autos, voting procedures, behavior, etc. set forth in the
Club Preamble.
PREAMBLE AND CLUB PURPOSE
Revised January 23, 1998
The Classic Nights Car Club is a family oriented organization. The
club was created to provide a forum for individuals who enjoy sharing
their interest in automobiles, reflecting the Cruisin' 50's era, and
who will enjoy and seek the fellowship of other individuals.
Membership is limited to 45 members. It is open to multimake vehicles
and years up to and including 1972.
The Classic Nights Car Club is a reflection of the Cruisin' 50's era,
and members cars should reflect this era. Therefore it is required
that no member belong to another 50's car club so as not to interfere
with club functions and activities.
To maintain this direction, The Steering Committee, which consists of
seven members and an alternate, elected on a yearly basis, shall guide
the club in its functions, events, rules and regulations. A majority
vote is required to make laws binding. The Steering Committee shall
attend al club meetings, unless prior notification is given.
Members grievances shall be brought to the Club Spokesman and/or
alternate, who will attempt to solve the problem. If he or she cannot,
the grievance shall be brought before the Steering Committee for
discussion, evaluation and execution of findings. A maximum of three
infractions detrimental to the club's image shall be reason for
dismissal from the club.
Cruise Nights are held every Friday 6:30-10:00PM from May to October.
We will attempt to hold Spring Dances, a club picnic, a fall cruise
and a club Christmas Party.
The club participates in other car shows and cruise nights held by
local and out of state clubs. The club also donates their time and
cars for worthwhile causes.
Club meetings are held once a month from November to May.
MEMBERSHIP:
Membership in the club shall be limited to 45 members consisting of
three classifications:
1) 37 members who own cars produced during or before 1964, or trucks
produced during
or before 1959.
2) 5 members who one cars produced after 1964 or trucks produced after
1959.
3) 3 members who may not own a qualifying vehicle but who exhibit a
genuine interest in, or has a serious intent to acquire such a
vehicle.
Club membership dues are due and payable at the JANUARY meeting of
each year and no later than the February election meeting. (A grace
period may be given upon request.) membership will be TERMINATED if
dues are not paid by the February election unless otherwise
arrangements have been made.
INDUCTION TO MEMBERSHIP:
1) Membership candidates must have two sponsors for application, must
attend to official meetings and be on a 60 day probation period after
which membership will be determined by formal majority club vote.
2) Voting and procedures shall be by majority show of hands or by
ballot.
RULES AND REGULATIONS:
1) The club required cutoff date shall be 1964 for cars and 1959 for
trucks, excluding members in preamble membership #2 and #3.
2) Members vehicles shall be legally registered, fully insured and in
safe running condition, proof required.
3)All Club members are required to abide by State, City and Town Motor
Vehicle rules and regulations. Abuse of this rule by a member is
subject to their membership reevaluation.
4) No member will have possession of alcohol, drugs, firearms or any
illegal items at club functions.
5) No member should use profane language, gestures, insults or
misbehavior towards any club member, or during any club function or
gathering.
6) Only members participate at club meetings. Non members are invited
as guests with prior approval.
7) Members are the only individuals permitted to show club colors on
cards, jackets, etc.
ADDENDUM:
8) Club vehicles are exempt from any and all club sponsored events.
NOTE: A member can terminate his or her membership verbally to the
Spokesman, Funds Coordinators, Minutes/Regisrtation Coordinator or the
club body. However, a one month grace period shall be given to all
verbal resignations to give the member time to reconsider. It is
requested that any termination of membership be made in writing. |
