Nov 14 2016 Bulletin (Nov 14, 2016)

Nov 14 2016 Bulletin

Opening/Chair: Alana Hirtle was the chair today and she opened the meeting by asking Laurie to lead the group in O Canada. The was followed with a moment of personal reflection.

Member Health: It was reported that Ed MacDonald's partner Marie has been diagnosed with advanced cancer and is in palliative care. They are not accepting visitors. Members expressed sympathy for Ed and Marie.

Happy Mug: It was hard to be happy after that news but Joanna, Alana and Jim Gould all had happy events to report.

Attendance: Although no longer reported at the meeting, attendance was only 55% - even with make-ups. We can do better!

Visitors/Guests: There were no visitors or guests.

50/50: Ken MacDonald refused a last minute trade of his ticket with Jim Goit and it was a good thing he did as he got to draw for the Joker. He found it and walked away with the $17 pot.

Committee Reports:

Larry made a presentation about the Year Book. He displayed a draft of the final version and several members pointed out items that should be changed. He invited members to signup to thank some of the subscribers personally for their continued support.
Mark updated the group on the Christmas Index project. There are currently 300 applicants and they expect another 500 to 600 so it will be a busy place. Chester is managing the volunteers and is looking for help. It is important to coordinate time however so there are not too many volunteers at the same time. Chester had sign up sheets at the meeting and information will be emailed to the membership.
NOTE: our December 12 meeting will be held in the Christmas Index location at the Young Street end of Truro Centre Mall Esplanade.
Judy again asked for the names and ages of those children that would be coming to the Christmas Brunch on Dec 17th.
Jim reported that there will be a Foundation training session on Nov 24th in Pictou. He will be attending a Foundation but there is room for other interested. The Club needs to qualify each year by attending this training.

President's Report:

In Ted's absence, VP Alana reported on discussions and decisions made at the Nov. 1st Directors meeting. She included details of reports on the Christmas Index, Strategic Planning process, current financial standing and drafts of the 2015-16 financial statements. She also outlined some of the donations that the board had approved and authorized.

The date to meet and start the process of formulating the strategic plan is Jan 14^th 2017 at the Best Western. The process will be led by Louisa Horne of the Rotary Club of Halifax Harbourside. Lunch will be provided by the club. All are invited to come and take part in planning for our club's future.

Details can be obtained by reviewing the minutes of the meeting via a link from the Club's website. The minutes for this year (and all years back to 1998-99) are on the website for members to read. A login is required. Check on the link to "Directors Meetings" under the Members Only option on the top right of the website menu.

Closing: 1:10pm