NGRHS Alumni Association Meeting - Monday, 10 April 2006

Present at meeting:  Catherine Robar, Gary Seamone, Joanne Chiasson, Merna Cox,    
Florence Wright, Margaret Bell, Sherilyn Barry, Norma McClary, Robert Blackadar,
Darlene Blackadar, Jessica Spidle, Glenn Carey, Sylvia MacKay, Basil Oickle, Joanne Falkenham, Merle Veinot, Jonathan Crouse, Gloria Corkum, Wendy Looke


Meeting got underway with the reading of the minutes from the November meeting. Glen moved the adoption of the minutes and Cathy Robar seconded the motion. Motion was carried.

Merle gave an update on the website. There has been 4 950 visitors to the site as of this afternoon. There has been another page of pictures added and the Junior and Senior councils have been updated. The look of the website has also changed.

Wendy gave the treasurers report. The ending balance is $1 448.46. This figure includes the $490.00 earned from newsletter advertising. Wendy moved that the report be accepted and Margaret Bell seconded the motion. Motion was carried.

Jonathan continued the meeting with a discussion on the video. The video price has been increased by $5.00. This will hopefully allow for a profit from video purchases. It was also moved by Basil Oickle that we give a copy of the video to Jim and Kelly, and Joyce Seamone for the use of their music in the video. The motion was seconded by Merle. Discussion to keep a CD Rom and DVD version of the video for our archives met with approval. Merle moved to proceed with such action. Wendy seconded this. Motion was carried.

Discussion digressed to the tree that was planted during the reunion. It seems it has met with ill fate and is no longer there. Bobby Blackadar agreed to donate another tree and will continue to donate a tree as many times as we need. There was some discussion as to ways to prevent a future “tree disappearance”. Many ideas were given but nothing firm was decided. It looks like Billy will oversee a new garden idea that might deter the “tree assailants”.

At this time, Billy overcame the technical difficulties of the evening, so that we were able to view the video. Shawn did a great job. Jonathan questioned the attendees as to whether the video needed to be changed in any way. It was noted by Merna that Hollis Rafuse’s name was still present on the “in loving memory” list and since he is actually still with us, it should be removed. Wendy suggested that the white lettering seems hard to read and should be changed if possible. Kim Mayo felt that the wording moved to quickly, especially during the “in loving memory” list.

Jonathan requested a motion to accept the video with minor adjustments. Merna Delong so moved and Sherilyn Barry seconded the motion. Motion was carried.

Everybody was in agreement to change the bank account to the New Germany Royal Bank as per Wendy’s suggestion.

It was agreed that we continue with awarding the graduates of NGRHS with a 5 yr. Alumni Membership upon graduation. The graduates receive a letter and a membership card and are automatically placed on the Alumni mailing list.

Discussion moved to the Bursary given to a graduate by the NGRHS Alumni. It is currently $200.00 and Glenn and others felt that it should be increased. Much discussion followed as to our ability to meet a higher bursary amount for the next four years given our current funds. The next newsletter mail-out may generate extra funds if the advertising increases. However, in the end it was decided that we should not spend money that we do not have.

Our Guppy’s fundraiser is fast approaching. Wendy felt that the $10 for advertising on the bulletin board is a “no brainer” and as we all agreed, she will proceed with seeing that it is done. Kim Mayo will make sure it is advertised in the West Northfield Elementary School newsletter as well as the New Germany Elementary newsletter. It was decided that door prizes be awarded for which tickets will be sold. The winners will not have to stay at the restaurant until their name is drawn. We will call them if they are not there. Some of the prizes will include, a free shampoo and cut from Joanne Faulkenham, gift certificates from Trot in Time, etc. We will mention the door prizes in our advertising for the event. Jessica, Merle, Sherilyn and Sylvia volunteered to work the table that will sell the tickets. We will also have the extra pins there for sale, as well as the additional newsletters (good way to collect memberships). Wendy will coordinate this.

Basil will be taking Trot in Time in the July 1st parade again. It was suggested that the present executive go in the parade.

Glen Demone mentioned that Jonathan would be speaking at the graduation this year.

Next meeting will be on an “as needed” basis. This was moved by Basil and seconded by Bobby.


Lastly Remember,

Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it.
 
For every action, there is an equal and opposite criticism.
 
No one is listening until you make a mistake.
 
Success always occurs in private, and failure in full view.