New meeting location for the 2023/2024 Season will be at J.A. Dulude arena.  Meetings start at 7 pm.

MAY 25: CLUB ELECTIONS!

Started by ajm1961, April 28, 2015, 07:07:44 AM

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ajm1961

Another year has passed, and it's time to "pass the torch" to the next group of individuals who will lead this club into its 62nd season.

It is IMPORTANT that you give some thought as to what this club means to you and what you are prepared to do to keep it going. We've have already reduced the positions down to their minimum, from 13 to 8, to keep the essential functions of the club going. Without this core group, the club in its current form will fold.

So, take a look at the positions below, and unless you want this club to become just another online Facebook presence, volunteer some of your time to keep this proud tradition going.

Post your nomination in this thread, stating your full name, the position you seek, and any comment about your candidacy. For those who hold a position, please state your intentions for next year.

Thank you for your time and consideration.
Andre Martin
President and member of the OVAS executive since 2011.


PRESIDENT

  • Act as official representative and spokesperson for OVAS; including CAOAC and intra‐club liason.
  • Chair all Executive/membership meetings; serve as an ex‐officio member of all OVAS committees.
  • Ensure that members of the Executive carry out their duties while also recognizing individual capacity and willingness as volunteers; does not imply that the President must assume the duties of any Executive member who is absent or derelict in their duties.
  • Ensure Executive and Club continuity through leadership, mentorship, fellowship and encouragement of team work and recognition of efforts.
  • Ensures communication of club events and announcements to club and forum membership.

VICE-PRESIDENT

  • Assist the President in carrying out all of his or her duties.
  • Act for the President, in the President's absence or at the request of the President.
  • In the event that some Executive positions are vacant, will assume the responsibilities for one of them, as agreed to with the President.
  • In the event that all Executive positions are filled, will assume other club or committee responsibilities as agreed to with the President.

SECRETARY

  • Record the minutes and action points of all Executive meetings and ensure their posting on the Executive forum in a timely manner.
  • Record any proposed action, decision or vote taken at a general club meeting, and post them on the club forum in a timely manner.
  • As directed by the President, provide an account/summary of Executive meetings to the membership.
  • In collaboration with the President, attend to correspondence to and from OVAS and the OVAS Executive.
  • Ensure the tracking of OVAS' physical assets.

TREASURER

  • Keep a complete and accurate record of the financial transactions of OVAS and make these available to the Executive at all reasonable times.
  • As approved, provide advances or reimbursements for club expenses incurred by members of the executive or club committees, while ensuring proper documentation of those expenses.
  • Prepare an annual financial statement for the approval of the Executive and the membership.
  • Ensure the safekeeping of OVAS' financial assets.
  • Attend to correspondence and records relating to OVAS' finances.
  • Provide financial forecasts and other financial advice to guide Executive decisions.

MEMBERSHIP CHAIR

  • Maintain a current and complete record of all members, and make it available to the Executive at all reasonable times.
  • Collect membership fees and provide them to the Treasurer, with a reconciliation of the fees collected and the
    membership list.
  • Provide paid members with membership card and any club introduction materials in a timely manner.
    In collaboration with members of the Executive, develops and maintains club introduction materials to outline and communicate club benefits to paid and prospective members.
  • Develop and recommend strategies to promote membership in OVAS.
  • Coordinates any approved membership drives.

PROGRAM CHAIR

  • Make recommendations and proposals for club meetings for approval by the Executive.
  • Once approved, make contact and arrangements for guest speaker and meeting activities.
  • Make arrangements for the smooth running of club meetings, including:
           - Meeting agenda
           - Reception and recording of guests and members
           - Door prizes
           - PA system, laptop and projector as required
           - Beverage and snacks (if not already provided at venue)
  • Develop contacts in the aquarium hobby, and hence develop a list of potential speakers for OVAS events.

ONLINE PRESENCE CHAIR

  • Picture of the month contest or other forum activities or events
  • Forum content curation (i.e. posting of hobby related topics and references)
  • Administration of Facebook page
  • Obtaining hobby expert posts or input (ex. "Ask Albert Thiel")
  • Encouraging forum posts and welcoming new forum members

SPONSORSHIP CHAIR

  • Follow‐up with all forum sponsors for renewal ; obtain payment and signed contracts according to defined timelines.
  • Seek new forum sponsors as needed, while respecting established rules.
  • Develop, maintain and safekeep sponsorship contracts
  • Develop and maintain relationship with sponsors and relate any complaint or improvement opportunities to Executive for resolution or decision‐making.
  • Ensures the development, posting, and removal of forum sponsor banners.
  • Collaborate with AquaMania Sponsor Coordinator to provide forum sponsors with opportunity to participate and further support the event; also to coordinate communication with forum sponsors who choose to sponsor AquaMania.
  • Seek business contacts to promote OVAS and OVAS activities, and seek sponsorships and other tangible ways of increasing the financial soundness of OVAS.
SHARE YOUR PASSION FOR THE HOBBY!

ajm1961

I will not be returning as President for the 2015-16 season. I felt I have done my fair share over the past four years and need to spend some time on other personal and professional matters. I thank you for your support over the past year.

As Past-President, I will provide guidance as needed to the next executive team.
Regards,
Andre

SHARE YOUR PASSION FOR THE HOBBY!

robt18

In a similar situation as Andre, I'm looking to step out of the executive this year. I'm working 60+ hours per week and it sometimes conflicts with meeting dates/sleep/personal life. I'll still be around to help out where needed.

SlyAngel

I am not sure yet what I will be doing but will let everyone know before the meeting.
I share two angel fish tanks - both of which my hubby takes care of! What's not to like?

SlyAngel

We had so many people that provided feedback and great ideas this year, now it would be a great time to join and bring those ideas alive.

I share two angel fish tanks - both of which my hubby takes care of! What's not to like?

SlyAngel

I will not be returning as sponsorship chair next year.

Thanks
I share two angel fish tanks - both of which my hubby takes care of! What's not to like?

charlie

Quote from: SlyAngel on May 05, 2015, 06:50:08 AM
I will not be returning as sponsorship chair next year.

Thanks
Thanks to yourself ,Andre & Rob for declaring your intent.
Big thanks also for your time & dedication to the club.
Errol

Stussi613

Quote from: SlyAngel on May 05, 2015, 06:50:08 AM
I will not be returning as sponsorship chair next year.

Thanks

I agree with Errol, thanks to all of you that worked so hard to make the club better over the years.

Stuart
I haz reef tanks.

ajm1961

Thanks Stu and Errol for the kind words. It's always nice to be appreciated for your efforts. It is, after all, volunteer work we did for the club, and I know I'm glad to have done my part to keep the tradition alive and into it's 62nd year of existence.

I hope others will step up - I will support them as best I can.
SHARE YOUR PASSION FOR THE HOBBY!

charlie

Quote from: ajm1961 on May 05, 2015, 11:29:05 AM
I hope others will step up - I will support them as best I can.
X2.
Over the years the pattern has always being an abundance of folks that knows what needs to be done & how to do it, sadly the ones willing to volunteer & try, is almost non existent, resulting in some folks volunteering out of sympathy due to the lack of folks stepping up, I sincerely hope this year is the break away year of volunteers who are dedicated  to the task & for the duration.
Errol

robt18

Some time has passed and no volunteers - please consider helping out the club in some capacity. Don't be intimidated by the "executive committee" title - it's pretty straight forward, not very time consuming and the past execs are typically there to help. Additionally, it's a huge help to the club.

charlie


Stussi613

A week and a half left and not a single volunteer, doesn't bode well for the future of the club :(
I haz reef tanks.

SlyAngel

Yes you are right Stuart, that is a bit sad. If we look back lots of people did have opinions, feedbacks or great ideas. Now would be a great time to act on them, like Andre said he will be there to provide guidance. I will also help the new sponsorship person, it's not like we will dump everything on the new exec.

If anyone has questions on any of the positions please pm Andre or anyone in the present exec.
I share two angel fish tanks - both of which my hubby takes care of! What's not to like?

ajm1961

#14
I think that perhaps many of the people that are reading this thread on the forum are not necessarily the same people who come to the club meetings. Most of the executive work is going into preparing those meetings and events. So it would make sense to me that the people who most enjoy the meetings and events (garage sale, giant auction) and profit from the "face-to-face" side of the club should be the ones leading the executive.
SHARE YOUR PASSION FOR THE HOBBY!

charlie

It may be helpful  for the rest of the executive that has not yet declared their intention  to do  so.

SlyAngel

#16
I am not sure it would make a difference, no one posted anything so far. Even if some want to stay, people can still indicate what they would be interest in. Having said that..it would be good to know everyone's intention.
I share two angel fish tanks - both of which my hubby takes care of! What's not to like?

bitterman

I really hope people step up and fill the positions so the club does not fold.

Bruce

limed

All depends on if anyone steps up to the top position, if any and also if I'm working 24/7
So if someone want the membership chair I will move aside.

Ed

limmer

I will run for Secretary again if no one steps up.

Dxpert

Based on this thread here is what we have:

PRESIDENT - OPEN
VICE-PRESIDENT - ??
SECRETARY - Limmer
TREASURER - ??
MEMBERSHIP CHAIR – Limed(Ed/OPEN)
PROGRAM CHAIR -??
ONLINE PRESENCE CHAIR  - ??
SPONSORSHIP CHAIR – OPEN

Sorry to say I'm not sure what position robt18 held so I have not marked it above. Could someone please updated the above list with more information? (copy/paste please)

charlie

Quote from: Dxpert on May 15, 2015, 12:04:02 PM
Based on this thread here is what we have:

PRESIDENT - OPEN
VICE-PRESIDENT - ??
SECRETARY - Limmer
TREASURER - ??
MEMBERSHIP CHAIR – Limed(Ed/OPEN)
PROGRAM CHAIR -??
ONLINE PRESENCE CHAIR  - ??
SPONSORSHIP CHAIR – OPEN

Sorry to say I'm not sure what position robt18 held so I have not marked it above. Could someone please updated the above list with more information? (copy/paste please)
Thanks Mike, that`s the difference that might help.
I think Rob is  the program chair.

robt18

That's right. Robert was the treasurer, and with the baby on the way, I would assume he won't be returning this year.

ajm1961

At this time, here is the situation - remember that more than one person can nominate themselves for any position, hence why we have elections. Also people may decide to voice their intention AT THE MEETING ITSELF. See below for elections guidelines.

PRESIDENT - OPEN - Andre not returning
VICE-PRESIDENT - OPEN - Jonathan will confirm once it is known who will take the President's role
SECRETARY - OPEN - Peter will take on if no one else wants to take position
TREASURER - OPEN - Robert not likely returning due to other family/professional commitments
MEMBERSHIP CHAIR – Ed will take on if no one else wants to take position
PROGRAM CHAIR - OPEN - Rob not returning
ONLINE PRESENCE CHAIR - OPEN - Stephanie will not be taking on this role next year
SPONSORSHIP CHAIR – OPEN - Sylvie not returning
WEBMASTER - Michel to confirm - this is an appointed position, not voted for.

GUIDELINES:
Elections for the OVAS Executive take place at the May meeting.  Any OVAS member in good standing may run for a position.  

For the past couple of years we have been taking nominations on the forum up until the day before the elections and then taking nominations at the meeting.

All positions (except Webmaster and Past-President) can be contested during the meeting.  Voting for positions used to be done by a show of hands, however the past 4 years or we've had ballots that have been counted during the meeting.

The Webmaster position is not an elected position as there is a certain skill level needed for the position.  The usual process of replacing the Webmaster has been to advertise for the position and the current webmaster suggests a replacement who is then approved by the Exec.

The Past-President, as the name implies, is the President from the previous year.  If the current President is serving for a 2nd term or longer term, the Past-President position is vacant.
SHARE YOUR PASSION FOR THE HOBBY!

charlie

Quote from: ajm1961 on May 15, 2015, 12:57:09 PM
At this time, here is the situation - remember that more than one person can nominate themselves for any position, hence why we have elections. Also people may decide to voice their intention AT THE MEETING ITSELF. See below for elections guidelines.

PRESIDENT - OPEN - Andre not returning
VICE-PRESIDENT - OPEN - Jonathan will confirm once it is known who will take the President's role
SECRETARY - OPEN - Peter will take on if no one else wants to take position
TREASURER - OPEN - Robert not likely returning due to other family/professional commitments
MEMBERSHIP CHAIR – Ed will take on if no one else wants to take position
PROGRAM CHAIR - OPEN - Rob not returning
ONLINE PRESENCE CHAIR - OPEN - Stephanie will not be taking on this role next year
SPONSORSHIP CHAIR – OPEN - Sylvie not returning
WEBMASTER - Michel to confirm - this is an appointed position, not voted for.

Auction Chair - would assume same as Treasurer?

robt18

If I remember correctly, Robert is willing to do the same job at the auction next year since we only have the annual giant auction now (no more mini-auctions at meetings).

Stussi613

And yes, Robert was acting as the Treasurer and the Auction Chair this year.

Considering that only two people have indicated a willingness to come back if no one else steps up, and one person who is willing to do it depending on who the president is (??) I think that it might be worse than it looked a few days ago.

Kinda sad that we pulled off an amazing event last year (and the year before) and now we can't even fill 3 of the 9 positions with any kind of commitment 10 days from the elections :(
I haz reef tanks.

Brine

It sure would be a shame if the club folded after 60 years but I don't think it will. It may change a lot but this isn't the first time it looked as if no one was going to step up. I remember a few times I thought is was going to shut down but it hasn't so far.

fischkopp

I will continue as auction chair for the next season - provided we can pull it together as club. I can also hold on to the treasurer duties if that is required. The reality is that I will not have the time to be involved in too many club activities.

But looking at the overwhelming response here it seems like there isn't a lot of enthusiasm to keep the club going.

Here is my thought: without anyone taking a leading role, the club format will have to change dramatically. It's actually a chance to shape the club into something new. So if you are one of the folks that like to come out to talk fish, this is your opportunity to establish a format that you would like.

I would favour meetings that are organized by club members. Very much like Errol has showed us how with the Plantaholic meetings. It could be at somebodies house, or in a bar or such. Different topics of course. Or none if you just want a reason to get away from home to meet your fishy friends. :) We could certainly rent a room for a speaker session too. But we would need input and help from the club to organize things.

These are just my thoughts. Either way, something has to change, that seems obvious.
be aware of the green side
my fish suck
L007 ♦ L014 ♦ L034 ♦ L046 ♦ L106 ♦ L128 ♦ L134 ♦ L136B ♦ L183 ♦ L191 ♦ L200 ♦ L340 ♦ LDA031

Mike L

#29
I would favour meetings that are organized by club members. Very much like Errol has showed us how with the Plantaholic meetings. It could be at somebodies house, or in a bar or such. Different topics of course. Or none if you just want a reason to get away from home to meet your fishy friends. We could certainly rent a room for a speaker session too. But we would need input and help from the club to organize things.

These are just my thoughts. Either way, something has to change, that seems obvious.

I have to agree with this statement. While I have met many well informed people through this forum the thrust of what I enjoy of the hobby is hardly touched upon here. You all know I like cichlids but most of the discussions on this site  are not about cichlids. I have started putting cichlid friendly plants in my tanks because of what I have read here but still I'm lucky if I see a cichlid discussion once a month. As a result I go elsewhere for these discussions.

Having said that maybe it's time that the club is an online entity only with sections dedicated to the various disciplines in the hobby moderated by like minded people.

In fact there are not many clubs or online fish websites that I have found that try to be all things but instead specialize.
Mike

charlie

#30
Quote from: Mike L on May 23, 2015, 08:27:09 PM
I would favour meetings that are organized by club members. Very much like Errol has showed us how with the Plantaholic meetings. It could be at somebodies house, or in a bar or such. Different topics of course. Or none if you just want a reason to get away from home to meet your fishy friends. We could certainly rent a room for a speaker session too. But we would need input and help from the club to organize things.

These are just my thoughts. Either way, something has to change, that seems obvious.

I have to agree with this statement. While I have met many well informed people through this forum the thrust of what I enjoy of the hobby is hardly touched upon here. You all know I like cichlids but most of the discussions on this site  are not about cichlids. I have started putting cichlid friendly plants in my tanks because of what I have read here but still I'm lucky if I see a cichlid discussion once a month. As a result I go elsewhere for these discussions.

Having said that maybe it's time that the club is an online entity only with sections dedicated to the various disciplines in the hobby moderated by like minded people.

In fact there are not many clubs or online fish websites that I have found that try to be all things but instead specialize.
Mike
Mike thanks for you willingness to share your thoughts, it is the life line the club needs at this time.
I should point out a few things regarding your input,
OVAS is a club first & foremost, in fact the club was hatched before the online presence.
The club & it`s online publication  as with any club is shaped by  it`s members.The tools are made available for the members to make it what it is.
Regarding the cichlid discussions, i know of several cichlid hobbyist among us, but only a very small # is enthusiastic about sharing their knowledge, enjoyment etc. with the members at large and the like minded hobbyist, this is also the same faith of other niches of this hobby.
They are several clubs that are successful multifaceted niches of this hobby, some without the access of an interactive media like OVAS
http://caoac.ca/clubs.html
OVAS is a member club under the umbrella of CAOAC.
My opinion is that our club is riddled with apathy & this does not help with any new members it might attract, this is not a recent development, it is something that has infected this once vibrant club for sometime now.
I have a theory of why this is so, every year not much folks are prepared to offer anytime in helping the club function & grow, as a result the few that do so are doing it out of sympathy & love for our hobby & club, in many instances the few that do, really don`t want to & as such their commitment is very limited, as such it ends with 1or 2 doing the bulk of the work , this results in a not much getting done.
We all have life required commitments, but the reality is to have a successful club we need a vibrant group of hobbyist dedicated to execute tasks collectively , this makes the time & effort much easier for all.
The bottom line is there is always a lot of input of what needs to be done & how to do it, but no one to execute it.

On a personal side i have been volunteering  since before 2006 in an effort to making this club what it should be & has simply burnt out for the above reasons.
I have said before & will say it again, maybe it`s time the club fold & let nature takes it`s course, i know of one club in Canada that was in a similar situation as OVAS, that took that road, regrouped & is now doing better.
Just keeping it real.
Errol

exv152

To add to what Mike and Errol said, any hobby at its roots has passion, and it's from that passion that comes the commitment of its members to get things done. OVAS lacks an identity, you can't be about saltwater, freshwater, planted, cichlids etc and still keep everyone happy and expect folks to commit. The format has to change, but to change it needs to figure out what its identity is first and foremost.
Eric...
125g, 32g, 7g

charlie

Quote from: exv152 on May 24, 2015, 03:08:59 PM
To add to what Mike and Errol said, any hobby at its roots has passion, and it's from that passion that comes the commitment of its members to get things done. OVAS lacks an identity, you can't be about saltwater, freshwater, planted, cichlids etc and still keep everyone happy and expect folks to commit. The format has to change, but to change it needs to figure out what its identity is first and foremost.
Some good pointers, but in my opinion the ID is there,
To me This is the club`s ID, it`s all about how much we embrace it
QuoteOVAS Constitution

Article 1 – Name

    1. The organization shall be known as the Ottawa Valley Aquarium Society, hereinafter known as OVAS.

    2. OVAS is a non-profit organization with the following objectives:

    a) to establish a local network of hobbyists allowing for the positive and amicable exchange of experiences, ideas, information and resources;
    b) to promote local area interest in the hobby;
    c) to provide resources and opportunities for both novice and experienced hobbyists to further their
    understanding and to encourage their study of aquatic life; and,
    d) to raise awareness on the conservation of endangered species and preservation of aquatic
    environments.

Graham

I have only been a member for 2 years with OVAS but here is my opinion on the decline in member and position participation.
I think that the club throughout the years has been very successful but unfortunately, as technology and methods of contact increased, the club involvement declined. I've looked through past years and the involvement online was substantially higher than when I was a member. As unfortunate as this is, I think this is a sign that something should change. I think that through the creation of a facebook group we could meet all the needs that the forum currently offers. I am a member of a couple facebook groups that are great and through proper management I think an Ovas one could be as well. Through this facebook group, specific events could be organized, as well as photo comps, polls, and posting classifieds. So in my opinion, Yes I think the club should fold, and instead start with a facebook group that is low maintenance and still provides us aquatic junkies with a place to meet and talk about our passion.

exv152

Quote from: charlie on May 24, 2015, 03:42:55 PM
Some good pointers, but in my opinion the ID is there,
To me This is the club`s ID, it`s all about how much we embrace it

Quote
OVAS Constitution
    2. OVAS is a non-profit organization with the following objectives:
    a) to establish a local network of hobbyists allowing for the positive and amicable exchange of experiences, ideas, information and resources;
    b) to promote local area interest in the hobby;
    c) to provide resources and opportunities for both novice and experienced hobbyists to further their understanding and to encourage their study of aquatic life; and,
    d) to raise awareness on the conservation of endangered species and preservation of aquatic environments.

Yes but the club is competing with the internet when it comes to sharing knowledge/information. People today are less likely to set time aside to attend a meeting if they can learn it online, sometimes within seconds/minutes. I'm not saying it's right, it's just what it's becoming. So, in order to get people out from behind their computer screens it's going to take something that speaks to their passion directly.
Eric...
125g, 32g, 7g

Mike L

  Given the lack of feedback on this post and others there appears to be a limited number of people that are involved with this club. I myself stood on the outside looking in and only became a member because I felt what the club offered was worthwhile.
There appears to be a clear passion from many that this club continue and I agree.

However I suggest that the meeting tomorrow with regards to positions be delayed in a effort to figure the direction of the club. All positions can be vacated and through online members only we can come to a consensus of what this club is and move forward. Until we understand what OVAS is and all embrace ,it will not be viable.

I understand that I am a newbie and my input is marginal given the sweat many have put into the club but this is clearly not working in it's present format.

ajm1961

The current executive is in place until September 30. Typically the newly elect executive would transition over during this period.

In my opinion - and I may have to seek external help on this to ensure we respect non-profit laws:

If there is an insufficient number of people to fill at least 3 of the four executive positions (the rest are "chairs") namely the President, Treasurer and Secretary, the club will be forced to fold.

If we have at least the minimum number of people, the club could perhaps continue in a different manner as being suggested in this thread. But we need at least these 3 people to oversee the website, its financing, and a minimum number of activities (annual auction for example). The make-up of the club membership may have to change as well if we have no one to take on the membership chair.

Depending on the outcome tonight, the current executive will have until September 30th to take the steps necessary to either cease the club's activities or help the newly elected executive transition the club as needed.

So the election will go on as planned, and let the chips fall where they may.
SHARE YOUR PASSION FOR THE HOBBY!

bitterman

Andre,  I want to personally thank you for all your efforts over the past (4 years?) to keep the club rolling in a positive direction and all the extra rolls you held!

Thanks to all the new exec, returning exec and those that have helped the club in the past.

Bruce

ajm1961

We have a new executive for the upcoming season:

President: Rob Thompson
Vice-President: Sid Arnold
Treasurer: Robert Kemp (to be confirmed)
Secretary: Peter Lim
Sponsorship: Jonathan Herstead
Membership: Ed Lim

Thank you for volunteering and keeping this club up and running for a 62nd year!
Congratulations!

Still open at this time:
Program Chair
Online Presence
If interested in helping out, please PM me or Rob (Robt18) - it would be greatly appreciated.

Great meeting tonight: great food from Sylvie (SlyAngel) and a great talk from Jessica!
Thanks to all who made it out.


SHARE YOUR PASSION FOR THE HOBBY!

Jody

Hi all,
  First of all, congrats to all the new execs coming in, and thanks to all the exec going out.

      As someone who has been part of the club for close to 20 years now, either as a member, executive or just an outside supporter of the club, I have seen the club go through quite a number of changes.  Working in the hobby for 16 years now, I have known many members over the years.
      The membership, when I joined was fairly small, and some of the meetings would have been just sneaking into double digit attendance. Over a few years, we were able to increase the number of member, and then had a bit more of an online presence, but still just getting into it. I remember having some pretty packed rooms at Jack Purcell, overflowing auction tables, and standing room only for some meetings and the giant auction.
      Of course, as our online presence grew, so did contact amongst members, and inevitable personality clashes. These did spill over into the membership and executive as well.  This did chase off some long term members, as well as new ones. With the growth of the online presence, there was less reason for people to come out to the club, and attendance dropped.
      I think we can all agree, there were a couple years of real disquiet within the club, and since then membership has been dropping, and has brewed some apathy within the membership. I know a few former members, who while very involved at one point, do not go because of this. Some of these are real active hobbyists, who promote the club, and bring in new members.
       I have seen, most years, people willing to help out and be part of the executive, even if they did not step forward and volunteer prior to the meeting, and it sounds like this year is no different.
       To me, some of our most successful, club building meetings, were ones just sitting around chatting about fish. No speaker, no events, just talking about the hobby. Plus, most people seemed to enjoy the mini auctions every meeting too. A couple of good speakers, a couple local speakers, but lots of good conversation, to me, is most important. Bring out people's passion for the hobby, and you will bring out the people.
      Unfortunately, living where I do now, with no vehicle, I don't make it to many meetings, but always try to take a few minutes with the club members, when I see them at the store.

Jody

     
     

George2

Quote from: Jody on May 25, 2015, 11:25:14 PM
       To me, some of our most successful, club building meetings, were ones just sitting around chatting about fish. No speaker, no events, just talking about the hobby. Plus, most people seemed to enjoy the mini auctions every meeting too. A couple of good speakers, a couple local speakers, but lots of good conversation, to me, is most important. Bring out people's passion for the hobby, and you will bring out the people.
      Unfortunately, living where I do now, with no vehicle, I don't make it to many meetings, but always try to take a few minutes with the club members, when I see them at the store.

This is exactly how I feel. I'm happy just listening in on other people's conversations right before meetings start. I've learned quite a bit that way. :) I also enjoy talking to people I meet at fish/aquarium stores. This is what keeps me interested in the hobby and motivates me to experiment and try new things. I feel the internet/discussion forums are very helpful but not a replacement for the social aspect of it. Unfortunately, I am not available on Monday nights so I'm lucky if I can attend a meeting or two each year.  :(


George


Jeff1192

Thanks to this years exec and those who stepped up for next season. Unfortunately with my work schedule and hockey schedule Monday meetings dont work for me so it's pretty rare I can make them anymore. But I still enjoy the one or 2 events a year that I can make it out to.

Jeff
17 Gallon Seapora Crystal:: Cherry shrimp and red crystal shrimp

90 Gallon:: p. acei itunji, p. elongatus chewere, p. Saulosi, cyno zebroides jalo reef

"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf"
                        - George Orwell

charlie

I wold like to congratulate the new Executive for stepping up & thank those that tried last season, especially Andre for the grand time /effort  in steadying the ship even when the personal time was not there.
I would like to urge  the new Executive to really get involved in the projected goals of the club for the season, leaving the workload to one or 2 execs. because it`s outside of your position makes it tough to execute programs.
If you have a task hat you are having issues executing please let your fellow exec.s know right away.
As always i`m available to help to the extent that i can commit.
Errol

charlie

Its ironic that i had a discussion with the Presi elect & present President after the meeting about the very issue of suitability of Monday nights  as meeting night.
To me that is priority #1.

bitterman

Quote from: charlie on May 26, 2015, 08:10:35 AM
Its ironic that i had a discussion with the Presi elect & present President after the meeting about the very issue of suitability of Monday nights  as meeting night.
To me that is priority #1.


No night ever every good for everyone. This has been visited many times and there has never been a good day.. that being said we might get a different group on different days depending on availability. I purposely try to clear monday night so I can attend.

Bruce

Stussi613

If the club is doing 4-5 meetings a year is there any reason they couldn't be done on alternating Monday's and Wednesday's, for example?

I'd also like to thank Andre, and Sylvie who did multiple duties throughout the year - as well as Robert who seems to be staying on and was running Auction Chair and Treasurer.  Its tough to pull double duty and maintain your life and it's appreciated by all the members.
I haz reef tanks.

ajm1961

Thanks Errol, Stu, and Bruce for the kind words of appreciation.
I may be gone from the Presidency but willing to help out when I can. Will work over the summer to get a list of potential speakers for next season so these can be booked ahead of time.
SHARE YOUR PASSION FOR THE HOBBY!