Program: Annual Club Assembly

Birthdays
Jan 6 Ray Bukovec & Erika Beatty
Jan 9 George Darte

Happy New Year!

After Grace by Liz Palmieri, we sang Oh Canada, and toasted the Queen.

Head table guests included Brian St. Hilaire (auditor), Sangeeta Hollo (treasurer), President Earl, Sergeant-at-Arms Bill Cole, newer member Peggy Davidson and Ross MacDonald who introduced our guests.

Guests present were Jean Armitage (St. Catharines South) and Jose Guerto

Birthday – Brian St. Hilaire

Announcements

Youth Exchange Meeting, Jan. 8th 5:30 at Investors Group; Children's Committee, Jan. 6th at 5:00 at the Church Street offices of the YMCA (old Hydro Building, come in the Church Street entrance).

George Darte held what we hope is the final live auction of the remaining TV auction items. Thanks to the Rotarians who dug deep into their pockets so soon after the holidays.

A Note from the Secretary:

The Golf and Country Club has reminded us that they have a DRESS CODE that we are required to follow for our luncheon or other meetings.

It states, in part, that -

All members and guests are expected to be properly attired at all times and to observe the dress code for the Clubhouse and all activities. Members are responsible for informing their guests of the dress code and are responsible for the attire of their guests.

The following attire is not acceptable in the Clubhouse or on the golf course: denim jeans, pants or shorts, tube tops, sweat pants, short shorts and track suits. Hats are not permitted in the upper level and main lobby of the Clubhouse.

Your attention and adherence to this code is appreciated.

Alex Elliott

Happy Dollars

Betty-Lou Souter

Betty-Lou Souter gathered post holiday happy dollars. She reported that Community care had a wonderful Christmas and read a letter of thanks from one of the families who were sponsored through Community Care.

Nancy Ferris was extremely happy to announce her engagement to George Hostick.

Foster Zanutto reported on a new program he has developed with Brock's Continuing Education department - Edu Travel. He encouraged us to take the scotch tasting trip to Scotland or the wine tasting vacation to Chile.

Gord Armstrong thanked all for the support over the Christmas season to the Salvation Army and encouraged everyone not to wait until the last week next year.

Ross MacDonald thanked Foster for inviting him on the scotch tasting tour but alas he already took that particular tour in 1966.

Betty-Lou commented that this was a very subdued happy dollars collection - must have been as a result of many happy Rotarians recovering from celebrating on New Year's Eve.

50/50 Draw: Jason Dilamarter tried unsuccessfully to draw the Queen of Spades.

Program
Annual Club Assembly

Brian St. Hilaire

Club Auditor Brian St. Hilaire presented the 2002 audited financial statements, reviewing statements of revenue, expenses and fund balances. The club made $155,610 in charitable donations to 14 organizations, the largest gifts going to Easter Seals ($74,710), Friends of the Harbour ($50,000) and FACS ($15,000). Reported that 2002 was the final year of our commitment to FACS and Easter Seals and the first year of our three-year commitment to the Friends of the Harbour. He reported that all the funds ended the year with deficits, due to our multi-year commitments, but that each of the funds had accumulated surpluses in previous years. The fund balances at the end of 2002 total $32,817. The board is addressing the problem of repeated deficits from the general fund. Peter Lumsden expressed concern that funds have been advanced for projects that are not yet off the ground and asked if our donation could be returned if the projects are not implemented. President Earl reported that before any further donations are made that the Skating Path group must present a report on the fundraising progress of the project and upon receipt of a satisfactory report, the Club would forward its additional commitment. Moved by Betty-Lou Souter and seconded by Chris Bangham that the 2002 audited financial statements be approved. Carried. Copies of the financial statements are available from Brian.

Sangeeta Hollo

Sangeeta Hollo presented the 2003 budget to the club. There have been some changes made in order to alleviate the operating shortfall from the general fund. All birthday dollar revenue will now be going to the general fund (no donation receipts will be issued for this revenue). Administrative expenses will be decreasing approx. $2000 per year starting in 2004. There is a one-time additional expense in 2003 for changes to our website. Sixty percent of the cost of our secretary will now be charged to the charitable fund. This represents the time spent on work related to this fund. There is a change in the reporting of the charitable fund, breaking expenses into two categories – general expenses related to operating the charitable fund and services/donations [i.e. primarily donations, grants]). Harold Nash noted that Bingo revenue should be removed from the budget. There will be a deficit in the charitable fund for the next two years to accommodate our major commitments but we have adequate funds in reserve to cover these commitments. Moved by Rick Evans and seconded by Howard Lackie that the 2003 budget be approved. Carried. Copies of the budget are available from Sangeeta.

Since Brian St. Hilaire will be the new president for 2004, a new auditor needs to be appointed. Moved by Peter Lumsden and seconded by John Snowling that Partridge Iggulden be appointed auditor. Carried.
President Earl thanked Brian and Sangeeta for their presentations. Election results: President Earl thanked all the members who agreed to run for a position of Director on the Board. He then announced the results of the election for directors to be appointed for 2004: Tom Arkell, Bob Lawler, Liz Palmieri and Art Wing. Larry Iggulden has agreed to serve as 2nd Vice-President. Moved by Wade Stayzer and seconded by Peter Banwell that the election ballots be destroyed. Carried.

President Earl wished Art Wing well on his group study exchange trip to India.